Demand for the Galaxy S9/S9+ pushed Samsung to the top
However, in the premium smartphone segment, Samsung seems to be doing well despite the competition from Apple, OnePlus, and others. According to the data published by Counterpoint Research for Q1 2018, Samsung regained the top spot in the premium smartphone segment (Apple held it in Q4 2017) with around 50% market share and 16% YoY growth. The upsurge is driven by the strong demand for the recently launched Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, and Galaxy A8+.
Even in the premium smartphone segment, which the Counterpoint Research pegs at 4% of the overall Indian smartphone market, Samsung is facing heat from a Chinese brand known for its aggressive pricing. While Xiaomi is the Samsung’s main rival in the budget segment, another Chinese company, OnePlus, is shaping up to be a major contender in the premium smartphone market by holding on to the second place in market share since Q3 2017.
In fact, Counterpoint Research crowns OnePlus 5T as the best-selling premium smartphone in the last quarter which, to be frank, sounds dubious given its limited availability and marketing spend. Apple settled for the third spot as the euphoria around its new phones begins to fade.
Customers in the United States can rejoice because Samsung just announced that it has launched the Galaxy S9 and the Galaxy S9+ with 128GB and 256GB of internal storage in the country. It’s going to start taking pre-orders for these variants from tomorrow, May 1, and the units will be shipped out to customers later this month.
These variants will be exclusively sold by Samsung
Samsung has confirmed that both the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ will now be available in 128/256GB storage variants to customers in the United States. They will be able to use all of this additional internal storage to store more multimedia content, including those gorgeous Super Slow-mo videos.
Samsung and its partners have only sold the variant with 64GB of internal storage in the United States so far. It’s good that customers in the country will now have more options but it’s not like this is the first time these variants are being rolled out. Samsung has already been selling the 128GB variant in India.
Pre-orders for these variants will open tomorrow and they will be sold exclusively through Samsung.com. No other retailer or carrier will offer these variants. The 128GB and 256GB Galaxy S9 will cost $769.99 and $819.99 respectively while the Galaxy S9+ will be priced at $889.99 and $939.99 respectively. Both variants will be available in Coral Blue, Lilac Purple and Midnight Black colors.
Remember, these variants will be exclusively sold through Samsung’s own website. The company won’t be selling these variants through any of its retail and carrier partners in the United States.
Samsung will begin shipping units to customers on May 18.
In an ideal world, any smartphone that is launched at least a month or two after the newest version of Android has been officially released by Google should come running that version of Android out of the box. In the practical world, and certainly in Samsung’s galaxy (pun intended), that’s not the case. The Galaxy A8 (2018) and Galaxy A8+ (2018), for example, hit the market with Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box in January this year, and there’s still no word on when the Oreo update for these handsets will be released. Android 8.0 Oreo for these phones is on the cards, though, and we can now confirm that Samsung has started working on the Galaxy A8 (2018) Oreo update.
Galaxy A8 (2018) Oreo update is in the making
The news that Oreo development has begun for the Galaxy A8 was broken by GalaxyClub, and we have been able to confirm the same from our own sources. Sadly, Samsung seems to have only just started working on the Galaxy A8 Oreo update. The Galaxy A (2017) phones started receiving the Oreo update recently, which makes it further disappointing that the newest, best, and priciest of Samsung’s mid-range lineup are still sitting on an older version of the OS. The first major OS update for Samsung’s previous Galaxy A series phones have usually debuted between July and August, and we can expect a similar time frame when it comes to Android 8.0 Oreo for the Galaxy A8 (2018) and A8+.
The current Oreo test build for the Galaxy A8 has the firmware version A530FXXU2BRDx. The build number for the latest official Nougat firmware for the device is A530FXXU2ARD3, and the jump from A to B in the middle of the build number is what suggests that the firmware under development is based on Android 8.0 Oreo. Such letter changes can also sometimes happen for major software updates that bring new features and changes without changing the version of Android, but that is unlikely to be the case for recent phones such as the Galaxy A8 (2018) and A8+.
There have been a couple of instances where a software update for one of Samsung’s devices brought with it the next month’s Android security patch ahead of the patch’s official release and announcement by Google, and it’s happening again. T-Mobile is pushing out an update to the Galaxy S9+ (and we’re assuming the regular S9 as well, though we can’t confirm at the moment) that includes the May 2018 security patch. The update has been available since late last week, and the build number is G965USQU2ARD9.
May 2018 security patch is out early
This would be the first time in many months that a new security patch will be released for a flagship Galaxy before a mid-range or budget ones device. T-Mobile’s software update page for the S9 and S9+ doesn’t mention the newest update yet, so it’s possible the update may have been pushed out a bit too soon. In addition to the yet unannounced security patch, the update brings a new splash screen for when the phone boots up. That’s pretty much it for the noticeable stuff introduced by the update, and we should have information on the kind of vulnerabilities fixed by the May security patch in a couple of days.
Is the new update available on your Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+ on T-Mobile? To check, open the Settings app on your phone, tap Software update, then tap Download updates manually.
Samsung expects Galaxy S9 sales to outperform the Galaxy S8 but it seems that its home country of South Korea might not help it that much in achieving this aim. A new report out of the country claims that Galaxy S9 sales in South Korea have plunged to record-low levels compared to its predecessor. The report is based on industry data received by ET News.
Galaxy S9 sales
Sales figures from South Korea’s top three mobile carriers – SK Telecom, LG Uplus and KT – reveal that the Galaxy S9 sold more than 707,000 units over the past two months. Samsung released the handset in March. This is said to be the lowest-ever figure for a flagship Galaxy S handset.
That’s a considerable decline compared to the almost 1 million units that the Galaxy S8 sold in South Korea in the same period after its launch. Galaxy S9 sales were reportedly cut in half this month as only 231,000 units were sold compared to 476,000 units in March.
This isn’t the first time that we’re hearing about the Galaxy S9 proving to be a tough sell in South Korea. It was reported not too long after the handset was released that South Koreans don’t seem to be that interested in the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ as they’re not significantly different from their predecessors. The report also mentioned that it was actually the Galaxy A8 (2018) that was Samsung’s best-selling smartphone in its home country currently.
Industry watchers cited in this latest report also point toward the lack of significant changes as one of the main factors behind sluggish sales of Samsung’s new flagship smartphone. The high price is said to be another factor.
Perhaps Samsung can find solace in the fact that the iPhone X has not been doing any well either. The report claims that sales of Apple’s flagship handset are at record lows as well. The iPhone X has reportedly sold only 475,000 units in South Korea since its November 2017 launch. They’re also said to be the lowest-ever figures for a new flagship iPhone launch in South Korea.
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 such as the firmware versions, device model numbers, Android OS versions and the country where said update is out already.
SamMobile Firmware Update Magazine
Keep in mind, however, that these firmware details are based on the firmware that are available in our database, and in some cases, the latest updates might not show in the same week as the full firmware files take additional time to make it to our database.
The purpose of this magazine is to bring all of that important information about firmware updates to you, the reader, in a manner that’s easy to comprehend—so even if you’re new to the world of firmware, you’ll have no trouble making sense of it all.
Click on the image below to grab the latest firmware magazine!
It’s unclear as yet precisely when Oreo for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge is going to be rolled out. Samsung hasn’t provided a precise date so far but recent reports suggest that the update could be out by mid-May. A notice posted by the company in the Samsung Members app for Korean users reiterates the possibility that Oreo for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge should be out by mid-May.
Oreo for Galaxy S7
It won’t be long before the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 edge are updated to Android 8.0 Oreo. Both handsets were recently certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance running the new firmware so it’s only a matter of time. All U.S. carrier variants have also been certified on Oreo.
Guncelmiyiz, a website run by Samsung Turkey, provides timeframes for firmware updates and the website was recently updated with a new schedule which stated that Oreo for Galaxy S7 will be out by May 18.
However, the schedules on this website tend to change often without notice so many might not have taken the information at face value. It’s a good sign, though, that the notice on the Korean Samsung Members app tells a similar story.
A machine translation of the notice reveals that the company is “doing its best” to have Oreo for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge out by mid-May. That’s the plan now and hopefully, Samsung will stick to it if no issues are discovered in the update prior to release.
Updates for some other Samsung devices are in the pipeline as well and they’re slated to receive Oreo in the first half of this year. These devices include the Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A7 (2017) as well as both Wi-Fi and LTE variants of the Galaxy Tab S3.
We’ll surely let you know as soon as Oreo for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge starts rolling out. It can reasonably be expected that the release timeframe won’t extend beyond mid-May now.
A new Galaxy A6 and Galaxy A6+ leak has surfaced online which leaves nothing to the imagination. While we have seen countless leaks already which have revealed some specs of the upcoming mid-range handsets, the latest gives us a pretty good look at the specs sheet and also brings official images of the devices.
The Galaxy A6 and Galaxy A6+ are two new mid-range smartphones that Samsung has in the pipeline. They’re going to slot in below the Galaxy A8 and Galaxy A8+ (2018). Much like their more expensive siblings, they also feature a flat Infinity Display panel.
Galaxy A6 specs
The Galaxy A6 has a 5.6-inch 18.5:9 aspect ratio Infinity Display with 1480×720 pixel resolution. The bezels are fairly narrow on this HD+ panel but it’s still not quite as “bezel-less” as other Samsung handsets with the Infinity Display.
The handset is going to be powered by the Exynos 7870 processor coupled with a Mali T830 GPU and 3GB of RAM with 32GB storage. However, in some markets the handset will also be offered with 4GB RAM and 64GB of storage. External expansion up to 256GBs with a microSD card will be possible.
The Galaxy A6 features a 16-megapixel rear camera with f/1.7 aperture and a similar camera up front with f/1.9 aperture. The front camera gets its own LED flash. There’s support for Bluetooth 4.2, NFC and Samsung Pay. All of this is powered by a 3,000mAh battery. The Galaxy A6 is expected to cost between 300 and 340 euro.
Galaxy A6+ specs
Both new mid-range handsets look quite the same but the Galaxy A6+ has a larger 6-inch 18.5:9 aspect ratio Infinity Display with 2220×1080 pixel resolution. The fingerprint sensor on both handsets is placed at the back below the camera sensor.
Samsung has opted for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 chip for this handset and it’s also going to ship with 3/4GB RAM and 32/64GB of storage depending on the market. External expansion up to 400GB is supported as well.
The dual camera system also sets this handset apart. It has 16-megapixel and 5-megapixel sensors at the back with f/1.7 and f/1.9 aperture respectively. The second camera is used to achieve depth of field effects also known as bokeh. There’s a 24-megapixel camera on the front with f/1.9 aperture and its own LED flash.
The Galaxy A6+ also has support for Bluetooth 5.0 and comes with a 3,500mAh battery. Both devices will ship with Android 8.1 out of the box. It’s expected to cost between 360 and 400 euro. The new handsets also have support for Bixby Vision, Home and Reminder but not Bixby Voice.
It appears that the Galaxy A6+ is going to be launched in China as well. The handset has been certified by TENAA, which is China’s version of the FCC, and the listing has revealed additional Galaxy A6+ specifications. The leaks concerning Samsung’s new mid-range handsets keep coming in and that can be taken as an indication that it’s only a matter of time before the Galaxy A6 and Galaxy A6+ are officially announced.
The TENAA listing reveals some Galaxy A6+ specs which include the display size and resolution. It’s known already that the handset has a flat 18.5:9 aspect ratio infinity display. The listing reveals that it’s a 6-inch panel with 2220×1080 pixel resolution.
Galaxy A6+ specs
The images included in the listing also confirm that the Galaxy A6+ is going to feature a dual camera system. This is something that has been rumored a few times already and the possibility has been previously reiterated by leaked renders of the Galaxy A6+.
Recent benchmark listings have revealed that the Galaxy A6+ will be powered by a Snapdragon 625 processor with 4GB of RAM. The dimensions of the handset are said to be 160.1×75.7×7.9mm with a 3,500mAH battery under the hood. The handset itself appears to have a metal body which will add a premium look and feel to this mid-range device.
We can expect more leaks to surface in the coming days as Samsung gears up to launch the Galaxy A6 and Galaxy A6+ in these markets across the globe. A Galaxy A6 video leak has already surfaced which revealed the device in all its glory and it’s within the realm of possibility for a similar leak for the Galaxy A6+ to surface as well in the near future.
No word as yet on the pricing and availability of these handsets but we can expect Samsung to come through with this crucial bit of information sooner rather than later. It shouldn’t be too long now before these devices are officially launched.
Samsung has earned a significant chunk of its profits from its semiconductor division over the past couple of years. The company’s leading position in the DRAM market has allowed it to reap the benefits of high demand and rising prices. Samsung said in its recent earnings release that it expects this momentum to continue in the current quarter as well.
However, Hagens Berman, a Washington-based law firm, believes that it may not have been pure luck for Samsung and the other top DRAM manufacturers. It has filed a lawsuit seeking class-action status in the US District Court for the Northern District of California against Samsung, Hynix and Micron on behalf of US consumers of smartphones and computing products during 2016 and 2017. The lawsuit claims that these three major DRAM manufacturers colluded on limiting the supply of several DRAM products to drive an increase in prices.
Investigation reveals possible signs of collusion
Hagens Berman antitrust attorneys conducted an independent investigation and claim to have discovered that Samsung, Hynix and Micron colluded to limit the supply of DRAM products in order to drive up prices. DRAM is an essential component in modern devices and can be found in smartphones, tablets, computers, cameras and other gadgets.
The three DRAM manufacturers that have been sued collectively account for over 96 percent of the global DRAM market. Prices for their DRAM products surged by more than 100 percent during the period mentioned in the lawsuit and revenues at Samsung, Hynix and Micron from DRAM sales reportedly more than doubled during the same period. The lawsuit claims that these companies made “supply decisions in unison” to limit the supply of DRAM products thus causing the price to inflate considerably over 2016 and 2017.
“What we’ve uncovered in the DRAM market is a classic antitrust, price-fixing scheme in which a small number of kingpin corporations hold the lion’s share of the market,” said Steve Berman, managing partner of Hagens Berman, adding that “Instead of playing by the rules, Samsung, Micron and Hynix chose to put consumers in a chokehold, wringing the market for more profit.”
A Galaxy A6 video leak gives us our best look yet at Samsung’s upcoming mid-range smartphone. The company will soon expand its mid-range Galaxy A lineup with the Galaxy A6 and the Galaxy A6+. These devices will slot in the lineup below the Galaxy A8 and the Galaxy A8+ which are premium flagship smartphones that offer great value for money.
While we have seen countless leaked renders of the Galaxy A6 and Galaxy A6+, the Galaxy A6 video leak offers a detailed look at the upcoming mid-range device with the presenter walking us through some of the features of the Galaxy A6 as well.
Galaxy A6 video leak
If benchmark results are to be believed, the Galaxy A6 is going to be powered by an Exynos 7870 processor with 3GB of RAM. The Galaxy A6+ will feature a Snapdragon 625 chip with 4GB of RAM and both will run Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box. Both will also feature flat Infinity Display panels with 18.5:9 aspect ratio.
This Galaxy A6 video leak reveals that the Galaxy A6 is going to feature a 16-megapixel rear camera with f/1.7 aperture as well as a 16-megapixel front camera with f/1.9 aperture. There’s a small LED flash on the front to improve selfies in low-light conditions. The Galaxy A6+ is said to have a dual camera at the back and that possibility has been reiterated by multiple leaked renders of the device.
The leaked video is in Vietnamese so you’ll be able to better understand the presenter if you know the language. The gist of it is that the Galaxy A6 is going to be a bonafide mid-range smartphone with some cool camera features, a flat Infinity Display, and Android Oreo.
Samsung is yet to confirm when the Galaxy A6 and Galaxy A6+ will be officially launched but given the pact of leaks now it’s only a matter of time before they’re officially announced. We’ve already reported exclusively that the Galaxy A6 and Galaxy A6+ will be launched in these markets.
Samsung is going to launch another flagship smartphone in the second half of this year and we’re already hearing rumors and reports about the Galaxy Note 9. We’ll also be seeing a lot more of the new flagship on benchmark and certification websites in the near future. Speaking of certification, The China Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has certified both Galaxy Note 9 variants that are destined for the People’s Republic.
Galaxy Note 9 variants for China
We already know that the Galaxy Note 9 carriers model number SM-N960. The China Ministry of Industry and Information Technology first certified the SM-N9600 last month and it has now certified the variant with model number SM-N9608 which means that both variants of the Galaxy Note 9 that Samsung will officially launch in China have now been certified.
The listings for both handsets don’t include any information about the specifications of the Galaxy Note 9. No images or renders were found either so it may be a while before some of that surfaces online.
The Galaxy Note 9 was recently spotted on the Geekbench website where it was revealed that this handset will likely ship with Android 8.1.0 Oreo out of the box. As far as the specs are concerned, expect the same Snapdragon 845/Exynos 9810 processor pairing as the Galaxy S9 with possibly 6GB of RAM. It may also feature the dual camera system from the Galaxy S9+ which means it will offer features such as variable aperture and super slow-motion video recording.
There’s no conclusive evidence as yet to support rumors that the Galaxy Note 9 is going to be Samsung’s first device with an in-display fingerprint sensor. Samsung has long been rumored to be working on this technology but it remains to be seen whether or not it debuts with the Galaxy Note 9.
Some recent reports have also suggested that the Galaxy Note 9 might be launched ahead of schedule just like the Galaxy S9 was earlier this year. The decision to launch the Galaxy S9 earlier paid dividends for Samsung so an early launch for the Galaxy Note 9 is certainly within the realm of possibility.
You might be searching for the best cases for Galaxy S9 after having picked up Samsung’s new flagship smartphone. Much like Samsung’s recent flagship smartphones, it’s a beautiful metal and glass sandwich that looks like a proper premium device and feels good in the hand as well. Most users would want to buy a case for Galaxy S9 to protect that gorgeous finish of the device and with good reason.
Why you should use a case for the Galaxy S9
You must never forget that glass is glass and it’s prone to scratching. If you use the device daily without a case you’re bound to notice that it picks up a few scratches and fine lines here and there. You can’t always baby your device so be it the change in your pocket or the keys in your bag, it’s impossible to avoid scratches. Moreover, some cases also protect the device against bumps and drops which ensures that it can withstand the rigors of daily use without pushing you toward costly repair jobs.
Best cases for Galaxy S9
Samsung Hyperknit
The first spot on this list of best cases for Galaxy S9 goes to the Hyperknit case from Samsung. It’s a new style that the company has introduced with the Galaxy S9 this year. The Hyperknit material is normally used for sports clothing but Samsung has made a good-looking slim and form-fitting case for its new flagship out of it. The case supports wireless charging and is certainly not a bad option at just $34.99.
Case-Mate Barely There
If you don’t like cases that add a lot of heft to the device then you’re going to love the Barely There case from Case-Mate. It’s an ultra slim minimal case that’s also compatible with wireless charging. The hard shell completely covers the back and sides while the extended bezel above the screen protects the front as well. You can buy it from Amazon for $24.99.
Speck Presidio Grip
If ensured drop protection is what you’re after than consider the Speck Presidio Grip. The company says that the case has been dropped from a height of 10 feet multiple times by third-party laboratories to certify its durability claims. This is also the slimmest dual-layer case that Speck has ever made. It’s made from a shock-absorbing material and also has raised bezel guards that protect the screen from direct drops on the phone face. Amazon has it on sale for $37.
Spigen Tough Armor
The Spigen Tough Armor is one of the best cases for Galaxy S9 that you can purchase right now. It has been a best-seller for the company as it offers reliable durability and an integrated kickstand. The case structure is made from two layers to handle impact from drops and protect the device against drops. At $16 on Amazon, it’s a pretty good value as well.
Spigen Rugged Armor
The next option on this list also comes from Spigen. It adds carbon fiber and gloss detailing for a more premium look while providing flexible and durable shock absorption. It’s also compatible with wireless charging like the other Spigen case and at $12, it’s good value for money too.
Caseology Legion
The Caseology Legion case for the Galaxy S9 promises heavy duty protection in a solid build with a non-bulky profile. The dual layer case has a shock absorbing TPU sleeve with a durable hard shell while the grippy hard cover provides a solid grip. There’s a raised front lip as well to protect the display against drops. It’s available in a variety of colors on Amazon for $15.
OtterBox Defender
The OtterBox Defender gets a place on our list of best cases for Galaxy S9 because of the enhanced durability that it offers against bumps, drops, scrapes and dirt. The included holster can either be used as a belt clip or as a kickstand. It even has port covers that keep out the dust. It’s a bit more expensive than the other cases though but you’re in luck as Amazon has it on sale now for $39.90.
Maxboost Wallet Case
If you want a case that does it all then look no further than the Maxboost Galaxy S9 wallet case. It has three slots for your credit and debit cards as well as a side pocket for money or additional cards. The magnetic lock design ensures that your cash and cards remain secure while offering all-around protection for the Galaxy S9. It’s a great option for those who use IC cards for public transportation as they can just tap and go with their phone case at the turnstiles. It certainly doesn’t hurt that this case for Galaxy S9 costs $12.95 on Amazon.
Incipio DualPro
Offering military-grade protection, the Incipio DualPro can help the device surve up to 10-foot drops and despite being a dual-layer case, it maintains a slim and attractive profile. It’s also relatively affordable and you can pick one up on Amazon right now for $26.
These are some of the best cases for Galaxy S9 that you can purchase right now and there are certainly others so do share your favorites with us in the comments below. Do let us know as well if you’re planning to pick one of the cases detailed above.
Samsung has launched a new smartphone to target the entry-level market in India today. The Galaxy J2 (2018), which launched earlier this year as the Galaxy J2 Pro (2018) in Vietnam, is set to go on sale in India starting tomorrow, April 27, with a price tag of Rs. 8,190. Despite the removal of the Pro tag from the phone’s name, the Indian version of the 2018 Galaxy J2 is better equipped in one key area: It has 2GB of RAM as opposed to 1.5GB of RAM on the J2 Pro (2018).
Samsung Galaxy J2 (2018) launched in India
The Galaxy J2 (2018)’s focus, according to the company, is on online shopping and social media, two things young consumers are doing more and more these days. For the shopping part, the phone comes loaded with Samsung Mall, an India-exclusive app that Samsung recently launched to enable users to find new products through visual search (by using the camera for shooting pictures of a related product) and buying products from various online stores from a single location. For the social media aspect, Samsung says the phone allows users to move data to the external memory. We’re not sure how that helps social media fanatics, but the company says it’s a proprietary feature, so we’re guessing it does more than just move installed apps to the external storage.
The specs of the Galaxy J2 (2018) include a 5-inch qHD (960×540 pixels) Super AMOLED display, a quad-core Snapdragon processor clocked at 1.4GHz, 2GB of RAM, an 8-megapixel rear camera, a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, a microSD slot, and a 2,600 mAh battery. Samsung doesn’t say what Android version is on-board, but our bet is on Android 7.0 Nougat as this is a device that was already launched elsewhere instead of being a completely new offering.
The Galaxy J2 (2018) will be available in gold, black, and pink, and those on the Jio network will receive a Rs. 2,750 cashback in their My Jio account on a recharge of the Rs. 198 or Rs. 299 data plans, along with 10GB of extra data on 10 subsequent recharges.
Samsung seems to have made Samsung Pay available for some users in France without an official announcement. One of our readers has sent in screenshots showing Samsung Pay working for a Caisse d’Epargne card, and Google Play is apparently letting users in the country download the Samsung Pay app instead of saying it’s incompatible. Caisse d’Epargne is one of two banks (the other is Banque Populaire) Samsung said would be supported when Samsung Pay launches in France sometime before summer, and it looks like the company has made good on its promise.
Samsung Pay comes to France
It’s unclear at this point if everyone in France can use Samsung Pay. It’s possible the initial rollout is a test run for some users, although even if that is the case, it shouldn’t be long before availability spreads across the country. The best way to check if you’re residing in France is to open the Play Store on your phone and see if the Samsung Pay app is downloadable. If Samsung Pay is already installed on your device, open the app and see if it lets you register and start adding your cards (you might need to download an update before it can be used). The timing is right for Samsung’s promise of launching Samsung Pay in France before the summer, so an official announcement from the company is likely to arrive soon.
Samsung Pay for France comes with the Samsung Pay Rewards program enabled, and support for more banks will arrive in the second half of 2018.
Samsung announced Q1 2018 earnings today, and they beat market expectations due to the stellar performance of the company’s semiconductor business. Samsung’s display division, however, suffered a decline in earnings due to the weak demand for flexible OLED panels and increased LCD production by the competitors.
Samsung’s earnings from TVs also suffered a year-on-year decline, which Samsung attributes to changes in the product lineup. Samsung believes the revenues from TVs will grow in Q2 due to the growing sales of new models. Interestingly, under the H2 Outlook heading in the earnings summary, the company talks about the launch of its MicroLED TVs by quoting “Expand premium lineups for products such as ultra-large-size QLED TVs (75” and up) and 8K TVs; solidify leadership in premium market by launching innovative products like Micro LED TVs.”
Unveiled at the CES 2018
The statement in the document pretty much confirms the commercial launch of the MicroLED TVs in the second half of this year. At the CES 2018 in January, Samsung already showcased the world’s first MicroLED TV named The Wall, a 146-inch modular TV. The company didn’t announce pricing or availability information at the time of the unveiling. If Samsung sticks to its plans outlined in the earnings summary, then the world’s first MicroLED TV should hit the market this year.
Though Samsung is the market leader in televisions, the company has been facing fierce completion in the premium TV segment from rivals’ OLED TVs. Samsung’s decision to abandon making OLED TVs in favor of QLED TVs has given a competitive edge to rivals selling OLED TVs. With the launch of the MicroLED TVs, considered by Samsung to be technologically superior to OLED, the company hopes to reclaim the lost ground and narrative.
It was first rumored late last year that the Galaxy S9 might be launched earlier than its predecessor and that’s precisely what happened a couple of months ago. Since it was launched early, Samsung also released the Galaxy S9 almost a month before the Galaxy S8 came out in 2017 and it doubled down on that by ensuring that the handset was released in many of its markets across the globe on March 16. That strategy has paid dividends for Samsung in the first quarter of 2018.
Samsung reported its official earnings results for Q1 2018 today and acknowledged that the increased sales of its flagship devices particularly the Galaxy S9 helped drive its record first-quarter revenue.
Early Galaxy S9 release
Samsung’s mobile division posted 28.45 trillion won or $26.3 billion in revenue this past quarter compared to 23.5 trillion won or $21.8 billion in the same period last year. It posted an operating profit of 3.77 trillion won or $3.5 billion compared to 2.07 trillion won or $1.9 billion in Q1 2017.
The company mentioned in its earnings release that the overall market demand for smartphones tablets declined during the quarter due to weak seasonality however, Samsung saw its smartphone shipments increase quarter-over-quarter due to the early release of the Galaxy S9 and the Galaxy S9+. Continuing solid sales of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ helped as well.
So while it was able to reap the benefits in the first quarter of this year, Samsung will now have to put in an extra effort to at least sustain the momentum in the second quarter. That’s because those who really wanted to buy the Galaxy S9 have already bought one so the company now has to find new customers. Samsung now expects earnings for the mobile division to decrease in the second quarter due to the slowdown in sales of its flagship models.
It will also have to increase its marketing spend to address the decline. Samsung says that it will try to maintain the sales momentum for the new flagships by setting up more experiential stores, improving its cooperation with retail and carrier partners as well as offering more promotional programs such as trade-ins to entice new customers to switch to the Galaxy S9.
Samsung will release another contender in the high-end segment of the market later this year which should provide a lift to the mobile division in the second half of 2018. That device will obviously be the Galaxy Note 9 which, if recent rumors are to be believed, may be launched ahead of schedule as well.
Unlike the Galaxy A3 (2017) and Galaxy A5 (2017), the Galaxy A7 (2017) Oreo update didn’t debut in Russia. Vietnam was the first market to get the A7 (2017) Oreo update, but it looks like Samsung Russia wasn’t too far behind and is also rolling out Android 8.0 Oreo for the largest of Samsung’s 2017 A series phones. That’s not all. The update is also available in Trinidad and Tobago, which suggests the Galaxy A7 (2017) has the highest priority right now, possibly because it’s the best-selling model in the 2017 Galaxy A lineup.
Galaxy A7 (2017) Oreo update
Like all of the Oreo updates released for devices in April, the A7 (2017) update includes the month’s security patch. If you own the phone in any of the countries mentioned above, you should be able to grab the update over the air by tapping the Download updates manually in the Software update section of the Settings app. We also have the firmware available in our database if you want to upgrade using a PC; if you’re using a PC, the Oreo update should also be available through Samsung Smart Switch in the near future.
Don’t forget to tell us how you’re liking Oreo if you have updated your Galaxy A7 (2017) or one of the other two Galaxy A (2017) phones by leaving a comment. Getting the update in a different country? Let us know where so other readers can be informed about its availability.
The Galaxy Note 7 Fan Edition (FE) has started receiving the update to Android 8.0 Oreo in South Korea today, following a certification for the device by the Wi-Fi Alliance with the new version of Android on-board earlier this week. The Galaxy Note 7 isn’t getting the update, of course, even if it was also submitted to the certification process, but now that Oreo for the Fan Edition is available, it should only be a matter of time before it comes to the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.
Galaxy Note 7 Fan Edition Oreo update
The Note 7 FE Oreo update is rolling out for the LG Uplus and SK Telecom variants, and the other major South Korean carriers should soon be pushing out the update as well. Unfortunately, there’s no word yet on what features and changes Oreo brings to Samsung’s 2016 flagships and just how much of the user interface will be made consistent with that on the Galaxy S8, Galaxy Note 8, and Galaxy S9+.
It also remains to be seen when the global unlocked variant of the Note 7 FE will receive the update, though chances are it will only take a few days at this point. That’s what we hope, at least, as the arrival of Oreo on the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge might be dependent on the update first going out to all of the Note 7 FE variants.
Oreo firmware for the Galaxy Note 7 Fan Edition can be downloaded from our firmware database, and the update should also be available over the air from the Settings » Software update menu on the device. For those wondering, the update includes the April 2018 security patch.
Samsung didn’t stick around long for the Google Play Edition program that the maker of the Android OS envisioned a couple of years ago, and neither did other manufacturers. What was the Google Play Edition program? Well, it was what many had always dreamed of: Samsung’s flagship hardware running a stock version of Android and software updates coming directly from Google. The manufacturers still were in charge of pushing out the updates, but they only needed to make sure the new software worked with their proprietary hardware instead of adding any custom skin or features on top. In any case, that program didn’t go on for long, and Google soon buried it in its backyard (probably next to one of the Android statues).
Stock Android the answer for Samsung’s budget phone problems?
Google later turned its attention to the budget segment with the Android One program, which saw a few OEMs launch affordable phones with stock Android and, again, direct updates from the internet giant. The Android One program still exists, but Samsung didn’t show any interest in putting out Android One phones, probably because the price segment targeted by Android One is one which allows the company to offer hardware good enough to run its heavy TouchWiz – now renamed Samsung Experience – user interface. For ultra-budget smartphones, Samsung turned to Tizen, its proprietary operating system, and even has plans to bring Tizen handsets to more markets around the world.
But, as the benchmark for an upcoming Samsung device has revealed, the company could be planning on launching an Android Go smartphone. Android Go is Google’s attempt to have Android run well on devices with less than 1GB of RAM, exactly the kind that Samsung puts Tizen on, and it’s a rather surprising development. Well, maybe not surprising since Tizen phones can never be expected to match parity with the features and apps available on Android, but a company that sells smartphones on the very idea that its consumers have a consistent experience will find itself under the spotlight with an Android Go smartphone.
And, frankly, it’s a good step, one that Samsung should have taken a long time ago, only Google wasn’t offering something like Android Go until Oreo came out. Now that Samsung is making the move, however, we here at SamMobile have been wondering if the Korean conglomerate should start using stock Android for its regular budget smartphones – the Galaxy J series in particular – as well.
Other than the recently launched Galaxy J7 Duo, Samsung’s J series phones have always been underpowered. Not only underpowered because of their specs, but because the company’s custom Android software isn’t optimized enough to run well on budget hardware. Using Android One or just regular stock Android, perhaps with a custom version of the camera app and other really important features, would allow Samsung’s budget phones to offer a considerably smoother and faster user experience. We know it can’t match Xiaomi or other Chinese OEMs when it comes to equipping affordable phones with hardware from a price segment or two above, but getting rid of TouchWiz/Samsung Experience would make it much easier for people to recommend and buy its budget phones.
As always, one can point out that Samsung’s customized version of Android has features that you don’t get on stock Android and that it also enables a consistency in user experience for the company’s millions of consumers. What’s the point of all that, however, if Samsung’s phones start to lag and stutter in a few months and make the user tear their hair out in frustration? TouchWiz/Samsung Experience isn’t getting any more optimized, and unless Samsung can work some magic, perhaps letting go of its custom UX is a cheaper, faster, and more sensible thing to do.
What do you think? Is it high time Samsung realized that stock Android would be better for its budget phones as far as performance and the user experience is concerned, or do you think it should just focus on optimization and perhaps try offering better hardware for lower prices? Vote in the poll below to let us know what you think, and also leave a comment to get a discussion going!
Should Samsung start using stock Android for budget phones?
Yes! 75%, 3 votes
3 votes75%
3 votes - 75% of all votes
No, better to optimize its software 25%, 1 vote
1 vote25%
1 vote - 25% of all votes
It should just quit the budget market altogether 0%, 0 votes
0 votes
0 votes - 0% of all votes
It should use stock Android on all of its devices 0%, 0 votes
The full Samsung Q1 2018 earnings have been posted today. Samsung’s operating profit hiked 58.03 percent to 15.64 trillion won or $14.49 billion in the first quarter of this year. It has posted 11.7 trillion won or $10.8 billion in net profit which is a 52 percent increase from Q1 2017. Sales surged nearly 20 percent year-over-year to hit 60.5 trillion won or just over $56 billion.
Samsung Q1 2018 earnings
Samsung’s semiconductor business has been behind the stellar performance of the company in recent quarters and it’s the same story in Q1 2018 as well. The company acknowledges in its earnings release that its memory business primarily led its first quarter revenue. It also mentions that increased sales of its flagship smartphones such as the Galaxy S9 also made a significant contribution.
Demand for memory chipsets was high in the quarter which led to higher revenues for the company as well as the early global launch of the Galaxy S9. Samsung has reaped the rewards of quickly rolling out its latest flagship smartphone in most markets across the globe soon after the launch.
Amid reports that Apple had cut OLED panel orders to Samsung, the company says that its Display Panel division had its profits affected by slow demand for flexible OLED panels and competitors’ increased production in the LCD market.
Samsung now expects the semiconductor division to maintain its performance in the second quarter but cautions that generating overall earnings growth across the various divisions is going to be a challenge because of the hurdles in the Display Panel segment as well as a decline in profitability for the mobile division particularly due to more competition in the high-end segment of the market.
Samsung is yet to confirm if it’s going to launch an entry-level device powered by Android Go but that possibility has now emerged as what could likely be the first Samsung Android Go handset has been spotted online. The unannounced device has been listed in the Geekbench database which is where a lot of upcoming devices are initially spotted.
Samsung Android Go handset
Announced last year, Android Go is an iteration of Android 8.0 that’s specifically meant for entry-level devices. It brings the best features of Android and packages them into a lightweight ROM that can even run on devices with less than 1GB of RAM.
Google has also developed Go versions of its core apps like Gmail, Maps, Files and more which are highly optimized for this iteration of Android. Moreover, popular online services like Facebook have also shipped versions of their mobile apps that are optimized for Go devices.
The first Android Go-powered handsets went on sale not too long ago and Samsung has yet to confirm if it’s going to launch one of its own. The as yet unannounced SM-J260G might be the first Samsung Android Go handset that may be launched as the Galaxy J2 Core.
The SM-J260G has been spotted in the Geekbench database with 1GB of RAM. This coupled with Android 8.1 as the OS version is a major indication that this is likely an Android Go device as it checks all the boxes for one. The processor appears to be an optimized version of the Exynos 7570 with four ARM Cortex-A53 cores at 1.43GHz, it’s mentioned in the benchmark listing as the “Universal7570_Go,” yet another indication of this device’s Android Go credentials.
Word on the street is that this device might be launched as part of Samsung’s Galaxy J entry-level series, specifically as the Galaxy J2 Core but there’s no official confirmation of that just yet. Granted, this may be circumstantial evidence at best, but it would certainly make sense for Samsung to launch its own Android Go handset. It already launches many entry-level phones in emerging markets, why not offer customers one that provides them a much better user experience.
