Exclusive: Samsung ‘Galaxy M’ phones incoming, storage options revealed

After a report earlier today brought us news of Samsung developing a new Galaxy M lineup of phones, we dug a little deeper and can confirm that at least two such devices are under development. The Galaxy M series is expected to be a consolidation of all of Samsung’s current budget lineups. The Galaxy J, Galaxy On, and Galaxy C series will reportedly disappear, a rumor that is supported by the storage options that we are told would be offered with the new Galaxy M smartphones.

First, let us point out that we do not know the actual names of these devices. Their model numbers – SM-M205F and SM-M305F – and the report from earlier today do offer a hint, though: Galaxy M20 and Galaxy M30. Samsung apparently has more such devices in the works, and these double-digit product names are expected to be used for the Galaxy A series as well. However, it’s also possible the model numbers would be different from the phone names, and we will have to wait for more information on these M series phones to build a clearer picture.

Oh, and before we forget, 32GB and 64GB are the storage options for the SM-M205F. The SM-M305F will be offered in 64GB and 128GB variants. Both these phones will have dual SIM variants, since dual SIM slots are a necessary feature in the budget and lower mid-range segments in many markets, although single SIM models may be released in some countries as well.

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Galaxy S9 Android Pie beta program could start on November 15th

Samsung’s Android Pie beta program for the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ was officially announced at SDC 2018. Samsung still hasn’t said a word regarding a specific date for when the program will be launched, but the company’s customer support staff has come to the rescue. It seems the beta program could start on November 15th, at least in Germany.

The date was revealed to the folks over at AllAboutSamsung. The customer support response doesn’t firmly say that November 15th is the date, but it’s the most solid lead we have. Not that you shouldn’t still keep checking for a notice about the beta in the Samsung Members app (or Samsung+, if you’re in the US). Slots for beta testers will likely be limited as with previous beta programs, so you don’t want to miss the chance to register.

The Galaxy S9 Pie beta will first be launched in Germany, South Korea, and the US. It will then come to China, India, France, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom in the second phase. Let’s hope that unlike with the Oreo beta, Samsung will not take a month to launch phase two this time around. Even if it does, we can expect all beta-eligible countries to see the official update rolling out sometime in January.

Galaxy S9

• Model: SM-G960F
• Dimensions: 147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5mm
• Display: 5.8” (146.5mm) Super AMOLED
• CPU: Exynos 9810
• Camera: 12 MP, CMOS OIS (F1.5/F2.4)

More specifications

Galaxy S9+

• Model: SM-G965F
• Dimensions: 157.7 x 73.8 x 8.5 mm
• Display: 6.2” (158.1mm) Super AMOLED
• CPU: Exynos 9810
• Camera: 12 MP, CMOS Dual OIS (F1.5/F2.4) & Telephoto: 12MP AF F2.4)

More specifications

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Galaxy S10 processor has ‘intelligence from within,” launches next week

Samsung will soon unveil the Galaxy S10 processor. As a result, the company has confirmed through its official Exynos social media accounts that it will be unveiling its next flagship chip on November 14. It will be the successor to the Exynos 9810 which powers the Galaxy S9 and the Galaxy Note 9.

It’s not known as yet what Samsung will be calling this chip. If history is any indication, it may be called the Exynos 9820. That the moniker we have seen in rumors and reports about this chip as well.

Galaxy S10 processor to feature a dedicated AI chip

The Galaxy S10 processor will be Samsung’s first Exynos chip to be produced on its advanced 7nm LPP process that relies on the EUV lithography technology. The process technology improvement will deliver up to 50 percent lower power consumption and a 20 percent gain in performance, according to Samsung.

Samsung is teasing that its next Exynos chip will feature “intelligence from within.” It appears to be a subtle hint at a neural processing unit for the chip. Previous reports have suggested that the Galaxy S10 processor will have a dedicated neural processing unit. It’s expected that the next Exynos processor will have a dual-core artificial intelligence chip. It will enable the Galaxy S10 to perform more complex AI and machine learning tasks.

The new Exynos processor will also be capable of supporting a 5G modem. Consequently, Samsung has been working on the Exynos 5100 modem which will bring 5G capabilities to its devices. It’s said to launch a separate model of the Galaxy S10 which will be 5G-enabled.

Samsung has revealed no further information about this Exynos processor right now. We won’t have to wait for much longer, though, as the official launch has been scheduled for November 14, 2018.

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Galaxy A series phones may come with LCD displays next year

While Samsung is bringing new features to its Galaxy A series phones ahead of flagships as part of a revamped strategy, it looks like the company will also start taking away some existing features from its mid-range devices. And the axe may fall on the displays first. A new report claims that Samsung will launch Galaxy A smartphones with LCD displays next year.

As expected, the reason for moving to LCD displays on some A series phones is to target a lower price point. Samsung is reportedly aiming at price tags lower than 300,000 won (around $266) with these LCD-toting Galaxy A phones, especially for India and other South Asian countries. The Galaxy A50 and Galaxy A60 are mentioned as the first such devices that Samsung will bring to market. The Galaxy A30, Galaxy A40, Galaxy A70 and Galaxy A80, meanwhile, will offer AMOLED displays. The names for some of these devices have already been trademarked by Samsung, but it seems the company has more such phones in the works.

The report also expands on a previous rumor about Samsung killing off the Galaxy J series. The Korean giant will reportedly consolidate its J, On, and C series of phones under the Galaxy M lineup. The names of these M series phones will take after the new A series devices, with a two-digit number accompanying the letter M (such as Galaxy M30 and Galaxy M40). LCD displays will be used for these Galaxy M smartphones as well, although at least one model with an AMOLED screen is planned.

The impact of this reorganization of the Galaxy A and Galaxy J series phones remains to be seen. Samsung’s AMOLED displays have long separated its mid-range and (some) budget devices from the competition, but with Chinese manufacturers eating away at Samsung’s sales in markets like India, Samsung is now trying everything it can to make sure it stays relevant. Devices with three or four rear cameras were the beginning, and it will be interesting to see where things lead in the coming months.

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Galaxy Note 8 Android Pie firmware also in development

Android Pie is going to be a substantial upgrade for Galaxy smartphones. Samsung’s new One UI will change how people use their phones, along with bringing a visual overhaul to the company’s custom Android software. Since Pie is a big step forward, Samsung is no doubt working doubly hard on Pie development for various devices. The Galaxy Note 9 has already picked up one Android Pie certification, and it’s now been revealed that Samsung is also testing Pie for the Galaxy Note 8.

Samsung’s Android Pie firmware development is in full swing

Samsung is testing software version N950FXXU5DRK4 for the Note 8 at the moment. Oreo-based Galaxy Note 8 firmware carry the CRxx format for the last four letters of the software version, so a move from C to D (the first of those four letters) suggests the new software is a major upgrade. It could be a big feature update instead of Pie, but that’s rather unlikely considering Samsung will already have its work cut out with implementing One UI on its flagships.

It will probably be a while before the Galaxy Note 8 Pie update starts rolling out, though. Samsung’s January target for Galaxy S9 and Note 9 Pie updates means older devices will have a longer wait ahead of them. It’s not any different from what has always been the case with big Android upgrades for Galaxy smartphones, and Project Treble certainly isn’t to offer much benefit, either.

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Official Tidal app launched for Samsung wearable devices

There’s a new music streaming option now for Samsung’s wearable devices. Tidal has announced the launch of its official app for Samsung’s smartwatches and activity trackers. This is actually Tidal’s first app for wearable devices.

Tidal’s app is available for the Samsung Galaxy Watch, Gear S3, Gear S3 and the Gear Sport as well as the Gear Fit2 Pro and the Gear Fit2. Furthermore, the app is now available for download from Galaxy Apps.

Tidal app for Samsung wearable devices

Samsung has already picked Spotify as the go-to music services across all of its devices. It inked a partnership with the streaming giant earlier this year. The long-term partnership will offer an integrated multi-device music experience that spans across all of Samsung’s smart devices. Samsung even updated its own Music app recently to add a Spotify tab which surfaces playlist recommendations from the service.

Tidal is linking its arrival on the Samsung wearable platform to fitness-minded users as the app will be highlighting workout playlists. The app’s Main Menu will provide users with quick access to their music. There’s an Explore section as well where curated playlists will be available. It will also be possible to search for music using this app. Offline listening is possible since the app allows users to download tracks.

A Premium Tidal subscription will be required to use the app. Those who sign up for the music streaming service through Samsung’s smartwatches will get three months of Tidal Premium for free.

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