Here's how Google's getting ready for Android's upcoming sideloading restrictions
https://www.androidauthority.com/install-without-verifying-3633199/

https://redd.it/1qeovgr
@reddit_android

Another certification confirms the vivo X300 Ultra's global release
https://www.gsmarena.com/another_certification_confirms_the_vivo_x300_ultras_global_release-news-71144.php

https://redd.it/1qemta4
@reddit_android

Updates to the community

Hello r/Android we are going to be updating parts of the sub in the coming weeks.

* reinstating the weekly threads soon
* Update the wiki
* curated\_android will deal with mega threads now

If you have any questions please comment them below

https://redd.it/1qjhh77
@reddit_android

Nex Computer unveils $549 smartphone that runs Android, Linux, and Windows 11
https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/nexdock-is-building-a-new-windows-phone-that-you-can-buy-in-2026-meet-the-nexphone-with-windows-11

https://redd.it/1qj453n
@reddit_android

Verizon carriers start switching to 365-day device unlock policy, up from 60 days
https://9to5google.com/2026/01/20/verizon-device-unlock-policy-365-day/

https://redd.it/1qitjhs
@reddit_android

Here's how the iQOO 15 Ultra's huge active cooling fan will work
https://www.gsmarena.com/heres_how_the_iqoo_15_ultras_huge_active_cooling_fan_will_work-news-71200.php

https://redd.it/1qjknkp
@reddit_android

What is the launcher to switch from Nova?

After the Instabridge thing maybe I should switch launcher? What should I switch to?

I might get a Z Flip 7 soon so preferably something that supports flippables

Also I don't really care about features, I just want a basic launcher which supports texture packs, has a good app drawer, etc

Rn idk if I should get​ Smart Launcher, Lawnchair, or Octopi or anything else

I heard good about Niagara but turns out it's different style it seems

Maybe stick to stock Samsung launcher iif I do switch?

Unsure

Also I use Icon Pack Studio from Smart Launcher but with IPS Exporter

https://redd.it/1qjcnzn
@reddit_android

Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition review - GSMArena
https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_17_ultra_leica_edition-review-2922.php

https://redd.it/1qj7mtc
@reddit_android

Review of Leica Leitz Phone 3

I just recently bought it from a dealer. The condition is wonderful. It doesn't even have any scratches.

It's basically the Sharp Aquos R8 Pro but redesigned and supervised by Leica. The back material is plastic, to be honest (Polyacrylic), but the feeling when I touch it is the same as I felt on a Leica camera. The design of this phone reminds me of the Leica M8.

It has the IMX989 1-inch camera sensor and a Summicron lens (wide angle). It comes with Leitz Looks, which simulates the look of the Summilux 28, Summilux 35, and Noctilux 50 (I don't see any differences, honestly). It contains Leica color schemes: Monochrome, Cinema Classic, Cinema Contemporary, Enhanced, and Vivid. But I only choose Monochrome most of the time. It also has aperture simulation, from F/1.2 to F/5.6. In fact, its quality depends on the depth of field. If the subject is separated from the background, the bokeh will be smooth. But if the subject is too close to the background, such as against a wall, the algorithm will misidentify it, and the bokeh will look unnatural and encroach on the subject.

In daily life, the experience when shooting is great. This phone is suitable for street photography because of the wide-angle lens. I can shoot for a long period of time without stopping the camera because the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is cooler than the previous generation (Yep, Leitz Phone 2 running Snap 8 Gen 1 and Leitz Phone 1 running Snap 888 were both too hot; shooting for a short period of time would make the camera stop).

I don't play any games, so I cannot give you any gaming experience.

All the reasons that made me buy this phone are the Leitz logo and the 1-inch sensor. For me, I'm satisfied with this device and the camera experience it provides. It's not perfect, nor is it suitable as a primary phone, but the feeling it gives me makes me feel like I'm holding a Leica camera in the form of a phone.

https://preview.redd.it/yvn6nrt90teg1.jpg?width=4338&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9c8387543e18ad8f5fc72d3d9e2d01e6f3a090d5



https://redd.it/1qjgw07
@reddit_android

This is the magnetic Qi2 battery pack for the Samsung Galaxy S26.
https://winfuture.de/news,156292.html

https://redd.it/1qj584f
@reddit_android

Here's the chipset powering the OnePlus Nord 6
https://www.gsmarena.com/heres_the_chipset_powering_the_oneplus_nord_6-news-71192.php

https://redd.it/1qj38vp
@reddit_android

Still don't have the Pixel January 2026 update? You're not alone!
https://www.androidauthority.com/pixel-january-2026-update-missing-3634459/

https://redd.it/1qjuc4c
@reddit_android

Daily Superthread (Jan 22 2026) - Your daily thread for questions, device recommendations and general discussions!

Note 1. Check MoronicMondayAndroid, which serves as a repository for our retired weekly threads. Just pick any thread and Ctrl-F your way to wisdom!



Note 2. Join our IRC and Telegram chat-rooms! Please see our wiki for instructions.



Please post your questions here. Feel free to use this thread for general questions/discussion as well.



The r/Android wiki has a list of recommended phones and covers most areas, the links have been added below. Any suggestions or changes are welcome. Please contact us if you would like to help maintain this section.



Entry level devices



Midrange section



Flagship section

https://redd.it/1qjvbo9
@reddit_android

New Android malware uses AI to click on hidden browser ads
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/new-android-malware-uses-ai-to-click-on-hidden-browser-ads/

https://redd.it/1qjxgou
@reddit_android

Utah is trying to make Android the "Official state mobile operating system"
https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0138.html

https://redd.it/1qk50o6
@reddit_android

Epic may have carved out a special new product deal with Google that the judge is letting them keep secret.
https://www.theverge.com/policy/866110/epic-may-have-carved-out-a-special-new-product-deal-with-google-that-the-judge-is-letting-them-keep-secret

https://redd.it/1qk6z7d
@reddit_android

Google Photos preps a new look for sharing pics, but could lose a useful tool (share sheet) - Android Authority
https://www.androidauthority.com/google-photos-sharing-3634367/

https://redd.it/1qk5n8h
@reddit_android

Why AOSP builds take forever (and what actually helps reduce the wait time)

I’ve spent a lot of time working with large AOSP trees (automotive + embedded), and one thing that keeps coming up is how much build time teams quietly accept as “normal.”

What surprised me most over time wasn’t just how long builds take but *why* they take that long.

In practice, it’s usually not the size of AOSP alone. A big chunk of the pain comes from:

* Rebuilding the same framework and native components again and again across branches and CI
* Dependency bottlenecks high in the tree that leave cores idle
* Optimizing local machines while ignoring redundancy across the team

I wrote a longer breakdown of where AOSP build time actually goes, what helps (and what doesn’t), and the trade-offs teams run into when they try to speed things up.

If you’re dealing with long AOSP or embedded Android builds, I’m genuinely curious:
**what’s been the biggest issue for you?**

https://redd.it/1qjyu48
@reddit_android

Do you still own a physical scanner, or is your Android phone enough now?

I realised recently I haven’t touched a physical scanner in years - all my adult paperwork (contracts, receipts, uni/HR forms) goes through my phone now. On Android I’m using a small app called Scanium as my default: open it, scan the page on the desk, tweak the borders if needed and save a PDF I can email or drop into Drive. Curious how it looks for others: are you fully phone-only for scanning these days, and which Android scanner app ended up sticking for you long term? 🙃

https://redd.it/1qjylk4
@reddit_android

Dev I built RendrFlow: A privacy first, 100% offline AI Upscaler that runs entirely on-device (No cloud uploads)

Hi r/Android,

I am the developer of RendrFlow.

I built this app because I was tired of "free" upscalers that force you to upload your personal photos to a cloud server or hit you with a paywall after 3 edits. I believed our modern smartphones (Snapdragon/Tensor/Exynos chips) were powerful enough to handle these tasks locally, so I created an app that does exactly that.

try it:

If you have old, low-resolution photos or blurry shots that you want to fix without sharing them with a third-party server, this app is for you.

working (The Tech):

RendrFlow utilizes TensorFlow Lite and Android NNAPI to run Super Resolution models directly on your device’s hardware.

\- 100% Offline: You can put your phone in Airplane mode and it works perfectly.

\- Privacy: No data mining, no accounts, and no uploads. Your photos stay yours.

\- Optimization: It utilizes TFLite delegates to accelerate processing on your GPU/CPU.

Main Features:

\- AI Super Resolution: Upscale up to 16x (Choice of "High" speed or "Ultra" detail).

\- Background Removal: Instantly create transparent PNGs.

\- Batch Tools: Queue multiple images to upscale or convert (JPEG/PNG/WEBP/PDF) while you do other things.

Device Support:

I’ve optimized it for modern Android devices. Since it relies on your hardware, results may be faster on flagship chips , but it is fully functional on mid-range devices too.

Link:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.saif.example.imageupscaler

I’d love for you to give it a spin and let me know how the inference speed feels on your specific device model!

https://redd.it/1qjpi17
@reddit_android

Leak: Standard Oppo Find X10 To Feature 200MP Periscope Telephoto Lens
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Oppo-Find-X10-Major-camera-upgrade-tipped-for-next-gen-standard-model.1210699.0.html

https://redd.it/1qkl96j
@reddit_android