Week 29 in Review: Redmi Note 17 Series Goes Official, OnePlus Exits Europe and North America
Redmi Note 17 and 17 Pro: Battery Monsters Arrive
Xiaomi has officially unveiled the Redmi Note 17 and Redmi Note 17 Pro in China, and the headline numbers are all about battery life. The Redmi Note 17 packs an enormous 8,000mAh cell, while the Pro raises the bar even further with a staggering 9,000mAh battery — among the largest we’ve ever seen in a smartphone.
Both phones feature 120Hz OLED displays, IP69 dust and water resistance, Android 16 with HyperOS, and Qualcomm chipsets. The Pro variant adds a 200MP main camera and faster 67W charging. Pricing starts at CNY 1,199 ($167/€143) for the Note 17 and CNY 1,599 ($223/€191) for the Pro. Global availability is yet to be announced.
Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked Prep: Leaks Flood In
With Samsung’s next Galaxy Unpacked event just days away (July 22), leaks have all but eliminated the surprises. Official-looking renders show the Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Flip8, Galaxy Watch9, and Watch Ultra2 — all with familiar designs and fresh color options.
The Z Fold8 Ultra is shaping up to be the premium option with a larger display, 200MP main camera, up to 16GB of RAM, and a bigger battery. The standard Fold8 is rumored to adopt a wider cover display for a more traditional smartphone experience.
OnePlus Withdraws from Europe and North America
In a bombshell announcement, OnePlus has officially confirmed it will withdraw from North America and Europe after more than a decade. Existing users will continue to receive software updates and support, but no new devices will be sold in these regions. The company is refocusing on China and India, while Oppo is expected to take a larger role in Western markets.
Google Pixel 11 Series Leaks
Google’s upcoming Pixel 11 series has leaked extensively ahead of its anticipated August 12 unveiling. An early retailer listing suggests the base Pixel 11 will start at $899 with 256GB of storage. Key specs include a 6.3-inch OLED display, 12GB of RAM, and a nearly 5,000mAh battery for the base model, with Pro variants getting larger screens and upgraded cameras.
Under the hood, the Pixel 11 series is expected to debut Google’s new 2nm Tensor G6 chipset alongside a MediaTek-developed modem — marking a significant generational upgrade.
