Hey Samsung, how about including Galaxy S20 FE in the One UI 3.0 beta?

With the Galaxy S20 FE, Samsung is making it abundantly clear that it views its fourth Galaxy S20 model as a flagship smartphone, and the company isn’t wrong. Where the Galaxy S10 Lite was a mid-range phone with flagship elements (and a good one at that), the Galaxy S20 Fan Edition offers much of the same hardware as the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S20+ with just a few compromises that allow Samsung to sell it for as low as $699 for the 5G variant in the US.

In addition to sharing much of its hardware features with the original Galaxy S20 trio (same processors, 120Hz display, water resistance, stereo speakers, wireless and reverse wireless charging, etc.), the Galaxy S20 FE gets flagship-grade software as well. It has Samsung DeX support, for one (yes, wireless DeX is there as well), and Samsung has promised it will get three generations of Android and One UI updates.

In fact, from what we can see, Samsung hasn’t taken out anything from the software side of things with its made-for-fans Galaxy S20, and it’s got me thinking: Wouldn’t it be great if the Galaxy S20 FE would also be included in the Android 11-based One UI 3.0 beta program?

I mean, Samsung’s already marketing the Galaxy S20 FE as a flagship phone, and it’s promising three years of updates. So why not let those who buy the device test the next version of Android and One UI along with those who own the Galaxy S20, S20+, or S20 Ultra and show consumers that the four models will be treating equally as far as software support is concerned.

Of course, we can’t be sure that the S20 FE isn’t going to be included. The One UI 3.0 beta was first announced back in early August, and even if Samsung had already planned to let Galaxy S20 FE owners take part in the program, it obviously couldn’t say anything at the time because the phone wasn’t going to be unveiled until late September.

But Samsung hasn’t added the S20 FE to the list of supported Galaxy S20 models for the beta program even now, and I hope that won’t be the case for long. The Galaxy S20 FE has the same processors and software as its siblings so it shouldn’t be hard for Samsung to provide the beta to all four models, and it will probably just come down to whether or not the company wants to do it.

We’ve reached out to Samsung to find out about the Galaxy S20 FE’s One UI 3.0 beta prospects, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a positive response. You might want to do the same if you’re planning to buy (or have already bought) the S20 FE and help the Korean giant test Android 11 and One UI 3.0 ahead of its public release.

Galaxy S20 FE

• Model: SM-G780F
• Dimensions: Bar: 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm
  
• Display: 6.5 inch / 165.1 mm Super AMOLED Display
• CPU: Exynos 990
• Camera: 12MP

More specifications

Galaxy S20 FE 5G

• Model: SM-G781B
• Dimensions: Bar: 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm
  
• Display: 6.5 inch / 165.1 mm Super AMOLED Display
• CPU: Snapdragon 865
• Camera: 12MP

More specifications

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The simple guide on how to get Disney Plus on Samsung TV

It’s been nearly a year since Disney Plus for Samsung smart TVs was released. The streaming service had 10 million subscribers in November last year and a whopping 50 million subscribers just five months after launch. If you’re reading this and you own a Samsung smart TV, chances are you’re already a Disney Plus subscriber, but in case you haven’t signed up for the service yet, here’s a simple guide on how to get Disney Plus on Samsung TV.

First things first, it’s important to note that Disney Plus is compatible with most Samsung TVs that were released in 2016 or later. That’s because you can only get Disney Plus on Samsung TV models that use the Tizen operating system. It doesn’t work with models that run Orsay OS or the built-in web browser. Here’s a full list of Samsung smart TVs that are compatible with Disney Plus.

How to get Disney Plus on Samsung smart TVs

To get the best viewing experience, make sure that you have a high-speed internet connection and that your smart TV is running the most recent version of its operating system. The follow the steps provided below to download Disney Plus on your Samsung TV.

Step 1: Navigate to and select the Apps option on your TV’s home screen

Step 2: Use the remote to select the search button in the top right corner of the apps screen, it’s the one that looks like a magnifying glass.

Step 3: Use the on-screen keyboard to enter “Disney+” and then select the Enter button.

Step 4: The app will now appear on the screen. Select the Install option to get Disney Plus on your Samsung TV.

If the Disney Plus app doesn’t show up when you search for it, that’s a strong indication that your smart TV is not compatible with the streaming platform or that Disney Plus is not available in your region.

How to get Disney Plus on older Samsung smart TV

If you own an older Samsung smart TV that’s not compatible with the app, that doesn’t mean you still can’t access Disney Plus on it. However, you’ll have to spend a bit more money to get an external device that supports the app. Still, it beats having to buy a completely new TV when you don’t really need one.

To get Disney Plus on an older Samsung TV, you can hook up a streaming device like a Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV (4th gen or later) or Chromecast. They will connect to the TV through HDMI and enable you to access Disney Plus through their apps. If you have a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One connected to your TV then you can use the dedicated Disney Plus apps for those gaming consoles.

How much does Disney Plus cost?

Once you have Disney+ working on your TV, you’ll have access to numerous popular TV shows and movies from the Marvel and Star Wars universes, and more, but keep in mind that this is a subscription-based service and you will be required to pay $6.99 a month or $69.99 a year in order to use it.

You can subscribe to the service through the app on your TV or on your web browser by visiting the official Disney Plus website.

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The Galaxy Watch is available for nearly half the price of its sequel

Samsung’s latest smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 3, shines in the limelight, but the original Galaxy Watch that was released two years ago is still on sale and remains a good alternative for customers who may be looking for similar specs at a lower price. The Galaxy Watch usually sells for $259 but customers can now save $40 when buying the smartwatch through this limited-time Amazon deal.

The offer applies to the 42mm and 46mm Galaxy Watch with Bluetooth connectivity. You can buy the 42mm Galaxy Watch in Rose Gold or Black for $219, or you can pick the 46mm model in silver for $239. The smartwatch is due to be shipped to customers on October 11.

The Galaxy Watch vs Galaxy Watch 3 conundrum

If you’re looking to buy a Galaxy Watch then chances are you don’t own any of Samsung’s smartwatches that came after it. And if you’re looking to buy a Galaxy smartwatch, perhaps you’re questioning whether you should take advantage of this Amazon deal or get the newer Galaxy Watch 3 instead. That’s up to you, but know that the Galaxy Watch 3 costs at least $399, or $369 with a limited-time discount, and it will take a long time before you’ll be able to buy it for $219.

It’s probably easier to make that decision knowing what each model has to offer. The new Galaxy Watch 3 shares some characteristics with its predecessor, including the display resolution (and size for the smaller models) as well as the Exynos 9110 chipset, but it was released two years later so it takes advantage of newer Bluetooth and software, better health-oriented features, and a more modern design. The original Galaxy Watch has the advantage of a larger battery and a considerably lower price. It also ships with a rubber band so it’s easier to take it for a swim right out of the box.

Galaxy Watch review

• Buy the 42mm Galaxy Watch (Bluetooth) from Amazon
• Buy the 46mm Galaxy Watch (Bluetooth) from Amazon

Galaxy Watch (42mm)

• Model: SM-R810
• Dimensions: Watch: 41.9 x 45.7 x 12.7 mm
  
• Display: 1.2 inch / 30.48 mm Circular Super AMOLED
• CPU: Exynos 9110
• Camera:

More specifications

Galaxy Watch (46mm)

• Model: SM-R800
• Dimensions: Watch: 46 x 49 x 13 mm
  
• Display: 1.3 inch / 33.02 mm Circular Super AMOLED
• CPU: Exynos 9110
• Camera:

More specifications

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Nothing gets past the clever hinge in this Galaxy Z Fold 2 durability test

The Galaxy Z Fold 2 has improved upon the original Fold formula in more than one way. The sequel is not only more powerful and stylish but it turns out to be more resilient as well. It doesn’t have an IP rating for dust and water resistance, however, it is better equipped to take on the elements thanks to Samsung’s clever engineering.

The Galaxy Z Fold 2 was recently featured in a JerryRigEverything durability/torture-test video that highlights the phone’s strong points and shortcomings. For example, the larger cover display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus so it’s highly-resistant to scratching, but the inner foldable display still scratches with a level 2 pick despite the fact that it technically has a layer of glass.

The glass resides under a softer layer plastic that remains just as susceptible to scratches as before. However, there needs to be a distinction between surface damage and total failure. Although the Galaxy Z Fold 2’s display is very susceptible to surface damage due to the soft layer of plastic on top, the UTG layer underneath should provide a bit more durability against inner damage to the actual display, potentially preventing total failure in some situations.

Samsung’s sweeper mechanism does wonders

What Samsung appears to have improved the most is the hinge design. The hinge is as strong as ever and it passed JRE’s bend test with flying colors, meaning it did not bend or break even when excessive force was applied.

In addition, Samsung’s sweeper technology that debuted with the Galaxy Z Flip was used again for the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and it appears to be doing its job very well. It successfully kept dust away from the complex hinge mechanism even in extreme testing conditions, so Galaxy Z Fold 2 owners can rest easy knowing there’s a much lower chance for foreign objects to slip past the hinge and damage the screen from the inside.

If you can handle watching the Galaxy Z Fold 2 being mistreated for the sake of knowledge (or fun) then you can check the video below for the full durability test.

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European fans: Do you think the Galaxy S20 FE offers great value?

As Samsung itself recently explained it, the Galaxy S20 Fan Edition was named in reference to the amazing value it’s meant to offer; at least relative to the original flagship series that debuted back in February. And while that statement is far from baseless, there’s also no denying that the overall package is more attractive in the United States than Europe.

Once you account for sales tax, the $699 price tag Samsung attached to the Galaxy S20 FE’s 5G variant stateside is more or less on par with the €749 figure being touted in most EU countries. Yet the European single market also has quite a few Chinese manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Realme, and OPPO, all of whom have been looking to undercut Samsung for a while now. Between them and other contenders like HMD’s resurging Nokia, the Galaxy S20 Fan Edition’s value proposition certainly doesn’t seem as amazing on the Old Continent.

Will next year’s ‘Fan Editions’ be more affordable?

But is the difference significant enough? We’re asking you to be the judge of that. And while this question is obviously primarily aimed at our European readers, it’s not like those in other parts of the world are somehow precluded from having an opinion on the Galaxy S20 FE’s EU pricing.

So, let us know what you think, and we’ll see how Samsung’s final high-end smartphone of the year performs sales-wise. For added context, the latest industry consensus is that poor sales of the original Galaxy S20 trio are the whole reason this Fan Edition ended up happening.

Do you think Galaxy S20 FE offers great value in Europe?

• It's good enough
• Yep
• Nope
• I don't think the phone should even exist

Results

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You can now buy the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE right away

The Galaxy S20 FE has the potential of being one of Samsung’s hottest devices this year and you can now buy it right away. Samsung started taking pre-orders for the device the day it was unveiled last month and had scheduled the general release for October 2.

It is now October 2 and the Galaxy S20 FE is readily available for purchase. Even if you didn’t pre-order the phone, you can now walk into a Samsung store or stores of the company’s carrier and retail partners to pick one up.

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is now widely available for purchase

The Galaxy S20 FE has gone on sale today across the globe. It’s available in many great color options that include Cloud Navy, White, Lavender, Mint, Orange and Red. Both 4G and 5G variants of the handset are available in certain markets while some markets like the US will get 5G only.

Speaking of the US, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G starts at $699 in the country. It’s a very attractive price point for a device of this calibre and it’s bound to significantly damage OnePlus’s market position in the country. Even if you consider the Galaxy S20 FE vs Google Pixel 5, it’s a much better value proposition compared to Google’s newest phone.

Samsung has equipped the IP68-rated Galaxy S20 FE with a 6.5-inch FHD+ flat 120Hz refresh rate display, Exynos 990/Snapdragon 865 chipsets, 6GB/128GB RAM and storage on the base model and stereo speakers. You also get a 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP wide and 8-megapixel 3x zoom camera in addition to a 32-megapixel selfie camera. There’s a 4,500mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging, wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare. Lastly, the Galaxy S20 FE is also confirmed to receive three major Android OS upgrades.

Do check out our Galaxy S20 FE hands-on to learn more about the device. We will have a full review coming up in the near future.

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