Opinion
Your Galaxy A7x phone was an ‘experiment thing’ for Samsung?
Samsung reportedly killed yet another smartphone which could be named Galaxy A74 5G because…? There’s not just a single reason for strategy changes, the decision seems pre-decided as Samsung always neglected Galaxy A7x smartphones as compared to the Galaxy A5x.
No doubt, the Galaxy A7x lineup of smartphones is more premium than the Galaxy A5x, but still, it got neglected by Samsung, and no one knows why. The company offers monthly security updates to the Galaxy A5x phones, but the Galaxy A7x are listed in the quarterly schedule, looks funny!
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The Galaxy A7x became an “experiment smartphone lineup” for Samsung, for instance, Galaxy A72 was the first mid-ranger to use Telephoto lens, and the Galaxy A73 was the first to get a 108MP camera sensor. Introduced with A72, the telephoto sensor didn’t continue with its sequel.
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Not that all, the Korean tech giant brought LTE, 5G and “s” variants of the Galaxy A52 smartphone, but the Galaxy A72 was not even featured 5G connectivity. Due to network compatibility, the Galaxy A72 utilized a downgraded processor compared to its younger sibling, and eventually, the A7x is dead.
The death of the Galaxy A7x seems pre-planned as Samsung started to streamline the Galaxy A5x phones. Let’s have a quick comparison of key specs:
Galaxy A51 vs Galaxy A71
- A71 had the lead
Display
Samsung Galaxy A51 brought 6.5″ Super AMOLED display, while the Galaxy A71 had an enhanced and larger 6.7″ Super AMOLED Plus display. Both devices feature the same 1080 x 2400 pixels display resolution along with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection.
Camera
The Galaxy A51 packs a 48MP primary camera sensor, while the Galaxy A71 has an upgraded 64MP main camera. Other than main sensors, all other cameras of the A51 and A71 are the same including 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, 5MP depth and 32MP selfie shooter.
Processor
In AP department, the Galaxy A51 uses 10nm process based Exynos 9611 chipset [Octa-core (4×2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4×1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) and Mali-G72 MP3 GPU] while the Galaxy A71 has 8nm-based Snapdragon 730 processor [Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6×1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) and Adreno 618 GPU].
Galaxy A52 5G vs Galaxy A72
- And the destruction of A7x begins here!
Display
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G brings 6.5″ Super AMOED display with HDR 10+ support and 120Hz display. On the flip side, the Galaxy A72 used a larger 6.7″ Super AMOLED screen with 90Hz refresh rate and no support for the HDR10+ feature. Both have Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection and 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution.
Camera
Samsung again experimented on the Galaxy A72 by bringing an 8MP telephoto sensor (depth sensor ditched) for the first time in a non-flagship device. Other camera specs include 64MP main camera, 5MP macro camera and 5MP depth lens (A52 only) along with a 32MP selfie shooter.
Processor
The Galaxy A52 5G comes with Snapdragon 750G processor [Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6×1.8 GHz Kryo 570) and Adreno 619 GPU], while the Galaxy A72 uses Snapdragon 720G processor [Octa-core (2×2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6×1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) and Adreno 618 GPU].
Galaxy A53 vs Galaxy A73
- Destruction of A7x continued with A73
Display
With the Galaxy A53 and Galaxy A73 smartphones, Samsung greatly reduced the difference in displays. The former features a 6.5″ Super AMOLED panel, and the latter features a 6.7″ Super AMOLED Plus screen. Other specs remain the same; 120Hz refresh rate, 800 nits brightness, and Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
Camera
In the Camera department, the Galaxy A73 faced radical changes including the arrival of 108MP main camera and the comeback of the depth sensor by ditching telephoto. The Galaxy A53 camera specs are quite similar to its predecessor, check camera specs of both phones below.
Galaxy A53 5G:
- 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7X”, 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
- 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
- 5 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
- 5 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
Galaxy A73 5G:
- 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF, OIS
- 12 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
- 5 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
- 5 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
Processor
The Galaxy A53 5G is equipped with 5nm-based Exynos 1280 (5 nm) application processor [Octa-core (2×2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) and Mali-G68 GPU].
On the flip side, the Galaxy A73 5G has 6nm-based Snapdragon 778G 5G chip [Octa-core (1×2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3×2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) and Adreno 642L GPU].
Experiment failed, device dead
And finally, it looks like Samsung has done with its experiment on the Galaxy A7x series and found it unnecessary. The Galaxy S22 FE is reportedly dead, but rumors claimed that it’s still alive and coming at the Unpacked part 2 in the place of the Galaxy A74 smartphone.
Opinion
Google advances to Android 16, Samsung delays decision on One UI 7
Google has just released the first Developer Preview of Android 16, hinting at an earlier rollout compared to what we’ve seen before. Google is pushing this update to ensure that device manufacturers can adopt it quickly.
While Google is moving ahead with Android 16, Samsung appears to be taking its time with the One UI interface. Typically, Samsung rolls out One UI updates together with Google’s Android releases, but Android 15-based One UI 7.0 is yet to reach the beta stage.
It looks like Samsung is still working with One UI 7 internally, as indicated by several CheckFirm screenshots posted on social media.
This delay could be frustrating for Samsung Galaxy users, particularly as competitors begin updating their devices to newer Android versions. Samsung might be dedicating extra time to perfect One UI 7, focusing on stability, new AI, and security enhancements.
With Google preparing its Android updates, Samsung might need to rethink its update strategy. If Android 16 comes out in the second quarter of 2025, Samsung might have to decide whether to rush One UI 7 out or perhaps move directly to One UI 8 for some eligible Galaxy users, skipping a version to keep pace with Google’s timeline. It’s a common move in tech to skip an update when necessary.
Samsung Galaxy users may need to wait a bit longer, but when One UI 7 or potentially One UI 8 arrives, it’s likely to bring a set of features that continue to differentiate Samsung in the competitive smartphone market.
What’s the current status of One UI 7.0?
Samsung Galaxy users were eagerly awaiting news on One UI 7 during the Samsung Developer Conference (SDC) 2024 held on November 21st in Korea, but the event passed without any official announcements or insights into its progress.
Previously at SDC 2024 in the US, Samsung had mentioned that One UI 7 would be available for developers by the end of the year, suggesting that while not publicly announced, work on One UI 7 is still ongoing. There were numerous rumors that Samsung might be preparing to unveil or at least start a beta program for One UI 7 around this period.
We have already seen hands-on videos and leaks suggesting that One UI 7 will bring significant UI changes, new animations, and enhanced customization features, although these leaks are from older One UI 7 builds since the software is evolving quickly.
While the Galaxy fans were left without a clear update from SDC Korea, the silence doesn’t necessarily mean a delay. Samsung might be planning a different approach for revealing One UI 7 or could be saving the announcement for a later, more perfect moment. Stay tuned to Sammy Fans for all the latest on this front.
Opinion
Chipset heat concerns: Why I am worried about the Galaxy S25 Ultra
I love Samsung phones and always look forward to its new models. The Galaxy S25 Ultra was something I was really looking forward to. However, recent developments have introduced a significant amount of caution into my usual enthusiasm for Samsung’s flagship devices.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite, Qualcomm’s latest chipset for smartphones, was expected to set new benchmarks in smartphone performance. Based on early reports, the smartphones running the latest chipset are getting hot. When phones get too hot, they slow down to cool off, which means they don’t work as well as they should. This could be a big problem for the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
This isn’t the first time chips have caused such overheating issues. Remember the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1? It had the same thermal problem, but they made it better later on. This makes me hope they’ll fix the new chip too.
Google’s Tensor chips have also encountered overheating issues. They’re trying to make them better with the next version (G6), focusing on not making them too hot. This approach might be something Samsung considers if the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s heat issues persist.
Samsung usually does a lot of testing to make sure its phones work well. But since they use Qualcomm’s chips for the top models, the company might have to deal with this heat issue too. I’m worried about how this will affect using the phone every day.
There’s always a chance they can fix some of this with software updates. Qualcomm says they’re working on it, but this might just be a quick fix, not a real solution. The effectiveness of these updates will be crucial in determining my decision to upgrade.
The recent chipset issues with both Google’s Tensor and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon series have made me more aware of the potential pitfalls in adopting the latest technology without some proven reliability.
I still want the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but now I’m a bit worried. I hope Samsung can make it work without getting too hot.
Disclaimer:
It’s worth noting that all discussions here are based on rumors, leaks, and my own expectations as a tech consumer. There’s no official word yet on the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s chipset or its performance. The final product might well address these concerns, but for now, the excitement comes with a side of skepticism.
Opinion
Is Samsung One UI 7.0 coming next month?
As we near the end of 2024, people who love Samsung Galaxy phones are really looking forward to the new software update called One UI 7.0. The latest version of One UI is built on the newest Android 15 and will have lots of new stuff. But the question on everyone’s mind is: will we see the beta version in November 2024?
There’s been a lot of excitement building up about One UI 7.0 because of numerous leaks, most notably from Android Headlines, which recently shared what appears to be promotional material for One UI 7.0. This leak showcased new icon designs, lock screen customizations, and a revamped notification bar, making Samsung fans and tech lovers excited.
Well-known tech influencers like @SamsonSirJi on X have hinted at a November rollout for the One UI 7.0 beta. The Galaxy users on the internet are also talking about it more because leaks are happening more often, including a notable hands-on video by a random YouTuber who got early access to the beta on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which suggests that Samsung might be close to opening up the beta program to the public.
Why November 2024?
Historically, Samsung has used beta programs to refine its One UI updates before the official stable release. If we look at previous years, Samsung typically begins its beta phase a few months before the next flagship Galaxy S series launch, which introduces the stable version of the new One UI.
The recent surge in leaks points towards Samsung’s readiness to enter the beta phase. Companies often allow leaks to build hype just before a release.
After SDC, Samsung usually accelerates the rollout of new software updates, which could mean we’re on the cusp of a beta release. The stable Android 15 is already live for Google Pixel devices, though several others have already started the Android 15 beta program.
Given that Samsung has officially confirmed the stable One UI 7.0 will accompany the Galaxy S25 series early next year, starting the beta in November 2024 would give sufficient time for testing and feedback.
Based on the pattern of Samsung’s beta programs, the timing of SDC Korea 2024, and the strategic release of promotional material, there is a strong case to be made that Samsung might indeed start the One UI 7.0 beta in November 2024.
Disclaimer
It’s important to note that while there are strong indications of a November beta release for One UI 7.0, Samsung has not officially confirmed any specific date for the beta program. The company has only shared an estimated timeline pointing towards the end of 2024.