Google Messages app gets One UI-inspired design on Galaxy S21

As a part of Samsung’s improving partnership with Google, the company started shipping the Galaxy S21 series with the Google Messages app and Google Discover Feed. Google has now released a new update to its messaging app, which brings One UI-inspired design to Galaxy S21 series devices.

The latest update to Google’s Messages app brings its design more in line with One UI, featuring a large header and empty space at the top. The app now makes it easier to reach even the recent message thread. This is an effort to make Google’s messaging app feel like a native part of One UI on the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra.

Google’s Messages app comes pre-installed on all Galaxy S21 series smartphones, and it is up to users to choose between Samsung’s or Google’s app as their default choice. Google’s Messages app also features RCS (Rich Communication Services) integration, which means that users can send and receive high-resolution images, videos, emojis, and stickers to other RCS users.

Samsung and Google recently partnered to bring Google Nest integration to SmartThings. The South Korean firm also released the SmartThings app for Android Auto, letting users control their smart home devices right from their car’s dashboard. Smart TVs from Samsung also feature Google Assistant as an option for voice commands.

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More details about the Galaxy F52 5G get leaked ahead of launch

Samsung is working on two new mid-range smartphones that are based on the Galaxy A52 5G. The Galaxy F52 5G and the Galaxy M62 5G, which are based on the Galaxy A52 5G, will be launched in India over the next few months. While the complete specifications of the Galaxy M62 5G haven’t been revealed yet, Google has confirmed the design and specifications of the Galaxy F52 5G.

The Galaxy F52 5G, which has model number SM-E5260, appeared in the Google Play Console list earlier today. According to the information that is currently available, the Galaxy F52 5G features an Infinity-O display with Full HD+ resolution and runs Android 11 (most probably with One UI 3.1) out of the box. The phone comes equipped with the Snapdragon 750G processor (with Adreno 619 GPU) and 8GB of RAM. The phone’s punch-hole selfie camera appears to be placed towards the top right corner of the screen.

Previous leaks have claimed that the Galaxy F52 5G will come powered by a 4,350mAh battery (typical capacity of 4,500mAh) and will be compatible with 25W fast charging. It is a 5G smartphone with GPS, dual-band Wi-Fi b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.1, and a USB Type-C port. Since it is expected to be based on the Galaxy A52 5G, the upcoming phone could feature an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, stereo speakers, fingerprint reader, and 64MP quad-camera setup with OIS.

Usually, Samsung’s Galaxy F series smartphones are exclusively sold via Flipkart (at least initially), and we expect the same to happen with the Galaxy F52 5G as well.

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Galaxy M01 is getting its One UI 3.1 Android 11 update at last

Samsung has gradually been releasing the One UI 3.1 update for supported devices over the past couple of months. It has sent out the update for a considerable number of devices so far. The company recently turned its attention to the Galaxy M family of affordable devices.

A couple of Galaxy M models have also received the One UI 3.1 update. It’s now time to add another to the list. Samsung has at last rolled out the One UI 3.1 update for the Galaxy M01.

One UI 3.1 Core brings Android 11 to the Galaxy M01

This is a significant update for the Galaxy M01 as it brings Android 11 with a handful of new features. Like other Galaxy M series phones, the Galaxy M01 actually gets One UI 3.1 Core. This special firmware is a lighter version of One UI that Samsung releases for its entry-level devices.

Samsung is now rolling out firmware version M015GXXU3BUD9 for the Galaxy M01. The firmware comes with the latest April 2021 security patch. It’s available over-the-air. One UI 3.1 Core brings a refreshed design with smoother animations and a vastly improved experience.

Enhanced dynamic memory allocation also improves performance so that apps can run faster. There are new customization, home and lock screen, call and chats as well as pictures and videos features.

Stronger privacy protection is built into One UI 3.1 Core. With updated Digital Wellbeing, users can better control how much time they spend on the phone. New productivity and media control features also elevate the overall experience.

Do remember that some apps may need to be updated separately once the One UI 3.1 Core update has been installed.

Thanks, Abdur Rahman!

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EU could give Samsung billions in aid to help it manufacture chips

The demand for advanced chips is only going to increase as our reliance on modern devices increases. The world is already witnessing a severe global shortage of ships. The impact is felt by a wide variety of industries. Even car manufacturers are having to delay their vehicles because they can’t secure enough chips.

There are only a handful of companies that dominate the supply landscape. Samsung happens to be one of them. As an influential part of the supply chain, it’s always called upon to provide guidance and support.

EU to provide multi-billion Euro incentives

The US government under President Biden is embarking on an ambitious plan to make the country one of the leaders in chip production. Samsung was recently invited to a White House discussion on ways to address the ongoing shortage. The company is also close to finalizing a $17 billion investment to build a new chip plant in the country.

Much of the advanced chip manufacturing is carried out in Asia and to some extent in the US. The European Union finds itself on the outside and it wants to change that. There are concerns that the EU may have made itself too reliant on non-EU producers. The European Commission recently announced that it wants the bloc to double its production capacity. It wants to account for 20% of the global chip production by the end of this decade.

The Commission wants major chip manufacturers to set up new plants in the bloc. Thierry Breton, EU Commissioner for the Internal Market, told Germany’s Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung that there’s a need for the EU to make its chip supply chains resilient. He pointed out that Europe is specifically interested in adding capacity for the production of highly advanced 5, 3 and 2-nanometer chips. To achieve this objective, the EU might offer aid to major chip companies in the “double-digit billion Euro range.”

The idea is to incentivize these companies to set up their new manufacturing plants in the EU. Breton is already expected to meet with executives from Intel and TSMC later this week. Talks with Samsung are also planned.

Samsung already views the chip business as a major driver for future growth. It’s likely going to listen to any proposals that the EU may have with genuine interest. If the numbers end up making sense, a Samsung chip plant on the continent may not be a distant reality.

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Samsung’s eyeing LG’s 5G patent portfolio after its demise from mobile

Samsung Electronics is reportedly looking at LG’s 5G patent portfolio with interest following LG’s retreat from the mobile market earlier this year. Samsung as well as a lot of NPEs (non-practicing entities) are reportedly considering buying LG Electronics’ 5G patents, though Samsung might be looking at alternative ways in which it can secure these 5G technologies.

LG has retired from the mobile market but the company still owns a lot of valuable patents for both LTE and 5G technologies. Last year, LG was the world’s third-largest patent holder for 5G technologies after Nokia and Samsung. According to sources, LG’s patent portfolio covering both LTE and 5G technologies is worth anywhere between 1 and 1.5 trillion won ($900 – $1.3 million).

Samsung might be more interested in licensing deals

Some NPEs are reportedly looking at LG’s portfolio with intentions of buying the company’s 5G patents. This makes sense for NPEs because it’s their usual M.O. NPEs hold on to patents and sell licensing agreements for profit, but they don’t intend on using the patented technologies for their own products.

As for Samsung Electronics, the company might be thinking of doing the exact opposite. Samsung might be looking to tap into LG’s rich 5G patent portfolio through licensing agreements rather than acquisitions, according to anonymous industry sources cited by The Korea Times.

Samsung hasn’t officially confirmed any of this though, so we’ll have to wait and see if the company does indeed have any interest in LG’s 5G patented technologies.

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The Galaxy M12 will hit online retail stores in Vietnam early next week

The Galaxy M12 debuted in Vietnam all the way back in February but availability has so far been limited to the company’s offline stores. Soon enough though, customers in Vietnam will have the option of buying the Galaxy M12 online from Shopee.

Samsung Vietnam has revealed the online launch details earlier today and confirmed that the Galaxy M12 will be available from Shopee in two configurations. The entry-level model with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of built-in storage will be released in two color options: black and green. Similarly, the variant with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage will also be released in two colors: black and blue.

Prospective buyers are looking at a suggested retail price of 3,490,000 VND ($151) for the model with 3GB of RAM. Those who may want to purchase the 4GB variant will have to pay 3,890,000 VND or the rough equivalent of $168.

The Galaxy M12 will be available in Vietnam from Shopee’s e-commerce website starting May 5. Samsung Vietnam is also offering a 200,000 VND ($9) discount and a free phone case for early buyers. Meanwhile, the company has paired the 4GB / 64GB Galaxy M12 with an extended Samsung Care+ warranty of 24 months.

As to whether or not the Galaxy M12 is worth it, well, it’s a surprisingly good budget phone with a 90Hz refresh rate display. Nope, that’s not a typo. The Galaxy M12 is Samsung’s most affordable smartphone with a high refresh rate display to date. You can read more about it in our review linked below.

Galaxy M12 review

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What year is it? A ‘monthly’ security update just hit Galaxy J7 Neo

Samsung’s been doing a lot to normalize long-term software support in recent years. But a Galaxy J7 Neo being updated in mid-2021? Sorry, but that’s nothing short of baffling any day of the week. If that name made you go “what”, you’re not alone; we barely covered this thing back when it released. OK, that’s not entirely fair; you might just remember this entry-level handset as the Galaxy J7 Nxt, which is how it’s been marketed in India.

Or perhaps even the Galaxy J7 Core, a name Samsung picked for the Philippines, presumably for local copyright reasons. Regardless, the exact PDA version rolling out to select Galaxy J7 Neo units right now bears the J701FXXSACUD2 designation.

When was the last time you saw one of these?

Either way, the OTA in question carries the March 1st security upgrade running on top of the same old Android 9 that’s been running on hopefully all remaining Galaxy J7 Neo units in the wild since 2019. It’s already live in Taiwan but Latin America should follow. Maybe. This whole situation is largely unprecedented. Not completely, though; and Samsung doing everything it can to normalize it.

For the uninitiated, this smartphone might as well have been named after the Matrix movies. Fortunately, it is neither that old, nor does it seem to age any less gracefully than Keanu Reeves. If anything, the Galaxy J7 Neo is ahead in this department, seeing how Keanu received a grand total of zero security upgrades since his commercial debut.

These days, only the most dedicated tech aficionados are likely to recall when exactly Samsung discontinued the Galaxy J series. And who can blame them? This product line was hardly designed to be a head-turner.

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Surprise! The Android 11 / One UI 3.1 update is live for the Galaxy A41

Android 11 has so far been released for too many Galaxy devices to keep track of, but lately Samsung’s been focusing its attention on older mid-range devices and the latest one to join the part is the Galaxy A41. Not surprising given that the Galaxy F41 has already received two major Android 11-based firmware updates this year.

The new Android 11-based firmware update brings a ton of cool new features as part of One UI 3.1. The user interface is more modern and UI elements are easier to read and reach, and countless Samsung apps got updated with new features and a new design.

The update is now available for the Galaxy A41 (SM-A415F) in Russia and it carries firmware number A415FXXU1CUD4. As expected, the latest release also promises better security thanks to the April 2021 security patch.

Galaxy A41 owners can attempt to download the Android 11 update from the Settings app on their phones by navigating to the Software update menu. And as usual, SamMobile readers can skip the wait by downloading the latest firmware from our archive and installing it on their phones manually. Just make sure you’re searching for the correct device / model number and region before downloading.

As of this writing, the Android 11 update is rolling out for the Galaxy A41 in Russia, though the phone should get the same treatment in other regions gradually.

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Android 11 update for Galaxy A31 now rolling out internationally

Two weeks ago, Samsung had started rolling out the Android 11 update to the Galaxy A31. However, the update was limited to the South Korean market. Today, the company has released the Android 11 update to the Galaxy A31 in more countries worldwide, bringing new features to more users.

The latest software update for the Galaxy A31 is now available in Malaysia, Russia, and the UAE. The Android 11-based One UI 3.1 update, which has firmware version A315FXXU1CUD4 (Russia and the UAE) or A315GDXU1CUD4 (Malaysia), also includes the April 2021 security patch. Since it is a big update, it is advisable to use a Wi-Fi network to download the update.

This new update brings a refreshed UI design, one-time permissions, auto permissions reset, chat bubbles, newer versions of Samsung’s stock apps, improvements to Samsung Internet and Samsung Keyboard, more lockscreen widgets and Dynamic Lockscreen options, better Digital Wellbeing and parental control features, and easier access to smart home controls. It could also include improved security, performance, and device stability.

If you are a Galaxy A31 user in Malaysia, Russia, or the UAE, you can check for the latest software update by navigating to Settings » Software update and tapping on Download and install. Alternatively, you can download the latest firmware from our firmware database and flash it manually. The update is likely to be rolled out to the Galaxy A31 in more countries over the next few days.

 

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Business leaders want Lee Jae-yong out of prison for South Korea’s future

South Korea’s most prominent business investors are reportedly lobbying for the release of Samsung’s imprisoned de facto leader Lee Jae-yong. The country’s major business lobby groups have reportedly sent a letter to Cheong Wa Dae — a.k.a. the Blue House / official presidential residence — in which they’re petitioning for Lee Jae-yong’s pardon.

Lee Jae-yong was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison on account of his bribery case earlier in January, and he was banned from working at Samsung for 5 years once the sentence is executed. However, an increasing number of prominent voices are now concerned that Lee Jae-yong’s imprisonment could have disastrous consequences for South Korea’s economy, and South Korea’s major business lobby groups agree.

According to The Korea Times, the five major lobby groups that have reportedly petitioned for Lee Jae-yong’s release earlier today are:

• Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Korea Enterprises Federation
• Korea Federation of SMEs
• Korea International Trade Association
• Federation of Middle Market Enterprises of Korea

South Korea needs Samsung’s leadership amid the semiconductor shortage

Although Lee Jae-yong’s lawyers told the public in January that Samsung’s de facto leader has humbly accepted the court’s decision to serve 2.5 years in prison, industry watchers, business leaders, and even religious figures have all been vocal about the consequences of Lee’s imprisonment during the ongoing global semiconductor shortage.

They believe that Samsung — South Korea’s largest business and one of the world’s key semiconductor companies — is in dire need of strong leadership if it wants to maintain relevancy in the semiconductor space. In their eyes, Lee Jae-yong’s imprisonment could have disastrously long-term consequences for South Korea’s economy.

To understand why, Emeritus Professor of Seoul National University Kim Hyung-jun drew a parallel between Japan’s semiconductor history in the ’80s and the current situation in a recent interview with The Elec. He argued that Japan lost the leading position in the semiconductor space a few decades ago precisely because Japan’s semiconductor industry didn’t have clear leadership, and instead it was spearheaded by groups of investors.

As per the recent petition for pardoning Lee Jae-yong, South Korea’s business leaders believe that any delay in investment and business decisions — especially now during the global semiconductor shortage — could lead to South Korea losing the No. 1 status in a day.

A couple of years ago, Samsung Electronics laid down a plan to become the industry’s largest semiconductor player by 2030, though it’s evident that some industry watchers believe that Samsung and / or South Korea’s semiconductor arm won’t survive until then if Lee Jae-yong remains imprisoned.

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Galaxy Tab A7 is the latest tablet to get Android 11 update

Samsung is continuing its Android 11 update party, and the latest Galaxy device to get the Android 11 update is the Galaxy Tab A7. The entry-level tablet was launched in late 2020 with Android 10 onboard, and it is now getting updated to the latest version of One UI and is getting a newer security patch.

The LTE variant of the Galaxy Tab A7 (SM-T505) has started getting the Android 11-based One UI 3.1 update in various European countries and the UK. The new software update, which bumps up the tablet’s firmware version to T505XXU3BUD7, also brings the March 2021 security patch. The update has various new features and a refreshed UI design.

While we don’t have an official changelog for the new update yet, it should include improved UI design, one-time permissions, auto permissions reset, chat bubbles, a centralized media player widget below quick settings toggles, a conversations section in the notifications area, quicker access to smart home controls, and improved performance and security.

One UI 3.1 features include more Dynamic Lockscreen options and lockscreen widgets, improved Digital Wellbeing and parental controls, newer versions of stock apps with new features, improved Samsung Keyboard and Samsung Internet apps, the ability to remove GPS location data from images while sharing them, and a newer design in the Device Care section.

If you are a Galaxy Tab A7 user in Europe or the UK, you can manually check for the latest update by navigating to Settings » Software update and tapping on Download and install. You can also download the new firmware from our firmware section and flash it manually. Samsung could roll out the new update to the Galaxy Tab A7 in more markets over the next few days.

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Take a bow: Galaxy Z Flip 5G already receiving May 2021 security update

The May 2021 security update is now rolling out to select variants of the Galaxy Z Flip 5G. Identified by build version F707BXXU3DUD7, this software release has just been spotted in Switzerland. It began reaching compatible units mere hours after the May 1st OTA appeared in the first place. Making this yet another month in which owners of modern Galaxy flagships are enjoying the premium mobile security treatment.

Technically the first smartphone series to kickstart this month’s rollout was the Galaxy S21 range. Keeping in line with that pattern, it stands to reason that the Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy S20, and all the other recent Android flagships from Samsung are about to follow suit.

Samsung’s second clamshell foldable has a bright future ahead of it

As if that’s not enough, this early brand of the monthly OS patches comes flavored with some notable improvements to the stock Camera app, as well as the native Quick Share functionality of compatible devices (SM-F707B). Given how niche of a product the Galaxy Z Flip 5G remains compared to your typical flagship, this particular rollout might go global almost immediately.

Speaking of cutting-edge devices and going global, the next-generation Galaxy Z Flip is apparently going to be a colorful addition to Samsung’s product portfolio. Like, really colorful. Picturesque, even. And as for the firmware upgrade at hand, a mirror’s already live on our end, in case you’re feeling particularly impatient about getting it. Which might just be the case, actually; on account of the fact that you bought one of the first-ever foldable smartphones.

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Galaxy A52’s latest update gets you fancy new portrait camera effects

After releasing the April 2021 security patch to the Galaxy A52 in late March, the company is rolling out a new update to the smartphone. With this new update, the company is bringing stability improvements and some new camera features that were introduced with the Galaxy S21 series.

The latest software update for the Galaxy A52 (SM-A525F), which has firmware version A525FXXU1AUD2, is rolling out in various Asian and European markets. It brings three fancy portrait camera effects to the Galaxy A52: Backdrop, High-Key Mono, and Low-Key Mono. These effects were introduced with the Galaxy S21 series and were later rolled out to other high-end phones. The new update also brings improved camera performance, better call quality, improved touchscreen stability, and better security.

The update also includes the April 2021 security patch. Here is the full list of countries getting the new update: Afghanistan, Australia, Caucasus regions, Egypt, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, the UAE, Ukraine, and Vietnam.

If you are a Galaxy A52 user in any of the countries mentioned above, you can check for the update by navigating to Settings » Software update and tapping on Download and install. You can also download the compatible firmware package from our firmware section and flash it manually. We expect Samsung to release this update to the Galaxy A52 in more countries over the next few days.

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Only iPhone owners don’t like foldable phones, study shows

Foldable smartphones might still be a tiny niche relative to the rest of the mobile industry, but not due to an overall lack of affection from consumers. On the contrary, a recent market study from British firm YouGov has just reiterated what Samsung knew for a long time – the average smartphone user is genuinely intrigued by the prospect of having a flexible-display device in their pocket.

Well, the average American user, that is, but it’s not like any other demographic on the planet is in a better position to acquire an exotic flagship in the vein of the Galaxy Z Fold 2. Doubly so if the special variants of Samsung’s devices are also part of the discussion. You know, stuff like Thom Browne-branded tech that can make your eyes watery from just learning about how much it costs.

Can Samsung make the most of its early foldable dominance? What would that even mean?

Either way, about half of all Americans are looking to buy a foldable smartphone in the near future, according to the this month’s study. The other half are… mostly iPhone owners. Which shouldn’t come as a huge surprise, but it’s still pretty funny to witness.

Of course, expect the public to become much more pro-folding electronics once Apple finally manages to come up with something akin to the Galaxy Z Flip or Galaxy Z Fold. Which should happen any year now; 2023 at the earliest, if the latest rumors are to be believed. But will any of that matter? Probably not. But Samsung’s insanely ridiculous growth in the segment remains an awe-worthy achievement.

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Galaxy A42 5G starts getting the April 2021 security patch

Samsung is continuing with its streak of rolling out the latest security patch to Galaxy smartphones and tablets. The latest smartphone from the company to get the April 2021 security patch is the Galaxy A42 5G. The company has started the rollout of the new update today in Asia, Europe, and the UK.

The latest software update for the Galaxy A42 5G, which has firmware version A426BXXS1BUD3, is now available in Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Taiwan, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and the UK. The update fixes various critical vulnerabilities related to the device’s security and privacy. It includes over 30 fixes from Google and 21 fixes from Samsung.

If you are a Galaxy A42 5G user in any of the countries mentioned above, you might have received a notification regarding the update. If you haven’t, you can manually check for the update by navigating to Settings » Software update and tapping on Download and install. Alternatively, you can also download the entire firmware from our firmware database and flash it manually.

The Galaxy A42 5G was launched in November 2020 with Android 10 on board. The smartphone then received the Android 11-based One UI 3.1 update two months ago with the March 2021 security patch.

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Galaxy Tab S7 vs iPad Pro (2021): Time for Samsung to introspect?

There are only two brands that make good high-end tablets: Apple and Samsung. Samsung’s latest high-end tablets—Galaxy Tab S7 and Galaxy Tab S7+—are considered the best in the Android ecosystem as they have excellent screens, build quality, performance, software experience, and battery life. However, they can’t be viewed in a vacuum. Apple’s recently launched iPad Pro lineup offers massive improvements in performance and connectivity, and the company is already known for its tablet ecosystem and longer software support.

Let us check how the Galaxy Tab S7 lineup stands up to the newest iPad Pro models.

Galaxy Tab S7 vs iPad Pro (2021): Display & Speakers

The Galaxy Tab S7 sports an 11-inch IPS LCD display with QHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+. Even the iPad Pro 11 (2021) uses a similar 11-inch IPS LCD screen with QHD+ resolution, a 120Hz variable refresh rate, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. Both tablets are pretty well-matched in terms of display and audio quality. However, we prefer the Galaxy Tab S7’s display for watching videos, thanks to its 16:10 aspect ratio.

The Galaxy Tab S7+ has a 12.4-inch Super AMOLED display with QHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+. The iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) sports a 12.9-inch Mini-LED display with QHD+ resolution, a 120Hz variable refresh rate, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and a peak brightness of 1,600 nits. The Galaxy Tab S7+ and the iPad Pro (2021) use very different display technologies. It’s very close, but despite the latter’s extremely high brightness levels, I would still prefer the Galaxy Tab S7+’s display due to its infinite contrast ratio, deeper blacks, and vibrant colors. An OLED display is great for all types of use cases.

All these tablets feature quad-speaker setups for immersive audio, but they all lack a dedicated headphone jack. So, it’s a tie on the audio front, but Samsung’s tablets have slightly better screens, especially for those who want to watch videos. For productivity, though, the iPad’s 4:3 aspect ratio offers more screen real estate and it can fit more text.

Winner: Galaxy Tab S7

Galaxy Tab S7 vs iPad Pro (2021): Performance

The Galaxy Tab S7 and the Galaxy Tab S7+ use the Snapdragon 865+ processor. The 7nm chipset offers good performance for gaming, productivity, and everything else. However, it is nowhere close to the raw performance of Apple’s M1 processor that is used in the latest iPad Pro lineup. The 5nm M1 chipset is truly a marvel, and tests have shown time and again that Apple’s ARM-based processor beats many other desktop-grade chipsets from AMD and Intel in both single and multi-core CPU tests. In Geekbench 5, the M1’s single-threaded performance is better than even AMD’s best desktop processor, the Ryzen 5950X. Even its integrated GPU is extremely powerful, and it is fast enough to even play high-end games.

The new iPad Pro lineup handily beats the Galaxy Tab S7 lineup in raw performance. Even if Samsung equips its upcoming high-end tablets for 2021 with the Snapdragon 888, it would not be enough to beat the iPad Pro. If Samsung wants to catch up to the new iPad Pro, it needs to do some serious thinking. Maybe it needs to work on its own 5nm Exynos processor with ARM’s new architecture that’s designed for higher performance compared to usual smartphone and tablet chips. Only time will tell if Samsung can (or even has the intent to) compete with the highest-end tablets from Apple.

Winner: iPad Pro

Galaxy Tab S7 vs iPad Pro (2021): Cameras

The Galaxy Tab S7 and the Galaxy Tab S7+ feature a 13MP+5MP rear-facing camera setup and 8MP front-facing cameras. Their rear-facing camera can record up to 4K 30fps videos, while the front-facing camera can record 1080p 30fps videos. Both iPad Pro models feature a 12MP+10MP+LiDAR camera setup at the rear and a 12MP wide-angle camera at the front. The iPad Pro’s front-facing camera can record up to 1080p 60fps videos, while the rear-facing cameras can record up to 4K 60fps videos.

Going by the camera performance of the iPad Pro (2020), which uses the same rear-facing cameras, Apple’s tablets offer better wide-angle and ultrawide image quality as well as video recording. The wide-angle front-facing camera on the iPad Pro is better, too, and offers something called Center Stage, which keeps the subject in the center of the frame (through pan and zoom) during video calls even if they move around. One aspect that’s better on the Galaxy Tab S7 is that when it is placed in landscape mode, the front camera is in a perfect position and offers better framing when compared to the iPad Pro.

Winner: iPad Pro

Galaxy Tab S7 vs iPad Pro (2021): Design, Stylus, Security

Both Apple and Samsung offer excellent designs and build quality with their high-end tablets. They are all thin, strong, and lightweight. There are just enough bezels around the screen to hold the devices without activating the touchscreen. However, the Galaxy Tab S7 and the Tab S7+ feel compact in the hands due to their 16:10 screens.

The S Pen and the Apple Pencil Gen. 2 offer extremely similar performance for most tasks like drawing and writing. The S Pen can magnetically attach to the Tab S7’s body and so can the Apple Pencil Gen. 2 to the iPad Pro. However, the S Pen comes bundled with Tab S7 and Tab S7+. You’ll have to shell out more money to buy the Apple Pencil for the iPad Pro. On that front, Samsung takes the cake by offering higher value for the money.

The iPad Pro features a True Depth front-facing camera for 3D face scanning and user authentication. The Galaxy Tab S7 lineup, on the other hand, features a fingerprint reader. A fingerprint reader is easier and faster to use, and you can even allow your family members to register their fingerprints if you’re planning to use the Galaxy Tab S7 as a common tablet in your home. Samsung wins here, too.

Winner: Galaxy Tab S7

Galaxy Tab S7 vs iPad Pro (2021): Software Experience, Productivity

Samsung’s latest tablets run Android 11-based One UI 3.1, and they will receive two more Android OS updates and security patches for one year after that. Apple’s latest pro-grade tablets run iPadOS 14.5 out of the box, but they will get at least five more iPadOS updates. The iPad Pro lineup also has access to Apple’s ecosystem of apps, games, services, and third-party accessories. Granted, iPadOS is a walled garden, but there’s no denying the fact that apps on the platform are much more optimized for the bigger screen.

Most iPadOS apps have landscape and multi-pane UI. In comparison, most Android apps are not optimized for the landscape orientation, let alone featuring multi-pane UI. Samsung’s and Google’s apps work well with the Galaxy Tab S7, but there is a lot more to be done on the third-party app front. Plus, iPadOS is not as handicapped as it used to be in terms of file management and accessory support. With iPadOS 14, it works well with external storage devices, has a usable file manager, and is compatible with most wired and wireless keyboards and mice. We’ll talk more about it later. Both companies offer seamless file transfer (Quick Share on Galaxy Tab S7 and AirDrop on iPad Pro) and audio sharing (Music Share/AirPods sharing).

The DeX Mode is a savior for Samsung’s tablets, featuring a PC-like desktop, a taskbar, and the ability to run full-screen apps in the landscape mode. Plus, it allows you to run a web browser with a multi-tab layout, similar to PCs. Two apps can be opened side-by-side, complete with drag-and-drop functionality for moving files. However, it has the same problem that the Android tablet ecosystem does when it comes to app support. Not all apps work well in the DeX mode. For example, payment apps like Google Pay have issues related to security and don’t function properly.

The Second Screen functionality on the Galaxy Tab S7 and the Tab S7+ is quite useful. It works with Windows 10 PCs with WiDi functionality, allowing you to use the Galaxy Tab S7 as a second screen (in duplicate, extend, and second screen only modes). The tablet behaves like a second monitor for your PC. It lets you use the S Pen on the Galaxy Tab S7 to annotate PDFs or images. You can move some windows from the PC’s screen to the tablet and use it as a dual-monitor setup. Apple has a similar feature, too, and it is called Sidecar. It works between iPads and Macs, and it works well.

Despite features like DeX and Second Screen, the iPad Pro wins in software experience and productivity aspects because the whole ecosystem of Apple’s core apps, third-party apps, and games work well to fully utilize the iPad’s big screen.

Winner: iPad Pro

Galaxy Tab S7 vs iPad Pro (2021): Connectivity, Expansion

All four tablets feature GPS, mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G (optional), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and Type-C ports. However, the new iPads feature Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, which is 4x faster (40Gb/s) compared to USB 3.2 Gen 2’s 10Gb/s transfer speeds. This wider bandwidth opens up a lot of possibilities, including higher-resolution video output and faster data transfer speeds when connecting to external storage devices. The Galaxy Tab S7 and the Tab S7+ can drive 4K screens, while the new iPad Pro models can drive 6K screens. This could be important for those who actively use a tablet in their workflow or entirely depend on them for getting things done on the go.

The Galaxy Tab S7 and the Tab S7+ a trick up their sleeves as well. They feature a microSD card slot, which means they don’t have to depend on a USB accessory just to transfer images, videos, documents, or other files from other devices. Android 11-based One UI 3 on the Galaxy Tab S7 offers much better support for file management compared to the iPad Pro.

All the tablets are compatible with wired (via USB C) and wireless (via Bluetooth) keyboards and mice. The Galaxy Tab S7 and the Galaxy Tab S7+ feel more like PCs, offering users a more known experience when using keyboards and mice. The iPad Pro can connect to compatible TVs and displays wirelessly via AirPlay 2 for screen mirroring and media streaming, while the Galaxy Tab S7 lineup can connect to any Chromecast or Miracast-compatible TVs for wireless screen mirroring. For media streaming, it can use Chromecast or Tap Share (for Samsung TVs).

Overall, there’s no clear winner in terms of connectivity, and it all depends on your use case and which ecosystem you’re invested in.

Winner: Tie

Galaxy Tab S7 vs iPad Pro (2021): Battery Life

The Galaxy Tab S7 and the Galaxy Tab S7+ are powered by 8,000mAh and 10,090mAh batteries, respectively. The iPad Pro 11 is powered by a 7,538mAh battery and the iPad Pro 12.9 has a 10,800mAh cell. The Galaxy Tab S7 and the iPad Pro 11 offer similar battery longevity on a single charge, and so do the Galaxy Tab S7+ and the iPad Pro 12.9. All the tablets have USB Type-C ports and feature fast charging. However, Samsung’s tablets offer faster charging, at 45W when compared to 18W on the iPad Pro.

Winner: Tie

Galaxy Tab S7 vs iPad Pro (2021): Pricing, Value

The Galaxy Tab S7 and the Tab S7+ are quite cheaper compared to the iPad Pro 11 and the iPad Pro 12.9. Apple’s tablets are anywhere between $150 and $520 costlier than comparable Galaxy Tab S7 models. It is also cheaper to get a higher storage tier of the Galaxy Tab S7. Plus, you can always add a microSD card for storage expansion. Samsung is the absolute winner in terms of pricing and value.

Storage	Galaxy Tab S7 (Wi-Fi)	Galaxy Tab S7 (Cellular)	Galaxy Tab S7+ (Wi-Fi)	Galaxy Tab S7+ (Cellular)
128GB	$549	$849	$749	$1,049
256GB	$599		$799
512GB	$679		$879
Storage	iPad Pro 11 (Wi-Fi)	iPad Pro 11 (Cellular)	iPad Pro 12.9 (Wi-Fi)	iPad Pro 12.9 (Cellular)
128GB	$799	$999	$1,099	$1,299
256GB	$899	$1,099	$1,999	$1,399
512GB	$1,099	$1,299	$1,399	$1,599
1TB	$1,499	$1,699	$1,799	$1,999
2TB	$1,899	$2,099	$2,199	$2,399

 

Winner: Galaxy Tab S7

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Galaxy Tab S7 vs iPad Pro (2021): Which is better?

After careful consideration, Samsung’s tablets offer better value, but the iPad Pro (2021) offers a better overall experience. The Galaxy Tab S7+ has a better screen, a handy design, faster biometrics, and lower pricing compared to the iPad Pro. However, the iPad Pro offers much faster performance (thanks to the M1 processor), better cameras for both still images and videos, more flexibility with its Thunderbolt 4 port, and more importantly, a better ecosystem of apps, games, services, and accessories.

We are sure that Samsung was hit with some surprises during Apple’s iPad Pro announcement, especially the processor and Thunderbolt 4 bits. The company definitely needs to think long and hard this year and do something to match Apple in terms of performance and ecosystem of apps and services. It can either make its own Exynos processor that is in Apple M1’s league in terms of performance or collaborate with Qualcomm to develop a custom chipset for its future tablets. For problems related to tablet-optimized apps, it can work with Google and popular third-party app developers to improve their apps for the larger screen and the S Pen.

What do you think about Samsung’s tablets in general and the recently announced iPad Pro lineup from Apple? Can Samsung match Apple later this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Galaxy Tab S7 LTE

• Model: SM-T875
• Dimensions: Tablet: 253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm
  
• Display: 11 inch / 274 mm LTPS TFT
• CPU: Snapdragon 865+
• Camera: 5MP

More specifications

Galaxy Tab S7 Plus LTE

• Model: SM-T975
• 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’s performance improved in India’s smartphone market in Q1 2021

Samsung is facing tough competition from the likes of OPPO, Vivo, and Xiaomi in the Indian smartphone market. However, the South Korean firm did quite well in Q1 2021 even if it couldn’t dethrone Xiaomi from its pole position. The company’s market share improved from 16% in Q1 2020 to 20% in Q1 2021.

The latest report from market analysis firm Counterpoint Research shows that Samsung ranked second in India’s smartphone market, with a market share of 20%. Xiaomi (including POCO) is still the biggest smartphone brand in India (in terms of shipments) with a 26% share of the market. Vivo ranks third with a 16% market share, Realme ranks fourth with an 11% market share, and OPPO ranks fifth with an 11% share of the market.

Apple grew 207% (year-on-year) and OnePlus grew more than 300% (year-on-year) in the Indian smartphone market during the first quarter of this year. The iPhone market reportedly captured a 48% share of the premium smartphone market (above $400) in India. OnePlus, on the other hand, was the top 5G smartphone vendor in India. However, they are nowhere to be seen in the list of top five smartphone brands.

After facing huge losses in Q2 2020 and Q3 2020 due to COVID-19 related lockdowns, the Indian smartphone market has rebounded with the highest-ever first-quarter shipments.

Samsung performed well in Q1 2021, thanks to various smartphone launches across the price spectrum. The South Korean firm launched the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S20 FE 5G, Galaxy A72, Galaxy A52, Galaxy A32, Galaxy A12, Galaxy F62, Galaxy F02s, Galaxy F12, Galaxy M12, Galaxy M02s, in India during Q1 2021.

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Google reveals that the Galaxy M42 5G is just a rebranded Galaxy A42 5G

Samsung will unveil the first Galaxy M series 5G smartphone in India tomorrow. The Galaxy M42 5G has already been teased, and some of its features have been revealed. The relatively affordable 5G smartphone from Samsung is based on the Galaxy A42 5G, which has already been launched in various other countries. If there was ever a doubt about the Galaxy M42 5G being a rebranded Galaxy A42 5G, Google has cleared it today.

The Galaxy M42 5G has now appeared in Google’s Play Supported Devices List, revealing that it has the same device code (a42xq) as that of the Galaxy A42 5G. As per the listing, the phone features a Snapdragon 750G processor with Adreno 619 GPU, 6GB RAM, an Infinity-U display with HD+ resolution (1,339×720 pixels), and the Android 11 operating system.

Galaxy M42 5G specs, expected pricing

The upcoming smartphone from Samsung is expected to be priced anywhere between INR 20,000 (around $270) and INR 25,000 (around $335) in India. Since it is clear that the Galaxy M42 5G is a rebranded Galaxy A42 5G, we expect the phone to feature a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED Infinity-U display, a 20MP selfie camera, a 48MP+8MP+5MP+5MP quad-camera setup at the rear, 4K video recording through the front and rear cameras, and an in-display fingerprint reader.

The Galaxy M42 5G will also feature 6GB/8GB RAM, 128GB internal storage, and a microSD card slot. Its connectivity features will include GPS, dual-SIM card slot, 5G, 4G, dual-band Wi-Fi b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C port, and a headphone jack. It may or may not feature NFC, though. It will be powered by a 5,000mAh battery and have support for 15W fast charging.

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