Samsung has been leading the industry by introducing hardware (HW) and software (SW) that break the existing mold every year for the past 12 years since the unveiling of the first Galaxy S device in 2010. Some of the most game-changing so far include a large-screen smartphone with excellent immersion; a smartphone-stylus combination that enhanced productivity and creativity; and the world’s first dual-pixel camera technology. In addition, the Galaxy Note series, Galaxy tablet series and various wearable devices including Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Buds have contributed to the wider Galaxy ecosystem that has so transformed user’s lifestyles.

Ahead of the Galaxy Unpacked event set for February 10, Samsung Newsroom is providing a look back at the technological legacy of the Galaxy series. Read on to learn more about the 10 innovative Galaxy smartphone technologies that have set new standards and transformed the way we live our lives.

#1. 2010
The AMOLED Display: Bigger Is Better

One of the major benefits of a smartphone is that it allows users to enjoy content on a large screen with clear picture quality that sits right in the palm of their hand. Samsung kicked off the trend of the large screen era in the smartphone industry with the introduction of their AMOLED display. This display, developed using Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED) technology, is characterized by its clear picture quality, self-luminescence and larger screen size.

The Samsung Galaxy S was the world’s first smartphone to be launched with a Super AMOLED display, an ultra-thin screen that consumes less power and provides crisper and more vivid picture quality. With the introduction of the Galaxy S in 2010, users’ interest became piqued in obtaining bigger screens — such as the 4- to 5-inch screens of the AMOLED display compared to the conventional 3-inches on other phones — on which to fully immerse themselves in their favorite content.

Samsung has continued to take its AMOLED technology to the next level by unveiling devices with more powerful and more advanced screens, such as the Galaxy S10, the world’s first mobile device with a High Dynamic Range10+ (HDR10+) supported Dynamic AMOLED display, and the Galaxy S21 series, which features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an automatic refresh rate of up to 120Hz based on the content type. Samsung’s innovative technology has enabled silky-smooth scrolling and uninterrupted viewing experiences, even on larger screens.

#2. 2011
The Galaxy Note and S Pen: Adding Analog Touch to Digital Devices

As of 2011, it became no longer necessary to keep notebooks and writing instruments in our bags at all times. With the introduction of the Galaxy Note equipped with S Pen, it is now possible to save and share everything from memos to drawings right on our smartphone’s screen. At that time, the Galaxy Note was launched with an S Pen that supported 256 levels of pressure onto the device’s large screen. Since then, both the Note and the S Pen have become inseparable, and as the series has developed, both have evolved significantly.

For example, Samsung introduced Air Command for the Galaxy Note 3 to give users easy access to signature S Pen features when hovering their S Pen over the screen. The company also then incorporated Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology into the Galaxy Note 9 S Pen so that its stylus pen could also function as a remote control. For the Galaxy Note 10, the addition of Air Action features enabled users to remotely control their device when switching camera modes or zooming in or out, a marked change from previous models which only permitted users to take photos from a distance. In line with this innovative spirit, Samsung introduced the artificial intelligence (AI)-powered S Pen for the Galaxy Note 20 in order to provide users with a more delicate and sophisticated drawing experience, and as of last year, the innovative S Pen is now available on devices such as the Galaxy S21 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold3 to expand its compatibility.

#3. 2013
Samsung Knox: Your Trusted Mobile Bodyguard

We are now living in the era where most of our daily tasks and experiences can be undertaken all with a singular smartphone, meaning that the importance of security cannot be overemphasized. Samsung Knox has become a reliable shield for users concerned about information leakage or virus penetration.

Samsung Knox, installed on Galaxy devices since the Galaxy Note 3 in 2013, protects devices on a step-by-step basis from the chipset to the operating system (OS) and application level, while also blocking hacking and unauthorized access. In addition, thanks to its encrypted container space, a user’s personal and business data can be separated and managed safely.

In 2021, the company launched Samsung Knox Vault with the Galaxy S21 in order to thoroughly ensure the protection of ever-growing amounts of data. In addition to offering the industry’s highest level of security chipset (eSE, or embedded Secure Element) and a secure processor that prevents HW-level attacks, Samsung Knox Vault features a tamper-resistant security memory to protect a user’s various passwords and biometric information.

#4. 2014
Superb IP Rating: Ultimate Protection From Dust and Water

In the early 2010s, if you accidentally dropped your smartphone while using it in water, nothing but despair awaited you. To mitigate this, Samsung expanded the horizon of smartphone experiences by applying waterproof and dustproof functions to the Galaxy S5 for the first time in 2014.

From the Galaxy S7 in 2017 onwards, IP68,¹ the highest waterproof and dustproof rating, has been applied to Galaxy devices in order to strengthen their performance. The IP68 rating is given to devices after testing in fresh water at a depth of 1.5m for 30 minutes. Galaxy users are now able to use their smartphones with peace of mind thanks to strong waterproof and dustproof technologies.

#5. 2015
Samsung Pay: A Mobile Wallet in Your Pocket

It is no exaggeration to say that, after 2015, the trend of going ‘wallet-less’ saw a surge in increase. At this time, Samsung introduced Samsung Pay, a mobile payment service that replaces the cash and credit cards in a user’s wallet. Since this service was first introduced on the Galaxy S6 in 2015, it has established itself as a core representational service of the Galaxy smartphone.

When using public transportation, as well as when out shopping, users need just touch their smartphone instead of having to get out their wallet to pay. These days, leaving the house without a wallet has become a normal habit.

#6. 2016
Advanced Camera Technology: The World’s First Dual Pixel Sensor

Smartphone camera technologies are advancing day by day, to the extent at which if you have a smartphone, you’re able to capture pictures and videos comparable to that of professionals.

In 2016, Samsung raised the smartphone camera function to a new level by installing the industry’s first dual pixel in the Galaxy S7. At that time, the dual pixel was an image sensor only seen in high-end digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. By increasing the amount of light received by both the front and rear cameras, the Galaxy S7 was able to focus quickly and accurately, as well as take optimal photos in dark environments.

Samsung then combined an Ultra-Wide angle lens and intelligent SW in the Galaxy S10 to help users take even sharper pictures. The Galaxy S20 features a remarkable four quad cameras, raising the level of camera functionality once again. In particular, the optical zoom performance has been greatly improved; Galaxy S20 Ultra users can harness the Space Zoom function to zoom in up to 100 times, allowing them to take clear pictures of the night sky.

#7. 2018
One UI: Making My Own Galaxy

One UI is an interface that supports the unique user experience of Samsung Galaxy, and was first introduced in November 2018.

By dividing the viewing area and the touching area, the layout of One UI allows users to comfortably perform all operations with just one hand, and all necessary essential functions are included concisely on-screen so that everyone and anyone is able to use it easily. One UI is also characterized by a unified user experience as it has been applied consistently to devices across the Galaxy ecosystem, including smartphones, tablets and wearables.

One UI 4, updated last year, harnesses a completely different color palette with which to decorate a device’s home screen, icons, notifications and wallpapers in your own style. In addition, One UI 4 features strengthened security features, such as allowing users to easily select what to share and what to keep private in order to keep up with users who increasingly value their individuality and their privacy.

#8. 2019
Galaxy Z Series: The Dawn of the Era of Foldable Smartphones

In 2019, Samsung pioneered the field of foldable smartphones by unveiling the world’s first Galaxy Z Fold, equipped with a 7.3-inch Infinity Flex Display.

Samsung’s newly developed hinge technology makes it possible to open and close the smartphone as smoothly as one opens a book, and offers users secure, long-lasting flexibility that passed a test to withstand 200,000 folds. In 2020, the company’s foldable lineup was expanding to include the Galaxy Z Flip, which features a compact design as the screen unfolds vertically.

Samsung not only pioneered a new form factor, but also new usability options through such functions as Flex mode, which allows for more usage scenarios by fixing the hinge at a specific angle, and Multi-Active Window, which can open and run apps at the same time with applications optimized for the foldable screen for a split screen view.

Last year, Samsung expanded their foldable lineup with the Galaxy Z Fold3, which saw the inclusion of an S Pen and waterproof and dustproof technology, and the colorful, pastel-toned Galaxy Z Flip3 Bespoke Edition, leading the era of foldable popularization.

#9. 2021
An AI-Powered Eraser: Removing Unwanted Objects From Photos

As part of Samsung’s mission to expand the application of innovative AI technologies to all smartphones, the company introduced the Object Eraser feature that lets you remove any unwanted objects in your photos with just a touch.

The Object Eraser function, first introduced in the Galaxy S21 in 2021, is a photo editing tool that harnesses artificial intelligence. Simply by touching the object you want to remove from a photo and tapping the ‘object erase’ button, the object is deleted without the need for a separate editing program. Currently, this function is available on smartphones with One UI 3.1 or higher, such as the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Z Fold3.

Samsung first applied its AI-powered interface, Bixby, to the Galaxy S8 in 2017, and now users can control their major Galaxy devices using only their voice. In addition, Samsung has been incorporating AI technologies into its device OS, battery and camera in order to improve performance and convenience.

#10. 2021
Galaxy for the Planet: For a Sustainable Future

Samsung is fully committed to minimizing the environmental impact of its products throughout the entire lifecycle of its smartphones, from the design to the production stage through to their usage and disposal, in order to ensure that Galaxy smartphones contribute to greater environmental sustainability. Under the sustainability vision of its Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, “Galaxy for the Planet,” Samsung is consistently working to achieve a circular economy by reusing and recycling resources in order to build a better Galaxy ecosystem.

One such effort towards sustainability is a reduction of plastic usage in smartphone packaging. The percentage of plastics used in the Galaxy S21 packaging accounts for a mere 4 percent of the total weight, cutting down the waste generated per packaging unit by 49 percent as compared with that of the Galaxy S7. In addition, the Galaxy S21 packaging contains only 58 percent of the paper used in that of the Galaxy S7, helping save some 44,802 trees a year. Samsung plans to exclude plastic materials in its product packaging and apply recycled materials to all of its products in the MX division by 2025.

The products set to be unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked 2022 are drawing attention thanks to the revelation that they have been designed using eco-conscious materials recycled from marine waste. Samsung has succeeded in transforming discarded fishing nets, a major contributor to marine pollution, into a material with which to produce smart devices, and the company plans to apply this material to all its products in the future.

¹ IP (Degree of Ingress Protection, IP Code) is a product-related protection technology standard established by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and is applied to various IT products and industrial devices. IP68 is the highest rating for dust and water resistance. Ip68 has a waterproof function that can withstand 1.5m of clear water for 30 minutes, but it is recommended that the device be washed off immediately after contact with water and then dried.

“We are committed to giving everyone access to the best mobile experiences possible, as soon as possible,” said Janghyun Yoon, Executive Vice President and Head of Software Platform Team at Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “One UI 4 delivers on that promise, equipping Galaxy smartphone users with the latest customization and privacy features. But we won’t stop there. Soon, other smartphone and tablet users will also be able to benefit from this software update, enabling a more seamless experience across our entire ecosystem.”

Your Galaxy, Your Way

One UI 4 enables you to create a customized mobile experience to meet your unique needs and express your individuality. With a whole host of new Color Palettes to choose from, you can alter the look and feel of everything from your home screen to icons, menu, button and background. And with reimagined widgets that offer even deeper customization, it’s never been easier to put your own personal stamp on your smartphone experience. You can even more effortlessly express yourself with a wider variety of emoji features, GIFs and stickers available directly from your keyboard.

Protect What Matters Most

There’s no privacy without strong security. That’s why, with One UI 4, Samsung is bringing the latest privacy and security features, so you can choose exactly what you want to share or keep private. From alerting you to when an app is attempting to access your camera or microphone, to a new privacy dashboard that brings all your settings and controls into one convenient place, with One UI 4, monitoring and controlling your privacy settings is simple.

Connecting You to an Extended Ecosystem

One UI 4 helps you to get the most out of Samsung’s incredible extended ecosystem of devices and third-party apps, unlocking a more powerful mobile experience.

Samsung’s partnerships with other industry-leaders, like Google, ensure seamless experience when using your favorite third-party apps and services. This means you can enjoy apps like Google Duo, which provides high-quality video calls with friends and family.

And whether you’re using a Galaxy Z Series, Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Tab, you’ll get the uniformed look and feel across your devices, and will be able to seamlessly sync them.

Availability

One UI 4 will be available on the Galaxy S21 series starting November 15^th and will soon become available on previous Galaxy S and Note series as well as Galaxy Z series, A series and tablets.¹ This announcement comes alongside a new software update for the Galaxy Watch series² that, starting today, enables users to enjoy enhanced health features and new watch faces.

¹ At a later date the update will also be available on the Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S20 FE, Note20, Note20 Ultra, S10, S10e, S10+, S10 5G, Note10, Note 10+, Galaxy Fold, Z Fold3, Z Flip3, Z Fold2, Z Flip, Z Flip 5G, Galaxy A82 5G, A72, A52, A52 5G, A52s 5G, A42 5G, and Galaxy Tab S7 and Tab S7+. Availability may vary by region.

² Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch Active, Galaxy Watch Active2 and Galaxy Watch3

Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 (7 inches) was ranked the highest

First Choice for Repairability

11,140 German tablet owners* were questioned in this independent representative survey titled ‘Tablet repair study 2018’. The results, published in December’s findings report, showed that, of all leading tablet manufacturers, Samsung scored the highest with regards to the durability of their products.

The survey demonstrated that consumers found Samsung Galaxy tablets to be particularly robust and had lower repair costs if damage occurred compared to the majority of other leading tablet brands. Conversely, other tablet brands had several complaints levied against them by consumers regarding the price of repairs, a predisposition for incurring crash damage and the premature emergence of technical issues.

Long-Lasting Durability

The Repair Index includes not only the data from the Statista survey, but also empirical data on tablet durability by Wertgarantie, who provides warranties for all the tablets surveyed. Samsung received excellent grades particularly in the durability category, obtaining an index average of 1.5 points in the ‘latest tablet’ product section – the best score of any manufacturer featured (the lower the score, the better).

The top four spots in the Repair Index all went to Samsung Galaxy tablets. Among the Samsung Galaxy tablets cited, the Galaxy Tab 4 (7 inches) and Galaxy Tab A (10.1 inches) obtained the highest praise, ranking at 1.1 points – well below the industry average of 1.7 points. The Galaxy Tab 3 Lite and Galaxy Tab S2 also received particularly favorable mention. For more detailed information, check out Wertgarantie’s December Repair Index ranking here.

* in the age group 18 to 65 years. Survey period: June 26 – July 17, 2018 and July 19 – August 1, 2018.

Samsung Electronics today announced a new addition to the Galaxy tablet portfolio, the Galaxy Tab A (8.0’’), an everyday, versatile tablet designed for the entire family. The Galaxy Tab A builds on the Galaxy design legacy, featuring a refined look and feel with a sleek, metal body and smooth rounded edges making it comfortable to hold. It offers long-lasting battery, a beautiful display that looks good in any light, and increased onboard memory with expandable storage.

“At Samsung, we continue to work towards meaningful innovation that delights our customers and meets their unique needs,” said Sangsuk Roh, Vice President of Tablet Product Strategy, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “The Galaxy Tab A is designed for both parents and kids. It’s the tablet that’s just as easy to take on the go or curl up with on the couch, with long-lasting battery life to get the entire family through the day.”

Enhanced Performance for Uninterrupted Fun

To improve everyday usability and performance, the Galaxy Tab A is equipped with a bright and immersive display for watching your favorite TV shows, playing games or browsing the web on a screen that looks good even under bright sunlight. It also has an optional blue light filter to balance the brightness and reduce eye strain, making it easier to view content at night and in dim lighting settings.

The long-lasting battery (5,000mAh) of the Galaxy Tab A lets users power through movies, games, emails and more, all from a single charge that lasts up to 14 hours.¹ With 16GB of built-in storage and expandable memory (up to 256GB²) for additional files, the Galaxy Tab A allows the user to store more apps and content whether at-home or on-the-go.

Convenient Features to Benefit the Whole Family 

Daily family life can get hectic, so the Galaxy Tab A strives to add convenience with the new Home Mode, which can be configured to show up to three displays, providing a quick glance at information like the time, family calendar, weather or photos even while the device is charging. Each family member can have their own login with Multi User Mode to securely save their favorite settings and apps. With Parental Controls, parents can set limits on usage and customize available content to create a fun and safe environment for younger users. Also, users can easily view their favorite apps and content on personalized Bixby³ Home screens.

The Galaxy Tab A captures amazing photos even in low-light conditions with enhanced 5MP F2.2 front and 8MP F1.9 rear cameras, as well as a new flash for clearer and brighter photos. Never miss another sharable moment with the Galaxy Tab A’s improved and intuitive camera interface, making it easier than ever to capture great photos from any angle and switch between camera and video modes.

More Content to Keep the Whole Family Entertained 

Created for the entire family, the Galaxy Tab A comes with an expansive offering of entertainment media and kids content:

• Kids Mode features exciting games, videos and content from partners including 5,000 videos and games from The LEGO Group as well as a social network themed LEGO® Life app with exclusive sticker content. The Galaxy Tab A also comes with a new native block coding app called Crocro Adventure; with this app, kids will be able to learn about block coding and programming through fun games teaching valuable logical thinking skills. Kids Mode now also features Value Pack options so users can download highly popular apps like LEGO® Batman: Beyond Gotham, LEGO® Ninjago: Shadow of Ronin, Toca Hair Salon 3 and BRIO World – Railway at no cost.⁴
• Optimized for game play with Game Launcher, the Galaxy Tab A provides an enhanced user interface and personalized gaming experience with more gaming tools, as well as a Call and Notification Prevention Mode so users can focus on their games without interruption.
• Galaxy Tab A provides entertainment for everyone with three months of YouTube Red⁵ free trial with purchase. YouTube Red provides an uninterrupted viewing experience free of commercials and advertisements, Offline Mode capabilities to watch and download videos and access to exclusive content such as YouTube Red Original movies and series.

Just in time for the holiday season, the new Galaxy Tab A will be available in select markets and offered in Wi-Fi or LTE models in Black, Silver and Gold. For more information about the Galaxy Tab A (8.0’’), visit http://www.samsungmobilepress.com, news.samsung.com/galaxy or www.samsung.com.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A Specifications

¹The new Galaxy Tab A (8.0”) offers longer video play time of up to 14 hours, and is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery, compared to 12 hours and 4,200 mAh battery on the Tab A (2015, 8.0’’).

²MicroSD cards sold separately.

³Does not support Bixby Voice and Bixby Vision at this time. Bixby capabilities may vary by market.

⁴Eight apps, valued at approximately $28 USD will be available. However, apps available with the Value Pack may vary by country.

⁵YouTube Red is a paid streaming subscription service, currently available in the U.S., Australia, Mexico, New Zealand and Korea.

*All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.