The theme of this year’s World Health Day – Our Planet, Our Health – demonstrates the understanding that human health is deeply interconnected with environmental health. Through the Galaxy Upcycling program, Samsung Electronics has been on a mission to develop innovative, sustainable practices that not only preserve the planet’s resources but also bridge barriers to accessible and affordable health care.

In recognition of World Health Day, Samsung is looking back at the first year of the program’s implementation, which has upcycled hundreds of secondhand Galaxy devices and provided basic eye care for over 3,000 patients in Morocco, India and Papua New Guinea.

Upcycling Galaxy Technology into Diagnosis Cameras

Globally, 1.1 billion people suffer from vision loss – 90% of which live in low- and middle-income countries and lack access to affordable and quality eye health care. To address this, Samsung has partnered with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and Yonsei University Health System (YUHS) to transform old and unused Galaxy technology into medical diagnosis cameras called EYELIKE fundus cameras, which allow both medical and non-medical professionals to screen patients for conditions that may lead to blindness.

“We are proud of our team at Samsung who helped infuse upcycled technology to diagnose visual impairment in patients through the EYELIKE platform,” said Dr. Aloknath De, Executive Consulting Director, Open Innovation of Samsung R&D Institute in Bangalore.

Establishing Accessible Eye Care Services in Morocco

Since the introduction of EYELIKE in Morocco, Samsung has partnered with Global Care and 21 other organizations – including public health centers and private clinics – to repurpose 60 units of older smartphones into the EYELIKE Fundus Camera.

“In Morocco, we lack medical personnel and ophthalmic medical equipment, so I’m optimistic EYELIKE will bring huge benefits – especially to patients who live in remote regions,” said optician Mohcine Ait Hida.

Local optometrists have been using the camera to screen over 2,028 patients and provide post-diagnosis care, including prescribing glasses for 128 people, scheduling follow-up appointments with 205 people and connecting 50 people to eye hospitals for additional medical treatment.

Conducting Patient Outreach Programs in India

Recognizing that blindness is a prevailing problem in India, Samsung has upcycled nearly 200 units of secondhand smartphones and provided them to local hospitals. This innovative approach has proved to be a breakthrough for patients like Jamuna Prasad who has been repeatedly prescribed glasses for his declining eyesight for over a year. After his eyes were checked with the EYELIKE Fundus Camera at the Primary Eye Care Center at Sitapur Eye Hospital, he finally received a correct diagnosis of diabetic retinopathyAccording to his optometrists, Jamuna’s eyesight has been improving ever since.

At the same time, many patients living in remote communities don’t always have the same access that Jamuna Prasad had to a vision center. Thanks to the portable nature of the cameras, optometrists can travel to remote villages through outreach programs and screen people for potential eye diseases. As a result of the EYELIKE Fundus Camera, over 1,000 patients in India have received screenings through both local medical institutions and outreach programs.  

Training Medical Staff in Papua New Guinea

In Papua New Guinea, health care facilities often struggle to find trained eye doctors and vital equipment necessary for treating retinal diseases. This situation is only being exacerbated by the prevalence of blindness across the country. For a population of over 9 million, there are only 14 trained ophthalmologists and three fundus cameras nationwide.

“Thanks to the partnership program and the EYELIKE fundus cameras, we now have enough cameras to expand care and screening services on a national scale,” said Dr. Jambi Garap, President of the National Prevention of Blindness Committee and the Lecturer in Ophthalmology at University of Papua New Guinea. “We’re currently training doctors in hopes that they can help diagnose patients nationally and improve people’s understanding of the illnesses they have.”

The EYELIKE program is helping to fill the health equity gap by training doctors and other clinic staff, even in rural communities, to screen patients using the device. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions causing a delay in patient screenings, Dr. Garap looks forward to resuming these screenings this year. She hopes to dispatch additional trainers to rural communities to provide staff with further training, in addition to conducting research on rare eye disorders such as Eales disease with the EYELIKE devices.

Advancing Samsung’s Sustainability Vision

As part of its mission to harness technology for good by positively impacting both people and the planet, Samsung plans to elevate this partnership through continuous technical support and open collaboration to allow for the continued nationwide training and screening of patients.

Samsung is dedicated to delivering innovative technologies that help build a better future and empower users to adopt more sustainable practices. This also includes taking tangible actions to reduce our environmental impact and reshape consumer experiences through our sustainability platform, Galaxy for the Planet. EYELIKE specifically helps Samsung minimize its environmental impact by supporting its goal to achieve zero waste to landfills and reduce e-waste by 2025.

Make Any Home a Smart Home

The Galaxy Upcycling at Home program provides enhanced sound and light-control features, by repurposing built-in sensors. Users can transform their old devices through SmartThings Labs, a feature within the SmartThings app.

• Using an improved artificial intelligence (AI) solution, Galaxy devices can more accurately distinguish sounds in everyday surroundings, and users can choose to save certain sound recordings. For example, if the device detects sounds such as a baby crying, dog barking, cat meowing, or a knock, it will send an alert directly to the user’s smartphone and the user can listen to the recorded sound.
• Devices can also be used as a light sensor to measure the brightness level of the room. Users can easily set the device to automatically turn on the lights or the TV through SmartThings if the room becomes darker than the preset standard of light.

For a device to continuously detect sound and light, it needs to be actively operating for long periods of time. For this reason, Samsung equipped the Galaxy Upcycling at Home upgrade with battery optimization solutions to minimize battery usage. Devices will also be able to connect effortlessly to SmartThings, allowing them to interact with countless other IoT devices in the SmartThings ecosystem.

“Smart home devices are a fast-growing trend for consumer electronics, and we believe that Galaxy devices currently not in use can play an important role in turning every home into a smart home,” said Jaeyeon Jung, VP & Head of the SmartThings team, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “The program transforms Galaxy devices into SmartThings devices and demonstrates the power of our intelligent IoT platform to broaden the possibilities of what users can do with their old phones. Through Galaxy Upcycling at Home, users will have access to the complete SmartThings ecosystem, enabling them to explore broader updates and features without having to purchase a new device.”

Shaping a Sustainable Future with Repurposed Technology

“We created Galaxy Upcycling at Home to enable more people to repurpose their old devices into useful tools, allowing both Samsung and our users to be mindful of the impact we have on the environment,” said Sung-Koo Kim, VP of the Sustainability Management Office, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are rethinking how we use existing resources, and we believe the key to upcycling is to enable solutions that transform old technology into something new by adding value. We are committed to integrating sustainable practices into our day-to-day lives, and through Galaxy Upcycling at Home, users can join our journey toward a more sustainable future.”

This innovative solution is part of Samsung’s continued commitment to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a global blueprint for the world to achieve a more sustainable and prosperous future for all by 2030 through 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Galaxy Upcycling at Home specifically focuses on Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production – by reducing waste and promoting more sustainable production practices and consumer behaviors.

Today, Galaxy Upcycling at Home provides a wide array of new solutions that help make everyday life a little easier while promoting more sustainable habits that benefit the planet. By offering consumers a way to upcycle their products with new features and alternative purposes, Samsung is helping to extend the lifecycle of its products while diverting its users from contributing to global e-waste.

Samsung is building environmental sustainability into everything we do. This includes taking dedicated action across every stage of the product lifecycle to help the world transition to a circular economy that makes greater use of sustainable materials, extends product longevity and reuses resources. Through programs like Galaxy Upcycling, Samsung intends to deliver innovative technologies that reshape consumer experiences while empowering them to play a part in sustainable practices.

¹ Availability may vary by carrier.

² Galaxy Upcycling at Home feature is available on all S, Note, and Z series released from 2018 (S9, Note9 or later) running Android 9 and above. More devices will be supported in the future.

Galaxy A52 and Galaxy A72

Samsung Electronics today unveiled the Samsung Galaxy A52, A52 5G and A72, making powerful innovation accessible to everyone. The latest Samsung Galaxy A series lets you communicate and express yourself with an awesome camera, immerse yourself in a clear viewing experience with a smooth scrolling display, and enjoy greater peace of mind with innovative Galaxy foundation features including water resistance and a long-lasting battery. The Galaxy A series will also expand your mobile experience by providing access to the wider Galaxy ecosystem of connected devices, such as Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy SmartTag, and Galaxy Tab.¹

“Samsung strives to give consumers what they want and need most. That’s why we set out with a vision for the Galaxy A series to democratize Galaxy innovations for everyone,” said Dr. TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “The Galaxy A52, A52 5G and A72 encapsulate the Galaxy brand philosophy with cutting-edge innovations, services and features at an accessible price.”

Create, Communicate and Express Yourself With an Awesome Camera

Galaxy A52

Samsung has set the bar high for camera quality, and the Galaxy A52, A52 5G and A72 are no different. By making exciting camera innovations available for the new Galaxy A series, you can enjoy more fun and versatile photos and videos.

• Versatile Camera Experience – Shoot vivid and crisp photos and videos with ease thanks to a versatile quad camera with 64MP high-resolution. Instantly turn your favorite moments from 4K videos into 8MP high-resolution images with 4K Video Snap. Scene Optimizer uses AI to shoot with optimal settings for 30 categories of images and backgrounds such as food, landscapes, and pets.
• Stable day or night – Whether filming the latest dance trend or capturing a new skateboard trick, OIS (optical image stabilization) ensures pictures and videos come out sharp and steady. No need to miss an important moment anymore because of low lighting. Night mode uses multi-frame processing, resulting in a bright and crisp image even in the dark.
• Fun content capture – Add style and unique flair to content using AR Emoji and My Filter. Additionally, you can now apply AR Lenses from Snapchat with Fun Mode² when snapping content from the native camera app.

See and Be Seen With an Awesome Display and Refined Design

Galaxy A72

Samsung enhances experiences and style with a vivid display and sophisticated design to fit and reflect your life.

• Brighter and Smoother – Enjoy your favorite show on Samsung’s beloved Super AMOLED display. Now with 120Hz refresh rates on the Galaxy A52 5G, and 90Hz on the Galaxy A52 and A72, the scrolling experience is even smoother. Keep watching and scrolling social media posts even when outside thanks to an increased 800 nits luminance.
• Comfortable viewing experience – The display is also ‘Eye Care’ certified,³ and automatically adjusts the display’s color temperature based on smartphone usage patterns to reduce eye fatigue with ‘Eye Comfort Shield’.⁴
• Refined design – The new Galaxy A series features a refreshed design that is simple yet purposeful with a soft-edge design and minimal camera housing.

Expand Your Experiences Thanks To the Power of the Awesome Galaxy Ecosystem

Galaxy A72, Galaxy Tab S7+, S Pen, Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Watch Active2, Galaxy SmartTag, Galaxy Book Ion2

The new Galaxy A series experience is enhanced by the seamless connections and new opportunities offered through the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem.

• Stay organized and connected – SmartThings connects to and controls thousands of devices in a smart home environment right from the Galaxy A series—including wearables, tablets, PCs and TVs. Additionally, SmartThings Find locates your paired devices with more intuitive and detailed directions, and Galaxy SmartTag⁵ Bluetooth locator can find non-connected devices or belongings by attaching it to what matters most. So you can connect and control thousands of devices from your Galaxy A series.
• Enjoy music together without hassle – Whether participating in a joint workout at home or catching up on the latest podcast with friends, connect and listen to music together. Music Share simply syncs a phone with a friend’s device to share music without speaker pairing. Also, pair phones with two sets of Galaxy Buds devices and listen together with Buds Together.
• Connect and share with ease – Quick Share lets you easily send pictures and videos without size limitation to nearby Galaxy devices so you can get quick approval before posting a group selfie. With Private Share,⁶ you can change your mind whom to share with, or revoke the photos and videos even after sharing with just one tap.

Expect More and Get More With Awesome Galaxy Foundation

The new Galaxy A series comes with the Galaxy essentials that all Galaxy users deserve to have.

• Peace of mind – Take chances and get messy without worry as the Galaxy A52, A52 5G, and A72 are water and dust resistant⁷ with an IP67 By adding Samsung Care+,⁸ you can plan for the unexpected with instant support and guaranteed coverage for damages, breakdowns, theft, and loss. Protect the things that matter with built-in Samsung Knox⁹—Samsung’s defense-grade security system that safeguards personal information and data in real-time.
• Two-day battery – Capture, create, and consume without slowing down with a large battery capacity that lasts two days¹⁰ with A52’s 4,500mAh and A72’s 5,000mAh battery capacity.¹¹
• Hyper fast 5G – Life moves quickly, and phones should keep up. With power, hyper-fast speeds and strong performance, the Galaxy A52 5G makes 5G connectivity¹² accessible.
• Enjoy premium essentials – The Galaxy A52, A52 5G and A72 are equipped with the Galaxy essentials including stereo speakers and external memory up to 1TB.¹³ Enhance the stereo speakers experience with Dolby Atmos for a rich soundscape filled with up-leveled depth and detail. Also, the redesigned One UI 3¹⁴ helps enable more intuitive experiences and consistent interactions by increasing speed, reducing distractions and highlighting important information.
• Support sustainability – Samsung regularly evaluates products, packaging and operations to discover new ways to improve our efforts to promote sustainability. The Galaxy A52, A52 5G and A72 use pulp mold and paper to minimize unused space and material use for the packaging.¹⁵
• Software updates – Samsung always aims to provide Galaxy users with an up–to–date mobile OS, and this is now expanded to the A series. The Galaxy A52, A52 5G, and A72 will support software upgrades for three generations, and regular security updates for a minimum of four years.¹⁶

Availability

The new Galaxy A Series will be available in Awesome Violet, Awesome Blue, Awesome Black, and Awesome White¹⁷ For more information about the Samsung Galaxy A52, A52 5G and A72, visit news.samsung.com/galaxy, www.samsungmobilepress.com or www.samsung.com/galaxy.

Amruta Hunnurkar of Samsung Electronics’ Mobile Communications Business Marketing Team introduces the new Galaxy A series at Galaxy Awesome Unpacked, which was held online on March 17

Rachel Lee of Samsung Electronics’ Mobile Communications Business Marketing Team introduces the new Galaxy A series at Galaxy Awesome Unpacked, which was held online on March 17

Rachel Lee of Samsung Electronics’ Mobile Communications Business Marketing Team introduces the new Galaxy A series at Galaxy Awesome Unpacked, which was held online on March 17

Charles Hsieh of Samsung Electronics’ Mobile Communications Business Marketing Team introduces the new Galaxy A series at Galaxy Awesome Unpacked, which was held online on March 17

Product Specifications

¹ Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy SmartTag, and Galaxy Tab sold separately.

² Availability may vary by markets and carriers.

³ SGS, the world’s leading certification company, awarded Galaxy A series’ display the Eye Care Certification based on its ability to reduce the blue light. This certification can be found on www.sgs.com.

⁴ Eye Comfort Shield is ‘off’ by default, and must be turned on in Settings.

⁵ Galaxy SmartTag sold separately.

⁶ Private Share enables more secure sharing with blockchain-based encryption technology and works between Galaxy smartphones with Android P or later. App download required to send/receive Private Share link. After sharing, senders can revoke the files from receivers.

⁷ Galaxy A72 and Galaxy A52 are rated as IP67. Based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1 meter of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach, pool use and soapy water. In case you spill liquids containing sugar on the phone, please rinse the device in clean, stagnant water while clicking keys. Safe against low water pressure only. High water pressure such as running tap water or shower may damage the device.

⁸ Samsung Care+ is available in 34 countries. Coverage may vary by country and deductibles may apply. For more information, visit https://www.samsung.com/samsung-care-plus/

⁹ Availability varies by device.

¹⁰ Estimated against the usage profile of an average/typical user Independently assessed by Strategy Analytics between 2021.01.20-01.31 in UK with pre-release versions of SM-A725, SM-A525, SM-A526, SM-A325, SM-A326 under default setting using LTE and 5G Sub6 networks (NOT tested under 5G mmWave network). Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, number of times charged, and many other factors.

¹¹ The Galaxy A52 LTE and A52 5G have a 4,500mAh battery, and the Galaxy A72 has a 5,000mAh battery.

¹² 5G network availability and actual speed may vary depending on country, network provider and user environment.

¹³ SD Card sold separately.

¹⁴ One UI 3.1

¹⁵ These materials are PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified

¹⁶ After the initial phone release. Availability of security updates may vary by device and market. The lists of security update models are subject to change and will be reviewed on a periodic basis. For further details, please refer to Samsung Mobile “Security Updates” https://security.samsungmobile.com/workScope.smsb

¹⁷ Available colors may vary by country.