Behind closed doors: Galaxy S10 features we’re looking forward to!

2019 will the tenth anniversary of Samsung’s Galaxy S flagship lineup, and the company will take the stage on February 20 to take the wraps off the Galaxy S10. There’s heavy anticipation for the Galaxy S10, with Samsung preparing three variants of the phone instead of just two as it has been doing since the Galaxy S6. Well, there’s a fourth variant as well, but that one is only going to be available in markets where 5G networks will go live this year, which is to say it won’t be available in the majority of countries.

There’s a lot the Galaxy S10 will bring to the table. Leaks and rumors paint a pretty good picture of the main feature upgrades that we can expect, like an Infinity-O display with holes for the front camera and smaller bezels, a triple-rear camera setup, dual front cameras, in-display fingerprint sensors, and bigger batteries. Then there’s stuff like reverse wireless charging, ceramic backs, or a whopping 12GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, features that no one really needs but might still be offered. Of course, the feature list will also vary for each of the three variants.

It goes without saying that we here at SamMobile are immensely excited for the Galaxy S10. With barely three weeks left before it goes official, we wanted to round up our thoughts on what it is that we’re looking forward to the most on the Galaxy S10.

So, without further ado, let’s get started. Once you’re done reading, be sure to tell us what it is about the Galaxy S10 that excites you most down in the comments!

Abhijeet Mishra

If you follow our coverage regularly, you’ve probably seen me going on and on about how I love ultra-wide cameras and that 4,000 mAh battery on the Galaxy Note 9. And, well, I’m excited that these features are going to be available on the Galaxy S10. Well, only the S10+ will have both features, but then the Plus model has always been the most feature-packed anyway. Wanting a big battery on a flagship phone is self-explanatory, but why do I have such a fetish for ultra-wide cameras?

Well, since Samsung started offering us dual camera setups, I don’t remember myself ever taking Live Focus pictures other than for our official reviews. I do love the 2x zoom functionality and use that often, and having an ultra-wide camera is basically the opposite of closing in on a subject, allowing you to cover more of a scene without moving away from it as you would with a regular camera.

Opportunities for taking wider pictures don’t present themselves as often as those where you zoom in on things, but it’s still quite handy. And every time I’ve gone back to my Note 9 after testing one of the phones with an ultra-wide camera, I’ve missed having access to the ultra-wide capability. With the S10, that won’t be the case.

Adnan Farooqui

I really need the Galaxy S10 to tick quite a few boxes, because I’ve already opined in great detail whether it would make sense to upgrade from the Galaxy Note 9 to the Galaxy S10. The Galaxy Note 9 is my daily driver and an absolute beast for whatever I need it to do for me. Personally, I’m more excited about the top-tier Galaxy S10+ than any other model. I have a feeling I’ll fall for that ceramic back (which we exclusively confirmed, by the way).

Having that 4,000mAh battery on the Galaxy S10+ will tick another box. I am also excited about the in-display fingerprint sensor. Samsung has gone with an ultrasonic sensor, which should be better compared to what we have seen on Chinese handsets so far. Additional features like 1 terabyte of internal storage and reverse wireless charging will just be the cherry on top (granted that the latter is more for bragging rights than substance).

Martin Reinders

I have high expectations for this year’s Galaxy S lineup, since it’s the tenth anniversary. After owning almost every single Galaxy S flagship, the suspense is killing me. The thing I look forward to the most is the camera. Competitors are upping their game and Samsung is lagging behind at the moment. The design of the Galaxy S10 is also something I look forward to, especially those shrinking bezels and the under-display fingerprint sensor. We’ve seen real press renders, but the actual thing tends to somehow look different, and Samsung simply has to deliver the goods this year.

Henk Loosbroek

I don’t exactly know what to expect from the upcoming Galaxy S10 series. The Galaxy Note 9 that I’m using now is already close to perfect, so what could be better? Well, I have my eyes on the Galaxy S10+ because of the three rear cameras and two selfie cameras. I take a lot of pictures on my Note 9, but sometimes I wish I could take wide-angle shots (sure, you can use panorama, but it’s not the same thing). It’s also great to see you have more choice in storage options now: 128GB, 512GB, and even 1TB! Internal storage is always better, especially since it’s always faster than a microSD card.

What’s also important to me is the battery. I’m very pleased the Galaxy S10+ will get a 4,000 mAh battery like the Galaxy Note 9. And, last but not the least, the fingerprint sensor is finally coming back to the front, only this time it will be under the screen, which is a major plus (no pun intended) in my opinion.

Sumit Adhikari

The importance of ceramic goes beyond anything to do with a phone. Ceramic has advantages over other materials in terms of hardness, corrosion resistance, heat conductivity, insulation, cleanliness, weight, and what have you. And when ceramic makes its way to a smartphone, it not only makes the device scratch proof but also gives it a premium look and feel.

Samsung is late to the ceramic party, but it’s set to launch the Galaxy S10 with a ceramic back this year. However, reports suggest only the 12GB+1TB Galaxy S10+ will be getting it. Plus models are usually the most feature-packed, but even then, not all of the S10+ models will have a ceramic back. A huge price difference would be a big factor here, and how I wish Samsung will find a way to make ceramic more affordable. Alas, it won’t happen this year, but one can hope!

The post Behind closed doors: Galaxy S10 features we’re looking forward to! appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile http://bit.ly/2TwTJwx
via IFTTT

Leaked official Galaxy S10e renders show flat display, dual rear camera

The folks over at WinFuture.de have published what they claim are official renders of the Galaxy S10e, the smallest of the three Galaxy S10 models, after leaking official renders of the S10 and S10+ yesterday. The site believes the S10 will get an “e” added next to the 10, and it supports recent rumors that Samsung isn’t going for the Lite moniker. The Galaxy S10e pictures show us a flat display with no curves on the left and right, and, frankly, it makes the phone look a bit like the iPhone X.

Flat screen, single cutout, and side fingerprint sensor

And that may be a deliberate decision, especially if Samsung wants it to compete with the new iPhone XR. Things like a side fingerprint sensor embedded into the power button, a dual camera setup at a back, and a single front camera (inside a cutout in the screen) are also further corroborated in these renders. The S10e will reportedly be priced at €750 (with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage), and will come in black, green, and white at first. A blue variant will come later, and so will a yellow option, something we had exclusively said would be, well, exclusive to the smallest S10.

Check out the renders below, and tell us what you think about the Galaxy S10e. Would you prefer this over the Galaxy S10 and S10+ going by the latest renders and leaks?

The post Leaked official Galaxy S10e renders show flat display, dual rear camera appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile http://bit.ly/2UCNg3f
via IFTTT

Disaster averted (for now): Galaxy S10 will have a 3.5 mm headphone jack

Samsung’s tenth anniversary Galaxy S flagship may or may not impress consumers with its laundry list of major features, but it will come with a 3.5 mm headphone jack. There had been reports that Samsung has a Galaxy S10 prototype that doesn’t have a headphone jack and was deciding whether it should get rid of the jack on the final product. It’s safe to say that the company has made a decision in favor of that traditional and universal audio jack.

We can look towards the many leaked renders and case images for the Galaxy S10 to know that it will have a headphone jack. We have even received SamMobile cases for the Galaxy S10, designed based on specifications from Samsung, from our supplier, and they have an opening for a headphone jack as well. Samsung may have thrown in the towel and put a notch on the Galaxy S10 (well, a corner cutout, but we think we can use the word notch for everything that ruins the full-screen experience on a phone), but it’s not yet axing the headphone jack.

It does look like having that jack has forced Samsung’s hand and stopped it from putting larger batteries in any but the Plus model, but that’s just an assumption. Manufacturers like Razer have said that removing the jack allows putting in a bigger battery, but it’s not certain that that’s always the case. Apple, after all, removed the headphone jack primarily because it wants people to move on to something better, although clearly the reasons go far deeper. And with fast charging tech so commonly available, perhaps having a headphone jack is worth the compromise when it comes to battery capacity.

Samsung will probably ditch the 3.5 mm jack at some point, but for now, you can steer clear of the dongle life and hold on to your traditional wired audio gear if you’re planning on grabbing the Galaxy S10 when it goes on sale next month.

The post Disaster averted (for now): Galaxy S10 will have a 3.5 mm headphone jack appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile http://bit.ly/2HJpocp
via IFTTT

Samsung Flow works a lot better with the latest update

Samsung Flow is the company’s companion app that connects Galaxy smartphones, tablets, and Windows 10 PCs to sync notifications, share files, create a hotspot, unlock devices, and more. Though the app has a robust feature set, its performance left a lot to be desired, resulting in mixed reviews for the app.

Many of the problems Samsung Flow was facing was due to the app’s reliance on Bluetooth to connect to other devices. This meant a slow and unreliable connection and a generally less than satisfactory experience when trying to use the app’s key features. Thankfully, Samsung has released a new update to the Flow app on Android and Windows 10 to make it work via Wi-Fi/LAN.

Upon updating to the latest version on both the platforms, Samsung Flow users will see an option to connect through Wi-Fi/LAN, apart from the usual Bluetooth option. Users can also instantly change the connection method in the Windows version of the app. Other than the additional connectivity choice, the rest of the setup process and functionality remains the same.

Improved performance and reliability

The advantages of connecting via Wi-Fi are immediately apparent if you have used Windows Hello login through Samsung Flow in the past. Earlier, unlocking a Windows 10 PC through a connected Galaxy phone or a tablet was both buggy and slow. In the latest version, when using the Wi-Fi connection method, the process is a lot faster and more reliable. Navigating to the Windows 10 login screen will instantly trigger a notification on your connected Galaxy device to unlock the PC. Of course, the new update also makes it possible for users without Bluetooth-enabled PCs to use the app, thereby opening it up for a larger userbase.

If you have been using the Samsung Flow app already, the new version will make you appreciate it even more. For those who haven’t tried or gave up on it, the new release is a compelling reason to give it a/another try. The latest update carries the version number 3.7.14 on Android and 3.7.11 on Windows 10. If you don’t see the latest version on Google Play yet, you can download it from our database. In case of any connectivity issues after the update, deregister the devices and set them up again to make it work.

The post Samsung Flow works a lot better with the latest update appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile http://bit.ly/2DNxAVb
via IFTTT

Samsung details its sustainability policy in an infographic

Samsung recently announced its sustainability policy, under which it plans to minimize the use of plastic in its products. The company said it’ll start by replacing plastic packaging for its mobile products with paper and other environmentally sustainable elements. The company has been introducing environmentally friendly packaging to its notebook computer line since last year itself.

Going forward, Samsung plans to expand this initiative into its wider product line and has detailed the mid-term implementation plans in an infographic.

Samsung’s new product packaging policy

Starting this year, Samsung will replace the plastic holder trays in smartphones, wearables and tablets packaging by molded pulp. The bags wrapping accessories such as chargers and earphones will be made of recycled plastic and bio-based, fossil fuel-free materials. Samsung vows to only use certified paper materials in its packaging and manuals by 2020.

Samsung also plans to ditch plastic from its TVs and other home appliances packaging. The product-protecting plastic bags will be replaced by eco-friendly materials by the end of this year, at least in the Korean market. The company will expand this sustainability drive globally next year.

According to the United Nations, a staggering 8 million tons of plastic end up in the world’s oceans every year. Samsung’s sustainability policy will see the company using about 1,541 tons less plastic in its mobile product packaging yearly. The company estimates to collect 7,500,000 tons of wastes by 2030, and is aiming to use 500,000 tons of recycled plastics.

The post Samsung details its sustainability policy in an infographic appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile http://bit.ly/2MIFT7u
via IFTTT

Galaxy Note 9 gets new Android Pie update with January security patch

Galaxy Note 9 users in Germany were one of the first to get the much-awaited OneUI-based Android Pie update. Today, a new update is available for German Note 9 users. This is the second minor software update for the Note 9 following its initial Android Pie release. It has little in the way of changes and new features and appears to be a quality-of-life update. The update is available over the air and should make its way to other regions in the next few days.

The update carries build number N960FXXU2CSA7 and weighs in at 129.42MB. The changelog isn’t particularly descriptive about what changes it brings, so they’re most likely bug fixes and optimizations. It is common for Samsung to release such updates without explicitly mentioning what they do. The next update will very likely be the February security patch as the Note 9’s Android Pie build came with the January security patch.

You can see if the update is available for your device by going into the Settings » Software update menu and tapping Download updates manually. Do let us know in the comments below if you’ve received the update and noticed any changes on your Galaxy Note 9.

The post Galaxy Note 9 gets new Android Pie update with January security patch appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile http://bit.ly/2WBYaIn
via IFTTT

AT&T Galaxy S9 getting Pie update as well, hack allows instant download

It looks like the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ are also getting the update on AT&T’s network, following the release for the AT&T Galaxy Note 9. The Galaxy S9 update doesn’t seem to be rolling out over the air for everyone just yet, but someone at Reddit has posted a nice little hack for those who don’t want to wait. Apparently, moving the phone’s date forward to February 2 (Saturday) and then checking for the update makes it start downloading instantly.

The hack doesn’t seem to work for everyone, but lucky ones should be able to grab the nearly 2GB update over the air right away. If you do try it out, don’t forget to mute the phone as all your alarms and reminders for February 2 will go off once you change the date. You’ll probably have to set those alarms and reminders again if you change the date, but hey, at least you get the long-awaited Pie update right away.

To check for the update, tap the Download updates manually option in the Settings » Software update menu on your Galaxy S9 or S9+. Don’t forget to check out all the new stuff that Android Pie comes with once you’ve updated, and do let us know if the date changing workaround works for you.

Galaxy S9 (US)

• Model: SM-G960U
• Dimensions: 147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5mm
• Display: 5.8” (146.5mm) Super AMOLED
• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
• Camera: 12 MP, CMOS OIS (F1.5/F2.4)

More specifications

Galaxy S9+ (US)

• Model: SM-G965U
• Dimensions: 157.7 x 73.8 x 8.5 mm
• Display: 6.2” (158.1mm) Super AMOLED
• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
• Camera: 12 MP, CMOS Dual OIS (F1.5/F2.4) & Telephoto: 12MP AF F2.4)

More specifications

The post AT&T Galaxy S9 getting Pie update as well, hack allows instant download appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile http://bit.ly/2GeHJM6
via IFTTT

Prices of Galaxy S10 models suggested in a new report

There have been quite a few reports already claiming to “confirm” the price of Galaxy S10 models and now you can add another one to the list. This particular report suggests prices of the entire lineup, including the most high-end variant of the Galaxy S10+.

With just 20 days to go before Samsung officially unveils the new flagship, it won’t be long before the correct information arrives. These reports simply provide an idea of where the prices might fall. If you tend to follow the news often, you’d already have a good sense of that, to begin with.

Prices of Galaxy S10 models to start at 899 euro

The prices in euro are specifically meant for the Netherlands though will most likely be similar in other EU countries as well. According to the report, the entry-level Galaxy S10e will cost 749 ($850) euro for the 6GB+128GB configuration. It will be available in Canary Yellow, Prism Black, Green and White colors with Blue being launched later. We had exclusively confirmed that the smallest Galaxy S10 will be the only one to come in yellow.

The 6GB+128GB and 8GB+512GB Galaxy S10 models are said to cost 899 ($1,029) euro and 1,149 ($1,315) euro respectively. They will both be available in Black, Green, White and Blue colors. The Galaxy S10+ will be the star of the show with three variants. The 6GB+128GB and 8GB+512GB models will cost 999 ($1,143) euro and 1,249 euro ($1,429) respectively. They will be available in Black, Green, White and Blue colors.

Samsung may also offer a Galaxy S10+ model with 12GB RAM and 1TB of internal storage for 1,499 euro ($1,715). It’s this model which will be available with the ceramic back that we exclusively revealed a couple of months back.

It’s never a simple currency conversion for pricing the handsets in other markets. Local taxes and other considerations can add to the price tag. Nevertheless this report, like others before it, provides an idea of with the prices of Galaxy S10 models might be.

Samsung is due to unveil the Galaxy S10 lineup on February 20 in San Francisco. The official renders have already leaked online, leaving nothing to the imagination.

The post Prices of Galaxy S10 models suggested in a new report appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile http://bit.ly/2MJyLI5
via IFTTT

Third Android Pie beta for the Galaxy S8 brings February security patch

Samsung today rolled out the third Android Pie beta for Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ one week after the second beta landed. The company opened up the beta program for the 2017 flagship in an unprecedented move. It previously used to limit the beta program to the Galaxy S flagship of the current year. Not only that, it also released Android Pie beta for the Galaxy Note 9 and the Galaxy Note 8. The phablets were not made a part of the program before.

The latest beta release for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ brings fixes for several bugs. It also adds the February 2019 security patch. Samsung has not even detailed it yet for devices running stable builds of Oreo and Pie.

Third Android Pie beta for Galaxy S8 has been released

Samsung is now rolling out firmware version G950FXXU4ZSAI and G955FXXU4ZSAI for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, respectively. This is the third Android Pie beta release for these devices and weighs in at just over 500MB.

Bugs fixed in this release include one which prevented the fingerprint sensor from working in Samsung Pay. Issues where the Camera app would forcibly close and virtual keyboard would appear when unlocking with iris recognition have been addressed too.

The company is likely going to release the stable Android Pie update for the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8+ later this month. It’s quite possible that this might be one of the last Android Pie builds for these devices. Those on the beta program can get this latest build over-the-air by tapping Software update in the Settings app and selecting the Download and install option.

The post Third Android Pie beta for the Galaxy S8 brings February security patch appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile http://bit.ly/2MJjwyP
via IFTTT