Verizon sweetens its Galaxy S9 offer if you add it to a new line

Verizon Wireless is running a limited-time offer on the Galaxy S9, giving customers the possibility to acquire the phone on a new line for $12.49 a month on a 2-year agreement. Normally, prospective buyers would be looking at 24 monthly payments of $24 each, but with this new offer, customers can virtually acquire last year’s flagship phone for the equivalent of $299.76.

The carrier is likely looking to get rid of some stock in preparation of the Galaxy Note 10 series, which is scheduled for an official unveiling on August 7 in New York City. Once the new Galaxy Note hits the shelves, the Galaxy S9 will be succeeded by two flagship series, and there won’t be a lot of time left before the device turns two years old. For now, the phone is still receiving updates – the latest of which added new AR emojis and call/message continuity (at least in Germany). The Galaxy S9 is also becoming popular with police officers in the US, having been recently employed as a body camera by Colorado deputies.

$299 split into 24 monthly payments is quite an attractive offer for the Galaxy S9, which still is a decent flagship by today’s standards, retailing for $599 under normal circumstances. Evidently, the carrier will also get its hooks into you for the next 24 months, but that’s just the nature of the beast. Verizon Wireless offers the Galaxy S9 in Lilac Purple, Coral Blue, and Midnight Black, and lists only the 64GB model on its virtual shelves. The offer will apparently last until next week, July 24.

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

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T-Mobile will launch the Galaxy A10e and A20 stateside on July 26

Another carrier in the United States is now preparing to launch the Galaxy A10e and Galaxy A20 on its network. T-Mobile has announced that both smartphones will become available for purchase on July 26. The Galaxy A10e will launch for $0 down on a $7.30 monthly plan, while the Galaxy A20 will cost $10 down on a $10 monthly installment. Off-contract, the phones cost $175 and $250, respectively.

The Galaxy A10e is a new addition to Samsung’s budget lineup. It’s smaller than the original Galaxy A10 launched by the company earlier this year but retains the same 1,520 by 720 screen resolution. It’s equipped with the Exynos 7884B chipset, 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of expandable storage.

On the other hand, the Galaxy A20 features a larger 6.4-inch display sharing the same resolution. It draws power from an Exynos 7885 chipset coupled with 3GB of RAM and has the same storage capacity and expansion capabilities.

Both smartphones fit in the budget segment but the Galaxy A20 offers a few extra features, such as a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, a dual main camera, and a larger 4,000mAh battery versus a 3,000mAh unit.

US-based readers who might want to purchase the devices on other networks should be aware that both smartphones are expected to be released by Verizon Wireless sooner rather than later. But as is usually the case, the nation’s largest mobile carrier is lagging behind the competition and, as of this writing, there’s no exact launch date of when that might happen. In the meantime, AT&T was the first to bring the Galaxy A10e to the US, and Boost Mobile followed suit earlier this week.

Galaxy A10e

• Model: SM-A102U
• Dimensions: 147.3 x 69.6 x 8.4mm
• Display: 5.8" (147.32mm) TFT
• CPU: Exynos 7884B
• Camera: 8 MP, CMOS F1.9

More specifications

Galaxy A20

• Model: SM-A205F
• Dimensions: 158.4 x 74.7 x 7.8mm
• Display: 6.4"(162.5mm) Super AMOLED
• CPU: Exynos 7885
• Camera: 13 MP, CMOS & 5MP, CMOS

More specifications

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Samsung is recognized as one of the most engaging employers in the US

Samsung Electronics America is one of the most engaging workplaces in North America, according to the Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces annual awards, which recognized the company for the second consecutive year. Samsung Electronics America is one of the 50 companies that made the list this year, with AT&T being the only other listed company to be directly related to the mobile industry.

The Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces Awards are granted by a panel of 10 judges comprised of industry analysts, journalists, employee engagement academics, thought leaders, and influencers. The award is given to companies whose employees are involved, passionate, committed, and care about the future of the company they’re working for.

Employers are awarded based on what is called the Eight Elements of Employee Engagement. These elements are Leadership; Communication; Culture; Rewards and Recognition; Professional and Personal Growth; Accountability and Performance; Vision and Values; and Corporate Social Responsibility. In other words, companies that can best adhere to these eight elements are much more likely to encourage, empower, and support their employees to be the best at their jobs. Likewise, they are more likely to earn the annual award.

In recognition of the Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces Award, Vanessa Thurston, Head of Talent Management for Samsung Electronics America said “At Samsung Electronics America, we are focused on continually improving the employee experience. We’re committed to communicating our company vision, promoting employee recognition and giving back to the community. Our employees are proud to represent the Samsung brand and this recognition is a testament to the passionate, talented people who drive our business forward every day.”

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Samsung-Synopsys 3nm mobile chip collaboration is ‘progressing perfectly’

The collaboration between Samsung Electronics and Synopsys continues to bear fruit as the 3nm mobile chipset manufacturing process is inching closer to reality. During a recent visit to South Korea, Synopsys CEO, Aart de Geus, reportedly revealed to the local press that “The 3nm process cooperation with Samsung Electronics is progressing perfectly.” His company’s electronic design automation (EDA) tools should be ready for the mass-production of Samsung’s 3nm chips within two-to-three years.

This isn’t necessarily a strong confirmation that Samsung will be ready to commercialize its first 3nm-based mobile chipset in the next two or three years, as “The timing and full-scale mass production […] depends on Samsung Electronics,” according to de Geus. However, it sounds like Synopsys has made progress in developing its EDA tools for the undertaking and Samsung Electronics shouldn’t experience any bottlenecks in this regard. The South Korean company unveiled its MBCFET 3nm process design kit a couple of months ago.

Interestingly, according to Aart de Geus, the shrinking of semiconductor manufacturing processes is still in effect under Moore’s law, as more sophisticated design processes are being developed. Moore’s law can be described as the observable phenomenon in which the number of transistors employed by integrated circuits doubles every two years. “Old Moore’s Law, which makes transistors in semiconductors cheaper, may have died” added de Geus, but “is alive in memory data processing capabilities.”

The CEO also believes that artificial intelligence will become a trend in the semiconductor business, and will give even small fabless companies the ways and means to challenge the market.

Looking much closer into the near future, Samsung’s first chipset based on the 7nm manufacturing process is expected to debut alongside the Galaxy Note 10 series. It will reportedly be known as the Exynos 9825, and at its core, it should technically be an Exynos 9820 built on a 7nm node.

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Galaxy Tab S5e arrives in South African market

Samsung has finally launched the Galaxy Tab S5e in South Africa. It is an affordable midrange tablet with an AMOLED display and an ultra-slim profile. It has a thickness of just 5.5 mm, making it the thinnest and lightest Samsung tablet yet. As the company puts it, the Galaxy Tab S5e is “lighter than a cup of coffee and equally refreshing.”

Galaxy Tab S6 coming soon

Samsung launched the Galaxy Tab S5e earlier this year and is now jumping straight to the Galaxy Tab S6. The latter is expected to launch alongside the Galaxy Note 10 on August 7 featuring significantly better specs. The Galaxy Tab S5e isn’t any bad either. It features a 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 670 octa-core CPU, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage, and a 7,040mAh battery with support for fast charging. Other features include a fingerprint sensor and four AKG-tuned Dolby Atmos speakers.

The Tab S6, meanwhile, will feature a more powerful Snapdragon 855 SoC with 6GB RAM and at least 128GB of onboard storage. It will also feature an S Pen, which attaches magnetically at the back of the tablet. There’s also a dual camera system at the back. Naturally, the Tab S6 will cost much more than the Tab S5e.

Nonetheless, the Galaxy Tab S5e is still an unbeatable value proposition at its price. The tablet is available nationwide through both offline and online channels and costs R9,499 (~$682). You can check out our review to see if it suits your needs.

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Samsung UK brought students with special needs closer to Shakespeare’s work

In another case of technology being used to enrich the lives of people with special needs or disabilities, Samsung Electronics UK and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) have joined forces to bring Shakespeare’s famous Romeo and Juliet love story to life for students with special needs at Welcombe Hills School in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Over the course of two days, more than 180 students with additional needs have participated in various multi-sensory experiences designed to explore Shakespeare’s classic love story, its characters, themes, and key scenes. The activities were enriched by gadgets including Samsung tablets, the Gear 360 camera, the Gear VR headset, and the Samsung Flip touchscreen. Through these technologies, Samsung and RSC were able to tailor the experience for students according to their needs, bringing them closer to Shakespeare’s work in creative new ways.

The Samsung Flip can be a great tool for digital painting, and students were able to participate in a digital costume design activity that took inspiration from costumes used by RSC in previous Romeo and Juliet productions. Pupils with an inclination towards music creation were also able to create text-based soundscapes using Galaxy tablets. The Gear 360 camera was used to capture moments from the play, while the Gear VR headset offered students a different, immersive perspective.

“The two days were a fantastic opportunity to bring Romeo and Juliet to life for 181 students in a way that was vivid, accessible and enjoyable for all. Staff at the school worked extremely hard to ensure that the students were engaging in activities that introduced or developed their understanding of the text, themes, characters and key scenes in the play,” said Georgia White, RSC Regional Associate Schools Manager. “The different uses of technology in each of the activities really helped to immerse the students in the play, offering experiences that could be adapted for all.”

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You can now sign up for Galaxy Note 10 information on Samsung’s website

Less than three weeks remain for Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10 Unpacked event in New York City, and as is the norm before the launch of every new Galaxy S or Note smartphone, you can now register on Samsung’s website to get the latest information about the company’s upcoming flagship. It’s the usual fare: You register by entering your name and email address, and Samsung will then send you updates on the device as we get closer to its official launch.

Samsung Germany, however, also says there will be an exclusive offer for anyone registering their interest but isn’t actually saying what the offer will be. The company sent a coupon code for a free wireless charger to those who signed up for information on the Galaxy S10 and also allowed them to play with the device three days before everyone else, and it’s possible Samsung will do something like that for the Galaxy Note 10 as well. Samsung will most likely be bundling freebies with pre-orders in most countries, and prospective customers in Germany will receive an additional gift.

If you’re interested in signing up, simply go to the Samsung website, look for the Galaxy UNPACKED banner, and click it to open the registration page. In some countries, like India, Samsung will also ask you to check boxes for features you’d like to see on the ‘Next Galaxy’, but the options don’t really include anything that isn’t already present on the Galaxy Note 9. It does, however, mention expandable storage, and you can take that as confirmation that the Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+ will have a microSD slot.

We’ll be on the ground bringing you live coverage of the Galaxy Note 10 launch from New York on August 7, so be sure to stay tuned to SamMobile. To get up to speed with what we can expect from the upcoming Note flagship, check out our round-up post on the Galaxy Note 10’s specs, features, pricing, and release date.

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Galaxy S8 helps in saving the lives of 20 people in the Philippines

News reports about smartphones are always about specifications and new features. We rarely come across stories that throw light on the impact of these pocket computers on our lives. In one such story, Samsung’s Galaxy S8 has helped in saving the lives of 20 people at sea in Cebu province, Philippines, thanks to its IP68 water and dust resistance.

A boat carrying 16 foreign divers and four Filipino nationals tipped over on July 8 in the waters off Bogo City. The passengers were, however, rescued when they called for help after 30 minutes and shared their GPS location with a Galaxy S8. The device, which belonged to a Canadian national Jim Emdee, was submerged in water but remained functional due to its water-resistant design. Ironically, this incident happened just days after Samsung was accused of false claims about its devices’ water resistance by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

“I really hope my thanks can make it to the engineering team as honestly it really saved us all. Only my S8 was able to connect and it worked all the way until we made it to land. It stayed alive for much longer than I thought possible, and it really made the difference,” said Emdee while thanking Samsung’s engineering team.

“We are glad to hear that the passengers are all safe, and that a Samsung phone was helpful in the rescue effort. We will continue to work towards producing devices that can come to users’ aid when they find themselves in dire situations,” said James Jung, Head of Samsung Electronics Philippines, commenting on the incident.

Samsung also took this opportunity to remind users about the ‘Send SOS messages’ feature in Galaxy smartphones. When enabled (Settings → Advanced features → Send SOS message), users can press the power button three times quickly to send an SOS message to designated emergency contacts. The company also advised the customers to keep the GPS tracker on while traveling alone or in remote areas.

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Daily Deal: 44% off ZAGG InvisibleShield screen protector for the Galaxy S9

Your smartphone display is something you would want to treasure, and that often involves slapping a screen protector on top so that the display doesn’t get scratched from day-to-day usage. A screen protector also helps prevent expensive repair costs by preventing damage to the display if your phone tumbles to the ground. Screen protectors are even more of a necessity today seeing how fragile smartphones can be, so if you’re a Galaxy S9 owner looking for a new screen protector, you will want to take advantage of today’s deal: the ZAGG InvisibleShield tempered glass protector is available at a 44% discount.

The ZAGG InvisibleShield screen protector has an ultra smooth surface that makes it feel just like the original glass on the display, and it’s curved on the sides to perfectly fit that curved display on your Galaxy S9. So go ahead and grab one for your phone by hitting the Buy Now button below. The product ships to countries outside the US as well as long as you’re willing to pay a small extra fee.

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Latest Galaxy Watch update improves swim tracking, disables alarm sync

The latest Galaxy Watch update makes some improvements to the smartwatch. A similar update was already released for the Gear S3 by Samsung just last week. As many of you are aware, the Galaxy Watch is the successor to that device, Samsung just decided not to call it the Gear S4.

A new firmware update is now rolling out for both the 42mm and 46mm Galaxy Watch. Reports about the release have come in from the United States so far. It should receive the update in other markets soon as well.

Latest Galaxy Watch update brings improvements

Samsung is now rolling out firmware version R810XXU1CSG4 for the Galaxy Watch. It’s a 15.36MB download. The official changelog mentions that this update improves the overall system reliability.

It also disables the automated sync of alarms from the paired smartphone. This has already been done for the Gear S3 with its most recent firmware update. The change was made because after the One UI update, the Gear S3 had been copying the settings for alarms from the phone on its own. That would override any changes made to the alarm on the smartwatch.

This meant that if users wanted the watch to only vibrate for their morning alarm and their phone to both ring and vibrate, they’d wake up to find the watch ringing for the alarm as well. This update will prevent that from happening on the Galaxy Watch.

The Galaxy Watch is capable of tracking your swim workouts. This update improves tracking for that activity. Just how noticeable these improvements are can only be ascertained by actually tracking a swimming workout. Expect this latest Galaxy Watch firmware update to arrive in more markets in the near future.

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Galaxy Tab S3 and Galaxy A5 (2016) get July security update

There’s a new update rolling out for the Galaxy Tab S3 and Galaxy A5 (2016) in various markets. Both devices are getting the July 2019 security patch with the update. The Galaxy Tab S3 update is available in Bolivia and Panama and comes with software version T825UBS3BSG4; only the LTE model is getting the update at the moment, but that should change soon. The Galaxy A5 (2016) is being updated in Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia to software version A510FXXS8CSF6.

The Galaxy A5 (2016) is almost four years old at this point, so any update it gets is a bonus. The Galaxy Tab S3, however, is due for an upgrade to Android Pie, but owners of the tablet are going to have wait further before they can switch from Oreo to Pie. That anticipated update will likely come out next month, at least if Samsung’s schedule for Android Pie updates is to be believed. The Tab S3 was certified with Pie on-board by the Wi-Fi Alliance in late May, and it will be one of the last eligible Galaxy devices to get the update to the 9th iteration of the Android OS.

Galaxy Tab S3 and Galaxy A5 (2016) owners in the countries mentioned above can download the latest security update over the air by tapping the Download and install option (called Download updates manually on the A5) in the Settings » Software update menu on their device. Firmware for the new update is available in our database for those who’d like to upgrade their device using their Windows PC.

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