السبت، 24 أبريل 2021

Weekly SamMobile Quiz 70 – Come test your Samsung knowledge!

Fancy yourself as a Samsung superfan? Take our quiz and see how many answers you can get right! This is a fun activity that we do with our readers every week to test their knowledge of the Korean giant. The quiz has a mix of easy and difficult questions that most fans should be able to answer without turning to Google.

We make a new quiz for you every weekend so we hope that you’ll participate and learn a thing or two about Samsung in the process! Don’t forget to share the results of the quiz with your friends and see if you can outscore them. A little competition never hurt anybody!

Remember, if the quiz isn’t loading properly, please access the non-AMP version of this webpage.

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Samsung starts rolling out April 2021 security patch to Galaxy A9 Star

After releasing the latest security patch to various Galaxy smartphones and tablets this month, Samsung has released a new software update for the Galaxy A9 Star. It brings the April 2021 security patch to the smartphone. The update is now available in China and Hong Kong for both unlocked and carrier variants.

The Galaxy A9 Star’s (SM-G8850 and SM-G8858) latest software update includes the April 2021 security patch. According to Samsung’s documentation, this update includes 30 fixes from Google and 21 fixes from Samsung. Other bug fixes and stability improvements could also be a part of the update. You can find the firmware version for the latest software update below:

  • China (Unlocked) G8850ZCS6CUD1
  • China (China Mobile): G8858ZMS6CUD2.
  • Hong Kong: G8850ZHS6CUD2

If you are a Galaxy A9 Star user in China or Hong Kong, you can check for the update by navigating to Settings » Software update and tapping on Download and install. You can also download the latest firmware files from our firmware section and flash your phone manually.

The smartphone was originally launched in June 2018 with Android 8.0, and it received the Android 9 update in June 2019.

The post Samsung starts rolling out April 2021 security patch to Galaxy A9 Star appeared first on SamMobile.



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Galaxy Tab S5e starts getting the April 2021 security patch

Samsung had released the Android 11 update to the Galaxy Tab S5e earlier this month. However, that update lacked the latest security patch. The company has now started rolling out the April 2021 security patch to the LTE variant of the Galaxy Tab S5e (SM-T725). However, it is only available in a few markets where the tablet still hasn’t received the Android 11 update.

The new software update for the Galaxy Tab S5e, featuring the April 2021 security patch, has been released in Brazil and Mexico. It has firmware version T725XXS2CUD1, and it is still based on Android 10. While we don’t have the official changelog for the update yet, we don’t expect it to include any new software features. The April 2021 security patch fixes many vulnerabilities, including over 30 fixes from Google and 21 fixes from Samsung. As usual, it could also include stability improvements and other bug fixes.

If you are a Galaxy Tab S5e user in any of the countries mentioned above, you can manually check for the update by navigating to Settings » Software update » Download and install. We hope that Samsung will release the April 2021 security patch to those Galaxy Tab S5e units which have already received the Android 11 update. To those waiting for their Galaxy Tab S5e to receive the Android 11 update, it looks like the One UI 3 update might not arrive this month.

Samsung’s mid-range tablet was launched in April 2019 with Android 9 on board. It received the Android 10-based One UI 2 update in June 2020, and in some markets, Samsung released the Android 11-based One UI 3 update earlier this month.

 

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Galaxy A01 joins the Android 11 update party

Another day, another software update from Samsung. The company has now started rolling out the Android 11 update to the entry-level Galaxy A01. The new software update also brings the latest security patch to the smartphone, which was originally launched in late 2019 with Android 10 (One UI 2.0).

Samsung has released the Android 11-based One UI 3 update to the Galaxy A01 (SM-A015F) in Russia. The new update, which has firmware version A015FXXU4BUD8, also brings the April 2021 security patch to the phone. While we don’t have an official changelog yet, the new software version should bring features like refreshed UI design, chat bubbles, one-time permissions, conversation section in the notifications area, a dynamic media player widget in the notification area, and privacy and security improvements.

One UI 3.x also brings a refreshed UI design to the phone along with slightly newer icons, improved versions of stock apps, improvements to Samsung Keyboard and Samsung Internet, more lock screen widgets, faster access to smart home controls, more Dynamic Lockscreen options, redesigned Device Care section, and more Digital Wellbeing and Parental Control options.

If you are a Galaxy A01 user in Russia, your phone may have already received a notification regarding the new software update. If it hasn’t, you can manually check for the update by navigating to Settings » Software update » Download and install on your device. You can also download the new firmware from our firmware section. We expect this update to be released to the Galaxy A01 in more countries very soon.

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الجمعة، 23 أبريل 2021

April 2021 security update for Galaxy Note 8 reaches UK shores

The April 2021 Android security upgrade for the Galaxy Note 8 is still in the process of rolling out worldwide. But it has definitely been picking up pace lately, based on the fact that it just went live in the United Kingdom. The UK launch was carried out in less than two days, starting this Thursday. By now, every Galaxy Note 8 in the country should already be running the very latest firmware from Samsung, regardless of their owner’s carrier of choice.

It’s been just over a week since the April 2021 security update debuted on the Galaxy Note 8. Users in Latin America were the first to get the firmware this time around, followed by those in Europe and parts of Asia. We are, of course, talking about the international variant of the Galaxy Note 8; the one powered by Samsung’s very own Exynos 8895 system-on-chip, also known by its model number SM-N950F.

What if you still aren’t seeing the update on your end?

UK-based Galaxy Note 8 owners can verify that they’re running the latest firmware by launching the system Settings app on their devices, navigating to About phone, and then to the Software information section. If you’re on the latest software, you should see it listed here under the version number N950FXXSFDUD1. The April 1st, 2021 Android security patch level should be listed at the very bottom of the same interface.

If that’s not the case, go back two menus, tap on Software update, and then select the Download and install option on the following screen. This should initiate the download if you’re using a non-rooted Galaxy Note 8 in the UK. Alternatively, our Galaxy Note 8 firmware archive already has mirrors of every compatible system image containing the new update.

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The Galaxy Z Fold 3 might not bring the camera changes we’re hoping for

The upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 3 might not bring all the changes and upgrades that we’re hoping for, and Samsung might once again neglect the foldable’s camera setup in favor of improving other areas. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 will feature three rear-facing 12MP sensors, a 10MP cover camera, and a 16MP selfie sensor for the foldable panel, according to a new alleged leak passed along Twitter.

The source claims that the 10MP cover selfie camera is based on a Sony IMX374 sensor, so it’s virtually the same selfie camera that was used by both the original Galaxy Fold and the Galaxy Z Fold 2. Meanwhile, the 16MP selfie camera is reportedly based on the IMX298 sensor that debuted all the way back in 2015.

No additional details for the other cameras were revealed, but we can assume that it’s the same triple 12MP camera configuration as the one used by the Galaxy Z Fold 2. The ongoing model has a 12MP main shooter with PDAF and OIS, a 12MP telephoto sensor with only 2x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide shooter.

To wrap things up, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will have the exact same camera setup as the Galaxy Z Fold 2, except it will replace one of the selfie sensors with a higher-resolution module. That is, of course, if the latest nugget of information is correct.

This is far from the significant camera upgrade we were hoping for, but then again, nothing is set in stone yet and Samsung could still surprise us with a different camera setup later this year.

The post The Galaxy Z Fold 3 might not bring the camera changes we’re hoping for appeared first on SamMobile.



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The missing features that can make Samsung’s foldables exceptional

Samsung is expected to unveil its next entries in the Galaxy Z lineup in just a few months from now, yet somehow the company has managed to keep most details under wraps. A few alleged bits of information have emerged over the past few weeks and months, but we still can’t be absolutely certain of where Samsung will push the Galaxy Z line next.

What we do know, however, is where we would like to see the Galaxy Z series go, even if it might not be entirely possible yet due to technical limitations, time constraints, or other factors. Either way, here’s our wishlist for the Galaxy Z family of devices moving forward.

An IP rating or some form of improved resistance against the elements

None of Samsung’s foldable devices that have been released so far benefit from an IP rating, but we’re hoping that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and / or the Galaxy Z Flip 2 will change this. And the good news is that an IP rating might not be so far-fetched. It could become a reality sooner rather than later.

A hopeful report suggested that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will boast splash proofing not long ago, though SamMobile later learned that both the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the Galaxy Z Flip 2 should have an IP rating. It might not be IP68 but it should provide some level of protection.

Better hinge protection in the long run

Along with an IP rating, we’re hoping that the Galaxy Z Flip 2 and the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will improve the protection of the hinge to prevent foreign particles from seeping in. The Galaxy Z Flip’s hinge doesn’t seem to pose any problems, but several Galaxy Z Fold 2 owners have experienced issues with the hinge in the long run after months of usage.

This issue hasn’t become very evident, but maybe that’s because the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is still a fairly rare phone that doesn’t break sales / shipment records. Had it been more popular, this problem may have become a lot more apparent for more users.

Whatever inherent issue the Galaxy Z Fold 2 hinge may have, it can sometimes lead to it having a limited motion when unfolding the device, thus preventing it from unfolding all the way through, as if debris got stuck inside the hinge. Evidently, we’re hoping that Samsung will find the cause of the problem and address it for the sequel.

S Pen support for the Galaxy Z Fold 3

The book-like form factor of the Galaxy Z Fold series seems like it’s the perfect match for the S Pen, and for this reason, many foldable enthusiasts have been waiting for the moment when the Galaxy Z Fold lineup will gain S Pen compatibility.

That moment could unravel later this year, as per a few reports hinting that Samsung might be able to add a digitizer to its foldable display.

It’s worth noting that even if the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will have an S Pen, it might not have a dedicated S Pen slot. Instead, Samsung could release the S Pen as an optional accessory a la Galaxy S21 Ultra. Either way, chances of the S Pen coming to the Galaxy Z Flip series anytime soon are minimal.

Better main cameras and an in-display selfie sensor

The camera setups on both the Galaxy Z Flip and the Galaxy Z Fold 2 leave something to be desired, especially considering their launch prices. The Galaxy Z Fold 2’s telephoto sensor was fairly old even when the foldable device was brand-new, and the Galaxy Z Flip lacks a telephoto and / or macro camera altogether. We believe it’s crucial for the upcoming models to improve upon the main camera system.

On the more wishful thinking side of things, in-display camera technology would represent a significant upgrade for the foldable scene, though this technology might not be ready for the consumer market before the end of the year. We can only hope.

Improved and / or larger cover displays

Although the Galaxy Z Fold 2’s cover display is a little annoying given its odd aspect ratio, it’s still a whole lot more usable than the Galaxy Z Flip’s cover display, which clocks in at a mere 1.1-inch diagonal.

That’s not to say there’s no room for improvement for the Galaxy Z Fold 3’s cover display. On the contrary, we’re hoping that Samsung will be able to give the cover display a higher 120Hz refresh rate to match the foldable panel.

At the same time, we’re hoping that the Galaxy Z Flip 2’s cover display will get at least a little bit larger for better usability.

Improved battery life

Recent evidence suggests that the Galaxy Z Flip 2 and the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will boast dual-battery systems similar to their predecessors. Perhaps too similar. The Galaxy Z Flip 2 might have a combined battery capacity of 3,300mAh same as the original Flip, whereas the Galaxy Z Fold 3 could have a smaller battery than the ongoing model by around 200mAh.

If battery capacities won’t improve then we’re hoping that the upcoming models in the Galaxy Z lineup will at least provide better autonomy on a single charge through optimizations.

We’re not sure if Samsung can do much on the software side of things in less than a year, but both phones are expected to feature 5nm-based chipsets which should be more power-efficient than the 7nm solutions.

More colors and customization options

The Galaxy Z Flip and the Galaxy Z Fold 2 aren’t the most colorful Samsung smartphones on the market, but we wish they were. The Galaxy Z Flip, in particular, is a much more fashion-oriented device and it could greatly benefit from more colors and customization options.

Samsung has already introduced hinge color options for the Galaxy Z Fold 2, so we’re hoping that the company will make this service available for prospective Galaxy Z Flip 2 buyers. More so, we wish that the company will give customers more control over how they may want to mix and match their colors.

If all that fails, we believe that the company should at least explore new accessory ideas and fashion collabs for both foldable models.

Lower launch prices

Last but certainly not least, we’re still hoping that Samsung will somehow manage to lower the launch price for the upcoming Galaxy Z models, though the chance of this happening is fairly slim.

Smartphone OEMs don’t usually lower their prices unless they’re pressured to do so, and because Samsung had a monopoly over the segment early-on, it didn’t necessarily feel any pressure to make its foldable devices more affordable.

However, with competition from China heating up, we’re hoping that Samsung will at least consider making its foldable lineup easier to obtain by more prospective buyers this year.

What would you add to your wishlist for the Galaxy Z family of devices? Are you more of a fan of the Galaxy Z Fold formula or do you prefer the Galaxy Z Flip’s clamshell design, and in what ways do you think Samsung should improve the sequels? Feel free to join us in the comment section below.

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