What Was the Best Smartphone Camera of 2026?
Episode Description
Marques and Andrew cover a few quick stories about Apple partnering with LG, MMOs, and the loss of another tech website. But most importantly, we have our early discussions about who we should consider for the 2026 MKBHD Smartphone Awards
And check out our Studio Deskpad! https://mkbhd.com/products/overlay-deskpad
Chapters 0:00 - Intro 9:23 - Samsung Price Increase 14:42 - Apple x LG Partnership for Home Products 28:00 - Android Central Fires Writers 34:32 - Framer (Sponsored) 35:41 - Smartphone Awards Discussion 1:21:15 - Andrew pretends he knows what he's talking about with MMOs 1:36:16 - Trivia
Links: Alex Goldman Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNl03lyJ0DY&t=1388s Mark Gurman: https://x.com/markgurman/status/2107579240421949474 The Verge: https://www.theverge.com/tech/1003328/samsung-s26-price-hikes-us J1mmy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY_NQGz_tvI Bellular: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPnjbDGTRog Runescape: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-nw2WUNxng
This episode brought to you by: Framer: https://www.framer.com/wave Jira: https://www.jira.com
Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/mkbhd
Intro/Outro music by 20syl: https://bit.ly/2S53xlC
Waveform is part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Brief Summary
Hosts discuss smartphone awards, price hikes, and Apple's LG partnership.
Key points
- Launch of New Desk Mat. The hosts discuss the launch of a new studio-themed desk mat, highlighting its unique design and features.
- Price Increases for Galaxy S26. Galaxy S26 prices have risen by approximately $100 across the board, impacting various models.
- Apple and LG Partnership. Apple is partnering with LG for smart home products, aiming to compete with Amazon and Google.
- Android Central's Closure. All writers at Android Central have been let go, raising concerns about the future of the publication.
- Techtober: Smartphone Awards Discussion. As the year ends, it's time to discuss the best and worst smartphones of the year.
- Travel Mishap in Italy. Forgot my adapter for Italian outlets, had to make my phone last for two days.
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Episode highlights
- Launch of New Desk MatThe hosts discuss the launch of a new studio-themed desk mat, highlighting its unique design and features.“We are finally launching and sharing this studio themed desk mat with the world.”6:15Oct 9, 2026
- Price Increases for Galaxy S26Galaxy S26 prices have risen by approximately $100 across the board, impacting various models.“Galaxy S26 prices did go up roughly by 100 bucks across the board.”9:24Oct 9, 2026
- Apple and LG PartnershipApple is partnering with LG for smart home products, aiming to compete with Amazon and Google.“They're gonna want products that they feel like they have some control over.”18:16Oct 9, 2026
- Android Central's ClosureAll writers at Android Central have been let go, raising concerns about the future of the publication.“It's always a bummer when we see other publications kind of die out.”28:12Oct 9, 2026
- Techtober: Smartphone Awards DiscussionAs the year ends, it's time to discuss the best and worst smartphones of the year.“This is also a great fun time to sort of pull like what our audience thinks.”36:10Oct 9, 2026
- Travel Mishap in ItalyForgot my adapter for Italian outlets, had to make my phone last for two days.“I forgot my adapter for Italian outlets.”52:10Oct 9, 2026
- Best Value Award DiscussionThe definition of budget phones is evolving, leading to a new value award.“Best value award cuz what is budget anyway?”55:32Oct 9, 2026
- Subjectivity in Design AwardsThe best design award is complicated and subjective, influenced by many factors.“Best design is uh I'm also going to listen to comments.”1:05:00Oct 9, 2026
