The Samsung Galaxy S25 series has been a big hit, selling 16.42 million units by the end of May. This includes 4.86 million basic models, 3.17 million Plus models, and a whopping 8.39 million Ultra models. What’s interesting is that all of these phones use a special chip: the “Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy.”

This leads to a simple, yet intriguing question: does this mean exactly 16.42 million Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chips have been shipped?

The answer is very likely yes, almost certainly.

Here’s why this is significant:

Traditionally, Samsung has sometimes used different chips in their Galaxy S phones depending on the region. Some areas would get phones with Samsung’s own “Exynos” chips, while others would get “Snapdragon” chips from Qualcomm.

However, for the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung made a big change. Due to reasons like production challenges with their own chips, Samsung decided to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy in all Galaxy S25 phones worldwide. This means that every single one of those 16.42 million Galaxy S25 units sold comes with that specific Snapdragon chip inside.

So, while it might seem like a straightforward question, it highlights a notable shift in Samsung’s strategy and a huge win for Qualcomm, the maker of the Snapdragon chip. It confirms that the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy is indeed the main chip powering this generation of Galaxy S phones, with its sales numbers directly reflecting the success of the S25 lineup.

Samsung is facing tough times in the smartwatch market, slipping from third to fourth place globally. A recent report shows that competitors like Xiaomi and Huawei are growing fast, while Samsung’s sales are struggling, especially in North America and Europe. Xiaomi has now overtaken Samsung, claiming the top spot with its affordable Redmi Band 5, while Apple remains the market leader.

Huawei holds strong in second place, and Samsung trails behind in fourth. The first quarter of 2025 was rough for Samsung, with a noticeable dip in shipments. This is a concern, as North America and Europe are key markets for the company. However, this data reflects a quieter period for Samsung, as it typically launches new smartwatches later in the year.

Global Smartwatch Shipments by OEM Share, Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024

The upcoming Galaxy Watch 8 series, set to debut at Samsung’s Unpacked event on July 9 in New York City, could help turn things around. The new watches will feature a fresh “squircle” design, aiming to win over buyers. Despite the challenges, Samsung’s fans are excited about the upcoming launch.

The company hopes its new smartwatches will boost sales and help reclaim a stronger position in the market. With rivals stepping up, Samsung needs a big win to stay competitive. Keep an eye out for the Unpacked event to see if the Galaxy Watch 8 can make a difference.

Global Smartwatch Shipments by Region Share, Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024

Google rolls out monthly updates to keep Android devices running smoothly, and the July 2025 Google System Updates bring some handy improvements. These updates focus on Google Play Services, Google Play Store, and the Android system itself, making your device more secure and user-friendly.

For Google Play Services, version 25.26 adds better support for Google Wallet, letting you tap to pay for transit without opening the app. This works in select cities like Washington, D.C., Seattle, and Toronto, but your watch needs to be unlocked. The update also improves account syncing and enhances privacy features, giving you more control over your data.

The Google Play Store, version 42.1, makes finding apps easier with improved search results. It also speeds up app downloads and updates, so you spend less time waiting. Plus, there are new tools for developers to create smoother, more reliable apps. For Android devices, the July update strengthens security and fixes small bugs to keep things running smoothly.

If you own a Google Nest Wifi Pro, firmware version 3.76.479819 improves Wi-Fi coverage and adds better support for Thread, a smart home connection standard. It also fixes setup issues for the Yale Smart Lock with Matter.

These updates are rolling out gradually, so check your device settings to see if they’re available. Restarting your router or device might help speed things up. With these changes, Google is making your Android experience faster, safer, and more connected.