The annual Google I/O conference begins today and we’re expected some big news for Pixel and Samsung Galaxy fans
Google is kicking off its flagship I/O event on Tuesday (May 20) and there’s a major update in the pipeline for Android fans. The tech giant’s annual developer conference is used as a showcase for new product launches, innovations and insights.
Google I/O can be livestreamed straight from Mountain View, California, on Google’s website, with tech fans able to catch all the latest updates on Gemini and Android. One of the key things to look out for is the reveal of Android 16, the latest version of the software that powers smartphones and tablets from Google, Samsung and more.
Google speakers will unveil ‘the future of Android development’ at 11.30pm on Tuesday, with reports suggesting Android 16 could be rolled out within the next month to devices including the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. But not everyone Android phone will be able to run the new software, so those with older models will need to upgrade to use the shiny new features.
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Luckily, we’ve been scouring the web for the latest deals on Google and Samsung smartphones that will support Android 16 and have found discounts worth hundreds of pounds. Amazon is currently offering a £178.04 price drop on an unlocked and SIM free Google Pixel 9, that’s fallen to £620.96 from the original £799.
This is still more expensive than the £499 Google Pixel 9a, the latest addition to Google’s budget-friendly smartphone series which launched in April. Those who prefer to spread the cost of their tech can head to Sky Mobile, where the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are available for £24 and £27 respectively.
It’s worth noting these prices are only for the handset, so customers will want to pick up a data SIM too, which range from £0 for 100MB to £20 for unlimited. Those opting for a slightly older model can save £200 on the Pixel 8a, which launched in May 2024, as Giffgaff offers the handset for £299 when buying outright, or £8.03 per month when spreading the cost.
There’s also some impressive price drops on Samsung’s Galaxy S series, with the Galaxy S25 now at £751 from Amazon and £25 from Sky. But for shoppers who simply must have the latest smartphone, pre-orders are now open for the new Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, set to hit shelves on May 29.
It’s not cheap though, coming with a £1,099 price tag from Samsung and Amazon, or £40 when spreading the cost with Sky Mobile. However, each retailer is sweetening the deal by offering 512GB storage for the price of 256GB, while Sky is also throwing in a free pair of Galaxy Buds3 Pro.
Samsung describes the S25 Edge – a new super-slim version of the S25 – as a ‘feat of engineering’. It’s easy on the eye too, as our tech editor Dave Snelling said it ‘wouldn’t look out of place on a Paris catwalk’.
He said: “We’ve seen plus-sized phones, folding phones and mini phones. Now Samsung is back with a super skinny new device that wouldn’t look out of place on a Paris catwalk. It’s been made for people who want something a little more svelte tucked in their skinny jeans.
“The Edge certainly looks impressive, especially for anyone wanting something less bulky in their pocket. It measures just 5.8mm (the Galaxy S25 Ultra is 8.3mm) and weighs 163 grams (the Ultra is 218g).
And don’t worry about it breaking as Samsung is confident this wafer-thin call maker is made of tough stuff, thanks to a titanium shell and impressive Corning Gorilla Glass.”
However, he also noted a potential downside, adding: “It won’t come cheap with prices starting from £1,099. It also has a smaller battery inside so it may not last as long as its siblings.”