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Android 15 could bring better third-party camera apps to Galaxy phones

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While Android is more open than iOS and iPadOS, there is one area where Android apps have always lagged: third-party camera apps. The Android ecosystem has struggled because third-party apps can’t access some camera features. However, that can change with Android 15, as Google has added a new feature that allows third-party camera apps to perform better while recording videos.

Third-party camera apps on Android can now record smoother videos using Camera2 API

Almost all Android smartphones use the Camera2 API to capture images and videos. This API offers extensions used by smartphone brands to third-party camera app developers. In Android 14, the Camera2 API has five extensions: Auto, Bokeh, Face Retouch, HDR, and Night. However, not all smartphone brands use all these extensions. For example, Samsung has used all these extensions for the cameras on its phones, but Google has only used the Night extension. Moreover, these extensions are only used for camera previews and the capture of still images. They can’t be used for recording videos.

Android 15 Camera2 API Eyes Free Videography Extension Developer Settings

With Android 15, Google is adding a new Camera2 extension called Eyes Free Videography (spotted by Mishaal Rahman). As its name suggests, this extension can be used to record videos. This API “aims to lock and stabilize a given region or object of interest” and could point to electronic image stabilization for videos. Third-party camera apps that use the Camera2 API (like Snapchat) can use this extension to record smoother videos.

While basic stabilization is already offered to third-party camera apps, advanced EIS implemented by Android smartphone brands is locked or changes from one brand/model to another. So, it is tough for third-party app developers to offer the same performance on smartphones from different brands. This new Eyes Free Videography extension should bring better video stabilization on most Android phones.

The story continues after the video below, where you can watch some advanced video recording features implemented by Samsung on the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Hopefully, Android smartphone brands like Samsung and Xiaomi will use this new extension in their camera apps. If they do, third-party camera apps on Android will be able to offer similar-quality video recording, which should narrow the gap with third-party camera apps on iOS and iPadOS.

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Samsung sold more high-end phones than any other Android rival in Q1 2024

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Samsung sells more high-end smartphones than any other Android smartphone brand. Despite reaching its highest-ever smartphone average selling price (ASP) in Q1 2024, it has a lot of catching up with Apple regarding ASP and revenues. Samsung earns 3x more revenue from its smartphones than any other Android OEM.

Samsung earns 3x revenue than any other Android smartphone brand

According to Counterpoint Research’s latest report, Samsung captured 20% share of the global smartphone market in Q1 2024. It defeated Apple, which won the smartphone shipments crown in Q4 2023. Samsung also recorded its highest-ever smartphone ASP during the quarter, thanks to strong sales of the Galaxy A54 and the Galaxy S24. Its ASP was $336 during Q1 2024, a lot behind Apple’s ($900). The global smartphone ASP during the period was $370. The revenue of the overall smartphone market increased by 7% year-over-year.

Samsung Smartphone Sales ASP Market Share Q1 2024 Counterpoint Research

Samsung’s revenue share during the first quarter of the year was 18%, while Apple’s was 41%. Other smartphone brands, including OPPO, Vivo, and Xiaomi, earned 6% or less in that market. Xiaomi’s market share was 14%, while that of OPPO’s and Vivo’s was 8% and 7%, respectively. Xiaomi’s and OPPO’s revenue share was 6%, while that of Vivo was 4% during the quarter.

Counterpoint Research’s Research Director Tarun Pathak said, “Growth is expected to be slow but steady in the near term. However, revenues are expected to grow faster as the ongoing premiumization trend is likely to persist, especially with the rise of newer form factors and capabilities such as foldables and GenAI. More than 10 OEMs have launched over 30 GenAI-capable smartphones so far. We estimate that GenAI’s share of overall smartphone shipments will reach 11% by 2024.”

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The best Android phones for 2024

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There’s one clear perk that Android has over iOS and that’s variety when it comes to the phones you have to choose from. Apple has made the iPhone is the only game in town for iOS, but with Google’s operating system, there are dozens of choices out there from manufacturers like Samsung, Motorola, OnePlus and others. But that also means it can be difficult to decide which device is best for you when it comes time to upgrade, or if you want to switch from iPhone to Android in the new year. If you’re looking for a new phone and don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered with a selection of the best Android phones for every budget.

Editor’s note (5/7/24): Google has announced the Pixel 8a, its latest midrange smartphone. The 6.1-inch handset starts at $499 and, as expected, takes many of its cues from last year’s flagship Pixel 8 series. We’ll have a full review in the coming days and will update this guide accordingly. For now, you can check out our hands-on preview for more details on what to expect. Google says it’ll continue to sell the Pixel 7a, our current budget pick, at a reduced price, so it may continue to be worthwhile. Most should hold off until we put the new Pixel through its paces, though.

When it comes to picking our favorite Android phones, the main things we look for are pretty straightforward: good performance (both compute and AI), a nice display, solid design, sharp cameras, long battery life and a significant commitment to ongoing software support. For performance, not only do we look at benchmarks and other metrics, but we also evaluate phones based on responsiveness. Regardless of whether you’re reading, text messaging, scrolling through social media or playing a game, no one wants a gadget that feels sluggish.

While the specs haven't changed much from last year, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED display is still easily one of the best smartphone screens on the market. While the specs haven't changed much from last year, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED display is still easily one of the best smartphone screens on the market.

Sam Rutherford/Engadget

When it comes to displays, we generally prefer OLED panels that can produce rich, saturated colors with at least 600 nits of brightness, though many of our top mid-range and high-end phones can hit 1,000 nits or more. And more recently, most of our favorite devices also support screens with fast refresh rates of 90Hz or 120Hz, which adds an extra level of smoothness and fluidity.

Now we will admit there is a bit of subjectivity when deciding which phones look the best, but there are other design aspects like dust and water resistance or screen durability that can make a big difference to long-term survival. It’s also important to consider things like support for wireless charging, power sharing (aka reverse wireless charging) and UWB connectivity, which can have an impact on how your phone interacts with your other devices.

Obviously, for photos we’re looking for sharp, colorful shots in both bright and low-light conditions. And we want video clips with high dynamic range, rich audio and smooth image stabilization. Extra cameras for ultra-wide and telephoto lenses are a plus. The best cameras should also include features like dedicated night modes, support for various video recording resolutions, and additional photo modes like timelapse, slow motion and more.

Finally, in terms of longevity, we’re looking for all-day battery life on devices that also delivered great results on our local video rundown test (at least 16 hours on a charge, but more is obviously better). Wireless charging capabilities have become almost ubiquitous over the past few years, and most of our top picks have this extra perk. Fast-charging is available on some Android phones, too. Finally, with people holding onto their phones longer than ever, we like to see companies commit to at least three years of software support, upgrades and regular security updates.

Photo by Sam Rutherford / Engadget

Processor: Google Tensor G3 | Display: 6.7-inch Super Actua, up to 120Hz | Cameras: Rear array (50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto), 10.5MP front camera | Battery: 5,050mAh

Read our full review of the Google Pixel 8 Pro

Thanks to the Tensor G3 chip, updated sensors and a host of new AI-powered features, the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro have even more to offer for both photography and everyday use. The new Magic Editor on Pixel phones makes it astonishingly easy to remove distracting objects from your pics, while the Audio Magic Eraser cuts down on annoying ambient sound in videos. And for all those group photos, Best Take ensures that everyone looks their best, even if they weren’t smiling during the first shot. On top of that, Google’s Call Screen has gotten smarter while Assistant features, like being able to summarize or real articles aloud make it easy to stay on top of news however you want. Add to that a more refined design, brighter displays, better battery life and improved performance, and Google’s latest flagship phones might be the most well-rounded Android phones on the market.

$900 at Amazon

Photo by Sam Rutherford / Engadget

Processor: Google Tensor G2 | Display: 6.1-inch FHD+, up to 90Hz | Cameras: Rear array (64MP wide, 13MP ultrawide), 13MP front camera | Battery: 4,385mAh

Read our full review of the Google Pixel 7a

The $500 Pixel 7a delivers everything we look for in a great, affordable Android phone (if you have less money to spend, check out our best cheap phones guide). New features include a faster Tensor G2 chip, a smoother 90Hz display and for the first time on one of Google’s A-series phones: support for wireless charging. And with a refreshed design with IP67 water resistance, it looks and feels like the standard Pixel 7 but for $100 less. You also get great support thanks to five years of security updates and at least three years of software updates. The Pixel 7a’s only shortcomings are rather small and include a lack of a dedicated zoom lens and no support for mmWave 5G (unless you purchase a slightly more expensive $550 model from Verizon).

$442 at Amazon

Photo by Sam Rutherford / Engadget

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED QHD+, up to 120Hz | Cameras: Rear array (200MP, Dual Pixel AF, Digital Zoom 100x, 50MP Macro, 12MP UW), 12MP front camera | Battery: 5,000mAh

Read our full review of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

For its latest super-premium phone, Samsung gave the S24 Ultra a more durable titanium frame, faster performance thanks to a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and a much longer battery life. The company also tweaked its longest telephoto lens with a 5x optical zoom so it’s more usable in a wider range of situations. But the biggest upgrade is a new full suite of AI tools, which includes the ability to proofread texts, edit images and transcribe recordings. And when you tack on the best display available on a phone today and a built-in stylus, you have a very compelling flagship handset. Unfortunately, starting at $1,300, the S24 Ultra is a bit too expensive to recommend to anyone without deep pockets.

$1,300 at Amazon

Photo by Sam Rutherford / Engadget

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Display: 6.2-inch HD+ front display (up to 120Hz), 7.6-inch QXGA+ main display (up to 120Hz) | Cameras: Rear array (50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto), 10MP (Cover) + 4MP UDC (Main) front camera | Battery: 4,400mAh

Read our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Despite increased competition from the Pixel Fold, for people who want to maximize their mobile productivity, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is still the best big foldable phone on the market. On the latest model, not only has Samsung added two new gestures for launching into side-by-side multitasking or switching from a full screen to a windowed app, it has also increased the number of recent apps you can see on the taskbar from two to four. The Z Fold 5’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset also delivers faster performance than on the Pixel Fold, and even though this Samsung phone has a smaller power cell (4,400 mAh vs 4,800 mAh), it has better battery life, too. But the biggest change for this generation is Samsung’s new Flex Hinge, which allows the phone to close completely flat and makes it thinner to boot. Unfortunately, its camera system is largely unchanged from last year, and with prices starting at $1,800, the Z Fold 5 isn’t even remotely close to being affordable.

$1,920 at Amazon

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Samsung’s best customization app for Galaxy phones is now on Google Play

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Samsung’s Good Lock app has recently been spotted on the Google Play Store hinting at a wider release. Good Lock, if you’re not familiar with it, is a customization app exclusive to Galaxy smartphones. It allows users to decorate various aspects of their device with the help of “modules”. These modules can be used to apply new themes, change the lock screen, revamp the keyboard, and more. The software has been around since 2016 and is a favorite among Samsung enthusiasts.

Initially spotted by several users on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter), Good Lock on the Play Store is currently sitting in Early Access. You can’t even find the app on the digital storefront unless you have a direct link to the listing page. Reports state you can only download the software on a Galaxy phone. 9To5Google in their coverage says you’ll see a line of text informing you that your device is not compatible if you try this.



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Best Samsung Phones in May 2024 – Picked by experts

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Given the sheer number of devices that it releases every year, finding the best Samsung phones can often prove to be a challenge for most customers. It doesn’t matter if you want a flagship or a budget device. Samsung offers plenty of options for all price ranges.

To make it easier for you to find the one that best suits your needs, our expert reviewers have created this list of the best Samsung smartphones. We’ll explain precisely why a device has made it onto our list and provide you with links to their detailed reviews. This will help you cut through the noise and make an informed decision.

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Don’t have time to read the entire list? We’ve conveniently listed all of the best phones in each category here. You’re just one click away from picking them up!

Spec Monster: Galaxy S24 Ultra
Productivity: Galaxy Z Fold 5
Compact: Galaxy S23 FE
Foldable: Galaxy Z Flip 5
Mid-range: Galaxy A54 5G
Budget: Galaxy A34 5G

Our Best Samsung Phone List For May 2024

Our May 2024 list has a great variety of phones, including the Samsung’s latest Galaxy S24 series, and the company’s latest foldable phones. We have also included some of the good Samsung phones in the mid-range and affordable categories that are currently available.

Best Samsung Phone – Spec monster: Galaxy S24 Ultra

Samsung makes the “Ultra” model the one to get if you want the absolute best of what the company has to offer. The Galaxy S24 Ultra takes it up a few notches this year with some of the major upgrades that Samsung has made to this device. Its the best phone to experience Galaxy AI, Samsung’s suite of AI features, on and it’s also the first Galaxy smartphone to feature Titanium.

Galaxy AI also adds a handful of useful features to the device. This includes live translation of calls, intelligent summarization of content in Samsung Notes and other apps, Circle to Search, generative edit, and more.

The 6.8-inch Quad HD+ display is flat this time around, a departure from the curved panels on previous models. The Titanium finish makes the Galaxy S24 Ultra feel like one of the most premium devices we’ve seen yet from the company. While Samsung may have brought back the Exynos chipset with this series, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the only device that runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy in all markets. It’s paired with 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage.

You still get the same 5,000mAh battery like last year with support for 45W charging. The camera setup gets an upgraded 200-megapixel primary sensor with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide, a 50-megapixel 5x optical and a 10-megapixel 3x optical zoom sensor. You’ll find a 12-megapixel selfie camera on the front as well. Significant improvements have been made to the camera software, including new AI features, that enable you to create slow-motion videos from any clip as well as remove and resize objects in photos.

Reasons to buy: Titanium finish, Galaxy AI features, Qualcomm 8 Gen 3 chipset everywhere, improved cameras.

Who should buy: Samsung loyalists, pro users, AI early adopters, content creators.

Galaxy S24 Ultra Specs | Galaxy S24 Ultra Review | Buy Galaxy S25 Ultra from Samsung

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Best Samsung Phone – Productivity: Galaxy Z Fold 5

It goes without saying that the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the best Samsung phone for productivity. It has a massive internal S Pen-compatible foldable display that’s firmly in tablet territory, providing you plenty of screen real estate to get serious work done on the go. The external display is large enough that you can accomplish many quick tasks without having to unfold the device.

The 6.20-inch external display has a large 23.1:9 aspect ratio with 120Hz refresh rate. The internal display measures 7.6-inch with an adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate. It’s compatible with the S Pen that’s still an optional accessory for this phone. You can buy a case that doubles as protection for the device as well as a place to store the S Pen.

The camera setup on this device includes a 50-megapixel primary sensor with Dual Pixel PDAF and optical image stabilization. There’s also a 10-megapixel telephoto sensor with OIS and 3x optical zoom. A 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor is present as well in addition to a 4-megapixel Under-Display Camera and a 10-megapixel selfie camera on the cover screen.

Samsung has equipped the Galaxy Z Fold 5 with several great features to help make it the productivity beast that it is. It’s without a doubt one of the top Samsung phones of 2024. While it’s also the most expensive on the list, Samsung routinely offers great deals through its online store to make it easier for customers to buy the Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Reasons to buy: Absolute productivity beast, S Pen support, modern design, improved cameras and foldable form factor.

Who should buy: Power users, productivity champs, casual gamers, and content creators.

Galaxy Z Fold 5 Specs | Galaxy Z Fold 5 Review | Buy Galaxy Z Fold 5 from Samsung

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  • Unfolded: 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1 mmFolded: 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4 mm

Best Samsung Phone – Compact: Galaxy S23 FE

The wait for a new Fan Edition smartphone from Samsung ended in October 2023 as the company unveiled the Galaxy S23 FE. Based on the popular Galaxy S23 series, there were already high expectations from this device before it arrived, and it’s safe to say that it met them all very well. Retaining the compact DNA of its predecessors, the Galaxy S23 FE features a 6.4-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 60-120Hz adaptive refresh rate.

It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset in some markets whereas an improved version of the Exynos 2200 powers it in most other markets. The company has added a vapor chamber to help with cooling on the Exynos variants, fixing one of the key concerns with this chipset. You can get the Galaxy S23 FE with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage. It has the same 4,500mAh battery as its predecessor with support for 25W fast charging. The cameras have been upgraded on this model to include a 50-megapixel primary sensor in addition to an 8-megapixel telephoto with 3x optical zoom and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor. You’ll also find a 10-megapixel selfie camera on the front.

Much like most of the new devices in Samsung’s lineup now, the Galaxy S23 FE is going to receive four years of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates. This makes it a great future proof device for customers who don’t particularly like changing their phones all that often.

At $629.99, the Galaxy S23 FE is $70 cheaper than its predecessor, which is just one of the many reasons why you should be picking this up in 2024. This device provides incredible value for money at this price point, a feat that few other phones can manage at this end of the price spectrum.

Reasons to buy: Respectable specs, revamped design, great performance, lower price.

Who should buy: Budget conscious customers, those who don’t need a full-fledged flagship but require decent performance.

Galaxy S23 FE Specs | Galaxy S23 FE Review | Buy Galaxy S23 FE from Samsung

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Best Samsung Phone – Foldable: Galaxy Z Flip 5

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is one of the two new foldable phones Samsung launched in July 2023. However, it takes the spot on this list because the clamshell foldable gets the bulk of the updates. For starts, it has a larger cover display called the Flex Window which address one of the biggest shortcomings of previous models.

In addition to the 3.4-inch Flex Window cover display, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 also has a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X FHD+ resolution foldable display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. It packaged neatly in a shell made out of aluminium with a new hinge that reduces the panel gap.

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 boasts the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM. It’s available with up to 512GB of storage. Samsung has retained the same cameras as the 2022 model, however, some improvements have been made to the sensors and camera software.

This is clearly one of the best Samsung phones ever made, if you were to ask foldable fans specifically, as there aren’t many devices that can hold a candle to the Galaxy Z Flip 5.

Reasons to buy: Larger cover display, new color options, and improved hinge that enhances durability.

Who should buy: Galaxy Z Flip fans, fashionistas, and trendsetters.

Galaxy Z Flip 5 Specs | Galaxy Z Flip 5 Hands-on | Buy Galaxy Z Flip 5 from Samsung

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  • Folded: 85.1 x 71.9 x 15.1 mmUnfolded: 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm

Best Samsung Phone – Mid-range: Galaxy A54 5G

Samsung has further solidified its premium mid-range offerings with the Galaxy A54 5G. This device comes with several improvements that make it better than its predecessor. It’s one of the best Samsung mid-range smartphones in the market right now. It has a design language similar to the Galaxy S23 models, including the three independent circular cutouts for each rear-facing camera sensor.

The Galaxy A54 5G boasts a 6.4-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The panel itself has seen a massive reduction in blue light emissions, making it more comfortable to view, and utilizes Vision Booster technology to increase the brightness up to 1,000 nits. You’ll find the Exynos 1380 chipset under the hood with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It does support memory expansion via microSD cards. The camera setup includes a 50-megapixel primary sensor alongside a 12-megapixel ultrawide and 5-megapixel macro sensor. There’s a 32-megapixel selfie camera on the front.

A 5,000mAh battery keeps the lights on with support for 25W fast charging. In addition to its stereo speakers, the device also supports Dolby Atmos. Like most of its devices, the Galaxy A54 5G will also receive four years of Android OS upgrades from Samsung.

Reasons to buy: Great new design, powerful internals, brighter display, bigger battery, great software support.

Who should buy: Those who love mobile gaming, millennials, and customers looking for a great mid-range phone.

Galaxy A54 Specs | Galaxy A54 5G Review | Buy Galaxy A54 5G from Samsung

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  • Bar: 158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm

  • https://sammobile.digidip.net/visit?url=https://samsung.com/us/mobile/phones/galaxy-a54/buy/

Best Samsung Phone – Budget: Galaxy A34 5G

Galaxy A34 5G review

Samsung has made considerable upgrades to this budget lineup with the Galaxy A34 5G. It gets a design refresh with a slightly curved frame and separate cutouts for the rear camera lenses. Instead of being powered by an Exynos chipset like its predecessors, the Galaxy A34 5G comes with a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

Its 6.6-inch Full HD+ resolution Super AMOLED display has an improved refresh rate of 120Hz and the brightness can now go as high as 1,000nits, thanks to Samsung’s Vision Booster technology. The rear camera setup now features a 48-megapixel primary sensors alongside an 8-megapixel ultra-wide and 5-megapixel macro sensor. Ther’es a 13-megapixel selfie camera as well.

You’ll get plenty of juice with the 5,000mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging. The device even has IP67 dust and water resistance. Samsung confirms that the Galaxy A34 5G will get four years of Android OS upgrades.

Reasons to buy: Efficient chipset, improved design, better battery life, elevated cameras.

Who should buy: Budget conscious customers and customers who like simple phones.

Galaxy A34 5G Specs | Galaxy A34 5G Review | Buy Galaxy A34 5G from Samsung

Samsung
Galaxy A34 5G

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  • Bar: 161.3 x 78.1 x 8.2 mm

Why These Are The Best Samsung Phones This Month

Samsung’s strategy has long been to offer something for everyone. We now have one of Samsung’s most diverse smartphone lineups. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is a true beast and there won’t be many phones this year that can match its power. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is one of the most feature-packed phones from Samsung. With its unique foldable form factor and support for the S Pen, there’s hardly any device that can rival its claim as a productivity champion.

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is one of the best foldable smartphones Samsung has ever made. The larger cover display makes it easier to get more done without having to unfold the device every single time. The new hinge also improves durability and makes the device sleeker.

The Galaxy S23 FE is the best option for customers that want the most value for their money. Not only does it provide near flagship-level specifications but it also does that at lower price compared to its predecessor, making it a no-brainer if you’re in that price segment.

The Galaxy A54 5G arrived in 2023 and it spectacularly builds upon the popularity of this mid-range series. It fast became one of the most sought-after phones in this segment, courtesy of its revamped design and powerful internals. The Galaxy A34 5G’s upgrades have also won it a place on this list, as it’s one of the best-value devices from Samsung so far.

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Best cheap Android phones 2024 by Samsung

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The search for the best cheap Android phones can often be daunting. There are just so many manufacturers to choose from. The cheapest phones aren’t made alike, though. The budget options you choose should offer respectable specs, decent performance and good software support.

This can often be lacking in devices from other manufacturers. However, Samsung is a company that excels at making the best budget phones. These happen to be some of its best-selling devices across the globe. So if you’re looking for cheap Android phones in the US that cost under $500, Samsung is your best bet.

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Don’t have time to read the entire list? We’ve conveniently listed all of the best cheap Android phones in each category here. You’re just one click away from picking them up!

Samsung’s Latest: Galaxy A54 5G
The Underdog: Galaxy A42 5G
Balanced Option: Galaxy A34 5G
Best-Seller: Galaxy A14 5G
Most Affordable: Galaxy A03s
Honorable Mention: Galaxy S23 FE

How To Pick The Best Budget Android Phone For You

You want something that’s going to last you a few years. There’s no point in buying a budget smartphone that can’t go the distance, because you’ll end up having to spend more money if you need to replace the phone after a few months.

Fortunately, the cheap Android phones from Samsung are very well made, even the very affordable ones. Samsung doesn’t skimp on the quality so you’re bound to get a product that’s going to last you a couple of years at the very least.

Next, ask yourself, what are the main things you want the phone to provide you? Do you want a larger display? A process that can handle some light mobile gaming? Perhaps you want expandable storage?

As long as you’re clear on the basics, you can find a great budget phone. For example, if you’re looking to spend around $500, you can get the Galaxy A54 5G. If you’re only after a basic device that can handle emails, some apps, and support light browsing, get the Galaxy A04s.

All budget Samsung phones provide industry-leading software support as well, so you won’t have to change your device quickly just because it stops getting new updates.

Our Best Budget Android Phones List For May 2024

As premium devices have become more expensive over the years, there has been a conscious push by manufacturers to provide more capable cheap phones. A lot of the tech that was previously limited to mid-range devices has since trickled down to the cheapest phones. Features such as 5G connectivity, ultra wide cameras, four years of security updates and more are now offered with entry-level devices.

Many of the best budget phones cost less than $500. As the leading global Android smartphone vendor, Samsung provides the best selection. The company wants to offer the best value for money with its budget devices. Customers can rest assured that they will get the most bang for their buck.

Best Budget Phones – Samsung’s Latest: Galaxy A54 5G

Customers who want a cheap Android phone love the Galaxy A5x series. The entire lineup excels at providing competitive specs at a great price. The Galaxy A54 5G is the 2023 addition to the series and it carries the legacy of its predecessors very well.

For its $449 price tag, the Galaxy A54 5G provides you with a 6.4-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, an elevated design with a sleek look. Samsung’s latest Exynos 1380 chipset is under the hood alongside up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The device is 5G-enabled, and the chipset is also great for mobile gaming.

You also get a 50MP primary camera sensor at the back with a 12MP ultra-wide and 5MP macro sensor. A 32-megapixel selfie camera is present on the front as well. Its 5,000mAh battery has 25W fast charging support. Samsung promises four years of Android OS upgrades for this device.

Reasons to buy: Elevated design, improved display, excellent performance and four years of Android OS upgrades.

Who should buy: Customers who need a capable device without breaking the bank.

Galaxy A54 5G Specs | Galaxy A54 5G Review | Buy Galaxy A54 5G from Samsung

Best Budget Phones – The Underdog: Galaxy A42 5G

The Galaxy A42 5G may have been overshadowed by the more popular devices in Samsung’s budget lineup, but that doesn’t take anything away from its viability. This device has the same Snapdragon 750G chipset as the Galaxy A52. So there’s plenty of power under the hood to handle routine tasks and even a bit of gaming. The device comes with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

It also has a rather unique design with the back panel being divided into four sections with a color gradient. There’s a 6.6-inch Infinity-U HD resolution Super AMOLED display on the front. The rear camera setup includes a 48MP primary sensor with an 8MP ultra wide, 5MP macro and 5MP depth sensor. The Galaxy A42 5G came with Android 10 out of the box but it is eligible for the Android 12 update.

Samsung continues to sell this device in the United States. At $399, it’s a great option for customers who want a bit more performance compared to the other devices further down this list.

Reasons to buy: Unique design, Snapdragon 750G chipset and decent display.

Who should buy: Those who prefer devices that provide great value for money.

Galaxy A42 5G Specs | Buy Galaxy A42 5G from Amazon

Best Budget Phones – Balanced Option: Galaxy A34 5G

Galaxy A34 5G review

This is among the most affordable phones from Samsung that have support for 5G. This mass-market device starts at £349. and features a 6.6-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.. There’s a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset under the hood paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

The camera setup includes a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide, and a 5MP macro sensor. A 13MP selfie camera is onboard. The device comes with a chunky 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging support. There’s even IP67 dust and water resistance. As many of its recent devices, the Galaxy A34 5G is guaranteed four years of Android OS upgrades from Samsung.

Do keep in mind that the Galaxy A34 5G is only available in limited markets and it’s yet to arrive in the United States. It remains to be seen if Samsung does end up bringing it to the country.

Reasons to buy: Refined design, 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging, new, improved chipset.

Who should buy: Customers who need an affordable 5G-enabled phones.

Galaxy A34 5G Specs | Galaxy A34 5G Review | Buy Galaxy A34 5G from Samsung

Best Budget Phones – Best-Seller: Galaxy A14 5G

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G

One of the more affordable of Samsung’s latest budget phones in 2024, this device also happens to be one of the most affordable 5G-enabled phones that you can buy from Samsung. It’s a successor of the wildly popular Galaxy A1x series and Samsung has equipped it with enough functionality so that it can easily follow in the footsteps of the great cheap Android phones that came before it.

This $199 device features a 6.5-inch Full HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate. It runs on the new Exynos 1330 chipset and is backed up by a 5,000mAh battery. Other specs include up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB storage, a 50-megapixel primary camera sensor alongside a 2-megapixel depth and 2-megapixel macro sensor. It also features an upgraded 13-megapixel selfie camera. There’s even NFC onboard so features are Samsung Pay are supported.

It definitely has the capability to take over the title of the best cheap android phone from its predecessor. The improvements and upgrades that Samsung has made to this device make it a great, cost-effective option for customers in the US and across the globe.

Reasons to buy: Competitive price, improved chipset, 5G connectivity and better cameras.

Who should buy: Customers who want an affordable 5G entry-level smartphone.

Galaxy A14 5G Specs | Buy Galaxy A14 5G from Samsung

Best Budget Phones – Most Affordable: Galaxy A03s

Samsung recently brought the Galaxy A03s to the United States to offer customers one of the cheapest phones that it sells. This is one of the company’s most entry-level devices. As you’d expect, it doesn’t support 5G.

The specs are fairly simple as well. There’s a 6.5-inch PLS LCD HD_ display with a MediaTek Helio P35 chipset under the hood. The device is available with up to 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. The camera setup consists of a 13MP wide angle sensor with a 2MP depth and 2MP macro sensor.

The device ships with Android 10-based One UI 2.0 Core, it’s a lightweight iteration of Samsung’s custom skin designed for entry-level devices. At $159, the Galaxy A03s is best cheap Android phone from Samsung without 5G.

Reasons to buy: Very competitive price, optimized UI, compact design.

Who should buy: Customers who want a reliable and robust device at a fair price.

Galaxy A03s Specs | Buy Galaxy A03s from Amazon

Best Budget Phones – Honorable Mention: Galaxy S23 FE

Starting at $629, the Galaxy S23 FE might seem a bit out of place on this list, but you can get it for much less when you take advantage of Samsung’s deals. This is a great option to consider if you’re in the position to stretch your budget a little bit.

The Galaxy S23 FE provides you with almost flagship-level performance in a clean and modern design with impressive cameras. It’s one of the most value for money devices that Samsung has launched this year. There’s also the fact that you’ll get four years of Android OS upgrades for this phone.

The design of this device is quite like the base Galaxy S23 handset. It actually looks better than its predecessor thanks to its aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 5 back panel. It boasts a 6.4-inch FHD+ display with a 60-120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Under the hood you’ll find the Exynos 2200 chipset in most markets, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in select markets. Samsung has improved the thermal performance of the chipset with the addition of a vapor chamber, allowing the chipset to sustain high performance for longer.

You can get this device with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage. The camera setup includes a primary 50-megapixel sensor with an 8-megapixel 3x telephoto sensor and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor. There’s also a 10-megapixel selfie camera.

The “FE” models are basically budget flagships. At its discounted price, it’s hard to pass up on the Galaxy S23 FE. It may not be one of Samsung’s cheapest phones, but it does offer a lot of value for money.

Reasons to buy: Great design, improved durability, flagship-level specs and four years of Android OS upgrades.

Who should buy: Customers who can stretch their budget a bit more to get a near-flagship experience.

Galaxy S23 FE Specs | Galaxy S23 FE Review | Buy Galaxy S23 FE from Samsung

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Android 15 could make landscape mode much better for phones

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Android 15 has introduced several improvements, including NFC-based charging, better Bluetooth Auracast support, and default note-taking and wallet app options. However, Google isn’t done adding new features to Android 15 yet, and more improvements are being revealed as we approach Google I/O 2024, where the upcoming version of Android will likely be fully revealed.

Android 15 could allow lockscreen, notifications, and quick setting toggles to be better in landscape mode

It has been revealed by Mishaal Rahman (on Android Authority) that Android 15 will allow the lockscreen, notifications, and quick setting toggles to take better advantage of the screen real estate in landscape mode.

On Android 14, when you turn your phone in landscape orientation, notifications appear from the middle, leaving a lot of unused space on either side of the screen. The same is true for quick setting toggles, which appear too big in the landscape mode. This is true for both stock Android 14 and One UI 6.0. However, things will become much better with Android 15.

As you can see in the screenshots above and below, when you turn a phone running Android 15 in landscape mode, the lock screen shows the clock widget on the left, leaving empty space for notifications on the right. When you try to unlock the phone, the keypad appears on the right, while the entered PIN appears on the left, making great use of the screen.

After unlocking the phone, when you swipe down from the top of the screen, both quick setting toggles and notifications appear simultaneously, each occupying one side of the screen. This doesn’t leave any wasted space like Android 14 does. Apparently, this new design has been under development since September 2023 in Android 14 QPR1 Beta 1. However, the development is still unfinished, and a few bugs remain.

Google is expected to finish developing the new landscape UI for the home screen, lockscreen, notifications, and quick setting toggles by the time it announces Android 15 at Google I/O 2024 on May 14, 2024. These improvements may make it to One UI 7.0, making Galaxy phones more usable in landscape mode.

As for the improvements Samsung made to One UI mid-cycle with the One UI 6.1 update, you can watch our in-depth video below.

Join SamMobile on Telegram and WhatsApp to get instant Samsung news updates, in-depth reviews of Samsung devices, and more.

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WhatsApp facing issues on Android phones while sending videos

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Last updated: April 29th, 2024 at 18:35 UTC+02:00

WhatsApp is the most popular instant messaging app in the world, which means billions of people depend on it in their daily lives. Even a single issue can cause problems for millions of people. One such WhatsApp issue has surfaced recently, and several users are complaining about it online.

There are growing complaints from WhatsApp users that they are facing issues while sending videos. The folks at 9To5Google faced the same issue while trying to replicate the problem on Galaxy S series phones. When you try to send a video, WhatsApp throws an error that says, “Can’t send this video. Choose a different video and try again.” This issue appeared in the latest version (v2.24.9.34) of WhatsApp.

Another annoying thing about this issue is that this error appears after processing the whole video. It means you spend more time and still fail to send videos. This issue doesn’t appear while sending photos or other file types. It appears that videos shot or downloaded locally are facing this issue.

However, not all Android smartphones are facing this issue. A temporary solution is to downgrade to an older version of WhatsApp, and testing has revealed that the issue doesn’t appear on it.

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Your phone’s blue light won’t actually stop you sleeping, according to an expert – but your phone is still the problem

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We all have days when we use our phones right before going to bed, even though we know we shouldn’t. Admit it. We know our phones keep us awake. Some people try to mitigate the negative effects on sleep with blue-light glasses, which claim to block out rhythm-affecting blue tones in screen light, but if you’re using a fitness tracker (and if you are, it’s probably one of the best sleep trackers or best fitness trackers from our lists) you’ve likely had at least one morning when you’ve woken up, checked your stats and seen exactly how little sleep you had the night before. 

It turns out, it’s not the blue-light effect from your phone that’s keeping you awake at night, according to sleep scientist Dr Sophie Bostock. I met Dr Bostock at an event to celebrate the launch of the OnePlus Watch 2 Nordic Blue in Helsinki, and she was able to answer a few burning questions about late-night phone use. 

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You can switch Google Meet calls between Galaxy phones and Galaxy Books

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Last updated: April 25th, 2024 at 10:19 UTC+02:00

Google Meet is an excellent tool for video calls, conferences, and meetings. It has become even better with each passing year, as Google has been continuously adding more features to it. Google Meet will get better for those who want to switch from one device to another during a call.

Google Meet to make it easier to switch from one device to another

Google has announced that users can switch between devices during a Google Meet call starting today. This device switching can happen between a smartphone and a computer (via a web browser). For example, if you are on the go and receive a Google Meet call, you can accept it. Once you reach home, you can head over to your PC or laptop, open the Google Meet webpage in a web browser, and switch the ongoing video call to that device.

Google Meet Switch Device Phone Web

Once the user opens the Google Meet website on a web browser, they will see a ‘Switch Here’ button. Clicking that button seamlessly transfers the video call from the smartphone to the web browser. Apparently, it is so seamless that the ongoing conversation won’t get cut off during the switching process. This new feature has already started rolling out, and it will be available to Google Workspace accounts and users with personal Google accounts.

Galaxy smartphone and tablet users can transfer their ongoing Google Meet calls and meetings to a Galaxy Book or Galaxy Chromebook laptop. Other options include joining the video call on both devices and using the companion mode. This takes Google’s ecosystem to a higher level regarding video calling than Apple’s.

If you are interested in Samsung’s laptops, watch our Galaxy Book 4 Ultra’s comparison with the Galaxy Book 3 Ultra in the video below.

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