Happy New Year from SamMobile – We have exciting news!

2017 has been a great year for Samsung. The company bounced back from the Galaxy Note 7 debacle in spectacular fashion. It delivered us two of the best Android devices on the market today – the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8. It retained its position as the leader in the global smartphone market. The company is also on track for a record yearly operating profit. All of us at SamMobile would like to wish...

Amazon India teases new Galaxy On smartphone, possibly a Galaxy J7 Pro variant

Amazon India has started teasing the launch of a new smartphone in Samsung’s Galaxy On lineup of handsets that the company sells solely through online retailers. Galaxy On smartphones have always been rebadged Galaxy J series phones, and judging from the teasers about “new ways to shop” and “superior performance” on Amazon’s landing page, the new device could be a renamed Galaxy J7 Pro. New Galaxy...

Samsung doesn’t slow down phones that have older batteries

After many users noticed that old iPhones with low-capacity batteries were slowing down, Apple officially confirmed that it does indeed slow down older iPhones with naturally degraded batteries. The company has been hit with multiple lawsuits over this and has now even issued an apology. People are naturally wondering if other smartphone manufacturers do this as well. Samsung has confirmed that it doesn’t slow down smartphones with older batteries. The...

Samsung releases December security patch for the Galaxy A7 (2017)

The December security update is gradually making its way to more devices. It was released for the 2016 and 2017 models of the Galaxy A3 just yesterday. Samsung has now rolled it out for the top-of-the-line model of its premium mid-range lineup. The Galaxy A7 (2017) is now receiving its December security patch update. Galaxy A7 (2017) December security patch Samsung detailed the December security patch earlier this month. It brings fixes for 11 critical...

Samsung will unveil Galaxy S9’s Exynos processor on January 4

Qualcomm officially announced the Snapdragon 845 three weeks ago. Its latest flagship mobile processor is based on the same 10nm process as its predecessor. The Snapdragon 845 will likely power the North American, South American and Chinese variants of the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+. The handsets will be powered by Samsung’s latest Exynos processor in other markets. Samsung is going to officially unveil...

December security patch update arrives on Galaxy A3 (2016) and A3 (2017)

Samsung is pushing out updates to a multitude of devices this week, and the latest devices to receive an update are the 2016 and 2017 models of the Galaxy A3, the smallest of Samsung’s premium mid-range phones that the company didn’t upgrade for the 2018 lineup. The update brings the December security patch to both devices; there’s nothing else of importance on offer, at least not in terms of user-facing...

What’s New With Android 8.0 Oreo Part 15: Automatically turn Wi-Fi on near known networks

Android 8.0 Oreo makes many significant changes to the operating system, both under the hood and in the user interface. There are also a few minor features that aren’t easy to find, especially ones that are part of stock Oreo and not exclusive to Samsung devices. One of these minor features is a new option in Wi-Fi settings that, when enabled, turns on Wi-Fi whenever the device is near a saved Wi-Fi...

New Galaxy Note 8 update brings a fix for LTE data interruption

Samsung is pushing out a new update to the Galaxy Note 8 in Taiwan, bringing a fix for the issue of “intermittent interruption of LTE data.” That’s the only highlight in the changelog, and the firmware version (N950FXXU2BQKG) hasn’t changed from the last time, so this looks to be just a followup update. We’re not sure what kind of LTE data interruption Samsung is talking about, although we’re hoping...

Samsung’s new 2-in1 Chromebook might come with a stylus

Last month, a new Samsung Chromebook under the codename ‘Nautilus’ was spotted in the Chromium Repository. The details in the commits pointed to a 2-in-1 device with a detachable keyboard. Today, Chrome Unboxed has unearthed one more interesting titbit about the device. According to new commits, Samsung’s ‘Nautilus’ is expected to come with a stowable stylus just like the Chromebook Pro and Chromebook Plus in 2017. A Pixelbook Competitor? In the...

Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ swing by the FCC

The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ have just passed an important milestone on their way to retail shelves, or at least an official announcement. Both handsets have been certified by the FCC on December 27th, just in time for New Year’s. As expected, there is no information on the phones’ specs listed in the FCC documents. There’s not even a standard design outline in there, which might be because some of the documents were submitted to the FCC way back...

Samsung launches Samsung Mobile Care insurance service in Spain

Samsung Electronics has announced the launch of Samsung Mobile Care in Spain. Launched in collaboration with the insurer Allianz Global Assistance, Samsung Mobile Care is a paid smartphone insurance scheme aimed at covering accidental damages for Samsung devices. Samsung Mobile Care covers accidental damages Under the scheme, customers can make a single payment of €129 (~$154) or €5.99 (~$7) per month...

New Android 8.0 Oreo now rolling out to the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+

Samsung has just started rolling out a new Android 8.0 Oreo beta firmware for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. Samsung is calling the latest release the “2nd beta” on our Indian unit of the S8+ and we don’t see the same update on our European variants, so it’s possible the new beta isn’t going to be released for beta testers from the first phase, at least not immediately. The software version of the...

Some Galaxy Note 8 units may be dying after hitting 0 percent charge

The Galaxy Note 8 may have a safe battery that’s run through many tests to ensure that fire hazard isn’t an issue, but it looks like some Note 8 units are refusing to power on once they reach 0% battery charge. Quite a few Note 8 owners have taken to the Samsung community and forums on sites like Android Central to complain that their Note 8 stopped working after they let the battery drain completely. Samsung has been offering replacements, but like...

Galaxy J2 (2018) price surfaces in retail listing

Last week, press images and specifications of the Galaxy J2 (2018) leaked online. Today, a screenshot of a retail listing for the Galaxy J2 (2018) on a Russian shopping site Becompact has been leaked. The Galaxy J2 (2018) price has surfaced in this retail listing. Galaxy J2 (2018) price surfaces The price and specifications in the online listing match with the Galaxy J2 (2018) leak we saw last week....

Tizen 3.0 update with Gear S3 battery fix now rolling out in Europe

Samsung released Tizen 3.0 for Gear S3 last month. The latest Value Pack Update for the Gear S3 Classic and Gear S3 Frontier brought a handful of new features but also introduced a bug. The bug caused the smartwatch’s battery to drain quickly for no reason. Samsung suspended the update’s release and took a few days to launch the revised version of the Tizen 3.0 update. The revised update is now rolling...

SamMobile Firmware Update Magazine: December 26, 2017

Welcome to the latest edition of our weekly Firmware Magazine. You can think of it as your go-to resource to find out which of your Samsung devices has received a new update or if it’s going to receive a new firmware update in the near future. To keep things interesting, we present the Firmware Magazine in new designs every week. It will always include the important details about firmware updates...

Official Galaxy S9 accessories confirmed by retailer

An online retailer has reached out to us with word that they’ve received confirmation of the official Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ accessories. The list of accessories includes a Hyperknit cover as well as the LED View, Clear View, Alcantara and Protective covers that we’ve seen with previous devices. The retailer also mentions that there’s going to be a new wireless charging pad for the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ which will replace the current convertible...

Samsung’s ARTIK IoT modules gets OCF certification

Back in 2015, Samsung announced ARTIK- an open platform for developing Internet of Things devices. ARTIK IoT platform is a combination of hardware, software and cloud components aimed at faster development of IoT devices. It is an end-to-end solution for companies to effortlessly make, easily link, and safely operate IoT devices. ARTIK platform is flexible and can be used to build anything from simple sensors and controllers, to home appliances and...

Revised Tizen 3.0 update for Gear S3 rolling out now

Tizen 3.0 is the most recent major update for the Gear S3. Samsung released the firmware as part of its Value Pack Update for the Gear S3 Classic and Gear S3 Frontier last month. Firmware version R760XXU2CQK3 was originally released for the Gear S3. Samsung has now revealed that it’s rolling out a revised Tizen 3.0 update for the Gear S3 starting today. Revised Tizen 3.0 update for Gear S3 Even though R760XXU2CQK3 is the firmware version that’s supposed...

Galaxy J7 Nxt variant with 3GB RAM, 32GB storage now available in India

The Galaxy J7 Nxt, which launched in India earlier this year as a slightly enhanced version of the Galaxy J7 (2016), has been upgraded with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, with the new variant now on sale from offline stores. In addition to the increased memory specs, the 3GB/32GB variant comes loaded with “augmented reality stickers” in the camera, which suggests it runs Android 7.1.1, or at least a newer version of Samsung’s user interface. The...

Samsung Galaxy J2 (2018) specifications and pictures leaked

As we draw close to the end of 2017, leaks and rumors about Samsung’s 2018 line up of devices are coming thick and fast. After the A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018) leaks prior to their announcement couple of days back, now it’s the Galaxy J2 (2018) which has been leaked before its official announcement. German Site winfuture.de has posted official images and specifications of the Galaxy J2 (2018). Looking...

Samsung launches world’s first LTE-R network for high speed train line in Korea

Samsung is up to it’s pioneering ways again, this time in the form LTE-R. Samsung has partnered with telecom firm KT to launch and enable the world’s first LTE-R network for the new Wonju-Gangneung high-speed train line in Korea which covers a span 120 kilometers and travels up to 250km/hour. LTE-R is live in Korea Back in 2015, Samsung was selected as the LTE-R supplier for five projects, and two years later, here we are. Earlier this year...

Galaxy A8 and Galaxy A8+ (2018) release date confirmed

It has only been a few days since Samsung unveiled the Galaxy A8 and Galaxy A8+ (2018). We’ve already confirmed the price tags for these new premium mid-range handsets. Samsung has now revealed when the devices are going to be released. Pricing and availability will vary by market. Samsung has only confirmed the Galaxy A8 and Galaxy A8+ (2018) release date for Vietnam at this point in time. Galaxy...

Samsung releases a short film to showcase their Relúmĭno app

Samsung has released today a short film titled “Two Lights: Relúmĭno”. The film which features Korean actress Han Ji Min. and K-pop star and actor Park Hyungsik as the main characters, is produced by the Korean film director and screenwriter, Hur Jin-ho. The film is aimed at showcasing Relúmĭno, Samsung’s visual aid application for people with visual impairments. Relúmĭno is an app developed by a team at Samsung’s in-house incubator program named...

Samsung India’s mobile revenue up by 27%

As per a report in Economic Times, Samsung India’s mobile revenues have registered a growth of 27% for the financial year ending March 2017. During the year, Samsung India clocked a total revenue of INR 57,000 crore (~$8.9 billion) – an increase of 20% year-on-year. Samsung India’s mobile revenues which account for 60% of the total revenue stood at around INR 34,000 crore (~$8.9 billion) – an increase of 27% year-on-year. The total revenue...

Samsung launches an integrated research organization for future innovation

Samsung today announced that it has reorganized its Software R&D center and Digital Media & Communications R&D center into a new entity called Samsung Research. This new entity is going to function as an integrated research and development organization for Samsung’s IT and Mobile business as well as its Consumer Electronics business. Samsung Research is a global entity and it’s going to...

Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ receive December patch on T-Mobile

T-Mobile has started rolling out a new firmware update for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ on its network. The carrier has released the December security patch for both handsets. Samsung detailed the latest security patch a couple of weeks ago and the Galaxy A5 (2016) was the first handset to receive it. Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ owners on T-Mobile are now receiving the December security patch on their handsets. It won’t be long before it goes live for...

Samsung’s fourth-quarter operating profit estimates slashed yet again

Samsung has had a pretty good year despite the legal troubles of its leader. The company posted record profits in the second and third quarters of this year. It’s actually on track for a record full-year profit. However, market analysts are now predicting lower profits for Samsung in the fourth quarter of this year. Two more analysts have slashed their estimates for Samsung’s fourth-quarter operating profit as concerns about the semiconductor industry’s...

Samsung brings the world’s biggest curved monitor to India

Samsung has announced the launch of the world’s biggest curved monitor in India. Although the model number seems to be slightly different, this appears to be the same monitor Samsung launched at Gamescom 2017 in August. Aimed at working professionals and gamers, the 49” ultra-wide curved monitor comes with thin bezels and a 32:9 aspect ratio with a resolution of 3840 x 1080 pixels. Being a QLED monitor, it naturally comes with all the high-end bells...

December security patch update now arriving on the Galaxy Note 5

The Galaxy Note 5 is three years old at this point, but thanks to the Galaxy Note 7 meeting an early demise, the Note 5 gets the honor of being the last real Note flagship before the Note 8 came out and won everyone over. So it’s not surprising to see Samsung maintaining its pace of providing software updates to the Note 5, which is now getting an update with the December security patch in a number...

Galaxy Note 8 wins the ‘Flagship Smartphone of the Year’ award

After the Galaxy Note 7 debacle, which cost Samsung a whopping $17 billion, questions were raised about the viability of the Galaxy Note brand. Many believed that the Galaxy Note brand has turned into liability for Samsung, and thus may be killed forever. A year later, it is safe to say all those predictions have turned out to be wrong. Far from being dead, the Galaxy Note 8 has been earning praise from reviewers, customers and various quarters of...

What’s New With Android 8.0 Oreo Part 14: Permission monitoring for background apps

Android’s method of handling permissions was given a major overhaul with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, with the OS finally allowing users to control what permissions an app could use on a permission-by-permission basis, similar to iOS had been doing for a long time. Quite a few sites have written about the Galaxy S8 receiving the App permission monitor feature from the Galaxy Note 8 with the latest...

Galaxy A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018) home button isn’t pressure sensitive

When Samsung alienated millions of users by replacing its traditional home button with an on-screen one on the Galaxy S8, the company tried to ease the transition for everyone by making the area around the software home key pressure sensitive. The result? The virtual home key on the Galaxy S8 (and the Galaxy Note 8) feels very much like a real button. You can modify the pressure sensitivity, there’s...

Samsung Display could make $22 billion supplying iPhone X panels next year

The iPhone X is the first smartphone from Apple to feature an OLED display. Since Samsung has a near monopoly in the mobile OLED panel market, Apple had no choice but to turn to its rival’s display subsidiary to source the panels. According to a new report out of South Korea, Samsung Display will supply up to 200 million flexible OLED panels for the iPhone in 2018. This will translate into revenues of up to $22 billion. Making bank Samsung is expected...

Samsung starts mass producing industry’s first 2nd-generation 10nm DRAM

Samsung’s semiconductor business, which includes SSDs, mobile processors, DRAM, image sensors etc., has been performing exceptionally well both in terms of sales and innovation. It looks like the trend is not going to change anytime soon with Samsung doubling down on its efforts. After launching its first 10nm-class based DRAM product in February 2016, Samsung has announced today the mass production of the industry’s first 2nd-generation 10-nm class...

Samsung’s former head of Bixby has left the company

Some of you might have heard about Rhee In-jong. He was Samsung’s chief technology officer and in charge of developing Bixby. He led the development of both the Korean and English versions of Bixby. Samsung confirmed today that Rhee In-jong has now left the company. Samsung announced Bixby 2.0 a couple of months back. A new executive is leading the development of the upgraded version. Samsung Research America’s vice chief Chung Eui-suk is leading...

Galaxy S9+ benchmark shows impressive performance

Samsung is expected to unveil its new flagship smartphones at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona come February 2018. This means that we’ll be seeing a lot of reports and rumors about the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ in the weeks leading up to the launch. A benchmark listing for what appears to be the Galaxy S9+ has been spotted today and if the scores are accurate, the Galaxy S9+ is going to be impressive...

Samsung will unveil a cool and powerful soundbar at CES 2018

Samsung today announced that it’s going to unveil a wall-mountable lifestyle soundbar at the Consumer Electronics Show 2018 next month. The NW700 Soundbar Sound+ looks really cool when mounted on the wall. It’s packed with powerful audio features which include a built-in woofer that was developed at the Samsung Audio Lab. The NW700 Soundbar Sound+ succeeds the award-winning MS650 Sound+ model and...

Galaxy A8 (2018) and Galaxy A8+ (2018) firmware now available online

It was only yesterday that the Galaxy A8 (2018) and Galaxy A8+ (2018) were officially unveiled, with both handsets set to go on sale in early January. Samsung hasn’t yet told us where and when either of the two phones would be available, but we can take a guess as far as the list of initial launch markets is concerned by the firmware for the A8 and A8+ that are now available in our firmware database. As expected, the Galaxy A8 (2018) will get a wider...

What’s New With Android 8.0 Oreo Part 13: App Pair for quick multitasking between apps

In the latest edition of our What’s New With Android 8.0 Oreo series, we’re taking a look at the App Pair feature. App Pair debuted on the Galaxy Note 8 as a way of launching two apps in Multi Window mode with a single tap. As the name suggests, you can have pre-combined pairs of apps, such as a pair for the camera and gallery and any other apps that you regularly use in split-screen multitasking....

Galaxy S9 case renders highlight new camera layout

From what we’ve seen so far, the biggest Galaxy S9 design change might be its new camera layout. Samsung is expected to switch to a vertical camera layout for the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+. The fingerprint sensor will be positioned underneath the sensor as we’ve seen in countless leaked renders. A couple of Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ case renders have surfaced online. They also highlight the new camera...

Samsung Pay now lets users in India pay their bills

Samsung’s mobile payments service has been doing really well in India. Samsung Pay added more than one million new users in India in just over a month recently. It’s one of the top three markets for Samsung Pay globally. Samsung launched the payments service in the country earlier this year. The company continues to add more features for users in India. It added support for UPI payments via Bharat...