For the Galaxy S10 line, Samsung brought new, advanced hardware and software-based technologies to the camera, including cutting-edge, AI-powered features. In order to learn more about the phones’ pro-grade camera system – which features an Ultra Wide lens, Super Steady video recording, and a built-in Neural Processing Unit (NPU) – Samsung Newsroom sat down with Samsung Electronics’ Mobile Communications Division’s camera developers and product planner.

(From left) Seoyoung Lee, Sunyong Kim, Sugon Baek and Wonseok Song of Samsung Electronics’ Mobile Communications Division, who planned and developed the Galaxy S10 line’s camera technologies.

The Power of the Ultra Wide Lens

The secret to taking incredible photos with the Galaxy S10 line is the Ultra Wide lens. The addition of the Ultra Wide lens was a major moment for Samsung, and represents one of the biggest changes to the Galaxy series in generations. Now, users can capture every detail of an epic landscape, or fit the entire family into one group shot without having to move back.

“Users expect more than just improved image quality with a new device. They want a camera that makes it easier to take amazing photos,” explained product planner Sunyong Kim. “The Ultra Wide lens features a 123-degree field of view, just like the human eye, so you can easily capture the moment just as you see it.”

Image captured using the Ultra Wide lens on the Galaxy S10+. This feature is also available on the Galaxy S10 and S10e.

With the Ultra Wide lens, users can easily take dynamic pictures using the camera’s Live Focus function and Panorama mode. “Live Focus has been available on previous Samsung devices with the Telephoto and Wide-angle lenses, but for the Galaxy S10 line, we brought it to the Ultra Wide lens as well,” noted Sugon Baek. “What’s more, Panorama mode offers more vertical scope than previous models did, and greatly reduces the need to move the camera from left to right in order to capture the full shot.”

A panorama shot on the Galaxy S10+. This feature is also available on the Galaxy S10 and S10e.

Shake-Free Video Quality

Another new innovation that’s built into the Galaxy S10 line is the camera’s Super Steady video-recording feature, which offers users enhanced video stabilization.²

Super Steady works by using VDIS (Video Digital Image Stabilization) technology. It predicts user movements before filming starts, and once the camera is running, it calculates the adjustment range to minimize shakiness in videos.

“In the past, achieving optimum video stabilization meant sacrifices for the camera’s angle of view,” noted Wonseok Song. “A conventional wide-angle camera couldn’t solve the problem. But thanks to the Ultra Wide lens, the S10 is able to support a natural viewing angle while also offering stability and quality.”

Given that the adjustment capability of the Super Steady technology is best for capturing bigger movements, Song has a tip for users filming in different conditions: “For scenes that feature less action in low light, use the camera’s normal mode. For brighter scenes that feature more movement, Super Steady is best.”

Video footage3 shot on the Galaxy S9 (left) and Galaxy S10+ (right). This feature is only supported when filming with the Full HD Ultra Wide lens.

A Camera That’s Smart

The Galaxy S10 doesn’t just have the most advanced camera system on a Galaxy phone, it also has the smartest. In a first for Galaxy smartphones, the Galaxy S10 includes a next-generation NPU that automatically optimizes pictures in up to 30 different categories.

“We added 10 additional categories to optimize common photos, including ‘Dog,’ ‘Drink,’ and ‘Shoe,’” explained Seoyoung Lee. ‘Dog’ mode, she added, optimizes users’ pictures by focusing on fine details, such as strands of fur, whereas categories like ‘Shoe’ and ‘Clothing’ focus on objects’ colors, since most pictures of these objects are taken without people’s faces in the frame. “We also added ‘Drink’ category because we noticed the growing trend of people sharing pictures of their cocktails on social media.”

The Galaxy S10 line’s camera also provides suggestions of ways to potentially improve photos through its Shot Suggestion function. Based on the Galaxy S10 line’s machine learning capabilities, Shot Suggestion references a database of over 100 million users’ pictures to offer helpful tips on improving overall composition, positioning and proportions for photos of various subjects, including people, animals and vehicles. “The AI-based suggestions have been developed not just to prioritize putting the subject at the center of a photo,” said Lee. “That way, no matter how you want to set up your shot, the Galaxy S10 will help you do it in the most striking way possible.”

Seeing the Whole Picture

In developing the Galaxy S10 line’s camera, the team focused on engineering technologies that add real value to the camera experience, rather than simply increasing the number of lenses and features available.

“The camera is for more than documenting and recording,” explained Kim. “It is now the means through which we communicate.”

From the Ultra Wide lens, to Super Steady, to the NPU – and to other features, like Instagram mode, new filters, enhanced Bixby Vision, and easy shifting between lenses – the Galaxy S10 helps users do more with their camera than they ever could before. For all of those users who say a great camera is the top feature they’re looking for in a smartphone, Samsung has planted the flag.

¹ According to Samsung Electronics’ research

² Video stabilization on the Galaxy S10 line is up to three times better than conventional technologies.

³ This footage has been placed side by side and edited for comparison purposes.

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