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Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chip brings on-device AI for affordable high-end phones

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Qualcomm has unveiled a new processor—Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3—for higher mid-range phones and flagship killer devices. It’s the first Snapdragon 7 series mobile processor to feature on-device AI processing, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, and a Cortex-X4 CPU core.

OnePlus, Realme, and Sharp will be among the first smartphone brands to launch devices with the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3.

Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 is a higher mid-range processor for smartphones

The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (SM7675) is fabricated on TSMC’s 4nm (N4P) process node. It is the most affordable processor from Qualcomm to feature a Cortex-X4 CPU core.

CPU

It has one Cortex-X4 CPU core clocked at 2.8GHz, four Cortex-A720 CPU cores clocked at 2.6GHz, and three Cortex-A520 CPU cores clocked at 1.9GHz. Looking at its CPU cores and their clock speeds, it is clear that the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 is a trimmed-down version of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, which was launched last week.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 Features

GPU

The GPU inside the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 is the Adreno 732. It can drive 4K 60Hz or QHD+ 120Hz screens. It supports Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR10+, and HLG. It supports variable refresh rates from 1Hz to 240Hz at Full HD+ resolution, and it can support a resolution of up to 8K with a 30Hz refresh rate. HDR gaming and Adreno Frame Motion Engine 2.0 are supported, but the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 doesn’t support ray-tracing.

AI, RAM, Storage

Qualcomm is promising a performance uplift of 15% in CPU, 45% in GPU, and 5% in power efficiency. The chip supports up to 24GB LPDDR5x RAM (quad-channel) and UFS 4.0 storage. The built-in Qualcomm Hexagon NPU can run many Large Language Models (LLMs) and Large Vision Models (LVMs) natively.

Cameras

The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 has the built-in Qualcomm Spectra Cognitive ISP (triple 18-bit) that supports up to 200MP camera sensors. It can stream visuals from three 36MP camera sensors, a 64MP+36MP dual-camera setup, or one 108MP camera sensor simultaneously with zero shutter lag. It allows phones to record up to 4K 60fps HDR videos or 1080p 240fps slow-motion videos. Supported HDR formats include Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR10+, HLG, and Ultra HDR.

Advanced camera features, including Computational HDR, Multi Frame Noise Reduction, AI-based autofocus and auto-exposure, AI-based face detection, Real-Time Semantic Segmentation, and Video Super Resolution, are supported as well.

Connectivity

The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 uses the Snapdragon X63 5G modem that supports mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G networks (with SA and NSA). It supports peak download speeds of up to 4.2Gbps and peak upload speeds of up to 3.5Gbps. It also supports 5G+5G Dual-SIM Dual Active connections.

Thanks to FastConnect 7800, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 is the first Snapdragon 7 series chip to support Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 (with LE Audio and Auracast). Support for dual-frequency satellite-based navigation is present, and it supports Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS, GPS, NavIC, and QZSS. It supports lane-level accuracy for cars and sidewalk-level accuracy while walking.

NFC and USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C are supported as well.

Fast charging and fingerprint

It supports up to Qualcomm 3D Sonic Max fingerprint reader and Quick Charge 5 (based on USB PD) for up to 100W fast charging.

Qualcomm expects the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor to be used in phones priced in the $400-$600 price segment. Although, most phones powered by this chipset are expected to be launched only in China, India, and other Southeast Asian countries.

Author’s Note: The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor is an improvement over last year’s Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2. It brings notable improvements in CPU and GPU performance but lacks ray-tracing support for games. To get that feature, consumers would have to opt for slightly higher-priced phones that use at least the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor that was launched a few days ago.

This chipset would be good enough in terms of camera performance for most users. However, enthusiasts who want features like 8K video recording would have to upgrade to phones with the Snapdragon 8 series processors. This chipset would be a great fit for phones like the Galaxy S24 FE or Galaxy S25 FE, but knowing Samsung, it might not use this processor in its phones.

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Next-gen Samsung Galaxy phones will have even faster storage

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Last updated: March 20th, 2024 at 15:48 UTC+01:00

It’s been a couple of years since Samsung Semiconductor announced the UFS 4.0 non-volatile memory for mobile devices. Samsung has since used UFS 4.0 for the Galaxy S23 series, the 2023 foldable phones, and the latest Galaxy S24 lineup. Now, the company is getting ready to advance to the next step.

Samsung Semiconductor revealed a roadmap on the social media platform Weixin, confirming its plans for the next generation of UFS (Universal Flash Storage) solutions.

The roadmap states that Samsung intends to release UFS 4.0 4-lane CS next year before jumping to UFS 5.0 in 2027. According to Samsung Semiconductor, UFS 4.0 4-lane will improve speed from around 4GB/s to 8GB/s.

Meanwhile, the big UFS 5.0 update to Samsung non-volatile memory, set to be introduced in 2027, could increase speeds above 10GB/s.

Next-gen UFS to enter production this year

Samsung Semiconductor says it plans to start the mass production of UFS 4.0 4-lane solutions before 2025. The company underlined that UFS 4.0 4-lane memory combines two UFS controllers for increased sequential read speed.

The company says these advancements in UFS technology will improve loading times and on-device AI applications. Although Samsung hasn’t revealed anything about which Galaxy devices might use UFS 4.0 4-lane first, it could be the Galaxy S25 series. UFS 5.0 could debut alongside the future Galaxy S27 lineup a few years later.

Samsung already plans more AI-based features for next-gen devices, with some AI tools possibly being offered through a paid model. Whether that will pan out remains to be determined, but either way, these AI advancements work hand-in-hand with faster mobile memory technologies

Editor’s Note: Given this UFS roadmap, we’re guessing the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 will use the same UFS 4.0 solution as the Galaxy S24 lineup, as UFS 4.0 4-lane likely won’t be ready for mass production by the time the Z6 foldable series goes official this summer.

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15 Best Deals From the Amazon Big Spring Sale: Phones, Chargers, and More

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Retailers love make-believe shopping holidays, and the latest is the Amazon Big Spring Sale. Running now through March 25, Amazon is promising the usual: Oodles of deals on everything your heart could ever want. We at WIRED are expert deal sleuths, and we’re hunting through the chaos to find deals on WIRED-tested gadgets that we like—you won’t find any fake discounts here. We’ve rounded up the best deals below, and we’ll continue to update this story with more.

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Smartphone, Tablet, and Laptop Deals

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G smartphones

Samsung Galaxy A54

Photograph: Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is one of our favorite budget phones. It goes on sale relatively frequently, but if you’re in the market, this is a safe buy. It has a bright display with a 120-Hz screen refresh rate, solid performance, decent battery life, and upgradeable storage. The cameras are OK too.

This is a must-have accessory, and we say so as much in our Best iPad Accessories guide. This 30-watt adapter is good for phones and tablets, but if you need more juice, there’s a 65-watt option that’s also on sale for $28 ($25 off).

This didn’t make our list of the Best Portable Chargers, but we generally like Anker’s gear. It has enough juice to charge your phone a few times over, and the slim design makes it easy to stash in a bag.

Headphone and Speaker Deals

Sony WH1000MX5 headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5

Photograph: Sony

This is an excellent deal for one of the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy. We’ve seen the price drop down a bit more, to $300, but this is still a great discount. The Sony WH-1000XM5 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) have fantastic sound quality. They look great, they’re comfortable to wear, and Sony improved the microphones in these so they’re OK for phone calls too.

These have fallen to $25 less during Cyber Monday promotions, but $100 off is still a nice price. The Sony WH-1000XM4 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) aren’t the latest (see above), but they’re still some of our favorite noise-canceling headphones. They do a top-tier job of quieting the world around you, plus remarkable battery life and comfort. The mics aren’t as nice on these.

This price is an absolute steal for a great pair of cheap noise-canceling headphones. They don’t have the most modern design, but their sound quality is fantastic, the battery life is great, and they’re durable. If you’re on a strict budget, these cans are great.

These are already our favorite noise-canceling headphones under $100. Snagging them for $56 is an excellent score, especially since we’ve never seen them fall lower in price. They’re a little fragile, but they’ve got a 40-hour runtime and decent hybrid noise-canceling.

Samsung Galaxy Buds

Samsung Galaxy Buds2

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

This deal has been around all month, but it’s still worth considering. The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) are some of the best headphones for Samsung users. They’re comfortable and have active noise canceling, plus workout-ready water resistance, cute color options, and five hours of battery life per charge.

This is a price match of what we saw during Cyber Monday last year. The Google Pixel Buds Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends) are excellent earbuds for Android users looking for a simple user experience. And with features like noise canceling, transparency mode, seven hours of battery life, and a wireless charging case, you’ll get the most bang for your buck. These buds are also super comfortable to wear and come in fun colors.

Jabra Elite 8 Active Earbuds

Jabra Elite 8 Active

Photograph: Jabra

These are our favorite workout headphones. They’ve got robust IP68 water resistance, a great, comfortable fit, and they have good onboard button controls. Perhaps most importantly, they stay secure when you’re working out.

In our workout headphones buying guide, the Jabra Elite 4 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) are listed as a solid alternative to the Jabra Elite 8. This less-expensive pair is still great. They don’t have as much water resistance, and they aren’t the most modern—they don’t support wireless charging and they lack an auto-pause function. But if you just want a good pair of headphones that’ll stay comfortable and sound great while you’re working out, these are a safe bet.

Smart Home and Gaming Deals

Image may contain Electronics Remote Control Phone Mobile Phone and Cell Phone

The Roku Express is a bare-bones streaming device that doesn’t support 4K content—so it’s a fine option if you’re streaming standard HD quality, but if you want 4K or higher, this device isn’t ideal. It does have the same operating system as other Roku devices, but otherwise, the gadget is pretty basic. But it’s fine if “basic” is all you need.

The runner-up in our Best Video Doorbells guide, this Arlo video doorbell fluctuates between $80 and $50 frequently. This deal still comes within $5 of the best price we’ve tracked. It has a wide 180-degree viewing angle, and it’ll alert you to activity on your porch with few false positives. It also records detailed video. Just keep in mind that the best features are locked behind an $8-per-month subscription.

Nintendo Switch OLED

Nintendo Switch OLED

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

The discount will be applied at checkout. I know that $9 off a Nintendo Switch is like, the saddest deal ever, but it’s important to underscore that these rarely go on sale, especially from first-party merchants. So I’m including it here, because the Nintendo Switch OLED (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the best model in the lineup so far, and because if you’re shopping for one, you might as well save whatever money you can (especially now that Mario Day deals have expired). The Nintendo Switch Lite (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is also $10 off at checkout if you don’t mind being locked to handheld gaming mode.

The Canon EOS-R series is our top mirrorless camera recommendation for Canon fans. The EOS-R5 is the beefiest of the bunch, and often it’s extremely expensive. We haven’t seen it go for cheaper before. It has a 45-megapixel full-frame sensor and can shoot 8K video at 30 frames per second.

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Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip launched for flagship killer phones

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Five months after unveiling its flagship smartphone chipset for 2024, Qualcomm is introducing a new high-end chipset. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is a slightly trimmed-down version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and vows to bring flagship features at a lower cost.

This new chip is made for more affordable high-end phones, popularly known as flagship killers.

Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 has many of the features from Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (SM8635) is a 4nm chip made by TSMC, similar to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It will be used in smartphones from Honor, iQOO, Realme, Redmi (Xiaomi sub-brand), and Xiaomi.

This new high-end smartphone processor has many of the same on-device AI and Generative AI processing, advanced camera processing, advanced connectivity, and lossless audio features found on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It can run many popular Large Language Models (LLMs), including Baichuan-7B, Llama 2, and Google Gemini Nano.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Features

CPU

Qualcomm is using a downclocked CPU and one fewer high-performance CPU core in the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. It has one Cortex-X4 CPU core clocked at 3GHz, four Cortex-A720 CPU cores clocked at up to 2.8GHz, and three Cortex-A520 CPU cores clocked at 2GHz. All these CPU cores are clocked lower than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

GPU

The chipset also features a downgraded GPU (could be Adreno 735) that has real-time hardware-accelerated ray tracing but lacks global illumination effects. It also lacks Unreal Engine 5’s Lumen global illumination and reflection effects.

The GPU features Snapdragon Game Super Resolution (AI-powered frame resolution upscaling), Adreno Frame Motion Engine (frame rate interpolation), and 10-bit HDR gaming. It also supports OpenGL ES 3.2, OpenCL 2.0 FP, and Vulkan 1.3 APIs. The GPU can drive 4K 60Hz or QHD+ 144Hz screens. It supports a variable refresh rate (1-240Hz, depending on resolution). It also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG video playback. It also supports 1080p 240Hz or 8K 30Hz external displays.

DRAM & Storage

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 supports UFS 4.0 storage and up to 24GB LPDDR5X DRAM (4,200MHz). The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 supports LPDDR5X DRAM clocked at 4,800MHz.

AI/NPU

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 AI Chatbot LLM

Qualcomm AI Engine, which combines the processing power of the CPU, GPU, and Hexagon NPU, carries out all the on-device AI and Generative AI processing. It supports more than 30 LLMs and LVMs (Large Vision Models) with up to 10 billion+ parameters. Some of its capabilities include text-to-image generation, on-device Generative AI-powered voice assistant, multi-modal AI (that can take inputs in multiple forms simultaneously), and image/video editing.

Cameras

The Qualcomm Spectra Triple 18-bit ISP inside the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 supports up to 200MP resolution camera sensors. It can operate a 108MP camera, 64MP+36MP dual-camera setup, or 36MP+36MP+36MP triple-camera setup with zero shutter lag. It can seamlessly switch between cameras with active HDR processing.

It can capture HDR images and videos. In fact, it can record 4K HDR video and a 64MP HDR image simultaneously. It can record up to 4K 60fps HDR videos and slow-motion 1080p videos at 240fps. However, it lacks support for 8K video recording, which is present on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

It supports Google’s Ultra HDR video format (Samsung’s Super HDR is powered by this feature) and supports recording HDR videos in Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+ formats. Features like multi-frame noise reduction, video upscaling, and RAW image capture are also supported.

Connectivity

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 has a fully integrated Snapdragon X75 5G modem, the same modem used in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. It supports up to 5Gbps download speeds and up to 3.5Gbps upload speeds. It supports SA and NSA 5G networks over sub-6GHz and mmWave bands. For sub-6GHz bands, it supports 4×4 MIMO, while 2×2 MIMO is supported for mmWave networks.

It also supports 8 CA (Carrier Aggregation) and 5G + 5G Dual-SIM Dual-Active SIM. Several AI-powered power-saving features for 5G connectivity and configuration are also included in this chip.

Powered by the Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 system, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 features triple-frequency GNSS (BeiDou, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, NavIC, and QZSS), Wi-Fi 7 with 8×8 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.4 (with LE Audio and Auracast, aptX Lossless, and aptX Adaptive), and USB 3.1 Gen 2 (with Type-C port).

Phones with Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 to launch in March 2024

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3

Xiaomi will be the first to launch a smartphone using the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. Other brands will bring their Snapdragon 8s Gen 3-equipped phones later this month (March 2024).

Chris Patrick, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Mobile Handsets division at Qualcomm Technologies, said, “With capabilities including on-device generative AI and advanced photography features, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is designed to enhance user experiences, fostering creativity and productivity in their daily lives. We’re elated to introduce the latest addition to our premium Snapdragon 8-series, our most premium mobile offering, bringing a host of exceptional specially selected capabilities to more consumers.”

To check out the performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, watch our Galaxy S24 Ultra review in the video below.

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The best cheap phones for 2024

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It may be fashionable to spend $1,000 on the latest flagship smartphone when they first get released, but it’s not necessary. You don’t even have to spend $500 today to get a decent handset as there are plenty of options as low as $160 that could fit your needs. But navigating the budget phone market can be tricky; options that look good on paper may not be in practice, and some handsets will end up costing you more when you consider many come with restrictive storage. While we at Engadget spend most of our time testing and reviewing mid- to high-end handsets, we’ve tested a number of the latest budget-friendly phones on the market to see which are actually worth your money.

What to look for in a cheap phone

For this guide, our top picks cost between $100 and $300. Anything less and you might as well go buy a dumb phone or high-end calculator instead. Since they’re meant to be more affordable than flagship phones and even midrange handsets, budget smartphones involve compromises; the cheaper a device, the lower your expectations around performance and experience should be. For that reason, the best advice I can give is to spend as much as you can afford. In this price range, even $50 or $100 more can get you a dramatically better product.

Second, you should know what you want most from a phone. When buying a budget smartphone, you may need to sacrifice a decent camera for a long-lasting battery or trade a high-resolution display for a faster processor. That’s just what comes with the territory, but knowing your priorities will make it easier to find the right phone.

It’s also worth noting some features can be hard to find on cheap handsets. For instance, you won’t need to search far for a device with all-day battery life — but if you want a great camera, you’re better off shelling out for one of the recommendations in our midrange smartphone guide, which all come in at $600 or less. Wireless charging and waterproofing also aren’t easy to find in this price range and forget about a fast processor. On the bright side, all our recommendations come with headphone jacks, so you won’t need to get wireless headphones.

iOS is also off the table, since the $400 Apple iPhone SE is the most affordable iPhone in the lineup. That leaves Android as the only option. Thankfully, in 2024, there’s little to complain about Google’s OS – and you may even prefer it to iOS. Lastly, keep in mind most Android manufacturers typically offer far less robust software support for their budget devices. In some cases, your new phone may only receive one major software update and a year or two of security patches beyond that. That applies to the OnePlus and Motorola recommendations on our list.

If you’d like to keep your phone for as long as possible, Samsung has the best software policy of any Android manufacturer in the budget space, offering four years of security updates on all of its devices. That said, if software support (or device longevity overall) is your main focus, consider spending a bit more the $500 Google Pixel 7a, which is our favorite midrange smartphone and has planned software updates through mid-2026.

OnePlus

Screen size: 6.72 inches | Storage capacity: 128GB + microSD | SIM card type: Nano-SIM | Front camera resolution: 16MP | Rear camera resolution: 108MP main, 2MP macro | Weight: 6.8 oz

The $300 OnePlus Nord N30 5G offers the best value of any of the smartphones on our list. No other phone in the price bracket features a processor as fast as the N30’s Snapdragon 695 5G. Moreover, OnePlus has specced the N30 with 5G connectivity in addition to a generous 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, meaning you probably won’t need to budget for a microSD card or cloud storage. It also comes with a 120Hz IPS display, a feature that’s great for both gaming and everyday use. Best of all, the N30 ships with a 50W power adapter that you can use to get a full day of battery life in 30 minutes. The N30 would be almost perfect if it had waterproofing and OnePlus had committed to pushing more than one major Android update to the phone. — Igor Bonifacic, Contributing Reporter

$250 at Amazon

SAMSUNG

Screen size: 6.5 inches | Storage capacity: 128GB/256GB + microSD | SIM card type: Nano-SIM | Front camera resolution: 13MP | Rear camera resolution: 50MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro | Weight: 7.05 oz

For just $200, the Galaxy A15 5G is a pretty remarkable device. It has a 6.5-inch display with a slightly slower 90Hz refresh rate the Nord N30. However, because it features an OLED panel instead of an LCD display, it boasts better brightness and richer colors than basically all of its rivals. It can also be configured with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and its 5,000 mAh battery delivers a ton of longevity. And while its design isn’t too exciting, the polycarbonate Samsung uses on the back has a nice matte finish that feels more like glass than cheap plastic. Finally, the A15 comes with four years of security updates and three years of OS upgrades, which is longer than most handsets in this price range. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter

$200 at Amazon

Motorola

Screen size: 6.5 inches | Storage capacity: 64GB + microSD | SIM card type: Nano-SIM | Front camera resolution: 8MP | Rear camera resolution: 50MP | Weight: 6.53 oz

For those on a really tight budget, the 2024 Moto G Play covers all the bases well. It has a speedy Snapdragon 680 processor along with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. And while that last number might seem small, the phone has a microSD card slot so you can add more space if and when you need it. Its 6.5-inch LCD screen is also surprisingly sharp with a 90Hz refresh rate. The Moto G Play even has an IP52 rating for dust and water resistance. That isn’t much, but it’s good enough to protect against an errant splash or two. Sure, the G Play is basic, but it’s basic in a good way. — S.R.

$150 at Amazon

Motorola

Screen size: 6.5-inch | Storage capacity: 64GB | SIM card type: Nano-SIM | Front camera resolution: 8MP | Rear camera resolution: 50MP | Weight: 6.9 oz

The $200 Motorola Moto G Stylus offers something none of the other picks on this list do: a built-in stylus. If you love doodling and jotting down notes, then this is the cheap phone to buy. Thankfully, it has a few other things going for it too. The Moto G Stylus sports a big and responsive 6.5-inch display and a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery. Plus, it’s available in two lovely colors: midnight blue and glam pink.

As with other options in this price range, it would be nice if the Moto G Stylus came with a more capable camera, a fast charger and better protection against water. One word of advice: steer clear of Moto G Stylus 5G. It doesn’t offer enough of an upgrade to justify costing $400. — I.B.

$130 at Amazon

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Samsung One UI 6.1 release date is in March 2024 for some phones

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One UI 6.1 debuted on the Galaxy S24 series in January 2024. During the launch of the Galaxy S24, Samsung revealed that it would release the update to older phones before the end of the first half of 2024. A few days ago, it confirmed that the update is coming to some high-end phones this month.

One UI 6.1 release date for Galaxy S23, Galaxy Z Flip 5/Fold 5, and Galaxy Tab S9

Samsung Galaxy AI Promotion Free Galaxy SmartTag 2 South Korea

Now, Samsung has confirmed that it will start rolling out the One UI 6.1 update to some older high-end Galaxy phones by the end of this month. In its press release, the company confirmed that the One UI 6.1 will be released at the end of March 2024 to the following smartphones and tablets:

  1. Galaxy S23
  2. Galaxy S23+
  3. Galaxy S23 Ultra
  4. Galaxy S23 FE
  5. Galaxy Z Flip 5
  6. Galaxy Z Fold 5
  7. Galaxy Tab S9
  8. Galaxy Tab S9+
  9. Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

The South Korean firm also confirmed that the update will bring many Galaxy AI features seen on the Galaxy S24 series to older phones. Those features include the following:

  1. Circle to Search
  2. Generative AI-powered image and video editing
  3. Real-time language translation during calls and messages
  4. Note Assist (for Samsung Notes)

Samsung is running a sales promotion for Galaxy devices getting One UI 6.1 update

Samsung Galaxy AI Promotion Event South Korea

Samsung is also running promotions for its older high-end phones that are eligible for the One UI 6.1 update with AI features. From March 15 to March 30, those who buy any of the devices listed above will get the Galaxy SmartTag 2 for free. Those who buy the Galaxy Z Flip 5 during this promotional period will get the Flip Suit Case and a screen protector for free.

South Koreans who purchase a Galaxy Tab S9 series tablet during the promotional period can get up to 70% discount on official accessories, including the S Pen Creator Edition, Lami Alstar S Pen, Keyboard Book Cover, and the Smart Book Cover.

Lim Seong-taek, vice president of Samsung Electronics Korea, said, “Samsung Electronics will provide the Galaxy AI experience to more users and lead the market. I hope you enjoy it along with the benefits.”

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Motorola just announced two new budget phones, the Moto G Power and Moto 5 5G

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Motorola just announced a couple of new budget-friendly smartphones, which are set to be released in the near future. These are refreshes of the popular Moto G Power and the Moto 5 5G phones. The upcoming handhelds don’t reinvent the wheel, as they are iterative updates, but there are some decent specs worth sharing.

The 2024 Moto G Power boasts a 6.7-inch FHD+ 120Hz display, Dolby Atmos stereo speakers and a 50MP camera system with image stabilization tech. There’s a MediaTek Dimensity 7020 chipset, 128GB of internal storage with a microSD slot, 8GB of RAM, 5G connectivity and a 5000mAh battery complete with 30W fast-charging. This will certainly get the job done when it comes to streaming media, light gaming and browsing the web.

The new Moto G Power even features a fingerprint-resistant back cover made from vegan leather, which the company says provides a “stunning, premium design and comfortable feel.” This phone is coming to Cricket first, on March 22, before an unlocked version hits traditional retailers on March 29. It’ll cost $300.

A smartphone front and back.

Motorola

The Moto G 5G includes a slightly smaller 6.6-inch 120Hz display, Dolby Atmos stereo speakers and a 50MP camera system complete with a macro lens. As the name suggests, this is a 5G-capable phone with a Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor and 4GB of RAM. Just like the G Power, there’s a 5000mAh battery with quick-charging. It ships with 128GB of internal storage, but there’s an expandable microSD slot.

The updated Moto G 5G will be available at T-Mobile and Metro on March 21, with wider availability starting on May 2. It costs just $200. Motorola also recently released a , which is priced at $150. The company sure .

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Samsung may start using more Sony camera sensors in its phones

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A camera sensor is among the most important components in a smartphone, and Sony is the world’s number one camera sensor maker. Samsung’s System LSI division also makes camera sensors under the ISOCELL branding, and it is the second-biggest camera maker globally. While Samsung largely uses its own camera sensors in its Galaxy phones, that could change in the future.

Future Galaxy phones may use Sony camera sensors

According to a new report from ETNews, Samsung could use more Sony camera sensors in its smartphones in the future. Sony Semiconductor Solutions (which makes Sony camera sensors) plans to move part of its camera sensor production from Japan to South Korea, reportedly to expand and strengthen Samsung’s supply of camera sensors. It is said to have discussed its plans with back-end semiconductor process companies, including LB Semicon, Doosan Tesna (NGion), ALT, and ASE Korea, for packaging and inspection processes.

Sony Camera Sensors

Camera image sensor semiconductor wafers will be transferred from Japan to South Korea for packaging processes and turned into individual chips. Sony asked those Korean firms to use Class 10-level Clean Rooms for this post-processing. Class 10-level Clean Roms are those rooms in a manufacturing facility where less than 10 dust particles (larger than 0.5µm in size) are found in one cubic foot of space. These companies will also conduct the reconstruction process, which selects good quality chips and rearranges them.

An industry official familiar with the matter reportedly said, “Samsung’s MX division is encouraging competition by mixing image sensors made by its system LSI division with Sony products in smartphones, and Sony is expanding its back-end process to Korea to respond more actively to its customers. I understand that they are planning to proceed with it.”

Apparently, Samsung MX wants increased competition between Sony Semiconductor Solutions and its own System LSI subsidiary. This will result in faster implementation of newer technologies and lower costs for Samsung. Sony currently has over 50% market share in the global mobile camera sensor market, while Samsung is a distant second at 10%.

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13 Best Deals From the Discover Samsung Sale: Phones, Tablets, TVs

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Samsung’s spring Discover Samsung sales event is coming to a close soon but you still have some time to take part in the discounts—it ends on March 10. There are different deals each day on smartphones, tablets, TVs, and home appliances. To learn more about the products, check out our buying guides, like the Best Android Phones, Best Folding Phones, Best Tablets, and Which Samsung Galaxy S24 Should You Buy.

Updated March 8, 2024: We adjusted pricing where necessary and added five new deals, including discounts on the S24 lineup and a Chromebook.

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Smartphone and Tablet Deals

Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

This is the first and best price drop we’ve seen for these brand-new phones so far. The flagship Samsung Galaxy S24 lineup (8/10, WIRED Recommends) was just released in January. The phones have great performance, day-long (if not more) battery life, and stunning displays. There are fun, smart software features, and while we think the design is a bit uninspired, the phones are available in neat colors. This basic model will serve most people just fine. Make sure to protect your new purchase with one of these great S24 cases.

If you prefer more real estate, the Galaxy S24+ has a larger 6.7-inch display compared to the baseline S24 model’s 6.2-inch screen. It also has a bigger battery, more RAM, and a higher starting storage capacity than its smaller sibling. Read more about their differences and similarities in our buying guide. We’ve also tested many Galaxy S24 cases—these are our favorites.

We still think the S24 Ultra is quite overpriced, but if you’re determined to snag it, this deal is the best we have tracked. It’s the biggest phone in the lineup and is made of titanium rather than aluminum. It also has a built-in S Pen stylus and more versatile cameras compared to the S24 or S24+. But if you don’t reach for a stylus very often, you’ll probably be fine with a different, less expensive model. Our buying guide has plenty of detailed advice. Don’t forget a phone case!

Galaxy Z Fold5

Photograph: Samsung

This deal is a match of one we saw last fall. The phone was cheaper at Amazon earlier in the week, but it is still slightly discounted there. The Z Fold5 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is a sleek smartphone that opens up like a book. The displays are bright and immersive, the cameras are great, and it has one of the best update policies you can get on an Android. Once your new purchase arrives, be sure to check our Best Apps for Folding Phones guide.

Last fall, we saw the Galaxy Tab 9 drop down to this same price. Even outside of Amazon’s lower cost, the $800 deal at other retailers is still decent. We think the Galaxy Tab S9 Series (7/10, WIRED Review) offers some of the best Android tablets around, but they’re usually too expensive. The hardware is excellent, from the screens to the included S Pen stylus, and Samsung’s security updates and Android OS upgrades will keep the gadget up-to-date for years.

Galaxy Tab S9 series

Photograph: Samsung

The S9+ is a solid middle-of-the-road option for anyone who wants to use a tablet for both work and play. The 12.4-inch AMOLED screen has enough real estate for most tasks, and this model of the S9 series comes with 12 gigabytes of RAM compared to the basic S9’s 8 gigs.

Smartwatch and Headphone Deals

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) are some of the best headphones for Samsung users. They’re comfortable and have active noise canceling, plus five hours of battery life per charge. The IPX2 water resistance means you can wear them during workouts. And the colors are cute!

This price is even better than what we saw on Cyber Monday in 2023. We reviewed the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (7/10, WIRED Recommends), which has a mechanical rotating bezel you can use to interact with the operating system; the standard Watch 6 doesn’t have the bezel feature. Still, this Wear OS 4 smartwatch matches the Apple Watch in its health and fitness features, plus it’s round! It only works with Android phones, and the electrocardiogram and irregular heart rate notifications only work when the watch is paired with a Samsung phone. Read more about it in our Best Smartwatches guide.

Gaming, Laptop, and TV Deals

Samsung The Frame TV

Photograph: Walmart

We’ve seen this TV drop down to $998 during Prime Day before. Sometimes TVs can be a bit of an eyesore, but The Frame from Samsung looks like a piece of art when not in use. It’ll flip through hundreds of paintings and photographs, and the transparent cable is unobtrusive too. Our list of the best TVs has additional recommendations.

The QN800C (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a fantastic 8K TV overall, notwithstanding its eye-popping price tag. There’s still not a ton of content available for 8K TVs, outside of YouTube videos. But if you wanna be future-proof and you’ve got cash to burn, this might be a purchase worth making.

This price matches what we saw during Cyber Monday last year. This little projector offers up to 100 inches of screen real estate, and it also features a built-in smart interface and gaming hub. It’s compatible with specific USB-C power banks for extra portability.

Chromebooks aren’t the most powerful machines, but they’re fine for things like doing homework or web browsing. And it’s important to underline that this price is fantastic compared to the usual cost. The Galaxy Chromebook 2 (7/10, WIRED Review) has great battery life, a fantastic screen, and a fun red shell. The 2-in-1 design lets you convert the laptop into a tablet. Our list of the Best Chromebooks has additional recommendations.

This memory card falls to $25 on a semiregular basis, but we’ve not seen it drop any lower. It’ll add plenty of storage to your Nintendo Switch, smartphone, or tablet. Samsung storage cards are fast, sturdy, and reliable. This one is backed by a 10-year warranty.

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How to Transfer Files Wirelessley from Samsung Galaxy Phones

Samsung Galaxy

In our digitally interconnected world, sharing files between devices seamlessly is more than a convenience—it’s a necessity. Whether it’s a batch of holiday photos, a hefty presentation, or a 4K video project, transferring files from your Samsung Galaxy smartphone to a Windows 10 or 11 laptop can be done effortlessly, thanks to the built-in Quick Share feature. The video below from Sakitech shows us how to use this feature on your Galaxy smartphone. Let’s dive into how you can utilize this function to make file sharing a breeze.

Understanding Quick Share

Quick Share is Samsung’s answer to intuitive and wireless file sharing, pre-installed on Galaxy smartphones. This feature shines in its ability to send files to nearby devices, including Windows laptops, without the need for tangled cables or cumbersome email attachments.

Step-by-Step Guide to Wireless File Transfer

  1. Setting Up Your Devices: First and foremost, ensure that your Samsung Galaxy phone and Windows laptop are on the same Wi-Fi network. Bluetooth should also be enabled on both devices to facilitate the connection. For those with non-Samsung laptops, a quick visit to the Microsoft Store to download the Quick Share and Samsung Account apps will get you up and running.
  2. Logging In: Open the Samsung Account app on your laptop and sign in with the same credentials used on your smartphone. This step links your devices, making them aware of each other’s presence.
  3. Initiating the Transfer: On your Galaxy phone, select the file you wish to transfer, tap on the Quick Share option, and then choose your Windows laptop from the list of available devices. The transfer should start immediately, showcasing the simplicity and efficiency of Quick Share.
  4. Customization: The Quick Share settings on your laptop allow for personalization, such as designating a default folder for received files. This minor adjustment can significantly streamline the organization of new content.

Compatibility and Preparation

To ensure a smooth experience, your Windows laptop needs to be updated to a specific version—Windows 10 or 11 with a build number higher than 19041. This requirement guarantees compatibility with the Quick Share feature, emphasizing the importance of keeping your operating system up to date.

The Joy of Seamless Sharing

Imagine transferring an 800MB 4K video from your Samsung Galaxy phone to your laptop in moments, without the hassle of searching for a USB cable or suffering through slow email uploads. That’s the reality with Quick Share. Its ease of use and speed make it an indispensable tool for anyone looking to share large files effortlessly.

Expert Tips for a Flawless Transfer Experience

  • Always ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network to avoid any connection issues.
  • Regularly update your devices to maintain compatibility and access the latest features.
  • Explore the customization options in the Quick Share settings to tailor the experience to your needs.

By following these simple steps, transferring files from your Samsung Galaxy phone to a Windows laptop is straightforward and efficient. Quick Share exemplifies how technology can simplify our lives, removing the friction from digital interactions.

As we continue to explore and utilize these features, the process of sharing and managing digital content from your Samsung Galaxy Phone becomes more integrated into our daily routines. If you have any questions or would like to share your experiences with Quick Share, feel free to drop a comment below. Your insights not only enrich the discussion but also help others navigate the digital landscape more effectively.

Source & Image Credit: Sakitech

Filed Under: Android News, Mobile Phone News





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