We act on three packaging design principles – reduce, replace, and recycle; these principles have guided the eco-conscious changes to packaging for the Galaxy S series. From the quantity of packaging to the materials used, Samsung has worked to streamline product packaging and implement more sustainable processes.¹

From Galaxy S7 To Galaxy S21: Our Journey to More Eco-Conscious Packaging

Since the release of the Galaxy S7 in 2016, Samsung has developed more eco-conscious packaging with each generation of the Galaxy S series. Throughout this journey, we had worked diligently to remove elements that could stand in the way of people easily recycling their product packaging after purchase.

The packaging for the Galaxy S21 series contains just 4%² of the plastic used in the Galaxy S7 packaging, reducing waste generated per packaging unit by 49%. Similarly, the Galaxy S21 packaging contains only 58% of the paper used in that of the Galaxy S7, helping save some 44,802 trees a year.³ As a result of these continued sustainability efforts, we decreased the amount of carbon generated during the development of the Galaxy S21 series’ packaging by 50% compared to that of the Galaxy S7.⁴

Following extensive research into eco-conscious materials, the Galaxy S8’s packaging saw several evolutions compared to the previous Galaxy S series. We removed the magnet from inside the packaging along with the plastic in-box case for earphones, and the accessory tray – traditionally comprised of plastic – was made with paper-based material.

For the release of the Galaxy S9, we made an extra push towards reducing plastic waste. Samsung changed the device tray material from plastic to a pulp-mold material, integrating upcycled materials into our process.

For the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S20, Samsung expanded eco-conscious changes to packaging. We replaced plastic with paper to tie together accessories, the package structure was simplified, and all the packaging trays for in-box accessories were integrated into one pulp-mold tray to cut down on unnecessary materials. Furthermore, the protective film was removed from accessories such as the charger plug and the USB connector, and the coating for all accessories was changed from a glossy finish to a more eco-conscious matte finish that hides fingerprints and is harder to scratch.

The packaging for our latest flagship device, the Galaxy S21 series, is the most eco-conscious product packaging within the Galaxy S series. Every box for the device is made with corrugated cardboard, instead of rigid paper, to improve recyclability. Accessories such as the charger plug and in-box earphones were removed to further minimize the amount of packaging and promote reuse and recycling habits among Galaxy users.

Promoting Resource Efficiency Into the Future

Despite emerging challenges around the availability of sustainable materials and productivity of global supply chains as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Samsung still has a responsibility to help combat climate change and protect the environment in everything we do.

At the end of 2020, we achieved our goal of using 100% recycled or sustainably-sourced paper packaging⁵ and now require paper suppliers to submit certifications and conform to international standards, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. We recognize that our journey to shifting to a fully circular economy is not over.

Samsung continues to search for new and innovative eco-conscious materials for our product packaging, to discover new ways to minimize materials used and to optimize our product development processes. In advance of future product releases, Samsung will continue to make changes that provide people with more eco-conscious product and packaging experiences as we work together with our supply chain and our customers to create a more sustainable world.

¹ Some of the listed components or materials may differ by country or region.

² This includes the screen’s protective film. It may differ by country or region.

³ A 30-year-old tree can produce 59kg of paper.

⁴ As evaluated and certified by the UK-based Carbon Trust.

⁵ For Consumer electronics and IT & Mobile communications products

The new flagship line combines groundbreaking innovations in display, camera and performance technologies to offer users more screen space for gaming, browsing and viewing content; more tools to help them get the most out of their phone; more ways to capture incredible photos and videos; and more choices, so they can find the phone that’s right for them.

Check out the infographic below to learn more about how the Galaxy S10 line sets a new standard for smartphones.

Galaxy Note9 in Alpine White

With the launch of these new colours, Galaxy Note9 will be now available in five colours including Ocean Blue, Midnight Black, Metallic Copper, Lavender Purple and the all new Alpine White; while Galaxy S9+ will be available in Midnight Black, Coral Blue, Lilac Purple, Sunrise Gold, Burgundy Red and the latest addition, Polaris Blue.

With Galaxy Note9 and S9+, we have given our consumers the world’s best smartphones in terms of design, performance and innovation and these new colours will further add to the splendour of these smartphones.

“Our consumers want to express themselves differently by personalising their tech, and colour plays an important part in that personalization. The limited-edition Alpine White of Galaxy Note9 and the dual tone Polaris Blue of Galaxy S9+ extends the colour offerings with modern styles that embrace an elegant and classic feel. Both Galaxy Note9 and S9+ have witnessed overwhelming response from consumers. Keeping that in mind, we are extremely delighted to launch these new colours,” said Aditya Babbar, General Manager, Mobile Business, Samsung India.

Galaxy Note9 builds on Samsung’s legacy of innovation; a premium smartphone that delivers the ultimate in performance with a Bluetooth enabled S Pen, Samsung’s most intelligent camera yet, and an all-new PC-like experience with Samsung DeX. Galaxy Note9 has the largest edge-to-edge display ever available on a Note. The 6.4-inch QHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity Display provides a truly immersive multimedia experience, complemented with stereo speakers tuned by AKG, which is able to deliver Dolby Atmos immersive audio for a truly life-like entertainment experience.

Galaxy S9+ is built for an era in which consumers increasingly communicate and express themselves through images, videos and emojis. Redesigned with a new Dual Aperture lens that powers an innovative low light camera, Super Slow-mo video capabilities and personalized AR Emoji, Galaxy S9+ ensures users do not miss a moment and make their everyday larger-than-life. The devices also come with a sophisticated edge-to-edge Infinity Display – a key staple in Samsung’s design heritage.

The Alpine White edition of Galaxy Note9 will be available in the 128GB memory variant for INR 67,900 and Galaxy S9+ Polaris Blue will be available in the 64GB memory variant for INR 64,900. The devices can be pre-ordered at Samsung Online Shop and across selected online platforms starting December 7. These devices will be available at offline stores starting December 10 onwards.

Both the devices come with attractive offers from Samsung and partner banks. Customers can avail an exchange bonus of INR 9,000 on exchanging select old smartphones. Alternately, customers can avail INR 6,000 cashback, if they pay through HDFC credit or debit cards. Additionally, customers can avail INR 3,000 Instant Cashback on Galaxy S9+ Polaris Blue.

Galaxy S9+ in Burgundy Red not only lets consumers make a style statement, but also takes elegance to an entirely new level. The Burgundy Red edition of the Galaxy S9+ is one of the deepest reds available today featuring a restrained gloss for a truly unique, elegant finish – perfect for users who appreciate a luxurious design.

The unique Lavender Purple colour embodies class, with a modern and vibrant look, which helps young millennials stand out. Royal and suave, the Lavender Purple edition of Galaxy Note9 is a head turner. It not only appeals to all users by bringing a stylistic touch of high fashion but also wraps the smartphone in an elegant glow and sophistication.

With festive season around the corner, the new colours along with exciting offers on the flagship, devices are sure to build on Samsung’s leadership in the segment.

“Festive season is the time when our consumers look forward to upgrading to newer smartphones and technologies. This is best time to own our latest powerful flagship smartphones that are now available in exciting new colours and come with compelling offers, adding to the festive cheer,” said Aditya Babbar, General Manager, Mobile Business, Samsung India.

Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Note9 offer: Galaxy Note9 buyers can now purchase a Galaxy Watch worth INR 24,990 for just INR 9,999.

HDFC and Paytm Mall offer: Consumers will get a cashback of INR 6,000 when they purchase Galaxy S9+ and Galaxy Note9 using their HDFC Cards or through Paytm Mall.

Samsung Upgrade: Consumes can also get an additional exchange bonus of INR 6,000 with the Samsung Upgrade offer when buying the all new super powerful Galaxy Note9.

Availability: Both Galaxy Note9 Lavender Purple and Galaxy S9+ Burgundy Red will be available at selected offline stores, online portals and Samsung Shop. The new colour variants will be available starting today.

Since the feature’s introduction with the Galaxy S9, Samsung Electronics and Disney have teamed up to bring a number of Disney characters to life as downloadable AR Emojis. Now, the addition of three beloved characters from Disney’s hit movie Zootopia has made messaging on Galaxy devices even more magical.

Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and Flash join the ever-growing roster of animated Disney characters that are currently available for users to download, including Mickey Mouse and friends as well as characters from The Incredibles and Frozen.

To download the new characters, simply access the camera’s AR Emoji mode, tap the plus icon on the right-hand side, and select the Zootopia AR Emoji pack from the Galaxy Apps store.

Once downloaded, you’ll be able to easily create and share the animated emojis as images, videos or gifs in your favorite messaging app^*. And if you simply can’t get enough of their cuteness, you can also apply an AR Emoji of Judy, Nick, Flash, or any of the other characters listed above as a GIF and pin it on your device’s Always On Display, or apply it as a video on your lock screen’s wallpaper^**.

Head over to the Galaxy Apps store to download Samsung and Disney’s latest AR Emoji characters.

* *Apps that do not support animated GIFs may still send AR Emoji stickers as a still image.
**Function supports videos up to 15 seconds in length.

Galaxy S9 and S9+ users can create AR (augmented reality) avatars of Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff. To start animating messages as one of your favorite Disney Frozen characters, just open the Galaxy S9/S9+’s AR Emoji mode, tap the plus icon on the right-hand side to access the Galaxy Apps Store and download the Disney Frozen pack.

AR Emojis are a fun and versatile way to personalize communications with friends, harnessing expressions through facial recognition technology, and are shareable across all platforms. The Disney Frozen AR Emoji pack is now available for download on the Galaxy Apps Store. Be sure to stay tuned for more AR Emoji releases from the collaboration coming soon.

With the update, after users snap a selfie to generate their AR Emoji, they’ll be able to easily make detailed adjustments to their AR Emoji’s hair, ears and facial features. This means that, for instance, when a child creates an AR Emoji, they’ll be able to adjust the shape of their face so that it more closely mirrors their own. And if you feel like your AR Emoji’s eyes, nose, lips, cheeks or other facial features are in need of a touch-up, the new My Emoji Editor function offers simple tools to fine-tune these distinguishing characteristics.

The update also enhances AR Emoji’s face-tracking function with a 65-percent increase in ‘landmark detector’ points. This will ensure that features such as your eyes and mouth are tracked more precisely. And thanks to the update’s frame rate boost, your AR Emoji will be able to mimic your movements in a manner that’s smoother and more natural.

^*Availability may vary depending on market.

As people increasingly use images, videos and visuals to express themselves, the smartphone’s camera has emerged as a tool for sharing our thoughts and experiences, turning many of us into amateur photographers. The cameras of the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ were built for this age of visual communication. With low light capabilities that can capture those magical moments before the sun rises and sets, the cameras present beauty just as the human eye sees it – without the need for editing.

To showcase how smartphone photography can match the beauty and detail of the real thing, Samsung has partnered with noted celebrity photographer Uli Weber, who created a bespoke series of low light images, shot exclusively on a Samsung Galaxy S9 or S9+, in Ibiza^*.

The Golden Hour

A mesmerizing effect is created in the periods just before sunrise and sunset, when the first light of the day begins to creep in and the last glow fades away. Amongst artists and photographers, this time has been given a special name: the “golden hour”. The term also has a significant presence in photography published on social media, with #goldenhour gathering over 2 million mentions on Instagram so far.

The golden hour is a time when daylight is redder and softer than when the sun is higher in the sky, creating stunning effects that are impossible to replicate without the use of post-editing software or filters. Just twice a day, there is a unique opportunity to see the world differently, capturing this on camera adds brilliance to otherwise ordinary images.

Gold Meets Galaxy

Using the cameras of the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+, professional-level shots can be achieved during golden hour with no need for additional equipment. Using a smartphone allows people to be more flexible with their angles and spontaneous with their shooting. The flagship Galaxy smartphones have Dual Aperture lenses, which adjust according to lighting conditions in the same way as a human eye, to produce striking low light photographs. No filter required.

The reddish hue of daybreak is also represented in the latest editions of the Galaxy S9 and S9+ in Sunrise Gold – a name that was chosen to express those moments when light first begins to radiate across the sky.

Golden Tips

Teaming up with German photographer Uli Weber, famed for shooting portraits of celebrities such as Kate Moss and Sting, Samsung held a masterclass in Ibiza to demonstrate how to shoot gorgeous images on your smartphone.

At the event, Weber offered up his tips for capturing the beauty of golden hour with your smartphone, as well as snapping a series of striking photos on the Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Weber reflected on his experience with the smartphones and their cameras: “Golden hour gives off the best natural light, transforming your holiday shots from ordinary to extraordinary. Having a handset with advanced low-light capabilities in your pocket as you travel means you can capture these one-off moments without having to edit afterwards. Often, particularly in low light, smartphone photography doesn’t reflect reality but Samsung’s Galaxy S9 and S9+ camera is a brilliant example of how smartphone photography has advanced. The way it captures low light means you can shoot the beauty of the world as you see it.”

In today’s world, both our methods and mediums of communication are shifting. As people share more of their experiences visually, Samsung designed the cameras of the Galaxy S9 and S9+ to help them achieve golden hour photos with a professional flair.

^*All photos included in the article are shot on a Samsung Galaxy S9+

From presenting information to sharing stories online, multimedia has become the dominant tool of communication on smartphones over the past years. Case in point: the stunning pictures, inventive GIFs, and creative videos produced by Samsung’s new Galaxy S9/S9+’s camera capture emotions that are simply beyond words.

But the Galaxy S9/S9+ is taking it up a notch with an all-new variety of intelligent and personalized emojis, which means you may never want to send plain text messages again.

AR Emoji is designed to bring your unique facial expressions and add more fun to the emoji experience. But how did this AR-based feature come to life? Get a look behind Samsung’s lab doors for a close-up view.

01. The Problem

Regular emojis add more color to the conversation and are a fun way to communicate, but we recognized there are a lot of times when the existing set of emojis just don’t cut it. These lack personality – one smile looks no different from another. So we started looking for ways to bring out more character and personality in emojis.

02. The Goal

We thought in an ideal world, you would be able to teleport yourself and share how you feel with others then and there. So we wanted to come up with a way to replicate that experience but with the simplest tools possible, having seen so many people use messaging apps to communicate even with people right next to them and rely heavily on emojis rather than text. The focus quickly became how to create an image of the user and deliver multiple facial expressions and emotions along with that.

03. The Idea

To accomplish this, we decided to leverage the Galaxy S9/S9+’s camera technology. We thought, if users could take a selfie and transform it into a custom avatar and emoji, it would add something unique to the fun of communicating. In addition, we wanted to find a way to track people’s actual expressions so that they would have at their fingertips emojis that actually felt like their own. It was also important that we give users the best tools to express themselves however they want to look.

04. The Solution

The first step toward this was to use augmented reality to generate an avatar. With facial recognition technology, the Galaxy S9/S9+’s camera starts by producing an initial 3D rendering, using a data-based machine learning algorithm. Next, the camera analyzes the 2D image of the user and pulls information from its deep learning database to create the user’s facial features on the final 3D AR Emoji. To bring people’s unique expressions to life, we decided to include Face Tracking Technology, which tracks over 100 facial features and allows us to capture individual emotions on the spot.

In addition to this, Blend Shape technology helps deliver an even greater range of different facial expressions. Based on 75 basic facial expressions, Blend Shape allows us to reflect a wider set of user emotions by blending multiple expressions together. This is also the technology that has made our Disney emoji offerings possible. Another major step we took was to go through numerous sampling tests. From our labs, we conducted at least 100 tests on a weekly basis to make sure the new feature included enough data to appeal to users regardless of their tastes.

05. The Result

The end product of this is AR Emoji, which among other features offers a realistic or cartoon-like option for creating your own personalized My Emoji. We wanted to offer emojis that would be able to deliver the same emotions across the world and went through a lot of research to understand how certain emotions are categorized and expressed on a fundamental level. In addition to the variety of emotions, AR Emoji also comes with a lot of versatility, allowing you to create the 3D avatars, either as a GIF, video or PNG file.

The first ever Good Lock application, released in 2016 and compatible with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, introduced users to a frequently-updated array of customizable features for their Galaxy devices. Responding to consumer demand, Samsung has now released Good Lock 2018 to give Android 8.0 Oreo users the freedom to personalize their Galaxy device’s appearance and interface experience.

With so many options to choose from, check out the Newsroom’s guide to the features of Good Lock 2018 below.

Love Your Lock Screen

Lockstar is changing how you see your locked phone, allowing you to style your lock screen with a wide range of designs. You can select your preferred background and clock face, as well as which items appear visible on the screen, and these features can be arranged in a variety of configurations. The app also gives you the flexibility to choose the gesture which prompts the phone to unlock and to place shortcuts to apps you use regularly on the lock screen, so the phone will open straight to them after unlocking.

Customize Your Quick Panel

Use Quickstar to give your Quick Panel a makeover. With the Coloring tab, you can choose from a list of recommendations or create your own palette by adjusting the hues which mark On or Off for each setting, the color and transparency of the background, and the Blur and Dim effects. The Simple Indicator tab also gives you increased control over the icons displayed in your Status Bar and the Notification Multi-Window tab allows you to toggle the Notification Multi-Window on and off. With the Notification Multi-Window enabled, you can check the necessary information more conveniently on the pop-up window.

Change Tasks in Style

The Task Changer app allows you to scroll through recent apps by swiping left and right, rather than up and down, changing the way you move from task to task. There is a choice of Scroll effects and the opportunity to turn on Mini Mode, which shrinks the apps in the bottom of the screen to aid one-handed scrolling.

Once Task Changer is enabled, you can pull up the Recently Used Apps and choose to either use the app as a pop-up screen, or split view two apps by holding down the app you would like to use a little harder. Once task changer is enabled, you can also receive more information about the app, lock the app, or hide the app’s contents by tapping the icon image on the top.

Establish a Routine

Using Routines, you can combine processes and functions to create new features. Give each routine a name before selecting the conditions that will prompt the routine and the actions that you want it to perform. To ensure the perfect movie-watching environment, for example, you can set a routine that turns on Wi-Fi, rotates your screen to landscape and adjusts your sound and brightness levels, as soon as you open your chosen media app.

Choose Your Clock

Read the time in a whole new way with ClockFace, an app which allows you to choose from numerous clock designs for your always on display and lock screen. Choices include analog or digital clock faces and there is a spectrum of colors available, including tones which adapt with the color of the background and rainbow effects.

Become Part of the Family

Good Lock 2018 is one member of a family of apps designed to heighten customization on your Galaxy smartphone. For example, EdgeLighting + allows you to tailor Edge Lighting effects to your liking. With Edge Touch, you can establish Edge Zones which do not recognize screen touch to prevent accidental actions. Further adjustable options are offered with One Hand Operation +, designed to help you navigate your device one-handed, with thumb gestures alone. Finally, Sound Assistant gives you even greater control over Sound settings, including the ability to personalize your phone’s sound for different times and manage individual app volume.

EdgeLighting+ (left), Edge Touch (center) and One Hand Operation+ (right)