The tech world is shifting its focus to Mountain View, California. Google I/O, Google’s annual developer showcase, is set to start on May 20, and like every year, it draws the attention of avid Android fans who wish to preview Google’s next-generation mobile operating system. Samsung also plans to take advantage of the event by announcing a limited-time offer on one of its flagship models, the Galaxy S25 Edge.
Touted as one of the “must-see” devices of the year, preorders for the S25 Edge will start a week after Google I/O, advancing the countdown for users anticipating the next installment of Android. This is not the only device users will be looking forward to, with the Pixel 9 slated to release after the conference. It looks like both Google and Samsung are fully geared towards the next iteration of the OS, enabling seamless transition for its users.
Unlocking New Features with the Latest OS
The long-awaited presentation for Android 16 is set for Google’s I/O conference, where they also feature all of the new software capabilities of devices ranging from Google Pixel to Samsung Galaxy.
The conference should start at 11:30 PM on Tuesday, with Android Development’s future updates being the highlight of the show. Based on previous reports, the users should expect a rollout with all of the new features within a month after the conference. It is estimated that the upgrade will first appear on the Google Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25 Edge.
Also, not every device will work with the features, let alone be compatible. Users with older hardware models may have to pay to bring their devices up to standards in order to enjoy the new features of Android 16. In this case, last week’s pricing shifts were quite advantageous.
Sharp Discount on Google Pixel
Retailers are offering steep discounts on smartphones eligible for Android 16 upgrades, with the Google Pixel 9 unlocked and SIM-free version available on Amazon for £620.96, down from £799, a savings of £178.04. This is great for users seeking upper-tier devices, as it ensures a smooth migration to Android 16. Sky Mobile offers the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro devices for £24 and £27 a month, respectively, but these contracts last long enough to negate the price value of the devices.
Pre-order offers with 512 GB as the base storage freebie promoted by Samsung for the Pixel 8a caught attention. Giffgaff offers full ownership of the Pixel 8a for £299 or payment plans with £8.03 monthly wages, £200 cheaper than initially claimed.
Google is carving their niche with the Pixels, with Samsung climbing the market share graph with the Galaxy S25 Edge. As the projected date stands now, May 29 is launch day hype, allowing advertising to begin sooner. Samsung’s profit comes from bringing the phone under the £1,099 sale mark, while Sky Mobile joins the “give it to me free” gang with a monthly fee of £40.
Samsung’s latest product, the Galaxy S25 Edge, is designed for those who want to slide something slimmer into their skinny jeans. The S25 Edge weighs 163 grams and measures 5.8 mm, with a titanium frame paired with Corning Gorilla glass for durability. However, the device has a smaller battery inside, potentially not lasting as long as its siblings.
Smart Timing to Upgrade
Users, on the other hand, have objectives of their own, like getting boots to the market surfing from a cutting-edge device before the expected announcement of Mobile 16, which is set to go live with features one could only dream of.
Not to mention the budget tick, with the Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel serving as pilot marks for the class action retailers prepared. Target, from work, or just running out? Everyone smiled at the tone of Android’s rollout.
