Phone & OS

Image: Samsung The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the latest flagship smartphone from the South Korean tech giant, and it has left a lasting impression on this reviewer. Despite its uninspired design, the device has a lot to offer, including a stunning display, improved camera, and a user-friendly interface. But is it worth the hefty price tag of $1,300? Design and Hardware The Galaxy S25 Ultra's design is reminiscent of its predecessors, with a few minor tweaks. The device features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, which is both vibrant and sharp. The phone's build quality is solid, with a durable glass back and a metal frame. However, the design is not particularly innovative, and the lack of color options is a letdown. The phone is available in black, gray, and a grayish-blue hue, which may not appeal to users who prefer more vibrant colors. One of the notable changes in the design is the curved corners, which provide a more comfortable grip. The phone also features a lighter ...

 Samsung has officially confirmed the rollout timeline of its One UI 7 software update, which is based on Android 15, for eligible smartphones. The company has announced that the upcoming Galaxy S series, expected to be launched on January 22, will be the first phones to launch with the stable version of One UI 7. One UI 7 Update to be Released by March According to Samsung, the stable version of One UI 7 will be sequentially rolled out to other existing Galaxy devices, including smartphones and tablets, by Q1 2025, which means that the update is expected to be completed by the end of March. The update will include user feedback obtained through the beta programs, the company said. Eligible Devices to Receive One UI 7 Update The Galaxy S24 series is expected to be the first handsets to be updated to One UI 7, based on previous years' trends. The One UI 7 Beta 3 version was rolled out for select Samsung Galaxy smartphone users earlier this month, introducing faster fingerprint recog...

  Image: Samsung In a move that is expected to bolster user satisfaction and device longevity, Samsung has announced that its newly launched Galaxy A16 5G model will receive six years of software updates. This decision is a significant departure from the standard practice in the mid-range smartphone market, where devices often receive updates for a shorter period. Moreover, Samsung has revealed that this six-year support window will not be limited to the Galaxy A16 5G alone. The company has stated that many of its future mid-range devices will also benefit from this extended support period, ensuring that newer models remain relevant and secure for an extended duration. This new policy reflects Samsung's commitment to its users and underscores the company's focus on enhancing the value proposition of its devices. However, it is worth noting that this extended support does not apply to older Samsung models, which will not be retroactively included in the six-year update policy. S...

 Samsung has announced plans to expand its "One UI" software branding, currently exclusive to Galaxy devices, to its other major tech products, including TVs and home appliances, starting in 2025. This move aims to create a cohesive software experience across the company's portfolio. One UI, first introduced in 2018, replaced the widely criticized TouchWiz Android skin on Galaxy devices, providing a welcome and well-received update. Since then, Samsung has continued to build upon and refine the software, even expanding it to smartwatches following the company's adoption of Wear OS. During its annual developer conference, Samsung revealed that One UI will become the new name for the company's software experiences across major product lines, encompassing TVs and home appliances. While details on how this will affect software design and features are scarce, the announcement suggests a unified design language and integrated software experience across devices. ...

  Image: Samsung Samsung has announced the extension of passkey support to its smart TV lineup and other smart home devices, further enhancing the security and convenience of its ecosystem. This move is part of the company's ongoing efforts to streamline user authentication across its range of devices, which includes smartphones, tablets, and smart home products running on the Tizen operating system. Passkeys, a more secure alternative to traditional passwords, offer a passwordless authentication process that relies on biometric data or device-based verification. This technology is designed to mitigate the risks associated with password-based security, such as phishing attacks or credential theft, by eliminating the need for users to input passwords. By integrating passkey support into its smart TVs and smart home devices, Samsung aims to provide users with a seamless and secure experience across its connected ecosystem. The passkey feature will work in conjunction with Sam...

In 2023, Google introduced Gemini Nano, a lightweight version of its Gemini AI technology, designed to enable Android devices to run AI-powered features locally without relying on an internet connection. Initially, the technology was exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro, but it has since been expanded to other devices, including the Galaxy S24 series. However, until now, there has been a lack of clarity regarding which smartphones support Gemini Nano and which ones feature the enhanced multimodality version. Thankfully, this ambiguity has been resolved, courtesy of a report by Android Police, which has obtained confirmation from Google on the devices that support Gemini Nano and those that feature the multimodality variant. Devices that Support Gemini Nano The following devices have been confirmed to support Gemini Nano: Google Pixel 8 Google Pixel 8 Pro Google Pixel 8a Motorola Edge 50 Ultra Motorola Razr 50 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S24 Samsung Galaxy S24...

  Recent rumors have been circulating about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, a device expected to be based on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 with notable differences. The latest leak has revealed the alleged release date and preorder period of this highly anticipated smartphone. According to reports, the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition was initially known as the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra and was leaked months ago. The project underwent multiple decision changes, including a potential cancellation, as Samsung aimed to compete with the thinness of other foldable smartphones, such as the Honor Magic V3. Despite initial setbacks, the company resumed the project and is now expected to launch the device on October 18, with preorders opening until October 24 and shipping starting on October 25. Interestingly, the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition recently appeared on the Samsung India website, suggesting that the device may be available in more markets than initially anticipated, includ...

Samsung has announced the launch of its innovative Galaxy Ring smartwatch in the Netherlands and Belgium, two key European markets. The device, which was initially released globally on July 24, has been available in limited markets until now. The Galaxy Ring is available in three colors - Titanium Black, Titanium Silver, and Titanium Gold - and is priced at €449. Prospective buyers can choose from nine sizes, ranging from 5 to 13 on the US scale. To ensure a perfect fit, Samsung is also offering a sizing kit that includes nine sample rings and instructions on how to find the ideal size. The launch of the Galaxy Ring in the Netherlands and Belgium marks a significant expansion of the device's availability in Europe. The wearable device has been highly anticipated by consumers and industry experts alike, and its availability in these key markets is expected to drive sales and adoption. The Galaxy Ring is a cutting-edge smartwatch that offers a range of innovative feature...

Samsung has begun rolling out the One UI 6.1.1 update to older Galaxy devices, introducing a revamped audio equalizer user interface. The new design makes it easier to use and features a more elegant appearance. The updated audio equalizer UI replaces the previous list format with preset chips below the equalizer adjustment bars. This change provides more room for the sliders and includes a brief description of the selected preset at the bottom of the UI. The audio equalizer is a useful feature in Samsung devices, allowing users to access it through Settings > Sounds and vibration > Sound quality and effects > Equalizer. The feature offers various presets and the ability to personalize settings from scratch. While the update does not introduce new features or changes, it does install the latest Android security patch to enhance device security. Users must download a 300MB package to install the update. September 2024 Security Patch Details The latest security patch addresses o...

Image: Samsung Samsung has commenced the rollout of its latest software update, One UI 6.1.1, to its Galaxy smartphones and tablets. While not a major update, One UI 6.1.1 brings several new features and enhancements to the table, including additional Galaxy AI features, improved animations, and support for new accessories. What's New in One UI 6.1.1? One UI 6.1.1 introduces several new features, including: Additional Galaxy AI features, such as "Listening Mode" in Interpreter, "Composer" for Chat Assist, and "Suggested Replies" on select devices "PDF Overlay Translation" in the Samsung Notes app, alongside other improvements to Note Assist "Sketch to Image" feature, which allows users to add content to an existing image based on a rough sketch A dedicated section in the Settings app for Galaxy AI Enhanced animations and app updates Support for new accessories, such as the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pr...

Recent listings on the 3C certification website have confirmed the charging speed revealed Samsung's upcoming flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus, have had their charging speeds revealed through a recent 3C listing. The certification authority listed the SM-S9360 and SM-9310 models, which correspond to the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus, respectively. According to the listing, the Galaxy S25 will support up to 45W (15V, 3A) charging, while the Galaxy S25 Plus will support 25W (9V, 2.77A) charging. It is worth noting that the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which has not yet appeared on the 3C listing, is also expected to support 45W charging. However, the battery capacity of the Galaxy S25 series is not expected to increase, with earlier leaks suggesting that the battery capacity will remain the same as the previous generation. Samsung's decision to stick with 45W charging on its flagship phones is likely due to the company's prioritization of product reliability. While some of Sa...

Source: Android Headlines In an exclusive leak, we have obtained renders and color options for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, a device that is expected to be a more affordable variant of the flagship Galaxy S24 series. The renders, which are based on information from a reliable source, provide a first look at the device's design and color palette. Design and Color Options The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is expected to feature a similar design to the Galaxy S24 series, with a few subtle differences. The device will have a slightly smaller 6.2-inch display, a plastic back panel, and a slightly thicker profile. The renders show the device in four color options: Graphite, White, Lavender, and Mint. Color Palette The color palette for the Galaxy S24 FE is a mix of bold and pastel shades, which is consistent with Samsung's recent design language. The Graphite color option is a dark gray shade that is similar to the Galaxy S23's Phantom Black. The White option is a clean and minima...

Samsung has ended software updates for a few of its older devices, including the Galaxy Tab S7 series and the Galaxy Z Flip 5G. Through an update to its Security Updates page, Samsung has confirmed that it will end software updates on the Galaxy Z Flip 5G, the second flip phone the company launched. The Flip 5G made its debut in late 2020 as an iterative update to the original Flip. It brought 5G support and few hardware updates, but wasn’t as big of an update as the Galaxy Z Flip 3 was a year later. Now, the device is no longer actively supported by Samsung after 4 years. The Flip 5G’s last update was Android 13. Beyond that, Galaxy Tab S7 and Tab S7+ have also been dropped, again with Android 13 having been its last update. The Galaxy Tab S7 FE was dropped previously, while the Tab S8 series is still supported with quarterly security updates.

Samsung is gearing up to unveil its One UI 7 update, based on Android 15, shortly after its Developer Conference (SDC24) on October 3, 2024. As anticipation builds, a tentative release schedule has been outlined, providing Galaxy users with an idea of when they can expect to receive the update on their devices. The latest Samsung flagship devices are likely to be the first to receive the One UI 7 update, with the rollout expected to begin in late October. The initial wave will target the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Flip 6, and Galaxy Z Fold 6. The month of November will be particularly significant for Samsung enthusiasts, as several other flagship models are slated to receive the stable One UI 7 upgrade. Key Considerations It is important to note that this release schedule is based on Samsung's previous rollout patterns and may not represent the final roadmap. The list of eligible devices and their respective update timelines is subject to change. However, based on historical trend...

Recent benchmarking results have shed light on the processing capabilities of Samsung's forthcoming Galaxy Tab S10, indicating that the device will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor. This revelation has sparked interest among tech enthusiasts, who are eager to learn more about the tablet's performance and capabilities. According to Geekbench scores, the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor has demonstrated impressive performance, with a single-core score of 2,141 and a multi-core score of 6,952. These results suggest that the Galaxy Tab S10 will offer robust processing power, making it well-suited for demanding tasks and applications. The MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor is a high-performance system-on-chip (SoC) designed to provide efficient and reliable processing capabilities. Its integration into the Galaxy Tab S10 is expected to enable seamless multitasking, rapid data processing, and enhanced overall system performance. The Galaxy Tab S10 is anticipated...

Industry reports suggest that Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6, anticipated for release in late Summer 2024, may inherit the camera system from its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 5. This strategic decision signifies a potential shift in Samsung's flagship foldable device strategy, prioritizing other areas of development over camera advancements. While the specific rationale behind this decision remains unconfirmed, several factors could be contributing to it. One possibility is the current maturity of smartphone camera technology. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 already boasts a high-quality camera system, and consumers may not perceive a significant difference with incremental hardware upgrades. Alternatively, Samsung might be allocating resources to other aspects of the device, such as software enhancements, hinge design improvements, or battery optimization. Focusing on these areas could provide more tangible benefits for users and further solidify the Galaxy Z Fold 6's position a...

In a significant development for technology enthusiasts and industry insiders, a recent promotional leak has unveiled the design details of Samsung's highly anticipated Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6. The official promotional materials, which surfaced ahead of the expected launch, provide a comprehensive look at the aesthetic and functional enhancements of these next-generation foldable smartphones. Refined Design and Advanced Features The Galaxy Z Fold 6, as revealed in the promotional images, continues Samsung's tradition of pushing the boundaries of smartphone design. The device maintains the signature foldable form factor while introducing subtle yet impactful refinements. The hinge mechanism appears more streamlined, suggesting improvements in durability and ease of use. Additionally, the external display seems to have been expanded, offering a more immersive viewing experience when the device is folded. Simultaneously, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 showcases a design that m...