Feed aggregator

• Unisoc system-on-chip (SoC) devices – usually budget smartphones – are vulnerable to a video call-based exploit
• Any smartphone can be used to place the call, with malicious code sent in call setup messages
• Despite attempts, Unisoc did not respond to the disclosure

Security researchers have demonstrated a weakness in several Unisoc SoC-based devices that makes them vulnerable to an exploit sent during a video call. The exploit can deliver root access of the target device to the attacker, placing them in full control of the handset.

The vulnerability is in the firmware running on several Unisoc SoCs, each of which are used in budget smartphones, including models from Xiaomi, Motorola, and Realme.

A successful attack can be used to alter an Android device’s operating system, but the proof-of-concept was tested on a controlled network rather than a carrier network. Additionally, the devices involved were rooted. Consequently, the attack may not have real-world implications.

Which phones are affected?

While you may not know the name Unisoc, it is a big player in the chip business, sitting fourth behind MediaTek, Qualcomm, and Apple. Its chips appear in IoT and smart home devices, as well as mobile technology, typically for well-known companies including Samsung and Motorola.

The researcher who uncovered the vulnerability is known only by the alias 0x50594d.

They tested the exploit on three models:

• Realme C33

• Xiaomi Redmi A5 (with security patch level 2026-01-01)

• Motorola E13 (running security patch level 2025-02-01)

In addition, the phones were installed with the July 2025 Android security update.

The advisory indicates that the flaw is in the modem firmware of four Unisoc SoCs. These are the T612, T616, T606, and T7250, which means any phone using those SoCs is potentially at risk.

However, it is important to note that the vulnerability was exploited in specific conditions.

Improper Isolation

The phones used in testing the exploit were all rooted, a process that makes devices prone to malware. In the majority of cases, these phones would not normally be rooted. In addition, the exploit was tested across a closed VoLTE network, rather than across a carrier network.

Finally, as noted, the phones were running older security patches. So, the conditions for the exploit are very specific, but nevertheless concerning.

0x50594d’s research was published on the SSD Secure Disclosure website, which summarized it as an “exploitable Improper Isolation of Shared Resources on System-on-a-Chip. A critical vulnerability has been identified in the Unisoc modem firmware that allows arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges from the modem context.”

“An attacker who gains the ability to execute code on the modem can read from and write to the entire memory space by disabling protections on the first Memory Protection Unit (MPU) region (region ID 0).”

It is should be noted that Unisoc has so far failed to respond to the security disclosure.

Via Cybernews

• UKSOL says it's the first in the UK to achieve regulatory compliance for plug-in solar products
• It's ground mount kits with one or two solar panels go on sale on August 27
• That's when solar is legal in the UK, and we can expect more of these kits to be available

UKSOL has announced that it's the first solar company in the UK to achieve regulatory compliance for plug-in solar kits, the first of which will be on sale in just a week.

Those products are the UKSOL Plug-In Solar Pro Compact 460W Ground Mount Kit (consisting of a single solar panel), and the Plug-In Solar Pro Duo 890W Ground Mount Kit (two panels). Both of these go on sale from August 27 in the UK — when plug-in kits become legal in this country — albeit in "limited stocks" to begin with.

A pair of hybrid mount kits — a single panel 515W offering, and a 920W two-panel product — have also been approved, and these should be available in October 2026 (or that's the current plan).

All of these have met the relevant regulatory standards, and are listed as 'compliant' in the ENA (Energy Network Association) Connect Direct plug-in solar device database.

The Plug-In Solar Pro products have been developed specifically for the British market, UKSOL informs us in a press release, and these are all-in-one kits that come with everything you need to be up and running.

With the kits out next week, alongside the UKSOL panel(s) you get an integrated (foldable) ground-mounting frame with a ballast tray, as well as the necessary 800W microinverter plus DC and AC cables. There's a smartphone app for monitoring the system, too.

Pricing for the Pro Compact (single panel) 460W Ground Mount Kit is £849 with VAT and two-man delivery included, with the Pro Duo 890W Ground Mount Kit running to £1,199 (also with VAT and delivery). The RRP at retailers is £699 and £1,089 respectively.

Andrew Moore, the CEO of UKSOL, commented: "We expect plug in solar to become an exciting new consumer category, but there is a real responsibility on manufacturers and retailers to get the introduction right. Consumers should be able to understand who manufactured or supplied their system, what testing has been undertaken, what warranty and technical support sits behind it and whether it meets the requirements for the UK market."

He added: "Price will obviously matter, but solar equipment is a long-term electrical product. Safety, provenance, quality and after-sales support need to matter too."

Analysis: An alternative to full solar is (almost) here

(Image credit: UKSOL)

The ground mount kits are, of course, placed on the ground in your garden or other outside area (and weighed down using the ballast tray, to ensure that if it gets windy, you aren't going to end up with overturned panels).

The other option from UKSOL is to buy a hybrid mount kit in October, and these can be situated on the ground, or on a wall (or balcony). They'll arrive in a 515W compact (one panel) variant and an 890W dual panel setup, with other offerings too (up to a 1260W hybrid kit). No pricing is available for those yet.

Kits from other manufacturers should be going on sale soon enough as plug-in solar becomes legal on August 27, when UKSOL's first ground mount offerings become available. Manufacturers must ensure compliance with UK regulations, of course, as UKSOL has done, with the likes of Asda, Currys, B&Q, Wickes, and Screwfix potentially stocking these solutions.

Plug-in panels offer a good alternative as a scaled-down version of a full roof-mounted solar setup, as not every house can have the latter — flats certainly can't, and some roofs just aren't suitable. Plug-in solar is the obvious choice if you're renting, and don't own the property, too — and they're a lot less of a financial commitment than a full roof installation.

A typical payback period for plug-in (when the electricity saved roughly equals the cost of the panels) is three to five years, according to the experts, which is way quicker than a typical full solar install.

Note that there are certain requirements in terms of the rules for the location of plug-in solar panels — you can't put them on wooden balconies for example (due to the fire risk), and the same goes for fences.

Although we're technically near the end of summer, it doesn't feel that way for most of the United States because of the scorching temperatures. If you've been thinking about getting a fan, no company does it better than Dyson, and one of its best-selling models is on sale at its lowest price yet.

Amazon has Dyson's Purifier Cool PC1 Tower Fan on sale for $399.99 (originally $549.99), which is a whopping $150 discount and a record-low price.

• Shop more daily deals at Amazon.

Now you might be thinking that's still expensive for a cooling fan, but this is much more than a fan. Dyson makes some of the best fans on the market, and this bladeless model features a powerful HEPA H13 filter that captures 99.97% of microscopic allergens and pollutants, plus 97% of odors from cooking, pets, or smoke.

The premium fan also delivers over 76 gallons per second of smooth yet powerful airflow, so you can stay cool on hot August days. You can easily control and monitor your Dyson fan from its compatible app, so you can set schedules from anywhere.

Dyson's Purifier Cool Fan is on sale for its lowest price yet

The Dyson Purifier Cool PC1 fan features a HEPA 13 filter to capture and remove air particles, as well as eliminate odors and smoke. You also get heat relief with powerful airflow that delivers over 76 gallons per second of cool, clean air.View Deal

Discounts on Dyson fans are rare outside major holiday sales, and today's Amazon deal is a new record low. Beat the heat for less and enjoy clean, cool air.

You can also find the best prices on more of our top-rated fans below.

• Siemens S7 Series programmable logic controllers are being hit in a new critical infrastructure attack against energy, water and agriculture
• Attackers are using AI-generated malware to chain exploitations, and hiding their malicious software as a monitoring tool
• The identity of the attackers is not known

A joint warning issued by federal agencies has warned that US critical infrastructure is facing an “active threat” in the form of AI-generated malware specifically targeting programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

PLCs are widely used across the energy, water and agricultural industries to control pumps and monitor systems. The attacks have been labelled as an “evolution” in attacker capabilities, with the AI systems capable of chaining exploitations to gain control of PLCs.

The warning comes from the National Security Agency (NSA) and FBI, alongside other federal agencies who said in an advisory that, “This is not a theoretical risk — it is an active threat.”

Siemens S7 Series PLCs under active attack

The advisory warns that Siemens S7 Series PLCs are the chosen target of this latest campaign with the attackers leveraging “AI-assisted development” in their penetration.

“Depending on the specific circumstances, exploitation of poorly protected PLCs could lead to disruption of critical industrial processes, safety incidents, downtime or equipment damage, compromise of sensitive data, compliance violations, and cascading impacts across interconnected systems,” the advisory warns.

The identity of the attackers has not been revealed, but critical infrastructure systems are a favorite target of state-sponsored groups looking to scout out potential targets to later cripple water treatment and disrupt energy supplies.

The hackers are locating vulnerable PLCs using internet scanning platforms and disguising the malware as monitoring tools in order to evade detection. To defend against this attack vector, the advisory said that PLCs should be isolated from the internet, with software updates performed as soon as they become available.

The advisory said that the attacks are “an evolution in threat actor capabilities,” with the AI generated scripts “dramatically reducing the technical expertise and time required to develop working exploitation scripts and malicious tools.”

Who has been targeting critical infrastructure?

The US war with Iran has led to a significant increase in attacks against critical infrastructure.

In July 2026, an attack against the operational technology of 30 Minnesota community water systems showed indications of Iranian involvement. Shortly before the attack CISA updated an advisory warning that Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, and Siemens PLCs were under active attack.

April saw Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley-manufactured PLCs were exploited in attacks against water and energy systems, as well as to compromise Government Services and Facilities.

Automatic Tank Gauge (ATG) systems have also been hit during attacks targeting energy, chemical, food, agriculture, and transportation industries. These systems were also found to be largely internet-facing, and when compromised could allow attackers to turn off systems designed to monitor fuel levels, temperature and potential leaks.

Russia has also been involved in targeting critical infrastructure at a global scale. The attacks hit broken and poorly configured networking devices such as routers that had passed their End-of-Life (EoL) and were no longer receiving updates.

This quiz contains spoilers for The Shards episodes 1 - 5.

The Shards is currently airing across the best streaming services, whether you're watching on Hulu (US) or Disney+ (internationally). It's an adaptation of the popular Bret Easton Ellis novel, with Ryan Murphy at the helm.

Thankfully, Murphy's back on top form, in my opinion. In my The Shards review, I praised the casting and aesthetic, considering it to be a worthy new addition to an already impressive library of movies and shows.

But how much do you know about The Shards, and have you been paying attention to the new TV series? Put your knowledge to the test with my tricky new quiz to see if you're an eagle-eyed fan or not.

Ready to dive in? I'll be impressed if you get over 70%, so good luck!

How did you find the quiz on The Shards? A bit niche in places or a good test? Let me know in the comments, and if you'd like a quiz on another one of the best Hulu shows, feel free to leave suggestions!

Yellowstone fans, take a deep breath: elusive spinoff 6666 isn't just cancelled. According to creator Taylor Sheridan, it wasn't actually real in the first place.

Back in 2021, Paramount revealed that it had commissioned 6666, set when "Comanches ruled West Texas two centuries before the events of Yellowstone." Since then, there's been total silence.

However, according to an interview with Sheridan on the Rodeo Time podcast [via The Independent], 6666 was never actually going to happen.

“I would never fictionalise that ranch,” he said. “People thought that that was going to be a thing, but I would never do that.”

He added that he didn’t want to be “making up lives” and “inventing a drama” at a ranch that is still active. “So now I’m trivialising and fictionalising something where real people work, and they raise their families there, and I could never do that to them.

“I could never do that to the cowboys that dedicated themselves, and everybody that works on that ranch. I’m very protective of the Sixes, and it’s a big responsibility to be the person who has to protect that ranch, so I have to be very, very careful with it.”

For some fans, this might be devastating news... but for me, this is the smartest decision Sheridan could have made at this point in his career.

Taylor Sheridan needed to get rid of something — he's already working on too many things

(Image credit: Paramount+)

I hate to say I told you so... but I told you so. When the release date for Sheridan's Call of Duty movie was announced in April 2026, I knew that the amount of projects he has on the go would be detrimental for the two supposed Yellowstone spinoffs yet to be made: 6666 and 1944.

At a glance, here's what Sheridan is actively working on, or has in the pipeline for the foreseeable future. For TV alone, we've got new seasons of The Madison, Marshals, Landman, Tulsa King, and Mayor of Kingstown to be released.

Sheridan will also serve as the executive producer of Dutton Ranch season 2, and is confirmed to have a "bigger presence" in the writer's room for new episodes.

Then we've got Frisco King, a Tulsa King spinoff starring Samuel L. Jackson, expected to be released at some point in 2027. Alongside the Call of Duty movie, Sheridan is also writing for 2027 the action thriller movie F.A.S.T, starring 1923 alum Brandon Sklenar and Sam Claflin.

That's 10 projects without the additional Yellowstone spinoffs, and something's gotta give. Personally, I'd rather that it wasn't a Western project falling by the wayside — but if Sheridan's heart isn't in it, perhaps I don't want more from his Western world as it is.

I've made no secret of the fact that my dream is for Sheridan to take on the role of showrunner for both Dutton Ranch and Marshals. While this is unlikely to be the case, perhaps his vision for the Yellowstone world will be sharpened now that 6666 is no longer a viable options.

What this means for 1944, I have no idea. But for now, let's dare to dream.

• The Nintendo Switch 2 UK price will go from £395.99 to £419.99 next month
• Nintendo announced the changes for the US, Canada, Europe, and Japan in May
• The new pricing comes into effect on September 1, 2026

Nintendo has officially confirmed the new UK price of the Nintendo Switch 2, which is set to increase next month.

Back in May, the Mario maker announced fresh Switch 2 price increases for the US, Canada, Japan, and Europe. Effective September 1, 2026, they were billed as a "response to various market conditions, which are expected to extend over the medium to long term."

"We understand that pricing changes can be challenging for customers and deeply appreciate the continued enthusiasm of our fans for Nintendo products and experiences," Nintendo shared at the time.

The US price will rise from $449.99 to $499.99, while Canada will see a $50 increase from $629.99 to $679.99. Europe will rise by €30 from €469.99 to €499.99, and Japan will jump from ¥49,980 to ¥59,980.

There was no confirmation at the time for the UK, but now, in a new X post from Nintendo Store UK, it's revealed that the Switch 2's price will increase by £24, bringing the Switch 2 from £395.99 to £419.99.

The new Switch 2 pricing comes as no surprise, as the global RAM crisis, driven primarily by the rapid demand for AI data centers, continues to impact consoles and hardware manufacturing.

Microsoft has increased the price of its Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles multiple times this year, including earlier this month in the UK, which saw the 512GB Series S shoot up from £299.99 to £429.99, and the Xbox Series X 1TB skyrocket from £349.99 to £519.99.

The PS5 and PS5 Pro consoles also received price changes earlier this year, with the base PS5 jumping $100 / £100 from $549.99 / £479.99 to $649.99 / £569.99.

The U.S. federal debt hit a record $40 trillion this week. The debt has doubled since 2017, and just paying interest on the accumulated debt now costs the government more than $1 trillion a year.

(Image credit: Mandel Ngan)

Dr. Heidi Overton is currently working as a White House policy aide. If confirmed, she would lead an agency of 18,000 staffers who study and regulate food, drugs, medical devices, tobacco and more.

(Image credit: Jacquelyn Martin)

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold: Two-minute review

In our fast-moving and AI-juiced world of technology, the Google Pixel Fold 11 Pro Fold poses this question: is mere refinement good enough? After all, at a glance, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is indistinguishable from the Pixel 10 Pro Fold — at least until you take a closer look.

This new flexible-display phone is a cleaner and more elegant-looking device than its predecessor. It has tighter curves, thinner black bezels, and a smaller, refashioned camera bump. The 6.5-inch cover screen is larger, while still fitting within the same-size chassis.

Even the hinge is trimmer, appearing more flush with the overall body, which also happens to be considerably lighter than the last model. The hinge mechanics have been reengineered for smoother operation, and the main display is flatter and less noticeably creased.

The refinements continue under the hood, with a more powerful Google Tensor 6 CPU with a refreshing 2nm process. There's also the unusual addition of a HiLight LED module on the back that, when the phone is face down, can tell you about incoming calls, or give a visual complement to your hands-free Gemini interactions.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

None of these elements, though, add up to a sea change for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and, while the latest Gemini AI enhancements give it some exciting and powerful new features, you might be hard-pressed to justify an upgrade from the last-generation 10 Pro Fold. The leap from, say, the OG foldable Pixel, which had a shape more closely resembling the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, or even 2024's Pixel 9 Pro Fold, will be more significant.

This is still, though, a foldable that operates in the shadow of both the exciting new Galaxy Z Fold 8, and the quite powerful and larger Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which I also just reviewed. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold lacks the CPU power and camera performance of the Ultra, and the thinness and lightness of both the Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra, and so falls short of being a head-turning alternative.

I still like the Pixel 11 Pro Fold for its large and bright screen, generally strong performance (despite lower benchmark scores compared to Samsung's new foldables), and overall strong photography, even if its cameras don't quite match up to the Z Fold 8 Ultra's. When compared to the similarly priced Galaxy Z Fold 8, however, it's the clear camera winner (adding a nice 5x optical zoom camera).

It also handily beats virtually all other foldables on dust resistance, achieving an IP68 water and dust protection rating, while Samsung's folds can only promise IP48 for water. In addition, the Pixel Fold is the rare Android to support MagSafe-style charging with Pixel Snap, which is an embedded magnetic ring that connects to virtually any MagSafe wireless charger and Google's PixelStand accessory lineup.

Overall, Google has nudged the Pixel Fold forward to a visually pleasing and performance-satisfying space — but I still look forward to a big leap in design and camera performance next year.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Price and availability

• Flagship-level foldable at a slightly more reasonable price
• It is more expensive than last year, though that's likely due to RAM shortages and pricing issues
• Only two color options

Google unveiled the Pixel 11 Pro Fold alongside the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL on August 12. The phone costs $1,899 / £1,799 / AU$2,770, which, in the US, is $100 more than the previous model. With RAM prices squeezing everyone, the price hike is unsurprising, and is unlikely to dissuade potential buyers.

That price, by the way, also puts it in alignment with the smaller and rather interesting Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, which which has a list price of $1,899.99 / £1,699 / AU$2,699.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is on sale now, as is available in two colors: Obsidian (black) and Olive. Our test unit arrived in Olive, which I think looks more like Sage, and it's a nice-looking color.

• Value score: 4.5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Specs

Here's a breakdown of the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold's key specs:

Dimensions:

Closed: 155.2 x 76 x 10.1mm
Open: 155.2 x 150.4 x 5mm

Weight:

239g

Display:

Cover display: 6.5-inch Super Actua display
Main display: 8.0-inch Super Actua Flex display

Resolution:

Cover display: 1080 x 2342
Main display: 2076 x 2152

Refresh rate:

Cover display: adaptive 1-to-120Hz
Main display: adaptive 1-to-120Hz

Peak brightness:

Cover display: 3,600 nits
Main display: 3,600 nits

CPU:

Google Tensor 6

RAM:

16GB

Storage:

256GB / 512GB / 1TB

OS:

Android 17

Cameras:

48MP F/1.7 main, 10.5MP F/2.2 ultra-wide

Selfie Camera:

Main screen: 10MP F/2.2
Cover screen: 10MP F/2.2

Telephoto

10.8MP F/3.1 5x optical

Battery:

4,806mAh

Charging:

30W wired, 25W wireless

Colors:

Obsidian, Olive

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Design

• Cleaner look with tighter hinge
• Slightly thinner that 10 Pro Fold
• Much lighter
• Camera bump is smaller

For some, the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold will be an acquired taste. The asymmetrical design, which features a flat edge and corners on one side and curves on the other, has not always been everyone's cup of tea. It's a design that's been around for a few generations now, but it still only makes full sense when you unfold the phone so that the larger 8-inch display is surrounded by four gently curved corners.

On one edge is a power/sleep/Gemini button that also doubles as an effective fingerprint reader (you can, as I did, also register your face for biometric security and add a PIN). Below that is the volume rocker. The SIM slot has moved from the top edge of the device to the bottom (eSIM is supported as well). On opposite edges are the stereo speakers, which can get loud enough to fill a room with clear sound that, no surprise, is mostly lacking in bass.

When I hold the folded phone in one hand, though, any dissonance quickly disappears, especially because the front features a full-sized 6.5-inch display, one that is wider than the cover screen on the similarly sized Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. While I get into the displays later, it's worth noting here that the appearance of the cover display is far more elegant now that Google has trimmed back the black bezel running around the cover display.

At 6.1 x 3.0 x 0.4 inches / 155.2 x 76 x 10.1mm when folded, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is virtually the same size as the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, but looks can be deceiving. It is ever-so-slightly thinner and, more importantly, the phone has somehow lost 19 grams and now weighs just 239g. That makes the phone much more comfortable to hold. Despite this, it's still not as light as the Z Fold 8 Ultra (215g) or the Z Fold 8 (201g). So if weight is a factor for you, you might want to investigate the Samsung line.

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

The phone is built out of a combination of high-strength aluminum and aerospace-grade steel. On the front is ceramic glass, and on the back is a composite material with a truly pleasing satin finish. I really like that the back of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is slightly rougher than the last model; it feels wonderful in the hand.

The overall cleaner look is enhanced by the redesigned hinge. When the phone is folded, the hinge back sits almost flush with the rest of the phone's rear edges. Going deeper, Google reengineered the mechanism. While the phone is easier to open, the action feels somehow surer. That new hinge helps make the phone almost perfectly flat when open, and has helped to reduce the crease visibility (though it is still visible and, yes, you can feel it when you run your finger over that area).

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

One slightly concerning thing I did notice is that when I unfolded the phone and then flexed the display a tiny bit (basically pushing back on either side to force it open a tiny bit more), I heard a clicking sound coming from the flexible display. There was nothing wrong with the screen, and while I could not see what was making the sound, I was able to repeat it. Fortunately, the sound eventually stopped; perhaps it was just the phone settling in.

On the bright side, this is the only foldable I know of that, with an IP68 rating, can withstand water and dust. Would I take the Pixel 11 Pro Fold to the beach? Maybe. I'd certainly have more confidence taking the Pixel than a member of the Galaxy Z 8 lineup, all of which are only rated IP48 for water protection. By the way, my test unit handled a test-dunk in the iconic fountain in Manhattan's Bryant Park like a champ.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Displays

• Larger cover screen
• Both displays go to a bright 3,600 nits
• Resolution of each display slightly beaten by Z Fold 8 Ultra

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Like so many other things with the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold, the device's pair of displays are not radically different from the last model's, but there are enough incremental improvements to still make them competitive and appealing.

Perhaps the most noticeable change is the slightly larger OLED cover screen, which is now, thanks to a much thinner black bezel around it, 6.5 inches instead of 6.4 inches. The flexible main OLED panel is still eight inches.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Resolution on the two screens is virtually unchanged, with the larger cover display somehow losing a few pixels and ppi. On the 10 Pro Fold, it was a 2364 x 1080 display at 408ppi. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is 2342 x 1080 and 399ppi. Trust me, you won't notice the difference. The main 8-inch flexible screen is 2076 x 2152, which is the same as the last model. Neither screen matches the resolutions of the displays found on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Both screens get a nice brightness bump, with a max brightness of 3,600 nits. In direct sunlight at the seemingly always-sunny Bryant Park, both the cover and main screens did an excellent job of shining through the sun, so that I could easily navigate any menu, and effectively use the phone in folded and unfolded modes.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Both screens default to adaptive refresh mode, which extends from 1 to 120Hz. With it on, scrolling is silky smooth. It's also not bad in non-adaptive mode, which I assume is 60Hz, and which has the added benefit of saving on battery life.

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

Consuming virtually any kind of content on either screen is a pleasure, although for a sit-back-and-enjoy experience, nothing beats the unfolded 8-inch display. I used it to play games, browse the web, and stream Netflix (outdoors over a strong T-Mobile 5G connection).

That screen is large enough to support multitasking. I easily split the screen in two to have a website on one side and photos on the other. There's also a bubble feature that essentially allows you to have a third app running (as long as it supports the function), which you can drag to one side of the screen or the other. That bubble app will continue running in the background unless you actively shut it down (you can drag it to the trash).

(Image credit: Future)

• Display score: 4.5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Cameras

• Three good cameras
• 5x optical zoom is much appreciated
• Google is in danger of falling behind on the camera front
• Tons of photographic tools
• Magic Capture shows potential

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

No smartphone category has more cameras than folding phones, as in addition to the typical maximum of three lenses on the back of the phone, and a selfie camera, you get an extra selfie lens on the main screen. In total, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold has five cameras; unfortunately, they are mostly unchanged from the last model. Here's what you get:

• 48MP wide
• 10.5MP ultrawide
• 10.8MP telephoto (5x optical)
• 10MP selfie (main screen)
• 10MP selfie (cover screen)

There's nothing wrong with these lenses and, with a larger sensor on the main camera compared to the 10 Pro Fold, Google has promised better low-light performance.

Still, when I compare this with what I can get on, say, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (200MP main and 50MP ultrawide), it all seems a little lacking. At least the Pixel outdoes Samsung on the zoom front, offering 5x optical zoom on a 10.8MP sensor, while the Z Fold 8 Ultra tops out at 3x optical with a 10MP sensor. The Pixel's two 10MP selfie cameras are good, if unremarkable.

In a vacuum, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold takes excellent photos — images you'd be proud to show off to friends and family and share on social media. I also, though, did some quick comparisons with my iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

There was a time when Google was credited with the best smartphone camera quality — its Pixel line even won MKHBD's Blind Smartphone Camera test between 2022 and 2024. In the past I've kept my praise of Pixel phone cameras somewhat muted, though I would have credited them with being generally on par with Apple, and usually surpassing Samsung.

In recent years, though, Apple, and especially Samsung, have upped their image-processing games, and this year I'm noticing that while the Pixel 11 Pro Fold takes excellent shots, they are not necessarily better than, and sometimes not as good as, similar photos from the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Photo taken with Pixel 11 Pro FoldLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with the iPhone 17 Pro MaxLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraLance Ulanoff / Future

Some of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold photos are grainy or a bit flat, especially those from the ultrawide. I think this is mostly due to the lack of pixels. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, in particular, has 48MP to work with, though it defaults to shooting at 24MP. Even so, that's simply more information in each pixel.

Photo taken with Google Pixel 11 Pro FoldLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with iPhone 17 Pro MaxLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold Lance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with iPhone 17 Pro MaxLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraLance Ulanoff / Future

While I got mostly punchy, clear colors, the photo I took of a bright-pink crash helmet on a printed car track surface was disappointing. The orange from the track lines seems to have affected the helmet color, giving it an overall faint orange tint (an effect you may not be able to detect on your screen), something I did not detect in the same image from the Z Fold 8 Ultra or the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Lance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with iPhone 17 Pro MaxLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with iPhone 17 Pro MaxLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraLance Ulanoff / Future

I took a bunch of portrait-mode shots, and while I liked them, I also noticed that the Pixel could be a little heavy-handed with the cutouts. In one case, the bokeh cut away a tuft of my subject's hair. The iPhone seems to take a more subtle approach here.

(Image credit: Future)

There are a lot of AI-assisted photo features, including Camera Coach, which guided me on how to get a better picture of the fountain by reframing to cut out a distracting person, and the Magic Eraser, which I can apply by using my voice. I asked it to remove a guy in a blue shirt from one of my photos, and it did such a good job that you couldn't even tell the guy was ever there.

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

I also tried out one of the newest features: Magic Capture. This is an interesting hybrid capture feature that essentially uses video to help you capture — or not miss — the perfect shot.

(Image credit: Future)

As I was walking through Bryant Park, I came across some bocci ball players. I set myself up opposite them, and selected the Gemini icon next to the camera icon to enable Magic Capture. This opens an interface that is essentially video capture. You point your camera at the subject, hit record, and then stop recording when you think you might have your shot.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold analyzes the video using AI, and identifies the perfect frames. In my case, I shot as the men were pitching their bocci balls. The AI presented me with a few best shot options I could save, and I was pleased to see that it always managed to capture the bocci balls mid-flight for the most dramatic shots. It also, however, holds onto low-resolution video of the entire capture. I'm not sure I need or want that.

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

Macro shots and low-light shots look generally good, though the latter are not necessarily better than what I get from other flagship-grade smartphones. Video shot up to 4K also looks good.

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

Overall, I think this is a good camera system that should satisfy most casual photographers. But I also think it will leave some wishing for more megapixels.

• Camera score: 3.5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Software

• Android 17
• Easy access to Gemini
• No duplicate apps

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Google's Pixels may be my favorite Android phones because they're the closest thing we have to a pure-play Android interface. There's no duplicate gallery or web browser. The RCS messenger is the only one. It's a simplicity I've always appreciated.

Like other Pixels, the 11 Pro Fold also gets the latest Gemini technology, with a host of AI features that you may or may not use.

There are live translations for video, location-based suggestions, proactive actions, and automations in chats. Some of these tools work better the longer you've been using the phone, or when you allow Gemini to, say, connect to your other Google apps, so they can learn more about you and be, well, proactive.

Some, like Rambler and ASL-to-Text (for American Sign Language), are truly impressive. Rambler is the perfect speech-to-text tool for the mumblers among us, and while I have not used ASL-to-Text, I did see an inspiring demonstration during the Pixel launch. The phone and AI's ability to not only see and interpret the signs, but also facial expressions for emotional intent is kind of mind-blowing. I keep thinking that this is what technology and, especially, AI are really for.

Gemini remains a great tool for on-the-fly insights and, assuming you give it access, can see what's on your screen or even in your files, if you enable functions like Connected Apps and Gemini Live screen-sharing.

I especially like hands-free use, where I call out "Hey Google," and Gemini responds.

(Image credit: Future)

The new HiLight module (the white LED on the camera bump that's usually reserved for a flash) is a nifty little visual cue that Gemini is in use. It only works when the phone is face down. While I initially struggled to make it work, Google applied some backend updates, and now, when I say, “Hey Google,” the LED lights up in blue and white, animating as I ask questions, as it thinks, and then as it gives me answers (its voice and those answers come through the phone’s speaker system).

(Image credit: Future)

HiLight’s other purpose is letting me know when someone I know is calling me. To activate that, I went into Contacts and assigned my wife one of five HiLight colors. Now, when she calls — when my Pixel 11 Pro Fold is face-down on the table — the HiLight pulses in a very visible green.

(Image credit: Future)

HiLight is a cool, playful addition that might become even more useful when Google adds notifications like Messages for your high-priority contacts and other third-party app alerts. For now, though, it's more of a curiosity, and not necessarily a reason to buy or upgrade to this phone.

• Software score: 4.5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Performance

• New Google Tensor G6
• 16GB of RAM
• Base storage of 256GB is a necessary upgrade

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

Google has never produced the fastest ARM chips, but they are powerful and well-equipped for our AI reality, and the new Tensor G6 is no different. It posted strong GeekBench 7 benchmarks, but also ones that fell short of results I can get from Apple's A19 Pro and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy. The differences are not vast, and I'd contend that in most day-to-day use scenarios you'll never notice the difference. Most modern flagships now have more processing power than they can use.

It's also good news that the SoC is backed by 16GB of RAM, a hearty amount to support local AI operations, and 256GB of storage (to start — you can go up to 1TB) to give you enough room to store all your photos, videos, files, and, yes, AI creations.

The Tensor G6 is, by the way, one of the first 2nm process chips in a flagship device. That could translate to better performance and, especially, more efficiency, which might mean better battery life.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra benchmark scores

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold

Geekbench 7 single-core

2309

Geekbench 7 multi-core

6803

3D Mark Wildlife Extreme Unlimited

3110

• Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Battery

• 4,806mAh battery
• Yes, the battery is smaller
• Google is still promising all-day battery life

Yes, the battery has dropped from approximately 5,000mAh to 4,806mAh, but somehow you can still anticipate a full day of battery life — although how you define a full day will vary from user to user. With intermittent use, I got more than 24 hours of battery life. Our harsher Labs-based battery run-down test (with screen smoothness on) recorded about 12 hours.

Still, I suspect the generally decent battery life despite the smaller battery pack is in part due to the Tensor 6 processor and its 2nm process. As I mentioned, the 2m process is more efficient, and can help the SoC sip power as opposed to suck it away.

Your mileage, though, will certainly vary.

The other standout benefit of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's battery system is its Pixel Snap support. Think of this as Android's answer to Apple's MagSafe charging. As with all modern iPhones, there's a hidden magnet inside the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's chassis that will magnetically hug a Pixel Snap Qi-based charge stand — and, yes, it works perfectly with all MagSafe ones, too. Why Samsung has not added this feature to all its phones is beyond me.

• Battery score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold? Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

More expensive than the last Pixel Fold, but still a relative bargain compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

4.5 / 5

Design

A cleaner, more refined look in a much lighter body. Still thicker than competitors

4 / 5

Displays

Bright, colorful and smooth displays. Plus the cover screen is now bigger. Resolution slightly behind competitor foldables

4.5 / 5

Cameras

A good camera array that hasn't changed much since last year. Image quality is generally good, and often excellent, but competitors have caught up to and/or surpassed Google in some image scenarios

3.5 / 5

Software

The best Android experience on the market. A clean, unified interface and lots of powerful Gemini access

4.5 / 5

Performance

The new Tensor G6 offers more than enough power for every task, and is efficient enough to help extend battery life

4.5 / 5

Battery

The battery shrunk a little, but that does not appear to impacted have battery life.

4 / 5

Buy it if...

You want the best Pixel foldable to date
While not an overhaul, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's series of refinements add up to a more elegant and lightweight multi-purpose pocket device that Pixel fans will love.

You want more value for less
Sure, this Pixel Fold is more expensive than the last one, but it's still cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, a folding phone that it generally meets (and sometimes beats) on most key specs.

You want more zoom
While many flagships are retreating to 3x or 4x optical zoom, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold offers a 5x optical zoom camera. Maybe, though, Google will up the megapixels to 48 next year.

Don't buy it if...

You want the thinnest and lightest fold
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 8 are both lighter and thinner options.

You want the best photography
I generally liked the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's cameras, but the photos didn't always match or beat similar shots from competitors.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Also consider

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 matches, in the US, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold on price but can't truly compete on the camera front. Still, if you want the lightest and most interesting foldable, this is it.

Read our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review

Motorola Razr Fold 2026
For a great camera array and bleeding-edge battery technology, the Razr Fold 2026 might be the pick over the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, that is if you can get over the clunky design.

Read our full Motorola Razr Fold 2026 review

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra
The thinnest, lightest, and arguably most powerful foldable on the market, beating the Pixel 11 Pro Fold on most fronts. You'll pay dearly, but it's worth every dime.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra review

How I tested the Google Pixel 11 Pro FoldWhy you can trust TechRadar

☑️ 100s of smartphones reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold arrived late and to the wrong house, which meant I had a little less time with it than I would have preferred. Still, between my early hands-on time and my days of testing, I've gotten a clear sense of the qualities, and minor deficits, of Google's only foldable device.

I've used it for work, play, and communication. I spent time with Gemini and took a lot of photos, focusing on how this camera array compares to some of the best smartphone camera systems on the market.

I've been testing foldable phones for several years now, and I'm still impressed with how each new model improves year on year. And while I appreciate the work Google has done to improve its foldable, I can't help but think about what's next. Google, like the rest of the field, should soon be facing some formidable competition from Apple. So, as I test, I keep what's coming in mind — and pretty good may not be good enough.

I'm putting all this in the context of decades of phone-testing experience and 40 years as a journalist, which means I know how far we've come and understand the leaps we can make, sometimes, in a very short period of time. The folding space is, in some ways, just getting started.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2026

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold: Two-minute review

In our fast-moving and AI-juiced world of technology, the Google Pixel Fold 11 Pro Fold poses this question: is mere refinement good enough? After all, at a glance, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is indistinguishable from the Pixel 10 Pro Fold — at least until you take a closer look.

This new flexible-display phone is a cleaner and more elegant-looking device than its predecessor. It has tighter curves, thinner black bezels, and a smaller, refashioned camera bump. The 6.5-inch cover screen is larger, while still fitting within the same-size chassis.

Even the hinge is trimmer, appearing more flush with the overall body, which also happens to be considerably lighter than the last model. The hinge mechanics have been reengineered for smoother operation, and the main display is flatter and less noticeably creased.

The refinements continue under the hood, with a more powerful Google Tensor 6 CPU with a refreshing 2nm process. There's also the unusual addition of a HiLight LED module on the back that, when the phone is face down, can tell you about incoming calls, or give a visual complement to your hands-free Gemini interactions.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

None of these elements, though, add up to a sea change for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and, while the latest Gemini AI enhancements give it some exciting and powerful new features, you might be hard-pressed to justify an upgrade from the last-generation 10 Pro Fold. The leap from, say, the OG foldable Pixel, which had a shape more closely resembling the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, or even 2024's Pixel 9 Pro Fold, will be more significant.

This is still, though, a foldable that operates in the shadow of both the exciting new Galaxy Z Fold 8, and the quite powerful and larger Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which I also just reviewed. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold lacks the CPU power and camera performance of the Ultra, and the thinness and lightness of both the Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra, and so falls short of being a head-turning alternative.

I still like the Pixel 11 Pro Fold for its large and bright screen, generally strong performance (despite lower benchmark scores compared to Samsung's new foldables), and overall strong photography, even if its cameras don't quite match up to the Z Fold 8 Ultra's. When compared to the similarly priced Galaxy Z Fold 8, however, it's the clear camera winner (adding a nice 5x optical zoom camera).

It also handily beats virtually all other foldables on dust resistance, achieving an IP68 water and dust protection rating, while Samsung's folds can only promise IP48 for water. In addition, the Pixel Fold is the rare Android to support MagSafe-style charging with Pixel Snap, which is an embedded magnetic ring that connects to virtually any MagSafe wireless charger and Google's PixelStand accessory lineup.

Overall, Google has nudged the Pixel Fold forward to a visually pleasing and performance-satisfying space — but I still look forward to a big leap in design and camera performance next year.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Price and availability

• Flagship-level foldable at a slightly more reasonable price
• It is more expensive than last year, though that's likely due to RAM shortages and pricing issues
• Only two color options

Google unveiled the Pixel 11 Pro Fold alongside the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL on August 12. The phone costs $1,899 / £1,799 / AU$2,770, which, in the US, is $100 more than the previous model. With RAM prices squeezing everyone, the price hike is unsurprising, and is unlikely to dissuade potential buyers.

That price, by the way, also puts it in alignment with the smaller and rather interesting Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, which which has a list price of $1,899.99 / £1,699 / AU$2,699.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is on sale now, as is available in two colors: Obsidian (black) and Olive. Our test unit arrived in Olive, which I think looks more like Sage, and it's a nice-looking color.

• Value score: 4.5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Specs

Here's a breakdown of the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold's key specs:

Dimensions:

Closed: 155.2 x 76 x 10.1mm
Open: 155.2 x 150.4 x 5mm

Weight:

239g

Display:

Cover display: 6.5-inch Super Actua display
Main display: 8.0-inch Super Actua Flex display

Resolution:

Cover display: 1080 x 2342
Main display: 2076 x 2152

Refresh rate:

Cover display: adaptive 1-to-120Hz
Main display: adaptive 1-to-120Hz

Peak brightness:

Cover display: 3,600 nits
Main display: 3,600 nits

CPU:

Google Tensor 6

RAM:

16GB

Storage:

256GB / 512GB / 1TB

OS:

Android 17

Cameras:

48MP F/1.7 main, 10.5MP F/2.2 ultra-wide

Selfie Camera:

Main screen: 10MP F/2.2
Cover screen: 10MP F/2.2

Telephoto

10.8MP F/3.1 5x optical

Battery:

4,806mAh

Charging:

30W wired, 25W wireless

Colors:

Obsidian, Olive

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Design

• Cleaner look with tighter hinge
• Slightly thinner that 10 Pro Fold
• Much lighter
• Camera bump is smaller

For some, the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold will be an acquired taste. The asymmetrical design, which features a flat edge and corners on one side and curves on the other, has not always been everyone's cup of tea. It's a design that's been around for a few generations now, but it still only makes full sense when you unfold the phone so that the larger 8-inch display is surrounded by four gently curved corners.

On one edge is a power/sleep/Gemini button that also doubles as an effective fingerprint reader (you can, as I did, also register your face for biometric security and add a PIN). Below that is the volume rocker. The SIM slot has moved from the top edge of the device to the bottom (eSIM is supported as well). On opposite edges are the stereo speakers, which can get loud enough to fill a room with clear sound that, no surprise, is mostly lacking in bass.

When I hold the folded phone in one hand, though, any dissonance quickly disappears, especially because the front features a full-sized 6.5-inch display, one that is wider than the cover screen on the similarly sized Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. While I get into the displays later, it's worth noting here that the appearance of the cover display is far more elegant now that Google has trimmed back the black bezel running around the cover display.

At 6.1 x 3.0 x 0.4 inches / 155.2 x 76 x 10.1mm when folded, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is virtually the same size as the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, but looks can be deceiving. It is ever-so-slightly thinner and, more importantly, the phone has somehow lost 19 grams and now weighs just 239g. That makes the phone much more comfortable to hold. Despite this, it's still not as light as the Z Fold 8 Ultra (215g) or the Z Fold 8 (201g). So if weight is a factor for you, you might want to investigate the Samsung line.

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

The phone is built out of a combination of high-strength aluminum and aerospace-grade steel. On the front is ceramic glass, and on the back is a composite material with a truly pleasing satin finish. I really like that the back of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is slightly rougher than the last model; it feels wonderful in the hand.

The overall cleaner look is enhanced by the redesigned hinge. When the phone is folded, the hinge back sits almost flush with the rest of the phone's rear edges. Going deeper, Google reengineered the mechanism. While the phone is easier to open, the action feels somehow surer. That new hinge helps make the phone almost perfectly flat when open, and has helped to reduce the crease visibility (though it is still visible and, yes, you can feel it when you run your finger over that area).

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

One slightly concerning thing I did notice is that when I unfolded the phone and then flexed the display a tiny bit (basically pushing back on either side to force it open a tiny bit more), I heard a clicking sound coming from the flexible display. There was nothing wrong with the screen, and while I could not see what was making the sound, I was able to repeat it. Fortunately, the sound eventually stopped; perhaps it was just the phone settling in.

On the bright side, this is the only foldable I know of that, with an IP68 rating, can withstand water and dust. Would I take the Pixel 11 Pro Fold to the beach? Maybe. I'd certainly have more confidence taking the Pixel than a member of the Galaxy Z 8 lineup, all of which are only rated IP48 for water protection. By the way, my test unit handled a test-dunk in the iconic fountain in Manhattan's Bryant Park like a champ.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Displays

• Larger cover screen
• Both displays go to a bright 3,600 nits
• Resolution of each display slightly beaten by Z Fold 8 Ultra

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Like so many other things with the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold, the device's pair of displays are not radically different from the last model's, but there are enough incremental improvements to still make them competitive and appealing.

Perhaps the most noticeable change is the slightly larger OLED cover screen, which is now, thanks to a much thinner black bezel around it, 6.5 inches instead of 6.4 inches. The flexible main OLED panel is still eight inches.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Resolution on the two screens is virtually unchanged, with the larger cover display somehow losing a few pixels and ppi. On the 10 Pro Fold, it was a 2364 x 1080 display at 408ppi. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is 2342 x 1080 and 399ppi. Trust me, you won't notice the difference. The main 8-inch flexible screen is 2076 x 2152, which is the same as the last model. Neither screen matches the resolutions of the displays found on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Both screens get a nice brightness bump, with a max brightness of 3,600 nits. In direct sunlight at the seemingly always-sunny Bryant Park, both the cover and main screens did an excellent job of shining through the sun, so that I could easily navigate any menu, and effectively use the phone in folded and unfolded modes.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Both screens default to adaptive refresh mode, which extends from 1 to 120Hz. With it on, scrolling is silky smooth. It's also not bad in non-adaptive mode, which I assume is 60Hz, and which has the added benefit of saving on battery life.

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

Consuming virtually any kind of content on either screen is a pleasure, although for a sit-back-and-enjoy experience, nothing beats the unfolded 8-inch display. I used it to play games, browse the web, and stream Netflix (outdoors over a strong T-Mobile 5G connection).

That screen is large enough to support multitasking. I easily split the screen in two to have a website on one side and photos on the other. There's also a bubble feature that essentially allows you to have a third app running (as long as it supports the function), which you can drag to one side of the screen or the other. That bubble app will continue running in the background unless you actively shut it down (you can drag it to the trash).

(Image credit: Future)

• Display score: 4.5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Cameras

• Three good cameras
• 5x optical zoom is much appreciated
• Google is in danger of falling behind on the camera front
• Tons of photographic tools
• Magic Capture shows potential

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

No smartphone category has more cameras than folding phones, as in addition to the typical maximum of three lenses on the back of the phone, and a selfie camera, you get an extra selfie lens on the main screen. In total, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold has five cameras; unfortunately, they are mostly unchanged from the last model. Here's what you get:

• 48MP wide
• 10.5MP ultrawide
• 10.8MP telephoto (5x optical)
• 10MP selfie (main screen)
• 10MP selfie (cover screen)

There's nothing wrong with these lenses and, with a larger sensor on the main camera compared to the 10 Pro Fold, Google has promised better low-light performance.

Still, when I compare this with what I can get on, say, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (200MP main and 50MP ultrawide), it all seems a little lacking. At least the Pixel outdoes Samsung on the zoom front, offering 5x optical zoom on a 10.8MP sensor, while the Z Fold 8 Ultra tops out at 3x optical with a 10MP sensor. The Pixel's two 10MP selfie cameras are good, if unremarkable.

In a vacuum, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold takes excellent photos — images you'd be proud to show off to friends and family and share on social media. I also, though, did some quick comparisons with my iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

There was a time when Google was credited with the best smartphone camera quality — its Pixel line even won MKHBD's Blind Smartphone Camera test between 2022 and 2024. In the past I've kept my praise of Pixel phone cameras somewhat muted, though I would have credited them with being generally on par with Apple, and usually surpassing Samsung.

In recent years, though, Apple, and especially Samsung, have upped their image-processing games, and this year I'm noticing that while the Pixel 11 Pro Fold takes excellent shots, they are not necessarily better than, and sometimes not as good as, similar photos from the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Photo taken with Pixel 11 Pro FoldLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with the iPhone 17 Pro MaxLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraLance Ulanoff / Future

Some of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold photos are grainy or a bit flat, especially those from the ultrawide. I think this is mostly due to the lack of pixels. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, in particular, has 48MP to work with, though it defaults to shooting at 24MP. Even so, that's simply more information in each pixel.

Photo taken with Google Pixel 11 Pro FoldLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with iPhone 17 Pro MaxLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold Lance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with iPhone 17 Pro MaxLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraLance Ulanoff / Future

While I got mostly punchy, clear colors, the photo I took of a bright-pink crash helmet on a printed car track surface was disappointing. The orange from the track lines seems to have affected the helmet color, giving it an overall faint orange tint (an effect you may not be able to detect on your screen), something I did not detect in the same image from the Z Fold 8 Ultra or the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Lance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with iPhone 17 Pro MaxLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with iPhone 17 Pro MaxLance Ulanoff / FuturePhoto taken with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraLance Ulanoff / Future

I took a bunch of portrait-mode shots, and while I liked them, I also noticed that the Pixel could be a little heavy-handed with the cutouts. In one case, the bokeh cut away a tuft of my subject's hair. The iPhone seems to take a more subtle approach here.

(Image credit: Future)

There are a lot of AI-assisted photo features, including Camera Coach, which guided me on how to get a better picture of the fountain by reframing to cut out a distracting person, and the Magic Eraser, which I can apply by using my voice. I asked it to remove a guy in a blue shirt from one of my photos, and it did such a good job that you couldn't even tell the guy was ever there.

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

I also tried out one of the newest features: Magic Capture. This is an interesting hybrid capture feature that essentially uses video to help you capture — or not miss — the perfect shot.

(Image credit: Future)

As I was walking through Bryant Park, I came across some bocci ball players. I set myself up opposite them, and selected the Gemini icon next to the camera icon to enable Magic Capture. This opens an interface that is essentially video capture. You point your camera at the subject, hit record, and then stop recording when you think you might have your shot.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold analyzes the video using AI, and identifies the perfect frames. In my case, I shot as the men were pitching their bocci balls. The AI presented me with a few best shot options I could save, and I was pleased to see that it always managed to capture the bocci balls mid-flight for the most dramatic shots. It also, however, holds onto low-resolution video of the entire capture. I'm not sure I need or want that.

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

Macro shots and low-light shots look generally good, though the latter are not necessarily better than what I get from other flagship-grade smartphones. Video shot up to 4K also looks good.

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

Overall, I think this is a good camera system that should satisfy most casual photographers. But I also think it will leave some wishing for more megapixels.

• Camera score: 3.5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Software

• Android 17
• Easy access to Gemini
• No duplicate apps

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Google's Pixels may be my favorite Android phones because they're the closest thing we have to a pure-play Android interface. There's no duplicate gallery or web browser. The RCS messenger is the only one. It's a simplicity I've always appreciated.

Like other Pixels, the 11 Pro Fold also gets the latest Gemini technology, with a host of AI features that you may or may not use.

There are live translations for video, location-based suggestions, proactive actions, and automations in chats. Some of these tools work better the longer you've been using the phone, or when you allow Gemini to, say, connect to your other Google apps, so they can learn more about you and be, well, proactive.

Some, like Rambler and ASL-to-Text (for American Sign Language), are truly impressive. Rambler is the perfect speech-to-text tool for the mumblers among us, and while I have not used ASL-to-Text, I did see an inspiring demonstration during the Pixel launch. The phone and AI's ability to not only see and interpret the signs, but also facial expressions for emotional intent is kind of mind-blowing. I keep thinking that this is what technology and, especially, AI are really for.

Gemini remains a great tool for on-the-fly insights and, assuming you give it access, can see what's on your screen or even in your files, if you enable functions like Connected Apps and Gemini Live screen-sharing.

I especially like hands-free use, where I call out "Hey Google," and Gemini responds.

(Image credit: Future)

The new HiLight module (the white LED on the camera bump that's usually reserved for a flash) is a nifty little visual cue that Gemini is in use. It only works when the phone is face down. While I initially struggled to make it work, Google applied some backend updates, and now, when I say, “Hey Google,” the LED lights up in blue and white, animating as I ask questions, as it thinks, and then as it gives me answers (its voice and those answers come through the phone’s speaker system).

(Image credit: Future)

HiLight’s other purpose is letting me know when someone I know is calling me. To activate that, I went into Contacts and assigned my wife one of five HiLight colors. Now, when she calls — when my Pixel 11 Pro Fold is face-down on the table — the HiLight pulses in a very visible green.

(Image credit: Future)

HiLight is a cool, playful addition that might become even more useful when Google adds notifications like Messages for your high-priority contacts and other third-party app alerts. For now, though, it's more of a curiosity, and not necessarily a reason to buy or upgrade to this phone.

• Software score: 4.5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Performance

• New Google Tensor G6
• 16GB of RAM
• Base storage of 256GB is a necessary upgrade

Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

Google has never produced the fastest ARM chips, but they are powerful and well-equipped for our AI reality, and the new Tensor G6 is no different. It posted strong GeekBench 7 benchmarks, but also ones that fell short of results I can get from Apple's A19 Pro and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy. The differences are not vast, and I'd contend that in most day-to-day use scenarios you'll never notice the difference. Most modern flagships now have more processing power than they can use.

It's also good news that the SoC is backed by 16GB of RAM, a hearty amount to support local AI operations, and 256GB of storage (to start — you can go up to 1TB) to give you enough room to store all your photos, videos, files, and, yes, AI creations.

The Tensor G6 is, by the way, one of the first 2nm process chips in a flagship device. That could translate to better performance and, especially, more efficiency, which might mean better battery life.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra benchmark scores

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold

Geekbench 7 single-core

2309

Geekbench 7 multi-core

6803

3D Mark Wildlife Extreme Unlimited

3110

• Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Battery

• 4,806mAh battery
• Yes, the battery is smaller
• Google is still promising all-day battery life

Yes, the battery has dropped from approximately 5,000mAh to 4,806mAh, but somehow you can still anticipate a full day of battery life — although how you define a full day will vary from user to user. With intermittent use, I got more than 24 hours of battery life. Our harsher Labs-based battery run-down test (with screen smoothness on) recorded about 12 hours.

Still, I suspect the generally decent battery life despite the smaller battery pack is in part due to the Tensor 6 processor and its 2nm process. As I mentioned, the 2m process is more efficient, and can help the SoC sip power as opposed to suck it away.

Your mileage, though, will certainly vary.

The other standout benefit of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's battery system is its Pixel Snap support. Think of this as Android's answer to Apple's MagSafe charging. As with all modern iPhones, there's a hidden magnet inside the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's chassis that will magnetically hug a Pixel Snap Qi-based charge stand — and, yes, it works perfectly with all MagSafe ones, too. Why Samsung has not added this feature to all its phones is beyond me.

• Battery score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold? Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

More expensive than the last Pixel Fold, but still a relative bargain compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

4.5 / 5

Design

A cleaner, more refined look in a much lighter body. Still thicker than competitors

4 / 5

Displays

Bright, colorful and smooth displays. Plus the cover screen is now bigger. Resolution slightly behind competitor foldables

4.5 / 5

Cameras

A good camera array that hasn't changed much since last year. Image quality is generally good, and often excellent, but competitors have caught up to and/or surpassed Google in some image scenarios

3.5 / 5

Software

The best Android experience on the market. A clean, unified interface and lots of powerful Gemini access

4.5 / 5

Performance

The new Tensor G6 offers more than enough power for every task, and is efficient enough to help extend battery life

4.5 / 5

Battery

The battery shrunk a little, but that does not appear to impacted have battery life.

4 / 5

Buy it if...

You want the best Pixel foldable to date
While not an overhaul, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's series of refinements add up to a more elegant and lightweight multi-purpose pocket device that Pixel fans will love.

You want more value for less
Sure, this Pixel Fold is more expensive than the last one, but it's still cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, a folding phone that it generally meets (and sometimes beats) on most key specs.

You want more zoom
While many flagships are retreating to 3x or 4x optical zoom, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold offers a 5x optical zoom camera. Maybe, though, Google will up the megapixels to 48 next year.

Don't buy it if...

You want the thinnest and lightest fold
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 8 are both lighter and thinner options.

You want the best photography
I generally liked the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's cameras, but the photos didn't always match or beat similar shots from competitors.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Also consider

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 matches, in the US, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold on price but can't truly compete on the camera front. Still, if you want the lightest and most interesting foldable, this is it.

Read our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review

Motorola Razr Fold 2026
For a great camera array and bleeding-edge battery technology, the Razr Fold 2026 might be the pick over the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, that is if you can get over the clunky design.

Read our full Motorola Razr Fold 2026 review

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra
The thinnest, lightest, and arguably most powerful foldable on the market, beating the Pixel 11 Pro Fold on most fronts. You'll pay dearly, but it's worth every dime.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra review

How I tested the Google Pixel 11 Pro FoldWhy you can trust TechRadar

☑️ 100s of smartphones reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold arrived late and to the wrong house, which meant I had a little less time with it than I would have preferred. Still, between my early hands-on time and my days of testing, I've gotten a clear sense of the qualities, and minor deficits, of Google's only foldable device.

I've used it for work, play, and communication. I spent time with Gemini and took a lot of photos, focusing on how this camera array compares to some of the best smartphone camera systems on the market.

I've been testing foldable phones for several years now, and I'm still impressed with how each new model improves year on year. And while I appreciate the work Google has done to improve its foldable, I can't help but think about what's next. Google, like the rest of the field, should soon be facing some formidable competition from Apple. So, as I test, I keep what's coming in mind — and pretty good may not be good enough.

I'm putting all this in the context of decades of phone-testing experience and 40 years as a journalist, which means I know how far we've come and understand the leaps we can make, sometimes, in a very short period of time. The folding space is, in some ways, just getting started.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2026

There's a lot we liked about the KYY K3 portable monitor, now on sale for $60 (was $70) at Amazon. Chiefly, the price. Considering how cheap it is, this 15.6in 1080p display did everything we wanted from a screen in this price range, and it's our top budget pick for those looking for a second monitor.

It's built around a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS panel with 178-degree viewing angles, dual USB-C ports and a mini HDMI input for wide device compatibility, built-in speakers, and a magnetic smart cover that doubles as a stand.

Portable Monitor 15.6'': was $69.99 now $59.49
15.6-inch Full HD 1080p IPS panel with 178-degree viewing angles and a 1000:1 contrast ratio; dual USB-C ports and a mini HDMI input; built-in speakers; and a magnetic smart cover that folds into a stand. Weighs about 1.8 lbs with a 0.3-inch profile.View Deal

Why we recommend it

In our guide to the best portable monitors, this KYY display is our choice for those looking for a budget display that won't break the bank, but won't disappoint for general tasks either.

In our review, our expert Mark said "it's lightweight, and it does everything a basic 1080p portable monitor should do. Considering the outrageously cheap price, there's a lot to like - and a lot of flaws I'm willing to look past."

At under $60, the KYY covers the fundamentals well: a 1080p IPS panel with wide viewing angles, dual USB-C connectivity for both video and power delivery, and a mini HDMI input that covers older laptops and consoles lacking USB-C video output. The magnetic smart cover is a genuinely useful inclusion, since it protects the screen in transit and folds into a stand without needing a separate accessory.

For anyone who just wants a functional second screen for travel, video calls, or a console like the Xbox or PS4, this covers the basics without asking you to spend more than a fraction of what a name-brand portable monitor costs.

Price Context & Historical Value

This is all-time low price for the KYY K3. Even at full price, it's worth picking up if you want a sensibly priced second screen, but the discount sweetens the deal.

At $59.49, it's competitively priced against similarly specced 1080p portable monitors from other budget brands, though it's worth comparing before buying since this category sees frequent price fluctuations.

Should you buy it?

✅ Buy the KYY Portable Monitor if...

You want an affordable second screen for a laptop, you need a lightweight monitor that travels well for work or console gaming, or you want a plug-and-play setup without extra software.

❌ Skip the KYY Portable Monitor if...

You need higher resolution than 1080p for detailed creative work, you want a monitor with a built-in battery for use away from a power source, or you're looking for a display we've verified with hands-on testing.

The Catch: What to know before you buy

The weakest area for this portable monitor is the color gamut. It's not good for anyone performing serious creative tasks. We measured it hitting 64% sRGB, and 49% across AdobeRGB and P3. That won't be an issue for those using it for extra screen real estate for office software, but it'll definitely make a difference if you're using it for professional photo editing.

• See all monitor deals at Amazon.

The agency says you should know when companies use your personal data to charge you more than the next person.

I’ve driven over 600 miles in the all-electric EX60, and there’s a lot I like about this SUV.

Sunday's course takes high-speed cars right past the National Gallery of Art and three Smithsonian museums. Art experts worry about the works inside, but organizers say they don't expect damage.

(Image credit: Andrew Harnik)

It’s been a rough week for Rockstar Games. It appears that a working build of Grand Theft Auto 6 is out in the wild, with a seemingly endless stream of gameplay footage being leaked.

Already everywhere across social media channels, the first I learned of all this was a deluge of clips showing up in my personal Instagram feed.

Leaks of this magnitude are the last thing any developer would want — let alone the team behind one of the most anticipated games of all time. We’re just a week or so away from the official extended look reveal video launching too, and I can’t help but feel that the leakers have stolen Rockstar’s thunder.

So what exactly can we learn from all of this new footage? Well, GTA 6 certainly looks like a GTA game. Key mechanics like the wanted level system return (albeit with an extra star level and the ability for the police to remember your outfit or vehicle), along with various open-world activities ranging from racing challenges to tossing basketballs into hoops.

Beating heart

(Image credit: Rockstar Games)

I’ve also seen speculation that some systems similar to those in Red Dead Redemption 2 will be featured. Namely, the idea that there’s a karma meter to measure the morality of your actions, as well as icons suggesting that the dual protagonists Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval’s abilities will level up as you play.

It all looks about what I would have expected from a new GTA in 2026. If you’d asked me to speculate on what GTA 6 would be like this time last year, I’d have said that it would look like an upgraded version of GTA 5 that incorporates some Red Dead Redemption 2 elements: in short, a classic sequel that builds on the previous release while also bringing in what worked from the developer’s other recent games.

I wasn’t truly blown away until I saw the latest clip.

(Image credit: Rockstar Games )

The minute or so of footage shows the leaker flying a small plane into a city, presumably Vice City, though it is a little hard to tell. All of the other videos I’ve seen take place on the ground, which makes it hard to really tell the scale of the map. Here, it’s plain to see, and let me tell you, GTA 6 looks immense.

The first thing I noticed was the render distance. As the camera pans around, you can see the world stretching off into the horizon. Even the most distant roads are bustling with traffic. Of course, there’s no guarantee that the finished product will look this good (we don’t know how old this build is, or what kind of specs it’s running on), but if Rockstar can achieve anything like what’s shown here on consoles, then it’s going to be a stunner.

Our pilot then turns the view towards the city itself, which is simply breathtaking in its own right.

I’m a bit of a sicko for city design in games, and I pay close attention to how roads are laid out and districts are arranged. I think it’s probably the result of hundreds of hours playing SimCity and Cities: Skylines, not to mention consuming endless content about city design in those games. It’s given me a good eye for scale, particularly when things don’t make sense.

From what I’ve seen of GTA 6’s urban environments in these leaks, I’m beginning to think it could deliver some of the most authentic and grounded ever. There’s a believable level of urban sprawl on the approach, with patches of commercial and residential buildings stretching for miles.

(Image credit: Rockstar)

They’re separated from the city center by a busy raised highway that realistically splits off into arteries to direct traffic towards large roads and eventually trickle down into smaller streets. The skyscrapers become denser and more modern as you home in on the city centre, and looking closely reveals countless smaller apartment blocks and department stores nestled in between them.

The city runs along a coast, and there are glimpses of seedier boroughs inland, with low-lying houses and parking lots. Out near the waterfront, in contrast, it is clearly prime real estate and dominated by leafy green streets and a smattering of holiday resorts.

It all just looks so real, and appears so much more intricate than the comparatively sparse Los Santos in GTA 5. It’s certainly taken my excitement up a level, and I now can’t wait to immerse myself in Vice City’s detailed streets. Hopefully the upcoming extended look video highlights the world design and reveals even more.

Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Series S on November 19, 2026.

There's no question about it, the Logitech MX Master 3S is our number one choice for anyone who wants a serious office upgrade. Built specifically for productivity, during our testing, the features on this wireless mouse really impressed us

And right now the Bluetooth version of the Logitech MX Master 3S is down to $80 (was $100) at Amazon. It combines an ergonomic shape with a useful collection of programmable controls and an excellent scroll wheel. Plus Logitech Flow can even move text, images and files between multiple operating systems. In the UK, the MX Master 3S is down to £69 (was £78) at Amazon.

MX Master 3S Bluetooth Wireless Mouse: was $99.99 now $79.99
This mouse has an adjustable 8,000 DPI optical sensor capable of tracking on glass and other surfaces and its MagSpeed wheel can rapidly scroll through long documents before switching back to precise line-by-line movement.

In the UK: now £69 (was £78)View Deal

Why we recommend it

The MX Master 3S includes genuinely useful features. MagSpeed scrolling is particularly handy when you're regularly moving through long webpages, spreadsheets and documents, and thumb controls put additional functions within easy reach.

Logi Options+ lets you customize the buttons and create application-specific profiles, so the same controls can perform different jobs depending on what you're doing.

In his glowing 4.5-star review, our expert Ilyas said: "Logitech MX Master 3S can easily be considered the best wireless mouse geared specifically towards enhancing the average user’s workplace productivity."

He went on to say, "With seven silent tactile button inputs that can be customized through Logitech’s own software, the MX Master 3S can be a great tool for office workers who are looking to streamline their productivity. Its 70-day battery life is solid selling point too, as is the inclusion of a USB Type-C charging port located at the front of the device."

Price context & historical value

Amazon's $79.99 price knocks $20 off the usual $99.99 cost, bringing the MX Master 3S down by 20%.

That's actually a very good saving, because it's only $5-$6 dollars above the cheapest it's been on Amazon in a year. The picture is similar in the UK, where the cheapest I've seen it was £65, not much more than the current sale price.

If you're after a quality productivity mouse, this is a good chance to snap up one of the very best at an affordable price.

Should you buy it?

✅ Buy the Logitech MX Master 3S if...

You spend much of your day working at a computer and want more control than a basic mouse offers. The programmable buttons, horizontal thumb wheel and fast scrolling can be particularly useful for spreadsheets, creative applications and navigating large documents.

It's also a strong choice if you work across multiple computers. You can connect three devices over Bluetooth without repeatedly pairing the mouse each time you move between them.

❌ Skip the Logitech MX Master 3S if...

You want a mouse for a spot of gaming. The MX Master 3S is designed around productivity, comfort and control rather than the extremely low weight and high polling rates offered by gaming mice.

The Catch: What to know before you buy

The biggest catch is what's missing from the box. This particular MX Master 3S is sold without a Logi Bolt USB receiver or even a charging cable, so make sure Bluetooth-only connectivity suits your setup before buying.

It's also a substantial productivity mouse. Anyone who prefers a small, simple mouse may find it more hardware than they need. Also, this isn't a great mouse for left-handed users or people with smaller hands.

The GMKtec K13 AI is a mini PC with enough power to tackle considerably more than everyday office duties. Its Core Ultra 7 256V processor and Intel Arc 140V graphics allow it to easily handle video editing and other creative work.

Right now you can save $310 with GMKtec's K13 mini PC down to $640 (was $950) at Amazon, loaded with 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB SSD. And if you don't need the extra storage, the 512GB model is also down to $590 (was $900).

Dual USB4 ports are especially useful for a video-editing setup, providing up to 40Gbps connectivity for fast external SSDs. There's also 5GbE networking for moving large video files swiftly to and from NAS storage.

K13 AI Mini PC: was $949.99 now $639.98
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V | 16GB LPDDR5X | 1TB SSD

The K13 AI uses Intel's Core Ultra 7 256V, which boosts to 4.8GHz and combines CPU, GPU and NPU processing for up to 115 TOPS of total AI performance. This configuration comes with 16GB LPDDR5X memory and a 1TB SSD.View Deal

• Don't need 1TB? The 16GB/512GB configuration is also on sale for $590 (was $900) at Amazon.

Why we recommend it

There's a surprisingly strong selection of workstation features packed into the K13's tiny case. Dual 40Gbps USB4, 5GbE networking and support for three 4K displays give you plenty of options for building a serious editing setup around it.

In his 4-star review, our expert Mark called it, "a thoughtfully engineered slice of modern computing" and noted that while "It lacks memory upgrades or an OCuLink port, it’s a powerful little system, especially for local AI."

He also said, "The GMKtec NucBox K13 is, in the bluntest possible terms, the mini PC that Intel's Lunar Lake deserved from the outset. GMKtec has done due diligence by pairing the chip with the fastest possible memory configuration, designing a chassis that leverages Lunar Lake's efficiency, and adding 5GbE connectivity."

For more top-tested machines, see our guide to the best mini PCs.

Price context & historical value

At $639.98, the K13 AI is $310.01 below its $949.99 usual price, a massive 33% saving. According to Camel Camel Camel, this is an all-time low price for the 16GB/1TB configuration since at least April this year. For comparison, it's currently retailing for $740 direct from GMKtec.

The 512GB model almost achieves the same, with the lowest price being $10 cheaper back in June this year. The current price matches the $590 price tag seen from GMKtec's official site.

Overall, the current price is still very good for such a powerful mini PC.

Looking to save? We've selected the best mini PC deals this week.

Should you buy it?

✅ Buy the GMKtec K13 AI if...

You want a compact PC for video editing, content creation and other demanding productivity tasks without sacrificing most of your desk to a large tower. Intel's Arc 140V graphics also support hardware AV1 encoding, which adds to its appeal for video work.

Dual USB4 lets you hook up fast external storage, displays and other high-bandwidth peripherals, and the 5GbE connection will be particularly useful if your footage is stored on a NAS.

❌ Skip the GMKtec K13 AI if...

You only need a little computer for web browsing, streaming and everyday office work. There are much cheaper mini PCs capable of handling those jobs, and you'd be paying for performance and connectivity you may never use.

The 16GB of LPDDR5X memory is also something to consider if you're buying with particularly memory-heavy workloads in mind. Unlike storage, you don't have the ability to expand it later.

The Catch: What to know before you buy

The 115 TOPS figure needs some context. That's a combined figure across the processor's different AI engines rather than 115 TOPS from its NPU alone; the NPU itself is rated at 47 TOPS. Don't compare the headline 115 TOPS directly with NPU figures quoted for other systems.

Also remember that despite its impressive Arc integrated graphics, this remains a mini PC without a discrete GPU. It's substantially more capable graphically than basic integrated systems, but a dedicated gaming or workstation GPU remains the better option for consistently demanding graphics tasks.

Also consider

G10 Mini PC: was $379.99 now $275.49
The GMKtec G10 combines a 4-core, 8-thread Ryzen 5 3500U with Radeon Vega 8 graphics, 16GB dual-channel DDR4 and a 256GB SSD. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.5GbE Ethernet.View Deal

Many public AI conversations still revolve around leaderboards: which model ranks highest, which provider is 'winning', and which benchmark score matters most. But for organizations building AI in production, those questions are becoming less useful than understanding how AI is actually being used.

One reason is the growing debate around "tokenmaxxing" - the practice of maximizing AI usage, often driven by internal adoption targets, incentives or leaderboard-style competitions.

But focusing on token consumption can encourage activity for activity's sake, rather than measuring the business value AI actually delivers.

Recent examples, including Amazon reportedly shutting down an internal AI leaderboard and Uber capping employee AI spending after rapidly exhausting its annual budget, highlight the risks of treating usage as the primary success metric.

Yet the latest data suggests something more nuanced is happening. According to Vercel's July AI Gateway data, token volume grew by 29% in June while spend increased by 27%, with the average price per token remaining flat. Rather than simply consuming more AI, organizations are becoming deliberate about where they deploy different models and how they balance cost with performance.

The teams building real AI systems are increasingly routing tasks dynamically across multiple models depending on cost, reliability and reasoning. For example, a low cost model may be useful for handling summarization, while a premium reasoning model is reserved for high stakes decisions.

In practice, AI is more about orchestrating layers across many models than building systems around a single provider.

The latest AI Gateway data shows organizations distributing workloads across different classes of models rather than relying on a single provider. Open-weight models now process 29% of gateway tokens while accounting for less than 4% of spend, while frontier models continue to dominate higher-value reasoning workloads.

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, organizations are selecting different models according to the task at hand.

Beyond the leaderboards

In the early stages of enterprise AI adoption, teams were encouraged to experiment aggressively, push models further and explore new use cases. This helped accelerate adoption, but it also created a simplistic assumption: that more AI automatically meant more value.

Token volume and spend both grew by nearly 30% in June, yet the average price per token remained flat. Organizations are continuing to invest heavily in AI, but they're becoming strategic about how workloads are distributed across lower-cost and premium models.

That pattern mirrors previous changes in technology, such as the early cloud computing era, when businesses expanded aggressively before refining efficiency. AI adoption is following a similar trajectory, but moving at a much faster pace.

For AI teams, the most useful measure of AI is not cost, but outcome. A workflow that automates weeks of engineering effort may be far more efficient than a lower-cost workflow that produces unreliable outputs and creates downstream operational costs that outweigh the initial savings.

The question is not how little AI a team can use. It is how effectively AI can be deployed to solve meaningful problems.

AI is changing workloads

Traditional chatbot workflows are relatively straightforward: prompt in, answer out. Agentic systems behave very differently.

AI agents reason, call tools, execute code, retrieve information, question databases and iterate across multiple steps before completing a task. Every one of those actions consumes tokens.

As a result, AI workloads are becoming increasingly agent-led. A single request may now involve chains of tool calls, validation loops and provider switches happening behind the scenes, which changes the economics entirely.

Back-office agents are the most expensive workload per token on the gateway, accounting for 5% of total tokens but 14% of total spend. More complex, business-critical workloads need greater reasoning capability than simpler AI tasks.

That means rising usage is not always a symptom of inefficiency. In many cases, it reflects the growing complexity and capability of AI systems themselves.

Infrastructure as the differentiator

As organizations adopt more models and providers, reliability becomes harder to manage.

Reasoning tasks, multi-agent workflows and complex orchestration chains can cause significant strain on model providers. If one model fails midway through execution, an entire workflow can break.

As a result, fallback routing is becoming essential infrastructure for production AI. Vercel’s AI Gateway report in May found around 3.5% of requests require rerouting due to failure, timeout or rate limiting issues.

Without dynamic routing between providers, those requests would simply fail. For end users, provider instability is invisible as they do not care where the issue originated; they only experience whether the application continues working.

So as AI systems become more agentic, resilience and orchestration become just as important as model capability itself.

The end of the single-model era

Single-provider strategies are becoming difficult to maintain. New models are launching constantly, pricing is changing quickly, and performance leadership is shifting from workload to workload.

A model that is best for coding today, may not be best for retrieval, customer support or reasoning workflows tomorrow.

None of this is really about picking a winner. It is about building AI systems that can adapt and absorb whichever model is best this week, because that answer changes fast and will keep changing.

The teams that treat multi-model orchestration as infrastructure are the ones that won’t need to rebuild when the next model ships.

We've featured the best vibe coding tools.

This article was produced as part of TechRadar Pro Perspectives, our channel to feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today.

The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/pro/perspectives-how-to-submit

Adobe’s instrumental AI soundtracks come with a universal license, meaning it’s safe to use for any project.