What a turnaround it is! Bengaluru’s iconic Opera House was used for operas and cultural events during the British cantonment days back in the 1930s. The Opera House later became a movie theatre. Sadly, the iconic piece of architecture was shut for the longest time before Samsung decided to take it under its wing and revamp it entirely as Samsung’s largest experience centre. In 2023, The Samsung Opera House is a must-visit destination for Bengalurians, especially for Gen-Z and Millenials. The historic Opera House’s transformation into a futuristic Samsung experience center has completed its fifth glorious year!
Samsung Opera House Fifth Anniversary
The Samsung Opera House’s spectacular original appearance from the early 1900s is still present on its façade, but the interior is a contemporary experience area that makes heavy use of cutting-edge technology. Along with premier consumer electronics products, it features the entire lineup of Samsung smartphones and wearable technology. For those who want to use the Home office zone as their place of business, it also contains a fully functional customer service center and high-speed internet.
Samsung Opera House Experience Centre opened its doors back in 2018 and completed its fifth glorious year in 2023. It is a celebrated hub of innovation, entertainment, lifestyle, and culture in Bengaluru hosting multiple events across the years. Since its inception, more than 1K events have been organized at the experience centre. In the last four years, Samsung Opera house has hosted over 600 events that include product launches, live music, OTT Movie Premier, cultural performances, fashion shows, gaming tournaments, stand-up acts, and Galaxy workshops.
The events include Galaxy workshops on multiple creative avenues like photography, doodling, editing, Ted Talks, and much more. Baking workshops, movie screenings, and many more events have also taken place at the Opera House over the years. Samsung has focused on making the centre as an immersive experience by offering a wide range of products such as QLED TVs, Bespoke Refrigerators, The Frame TVs, Microwaves, and even activity zones at the Samsung Opera House.
Back in 2022, Samsung celebrated the fourth anniversary of the iconic experience centre by organizing a K-Fiesta where a large number of K-pop fans from across schools and colleges in Bengaluru gathered to celebrate K-pop. This year-round too, the K-Fiesta event will be making a return for enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of Korean music, cuisine, and culture at the Samsung Opera House!
Samsung Opera House is now not just a hub of Connected Living, Gaming Arena, Audio, Home Theatre, and Lifestyle TVs, showcasing multi-device connectivity with SmartThings but also has a brand-new Starbucks outlet.
Check out all the details about the upcoming K-Fiesta event at the Samsung Opera House – HERE!
2023 is definitely the year where Samsung does not bring in any major upgrades to its existing lineup. First were the Galaxy Flip and Fold 5 which refined the design factor with the devices finally closing without a gap in between. Now, Samsung’s Watch 6 is the latest device to hop on the minor update trend and redefine what the best of Android smartwatch looks and feels like. We’ve been testing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 44mm LTE (SM-R945F) for nearly a week now and it graciously falls into the ‘Easy To Recommend’ category of devices. This might not be a monumental upgrade from the Galaxy Watch 5 but it undoubtedly is one of the best smartwatches you can buy right now! Jump right in for the full review of the Galaxy Watch 6 –
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Design
The Galaxy Watch 6 pretty much keeps the same design as last year’s Galaxy Watch 5. There’s the staple two size options here – 40 & 44 mm. I tested out the 44 mm LTE version of the watch with a silver strap. The Watch 6 also gets an interesting Gold colour variant which screams extravagance. Samsung might not have made major changes to the design of the Galaxy Watch 6 but there really is nothing to complain about it either. It is a known form factor which works well & is also comfortable. Even with the 44mm size, users will not feel the watch to be bulky or heavy on their wrists. A good indication of a comfortable smartwatch is when I do not have to remove it while typing my hours away at work, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 excels in that arena. The in-box silicon strap looks premium and feels comfortable.
While the design factor remains the same, Samsung has now introduced a ‘One-Click’ solution to swap the strap. Users just need to hold the button placed at the base of the band and pull it to remove the strap. While the general user will most likely not swap the silicon bands often, it is a welcome addition to the smartwatch lineup.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Display
Smartwatch displays are pretty much a standard affair. The pack and parcel of the smaller displays include users having to cover the screen with their hands in order to see the finer details under direct sunlight. Samsung fixes this issue and goes miles ahead by 2,000 nits of peak brightness with the Watch 6. The previous iteration only featured 1,000 nits of peak brightness making the Watch 6 a notable upgrade in that aspect. Mumbai’s September bipolar weather sports both heavy rains & bright sunny days; I did not witness any issues while using the watch outdoors in either of those weather conditions.
The Galaxy Watch 6 series uses a Super AMOLED panel across the lineup. However, the size and resolution of these displays are not the same. The 44mm model sports a 1.5-inch 480 x 480 screen whereas the smaller 40mm model rocks a 432 x 432 screen at 1.3-inch. There is nothing but a small 0.1-inch difference between the Watch 5 and Watch 6 but it makes a bigger difference when it comes to a small display. You can scroll around the bezels of the smartwatch which will never NOT be cool!
Performance & Health Features
There is a plethora of health features on the Galaxy Watch 6. Samsung uses an activity tracking UI which is similar to Apple. Three rings which count your steps, active time, and calories close up every day, and in all honesty, it is fun and simple to follow. Samsung has gone all out when it comes to health features of the Watch 6, including a temperature sensor which automatically measures your skin temperature while you sleep. I tested out the sleep features more than the fitness tracking features on this watch as I am at least consistent with sleeping as opposed to hitting the gym.
The Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) sensor allows users to scan their skeletal muscle, body water & fat, BMI, basal metabolic rate, and fat mass. It is crazy how far technology has come where we can find complex information about our bodies with just a few clicks on a smartwatch. The automatic workout detection feature remains my favourite feature of this watch. Besides this, Watch 6 offers 24/7 heart rate monitoring, cycle tracking, blood oxygen tracking, ECG, and much more. Samsung Health application allows us to streamline all these features really well.
It runs on the Exynos W930 dual-core processor clocking in with 1.4GHz speed. The performance here is reliable without any lags or jitters. It is running on Wear OS 4.0 with the prowess of Samsung’s One UI 5.0 layered on top of it. I did not face any problems in the overall UI experience of the Watch 6. Be it notifications or the vibration motor, everything works as expected. Receiving and making calls on the Watch 6 is also smooth sailing. Users can also pair their Galaxy devices with the smartwatch to get a preview of their camera, a feature which came in handy for me while clicking a picture of my dog without alarming her!
The Galaxy Watch 6 has an exceptionally good battery life for a device which packs in this many features. I am not entirely a fan of always on display on smartwatches as they tend to become a distraction. However, the AOD on the Watch 6 is subtle and does not beg for your attention all the time. I was easily able to get through the day with the AOD feature with 30-40% battery remaining. The watch was connected to my Galaxy S23 throughout the entire testing period and the battery life was simply dependable. The charging experience is also a smooth sail. Ultimately, there is a lot to love and virtually nothing to complain about the Galaxy Watch 6.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is the best smartwatch for Android users right now. Its extensive health features and simple design make it an easy pick.
Samsung has introduced its flagship offering, the Odyssey Neo G9 57″ monitor, as part of the proceedings at the Gamescom 2023 exposition. This recent addition to their product portfolio takes the form of a curved gaming monitor that touts a substantial 57-inch ultra-wide panel, equating to the combined expanse of two 4K displays.
Referred to as the Odyssey Neo G9 57″, or G95NC, this monitor employs a VA-type LCD panel distinguished by its resolution of 7680 x 2160 and a curvature radius of 1000R. The resulting aspect ratio of 32:9 replicates the effect of adjacently positioning two 16:9 3840 x 2160 panels. Importantly, the dimensions of the 57-inch display stem from its ultra-wide aspect ratio, rendering direct comparisons with displays of alternative aspect ratios impractical.
A notable feat lies in the monitor’s ability to support this expansive resolution in tandem with an equally impressive 240Hz refresh rate, translating to the refreshing of roughly four billion pixels each second. To enable this noteworthy synchronisation of resolution and refresh rate, the G95NC incorporates a hybrid connectivity approach that encompasses both DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 interfaces.
Though specific bandwidth details for these interfaces are not explicitly disclosed by Samsung, it is pertinent to acknowledge that current connectors lack the capacity to facilitate the considerable data transfer (surpassing 100Gbps) demanded by the monitor without recourse to Display Stream Compression—an aspect that the monitor duly embraces.
Underpinning its technological framework, the G95NC integrates Samsung’s Quantum Matrix Technology despite its divergence from employing a more contemporary OLED panel. This innovation capitalises on mini-LED backlighting and integrates an impressive array of 2392 local dimming zones.
This collective array of attributes has culminated in the monitor’s attainment of the esteemed VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification. The panel’s response time registers at a minimum of 1ms (GTG) and features a matte coating. The imminent availability of the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 57″ is earmarked for the US market, with a scheduled release date set for October.
Apple shot the concept of an ecosystem, and everybody followed. So far, it is the only company offering excellent services to consumers through its ecosystem and is the number one brand that offers seamless integration across devices. Besides Apple, Samsung is the only brand that offers an alternative ecosystem for Android fanatics. Of course, there are other brands in the pipeline, such as OnePlus and Realme, but they still need to develop a complete ecosystem. The Galaxy ecosystem allows users to pair up to three products and offers exclusive benefits like Auto Switch, App Continuity and Tablet Keyboard Share, which help you use multiple interconnected Galaxy devices seamlessly. Let’s see how it works!
Sharing Files Across Devices Using Quick Share
Quick Share is a special feature only available on Samsung Galaxy devices. It allows you to easily share files between these devices. To enable Quick Share on your Samsung Galaxy device, follow these steps:
Open the Settings app on your device.
Search for “Quick Share” in the Settings app.
Enable Quick Share.
Once you have set up Quick Share, you can start sharing files between your devices.
Here’s how:
Make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on both devices.
On your Galaxy phone, go to the File Explorer or Gallery.
Select the files you want to share.
Tap the Share option.
Choose the Quick Share option to start sharing.
If you’re using a Galaxy Book, the steps are slightly different:
Open the File Explorer on your Galaxy Book.
Right-click on the file you want to share.
Click on “Share using Quick Share.”
Quick Share will open and show nearby Galaxy devices.
Select the device you want to share files with to begin sharing.
Using Galaxy Tab as a Second Screen for Galaxy Book
If you have a Galaxy Tab and a Galaxy Book, you can use the Tab as a second screen for your laptop.
Here’s how to set it up:
On your Galaxy Tab, open the Settings app.
Go to “Connected devices” and select “Second Screen.”
Your Tab will enter pairing mode.
Now, on your Galaxy Book, follow these steps:
Open the Second Screen app on your Galaxy Book.
Under the “Available tablets” section, click on your tablet’s name.
Your Galaxy Tab will now function as a second screen for your Galaxy Book.
You can connect multiple tablets and use their touch screens to control Windows OS.
To disconnect the second screen, open the Second Screen app on your Galaxy Book and click on the Disconnect button next to the tablet’s name.
Controlling Galaxy Phone and Tab from Galaxy Book
With the Multi Control feature, you can use your Galaxy Book’s cursor and keyboard to control your Galaxy phone and tablet. Here’s how to set it up:
On your Galaxy Phone or tablet, open the Settings app.
Go to “Connected devices” and enable the toggle for Multi Control.
On your Galaxy Book, open Samsung Settings and go to “Connected devices.”
Make sure the toggle for Multi Control is turned on.
Under the “Connect to” section, select the Galaxy phone or tablet you want to control.
Now you can use your Galaxy Book’s mouse and physical keyboard to control your phone or tablet.
You can also set the Auto connection settings to Always, so your devices will automatically connect when they are nearby and have Multi Control enabled. You can disable Multi Control from the Settings or Notification Panel on your Galaxy phone or tablet.
Streaming Galaxy Phone and Tab Apps to PC
If you have a Windows 10 or 11 PC, you can use the Phone Link app to stream apps from your Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet to your PC. Here’s how:
Link your Samsung phone to your Windows PC using Phone Link.
Open the Phone Link app on your PC.
Click on the Apps tab.
Select the app you want to stream, and it will open in a small window on your PC.
You can also check your recent websites from the Samsung Internet browser on your phone and switch browsing to your PC instantly.
Turning on Mobile Hotspot from the PC
You can turn on your Galaxy phone’s hotspot remotely from your PC using Phone Link.
Here’s how:
Click on the taskbar icon at the bottom right corner of your PC.
Select the Wi-Fi option.
Choose your phone from the list and click on Connect.
This will automatically enable your phone’s hotspot for your PC to connect to.
Accessing Calls, Messages, and Notifications on PC
With Phone Link, you can access your phone’s calls, messages, and notifications on your PC.
Here’s how:
Open the Phone Link app.
Click on the Messages or Calls tab to access your messages and calls.
You will also receive notifications on your PC for new messages and calls.
General notifications from your phone can be accessed from the sidebar of the Phone Link app.
If you have a Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Tab connected to the same Samsung account, you will receive notifications about calls and messages on those devices as well. Make sure to enable the feature in the Settings app on your phone under “Connected devices > Call & text on other devices.”
Accessing Photos from a Phone on a PC
You can access the photos stored on your phone from your PC using the Phone Link app.
Here’s how:
Open the Phone Link app.
Click on the Photos tab to access your photos.
Note that only photos from your Camera roll will appear here, and there might be a short delay before they appear. This feature doesn’t support videos. For instant access to the latest photo or transferring files, try using the Intel Unison app instead.
Charging Galaxy Buds and Watch with Your Phone
If your Samsung Galaxy phone supports wireless power-sharing, you can charge accessories like Galaxy Buds and Watch using your phone.
Here’s how:
Open the Settings app on your phone.
Go to “Battery and device care” > “Battery.”
Look for “Wireless power sharing” and enable it.
Place your Galaxy Buds or compatible devices on the back of your Samsung phone to charge them.
You can also place other phones that support wireless charging at the back of your phone to charge them.
Samsung has once again set the tech world abuzz with its latest unveilings at the Galaxy Unpacked 2023 event. Among the most anticipated releases were the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic, two impressive wearables combining cutting-edge features and stylish designs.
Galaxy Watch 6
The Galaxy Watch 6 comes in two sizes, catering to diverse preferences. The 44mm variant, available in Graphite and Silver, offers a 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display protected by Sapphire Crystal. On the other hand, the 40mm model, available in Graphite and Gold, boasts a slightly smaller 1.3-inch Super AMOLED display with the same level of protection.
Powered by the Exynos W930 Dual-Core 1.4GHz processor and equipped with 2GB of memory and 16GB of storage, the Galaxy Watch 6 ensures smooth performance and ample space for users to store their favourite apps and content. The impressive battery life of up to 40 hours with Always On Display turned off, and up to 30 hours with it on, guarantees users a reliable and enduring experience.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is for those with a penchant for a more classic and sophisticated look. Available in 47mm and 43mm sizes and offered in Black and Silver, the Classic series exudes elegance. The watch features Sapphire Crystal protection, the same Exynos W930 Dual-Core 1.4GHz processor, 2GB of memory, and 16GB of storage, providing the same powerful performance as the standard Watch 6.
Both the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic run on the Wear OS Powered by Samsung, a collaboration with Google that promises a seamless and intuitive user experience. With these new wearables, Samsung continues to lead the way in the smartwatch market, offering a perfect blend of style and innovation. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a fashion-forward individual, the Galaxy Watch 6 series has something to offer, solidifying Samsung’s position as a trailblazer in the world of wearable technology.
Android fanboys, it’s your time to show off. With the highly anticipated launch of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 and Z Fold5, Samsung has once again pushed the boundaries of smartphone technology. These two revolutionary devices come packed with innovative features that promise to redefine the smartphone experience. Let’s see what’s new they have for you, one by one.
“Galaxy Z Flip5”
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 sets a new benchmark for foldable smartphones. Its innovative display technology, powerful cameras, sleek design, and robust performance make it a standout choice for tech enthusiasts and style-conscious users. With this remarkable device, Samsung continues to lead the charge in shaping the future of smartphones.
Design
Speaking of the design, the Galaxy Z Flip5 is remarkably compact. It measures a mere 71.9 x 85.1 x 15.1mm when folded, making it incredibly portable. When unfolded, the device measures 71.9 x 165.1 x 6.9mm, offering a generous screen real estate without compromising on the sleekness of its form factor.
Display
At the heart of the Galaxy Z Flip5 is its stunning 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display. With a resolution of 2640 x 1080 and an aspect ratio of 22:9, this display offers rich and vibrant visuals with excellent colour accuracy. What sets it apart is the 120Hz Adaptive refresh rate, which intelligently adjusts to the content being displayed, providing smoother graphics and reducing motion blur.
Cover Screen
The Galaxy Z Flip5 also features a convenient 3.4-inch Super AMOLED Cover Screen with a 60Hz refresh rate. This secondary display allows users to interact with notifications, view important information, and even take quick selfies without having to fully unfold the device.
Cameras
In the photography department, the Galaxy Z Flip5 impresses with its 10MP Selfie Camera, which captures stunning self-portraits with ease. On the rear, the device boasts a dual-camera system comprising a 12MP Ultra Wide Camera and a 12MP Wide-angle Camera, ensuring that users can capture detailed and vibrant photos in any scenario.
Processor
Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Flip5 is powered by the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, delivering seamless performance and efficient multitasking. With 8GB RAM and options for 256GB or 512GB of storage, users can store their precious memories and favourite content without worry.
Battery and Colours
The device packs a reliable 3,700mAh battery, keeping users powered throughout the day. With its assortment of striking colours, including Mint, Graphite, Cream, Lavender Gray, Blue, Green, and Yellow, the Galaxy Z Flip5 also offers a stylish and personalised touch to suit every individual’s taste.
Price and Availability
Pre-book for Galaxy Z Flip5 starts from July 27 across all leading online and offline retail stores.
8GB / 256GB – ₹99,999
8GB / 512GB – ₹109,999
“Galaxy Z Fold5”
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 represents a groundbreaking advancement in smartphone technology, reshaping the boundaries of what a modern smartphone can achieve. Its remarkable design, cutting-edge display, formidable performance, and advanced camera capabilities establish a new benchmark for innovation and potential in the industry.
Design
Design-wise, the Galaxy Z Fold5 impresses with its sleek form factor. Folded, it measures a compact 67.1 x 154.9 x 13.4mm, making it easily portable. Unfolded, it transforms into a spacious 129.9 x 154.9 x 6.1mm device, seamlessly adapting to your needs as a phone and tablet.
Display
The device’s revolutionary 7.6-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display is at the core of its immersive experience. With an adaptive refresh rate of 120Hz, users can enjoy smooth scrolling and interactions, while the stunning resolution of 2176 x 1812 and 21.6:18 aspect ratio, with 374 pixels per inch, delivers captivating visuals for gaming, multitasking, and high-definition content consumption.
Cover Screen
The cover screen has also received a significant upgrade, featuring a 6.2-inch HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This provides users with a buttery-smooth experience even in everyday tasks, navigating through apps, or checking notifications. At 402 pixels per inch, the cover screen ensures that every detail is crisp and vibrant.
Cameras
Samsung has also redefined smartphone photography with the Galaxy Z Fold5’s camera setup. The cover camera boasts a high-resolution 10MP selfie camera, capturing stunning self-portraits even in challenging lighting conditions. Impressively, the under-display camera on the main screen captures selfies with a discreet 4MP sensor, ensuring an uninterrupted viewing experience while maintaining picture quality.
The rear triple camera system is equally impressive, comprising a 12MP Ultra Wide Camera, a 50MP Wide-angle Camera, and a 10MP Telephoto Camera. From sweeping landscapes to detailed close-ups, this versatile setup lets users unleash their creativity and capture moments in exceptional clarity.
Processor
The Galaxy Z Fold5 is powered by the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform, ensuring this device delivers impressive performance and efficiency. Paired with a generous 12GB of memory and a choice of 256GB, 512GB, or a massive 1TB of internal storage, users can store all their memories, apps, and data without worry.
Battery and Colours
The 4,400mAh battery provides ample power to keep up with your day-to-day activities, and with Samsung’s efficient power management, you can enjoy extended usage without constantly seeking a charger. To top it all off, the Galaxy Z Fold5 comes in an array of stunning colours, including Icy Blue, Phantom Black, Cream Gray, and Blue. This choice of colours not only reflects your style but also adds a touch of sophistication to your tech gear.
Price and Availability
Pre-book for Galaxy Z Fold5 starts from July 27 across all leading online and offline retail stores.
Samsung has unveiled the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy M34 5G in the Indian market, showcasing its cutting-edge features and impressive specifications. Serving as a worthy successor to its predecessor, the Galaxy M33, this latest addition to the Galaxy M-series is powered by the advanced Exynos 1280 SoC, accompanied by a generous 8GB of RAM and a spacious onboard storage capacity of up to 128GB. Operating on the sleek Android 13-based One UI 5, this device offers a seamless and intuitive user experience.
The Samsung Galaxy M34 5G boasts a stunning 6.5-inch AMOLED display, showcasing vibrant colours and remarkable clarity. With a refresh rate of 120Hz, users can indulge in smooth scrolling and swift interactions. The device also features an impressive triple rear camera setup, headlined by a remarkable 50-megapixel lens that captures breathtaking images with precision and clarity. Complementing the primary camera is an 8-megapixel ultra-wide angle lens, offering a broad field of view of 120 degrees, and an additional sensor to enhance the photographic capabilities.
On the front, a 13-megapixel camera enables users to capture stunning selfies and engage in high-quality video calls. One of the standout features of the Galaxy M34 5G is its formidable 6,000mAh battery, which provides an impressive two days of battery life on a single charge. This endurance ensures uninterrupted usage throughout the day, even with heavy usage patterns. Additionally, the device supports fast charging with a 25W charger, reducing downtime and keeping users connected to their digital lives.
In terms of pricing, Samsung has introduced competitive introductory prices for the Galaxy M34 5G. The base variant, featuring 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, is priced at Rs. 16,999, while the top-tier model, equipped with 8GB of RAM and the same storage capacity, carries a price tag of Rs. 18,999. It is worth noting that these prices include attractive bank offers, adding further value to the purchase. The smartphone will be available in three striking colour options: Midnight Blue, Prism Silver, and Waterfall Blue.
Exciting news for enthusiasts and potential buyers is that the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G will be up for sale starting from July 15. Customers can conveniently make their purchases through the official Samsung website or on Amazon, coinciding with the upcoming Amazon Prime Day Sale.
With the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G, consumers can enjoy the perfect combination of powerful performance, immersive visuals, advanced photography capabilities, and long-lasting battery life. Samsung continues to deliver remarkable devices that cater to the ever-evolving needs and desires of smartphone enthusiasts, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.
Samsung made a resolute announcement, declaring that its next Unpacked event will be held in Seoul, South Korea, marking a significant shift from its previous global city venues. While the exact date remains undisclosed, the event is confirmed to take place in July, setting the stage for an anticipated unveiling of the long-rumoured Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5.
Unpacked has always served as Samsung’s premier showcase, unveiling groundbreaking smartphones and cutting-edge technology. However, this year, the company has chosen to return to its roots, bringing the event to its home country of South Korea for the very first time.
Despite Samsung’s intentional secrecy surrounding the upcoming event, it is widely speculated that the company will introduce two remarkable foldable devices: the Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5, alongside the highly anticipated Galaxy Watch 6 lineup. Building upon the success of their predecessors, the Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4, these new offerings are expected to feature incremental hardware improvements.
Notably, rumours suggest that the compact Flip 5 may undergo a captivating redesign. To power these foldable marvels, Snapdragon’s cutting-edge 8th Generation 2 System-on-a-Chip (SoC) is rumoured to be employed. Furthermore, industry insiders anticipate the official introduction of the Galaxy Tab S9 series, comprising the base Galaxy Tab S9, the Galaxy Tab S9+, and the top-tier Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.
Samsung has consistently led the charge in the realm of foldable smartphones, releasing innovative devices annually, albeit exclusively in the premium market segment. The International Data Corporation (IDC) projects a robust global shipment of 21.4 million foldable phones, encompassing both flip and fold form factors, by the year 2023. However, Samsung now faces formidable competition from Chinese smartphone brands, with OnePlus poised to unveil its groundbreaking foldable flagship soon.
When it comes to keeping up with the strike rate, only Samsung can beat Suryakumar Yadav. The brand is known for launching a new smartphone almost every week (on average), and today, the South Korean smartphone mogul launched a new smartphone in their F-Series smartphones, the Galaxy F54.
The newly launched device is branded as revolutionary as it sports a 16.95 cm sAMOLED+ display with 120Hz refresh rate, triple rear camera with 108 MP primary lens and 32 MP front camera, and 6000 mAh battery with 25W fast charging. On paper, the Galaxy F54 looks promising, but is it worth spending your hard-earned money on it?
Design and Display
Design-wise, the Galaxy F54 has nothing new to offer; even a mere glimpse of it and you will recognise it’s a Samsung device. On the front, it sports a punch-hole camera design with a 6.7-inch sAMOLED+ display that offers a 120Hz refresh rate. While on the rear, the Galaxy F54 has a triple camera setup with a polycarbonate back.
The Galaxy F54 features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the right side, along with volume up and down keys. The fingerprint sensor of the smartphone is quite outdated and works 7 out of 10 times. The device has a SIM tray on the left side, a speaker on the lower side and a microphone on the top.
In terms of display, the Galaxy F54 has one of the best displays I’ve ever come across in the mid-range segment of smartphones. If you’re someone who prefers binge-watching shows, movies or anything else for that matter, then Galaxy F54 is a perfect companion for you. It consumes less power and provides a more vivid picture quality.
Camera
The triple camera setup of the Galaxy F54 is backed by a “segment-leading” 108-MP camera with OIS, an 8-MP ultrawide shooter, and a 2-MP macro cam. While on the front, it sports a 32-MP selfie camera in a punch-hole design. The cameras of the Galaxy F54 offer features like Nightography, Astrolapse, Single Take, and Fun Mode.
The images clicked by the 108-MP primary camera show punchy colours that might not suit everyone’s taste and will take a little time to make you fall for it. The same applies to the selfie camera, too, but when it comes to video output, it offers brilliant footage with extra stabilisation; of course, you’ll have to record at 1080/30p for better results.
Processor
The Galaxy F54 is powered by an Exynos 1380 chipset with Android 13 and One UI 5.1, which means it will eventually receive upgrades up to Android 17 and making it the first F-branded device to receive Samsung’s four-year OS upgrade policy. The device sports a power-hungry display, and that’s the reason it gets hot often.
However, you don’t have to worry about it much as it is backed by a healthy 8GB of RAM/256GB Storage and lets you move through the day-to-day tasks freely. The Exynos 1380 chipset can handle graphics-intensive gaming and fluctuation of 4G to 5G and vice versa with an occasional stutter. So you can be worry-free about gaming and network issues.
Battery
The Galaxy F54 device is loaded with a magnificent 6000 mAh battery that easily helps you to survive two days, and when used extensively, it can run over 24 hours. The phone supports fast charging with a 25W wired charger (sold separately, of course) and takes about 70 minutes to charge fully.
Availability
The F-branded Samsung smartphones are mostly exclusive to India, where they go on sale through retail partner Flipkart. The smartphone is available for sale, and you can Pre-reserve it at ₹ 999* from 3-PM afterwards. The smartphone is priced at 29,999* for the 8GB/256GB variant and is available in two colours – Meteor Blue and Stardust Silver.
Verdict
The Galaxy F54 shines with a delightful blend of affordability and high-end allure, but it seems like an upgraded version of the Galaxy A54 (launched on March 23). Yet, in the age-old dance of commerce, one must remember the undeniable truth: the bounty reaped shall match the coins sown. So, if you’re looking for a device with a great display, battery backup, and camera sensors, then Galaxy F54 is the one for you.
Tecno is on a launching spree. A couple of months ago, they launched the first made-in-India and affordable foldable phone, the Tecno Phantom Fold. This time around, Tecno brings something for all the content creators, camera enthusiasts and the general public alike, the Tecno Camon 20 series. The series includes three phones, the Tecno Camon 20, Camon 20 Pro and the Camon 20 Premier. The entire series is distinguishable, with a unique puzzle design throughout the line-up with different rear designs based on the model of choice.
Camon 20
Starting at just 14,999 INR, the Camon series is powered by a respectable Helios G85 coupled with a 64MP primary sensor sporting Tecno’s latest AI innovation in their camera capture software called GRBW+ Pro. Offered in base specifications as compared to the entire line-up, the Camon 20 impresses with the camera alone. The Helios G85 and the 6GB RAM are sufficient for a budget device, with HiOS based on Android 13 running on the entire new series of phones. Tecno Camon 20 also features other software enhancements and AI algorithms, making this budget camera-centric phone perform wonders in all light conditions. The large AMOLED FHD+ with an in-display fingerprint scanner and up to 256GB ROM makes this an appealing budget package. Camon 20 shall be on sale from 20th May 2023.
Camon 20 Pro
Available in 128 and 256GB ROM, the Camon 20 series performs better with the Mediatek Dimensity 8050 processor coupled with 8GB RAM + 8GB expandable. An AMOLED 6.67-inch 120Hz panel with an in-display fingerprint sensor adds charm to the Camon 20 Pro. Also, it brings functionality like a headphone jack, a rear that looks identical to the more capable Camon 20 Premier and all the goodies of AI algorithms from the flagship phone in the series. The 128GB variant is priced at INR 19,999, whereas the 256GB variants can be had for INR 21,999. The Camon 20 Pro series will be available post 2nd week of June and looks like a promising lower-mid-range phone with impressive camera features.
Camon 20 Premier
The Tecno Camon 20 series’s flagship phone brings the best features in a rather affordable package. Like the Camon 20 Pro, this phone sports similar MediaTek Dimensity 8050, 8GB RAM + 8GB expandable, a similar large 120Hz AMOLED panel with colour accuracy and flat glossy edges. The USP of the Camon 20 Premier, which makes it interesting, is the sensor-shift stabilisation found in the iPhone Pro series. Not only does this phone sport a moving sensor for added stability and low-light capabilities, but it also features better cameras with a 50MP + 108MP (primary) + 108MP UW sensor that doubles as an excellent macro sensor. The OIS + sensor shift enables great video stability and low-light images. The launch of the premier is awaited in the last week of June, and if priced competitively, it just might be one of the best cameras on a smartphone at an affordable price.
The Camon 20 series gets 5000mAh Li-ion batteries with bundled 45W chargers. Speaking of the CAMON 20 series in India, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO of TECNO Mobile India, mentioned, “TECNO has changed gears and has started making strong inroads in the premium segment by bringing best-in-class technology in our smartphones for our users at much accessible price points. Through our CAMON portfolio, we continually strive to push the boundaries and revolutionize the photography experience. With the CAMON 20 series, we present a solution for those seeking exceptional night photography capabilities, delivering sharper and more detailed pictures in any lighting situation. This new camera-centric range of smartphones brings together innovative imaging technologies delivering advanced portrait and video capabilities that let users record those emotional motion moments in sharper detail, while its striking aesthetic design and powerful performance complete an all-around exceptional user experience.”
We wish Tecno all the best with the Camon 20 series. We barely had time to click some pictures and videos from these phones, but our little experience showcased some promising results. We would like to see some competitive pricing on the Camon 20 Premier 5G as and when it launches by the end of June. The 6nm Dimensity 8050 and the additional expandable RAM over the DDR4x 8GB RAM, with good AMOLED panels, make an appealing case for the Camon 20 series. The hardware seems impressive, and the camera software AI algorithms are also fascinating. We hope the overall UI improves with time and updates flow as frequently as the Tecno phone launches.
