Three variants of a Galaxy S10 model certified in Russia

Samsung is working on at least four different models of its upcoming flagship, the Galaxy S10. There will be an entry-level Galaxy S10 with model number SM-G970x and two premium ones with model numbers SM-G973x and SM-G975x. Samsung is also developing a fourth Galaxy S10 variant which will be the star of the S10 lineup. The former three models have already received their certification from the China Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (CMIIT). Now the top-end variant of the trio appears to have been certified in Russia as well.

As is usually the case with these certifications, no hardware or software details have been revealed. However, the certification does confirm that a dual-SIM version of the Galaxy S10 model will also be available.

A Galaxy S10 model with dual-SIM certified in Russia

The recently certified Galaxy S10 variants in Russia include the model numbers SM-G975F and SM-G975X. It is the top-end Galaxy S10 that received certification in China a few months ago. However, alongside these, one more Galaxy S10 model number has also received the certification. This particular variant should come with dual SIM card support.

While nothing more about the phone itself has been revealed by the certification, earlier reports suggest that the SM-G975F will come with a 6.4-inch display. It could be a nearly bezel-less smartphone with 19:9 aspect ratio and 1440×3040 pixel resolution. It is also expected to sport five cameras – two up front and three cameras at the back, and an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor.

Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S10 at the MWC 2019 in February. And now with less than three months to go for the annual event, it’s very likely that we’ll see more of these certifications popping up from different regions and markets in the days to come.

The post Three variants of a Galaxy S10 model certified in Russia appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2DLW8y1
via IFTTT

Samsung Galaxy A8s specs leaked, release expected in January

The Samsung Galaxy A8s specs have surfaced online in a new report. Samsung had mentioned this handset in passing during its Galaxy A9s and Galaxy A6s event in China about a month ago. It also teased that this would be the company’s first notch-free smartphone. Reports suggest that Samsung’s Infinity-O display might make its debut on the Galaxy A8s.

Subsequent reports had suggested that the Galaxy A8s display would have a hole in the panel for the front camera. Some purported front panels have since appeared online to back up this claim. Samsung hasn’t officially said when it’s going to introduce this device.

Samsung Galaxy A8s specs leaked

According to the report, the Galaxy A8s features a 6.39-inch Infinity-O FHD+ resolution LCD display. Samsung will reportedly be sourcing this panel from Chinese display maker BOE. This is the part that doesn’t make much sense. Samsung has no reason to source this panel from BOE since it’s very capable of making high quality display panels itself. It’s also believed to possess the technology required to drill a hole in the active display area for the camera.

Other Samsung Galaxy A8s specs are said to include a Snapdragon 710 processor with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. It may have a triple camera system at the back. The 24-megapixel front camera reportedly sits in a 6.7mm diameter hole in the display.

While we’re on the subject of the Infinity-O display, Samsung has reportedly started manufacturing similar panels for the Galaxy S10 as well. It is as yet unknown if either one or all of the four expected Galaxy S10 models will house the front camera in a hole at the front.

The Galaxy A8s measures 59.11 x 74.88 and 7.38mm with its 3,400mAh battery. Samsung will reportedly begin selling it in January 2019 in a black-gray gradient color. No word as yet if this device will be limited to China or if Samsung will launch it in other markets as well.

As is the case with all leaks, take this with a bit of skepticism until there’s more to go on.

The post Samsung Galaxy A8s specs leaked, release expected in January appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2Qjomqx
via IFTTT

Samsung may have finalized the Galaxy S10 camera specs

There has been a lot of interest about the Galaxy S10 camera specs lately. Samsung is expected to pull out all the stops for the upcoming 10th Anniversary flagship. It may launch as many as four different models of the Galaxy S10 all of which will have some differences in the camera department.

A report from South Korea claims that Samsung has locked down its suppliers for the circuit boards it will use for the Galaxy S10’s cameras. The inference being that this decision has been made after the Galaxy S10 camera specs were finalized.

Galaxy S10 camera specs possibly finalized by Samsung

Many of you will be well aware that Samsung was initially expected to launch three variants of the Galaxy S10. The entry-level model may feature a dual rear and single front camera. The two premium options, likely successors of the Galaxy S9/S9+, may feature a dual front and dual/triple rear camera, respectively.

Samsung is also reportedly working on another Galaxy S10 model which will be nothing short of an absolute beast. It may feature a 6.7-inch display and a grand total of six cameras – four at the back and two up front. This model will also come with support for 5G networks.

The report mentions that Samsung will only be producing around 2 million units of this model. 5G networks will only go live in a couple of countries next year. There’s no need for Samsung to produce a lot of units when widespread network support just isn’t there.

It’s clear that the cameras will be major differentiating factors for the entire lineup. We can expect Samsung to introduce some new software-based camera features as well. The Galaxy S10 isn’t due to arrive until early next year. Samsung is expected to launch it in February. The 5G variant may not be released until March or until such time that 5G networks go live in markets like South Korea.

The post Samsung may have finalized the Galaxy S10 camera specs appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2zoOua0
via IFTTT

Samsung’s Android Pie camera UI brings a change you may not like

Android Pie for Samsung smartphones will bring with it, among other things, an updated camera interface. If you have installed the One UI beta, you will have already played around with the new interface. It’s not exactly drastically different from what we have on Android 8.1 Oreo, but Samsung has made a few key changes. And one change in particular might not be to everyone’s liking.

An extra step for recording video

On Android Pie, the camera app now has a dedicated mode for recording videos. This is similar to what you see on an iPhone, and it adds an extra step whenever you want to record a video. The red record button from Oreo is now replaced with the option to switch between the front and rear camera. One UI is all about making often-used features and functionality easier to access, so it does make sense for the button for switching between cameras to get more limelight in this selfie-crazed world.

But perhaps Samsung could have come up with another solution to this instead of making it less convenient to access video recording. Android Pie does bring a new setting that forces the camera to always start in the last used shooting mode. But while this would work well for something like the Live Focus or Pro mode, it’s not the best alternative to a dedicated video recording button that’s accessible as soon as you open the camera app. Since Android Pie is still in beta, one can hope Samsung will take this particular feedback into account. If it doesn’t, we will just have to get used to the new way of doing things.

What do you think? Are you okay with video recording being a separate shooting mode, or is it an unnecessary change Samsung needs to rollback?

The post Samsung’s Android Pie camera UI brings a change you may not like appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2FJ1Zqw
via IFTTT

Exclusive: Details on more upcoming Galaxy A and Galaxy M phones

Next year, Samsung is expected to notably shake-up its mid-range and budget smartphone lineups. The Galaxy M series of phones are in the works as a replacement for the Galaxy J, Galaxy On, and Galaxy C smartphones. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A series is expected to see new devices with LCD displays so Samsung can offer them for lower prices than current A series phones. We had revealed exclusive information about two Galaxy M smartphones earlier this month, and we now have information on another Galaxy M smartphone and two new Galaxy A devices.

White making a comeback to Samsung phones?

In the Galaxy A lineup, devices with model numbers SM-A305F and SM-A505F are in development. The former will come with either 32GB or 64GB of storage, while the SM-A505F will start at 64GB and go up to 128GB. The color options for the A305 would be blue, black, red, and white and the A505 will come in silver and pink in addition to blue, black, and white. Our information suggests Samsung is getting serious about bringing back white as a color option for its devices. Whether there are some gradient variations remains to be seen.

Now, let’s move on the Galaxy M series of phones. We had already revealed storage options for the SM-M205 and SM-M305, and we have learned that both devices will be offered in black and dark grey. Yes, the list of color options for the M series phones is notably smaller, and that might be because the Galaxy M smartphones will target developing markets. According to our sources, the Galaxy M lineup is for countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The new Galaxy A line, meanwhile, will also be offered in European markets.

Entry-level Galaxy M phone in the works

Samsung even seems to be working on a more entry-level Galaxy M smartphone. It carries model number SM-M105F and will come in 16GB and 32GB storage variants. It is likely to be the replacement for current mainstream Galaxy J smartphones like the Galaxy J5 and Galaxy J7, but we can’t say for sure as not a lot of other information is available at the moment. It also remains to be seen if the lower-end Galaxy M device will have a screen with a notch or hole like the SM-M205F.

One thing common among all these new phones is the presence of dual SIM slots. However, what’s unclear is how Samsung will go about naming the devices. Double-digit names like the Galaxy A30, Galaxy A50, or Galaxy M50 seem most likely, as supported by Samsung’s official trademark applications and some recent reports.

We have added all known info about these devices in the table below so you can get a quick glance. As always, we need to point out that not every bit of information in this article may turn out to be 100 percent correct. Things can change as the weeks and months go by, so take everything with a pinch of salt until Samsung offers official confirmation.

Device	Storage options	Colors	Additional model numbers
SM-A305F	32/64GB	Blue, black, red, white	SM-A305FN, SM-A305G, SM-A305GN, SM-A305GT
SM-A505F	64/128GB	Blue, pink, black, silver, white	SM-A505FN, SM-A505G, SM-A505GN, SM-A505GT
SM-M105F	16/32GB	Blue and Dark Grey	–
SM-M205F	32/64GB	Blue and Dark Grey	SM-M205FN, SM-M205G
SM-M305F	64/128GB	Blue and Dark Grey	–

The post Exclusive: Details on more upcoming Galaxy A and Galaxy M phones appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2PUZXZ9
via IFTTT

Galaxy A9 (2018) fingerprint sensor supports swipe-based fingerprint registration

The Galaxy A9 (2018), Samsung’s first phone with four rear cameras, comes with a fingerprint sensor that lets you quickly register a fingerprint. Samsung introduced the ability for users to register their fingerprint with a single swipe with the Galaxy S9. The A9 (2018) seems to be the first mid-range Galaxy with this feature.

Registering fingerprints is a shorter process on the Galaxy A9 (2018)

The Galaxy A9 (2018)’s rear-mounted fingerprint sensor is similar to the Galaxy A8 Star as far as the design and placement is concerned, but the A8 Star doesn’t get the swipe-to-register functionality. As on the Galaxy S9, the swipe gesture can sometimes require as many as three tries before the fingerprint is fully registered and stored on the device. Still, it’s less work than the usual practice that requires you to tap the fingerprint sensor multiple times and also switch the position of your finger from time to time.

However, the Galaxy A9 (2018)’s fingerprint sensor seems to have some accuracy issues on one of the units that we have here at SamMobile. Even after registering the same finger three times, the device requires a few tries before the fingerprint is detected and the device is unlocked (or when you’re authenticating inside apps like Samsung Pay). It’s not an issue on every A9, though, and we will go into more detail in our Galaxy A9 review.

The post Galaxy A9 (2018) fingerprint sensor supports swipe-based fingerprint registration appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2BxSOFb
via IFTTT

Galaxy A6+, Galaxy A5 (2016) and Galaxy J6 get November security patch

After officially detailing the November security patch earlier this month, Samsung has now been rolling it out to compatible devices. Quite a few handsets have received it over the past couple of weeks. The latest devices to get this security maintenance release from Samsung are the Galaxy A6+, the Galaxy A5 (2016) and the Galaxy J6.

The Galaxy A5 (2017) already received this update last week. Flagship handsets like the Galaxy Note 9 were actually the first to get it. Even the Galaxy S6 has now been updated to the security patch for the month of November 2018.

November security patch rolling out to more devices

Samsung is rolling out firmware version A605GDXU3ARK2 for the Galaxy A6+ in the Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam and Malaysia. It’s rolling out over-the-air and also available for download from our firmware section.

The Galaxy A5 (2016) has just started receiving firmware update A510FXXU7CRK1 in Poland, Kazakhstan and Spain. It’s available for download from our firmware section. Galaxy J6 owners in Russia and Ukraine are receiving firmware version J600FPUU3ARK1. Those update files are also available from our database.

The security patch for the month of November 2018 brings fixes for 11 critical vulnerabilities in the Android operating system. That’s in addition to the two dozen high and moderate-risk vulnerabilities patched by this update. Furthermore, it fixes 8 Samsung Vulnerabilities and Exposures (SVE) items as well. Samsung will continue to roll out the aforementioned updates in other markets where these devices are available. It may take a few days for the update to go live across all regions.

The post Galaxy A6+, Galaxy A5 (2016) and Galaxy J6 get November security patch appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2r2H7As
via IFTTT

Samsung’s smartphone shipments decline by 13%, retains the top spot in global market

Samsung continues to maintain the title of top smartphone maker, with 19% of the global market share in Q3, 2018. The latest Counterpoint Research report shows the company to have shipped a total of 72.2 million units of smartphones during the period of July-September 2018. While that’s marginally better than the 71.6 million units the company shipped in Q2 of 2018, Samsung saw a 13% YoY decline in global smartphone market share for this period.

It had shipped 83.3 million units in the same period last year and took up 21% of the market. Global smartphone shipments, meanwhile, saw a YoY decline of 5% in Q3 2018. The largest smartphone market, China, saw a decline for the fifth consecutive quarter.

Huawei continues to grow stronger, grew 33% annually

While the launch of the Galaxy Note 9 helped Samsung to post better sales in the third quarter of 2018, it’s Huawei seeing the biggest growth. The Chinese company’s market share increased by a whopping 33% in the Q3 of 2018, vis-a-vis Q3 of 2017. It shipped 53.2 million units over the three months period this year, capturing 14% of the global market. It’s pertinent to mention here that the report bundles figures for both Huawei and its Honor sub-brand. Third on the list is Apple, whose iPhone shipments remained flat annually with 12% market share. Oppo and Xiaomi make up the top five smartphone vendors with 9% market share each.

Samsung, meanwhile, managed to beat Xiaomi as the biggest smartphone vendor in India for the second quarter running. Xiaomi had toppled Samsung to emerge as the largest smartphone vendor in the country earlier this year. Samsung also recorded its highest ever shipment in the Asian country in Q3 2018. Samsung was also the biggest smartphone vendor in Europe, Latin America and Africa, with 31%, 37% and 25% market share respectively.

The post Samsung’s smartphone shipments decline by 13%, retains the top spot in global market appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2PXXr4v
via IFTTT

Polaris Blue Galaxy S9 hitting retail in Germany starting December

Samsung isn’t keeping the gradient Galaxy S9 exclusive to China or South Korea after all. It seems we missed Samsung’s announcement of the Polaris Blue Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ for Germany last week. The gradient color option will be available for purchase starting early December, with price tags of 849 euros and 949 euros for the S9 and S9+ respectively.

The Polaris Blue Galaxy S9 is the same as the Ice Blue Galaxy S9 for the Chinese market. It seems to be more beautiful in real-life than it does in Samsung’s official renders, with the gradient extending to the sides of the device, so you might want to check it out a retail store before putting your money on one. It’s too bad the Galaxy Note 9 isn’t getting the gradient treatment yet, although Samsung does have an old-school white color option on sale in Taiwan.

Sadly, the Polaris Blue Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ won’t be out in time to be a part of Samsung Germany’s excellent Cyber Monday deal. Buyers of the 256GB Galaxy S9 or S9+ will get a free second S9 or S9+, and a similar deal is also available for cheaper devices like the Galaxy A6. The deal period is till midnight today, so make sure you take advantage if you’re looking for a Christmas gift for yourself and someone in your family.

Would you be interested in picking up the Polaris Blue version of the Galaxy S9 or S9+?

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

The post Polaris Blue Galaxy S9 hitting retail in Germany starting December appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2R8XkPY
via IFTTT

The Galaxy S10’s most unique part has reportedly entered production

There are quite a few theories floating around about the Galaxy S10. A recent report suggested that Samsung may offer as many as four different models of its next flagship. Going by the leaks that have surfaced over the past few weeks, it may even have an almost bezel-less display.

Samsung unveiled four new display types at its annual developers’ conference earlier this month. The Infinity-O is one of them. It maximizes screen real estate by ditching the notch for a cutout in the display panel itself which houses the camera. It will certainly be one of the most unique parts of the new flagship.

Galaxy S10’s unique part may be its biggest differentiator

Only Samsung is said to have the capacity to utilize the HIAA laser technology. It allows for a hole to be drilled in an active display area. That may be the case for quite some time. The Galaxy S10 will likely be the only device on the market with a hole in the active display area for the front camera.

The display would definitely be one of the Galaxy S10’s most unique parts. The company apparently expects it to serve as a major differentiator for the Galaxy S series compared to other smartphones. Much like the curved “edge” displays were when they came out with the Galaxy S6 edge.

Earlier reports have suggested that at least one of the Galaxy S10 models will feature an Infinity-O display. Going by the recent leaks, the others might have the almost entirely bezel-less New Infinity panel. There’s not a lot of clarity on this right now as it’s also assumed that perhaps the New Infinity is better suited to the foldable device. If that is the case then it’s possible that all four variants of the Galaxy S10 might have an Infinity-O panel.

Samsung isn’t expected to officially confirm details about the Galaxy S10 before next year. February 2019 is when the new flagship may be announced.

The post The Galaxy S10’s most unique part has reportedly entered production appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2Qi0DqV
via IFTTT

Bixby will eventually help users invest in stocks

Samsung recently announced that it’s opening up Bixby to third-party developers. They will build new services for the virtual assistant which will enable it to be more useful for the people who rely on it every single day. An investment management service that works through voice recognition is being developed as well. It will let users invest in stocks by simply giving a command to Bixby.

South Korea-based DeepSearch is developing a search engine and a computation engine that’s backed up financial big-data. It will enable investors to study desired datasets and analyze topics to build their investment hypothesis. This eliminates the need for complex calculations that are required by more traditional approaches. It’s also working to link the platform with Bixby.

Bixby will tap into DeepSearch’s financial platform

DeepSearch’s boss Kim Jae-yun said during the recent Bixby Developer Day in Seoul that the service will allow Bixby to provide information about companies, highlight details like profit and revenue from financial statements and even invest in select stocks and market sectors in respond to users’ voice commands.

The company is aiming to complete the development of this new Bixby service by the first half of next year. Users in South Korea will then be able to make investment decisions through Bixby thereafter. According to Jae-yun, the goal is to “allow users to ask Bixby about risks, investment opportunities, financial information and issues about the companies around them.” He added that “Ultimately, Bixby will also be able to analyze the company and invest users’ money in shares.”

Bixby will only be able to do this in South Korea, initially. It’s quite possible that Samsung might find a partner in other markets that also develops a similar solution.

The post Bixby will eventually help users invest in stocks appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2KwhyAP
via IFTTT

Samsung has another beautiful gradient blue Galaxy S9

Samsung has been moving quickly in recent months to adopt many of the trends that have been introduced to the smartphone market by Chinese OEMs. It has brought us gradient colors for mid-range devices like the Galaxy A7 (2018) and the Galaxy A9 (2018), and Samsung also launched a gradient version of the Galaxy S9 recently. It’s called Ice Blue and is available in China, and it looks like Samsung has a slightly modified version of the Ice Blue Galaxy S9 for its home country.

Twitter leakster Ice universe has tweeted photos of what is apparently the Polaris Blue Galaxy S9, and it looks beautiful, to say the least. Polaris Blue seems to have a darker shade of blue compared to the Ice Blue model, which is what makes it more attractive in our books. However, it could be that this is the Ice Blue variant that looks darker because of the angle at which the photo was taken. We can’t say for sure at the moment as Samsung isn’t listing the Polaris or Ice Blue Galaxy S9 variants on its South Korean website yet.

What do you think about the Polaris Blue Galaxy S9? Would you like to see it being offered as one of the color options for the Galaxy S10 next year?

The post Samsung has another beautiful gradient blue Galaxy S9 appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2r43vtn
via IFTTT