Add MobilityArena as a preferred source on Google
“Will the Galaxy S25 Ultra have IR blaster?” is a question that is ok the lips of Samsung phone fans in North America and other markets. Infra-red ports are no longer the rave they used to be years ago on mobile phones, but some manufacturers still use them. And some Samsung fans are bitter about it.
Back in the day, the most advanced mobile phones would have an infra-red port. It was used for data transfer, including internet sharing. Yes; those were the days before Wi-Fi became a thing. To share your phone’s internet, you used an old-school data cable or infra-red.
With the presence of Wi-Fi, the need and demand for infra-red blasters diminished. In recent years, Xiaomi has put an IR blaster in many of its phones. This time, these ports enable the phones to be used as TV controllers. Yes; mobile phones have taken over the roles of everything else; why not add TV controller to it?
It also enables the ability to control the DVD player, air conditioner, and some other household appliances. But a more accurate version of Face ID uses infra-red and, so, we are seeing an upsurge of IR ports in smartphones. So, perhaps, a new IR revolution may yet happen based on this.
I have owned or reviewed a number of phones with an infra-red blaster and enjoyed using the feature. However, I cannot say that I have missed it in all the other phones I have used that did not have it. It has never felt like an essential to me.
- Will Samsung S25 Ultra Have IR Blaster?
- Will Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25+ Have IR Blaster?
- The Last Samsung Phones With IR Blaster
- Your Best Options For Phones With IR Blaster
- Deal-breaker?
Will Samsung S25 Ultra Have IR Blaster?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to be announced in January 2025, and it will likely not have the feature. Some people think that the phone would be even better if it has one. Unfortunately, it does not. Fans were disappointed that recent Galaxy flagship phones like the S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra did not have an IR blaster, either. Same thing goes for Galaxy S25 Ultra: it does not have one as well.
Will Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25+ Have IR Blaster?
Samsung S25 and S25+ will not have an IR blaster, as well.
And some Samsung fans are bitter about this omission. Some have based their phone buying decision on this factor and moved on to other smartphone brands. Here is an example of one of such conversations on Samsung’s own community website.
There are scores of other online platforms where fans are griping about the matter. But I doubt that the answer to the simple question, “Does S25 Ultra have IR blaster” will have any impact on Samsung’s sales in any way. Maybe all of 100 people will refuse to buy it for that reason.
The Last Samsung Phones With IR Blaster
The last Samsung models that had an IR blaster were the Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy Note 4. Since then, Samsung has ignored infra-red. And it does not look like the S10 range of phones will have this feature.
Your Best Options For Phones With IR Blaster
If you want a smartphone with an infra-red blaster, your best options are in the direction of Xiaomi and Huawei. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and other models in the Note 13 range are extremely popular with young people and both have IR blaster built in. Others include Xiaomi 14 series. Huawei has a number of models with an IR blaster. These include P20 Pro, Mate 10 Pro, and Honor View 10, among others.
Gionee produced a few smartphone models with infra-red blaster. It is unfortunate that the company has declared bankruptcy. Some of their phones are still available in the market though. I have reviewed a few LG smartphones and enjoyed using their IR blaster to control the TV. But it looks like LG might be dropping the feature too.
Deal-breaker?
There is a vocal enough community of smartphone enthusiasts who are put off by the S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra not having an Infra-red blaster. I am not sure that it is a large enough community to make a big dent in the fortunes of these products. But then, I have not conducted any scientific survey to arrive at that conclusion. Still, including an infra-red port cannot cost much if Xiaomi is putting it in their budget phones.
Who knows, part of why Xiaomi and Huawei devices are selling so well (besides pricing) might be that those brands are now on the heels of Samsung? What are the chances that having an IR blaster in key models could be a factor? After all, so many people around the world watch TV, play videos and play music on infra-red controlled home systems.
- Don’t miss our reviews .
- Follow us on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , and YouTube .
Author:Mister Mobility
Digital Skills and Communication Coach | Mobile Phone Connoisseur since 2001 | Tech Blogging since 2004
Add MobilityArena as a preferred source on Google
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is one of the smartphones that can be classified as sophisticated because of the innovative foldable design with impressive features. It is safe to say it is one the smartphones making waves in the tech world right now. However, like any new technology, it comes with its share of challenges. Let me walk you through into the most common issues users face and explore practical solutions to enhance your Pixel 9 Pro Fold experience.
- 4 Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Challenges & Solutions Display Dilemmas The Crease Conundrum The Display Brightness Design Decisions Asymmetrical Annoyance Opening Obstacles Performance Lag Overheating Battery Life Camera Compromises Conclusion
4 Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Challenges & Solutions
Display Dilemmas
One of the most trending issues of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is its display. While the 8-inch foldable LTPO OLED screen offers vibrant colors and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, some users have reported concerns about the crease conundrum and the display brightness.
The Crease Conundrum
The visible crease on the inner display has been a point of contention for many users. While it’s a common issue with foldable phones, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s crease seems more noticeable compared to its counterpart. This simple solution can be of help:
- While you can’t eliminate the crease entirely, using darker wallpapers or themes can help minimize its visibility. Additionally, adjusting your viewing angle slightly can reduce the crease’s prominence during use.
The Display Brightness
Some users have reported that the display’s brightness, topping out at 1,050 nits for the outer screen and 950 nits for the inner screen, falls short of expectations. There’s a solution for almost everything:
- While we can’t increase the hardware’s capabilities, ensuring your adaptive brightness is enabled can help optimize visibility in various lighting conditions. In extremely bright environments, finding shade or adjusting your position can improve screen visibility.
Design Decisions
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s design has received mixed reviews, some praising its sleekness while others point out potential ergonomic issues. Let’s take a look at these issues.
Asymmetrical Annoyance
The asymmetrical design, particularly noticeable when the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is closed, has been a source of frustration for some users, especially left-handed individuals. One of the quickest ways to handle this is to consider using a case that evens out the edges, providing a more symmetrical feel. For left-handed users, exploring different grip techniques or using the phone unfolded more frequently might improve comfort.
Opening Obstacles
Some users find it challenging to open the device due to the small edge available to grip. Consciously practice the opening motion to find the most comfortable technique for you. Some users find success by using their thumbnail to initiate the opening process.
Performance Lag
While the Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts impressive specs, some users have reported performance concerns about the device.
Overheating
The device tends to get hot during heavy usage, likely due to limited space for heat dissipation.Try to avoid running resource-intensive apps for extended periods. Taking short breaks during heavy use can help manage heat buildup. Consider using a phone cooler accessory for prolonged gaming or video editing sessions.
Battery Life
With a 4650mAh battery, some users might find themselves needing to charge more frequently, especially with heavy use of the large inner display. Utilize the device’s battery-saving features, such as adaptive battery and dark mode. When possible, use the outer display for quick tasks to conserve energy.
Camera Compromises
Despite Google’s reputation for excellent smartphone cameras, some users feel the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s camera setup is a downgrade from the standard Pixel 9 Pro. While hardware limitations can’t be overcome, staying updated with the latest software updates can improve camera performance through enhanced processing. Experimenting with third-party camera apps might also yield better results for specific shooting scenarios.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold represents a significant step forward in foldable smartphone technology. While it faces some challenges, many of these can be mitigated with thoughtful use and optimization. As Google continues to refine its foldable offerings, we can expect future iterations to address these concerns more comprehensively. Remember, the key to enjoying your device is to embrace its unique features while finding creative ways to work around its limitations. With these solutions in hand, you’re well-equipped to make the most of this innovative device.
