Galaxy M31s starts getting the One UI 3.1 update in India

One UI 3.1, which debuted with the Galaxy S21 series earlier this year, is quickly rolling out to various Galaxy smartphones and tablets. After releasing the Android 11 update to the Galaxy M31s in Russia last week, Samsung has now started rolling out the One UI 3.1 update to the mid-range smartphone in India.

The Android 11-based One UI 3.1 (Core) update for the Galaxy M31s, which has firmware version M317FXXU2CUB1, also brings along the February 2021 security patch. The update has a download size of 1,932.15MB, so we advise you to download it via a Wi-Fi network. The update brings a refreshed UI design, one-time permissions, permissions auto reset, dedicated media player widget in the quick settings panel, a conversations section in the notifications area, improved Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls, and improved performance to the Galaxy M31s.

Samsung has mentioned in the update’s changelog that app copies made using Dual Messenger can no longer access files on the microSD card directly. Instead, users would have to go to the Gallery or My Files apps, select the required file, share it using the Share Sheet, and then select the copy of the app. The update also brings improved stock apps, introduces new features to Samsung Keyboard and Samsung Internet apps, and speeds up app launches.

If you are a Galaxy M31s user in India, and if you haven’t received the latest software update yet, you can check for it manually by navigating to Settings » Software Update and then tapping on Download and install. The update will reach other markets gradually.

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Samsung announces Galaxy Awesome Unpacked event for March 17

Samsung has finally announced its Galaxy Awesome Unpacked event where it will most likely unveil its upcoming mid-range smartphones, the Galaxy A52 and the Galaxy A72. The online event is set to happen on March 17, 2021, and the video will be streamed live on Samsung’s YouTube channel and Samsung Newsroom. This event’s date was leaked a few days ago when Samsung had accidentally listed the video on YouTube.

The Galaxy Awesome Unpacked will happen at 10 AM ET (8:30 PM IST or 3 PM GMT). We have already seen the design, specifications, and features of the Galaxy A52 and the Galaxy A72. Both mid-range smartphones from Samsung will come in LTE and 5G variants, and they are huge upgrades over their predecessors, the Galaxy A51 and the Galaxy A71. The only thing that remains to be seen during the event would be their pricing and availability.

Galaxy A52, A72 leaked specs

We had exclusively revealed that the Galaxy A52 and the Galaxy A72 have high-refresh-rate Super AMOLED Infinity-O displays (90Hz on LTE variants and 120Hz on 5G variants) with Full HD+ resolution and Gorilla Glass 5. Both phones run Android 11 out of the box. The LTE variants of the Galaxy A52 and the Galaxy A72 use the Snapdragon 720G processor, while the 5G variants use the Snapdragon 750G processor. They also feature 6GB/8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage, and a microSD card slot.

Going by previous leaks, Samsung has equipped the two phones with 32MP selfie cameras on the front and 64MP+8MP+5MP+5MP quad-camera setups on the rear. The 64MP primary camera even features OIS. While both phones have IP67 certification for dust and water resistance, only the Galaxy A72 has stereo speakers. Other features include GPS, Wi-Fi b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB Type-C port, and a headphone jack.

The Galaxy A52 is powered by a 4,500mAh battery, while the Galaxy A72 uses a 5,000mAh battery, and both phones support 25W super-fast charging.

Galaxy A52

• Model: SM-A525F
• Dimensions: Bar: 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm
  
• Display: 6.5 inch / 165.10 mm Super AMOLED Display
• CPU: Snapdragon 720G
• Camera: 64MP

More specifications

Galaxy A52 5G

• Model: SM-A526B
• Dimensions: Bar: 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm
  
• Display: 6.5 inch / 165.10 mm Super AMOLED Display
• CPU: Snapdragon 750G
• Camera: 64MP

More specifications

Galaxy A72

• Model: SM-A725F
• Dimensions: Bar: 165 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm
  
• Display: 6.7 inch / 170.18 mm Super AMOLED Display
• CPU: Snapdragon 720G
• Camera: 64MP

More specifications

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Galaxy A52 5G premature unboxing video reveals virtually everything

For a phone that belongs to the mid-range market, the Galaxy A52 is already making big waves ahead of its official unveiling. The phone has gotten a lot of attention lately, and a new leak has placed the Galaxy A52 5G on the map like never before.

An unboxing video featuring the yet-to-be-released Galaxy A52 5G was uploaded to YouTube earlier today, and it leaves very little to the imagination. The video reveals the phone’s design, the contents of the retail box, and it walks viewers through the initial setup while confirming a few specifications, such as the 120Hz display, the IP67 dust and water resistance rating, and the Snapdragon 750G chipset.

Charger in the box and IP67 rating reconfirmed

It turns out that Samsung’s eco-friendly ambitions aren’t big enough to remove the wall charger from the retail box of every Galaxy phone, and obviously, we’re not complaining. The company has stopped offering this component along with its latest flagships, but future Galaxy A52 5G owners don’t have to worry about any of that. The phone will apparently ship with a 15W fast charger in the box, and customers will have the option of upgrading to a 25W charger if they’ll want to match the battery’s fast charging capabilities.

Along with the charger, the retail box contains a standard USB-A to USB-C cable as well as a transparent silicon case to protect the buyer’s investment. Pretty neat!

The Galaxy A52 5G’s design was also revealed in all its glory, and the IP67 rating reconfirmed. Indeed, this will be a non-flagship Galaxy A-branded phone with an IP rating, and it’s one of the reasons why the Galaxy A52 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting releases of the year so far.

You can check the early Galaxy A52 5G unboxing video below for a better look at the phone and how it handles demanding games such as PUBG and Call of Duty. Spoiler: they run great!

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Samsung’s entire Galaxy Tab S7 Wi-Fi lineup got discounted again

There’s always an interesting deal to be had on Samsung products, whether it’s offered by Samsung’s own e-shop or a partner retailer, and the latest such deal offered by Amazon is allowing prospective buyers to acquire the latest Galaxy Tab S7 series at a discount of up to $220 on the full retail price.

For a limited time only, Amazon is now offering the Galaxy Tab S7 Wi-Fi with 512GB of storage for just $629 instead of $829, representing a 24% ($200) discount on the original price.

Meanwhile, the 256GB variant now costs $599 ($130 off) if purchased in black or silver, but oddly enough, the same device costs only $549 if acquired in the new Navy color option. This is the same price you’d have to pay for the 128GB model in black, bronze, or silver after a $100 discount.

As for the Galaxy Tab S7+ model, Amazon has dropped a little over $220 off the full price of the Galaxy Tab S7+ Wi-Fi with 512GB of storage, which means that prospective buyers are looking at a $809 price tag. The 128GB and 256GB models are available for 15% off the full retail price and now cost $721 and $786, respectively, as long as they have a black finish.

Galaxy Tab S7+ review

• Buy the 128GB Galaxy Tab S7 Wi-Fi at Amazon
• Buy the 256GB Galaxy Tab S7 Wi-Fi at Amazon
• Buy the 512GB Galaxy Tab S7 Wi-Fi at Amazon
• Buy the 128GB Galaxy Tab S7+ Wi-Fi at Amazon
• Buy the 256GB Galaxy Tab S7+ Wi-Fi at Amazon
• Buy the 512GB Galaxy Tab S7+ Wi-Fi at Amazon

Galaxy Tab S7

• Model: SM-T870
• Dimensions: Tablet: 253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm
  
• Display: 11 inch / 279.4 mm LTPS TFT
• CPU: Snapdragon 865+
• Camera: 5MP

More specifications

Galaxy Tab S7 Plus

• Model: SM-T970
• Dimensions: Tablet: 285 x 185 x 5.7 mm
  
• Display: 12.4 inch / 314.96 mm Super AMOLED Display
• CPU: Snapdragon 865+
• Camera: 5MP

More specifications

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Samsung Internet 14.0 beta intros better Flex Mode, App Pair, privacy

Samsung has just released a new beta version of its mobile web browser, and customers who want to test the pre-release version of Samsung Internet 14.0 can now download it from the Galaxy Store or the Google Play Store.

Samsung Internet 14.0 beta claims to improve privacy and security settings, it redefines the viewing experience on Galaxy foldable devices, it improves multitasking, and it introduces new customization options. Furthermore, Samsung Internet 14.0 comes with a few extra features for the Galaxy Tab S7 series.

Samsung Internet 14.0 beta preview

Galaxy Fold / Flip owners running Samsung Internet 14.0 will no longer have to access the Video Assistant to enable Flex Mode. Instead, the feature will be enabled automatically when playing full-screen videos.

Multitasking with Samsung Internet 14.0 has been improved with the addition of App Pair. Galaxy smartphone and tablet users can already run multiple Samsung Internet instances simultaneously in split-screen mode, but Samsung Internet 14.0 can be paired with a copy of itself for faster access to split screen mode.

Samsung Internet 14.0 beta also brings new customization options by letting users apply a favorite font when browsing. The Labs section inside Samsung Internet Settings allows users to match a website’s font with the one that’s used by the phone.

The Galaxy Tab S7 series now boasts a couple more features thanks to Samsung Internet 14.0 beta, namely Reader Mode and Translation Extension. Reader mode can make webpages easier to read, and Translation Extension adds support for translating 18 languages while browsing the web.

Last but not least, Samsung Internet 14.0 beta comes with an enhanced Smart Anti Tracking tool and it adds a new Security control panel that’s easier to read and manage.

Samsung Internet 14.0 beta is now available for download via the Galaxy Store and Play Store, and if you don’t feel like trying the pre-release version, you might have to wait a few more days or weeks before Samsung Internet 14.0 exits the beta stages.

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Samsung launches first DRAM-less 980 NVMe consumer SSD for cheap

Samsung has just announced its first DRAM-less consumer-grade NCMe SSD — the Samsung 980. Not to be confused with the 980 Pro, the latest consumer SSD promises an excellent blend of speed, power efficiency and reliability.

The company claims that the Samsung 980 SSD is suitable for everyday PC users, gamers, as well as content creators, and to put things in perspective, the new 980 SSD delivers 56% improved power efficiency over the previous 970 EVO solution.

As for the DRAM-less design, Samsung was able to mitigate the speed disadvantages posed by the lack of short-term memory by utilizing Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology. It links the drive directly to the host processor’s DRAM and it all results in the 980 NVMe SSD outperforming regular SATA SSDs six-to-one.

Samsung 980 NVMe SSD specifications and price

The Samsung 980 SSD has a PCIe Gen.3.0 x4, NVMe 1.4 interface and an M.2 form factor. The drive can top 3,500 / 3,000 MB/s read/write speeds, and up to 500K IOPS / 480K IPS random read/write speed.

The drive uses the Samsung Magician management software and it benefits from AES 256-bit Full Disk Encryption, TCG/Opal V2.0, and Encrypted Drive (IEEE1667) data encryption technologies.

Samsung is selling the new DRAM-less 980 NVMe SSD in three configurations: 250GB, 500GB, and 1TB. They cost $49.99, $69.99, and $129.99, respectively.

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Samsung to churn out more phones in Q1 and keep focus on the Galaxy A

Samsung ranked second in terms of smartphone production volume in Q4 2020 but the company is about to dethrone Apple and capture the top spot in the first quarter of 2021, estimates market research firm TrendForce.

According to reports, Samsung has manufactured and shipped 62-67 million smartphones in Q4 2020 depending on who’s doing the calculations. In Q1 2021, Samsung’s quarterly smartphone production volume is expected to reach around 62 million units, which indicates that the company might be able to maintain its production volume from the previous quarter.

Meanwhile, the same research firm believes that Apple’s production volume will be lower in Q1 2021 compared to the previous quarter. The Cupertino giant might be planning to produce a total of 54 million iPhones in Q1 2021, meaning it could manufacture 23.6 million fewer iPhones compared to Q4 2020, and 8 million fewer smartphones compared to Samsung in Q1 2021.

Samsung to combine the Galaxy Fold series […] with the Galaxy Note series

As far as Samsung’s product strategy for 2021 is concerned, the research firm believes that Samsung will likely combine the Galaxy Fold series with the Galaxy Note series into the same flagship lineup.

This means that the next-gen Galaxy Fold should receive S Pen support, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that Samsung will give up on the conventional candy bar form factor. It could be that Samsung will release a standard Galaxy Note device next to a foldable S Pen-enabled Fold/Note model at the same H2 event.

Samsung’s Galaxy A series will be this year’s main focus

Aside from the premium segment, TrendForce believes that Samsung’s strategy for 2021 will revolve a lot around its Galaxy A series of devices.

The Galaxy A lineup represents Samsung’s best chance at competing against Chinese brands, claims the research firm, and for this reason Samsung will continue to offer customers great specs at affordable prices through the Galaxy A family of smartphones.

The Galaxy A32 is a budget phone with a 90Hz display, while the Galaxy A32 5G is the company’s most affordable 5G phone. The upcoming Galaxy A52 is shaping up to be a great device, and the company is also preparing the Galaxy A72 and the Galaxy A82 for release.

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Samsung’s foldable smartphone growth is getting ridiculous

The Venn diagram of Samsung’s foldable smartphone sales and global foldable smartphone sales is amazingly close to merging into a single circle. Over the final quarter of 2020, the company’s flexible-display flagships accounted for approximately 91% of all sales in the segment. That’s all according to the latest report from DSCC, an industry watcher that’s been bullish on Samsung’s foldable smartphone prospects for quite some time.

With its leadership in foldable phones reaching ridiculously undisputable levels (or perhaps because of that), Samsung is now regrouping, in a sense. Namely, the Korean giant recently decided to delay all of its 2021 foldable smartphone releases until the third quarter of the year, as per the same source. This would be a couple of months later than initially rumored.

Can Samsung break the 1,000% growth ceiling this year?

We’ve already heard quite a bit about Samsung’s foldable smartphone plans for 2021. For example, today’s report dovetails with recent rumors about a cheaper Galaxy Z Flip 3 being on the cards this year. Mobile devices with bendable screens are still somewhat away from mainstream popularity, which is why South Korea is almost certain to remain the single largest market for this type of tech, sales-wise.

Given the logistical nightmare that 2020 left at the doorstep of every electronics supply chain on the planet, it’s no wonder Samsung isn’t rushing things. Given its strong position, it would be unreasonable to expect it to risk another premature release akin to the Galaxy Fold fiasco.

Looking at the DSCC’s projections, the biggest feasible downside to this roadmap pushback is that Samsung might not hit the magical 1,000% growth rate in Q4 2021 foldable shipments. 950% will just have to do. In all seriousness, even if its segment dominance wasn’t so pronounced, this is still a relatively small market we’re looking at, projected to only hit five million annual shipments in total this year.

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Why I think the Galaxy A52 might be the most exciting phone of 2021

Samsung’s 2020 flagship lineup was very impressive, at least in scope, as the company released multiple Galaxy S and Note flagships, as well as a couple of new top-tier foldable phones. But despite the company’s strong presence in the premium segment, one of Samsung’s best-selling phones of the year was a mid-range phone, i.e., the Galaxy A51.

Samsung is now preparing to launch the Galaxy A52 as a direct sequel, and for me, it’s one of the most exciting releases of the year. The high Galaxy A51 sales may have been helped by the pandemic and uncertainties across the economic landscape in 2020, but as the market recovers and more customers are turning their attention back to the flagship segment, Samsung will try its best to carry the Galaxy A51’s momentum forward and ensure that the Galaxy A52 will be just as successful as the predecessor.

Because of this, Samsung is seemingly bringing a few extra flagship-grade features to the mid-range phone this year, and as a result, the Galaxy A52 might become a true hero device boasting incredible value for money. Here are some of the Galaxy A52 features for which I am very excited.

A high refresh rate Super AMOLED display

The Galaxy A52 is expected to feature a new high refresh rate display that will contribute to a smoother user experience and richer animations. Although it won’t be the only mid-range phone of the year to boast a high refresh rate display, the Galaxy A52 will give future budget-oriented customers a taste of the premium segment.

As reported in our exclusive story last month, the Galaxy A52 is going to feature a 90Hz display, whereas the Galaxy A52 5G will boast a 120Hz panel.

An IP67 dust and water resistance rating

Dust and water resistance is something that’s usually reserved for costlier phones and isn’t available for the Galaxy A / M series of devices, but the Galaxy A52 will apparently flip the script with the addition of an IP67 rating.

This means that the Galaxy A52 will be assembled in a way that will prevent dust from infiltrating the phone and keep water away from the internal components if the device is submerged in up to 1 meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.

Making a phone dust and water resistant takes additional development time and resources. Tolerances need to be lower and new adhesives have to be properly applied. Because of these added costs, Samsung has reserved IP ratings for more expensive Galaxy phones over the past few years, but the Galaxy A52 will apparently redefine Samsung’s philosophy and it could make way for other mid-range phones to become dust and water resistant.

A high-resolution main camera with OIS

OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) hasn’t been a thing for Samsung’s Galaxy A mid-range phones for the past half a decade, but once again, the Galaxy A52 is set to mix things up and breathe new life into Samsung’s budget portfolio.

According to a recent leak, the launch of the Galaxy A52 this year will mark the return of OIS for the budget series. OIS will be available for the main sensor that’s said to have a resolution of 64MP, 0.8-micron pixels, and an 81-degrees field of view.

Powered by a chipset supplied by Qualcomm

The Galaxy A51 was powered by Samsung’s in-house Exynos 9611 chipset that was built on a 10nm process. The Galaxy A52, however, will switch lanes and abandon the Exynos brand in favor of Qualcomm.

Leaks and rumors indicate that the Galaxy A52 will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 720G platform, whereas the Galaxy A52 5G might be using the Snapdragon 750G chipset instead. The latter is more powerful and has an improved Adreno 619 graphics chip.

While Samsung’s flagships continue to be split between Exynos and Snapdragon regions, the Galaxy A52 could be one of the few noteworthy smartphones of the year to ship worldwide exclusively with a Qualcomm-made chipset in tow.

25W charging for faster battery top-ups

25W fast charging has already been introduced to some mid-range Galaxy smartphones, such as the Galaxy M31s and the Galaxy F62, but those handsets aren’t as widely available as the Galaxy A52 is going to be. Granted, the Galaxy A7x lineup has been offering 25W charging since the beginning, but the A52 will bring the feature to an even more attractive price point for a global audience. Let’s just hope Samsung bundles a 25W charger in the box instead of giving us just a 15W charger or no charger at all.

All these features could come at a relatively low price

The last but certainly not least reason to get excited over the Galaxy A52 is the price. The Galaxy A51 was released for around $360 and although there’s no official information regarding the Galaxy A52’s price, it will probably cost around $360-$400 depending on variant. An online retailer recently priced the Galaxy A52 5G prematurely at $439, but unofficial pre-release retailer prices are usually higher than usual.

Are you excited for the Galaxy A52 and the Galaxy A52 5G? Do you think it will be a worthy sequel to the Galaxy A51, and do you share our belief that it has the potential of becoming one of Samsung’s most successful smartphones of 2021? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.

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