Galaxy S9 and S9+ get second Android 10 beta update

Samsung had said that the second Android 10 beta update for the Galaxy S9 and S9+ would be released this week, and the company has done just that. The second beta update is available now in India and should also be available in South Korea. It comes with software version G96*FXXU7ZSL2 and includes the security patch for the month of December.

At around 300 MB, the update isn’t too big, but it seems to fix a few important issues, such as a data leak resulting from GPS usage, slow hotspot speeds, severe noise when using Bluetooth devices, device reboots when playing the Clash Royale game and when using a VPN, and slowdowns because of memory leaks. The new beta probably has some bugs as well, and there are likely going to be a few more beta updates before the stable Android 10 update arrives for the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+.

You can download the second beta update over the air just like any other update. Open the Settings app on your phone, select Software update, then tap Download and install. As usual, it’s advisable to backup all important data before you perform the update so you don’t end up losing that data if you run into a device-breaking bug that forces you to do a factory reset.

The post Galaxy S9 and S9+ get second Android 10 beta update appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2RML7DZ
via IFTTT

Samsung Galaxy sits atop South Korea’s most valuable 100 brands, again

Samsung Galaxy was deemed the most valuable brand in South Korea for the 9th consecutive year. The brand sits atop the BrandStock Top (100) Index published over the weekend and outshines other local companies, including E-Mart and KakaoTalk, who occupy 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.

Galaxy brand value boosted by Samsung’s marketing strategy in Japan

Interestingly, the evaluation company claims that Samsung’s positive performance in Japan over the third quarter of 2019 was pivotal to the Galaxy brand’s winning streak. Samsung has abandoned its corporate logo in favor of the Galaxy brand in Japan a few years ago and continues to apply this strategy to this day. In fact, Samsung decided a couple of months ago that its company logo won’t be shown during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics; instead, its sponsorship will be denoted by the Galaxy brand alone.

Essentially, ‘Samsung’ as a brand is almost nonexistent in Japan where the company’s products, services, and even social media accounts identify solely with the Galaxy brand. Therefore, any success enjoyed by Samsung in Japan will inevitably increase the value of the Galaxy brand as a whole.

BrandStock estimates that the Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Note 10 will continue to enjoy a positive market response in Japan throughout the fourth quarter of the year. This will keep the Galaxy brand in the spotlight and may help it become South Korea’s most valuable brand for 10 years in a row.

The post Samsung Galaxy sits atop South Korea’s most valuable 100 brands, again appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2qBEt8a
via IFTTT

Galaxy A (2020) series could employ MediaTek’s high-end 5G solution

Samsung’s Galaxy A (2020) lineup, or at least some models from the upcoming series, could be equipped with MediaTek’s Dimensity 1000 5G chipset, according to a report by BGR.in citing industry sources from Taiwan.

Readers might recall that Samsung was reportedly trying to supply Chinese OEMs including OPPO and Vivo with its own 5G solutions earlier in the year. But the tables have turned, according to this fresh report. OPPO and Vivo are now both rumored to plan on acquiring the Dimensity 1000 5G chip from MediaTek, and interestingly enough, Samsung could do the same for its Galaxy A (2020) series.

A flagship-grade 5G solution for non-flagship Galaxy phones

While some Galaxy A (2020) devices like the Galaxy A71 5G could end up carrying the Exynos 980 chipset with an integrated 5G modem, this won’t be the case across the entire lineup. The recent report suggests that at least some models could rely on MediaTek’s flagship-grade 5G solution instead. It doesn’t mention where the existing Exynos Modem 5100 would fit into this new picture. Would it fade into obscurity while MediaTek’s 5G chip will take center stage?

In theory, there should be room for both chipsets to coexist. Some Galaxy A (2020) 5G models would presumably adopt the MediaTek Dimensity 1000 5G chip, while other, lower-end models could make use of Samsung’s own Exynos Modem 5100, or Qualcomm’s solutions.

As for the Dimensity 1000 5G chip, it was manufactured on a 7nm process (the Exynos Modem 5100 is based on 10nm FinFET) and delivers impressive on-paper figures, such as 4.7Gbps maximum downlink speeds. This technically makes it over two times faster than the Exynos Modem 5100 solution which can achieve maximum downlink speeds of 2Gpbs.

We are unable to confirm the validity of this rumor at this point, so take it with a pinch of salt. But assuming that there’s some truth to it, what would you say if Samsung would turn to MediaTek for 5G solutions? Do you think the Dimensity 1000 5G chip would be a good fit for the Galaxy A (2020) series? Share your thoughts below.

The post Galaxy A (2020) series could employ MediaTek’s high-end 5G solution appeared first on SamMobile.

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

Samsung Pay launched in just one new market in 2019

Among all the first-party Samsung apps and services, Samsung Pay, the company’s mobile payment service, is by far the most useful and popular. It is one of those few offerings where the Korean tech giant has done a better job than Google both in terms of technology and execution. In fact, it’s a major differentiating factor today for many customers who choose Galaxy smartphones over other brands in the market.

Samsung Pay made its debut on the Galaxy S6 lineup and Note 5 in August 2015 in South Korea. Since then, the company has brought the service to more markets and expanded the list of supported devices. Yet, at the end of 2019, the service is still a niche offering with availability in around two dozen markets and the full Samsung Pay experience limited to mostly flagship devices.

Slowdown in rollout

The pace of Samsung Pay rollout seems to have dropped significantly in 2019, with Indonesia being the only new market added this year. Even on the supported devices’ front, the MST technology which differentiates Samsung Pay from other mobile payment solutions in the market is still limited mostly to flagship devices. The company does offer Samsung Pay Mini on many of its budget and mid-range devices, but it’s not as useful or versatile as the MST-based Samsung Pay.

However, in select markets where the service is already available, Samsung did add many new features such as international transfers, third-party wallet integrations, virtual prepaid card, etc. It also launched Samsung POS to turn Samsung Pay-compatible phones into payment terminals for small businesses. But, once again, many of these new features are available in a handful of markets, limiting their reach.

There is a sense that Samsung is no longer hyping its mobile payment service with the same intensity and frequency it used to do earlier. Whether this is because the company has turned less ambitious about Samsung Pay or due to general fatigue, we don’t know. Either way, it’s not a good sign for those who regularly use and love the service.

We have reached out to Samsung for a comment on what appears to be a slowdown in the rollout of Samsung Pay. We will update the post if we hear back from the company.

The post Samsung Pay launched in just one new market in 2019 appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2YykAM0
via IFTTT

No Android 10/One UI 2.0 beta program coming for the Galaxy Fold

In the least surprising news of the day, Samsung has confirmed that there will be no One UI 2.0 beta program for the Galaxy Fold, its company’s costliest mobile device in the market right now. The confirmation comes via the company’s community forums in Korea, where it was also revealed that the Galaxy Note 10’s stable Android 10 update will come out “soon”, with no other specifics given.

Galaxy Fold not getting access to an Android 10 beta to test out the new version of the OS is in line with how Samsung has treated its foldable device as far as software updates are concerned, especially the 5G-enabled variant. The Fold has constantly been playing catch-up in both security and feature updates compared to the Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy S10. Even the Android 10 update for the Fold has been scheduled for April, a full three months after the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Note 10 if we go by Samsung’s official roadmap.

Of course, the considerably lower sales figures and limited availability of the Galaxy Fold probably have to do with Samsung’s decision to not start a beta program for it, despite how high the foldable phone’s price may be. It’s also unclear just how many Fold owners would be willing to install beta software on it, and we can only hope Samsung will at least introduce some functionality that takes advantage of the foldable form factor with the Fold’s Android 10 update in return for making us wait so long for the update to come out.

The post No Android 10/One UI 2.0 beta program coming for the Galaxy Fold appeared first on SamMobile.

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

Daily Deal: 48% off Wireless Sport Earphones

The 3.5mm headphone jack is surely being phased out, and wireless solutions are likely to increase in popularity as a result. But even if this wasn’t the case, wireless headphones are a better fit for an active lifestyle and for people who enjoy fitness activities. They don’t get in the way as much, and although some products in this category can get rather expensive, others won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Case in point, this pair of wireless headphones now available for 48% off provides plenty of features for the buck, including CVC6.0 noise cancellation, a sweat-proof build, and up to 6 hours of music playback on a single charge.

Hit the Buy Now button below and grab a pair while the discount lasts.

The post Daily Deal: 48% off Wireless Sport Earphones appeared first on SamMobile.

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

Malia’s next music video to be filmed solely with Samsung mobile cameras

In a bid to promote some of its latest Galaxy products and ecosystem, Samsung Brazil is teaming up with Jazz singer Malia who will film her next music video using only Samsung products instead of professional cameras and equipment.

The music video will be created using the Galaxy Tab S6 and Galaxy Note 10+, but other devices like the Galaxy Watch Active 2, the Galaxy Buds, and the AKG N700NC headphones will also be a part of the production process.

In essence, the camera setup will consist of a 16MP ultrawide sensor and two 12MP wide and telephoto shooters (Galaxy Note 10+), as well as a 13MP wide and 5MP ultrawide sensor (Galaxy Tab S6). Evidently, it’s not all about megapixels, and underlying technologies such as Super Steady recording on the Galaxy Note 10+ will play a role as well.

Borrowing a page from Apple’s book but pushing things further

While the subject matter is different, it does seem like Samsung doesn’t want to be outshined by Apple and its latest ‘Shot on iPhone’ ad campaign. However, it could be argued that Samsung is pushing things one step further, as Apple’s ads are just that: ads shot on iPhones by professional filmmakers, whereas Samsung Brazil and Malia will create a full-fledged music video using only Galaxy products.

Samsung brazil didn’t reveal exactly when we can expect the music video to be released, but it could be done by the end of the year. It will be very interesting to see how this creation will compare to Apple’s ads, even if the approach is relatively different.

Last week we also reported on Samsung Indonesia’s Galaxy Movie Studio educational platform meant to teach aspiring filmmakers how to hone their craft and create quality content using smartphones instead of professional equipment. This seems to be a common theme nowadays, and it might become even more prevalent next year as Samsung seemingly intends on pushing the Galaxy S11 series’ camera configuration to new heights with 8K video recording and more.

Galaxy Note 10+

• Model: SM-N975F
• Dimensions: 162.3 x 77,2 x 7.9mm
• Display: 6.8"(172.7mm) Super AMOLED
• CPU: Exynos 9825
• Camera: 12 Ultra Wide: 16MP F2.2 (123°) & Wide-angle: 12MP 2PD AF F1.5/F2.4 OIS (77°) & Telephoto: 12MP F2.1 OIS (45°) & DepthVision Camera: VGA

More specifications

Galaxy Tab S6 (LTE)

• Model: SM-T865
• Dimensions: 244.5 x 159.5 ×5.7mm
• Display: 10.5" (266.7) Super AMOLED
• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
• Camera: 13 MP, CMOS & 5MP, CMOS

More specifications

Galaxy Watch Active 2 (LTE) (44mm)

• Model: SM-R825
• Dimensions: 44 x 44 x 10.9mm
• Display: 1.4"(34mm) Super AMOLED
• CPU: Exynos 9110
• Camera:

More specifications

The post Malia’s next music video to be filmed solely with Samsung mobile cameras appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2P2vdTW
via IFTTT

December patch now available for the Galaxy A5 (2017), J5 (2017), and more

Samsung has released the December 2019 security update for the Galaxy A5 (2017), Galaxy J5 (2017), Galaxy A8 (2018), and Tab A 10.5 in select regions. The company has been rather quick so far in pushing the latest monthly patch to many of its devices, so much so that it kickstarted the rollout even before the same update is available for Google’s Pixel devices.

The update is probably limited to security fixes and unlikely to bring any new features to these non-flagship models. As usual, the December patch includes security fixes for dozens of vulnerabilities in the core Android OS and Samsung customizations on top of it. You can read our article based on Samsung’s monthly security bulletin to know more about the nature and severity of some of these risks.

The December update for the Galaxy A5 (2017) is rolling out widely in many regions such as Chile, Paraguay, Argentina, Poland, Peru, Brazil, etc., while the Galaxy J5 (2017) is receiving the same on all the major carriers in South Korea. The Galaxy A8 (2018), meanwhile, is getting the update in Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Switzerland, Canada, and Russia. Lastly, the release for the Galaxy Tab A 10.5 is currently out in Switzerland, Netherlands, Baltic, and United Kingdom.

If you own any of these devices and stay in these regions, you should be receiving the OTA update notification automatically. You can also manually check for it by going to Settings and tapping the Download updates manually option under the Software Update menu. Alternatively, you can also consider flashing the latest firmware manually. If you intend to do so, click here, here, here, and here to download the latest firmware for these devices.

The post December patch now available for the Galaxy A5 (2017), J5 (2017), and more appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/349TaNG
via IFTTT

Retailer reveals Galaxy S10 Lite, Note 10 Lite, A51, and A71 prices

It is no secret Samsung is gearing up to launch a flood of new devices, such as the Galaxy S10 Lite, Note 10 Lite, Galaxy A51, and Galaxy A71. While most details of these upcoming phones are already known, we have yet to learn about their pricing. Now, a European retailer is shedding some light on this issue as well.

Galaxy S10 Lite, Note 10 Lite, A51, and A71 pricing

Earlier this morning, the guys over at GalaxyClub stumbled across a Slovakian retailer that decided to put up listings for the aforementioned devices early. While we do not see specs or images, we do get a first glimpse at pricing as well as a speculative release date. All devices are expected to be in stock immediately after Christmas on December 27. Pricing is as follows:

• Galaxy A51: €375
• Galaxy A71: €469
• Galaxy Note 10 Lite: €609
• Galaxy S10 Lite: €669

While we suggest this information be taken with a grain of salt, the prices of the Galaxy A51, S10 Lite, and Note 10 Lite seem to make sense. Only the Galaxy A71 strikes us as rather expensive, given the fact that the Galaxy A70 launched earlier this year for only €399. Of course, all of these numbers could be merely the shop’s owner putting up some placeholder information.

For more details, we have to wait until later this week, when Samsung officially launches the Galaxy A51 on December 12. Though we will probably not yet see any of the other devices at the Galaxy A51 launch, we might get a hint or two about them.

The post Retailer reveals Galaxy S10 Lite, Note 10 Lite, A51, and A71 prices appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/33WN2YU
via IFTTT

Upcoming Galaxy A51 will get quarterly security updates

Even though the Galaxy A51 is yet to go official, Samsung has listed the device in its Android security update bulletin and scheduled it for quarterly security updates. Yes, the Galaxy A51, despite being a newer device, is set to get a security update every three months while the Galaxy A50 is on a monthly schedule.

However, it’s possible the Galaxy A51 will get monthly updates despite what Samsung’s official schedule might say. The Galaxy A50 was also slated to get quarterly security updates at launch, but Samsung released a new update for the device every month in most markets and officially shifted it to monthly updates later on. The Galaxy A51 will hopefully get similar support once it goes on sale, which should be sometime later this month following the phone’s official unveiling on December 12.

Even if the Galaxy A51 doesn’t get monthly updates, those who purchase the device will be able to enjoy the latest version of Android out of the box. The Galaxy A50’s Android 10 update is currently slated to come out sometime in April, along with a number of other 2019 Galaxy A series phones. The Galaxy A51 will also be eligible to get Android 12, while the Galaxy A50 will end its life on Android 11 unless Samsung changes its long-standing policy of only providing two major OS updates to every Galaxy device.

The post Upcoming Galaxy A51 will get quarterly security updates appeared first on SamMobile.

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