In a piece for Wanted magazine, I wrote about the launch of Google Wallet in South Africa and questioned whether loyal Samsung users would be willing to make the jump to Google Wallet, which has more functionality than the now defunct Samsung Pay, as there was no publically available timeline as to when Samsung would replace Samsung Pay with Samsung Wallet in the country.
Samsung Pay has been in SA since August 2018 and while the app has allowed people the option of storing payment cards (debit and/or credit depending on the bank) as well as select loyalty cards, Google Wallet accepts all of the above as well as frequent flyer cards and boarding passes, making it more like Apple Pay than anything else.
With the new wallet, local Samsung users get an app that is a combination of Samsung Pay and Samsung Pass where you can store passwords, addresses, and card details along with your bank and membership cards.
“Samsung Wallet is a one-stop solution in replacing a physical wallet. This digital innovation is definitely bringing a new level of everyday convenience to mobile devices with a totally safe and secure environment for storing digital keys, cards and more. As part of our ongoing commitment to open ecosystems, we will continue to expand on the capabilities of Samsung Wallet by working closely with our trusted, local partners and developers,” says Justin Hume, Vice President of Mobile Experience at Samsung Electronics South Africa.
One of the unique features offered by Samsung Wallet is the integration of SmartThings. Combined with Samsung’s partnerships with well-known home security companies, local Galaxy users will be able to add digital home keys to conveniently lock and unlock their doors with a compatible Samsung device.
Compatibility
According to Samsung South Africa, Samsung Wallet is compatible with the following devices:
Galaxy Z Fold4, Galaxy Z Flip4, Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, Galaxy Z Fold2, Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy S22 (NFC only), S22+ (NFC only), S22 Ultra (NFC only), Galaxy S21 (NFC only), Galaxy S21 FE (NFC only), S21+ (NFC only), S21 Ultra (NFC only), S20 Ultra, S20+, S20, S20 FE, S10+, S10, S10e (NFC only), S9+, S9, S8+, S8, S7 Edge, S7 (NFC only), Note 20 Ultra 5G, Note 20 Ultra, Note 20 5G, Note 20, Note 10+, Note 10, Note 10 Lite (NFC only), Note 9, Note 8, A80 (NFC only), A73 5G (NFC Only), A72 (NFC only), A71 (NFC only), A70 (NFC only), A53 5G (NFC Only), A52 | A52 5G (NFC only), A51 (NFC only), A33 5G (NFC Only), A32 | A32 5G (NFC only), A31 (NFC only), A30s (NFC only), A23 (NFC Only), A22 LTE (NFC Only), A13 5G (NFC only), Galaxy Watch5 Pro, Galaxy Watch5, Galaxy Watch 4, Galaxy Watch 3, Galaxy Watch, Watch Active, Watch Active2, Gear S3 and Gear Sport.
Only South African models will be supported (XFA / XFV SKU Codes)
How to install Samsung Wallet
If you have a supported device, you should already have the Samsung Wallet app installed on your phone. If not, you may need to download any software updates that are available. To do so, go to Settings » About device OR the Settings » Software update on the phone.
Alternatively, you may see a pop-up notification which will not only alert you to the arrival of Samsung Wallet but also give you the option to update your Samsung Pay app to Samsung Wallet.