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.

Media participants taking a group photo before the challenge’s official flag-off.

Kuala Lumpur, 9 February 2018 – We live in a world that is full of adventure, charm, and beauty, just waiting to be experienced and captured. Imagine not being able to bring your smartphone to document every journey because of the limitation it holds – the world would surely seem like a less colourful place.

Luckily, technology has advanced to a point where smartphones offer the freedom to capture every moment brilliantly, anytime and anywhere. Two such devices are Samsung’s newly launched midrange smartphones, the Galaxy A8 (2018) and Galaxy A8+ (2018), featuring an IP68 water-resistant body and better yet, a water resistant Dual Front Camera to #MakeYourMoment and selfies worthwhile.

“Millennials yearn for adventures and they make the most out of what life has to offer. This weekend they are camping at Chilling Waterfall; the next they are en route to Penang to selfie with the street art murals of George Town; and the following one they are riding the rapids of the rivers in Kuala Kubu Bharu. All of these adventures must of course be documented and posted for the social world to see, and there isn’t a more perfect device to accompany them on their escapades than our new water-resistant Galaxy A8 and A8+!” said Mr KM Liew, Head of IT and Mobile Business at Samsung Malaysia Electronics.

The Galaxy A8 and A8+ introduce us to Samsung’s first ever IP68 Dual Front Camera (16MP+8MP F1.9), to capture gorgeous selfies in any conditions, even underwater, making them the ideal companion for an outdoor water adventure. Moreover, with the 16MP F1.7 rear camera, every photo is captured perfectly on your first try, appearing crisp, detailed, and vibrant – ready to be shared with others as it is. To put this to the test, Samsung designed an experiential session dubbed the “Galaxy A8 Lagoon Quest” at Sunway Lagoon, subjecting participants to immerse in a series of water-related challenges.

The quest took place in various attractions in Sunway Lagoon including the majestic Vuvuzela ride and the heart-racing bungee jump, where participants conquered heights, flaunted their selfie skills, displayed their abilities to solve clues and complete exhilarating tasks with the Samsung Galaxy A8 and A8+. The quest also incorporated the advanced camera and recording capabilities of the phones, reiterating its position as the perfect devices to document and share experiences with friends in the social sphere.

The Galaxy A8 (2018) price in Malaysia is RM1,799 (inclusive of 6% GST) and Galaxy A8+ (2018) price in Malaysia is RM 2,499 (inclusive of 6% GST). Both devices come in Black, Gold and Orchid Gray to suit your personal style.

For more information on the Galaxy A8 (2018) and Galaxy A8+ (2018), please visit http://www.samsung.com/my/smartphones/galaxy-a8-a530 and http://www.samsung.com/my/smartphones/galaxy-a8-a730.

Media participants posing for a photo after completing a challenge on top of the Lagoon’s Suspension Bridge

A participant overcoming all fears and instinct to make a bungee jump off the Lagoon’s Suspension Bridge

Media participants testing out the Galaxy A8’s dual selfie camera by capturing a wefie with a friendly bird.

Teams completing the panoramic challenge at the Lagoon’s surf beach.

Media participants posing for a photo after a thrilling Vuvuzela ride

All participants posing for a final group photo after successfully completing the Galaxy A8 Lagoon Quest

Picture 1: Samsung Malaysia Electronics launched the new Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) & A8+ (2018). (L-R):
• Liew Kian Meng, Head of IT & Mobile Business, Samsung Malaysia Electronics
• Yoonsoo Kim, President, Samsung Malaysia Electronics
• Yoo Jin Hyun, Business Director, IT & Mobile Business, Samsung Malaysia Electronics

Kuala Lumpur, 17 January 2018 – Samsung Malaysia Electronics kick starts the year with giggles, eye-catching floats and countless selfies by the pool with its all new Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) and Galaxy A8+ (2018), making every moment worthwhile.

Designed for fun seekers to capture every moment brilliantly, the Galaxy A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018) feature a Dual Front Camera and it is IP68-rated to protect itself from water and dust, allowing users to capture various types of adventure, from casual park strolls, to pool parties, and even hikes up Broga Hill on a rainy day.

“We are delighted to host a pool party to welcome 2018 and at the same time, reveal the new Samsung Galaxy A8 and Galaxy A8+! We understand that millennials today enjoy documenting and sharing their experiences on social media, so Galaxy A8 and A8+’s Dual Front Camera ensure all selfies captured – whether in or out of the water – are flawless; allowing users to readily upload and share their memories on social media. Selfie enthusiasts, Galaxy A8 and A8+ are made especially for you!” said Mr Yoonsoo Kim, President of Samsung Malaysia Electronics.

The first for Samsung, the Galaxy A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018) feature a Dual Front Camera to snap the best selfies, no matter what angle they are captured from. With the 16MP+8MP F1.9 Dual Front Camera, which is made up of two separate cameras, you can switch between the two to take the type of selfie you want – from close-ups to portrait shots with a clear and crisp background. Following the footsteps of its flagship siblings, the Galaxy A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018)’s advanced Live Focus feature allows you to easily adjust the background blur (‘bokeh’ effect) before or after you take the picture to create high-quality images.

From day to night, the advanced features of both the Galaxy A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018)’s front and rear cameras ensure you capture sharp images, even in low-light conditions with F1.9 and F1.7 aperture. Whether you are out at the beach with friends till sunset or out dancing during Ladies’ Night, rest assured that selfies and images capture are vivid and clear. The new devices also allow you to customise your photos with fun options, from adding stickers to your selfie or highlighting a culinary extravaganza with Food Mode. With the 16MP F1.7 rear camera, every photo is captured perfectly on your first try, appearing crisp, detailed, and vibrant – ready to be shared with others as it is. Foodies, capture and share your mouth-watering food pictures on social media and make your friends wish they were with you during your food hunt!

Offering IP68 water and dust resistance[1], the Galaxy A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018) can withstand the elements, including sweat, rain, sand and dust. Snap fabulous and gorgeous underwater pool selfies with friends or answer calls in the rain without a fuss. With the A8 and A8+, you won’t have to worry too much about weather conditions or the environment you’re in, because rain or shine, that perfect selfie is sure to #MakeYourMoment a memorable one!

Shaky video footage will be a thing of the past with video digital image stabilisation (vDIS) technology, and with an added hyperlapse feature, you can now create time-lapse videos that let you record, tell and share even longer stories. Video blogging (vlogging) with friends and family to capture every moment will be more fun and exciting with the Galaxy A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018).

Both these devices also allow you to glance through notifications thanks to the Always On Display, without ever unlocking your phone. Moreover, there is no need to worry about leaving your wallet at home as Samsung Pay is installed in Galaxy A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018). Every transaction via Samsung Pay is simple, yet very secure. All it takes is one swipe and one fingerprint scan.

The Galaxy A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018) are powered by 3,000mAh and 3,500 mAh batteries respectively, with 4GB / 6GB RAM memory and storage of 32GB and 64GB for both devices respectively. Not only that, other flagship-type features offered by Samsung’s two latest smartphones include Bixby, Dual Messenger and storage expansion via SD card slot.

The Galaxy A8 (2018) and Galaxy A8+ (2018) is available in Malaysia at the recommended price of RM1,799 and RM2,499 respectively (inclusive of 6% GST). Both devices are also available in Black, Gold and Orchid Gray to suit your personal style.

To celebrate the official launch of the Galaxy A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018) in Malaysia, Samsung invites you to enjoy an exclusive 3-day Early Bird Rewards promotion from 19^th to 21^st January 2018, where you have the opportunity to receive a free 10,000 mAh Battery Pack and a free 64GB Memory Card with any purchase of Galaxy A8 (2018) or A8+ (2018) at all participating outlets, while stocks last. For more information, please visit http://www.samsung.com/my/offer/mobile-galaxy-a8/.

For more information on the Galaxy A8 (2018) and Galaxy A8+ (2018), please visit http://www.samsung.com/my/smartphones/galaxy-a8-a530 and http://www.samsung.com/my/smartphones/galaxy-a8-a730.

[1] Carrying an IP68 dust and water resistance rating. Based on test conditions of submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes

Picture 2: The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018) are both rated IP68 for water and dust resistance – perfect for any occasion. (In picture: Yoonsoo Kim, President, Samsung Malaysia Electronics)

Picture 3 and 4: Designed for fun seekers to capture every moment brilliantly, the Galaxy A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018) feature a Dual Front Camera. (Pic 3: President Kim with the national synchronised swim team; Pic 4: President with social media influencers).

Picture 5 and 6: Samsung Malaysia Electronics launched the A8 (2018) and A8+ (2108) with beautiful synchronised swimming performance

Picture 7 and 8: The new Galaxy A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018) is Samsung’s first water-resistant smartphone with Dual Front Camera for great selfies anytime and anywhere

Picture 9 and 10: Media were ecstatic to battle it out in the kayak race selfie challenge using Samsung Galaxy

The Power to Do More

Providing up to 6GB of RAM memory plus up to 256GB of expandable memory via microSD card,* the Galaxy Note8 provides large-scale capacity for running and storing essential data such as documents, movies and music. These features along with the phone’s 10nm application processor (AP) give users the power they need to browse, stream, play games and multitask.

The Galaxy Note8 is also gigabit LTE and gigabit Wi-Fi ready, meaning that it is built to give users superior connection speed by tapping into network speeds that can go as high as 1 gigabit per second.

Protection Against the Elements

Because the entire device including its S Pen is IP68 water and dust resistant,** the Galaxy Note8 lets users take photos, check email and jot down their thoughts without interruption – even when the screen is wet.

To create a water resistant device, Samsung engineers had to ensure the protection of every component.

In particular, the S Pen required the integration of multiple technologies including printed circuit board (PCB) molding and rubber sealing. The molding covers the surface of the PCB and consists of a special epoxy material. Rubber sealing, meanwhile, prevents water damage by sealing off all vulnerable passageways and by covering important components without affecting their functionality.

The S Pen’s pen tip, for example, reaches to the internal components of the pen and makes tiny movements that trigger the pen pressure switch. In addition to preventing water from flowing in, the sealing process also ensures that there is enough room for the pen tip to move as needed.

Unlock at Once

Equipped with the latest version of the industry-leading security platform Samsung Knox, the Galaxy Note8 provides strengthened security features and enhanced convenience through a combination of biometrics. Leveraging Samsung’s innovative iris and fingerprint scanning, the Galaxy Note8 offers various services to provide an additional layer of security while facial recognition capabilities enhance convenience.

Users can opt to access Secure Folder, an encrypted folder that lets users manage private apps and files securely via PIN, pattern, passcode or biometric authentication to keep private and personal data sandboxed separately on their smartphone. Similarly, Samsung Pass enables people to quickly and easily log into mobile banking apps and websites on the Samsung Internet Browser using biometric authentication rather than having to repeatedly input usernames and passwords.

Galaxy Note8 users can also make use of iris and fingerprint scanning to access Samsung Pay, enabling a secure, yet more convenient way to pay.

Charged Up and Ready to Go

The Galaxy Note8 features a 3,300 mAh battery and charges quickly using a USB-C port. The phone also supports the most advanced wireless charging capabilities yet, so users can get a quick, convenient charge without having to mess around with ports or wires, and have more time to get things done.

Furthermore, the Galaxy Note8 has passed the 8-Point Battery Safety Check, the most rigorous in the industry.  It is also approved by UL, a leading independent safety science company.

* MicroSD card sold separately.

** Water resistance rating is based on test conditions of submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.