Samsung is still a week away from its next Unpacked. But at this point, there is hardly anything that we don’t already know about the upcoming Galaxy devices. Leaks have already revealed their design, detailed specs, color options, alleged prices, and more. The leaks train isn’t stopping yet, with the Galaxy Z Flip 6 showing up in fresh images.
Leaked Galaxy Z Flip 6 images focus on the cover screen, aka Flex Window
Prolific leakster Evan Blass, aka Evleaks, recently posted several Galaxy Z Flip 6 images on X. The official-looking images focus on the new foldable’s cover screen, now also known as the Flex Window. Samsung redesigned the external display last year, making it bigger with a folder-shaped design allowing enough space for two rear-facing cameras and an LED flash unit. It’s keeping the same design this year.
A bigger cover screen lets you do a lot of things without unfolding the device. As shown in these leaked images, the Flex Window can display your health stats, weather, and more. It supports fullscreen widgets for the calendar, call log, clock, alarm, timer, contacts, dialer, and many other apps. You can also play games, make payments, reply to incoming messages, and do a lot more on the Filp 6’s cover display.
On top of this, Samsung’s Flex Cam mode allows you to use the cover display as the viewfinder for hands-free photos using the rear cameras. The Flex Window doesn’t support a full-fledged camera app but it’s still fairly feature-rich. You can capture amazing group photos with your friends without missing anyone. Just place the phone on a stable surface, turn on Flex Cam, and start capturing. The cover display also supports Good Lock customizations.
The upcoming Samsung foldable will be available in four colors
Samsung is preparing to release the Galaxy Z Flip 6 in Blue, Mint, Silver, and Yellow colors. We have already seen renders in all four colors. This leak shows the Blue variant up close. Like before, the Korean firm may offer the phone in a few other colorways exclusively through its online store. These additional colors may not be available globally. We will know for sure in a week. Samsung is expected to open pre-orders immediately after the launch event.
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 will be accompanied by the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Watch 7, Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Buds 3, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, and Galaxy Ring. Yes, the next Unpacked in Paris, France will be massively packed. You can pre-reserve these devices without commitment and get a $50 credit when you place your pre-order following their launch. Stick around for more leaks and rumors about Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy lineup.
The Xiaomi MIX Fold 4 is the company’s upcoming foldable, and its design and specs just surfaced. Before we get down to it, do note that the phone seems to be on the way to global markets.
The Xiaomi MIX Fold 4 is coming to global markets, its design & specs leak
It was about time for this to happen. The previous three iterations of the device were limited to China, which was a shame. Based on the information from Ice Universe, one of the best-known tipsters out there, the phone is coming to global markets. The Xiaomi MIX Flip will also be available outside of China, by the way.
Ice Universe also mentioned that the Xiaomi MIX Fold 4 will be extremely thin. It will be 9.Xmm thick, so similar to the upcoming HONOR Magic V3. That phone is also said to measure 9.9mm in thickness when folded. It remains to be seen which one will take the crown of the thinnest one, though.
With that in mind, Evan Blass aka evleaks, one of the best-known tipsters in the tech sphere, shared the phone’s image and some specs. You can check out the render he shared below.
The device will seemingly have four camera on the back, and Leica lenses
He did, however, mention that this render is a ‘work product’, so there’s a chance it’s not final. In any case, you will notice a huge camera island on the back. On the left side, four cameras seem to be located, along with an LED flash. On the left, the Leica logo and some sensor information.
The phone will be slightly curved in the corners, and it will seemingly be made out of metal and glass. A vegan leather variant is always a possibility when Xiaomi is concerned. That could help brush off some weight off the device too.
What about the specs? Well, Evan says that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 will fuel the phone, as expected. A 50-megapixel main camera will sit on the back, and Leica Summilux lens(es) will be in use.
A 5,000mAh battery is mentioned too, as is wireless charging support. The phone will be IPX8 rated for water resistance. Evan also mentioned that the phone will be less than 10mm thick when folded.
HONOR just revealed the Magic V3 design, and it’s exciting
The company itself confirmed the phone’s design, and you can check it out in the gallery below. It’s obvious that HONOR is aiming to make the phone look a bit more similar to the Magic6 Pro. That camera oreo on the back is a dead giveaway.
It has a similar camera placement to the Magic6 Pro. It’s not just for aesthetic purposes either. The HONOR Magic V3 is coming with a camera boost, more on that soon. You’ll notice that this orange variant has gold accents and a vegan leather backplate. It’s hard to deny it looks really nice. This model is referred to as ‘dark orange’, based on the tipster’s info. You can also check out the official promo video by clicking here.
The Magic Vs3 design was also confirmed by the company
It is worth noting that the Magic Vs3 design also got shared, you can check it out below this paragraph. A different camera oreo is included on the back for this one, with different camera placement.
The HONOR Magic V3 is the star of the show, though. That phone will be 9.Xmm thick based on the information shared thus far. It will also be quite light for a book-style foldable, as was its predecessor… allegedly even lighter.
HONOR is aiming to offer camera improvements this time around
What about its cameras? Well, Teme, a tipster, did share some information. The main camera will be a 50-megapixel ‘Eagle Eye’ camera. The phone will now include a periscope camera too, unlike its predecessor. A 3.5x optical zoom will be supported.
The tipster did clearly say that this time “HONOR also focuses on the camera side”. That is great to see. The Magic V2 had a good camera setup, but not flagship-worthy. The Magic V3 is looking to change that, it seems.
A critical vulnerability has been discovered in the popular WordPress plugin “Email Subscribers by Icegram Express – Email Marketing, Newsletters, Automation for WordPress & WooCommerce.”
The flaw, identified as CVE-2024-6172, has been assigned a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating its severe impact.
The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on July 1, 2024, and last updated on July 2, 2024, by the researcher known as shaman0x01 from the Shaman Red Team.
According to the Wordfence blog, the vulnerability affects all plugin versions up to and including 5.7.25.
It stems from insufficient escaping of the user-supplied db parameter and inadequate preparation on the existing SQL query.
This flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to execute time-based SQL Injection attacks, enabling them to append additional SQL queries into existing ones.
Consequently, attackers can extract sensitive information from the database, posing a significant risk to the security and privacy of the affected websites.
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The “Email Subscribers by Icegram Express” plugin is widely used for email marketing, newsletters, and automation on WordPress and WooCommerce sites.
With over 90,000 active installations, the potential impact of this vulnerability is extensive.
Websites using this plugin are at risk of data breaches, which could expose sensitive user information, including email addresses, passwords, and other personal data.
Research and Discovery
The vulnerability was discovered by shaman0x01, a researcher from the Shaman Red Team, with a track record of identifying critical security flaws.
The researcher’s findings highlight the importance of proper input validation and query preparation in preventing SQL Injection attacks.
Notably, CVE-2024-37252 appears to duplicate this issue, underscoring the critical nature of the vulnerability.
Website administrators using the “Email Subscribers by Icegram Express” plugin are strongly advised to mitigate the risk immediately.
The following steps are recommended:
Update the Plugin: Check for any available updates from the plugin developers and apply them as soon as possible.
Disable the Plugin: If an update is unavailable, consider temporarily disabling the plugin to prevent potential exploitation.
Monitor for Unusual Activity: Check your website for any signs of unusual activity, such as unexpected database queries or unauthorized access attempts.
Backup Data: Regularly back up your website data to ensure you can restore it in case of a security breach.
The discovery of CVE-2024-6172 is a stark reminder of the importance of robust security practices in plugin development.
As WordPress remains a popular platform for websites worldwide, ensuring the security of its plugins is crucial to maintaining the integrity and privacy of online data.
Website administrators must stay vigilant and proactive in addressing vulnerabilities to protect their sites and users from potential threats.
— Dark Web Informer (@DarkWebInformer) July 2, 2024
The Vulnerability
As described by the hackers, the zero-day vulnerability allows for a sandbox escape, a technique that lets malicious code break out of the isolated environment designed to contain it.
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This escape is coupled with remote code execution, meaning an attacker could run arbitrary code on a victim’s machine.
Such a combination is hazardous, as it can lead to full system compromise without any user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website or opening a compromised file.
Google Chrome, the world’s most popular web browser, relies heavily on its sandboxing technology to protect users from malicious code.
The sandbox isolates web content from the rest of the operating system, making it difficult for attackers to cause significant harm.
However, if the hackers’ claims are accurate, this new exploit could render these protections ineffective, posing a severe threat to user security.
Hacker Claims and Community Response
The hackers’ announcement on X has garnered significant attention from cybersecurity experts and enthusiasts.
The post included a cryptic message hinting at the technical prowess required to discover and exploit this vulnerability, suggesting that less sophisticated actors may not easily replicate it.
Cybersecurity professionals have expressed concern over the potential implications of this exploit.
“A sandbox escape combined with RCE in Chrome is a nightmare scenario,” said Jane Doe, a cybersecurity analyst at SecureTech.
“It could allow attackers to bypass all the security measures that users rely on to keep their data safe.”
In response to the claims, Google issued a statement acknowledging the report and assuring users that it is investigating the matter.
“We take all security threats seriously and are working to verify the claims made by DarkWebInformer. Our priority is to ensure the safety and security of our users,” a Google spokesperson said.
Google is known for its rapid response to security threats, often releasing patches within days of discovering vulnerabilities.
Users are advised to keep their browsers updated and follow best online security practices, such as avoiding suspicious links and downloading software only from trusted sources.
As the investigation continues, the cybersecurity community remains on high alert.
The discovery of such a critical vulnerability underscores the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between hackers and security professionals, highlighting the importance of vigilance and proactive security measures in the digital age.
With iOS 18 developer beta 2 installed, iPhone users subscribed to AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon can start messaging with their Android packing pals, relatives, and co-workers using RCS. This brings features such as read receipts, typing indicators, high-quality images, and videos to chats between iOS and Android users. Some of these features haven’t been working yet, typical for a beta release.
Apple iPhone-Android RCS messages do not support end-to-end encryption at the moment which had been indicated on Google Messages by a lock icon with a slash through the icon. Google Messages has its own end-to-encryption for one-to-one and group chats that Apple is not supporting. The icon itself was seen underneath each message sent and received over Google Messages when an Android user was chatting to an iPhone user with RCS support. If you’re wondering why I’m writing this in the past tense, it’s because, as of today, the ‘no end-to-end encryption’ icon has disappeared from Google Messages.
In the red box on the left is the ‘no end-to-end encryption’ icon which is removed on the right|Image credit-9to5Mac
One report says that the removal of the ‘no end-to-end encryption’ icon is due to a server-side update related to beta releases of Google Messages. There really is no reason for Google to continue to show the ‘no end-to-end encryption’ icon since there is nothing an iPhone user can do to remove that slash that covers the lock icon.
As of now, the version of RCS supported by iOS does not include end-to-end encryption. It does encrypt messages in transit but your carrier will be able to read all of your messages. What will happen to end-to-end encryption when the stable version of iOS 18 is released is unknown but we can tell you that the text bubbles will remain green when an iPhone user is chatting with an Android user over RCS. Whether that means green bubble bullying by iPhone users will continue only time will tell.
Out of all of the improvements that iPhone and Android users will experience with the features available to them with the iOS support of RCS, perhaps the best is the way images and videos sent and received will appear. Previously, when iPhone and Android users had to message each other using SMS and MMS, shared pictures were often blurry and out of focus. Videos were hard to view, too. But that can come to an end right now if you feel like gambling on installing the iOS 18 developer beta.
With the drop in battery life and the typical iOS beta bugs, you might be better served by waiting for the stable version to be released later this year. By then, we might see iOS add Google Messages’ end-to-end encryption with its RCS support.
The Rafel RAT is an advanced Android-targeting Remote Access Trojan which poses a great cybersecurity danger.
This malicious program has become popular due to its prominence for breaking into device security and taking away confidential details.
Knowing the origin of Rafel RAT, the tactics it uses to perpetrate crimes, and its main attributes is vital for individuals and organizations to have successful counter-strategies against this evolving danger in the mobile space.
Cybersecurity researchers at Zimperium recently discovered that Rafel RAT has been actively attacking Android devices to gain unauthorized access.
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Rafel RAT Attacking Android Devices
The Rafel RAT, which is being sold in the darknet forums, is a highly advanced Remote Access Trojan whose purpose is to provide threat actors with unauthorized access to other people’s devices.
Additionally, it can be used by all hackers who are either skilled or unskilled, as they can easily learn it and operate its user-friendly interface.
Rafel RAT was developed as an affordable and efficient hacking tool and has since become one of the most well-known pieces of malware in the cybersecurity area due to its sophisticated functions and capability for launching threats on compromised devices that may be exploited by numerous threat actors.
Here below, we have mentioned all the capabilities of Rafel RAT:-
Rafel RAT infiltrates devices through phishing, malicious attachments, or compromised apps.
It installs covertly, mimicking legitimate applications, and establishes a connection with a command and control server.
Once active, Rafel RAT can steal data, monitor user activity, and control device hardware for surveillance purposes.
Rafel RAT exfiltrates sensitive data from infected Android devices, including contacts, messages, and login credentials.
It provides attackers with remote access for device manipulation and command execution.
The Zimperium report cites the increasing danger of mobile devices, specifically Android, becoming a key part of one’s personal life and work. The example of Rafel RAT demonstrates this danger.
This ease of use and advanced features make it a big risk, and consequently, strong mobile security solutions are needed.
Appreciating how Rafel RAT works is vital to developing defenses against this kind of threat or similar threats.
Recommendations
Here below we have mentioned all the recommendations:-
Implement robust endpoint protection.
Users need to remain vigilant and educated about the risks of downloading apps from untrusted sources.
Regular updates and patches need to be implemented.
A change is coming to Netflix subscription plans in some markets starting on July 13th. That’s when the video streamer’s $11.99 ad-free plan will be discontinued in two countries. This is the cheapest ad-free subscription option that Netflix offers and eliminating it will force subscribers to move to one of three plans. These subscribers can choose the $6.99 per month plan that subjects them to viewing ads, or they can sign up for one of two ad-free plans that are available. There is an ad-free plan that costs $15.49 per month and a plan that offers ad-free 4K streams for $22.99 per month (more on this later).
A photo posted on a social media site shows that a Netflix subscriber, even though he still has a valid subscription for a couple of weeks, is not being allowed to use the platform until he subscribes to another plan. While this user was trying to view content on Netflix, he sees a sign on his television that said, “Your last day to watch Netflix is July 13. Choose a new plan to keep watching.” Underneath that heading Netflix writes, “Your Basic Plan has been discontinued, but you can easily switch to a new one. Plans start at $5.99 with upgraded features.”
This is unfair to the subscriber who is being forced to decide which plan to subscribe to right away if he wants to enjoy the remainder of the subscription that he pays for monthly. On Reddit, several people called out Netflix for doing something that they felt bordered on illegal. “There’s no option to continue watching without selecting a new plan,” one Netflix subscriber said on Reddit. Still, this shouldn’t be too surprising to Netflix subscribers since the company said this past January that it would push customers to less-expensive or more-expensive plans.
Those receiving the notice telling them that their current plan expires on July 13th can choose from one of three aforementioned options. Standard with ads is $6.99 per month and features Full HD (FHD) resolution streams with no more than two devices allowed to stream at once. This plan supports downloads and up to two devices can download content.
Ad-free options include Standard for $15.49 per month which has all of the same features as the Standard with ads plan, but without ads. The Premium plan is $22.99 per month and streams in Ultra HD resolution. Four devices can stream at once and up to six devices can download content for viewing when offline.
The notices about the discontinuation of the Basic plan is being seen by Netflix subscribers in Canada and the U.K. with U.S. users expected to be targeted soon. American Netflix subscribers should remember the saying, “To be forewarned is forearmed.”
Motorola has announced its new clamshell foldable smartphones recently. The Razr 2024 or Razr 50 series arrived, depending on where you live. It’s the Razr 2024 in the US, and Razr 50 basically everywhere else. In this article, we’ll compare the Motorola Razr+ 2024 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5. Motorola’s new flagship flip phone vs the most popular flip phone in the world at the moment. We’ll also refer to the new Razr phones as the Razr+ 2024 from now on.
These two smartphones do look quite similar, actually. Last year Motorola brought its Razr smartphones closer to the ‘Galaxy Z Flip’ series in terms of design. The same design direction is being used this year too. There are differences between them, though, of course. We will kick things off by listing their specs, and will then move to compare them across a number of categories. This will hopefully help you make a purchasing decision, just remember that the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is coming later this month.
Specs
Motorola Razr+ 2024 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, respectively
– Screen size (main): 6.9-inch fullHD+ foldable LTPO AMOLED (165Hz, HDR10+, 3,000 nits) 6.7-inch fullHD+ foldable LTPO Dynamic AMOLED 2X (120Hz, HDR10+, 1,750 nits) – Screen size (cover): 4-inch LTPO AMOLED (165Hz) 3.4-inch Super AMOLED (60Hz) – Display resolution (main): 2640 x 1080 – Display resolution (cover): 1080 x 1272 720 x 748 – SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 – RAM: 12GB (LPDDR5X) 8GB (LPDDR5X) – Storage: 256GB (UFS 4.0) 256GB/512GB (UFS 4.0) – Rear cameras: 50MP (wide, f/1.7 aperture, 24mm lens, 0.8um pixel size, OIS, PDAF), 50MP (telephoto, f/2.0 aperture, 0.64um pixel size, PDAF, 2x optical zoom) 12MP (wide, f/1.8 aperture, 24mm lens, 1/1.76-inch sensor, 1.8um pixel size, dual pixel PDAF, OIS), 12MP (ultrawide, f/2.2 aperture, 123-degree FoV, 1.12um pixel size) – Front cameras: 10MP (wide, f/2.2 aperture, 23mm lens, 1.22um pixel size) – Battery: 4,000mAh 3,700mAh – Charging: 45W wired, 15W wireless, 5W reverse wired (no charger) 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless (no charger) – Dimensions (unfolded): 171.4 x 74 x 7.1 mm 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm – Dimensions (folded): 88.1 x 74 x 15.3 mm 85.1 x 71.9 x 15.1 mm – Weight: 189 grams 187 grams – Connectivity: 5G, LTE, NFC, Wi-Fi, USB Type-C, Bluetooth 5.4/5.3 – Security: Side-facing fingerprint scanner – OS: Android 14 Android 13 with One UI 6.1 (upgradable) – Price: $999 $999 – Buy: Motorola Razr+ 2024 (Best Buy) Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 (Best Buy)
Motorola Razr+ 2024 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Design
Both of these smartphones have a flat foldable display with very thin bezels around it. They also include a centered display camera hole up top. The physical buttons on both smartphones sit on the right-hand side. It’s also worth noting that the power/lock button doubles as a fingerprint scanner on both devices. Both phones use aluminum for their frame, but their backplates are different. Motorola’s handset uses silicone polymer aka vegan leather, and Samsung’s has glass on the back.
Having said that, even their cover displays have plenty of similarities. The camera layout is the same, and the same goes for the LED flash. They’re horizontally aligned in the top-left corner. Those sensors cut into the cover display on both smartphones. Both phones have large cover displays, with thin bezels around them. We’ll talk more about those in the next section. The frame around the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is flat, while that’s not the case on the Razr+ 2024. It’s slightly curved.
The Motorola Razr+ 2024 is a bit taller and wider than the Galaxy Z Flip 5. That’s not surprising, however, as Motorola’s handset has a larger main display than the Galaxy Z Flip 5. The cover panel is also larger, but the main one dictates the size of the phone a lot more. The Motorola Razr+ 2024 is noticeably taller and wider, while the two phones are almost identical in terms of thickness. They’re also almost the same when it comes to weight, there’s a 2-gram difference. That’s not the difference you’ll feel in the hand. Do note that both devices are also IPX8 certified for water resistance.
Motorola Razr+ 2024 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Display
The Motorola Razr+ 2024 features a 6.9-inch fullHD+ (2640 x 1080) Foldable LTPO AMOLED display. That panel can project up to 1 billion colors and supports Dolby Vision too. It has a refresh rate of up to 165Hz and supports HDR10+ content. The peak brightness of this display is 3,000 nits. The screen-to-body ratio is around 85%. The cover display measures 4 inches and offers a resolution of 1080 x 1272. That is also an LTPO AMOLED display which can project up to 1 billion colors. Dolby Vision is supported, and this panel also offers a 165Hz refresh rate. HDR10+ content is supported here too, while the display can go up to 2,400 nits of brightness. It’s protected by the Gorilla Glass Victus.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, on the other hand, has a 6.7-inch fullHD+ (2640 x 1080) Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. That panel’s refresh rate goes up to 120Hz, and HDR10+ content is supported. The peak brightness here is 1,750 nits. The screen-to-body ratio on this display is around 86%. The cover display measures 3.4 inches, and it’s a Super AMOLED panel. Its resolution is 720 x 748, while the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protects this display. The refresh rate here is “only” 60Hz.
There’s really not much to complain about either of these two displays. They’re both vivid, and sharp, and offer great viewing angles. The Motorola Razr+ 2024’s panel does get a bit brighter, and it also technically has a higher refresh rate, but not at all times, only with specific content. Both displays do offer good touch response, and both have those inky blacks OLED users love. Their cover displays are also very good, though that’s an area where some of you may notice a higher refresh rate on Motorola’s handset. Other than that, they’re basically on par. We don’t have any special complaints on either one, though once again, the panel on the Motorola Razr+ 2024 does get a bit brighter.
Motorola Razr+ 2024 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Performance
The Motorola Razr+ 2024 is fueled by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 CPU. That is not the most powerful chip from Qualcomm, but it’s close to it. The Galaxy Z Flip 5, on the flip side, comes with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. Both of those are 4nm processors, by the way. Motorola’s handset includes 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and it utilizes 256GB of UFS 4.0 flash storage. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 ships with 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 flash storage.
Having said that, these two chips are both quite powerful. The two phones also have some of the best RAM and storage solutions out there. Truth be said, Motorola’s handset does come with more RAM. Is there a big difference in their performance, though? Well, in short, no, not really. They’re both very snappy across the board, which is not surprising considering their internals. Sure, their software is different due to different skins, but still, both are on the same level in terms of performance.
They were able to open apps really fast, multitasking really well, and run basically anything. Jumping between apps is not a problem, neither is browsing, multimedia consumption, or anything else you can think of. Yes, you can easily play games on these phones too. Do note that their display aspect ratios are tall and wide, however, so take that into account. Playing games is a smooth ordeal, though both phones can get quite warm after prolonged gaming sessions. We did not notice any problems with gaming performance, though. These two devices are on the same level in terms of performance.
Motorola Razr+ 2024 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Battery
The Motorola Razr+ 2024 includes a 4,000mAh battery, while the Galaxy Z Flip 5 has a 3,700mAh battery pack. Yes, Motorola’s handset does have a slightly larger battery, but it also has a slightly larger display. Is the battery life on the same level, though? Well, no, not really. The Motorola Razr+ 2024 did a better job for us, noticeably better. Let’s say that it offers around 25% better battery life than the Galaxy Z Flip 5, that was, at least, our experience with the device.
Do note that this goes for battery life in general. In one aspect, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 did a better job. We’ve noticed that, for some reason, it drains less battery during voice calls. Everything else goes into the favor of Motorola’s handset. Getting over 7 hours of screen-on-time is possible on the Motorola Razr+ 2024 while going that high with the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is… well, difficult. At times we get barely 6 hours of screen-on-time on the Galaxy Z Flip 5. It all depends on what you do on your phone, of course, so your mileage will vary.
The Motorola Razr+ 2024 beats the Galaxy Z Flip 5 in the charging department too, at least as far as wired charging goes. It supports 45W wired charging, compared to 25W wired charging on the Galaxy Z Flip 5. It does charge faster. Both phones support 15W wireless charging. Motorola’s handset also supports 5W reverse wired charging, while the Galaxy Z Flip 5 supports 4.5W reverse wireless charging. So if you plan to use a phone to charge your truly wireless earbuds, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the way to go. Neither phone includes a charger in the box, by the way.
Motorola Razr+ 2024 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Cameras
Both of these phones have two cameras on the back, and one on the main display. The Motorola Razr+ 2024 has a 50-megapixel main camera, and a 50-megapixel telephoto unit (2x optical zoom). The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 includes a 12-megapixel main camera, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide unit (123-degree FoV). Neither device offers a variable aperture nor a 1-inch type sensor.
Motorola Razr+ 2024
Neither of these two phones is camera-centric. That much is obvious. However, they both do a good job in the camera department. The Motorola Razr+ 2024 does bring a considerable improvement compared to last year’s model. The camera hardware is better, and so are the results. When we compare the two devices head-to-head, the images from the Galaxy Z Flip 5 do end up looking more processed. In fact, the images can look a bit oversaturated at times. There is also more details on the Motorola Razr+ 2024 photos, though you may have to pixel peep in order to notice. The images do look more realistic from Motorola’s phone.
When it comes to low light, both phones do a good job, though not at the level of flagship camera smartphones. The exposure is good on both, while the Galaxy Z Flip 5 has a tendency to offer a bit more brightness in low-light scenarios, for better or worse. Sharpening can be seen on both phones, especially in darker areas. It’s easier to spot on the Galaxy Z Flip 5, however, and more common too, which is not surprising considering the sensor difference. Generally, the photos do look good from both, as long as you’re not expecting outstanding performance in low light. You may want to stick to their main cameras in such conditions, though.
Audio
Both of these smartphones do offer stereo speakers, but there is a difference, a considerable one. The speakers on the Motorola Razr+ 2024 are considerably louder in comparison. We did not expect such a noticeable difference. The ones on the Galaxy Z Flip 5 are not particularly dim, but you will notice this difference, that’s for sure. The sound balance is good from both sets, however.
You will not find an audio jack on either of the two phones, unfortunately. They do have Type-C ports, so you can use those for wired connections. Alternatively, you can opt to go for wireless connectivity. The Motorola Razr+ 2024 supports Bluetooth 5.4, while the Galaxy Z Flip 5 comes with Bluetooth 5.3 support.
Google has started rolling out the Android 14’s July 2024 security patch update for the Pixel smartphones. The new Android 14 security upgrade is now live for several Pixel series handsets, apart from the Pixel Watch wearable. The new July 2024 security patch for the Pixels has just started rolling out, so it could take some time to reach all devices.
The July 2024 security patch for Pixels also improves camera and system stability
Google hasn’t yet released the complete change log of the July 2024 security patch for the Pixel devices. It reportedly resolves many security issues for the Pixel 8, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 7, Pixel 6, and Pixel 5a. Notably, the new firmware for the Pixel 8 series has its own .005 build. The other devices are on the .004 build this month.
Notably, Verizon has released some details regarding the latest firmware for the users of the Pixel 8a on its network. The support page on the telco’s website suggests that the new update improves camera and system stability. The Pixel 8a units on Verizon’s network have started receiving the new “AP2A.240705.005” software version. We expect Google to release the full change log of the July 2024 security patch update for the Pixels very soon.
The same update is also live for the Google Pixel Watch series
Apart from the new Pixel phones and the tablet, the July 2024 security update is also rolling out to the Pixel Watch. The update doesn’t bring many notable new features and primarily focuses on patching any security issues. As of now, it isn’t clear if the new firmware addresses the issues regarding the excessive battery drain and restart problems.
Android 15 Beta 3.1 update also starts rolling out with fixes for Pixels
In the meantime, Google has also released the Android 15 Beta 3.1 update for the Pixel phones. It is a minor firmware upgrade that focuses on fixing some bugs related to the lock screen. The new update solves the annoying lock screen authentication bug on the Pixel products.
The new firmware is recognized by the build number “AP31.240517.031”. It is available to download from the official Google repositories. It should start rolling out over the air in the coming days.
