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Galaxy Archives - Reframed https://reframed.co/tag/galaxy/ Globally informed, locally grounded Sun, 06 Sep 2026 13:12:54 +0000 en-ZA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://reframed.co/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/cropped-ChatGPT-Image-Aug-14-2026-at-04_30_58-PM-3-32x32.png Galaxy Archives - Reframed https://reframed.co/tag/galaxy/ 32 32 Samsung Wallet adds Scan to Pay QR payments in South Africa https://reframed.co/samsung-wallet-scan-to-pay-south-africa/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=samsung-wallet-scan-to-pay-south-africa Sun, 06 Sep 2026 13:12:54 +0000 https://reframed.co/?p=27555 Samsung has added Scan to Pay to Samsung Wallet in South Africa, allowing Galaxy users to make supported QR code payments directly from the app.

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Samsung is expanding what Galaxy owners can do with Samsung Wallet in South Africa, adding Scan to Pay as another way to make payments from a Galaxy smartphone.

The new feature, provided by EFT Corporation, brings QR code payments directly into Samsung Wallet. When a participating merchant presents a supported QR code, users can open Wallet, scan the code and confirm the payment from their phone. Samsung says the option can be used both in stores and when a QR code is presented as an online payment method.

QR payments are already familiar to plenty of South Africans, particularly through banking and fintech apps. Samsung’s addition is useful because it puts another payment option inside an app Galaxy owners may already be using for their cards, rather than asking them to open a separate payment service at checkout.

How Scan to Pay works in Samsung Wallet

Samsung has kept the process fairly simple. When a compatible QR code is available, users need to:

  1. Open Samsung Wallet.
  2. Scan the QR code.
  3. Confirm the payment.

The transaction can then be authenticated and completed without presenting a physical bank card.

The Scan to Pay network already has a sizeable footprint in South Africa. According to Samsung, it can be used at more than 600,000 acceptance locations around the country and has more than 19 million app inclusions across banking, fintech and other financial services applications.

That existing network makes the Samsung integration considerably more useful than launching a QR payment system that merchants would first have to adopt. Galaxy users are instead being given access to payment infrastructure that is already widely deployed.

Samsung is building more into Wallet

Samsung has gradually been turning Wallet into something closer to the digital equivalent of the physical wallet it wants to replace, bringing payment and other everyday functions into one place.

Zahir Cajee, MX Lead: Product and Commercial at Samsung South Africa, says that approach is driven by how customers actually use Galaxy devices.

“Samsung doesn’t just focus on tech and AI innovation for Galaxy users,” Cajee said, adding that the company intends to continue adding practical functionality to Samsung Wallet.

Payments made through Scan to Pay are protected by Samsung Knox, with biometric authentication available to approve transactions.

It isn’t the kind of Samsung announcement that arrives with a new phone, an enormous launch event or several minutes devoted to AI. But payment features are useful precisely because they disappear into everyday behaviour. If you’re already using Samsung Wallet, having QR payments sitting alongside your existing payment cards means one less reason to leave it when you reach the till.

Scan to Pay is available now within Samsung Wallet for supported payments at participating locations.

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HONOR says it’s South Africa’s number two smartphone brand. Now it wants R39,999 for a foldable https://reframed.co/honor-magic-v6-south-africa-samsung-smartphone-market/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=honor-magic-v6-south-africa-samsung-smartphone-market Fri, 04 Sep 2026 10:04:48 +0000 https://reframed.co/?p=27542 HONOR has become South Africa’s number two smartphone brand largely through affordable and mid-range devices. The R39,999 Magic V6 is part of its attempt to move further up the market and, eventually, challenge Samsung for the top spot.

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HONOR has had a very good few years in South Africa. At a recent media roundtable, South Africa CEO Fred Zhou said the company remains the country’s number two smartphone brand, behind Samsung. That’s quite a change from 2021, when the brand returned to the local market as an independent company following its split from Huawei.

The number two claim refers to devices shipped into South Africa rather than retail sales or revenue, but the growth hasn’t exactly been difficult to spot. Counterpoint Research ranked HONOR second for South African smartphone shipments in 2023, up from 1 percent share in 2022 to 13 percent for the full year. In the fourth quarter, the Chinese tech brand briefly moved ahead of Samsung with 24 percent of shipments, helped by the Magic4 Lite 5G and X6.

Earlier this year, Zhou told Business Day that the company had passed one million smartphones sold in South Africa and that its local business grew 66 percent during 2025. The same report noted that the brand has been making a deliberate push into phones priced above $300, after building much of its local scale further down the market.

That lower end of the range has been important. The X-series phones in particular have been very good at offering large batteries, decent displays and plenty of storage without asking people to spend flagship money. When you’re comparing devices on an operator’s website or standing in a store looking at monthly contract prices, that’s an easy proposition to understand.

The Magic V6 asks for R39 999. It’s a lot of money for any smartphone, but Samsung’s new foldable range makes the price more interesting than it first appears.

The regular Galaxy Z Fold8 starts at R40 999, only R1 000 more than the V6, although it isn’t really the closest Samsung equivalent. Samsung has turned the regular Fold into a wider, more compact foldable with a 5.5-inch cover display and a 7.6-inch screen inside.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is much closer to what HONOR is selling. Its 6.5-inch cover display opens to an 8-inch screen, compared with 6.52 inches and 7.95 inches on the Magic V6. Samsung’s Ultra also starts at R50 999 for 512GB, making the V6 R11 000 cheaper than the Samsung foldable it most directly competes with.

If price is doing most of the work in your decision, that makes things considerably easier for HONOR. At R39 999, the Magic V6 still has a 6 660mAh silicon-carbon battery, weighs 219g and measures 8.75mm when folded. There’s also a 64MP periscope telephoto camera, IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance, and the company says the hinge has been tested for 500 000 folds.

The battery is probably the first number I’d notice. Samsung’s Fold8 Ultra has a 5 000mAh battery, so the V6 manages to fit another 1 660mAh into a similarly sized phone. Silicon-carbon batteries have become one of the more useful smartphone developments of the past few years because manufacturers can increase capacity without making devices proportionally thicker and heavier. The Chinese brand has made particularly good use of the technology.

I don’t think the Magic V6 has much to prove when it comes to specifications. HONOR has been making very good flagship phones for a while now and, on paper, there are areas where the V6 comfortably beats Samsung’s much more expensive Fold8 Ultra. The difficult part starts when you stop comparing the two phones on a product page.

Selling a R40 000 phone is different

Someone buying a more affordable HONOR can compare it with another device at the same price without too much fuss. Battery life, storage, display quality, cameras and monthly contract cost will get you most of the way there. At the premium end, there’s a good chance you’ve already spent years using products from another brand.

A Samsung customer could own a Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Buds, have a tablet at home, use SmartThings, or have years of photos and backups sitting in a Samsung account. They’ve probably used Smart Switch before and already know their way around One UI. If something breaks, they’re also dealing with a company that has been selling smartphones in South Africa for decades.

HONOR hasn’t had anything like that amount of time. It only became independent in late 2020 and returned to South Africa the following year. The company has managed to build a sizeable smartphone business remarkably quickly, but getting someone familiar with the name is different from getting them to spend R39 999 on one of its phones.

The South African launch gives some idea of how the brand wants the V6 to be seen. Temba Bavuma, Ronwen Williams, Akani Simbine and Connie Ferguson are among the local names attached to it, alongside other ambassadors from sport, entertainment and business. Celebrity endorsements are hardly new in the smartphone world, but they make sense for a company that became popular here selling much cheaper devices and now wants to be considered alongside Samsung and Apple when people start spending serious money.

The company is also trying to make an expensive foldable a little less stressful to own. Magic V6 buyers in South Africa get 365 days of HONOR Care screen protection, covering one qualifying accidental-damage claim and including both screens if they’re damaged in the same incident. Screen parts and labour are included, and the brand also offers free round-trip shipping for postal repairs.

Foldables are much tougher than they were a few years ago, but I still wouldn’t want to find out what replacing an 8-inch folding display costs after dropping a R39 999 phone. Software support is another area where I’d like the company to be clearer locally. HONOR announced seven years of Android OS and security updates for its flagship Magic series in 2025, but said the programme would begin in EU markets. Its South African security bulletin lists the Magic V6 for monthly security updates, but that still isn’t the same as a clear seven-year local commitment. At this price, buyers shouldn’t have to go looking for that answer.

Samsung has had a long head start

The roundtable wasn’t only about smartphones. Zhou also spent time talking about the wider business and the company’s plans to build more around the devices it already sells. The Alpha Plan, announced at Mobile World Congress in 2025, comes with a promised investment of more than $10 billion over five years as the company tries to turn itself into what it calls an “AI device ecosystem company”.

There are already laptops, tablets and wearables, and then there’s the much stranger Robot Phone. The concept appeared in Johannesburg again, although you still can’t walk into a store and buy one. I’ve written about the Robot Phone before, and I still find what it says about the company’s thinking more interesting than the device itself.

The products people can actually buy are more important to what the brand is trying to do here. Someone considering a Magic V6 may already have a Windows laptop from another manufacturer, an iPad at home or a pair of AirPods they bought years ago. HONOR has been making its devices work more easily with products from other companies, including Apple hardware, which is far more useful than expecting somebody to replace everything they already own.

AI is a less convincing reason to choose one smartphone brand over another at the moment. Samsung, Apple, Google and pretty much everyone else are talking about image editing, transcription, translation and assistants, while many of the underlying services come from the same handful of technology companies anyway. The differences are much easier to understand when they’re physical: battery capacity, weight, thickness, camera hardware and price.

That has worked very well for HONOR in South Africa, but the company has been open about wanting more. Zhou has said the aim is to become South Africa’s number one smartphone brand by 2028. Moving further into premium phones is clearly part of getting there, because Samsung competes almost everywhere. Its range starts with relatively affordable Galaxy A-series devices and stretches past R50 000 for the Fold8 Ultra, with watches, tablets, TVs, monitors and home appliances carrying the same brand.

Samsung also has decades of local familiarity, long-standing relationships with operators and retailers, and the kind of marketing budget that keeps Galaxy visible even when you aren’t shopping for a phone. Globally, it has spent years becoming the company most people associate with Android. For plenty of consumers, especially those who don’t follow every launch, Samsung is simply the Android brand they know.

The Magic V6 gives the Chinese company a strong product to put up against all of that. It costs R11 000 less than the Fold8 Ultra, has a substantially larger battery and, in a few areas, is technically the more impressive phone. Some buyers will choose it for exactly those reasons, and that matters if the company wants a bigger share of the premium market.

Catching Samsung is a different job. There are Galaxy Watches on wrists, Samsung TVs in living rooms and years of backups sitting in Samsung accounts. HONOR has made up an extraordinary amount of ground in South Africa in a short period of time. Samsung has had decades to build the things that are harder to see on a specification sheet.

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HONOR’s AI Gambit: Circle to Search Comes to Flagship Devices https://reframed.co/honors-ai-gambit-circle-to-search-comes-to-flagship-devices/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=honors-ai-gambit-circle-to-search-comes-to-flagship-devices Fri, 11 Oct 2024 10:28:09 +0000 https://reframed.co/?p=18343 HONOR has announced the integration of Google’s Circle to Search feature into its flagship and upper-midrange devices. This development marks a significant expansion of a tool that was initially exclusive to select Samsung handsets. Circle to Search, set to debut on HONOR’s Magic V3 and 200 Series smartphones, represents a paradigm shift in user interaction. The feature allows users to initiate a search by simply circling, highlighting, or tapping any on-screen content, effectively turning the entire smartphone interface into a […]

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HONOR has announced the integration of Google’s Circle to Search feature into its flagship and upper-midrange devices. This development marks a significant expansion of a tool that was initially exclusive to select Samsung handsets.

Circle to Search, set to debut on HONOR’s Magic V3 and 200 Series smartphones, represents a paradigm shift in user interaction. The feature allows users to initiate a search by simply circling, highlighting, or tapping any on-screen content, effectively turning the entire smartphone interface into a search portal. This intuitive approach to information retrieval could potentially redefine how we interact with our devices and access information.

HONOR’s CEO, George Zhao, frames this move as part of the company’s commitment to democratising AI technology. “As a human-centric technology brand, HONOR is committed to bringing the benefits of AI to all,” Zhao stated. This sentiment aligns with a broader industry trend towards making advanced AI capabilities more accessible to the average consumer.

The integration of Circle to Search is just one part of HONOR’s comprehensive AI strategy. The company has unveiled a “Four-layer AI Architecture,” which aims to seamlessly blend on-device and cloud AI capabilities. This hybrid approach not only promises enhanced functionality but also addresses growing concerns about data privacy and security in AI-powered devices.

HONOR’s flagship foldable, the Magic V3, serves as a showcase for these AI ambitions. Beyond Circle to Search, the device boasts features like AI Eraser and Face to Face Translation, developed in collaboration with Google. More intriguingly, HONOR has introduced what it claims are industry-first technologies: AI Defocus Eye Protection and AI Deepfake Detection Anti-Fraud. These innovations hint at a future where smartphones not only enhance productivity but also actively safeguard user wellbeing.

The rapid adoption of AI features by smartphone manufacturers raises interesting questions about the future of mobile technology. As devices become increasingly intelligent and intuitive, they have the potential to dramatically change how we access and interact with information. However, this trend also brings challenges, including concerns about privacy, the potential for technology dependence, and the need for responsible AI development.

HONOR’s move to integrate Circle to Search, following closely on the heels of competitors like Samsung and Xiaomi, indicates that AI-powered features are becoming a key differentiator in the premium smartphone market. As these capabilities become more widespread, they may set new standards for what consumers expect from their mobile devices.

The Circle to Search feature is expected to be available on the HONOR 200 and 200 Pro by mid-November, with the HONOR 200 Lite receiving the feature at a later date. The HONOR Magic V3 has been available in international markets since September 5th, with prices starting from €1,999, and is expected to launch in South Africa in Q1 2025.

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Google faces Uphill Battle to Keep Smartphone Users Loyal https://reframed.co/google-faces-uphill-battle-to-keep-smartphone-users-loyal/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=google-faces-uphill-battle-to-keep-smartphone-users-loyal Wed, 29 May 2024 10:53:56 +0000 https://reframed.co/?p=17372 Despite its best efforts to capture market share from Apple and Samsung, Google remains a niche player in the smartphone arena. As the tech giant aims to woo new users with its latest Pixel 8a model and AI-driven software, a bigger challenge looms: retaining its existing user base. Alarmingly, more than half of current Google smartphone owners are considering switching to another brand. According to data from Stocklytics.com, a staggering 57% of Google’s smartphone users plan to defect to a […]

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Despite its best efforts to capture market share from Apple and Samsung, Google remains a niche player in the smartphone arena. As the tech giant aims to woo new users with its latest Pixel 8a model and AI-driven software, a bigger challenge looms: retaining its existing user base. Alarmingly, more than half of current Google smartphone owners are considering switching to another brand.

According to data from Stocklytics.com, a staggering 57% of Google’s smartphone users plan to defect to a different brand – a stark contrast to the loyalty enjoyed by its rivals.

A Statista Consumer Insights survey of nearly 10,000 smartphone users in the United States, one of Google’s key markets, revealed the extent of the brand’s loyalty crisis. When asked about their likelihood of changing to a different smartphone brand, 57% of Google’s users responded that this was “very likely”.

This loyalty issue could potentially lead to a significant loss in market share for Google, whose struggles in the smartphone market are well-documented. Despite attractive pricing and positive reviews, the company’s “made by Google” Pixel line, launched in 2016, has failed to gain meaningful traction, selling just a fraction of the devices shifted by market leaders Samsung, Apple, or Xiaomi.

Google’s loyalty problem is thrown into sharper relief when compared to its competitors. The survey found that Google has 23% more dissatisfied smartphone users than Apple and Samsung, with just 34% of users from those brands indicating a strong likelihood of switching.

While Google grapples with keeping users on board, Apple enjoys enviable brand loyalty. A full 50% of iPhone users stated they were “very unlikely” to change smartphone brands, cementing Apple’s status as the king of tech brand loyalty in the US. Samsung, while trailing Apple, still boasted a solid 44% of loyal users willing to stick with the company.

The worrying figures for Google come just weeks after the launch of its Pixel 8a, a more affordable variant of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, priced at $499 in the US market. While the new device aims to broaden the Pixel’s appeal through AI-driven software features, Google must first stem the tide of users abandoning the brand.

With only 25% of users expressing strong loyalty, far below Apple and Samsung, Google faces an uphill battle to retain its smartphone user base, let alone grow it substantially. As the tech giants double down on their AI capabilities and affordable offerings, the fight for users’ hearts, minds and pockets is set to intensify.

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Honor Magic V2 review: Impressive hardware, uneven software https://reframed.co/honor-magic-v2-review-impressive-hardware-uneven-software/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=honor-magic-v2-review-impressive-hardware-uneven-software Fri, 05 Apr 2024 10:33:36 +0000 https://reframed.co/?p=17045 Despite stagnation from its category leader, the foldable smartphone market continues to evolve, and the Honor Magic V2 stands out as a boundary-pushing handset in this space. Focusing on delivering a slim and lightweight design, this device offers an intriguing alternative to the bulkier foldables currently available. At R39 999, it undercuts the South African launch pricing of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Huawei Mate X3 which launched at R45 999 and R44 999 respectively. Despite the […]

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Despite stagnation from its category leader, the foldable smartphone market continues to evolve, and the Honor Magic V2 stands out as a boundary-pushing handset in this space. Focusing on delivering a slim and lightweight design, this device offers an intriguing alternative to the bulkier foldables currently available. At R39 999, it undercuts the South African launch pricing of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Huawei Mate X3 which launched at R45 999 and R44 999 respectively. Despite the impressive hardware and pricing, the Magic V2’s software experience, while functional, falls short of the polish and refinement I expect in this price range.

At first glance, the Honor Magic V2 is a stunner. Measuring just 9.9mm thick and weighing a mere 231 grams when folded, this foldable smartphone feels remarkably similar to a traditional handset in your pocket. The vegan leather-backed design adds a touch of sophistication, and the device’s durability is further bolstered by a claimed ability to withstand 400,000 folds.

The display is equally impressive. The external 6.43-inch OLED screen offers a 120Hz refresh rate, while the internal 7.92-inch display boasts a resolution of 2156 x 2344 and a similar 120Hz refresh rate, providing ample screen real estate for multitasking and media consumption.

One of the standout features of the Magic V2 is its ability to seamlessly transition between a smartphone and a foldable device. The cover screen is large enough to handle most day-to-day tasks, while the expansive internal display shines when you need that extra screen space. However, the lack of an IP rating for dust and water resistance is a notable omission, potentially limiting the device’s durability in certain environments.

Under the hood, the Honor Magic V2 is powered by 2022’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, paired with a generous 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage in the Porsche Design variant. While the processor is slightly outdated, the overall performance remains smooth and snappy, with no noticeable lags or hiccups during daily use.

The camera system on the Magic V2 is a mixed bag. The triple-lens setup, comprising a 50MP main camera, a 20MP telephoto lens with 2.5x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide sensor, delivers decent imaging performance. However, the software’s tendency to overcompensate with brightness and oversaturated colours can sometimes detract from the image quality, especially in low-light scenarios. Despite this, the Magic V2 has been able to go toe-to-toe with Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Where the Honor Magic V2 falters is in its software experience. Despite the impressive hardware, MagicOS 7.2, which is based on Android 13, feels inconsistent and hampered by various quirks and annoyances. The device frequently displays warning messages about potential folding issues, even when no such problems arise, and the preinstalled bloatware can be a nuisance.

Additionally, the software’s handling of multitasking and app compatibility, while functional, doesn’t quite match the level of polish seen on competing foldable devices from Samsung, OnePlus or Google’s Pixel Fold. 

The Honor Magic V2 is a mixed bag. Its hardware is undoubtedly impressive, with a slim and lightweight design that sets a new benchmark for foldable smartphones and pushes the entire category forward by making foldables more manageable. However, the software experience, while functional, falls short of the refinement one would expect from a device in this price range.

For those seeking a capable foldable device with a focus on hardware prowess, the Honor Magic V2 may be worth consideration. But, anyone who prioritises a polished software experience may find more satisfaction in alternative foldable offerings on the market.

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Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series AI supercharge pays off (so far) https://reframed.co/samsungs-galaxy-s24-series-ai-supercharge-pays-off-so-far/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=samsungs-galaxy-s24-series-ai-supercharge-pays-off-so-far Thu, 14 Mar 2024 14:02:21 +0000 https://reframed.co/?p=16964 Samsung’s newest flagship phones with amped up specs for generative AI are off to a hot start, especially the Galaxy S24 Plus model tailoured for the on-device AI era. The numbers are in for the first few weeks of Samsung’s big smartphone launch this year, and they reflect rising demand for mobile hardware optimised to run powerful artificial intelligence right on the device. According to the latest data from analyst firm Counterpoint Research, global unit sales of Samsung’s Galaxy S24 […]

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Samsung’s newest flagship phones with amped up specs for generative AI are off to a hot start, especially the Galaxy S24 Plus model tailoured for the on-device AI era.

The numbers are in for the first few weeks of Samsung’s big smartphone launch this year, and they reflect rising demand for mobile hardware optimised to run powerful artificial intelligence right on the device.

According to the latest data from analyst firm Counterpoint Research, global unit sales of Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series smartphones grew 8 percent year-over-year compared to the Galaxy S23 lineup during the first three weeks they were on the market.  

While that’s a relatively modest overall increase, the growth was supercharged by unexpectedly strong sales of the Galaxy S24 Plus model. Volumes for the $999 Plus variant surged 52 percent from last year’s Galaxy S22 Plus, making it over one-fifth of Samsung’s flagship series sales out of the gate.

“The S24 Plus is the Goldilocks phone for this generative AI transition,” said Minsoo Kang, senior analyst at Counterpoint Research. “It hits the sweet spot on pricing for upgraders while also packing the specs newbies want for optimised on-device AI experiences.”

That’s thanks to the Plus model’s 12GB of RAM, which analysts view as the minimum memory threshold to run large language models smoothly on a smartphone. The increased demand for such AI-tailored specifications hints at the broader potential for generative AI to drive mobile device upgrades in the years ahead.

While global growth remains in the single digits so far, some of Samsung’s biggest markets saw more explosive gains. In the crucial U.S. market, for example, Counterpoint recorded mid-teen percentage increases versus the year-ago Galaxy S23 series launch. Preorder volumes were particularly strong in developed economies like Western Europe (up 28 percent), Korea (22 percent) and the United States (14 percent).

“We’re still really just getting started with the generative AI smartphone revolution,” said Jeff Fieldhack, research director for North America at Counterpoint. “So there’s a ton of room for further growth as AI capabilities get even smarter and more useful.”

Of course, Samsung was the first major smartphone vendor to prominently pitch generative AI as a key selling point for its latest flagship device. But it won’t be the last – rivals like Apple are also going all-in on optimising their mobile hardware and software for advanced on-device AI

So while the early numbers seem promising for Samsung’s AI-supercharged handsets, the real test will be whether it can maintain its head start as generative AI goes truly mainstream on smartphones in the coming years. The Galaxy S24 series is just the opening salvo in what’s poised to be a high-stakes AI mobile battle.

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Switch from your Samsung phone to the new Galaxy S24 series https://reframed.co/switch-from-your-samsung-phone-to-the-new-galaxy-s24-series/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=switch-from-your-samsung-phone-to-the-new-galaxy-s24-series Thu, 18 Jan 2024 05:44:00 +0000 https://reframed.co/?p=16868 If the hype of Samsung’s Unpacked event was anything to go by then you’re probably just as excited as the crowd was to swap from your current Samsung phone to the all-new Galaxy S24 series. Moving all of your data and apps over can be a little bit daunting but with our guide, it’ll be easy. Back Up Your Phone On your old phone: Factory reset your old phone: Set up your new S24: Depending on how much data you […]

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If the hype of Samsung’s Unpacked event was anything to go by then you’re probably just as excited as the crowd was to swap from your current Samsung phone to the all-new Galaxy S24 series. Moving all of your data and apps over can be a little bit daunting but with our guide, it’ll be easy.

Back Up Your Phone

On your old phone:

  • Open Settings
  • Tap Accounts and backup > Back up data (either to Samsung Cloud or Google Drive)
  • Allow back up for desired items (messages, photos, etc.)
  • Tap Back up to either back up to Samsung Cloud, Google Drive or connect phone to a computer with a USB cable and run Smart Switch to create a local backup on your computer.
  • Turn off Find My Mobile:
  • In Settings, tap Security and privacy
  • Tap Lost device protection and turn off the toggle switch next to Allow this phone to be found

Factory reset your old phone:

  • Open Settings > General management
  • Tap Reset > Factory data reset
  • This wipes the phone and signs you out of all accounts

Set up your new S24:

  • Turn on your new S24 by long pressing the power button on the left-hand side of the phone
  • Connect to wifi
  • Follow device setup prompts: select language, etc.
  • Sign in with your Samsung account
  • Transfer data from your old phone
    • Method 1: Use Smart Switch
    • Use the cable included with your old phone to connect your new and old phone (you’ll need a USB-C to USB-C cable)
    • The Smart Switch prompt will appear to transfer data
  • Method 2: Restore Samsung cloud backup
  • Open Settings > Accounts and backup > Samsung Cloud > Restore data
  • Sign in and select the backup you want to restore 
  • Select data to restore

Depending on how much data you have backed up and your internet speed, this could take a while. 

Once all your data has been downloaded to your new S24 series device, explore the new features like Galaxy AI.

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AI takes center stage at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked S24 launch https://reframed.co/ai-takes-center-stage-at-samsung-galaxy-unpacked-s24-launch/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ai-takes-center-stage-at-samsung-galaxy-unpacked-s24-launch Wed, 17 Jan 2024 18:00:00 +0000 https://reframed.co/?p=16430 Samsung has just unveiled its all new S24 flagship series here at the SAP Centre in San Jose, California.  As expected, the design of all three new devices looks nearly identical to that of its predecessor. While this isn’t unexpected thanks to the plethora of leaks, it’s set to disappoint many who were hoping for a revolutionary new design from the world’s biggest Android handset manufacturer. Having spent some hands on time with the trio of new devices, for the […]

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Samsung has just unveiled its all new S24 flagship series here at the SAP Centre in San Jose, California. 

As expected, the design of all three new devices looks nearly identical to that of its predecessor. While this isn’t unexpected thanks to the plethora of leaks, it’s set to disappoint many who were hoping for a revolutionary new design from the world’s biggest Android handset manufacturer.

Having spent some hands on time with the trio of new devices, for the most part, I don’t mind that the designs haven’t really changed. Samsung has opted for titanium rails, frosted glass backs and a flatter design overall, but these handsets remain immediately identifiable as Samsung phones. While the S24 Ultra is the undeniable star of the show and looks like a luxe piece of tech in a way very few handset manufacturers can ever achieve, the S24 and S24 Plus both have a slight design misstep in the form of sharp edges. While all three handsets feel lighter than their predecessors, the S24  and S24 Plus should retained the after edges of the S23 and S23 Plus which would’ve made them more comfortable to hold and use without a case. It’s not a dealbreaker but is a slightly puzzling decision from a company that is usually more thoughtful and intentional about design. 

The big question is whether the changes made to the handsets are enough to persuade people to upgrade to the new series. The expectation of innovation versus the reality of meaningful innovation is usually very different and with the S24 series, Samsung has decided to bet big on AI, chipset and software. These under the hood changes have the potential to become far more meaningful and impactful over the long term but may not have the immediate wow factor that many people are hoping for. 

One of the marquee new AI features is live translate which live translates your audio into a different language while you’re on a call with someone who does not speak the same language as you. While this is indeed impressive, it’s currently limited to very few, select languages, most of which are not spoken by a vast number of people in South Africa. 

There’s also a live translate transcript option which offers the same functionality on transcription form but has the same language limitation. 

My personal favourite feature is circle to search which allows you to search for any item, product or landmark in an image – it doesn’t have to be an image that you’ve taken – by long pressing the home button and drawing a circle around the item you want to know more about. Not only can you get more information and links to buy the item online, you can also get mapping information about locations and venues. 

It may not sound like a big deal but it’s already changed how I search for items and I wish it were available on more devices from all smartphone manufacturers. 

Samsung has also improved to brightness of the S24 Ultra making the display easier to view in bright sunlight and, when compared to the S23 Ultra, it’s almost a night and day improvement. 

Overall, when looking at the camera, display, chipset and build quality improvements, the S24 series is shaping up to be the Android flagship series to beat, but, whether betting so much on AI was the right move for Samsung, remains to be seen. Right now, the brand is asking customers to purchase a handset with minimal hardware changes and the promise of a device that gets better and more useful over time and I’m not sure whether that’s the way people shop for new tech.

The S24 series proves yet again that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Samsung’s flagships are industry leading for a reason and in my opinion are peak Samsung devices in the best possible ways.

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OPPO RENO10 PRO+ 5G VS. SAMSUNG GALAXY S23: THE SMARTPHONE SHOWDOWN https://reframed.co/oppo-reno10-pro-5g-vs-samsung-galaxy-s23-the-smartphone-showdown/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=oppo-reno10-pro-5g-vs-samsung-galaxy-s23-the-smartphone-showdown Sun, 10 Sep 2023 16:54:54 +0000 https://reframed.co/?p=15138 In the fast-paced realm of cutting-edge smartphones, two titans vie for supremacy: the OPPO Reno10 Pro+ 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S23. These devices are the pinnacle of modern technology, but which one truly reigns supreme? Capturing the Moment In the realm of smartphone photography, the OPPO Reno10 Pro+ 5G takes the lead with its awe-inspiring 64MP periscope telephoto camera. This technological marvel isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about capturing the essence of the moment. Whether in the radiant […]

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In the fast-paced realm of cutting-edge smartphones, two titans vie for supremacy: the OPPO Reno10 Pro+ 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S23. These devices are the pinnacle of modern technology, but which one truly reigns supreme?

Capturing the Moment

In the realm of smartphone photography, the OPPO Reno10 Pro+ 5G takes the lead with its awe-inspiring 64MP periscope telephoto camera. This technological marvel isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about capturing the essence of the moment. Whether in the radiant glow of daylight or the dimness of twilight, the Reno10 Pro+ 5G promises crisp, clear portraits that leave you breathless. In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy S23 offers a solid camera setup, but it’s hard-pressed to match the Reno10 Pro+ 5G’s photographic prowess. Not only does the S23 not include a periscope lens — something that Samsung has reserved only for the ultra-expensive S23 Ultra — it only offers 3x Optical Zoom vs the OPPO Reno10 Pro+ 5G’s 3x optical zoom and 120x digital zoom.

OPPO’s Reno10 Pro+ 5G sports a 32MP, f/2.4 selfie camera with a 90° field of view, which easily outclasses the f/2.4, 12MP selfie camera with an 80˚  field of view on the Samsung Galaxy S23, resulting in incredible selfies that allow you to capture more in every shot.

Lightning in a Bottle

In the race for battery supremacy, the OPPO Reno10 Pro+ 5G strides ahead with a robust 4700mAh battery. However, what truly sets it apart is OPPO’s proprietary 100W SUPERVOOC™ flash charge technology. Imagine going from 0 to 31% charge in just 10 minutes or a full 100% charge in a mere 27 minutes. This unparalleled charging speed leaves the competition, including the Samsung Galaxy S23, in the dust, offering unprecedented convenience on the move. Sweetening the deal is the fact that OPPO includes the SUPERVOOC™ charging brick and cable in the box, unlike Samsung, which only includes a charging cable.

Where Form Meets Function

The OPPO Reno10 Pro+ 5G is a testament to the marriage of aesthetics and practicality. At a svelte 8.28mm thickness and a featherweight 194g, it embodies the perfect balance between style and usability. Holding this device is not just an ergonomic delight; it’s a statement. You’re bound to stand out with the OPPO Reno10 Pro+ 5G’s Glossy Purple and Silvery Grey colourways and beautiful design while Samsung’s Galaxy S23 sports a utilitarian flat design that looks near-identical to its predecessor and less premium devices in the company’s lineup.

The Need for Speed

In the world of multitasking and storage, the OPPO Reno10 Pro+ 5G raises the bar with 12GB of RAM, and up to a total of 24GB of RAM thanks to OPPO’s RAM expansion technology, and a solid 256GB of internal storage. This configuration ensures seamless multitasking and ample space for apps and data. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S23 provides a respectable 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, but it falls short of the OPPO’s impressive capacity.

Software Sophistication

The OPPO Reno10 Pro+ 5G runs on the updated ColorOS 13, delivering a smooth and responsive user experience. Moreover, it’s the inaugural OPPO smartphone series to support IR Remote Control, adding an extra layer of versatility. While Samsung’s One UI may be renowned by some for its intuitive interface, ColorOS 13 on the Reno10 Pro+ 5G boasts a refined experience with more customisation, allowing you to create a phone that’s tuned to your needs and usage. The Reno10 Pro+ 5G also has a Dynamic Computing Engine to ensure up to 48-month fluency, which means that it’s running smooth well past the 4 year mark.

More Than Just a Phone

OPPO goes the extra mile by bundling the Reno10 Pro+ 5G with ENCO buds, OPPO care, charger, and cable, all within the box. As if that weren’t enough, a limited launch offer sweetens the deal, gifting users an OPPO Pad Air to the value of R6,999, making this smartphone a bundle of joy.

Technology for All

OPPO’s brand philosophy aligns perfectly with its promise of creating accessible, world-class technology without compromising on innovation. The brand understands the unique needs of the South African market and its diverse consumers, ensuring its products cater to various budgets while upholding a commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.

As the curtain falls on this technological showdown, it’s evident that both the OPPO Reno10 Pro+ 5G and Samsung Galaxy S23 are formidable contenders. Yet, the OPPO Reno10 Pro+ 5G rises to the occasion with its exceptional camera prowess, blistering charging speed, elegant design, and value-added extras. OPPO’s ethos of inclusive technology makes it a compelling choice for anyone looking for a holistic and innovative smartphone experience. When it comes to redefining the limits of mobile technology, OPPO stands tall as it continues pushing the boundaries of cutting-edge innovation.

The post OPPO RENO10 PRO+ 5G VS. SAMSUNG GALAXY S23: THE SMARTPHONE SHOWDOWN appeared first on Reframed.

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Samsung launches LTE enabled Galaxy A24 in South Africa https://reframed.co/samsung-launches-lte-enabled-galaxy-a24-in-south-africa/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=samsung-launches-lte-enabled-galaxy-a24-in-south-africa Fri, 28 Apr 2023 14:49:57 +0000 https://reframed.co/?p=13110 Following the recent launch of the Galaxy A34 and A54 in South Africa, Samsung has brought the latest A-series smartphone, the Galaxy A24 LTE, to the country. This newest edition of the Galaxy A Series sports a minimalist back design that’s near identical to that of the S23 series, except that the back of the device is made of glossy plastic, and features Corning Gorilla Glass display protection. The Galaxy A24 LTE, one of very few non-5G phones from the […]

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Following the recent launch of the Galaxy A34 and A54 in South Africa, Samsung has brought the latest A-series smartphone, the Galaxy A24 LTE, to the country. This newest edition of the Galaxy A Series sports a minimalist back design that’s near identical to that of the S23 series, except that the back of the device is made of glossy plastic, and features Corning Gorilla Glass display protection.

The Galaxy A24 LTE, one of very few non-5G phones from the Korean giant in recent memory, has a 6.5-inch super AMOLED display equipped with eye care technology.

Camera-wise you can find a triple-lens camera setup comprising a 50MP main camera, supported by an ultra-wide 5MP and a macro 2MP lens, with a 13MP selfie camera up front.

The 5,000mAh battery can be charged via a 25W fast charger – whether it’s included in the box is something that Samsung has neglected to mention – and comes equipped with One UI 5.1. The phone has 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage space, which is expandable by up to 1TB with MicroSD.

Looking at the sustainability factor, the phone’s side keys and SIM trays are made from recycled plastic, and no hazardous substances were used in its production. The packaging was minimised and developed using recycled paper.

The Galaxy A24 LTE will be available at retail partner stores from 01 May 2023, at a recommended retail price of R4999.

Specs:

Processor

  • CPU Speed: 2.2GHz, 2GHz
  • CPU Type: Octa-Core

Display

  • Size (Main_Display): 164.2mm (6.5″)
  • Resolution (Main Display): 1080 x 2340 (FHD+)
  • Technology (Main Display): Super AMOLED
  • Colour Depth (Main Display): 16M

Camera

  • Rear Camera – Resolution (Multiple): 50.0 MP + 5.0 MP + 2.0 MP
  • Rear Camera – F Number (Multiple): F1.8 , F2.2 , F2.4
  • Rear Camera – Auto Focus: Yes
  • Rear Camera – OIS: Yes
  • Rear Camera Zoom: Digital Zoom up to 10x
  • Front Camera – Resolution: 13.0 MP
  • Front Camera – F Number: F2.2
  • Front Camera – Auto Focus: No
  • Front Camera – OIS: No
  • Rear Camera – Flash: Yes
  • Front Camera – Flash: No
  • Video Recording Resolution: FHD (1920 x 1080) @30fps
  • Slow Motion: 120fps @HD

Storage/Memory

  • Memory Size (GB): 6
  • Storage Size (GB): 128
  • Available Storage (GB): 101.3
  • External Storage Support: MicroSD (Up to 1TB)

Network/Bearer

  • Number of SIM: Dual-SIM
  • SIM size: Nano-SIM (4FF)
  • SIM Slot Type: SIM 1 + SIM 2 + MicroSD
  • Infra: 2G GSM, 3G WCDMA, 4G LTE FDD, 4G LTE TDD
  • 2G GSM: GSM850, GSM900, DCS1800, PCS1900
  • 3G UMTS: B1(2100), B5(850), B8(900)
  • 4G FDD LTE: B1(2100), B3(1800), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B20(800), B28(700)
  • 4G TDD LTE: B38(2600), B40(2300), B41(2500)

Connectivity

  • USB Interface: USB Type-C
  • USB Version: USB 2.0
  • Location Technology: GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS
  • Earjack: 3.5mm Stereo
  • MHL: No
  • Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2.4G+5GHz, VHT80
  • Wi-Fi Direct: Yes
  • Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth v5.3
  • NFC: Yes
  • PC Sync: Smart Switch (PC version)

OS

  • Android

Sensors

  • Accelerometer, Fingerprint Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor, Virtual Proximity Sensing

Physical specification

  • Dimension (HxWxD, mm): 162.1 x 77.6 x 8.3
  • Weight (g): 195

Battery

  • Internet Usage Time(LTE) (Hours): Up to 21
  • Internet Usage Time(Wi-Fi) (Hours): Up to 21
  • Video Playback Time (Hours): Up to 20
  • Battery Capacity (mAh, Typical): 5000
  • Removable: No
  • Audio Playback Time (Hours): Up to 105
  • Talk Time (4G LTE) (Hours): Up to 44

Audio and Video

  • Stereo Support: No
  • Video Playing Format: MP4, M4V, 3GP, 3G2, AVI, FLV, MKV, WEBM
  • Video Playing Resolution: FHD (1920 x 1080)@60fps
  • Audio Playing Format: MP3, M4A, 3GA, AAC, OGG, OGA, WAV, AMR, AWB, FLAC, MID, MIDI, XMF, MXMF, IMY, RTTTL, RTX, OTA

Services and Applications

  • Gear Support: Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds+, Galaxy Buds2, Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Fit2, Galaxy Fit e, Galaxy Fit, Galaxy Watch5, Galaxy Watch4, Galaxy Watch3, Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch Active2, Galaxy Watch Active, Gear Fit2 Pro, Gear Fit2, Gear Sport, Gear S3, Gear S2
  • Samsung DeX Support: No

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