When I look around me, I’m astounded by how much innovation exists in our world today. Yet I am most excited about the evolution of the smartphone. This single device gave way to new digital industries – to remote work, schooling, entertainment and fitness – and the ability to capture, explore and communicate with anyone, anywhere with the touch of a finger.

The smartphone is a portal to infinite progress. And at Samsung, we have never taken that for granted.

It’s not enough for mobile innovation to just evolve with the world. We have to be a step ahead, so our technology can help transform the way we experience everything around us and make our lives easier. That’s why we constantly push ourselves to break the rules of what a smartphone can do.

Breaking the Rules to Start the Next Chapter in Smartphone History

In 2011, the Galaxy Note merged the convenience and portability of smartphones with the expansive screen and notepad-like functionality of tablets. Some balked at the 5.3-inch display — considered enormous then — but Note created a legacy where a large display is now the standard. The S Pen also surprised everyone. It empowered people to bridge creativity with productivity – whenever inspiration struck, they could quickly write down their ideas and thoughts in Samsung Notes.

In 2019, we dared to redefine smartphones once again. We launched our Galaxy Z Fold Series and brought an entirely new form factor to the mobile industry. Our cutting-edge foldable design changed how people used their phones. With Flex Mode, video calls are hands-free and easier. And multitasking with multiple windows are also a breeze, as your phone becomes tablet-sized in the blink of an eye. And once again, the industry took notice, with many mobile companies now following in our footsteps to make foldables the next big thing.

Innovating by Listening to Consumers and Taking Note

In a sea of smartphone sameness and iterative updates, our ambition remains firm: to detect the signals that transformation is stirring – by listening to your feedback – and continue to deliver mobile experiences that empower us all to evolve.

We know many of you were surprised when Samsung didn’t release a new Galaxy Note last year. You loved the unparalleled creativity and efficiency of the Galaxy Note series, which enabled you to switch from gaming nirvana to high-octane productivity in the blink of an eye. You raved about the lifelike S Pen, which many say rivals putting ink to paper. And we haven’t forgotten about these experiences you love.

Catalysing the Next Evolution of Galaxy

For years, Samsung has converted the skeptics who thought our ideas were impossible. Whether it’s a screen that’s too big, a stylus no one knew they needed or a pro-grade camera that could truly bring mobile photography out of the dark.

With every fresh evolution of Samsung Galaxy devices, we have introduced features that redefine the entire mobile category. And we’re about to rewrite the rules of industry once again.

At Unpacked in February 2022, we’ll introduce you to the most noteworthy S series device we’ve ever created. The next generation of Galaxy S is here, bringing together the greatest experiences of our Samsung Galaxy into one ultimate device.

With it, you will own the night – taking the best and brightest photos and videos you’ve ever captured with a phone. You will also dominate the day with power, speed and tools that can’t be found elsewhere. You will enjoy cutting edge-innovations made possible thanks to the smartest Galaxy experience yet. All while feeling good about being part of the most sustainable Galaxy ecosystem. And, yes, you will help Samsung rewrite the future of smartphones once again.

Get ready for the ultimate Ultra experience.

“Samsung is committed that our devices continue to deliver the up-to-date mobile experiences throughout their lifecycle,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “Following the announcement of 3-generation Android OS upgrades for select Galaxy devices, we ensure to equip our consumers with powerful new features as soon as they are available. Our One UI 3.1 update marks an important next step in that mission.”

Shoot dynamic photos and videos with smart new camera features

The Galaxy S21 with One UI 3.1 introduced incredible new camera innovations, making it easier than ever to capture stunning photos and shoot professional-looking videos. Now Galaxy S20 owners can experience these features with the One UI 3.1 update.

Never miss a moment with the improved Single Take[2] feature, which captures a variety of still and video formats simultaneously, with just a tap.

[Single Take]

Once you’ve captured your shot, One UI 3.1 introduces the new Object eraser tool to help you to get that perfect image. Use this intelligent photo editing tool to cut out unwanted parts of your photos effortlessly, without time-consuming manual editing. If you want to edit out distracting objects, simply tap the area you wish to remove and it will be automatically selected and deleted.

[Object Eraser]

One UI 3.1 features an improved touch autofocus and autoexposure controller[3], making adjusting the focus and brightness of your photos easier than ever so you can capture your best shot every time. With just a swipe left or right anywhere on the screen, you can now edit the brightness of your image before you’ve taken the shot.

[Touch Autofocus and Autoexposure Controller]

One UI 3.1 also introduces the new Multi Mic Recording [4] feature, which, when in Pro Video mode, allows you to simultaneously record audio through both your phone and a connected Bluetooth device such as Galaxy Buds Pro, Buds Live and Buds+ [5]. So whether you’re a vlogger, narrating a shot where you want to be heard from afar, or you’re a budding musician wanting to record the sound of your voice and instrument separately for more professional-sounding audio, with Multi Mic Recording you can get creative and make videos that look and sound incredible.

[Multi Mic Recording]

All your best shots and favourite moments are stored in the updated Gallery[6], which now groups and arranges your videos and photos into a clean, easy-to-navigate feed.

Smart new features that enhance your everyday life

Head into your Settings to find One UI 3.1’s new Eye Comfort Shield[7] mode, which automatically adjusts the blue light based on the time of day. Using Eye Comfort Shield’s warmer tones can help you to fall asleep easier at night and you can set your device to automatically adjust your screen’s colours throughout the day or personalise the schedule yourself.

[Eye Comfort Shield]

Your privacy is important and now One UI 3.1 makes it easier to control what you share. Remove metadata that reveals the location of photos before you share them or use Private Share[8]to control who is allowed access to the content you send, and how long it is available.

[Remove location data]

With new One UI 3.1 on your devices, the experience of the Galaxy ecosystem is smooth and seamless. As well as a consistent interface that makes switching between your phone and tablet hassle-free, Galaxy Buds Pro, Buds Live and Buds+’s[9] Auto Switch feature means that your audio follows you when you switch between Galaxy devices. If you’re watching videos on your phone or listening to your favourite song or podcast, you can enjoy a more realistic and immersive sound by connecting your compatible phone and Galaxy Buds Pro thanks to 360 Audio – allowing you to stay at the center of your listening experience.

For more information about One UI, please visit www.samsung.com/one-ui.

[1] One UI 3.1 is available starting from today on Galaxy S20 series, Note20 series, Z Fold2 and Z Flip, and the S10, Note10, and Fold, A71, A51, A90, A80, A70, and A50 devices. Availability may vary by region and carrier.

[2] Single Take captures images and video up to 15 seconds.

[3] The feature is available from One UI 3.0

[4] The feature is available only in Galaxy S20 series, S20 FE, Note20 series, Z Fold2, Z Flip 5G. The feature is available on Galaxy smartphones or tablets with One UI 3.1 or above, which can be turned on and off in the Bluetooth® setting. Requires the same Samsung account to be registered on the devices. The availability of the feature may vary by application.

[5] Sold separately

[6] The feature is available from One UI 3.0

[7] Eye Comfort Shield is ‘off’ by default, and must be turned on in Settings.  SGS, the world’s leading certification company, awarded Galaxy S21 series’ display the Eye Care Certification based on its ability to drastically reduce the harmful effects of blue light. This certification can be found on www.sgs.com.

[8] Private Share works between Galaxy smartphones with Android 9.0 or later. App download required to send/receive Private Share link.

[9] For Buds Live and Buds+, software update is required, which will be rolled out throughout February.

Eligible Galaxy devices include:

• Galaxy S series: Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G, S20 Ultra, S20+ 5G, S20+, S20 5G, S20 in addition to S10 5G, S10+, S10, S10e, S10 Lite and upcoming S series devices
• Galaxy Note series: Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G, Note20 5G, Note20, Note10+ 5G, Note10+, Note10, Note10 Lite and upcoming Note series devices
• Galaxy Foldable devices: Galaxy Z Fold2 5G, Z Flip 5G, Z Flip, Fold 5G, and upcoming Z series devices
• Galaxy A series: Galaxy A71, A51 5G, A51, A90 5G and select upcoming A series devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab S7+ 5G, Tab S7+, Tab S7, Tab S6, Tab S6 Lite and upcoming Tab S series devices

“Samsung is committed to supporting our users to fully enjoy the latest mobile experiences while they are using Galaxy devices,” said Janghyun Yoon, Senior Vice President and Head of Software Platform Team, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “As people hold onto their devices for longer, we are working to bring secure protection and exciting new features to the devices already in their hands. By supporting up to three generations of Android OS upgrade, we are extending the lifecycle of our Galaxy products and making a promise that we will provide a simple and secure mobile experience that takes advantage of the latest innovations as soon as they are available.”

For example, the Galaxy S20 lineup, announced in February powered by Android 10, will get support for three OS upgrades starting with Android 11 to give users a refreshing phone experience. The Galaxy S20 lineup will also be the first Galaxy device to receive the Android 11 upgrade later this year, with other devices to follow shortly afterwards.

“We are proud to be supporting our users for even longer whilst they enjoy their Galaxy devices”, said James Kitto, UK and Ireland Vice President of Sales. “Responding to user needs and how people use their phones is critical in helping us deliver the best mobile experience possible for our customers. Alongside three generations of Android support, Samsung will also continue to provide users with regular Android security updates^[2] as well as proprietary app feature updates as quickly as possible to most Galaxy devices.”

For more information about Samsung software updates and Galaxy devices including specifications, please visit https://news.samsung.com/uk/or https://www.samsung.com/uk

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com/uk.

[1] Upgrade schedule will depend on factors including but not limited to complexity of the update, model, as well as market penetration and more.

[2]  Samsung releases monthly and quarterly security updates on Samsung devices including but not limited to S, Z, Note, A, J, M and Tab series. For further details, please refer to https://security.samsungmobile.com/workScope.smsb

“For 10 years the Galaxy S and Galaxy Note devices have been successful across the world. These devices represent our continuous effort to deliver industry leading innovations, from performance and power to intelligence and services,” said DJ Koh, President and CEO of IT & Mobile Communications Division, Samsung Electronics. “The Galaxy S10 Lite and Galaxy Note10 Lite will introduce the key premium features for those who want to experience the best of Samsung Galaxy.”

Ultimate Professional Camera for Perfect Photos and Smooth Video

Galaxy Lite devices offer a suite of camera features and capabilities, building on Samsung’s industry-leading camera technologies and bringing them to more widely accessible devices.

Bring your photography to the next level on any adventure with the Galaxy S10 Lite, which features a main camera and Ultra Wide and Macro cameras alongside the new Super Steady OIS. When paired with Super Steady mode, Super Steady OIS provides higher stability for action-focused photos and videos, letting you share your world live, without any compromise.

The Ultra Wide camera has a 123-degree angle lens, giving you vision as wide as the human eye while the front and rear high resolution cameras allow you to capture every single detail in crystal-clear focus.

Enhanced Productivity Anytime, Anywhere

Enjoy the premium Note experience and increase your productivity on the Galaxy Note10 Lite with the signature S Pen. Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) support means you can now navigate a presentation, control your video content or take a picture, all with a simple click of the S Pen. Air Command will also give you access to the signature S Pen features you need quickly and easily. Finally, taking notes has never been easier with Text Export which transfers handwritten notes into text, ready to be edited and shared with whoever you choose, and the simple but powerful Samsung Notes makes note taking faster and easier when on the go.

All You Expect from Galaxy

The Galaxy S10 Lite and Galaxy Note10 Lite will give even more people access to all the premium Galaxy advantages you would expect from Samsung devices:

• Uninterrupted Visual Display: The Galaxy S10 Lite offers Super AMOLED Plus and Galaxy Note10 Lite offer Super AMOLED edge-to-edge Infinity-O displays. With a screen size of 6.7-inch, the display provides an expansive and immersive experience, allowing you to fully enjoy and get lost in your favorite multimedia content.

• Larger and Long-Lasting Battery: The Galaxy S10 Lite and Galaxy Note10 Lite are packed with a large 4,500mAh battery and super-fast charging capabilities, so you can stay connected longer and spend more time doing the things you love.

• Accessible Intelligence and Services: The Galaxy S10 Lite and Galaxy Note10 Lite come with Samsung’s ecosystem of intelligent apps and services, including Bixby (Vision, Lens Mode, Routines), Samsung Pay and Samsung Health. The devices are also protected with defense-grade security platform Samsung Knox.

The Galaxy S10 Lite is available in Prism White and Prism Black, while Galaxy Note10 Lite is available in Aura Glow and Aura Black. 

Both devices will be available to purchase in the UK from 7^th February 2020.

For more information about the latest Galaxy devices, please visit www.samsung.com/uk.

Galaxy S10 Lite and Galaxy Note10 Lite Specifications^[1]

[1] 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.

^{[2] Super AMOLED Plus display creates ergonomic design with thin and light display panel by adopting flexible OLED technology”. Screen measured diagonally as a full rectangle without accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole}

[3] May differ by model, colour, market and mobile operator. User memory is less than the total memory due to storage of the operating system and software used to operate the device features. Actual user memory will vary depending on the operator and may change after software upgrades are performed.

[4] May differ by market and mobile operator. SIM cards and MicroSD cards sold separately.

^[5] Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 4,370mAh. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.

[6] Actual speed may vary depending on market, carrier and user environment.

To discover more about the device’s journey during these trials, Samsung Newsroom paid a visit to the Reliability Test Group at Samsung’s Digital City in Suwon, South Korea.

Tests at Every Step of the Way

The Reliability Test Group is responsible for testing a sample of mobile and wearable products sent from Samsung’s manufacturing sites in Suwon and Gumi, South Korea, including the Galaxy S and Galaxy Note series of smartphones.

As soon as decisions are made about a new device or model, the Reliability Test Group gets to work. Once the specs and features are determined, the group considers which parts require testing and verification, and the process starts before the features have been fully integrated. Test results are immediately passed on to the development division for improvement. Throughout development, the test group engages continuously in the production process, processing feedback about the device even after its launch and release. More than a dozen tests are required to validate a product. While the number varies from device to device, thousands of models are put to the test before launch. The tests are designed to evaluate how the devices perform during normal day-to-day use and follow a standard based on internationally-certified test criteria.

1. Image Quality Lab

In this era of visual communication, people are searching for even more ways to express themselves using their smartphones. To help users take great pictures, the Galaxy smartphone camera undergoes both quantitative and qualitative evaluations to verify their performance.

The quantitative evaluation stage measures a range of criteria including brightness, colour clarity and image noise. Using light sources of different intensities, a wide range of conditions are simulated. Photographs are taken, and these images are evaluated through a specialist program that assesses the camera’s specifications.

The qualitative evaluation stage reproduces a variety of environments with the help of scaled models of real-life scenes. These models replicate indoor and outdoor spaces, such as a restaurant or a street lit by neon lights at night. There is also an artificial sunlight system which can simulate different lighting conditions, from a dark night to a bright day. Testing in an indoor lab ensures that the light source is unaffected by external factors, leading to more accurate comparisons. Tests are also performed outside of the lab in real outdoor environments.

2. Acoustic Lab

Ringtones, music and voice calls are just part of the diverse soundscape that a smartphone will produce and receive throughout its life. To assure quality across all types of sounds, the devices are tested in two different chambers.  

The first chamber, the anechoic chamber, is a special room designed to eliminate outside noise, so that pure acoustic quality can be evaluated. The second chamber simulates the smartphone’s sound while talking on the phone in different settings: holding the phone to your ear, using speakerphone or earphones, or connecting to a Bluetooth headset. Almost everything that happens in real situations is tested in these chambers and the results are analysed by a computer to provide feedback to the development team.

3. Heat Lab

As our devices are becoming smarter, the relationship between performance and heat is an important concern for the Reliability Test Group.

When testing the smartphones, the team reproduces conditions of heavy usage, such as playing high-spec games and using resource-intensive apps, and measures the device’s heat levels with a thermal camera. The test monitors both where and how much heat is generated. The results of the test are sent back to the development team for them to adjust the design accordingly.

4. Drop Test Lab

Each of the test samples is dropped from different heights, at different angles, and onto different types of surfaces, often repeatedly to test the robustness of the device against stress.

The drop test lab also uses high-speed cameras to take footage of the smartphones falling, which the team can analyse. The images help them understand how the device falls, the angle of fall that has the greatest impact, and what might be the cause of any breakages. The results help developers protect devices against future drops.

5. Durability Lab

Many people own the same device for years, so a smartphone should be durable enough to withstand daily use. A Galaxy smartphone is placed in a machine, which rolls the device around to simulate the impact of a phone tumbling downstairs from a lower height.

Durability is also tested with a series of repetitive actions, such as pressing the buttons, using the earphone jacks and opening the SIM card tray. The team even measures how well a smartphone can withstand the load and pressure of a person sitting on their phone when its in their back pocket.

6. Waterproof Lab

The Reliability Test Group conduct waterproof tests in accordance with the international standards set by the IP Code.

The tests consist of rain simulation, water jets, and submersion, which each have a corresponding IP rating. A smartphone that is rated IP68, for example, can be used even if it has been submerged in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, with the test lab verifying that the device works normally.

Galaxy Watch, Gear Sports and Gear Fit2 Pro are designed to be suitable for wearing while swimming, and require other tests to ensure that they meet the atmospheric pressure standard of 5ATM. The lab has designed a test that assesses the devices’ performance while the wearer is swimming.

7. Environmental Test Lab

Since devices are used in different climate conditions across the world, durability and performance must remain unchanged from environment to environment.

The test lab uses different chambers to test a variety of environments, with the chambers set at different humidity levels and temperatures, mimicking climates all over the Earth. The person conducting the test will assess whether the device’s functions still work under these conditions.

The Galaxy series represents quality without compromise. The devices are the result of the tireless efforts of the Reliability Test Group, as they constantly ask questions and strive for better, ensuring that the devices meet durability standards.

With the Galaxy Note8, consumers get a bigger Infinity Display that fits comfortably in one hand, S Pen to communicate in more personal ways, and Samsung’s best-ever smartphone camera to capture stunning photos. The Galaxy Note8 is designed for the way consumers lead their lives and lean on technology today.

A New Way to Communicate with the S Pen

Since its introduction, the S Pen has been one of the Note’s defining features. With the Galaxy Note8, the enhanced S Pen unlocks entirely new ways to write, draw, and interact with the phone and communicate with friends. It has a finer tip, improved pressure sensitivity, and features that enable users to express themselves in ways that no other stylus or smartphone ever has.

Better Pictures with Galaxy Note8’s Best-in-Class Camera

The Galaxy Note8 delivers our most powerful smartphone camera yet. Equipped with two 12MP rear cameras with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) on both the wide-angle lens and the telephoto lens. Whether you’re exploring a new city or running around your back garden, OIS lets you capture sharper images.

For more advanced photo-taking, the Galaxy Note8’s Live Focus feature lets you control the depth of field by allowing you to adjust the bokeh effect in preview mode and after you take the photo.  In Dual Capture mode, both rear cameras take two pictures simultaneously and allow you to save both images; one close-up shot from the telephoto lens and one wide-angle shot that shows the entire background.

The wide-angle lens has a Dual Pixel sensor with rapid Auto Focus, so you can capture sharper, clearer shots even in low-light environments. The Galaxy Note8 is also equipped with an 8MP Smart Auto Focus front-facing camera for sharp selfies and video chats.

Enjoy and Do More on the Infinity Display

The Galaxy Note8 has the biggest screen ever on a Note device, yet its narrow body makes it comfortable to hold in one hand. The 6.3-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED Infinity Display lets you see more and scroll less. The Galaxy Note8 gives you more room to watch, read and draw—making it the ultimate multitasking smartphone.

Galaxy of Features and Services

The Galaxy Note8 is built on the Galaxy legacy—a collection of unique features and capabilities that, together, have redefined the mobile experience:

• Water and Dust Resistance: You can take your Note8 almost anywhere you want with water and dust resistance (IP68¹) on the device and the S Pen. You can write even when the display is wet.
• Fast Wireless Charging: The Galaxy Note8 supports the most advanced wireless charging capabilities, so you can get a quick, convenient charge² without having to mess around with ports or wires.
• Security: The Galaxy Note8 offers a choice of biometric authentication options—including iris and fingerprint scanning. Samsung Knox provides defence-grade security at the hardware and software layers and with Secure Folder, keeps your personal and professional data separate.
• Powerful Performance: With 6GB RAM, a 10nm processor, and expandable memory³ (up to 256GB), you have the power you need to browse, stream, play games, and multitask.
• Innovative Mobile Experiences: Samsung DeX enables a desktop experience, powered by your phone. You can keep your files on your device, conduct work on the go, and use Samsung DeX⁴ when you need an even bigger screen. The Galaxy Note8 also includes Bixby⁵, a smarter way to use your phone; it learns from you, improves over time, and helps you get more done.

Mobile Performance, Productivity and Security for Businesses

The Galaxy Note8 takes business innovation to the next level with advanced features that improve performance, productivity and security for a wide range of industries, simplifying how work gets done:

• Enhanced S Pen for Business: The S Pen lets professionals do what other smartphones can’t, like discreetly taking notes in Screen off memo or quickly annotating documents and photos.
• Non-Contact Authentication: The Galaxy Note8 offers iris scanning for professionals—for example, professionals in the health care, construction, or public safety sectors who may find themselves in a position where they need to unlock their phones without having to swipe or scan a fingerprint.
• Enhanced DeX Capabilities: The Galaxy Note8 powers Samsung DeX for those who need to extend their simple mobile experience seamlessly to the desktop —whether they’re in the field, at the office or at home.

Our Continued Commitment to Safety

Samsung continues to uphold its commitment to lead the industry in battery safety. The Galaxy Note8’s battery has undergone Samsung’s 8-Point Battery Safety Check—the most rigorous in the industry.

For more information about Galaxy Note8 visit http://www.samsungmobilepress.com, the Samsung U.K. Newsroom at https://news.samsung.com/uk/ or www.samsung.com/galaxy.

Samsung Galaxy Note8 Product Specification

¹ Water resistant in up to 5 feet of water for up to 30 minutes; rinse residue/dry after wet. 

² Fast charging requires Adaptive Fast Charging (AFC) or Quick Charge 2.0-compatible charger to work.

³ MicroSD card sold separately.

⁴ Samsung DeX sold separately.

⁵ Bixby service ability may vary by country. Voice command recognises English (U.S.) and Korean. Not all accents, dialects and expressions recognised. Service ability may vary by country or carrier. Voice command works with a select, growing list of Samsung and third-party apps; see “Apps with Voice” in Bixby for list of compatible apps