Samsung has unveiled its new, exclusive Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition variants in China: the Samsung W25 and W25 Flip. These two luxurious models bring an upgraded design with golden Armor Aluminum frames, black panels, and a “Heart of the World” logo in a matte finish. With added premium elements, these devices are targeting luxury-focused consumers looking for high-end features and a distinctive look.

Premium Design with Extra Bling

The W25 and W25 Flip have golden accents and are crafted with high-quality materials. The W25 boasts a luxurious ceramic back, adding durability and a premium feel, though it increases the weight by 19g compared to the standard Galaxy Z Fold SE. Both models are rated IP48 for dust and water resistance, reflecting Samsung’s commitment to durability.

Advanced Camera and Display Capabilities

The Samsung W25 stands out with its powerful camera setup: a 200MP primary rear camera with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. Additionally, it includes a 10MP selfie camera and a 4MP internal selfie camera. The W25 Flip features a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP selfie camera. Both phones support 4K 60fps and 8K 30fps video recording for a high-quality video experience.

High-Performance Internals

Under the hood, the W25 and W25 Flip are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 For Galaxy chip, which is optimized for Samsung’s devices. The W25 offers a configuration of 16GB RAM and up to 1TB of storage, while the W25 Flip comes with 12GB RAM and up to 512GB of storage.

Battery and Charging

The W25 packs a 4,400mAh battery, while the W25 Flip includes a 4,000mAh battery. Both models support 25W fast charging with USB PD PPS and include an official case in the box for added protection.

Enhanced Software with AI-Powered Bixby

Running on Android 14-based One UI 6.1.1, both models come equipped with the next-gen Bixby, which leverages large language models for more natural language processing, understanding context, and delivering a more fluid user experience.

Availability and Pre-Order

The Samsung W25 and W25 Flip are currently available for pre-reservation in China through Samsung’s website. Pricing details have yet to be disclosed, but with the added luxury features and exclusive availability, these models are positioned as high-end options within Samsung’s foldable lineup.

The Samsung W25 and W25 Flip deliver not just on the aesthetic front, but also in performance, camera quality, and software, making them compelling choices for consumers seeking both style and substance in the foldable smartphone market.

Samsung is working to match Apple’s secure, privacy-centered ecosystem, but when it comes to timely updates, Galaxy owners still face a big challenge. Samsung’s Galaxy S24 and S23 users are the latest to feel the impact of Samsung’s traditional, slower update system, particularly as Google improves its update game with Android 15. The issue? Galaxy devices are yet to support seamless updates, a feature Google has already integrated into its Pixel line, allowing users to update without interrupting device use.

Samsung’s Approach to Updates: Why the Delay?

Samsung is known for exceptional hardware and its security-focused Knox platform, but it lags in timely updates. While Google now offers a seamless Over-The-Air (OTA) system on Pixel devices, Samsung devices still require a lengthy restart for updates, disrupting user experience. In March, it appeared Samsung was moving toward seamless updates, with early models like the Galaxy A55 5G reportedly testing this feature. However, no further announcements have emerged, and recent reports indicate that Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S24 and S23 series won’t receive the seamless update feature. Instead, users will have to wait until the Galaxy S25 to enjoy the convenience of this modern update system.

The Galaxy S25: Will It Solve Samsung’s Update Woes?

The Galaxy S25 is rumored to be the first flagship Samsung device to support seamless updates. According to Android Authority, this would finally bring Samsung closer to Google’s and Apple’s standard. Unlike Samsung’s current system, where users endure a complete device restart, seamless updates apply changes in the background, so users experience no downtime—enhancing user experience and speeding up security patches.

Security Concerns: Waiting for Android 15 and One UI 7

Samsung’s traditional update approach also affects security. Monthly patches vary based on device, carrier, and region, so not every Galaxy S24 or S23 user receives updates on the same schedule. The delayed release of Android 15 and Samsung’s One UI 7 beta adds to this inconsistency, frustrating users who expect fast updates on flagship devices.

Another concern for Samsung users is a critical Qualcomm vulnerability that affects certain Galaxy devices. While it’s unclear whether the upcoming security release will address this vulnerability, Samsung needs to ensure timely patches, especially in an era where device security is paramount.

Why Regular, Seamless Updates Matter for Samsung’s Reputation

As Samsung works toward Apple’s level of security and privacy, timely updates are a crucial missing piece. Google’s Pixel devices now feature fast, all-at-once updates, giving Samsung owners more reasons to consider an alternative. Samsung’s delay in adopting seamless updates may be due to the complexities of managing diverse devices and regional versions, but addressing this issue is essential to compete with Apple.

Until Samsung closes the gap with seamless updates, Galaxy owners may find themselves waiting longer than desired for new Android features and essential security patches. The Galaxy S25 may hold the key to bridging this gap, but until then, Samsung users must contend with an aging update process that Apple and Google have already left behind.

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As cybersecurity threats evolve, Android devices are once again under the microscope with the resurgence of Fake Call, a sophisticated Trojan targeting financial data. Initially discovered in 2022, Fake Call stands out among Android banking Trojans due to its unique ability to intercept voice calls made to banks and reroute them to numbers controlled by attackers. Now, with 13 new variants surfacing, Fake Call is getting smarter and harder to detect, taking fraud tactics to the next level. Here’s what you need to know to stay vigilant.

What Is the FakeCall Trojan?

FakeCall is not your typical banking Trojan. First identified by Kaspersky researchers in 2022, it has built-in call interception capabilities that allow it to mimic or intercept calls a user makes to their bank’s customer support. More alarming, FakeCall can simulate incoming calls from supposed bank employees, tricking victims into sharing confidential information with a live scammer.

How FakeCall Operates

FakeCall uses a number of strategies to deceive users and gain access to sensitive information:

1. Call Rerouting and Simulation: FakeCall can detect when users attempt to call their bank. Instead of connecting them to a legitimate customer support line, it reroutes the call to a number operated by the attackers.
2. Fake Incoming Calls: The Trojan can simulate an incoming call from what appears to be the victim’s bank, leveraging social engineering to coax the victim into giving away their credentials.
3. Default Call Handler Permissions: For these tricks to work, the Trojan requests permissions to become the default call handler on the Android device during installation. Once granted, it intercepts calls without raising suspicion.
4. Deceptive Overlay Screens: To cover its tracks, FakeCall can overlay its own interface over the legitimate bank’s screen, making users believe everything is functioning as usual.

New and Enhanced Features in Recent Variants

A recent report from mobile security firm Zimperium reveals that FakeCall is now more difficult to detect. Here are some notable additions to its already sophisticated toolkit:

• Enhanced Obfuscation: The malware’s developers have gone to great lengths to make detection harder by hiding malicious code in encrypted .dex files, which only decrypt when loaded onto the infected device. Zimperium researchers initially thought these apps represented a new malware family until a detailed analysis linked them back to FakeCall.
• Bluetooth and Screen Monitoring: New capabilities allow the malware to monitor Bluetooth and screen states. While no immediate malicious intent is visible in these features, they likely serve as placeholders for future functionalities that could further compromise security.
• Accessibility Service Exploits: The latest FakeCall versions exploit Android’s Accessibility Service, giving the Trojan control over the user interface, including access to on-screen information and the ability to simulate user actions. With permissions like these, attackers can manipulate devices remotely, even controlling interactions across apps.
• Remote Command Capabilities: FakeCall connects to a Command-and-Control (C2) server, allowing attackers to issue commands, monitor activities, and take full control of an infected device’s UI. This feature enhances the Trojan’s remote operational scope, making it a potent tool for fraud.

Who Is Being Targeted?

FakeCall initially targeted South Korean banks, but recent developments indicate it now supports additional languages like English, Japanese, and Chinese. While it still seems to prioritize users of specific regional banks, the language expansion suggests that its creators may plan to extend attacks to other regions over time.

Protecting Your Android Device from FakeCall

With Android Trojans like FakeCall becoming more stealthy, here are practical steps to help safeguard your financial information:

1. Scrutinize App Sources: Avoid installing apps from unknown sources, and only download banking or financial apps directly from Google Play or official bank websites.
2. Review Permissions: Be cautious about granting permission for any app to be the default call handler, particularly if the app has little reason to handle calls.
3. Enable Google Play Protect: This service, available on all Android devices, scans for malicious apps. While not foolproof, it provides an additional layer of protection against Trojans like FakeCall.
4. Stay Alert to Unusual Calls: Be cautious if you receive calls from unknown numbers claiming to be your bank, especially if you’re asked to share sensitive information. Legitimate banks will never ask for credentials over the phone.
5. Regularly Update Your OS and Apps: Keeping your Android OS and applications updated helps protect against known vulnerabilities that malware can exploit.

Final Thoughts

The FakeCall Trojan represents a concerning evolution in Android banking malware, using innovative call interception and user interface manipulation tactics to exploit users. As cybersecurity defenses improve, it’s clear that attackers are responding with increasingly sophisticated methods. For Android users, staying informed about these developments is key to avoiding financial fraud.

By remaining cautious and adopting basic security practices, users can reduce their risk of falling victim to this potent Trojan.