Tag: Samsung

  • $10.6M Heist: 12,000 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 & Flip 7 Stolen

    $10.6M Heist: 12,000 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 & Flip 7 Stolen

    Key Takeaways

    1. A truck carrying 12,000 Samsung Galaxy Z7 smartphones worth $10.6 million was stolen near London Heathrow Airport.
    2. The theft is one of the largest electronics heists in the UK this year, impacting product launches and inventory.
    3. The retail prices are £1,049 for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and £1,799 for the Z Fold 7.
    4. The UK has a history of electronics thefts near major airports, with 75% of stolen devices often exported quickly.
    5. Samsung will face insurance claims, increased scrutiny on logistics, and potential issues with stolen devices appearing on secondary markets.


    In a recent incident, a truck carrying Samsung’s new Galaxy Z7 foldable smartphones was stolen close to London Heathrow Airport late last week. The shipment included around 12,000 units of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7, with a total worth of $10.6 million, as reported by trusted source @UniverseIce. This theft ranks among the largest electronics heists in the UK this year.

    Pricing Details

    The Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a retail price of £1,049 in the UK, while the Z Fold 7 begins at £1,799. Given these high price points, this loss impacts more than just finances; it can lead to delays in product launches, reduce inventory for pre-orders, and disrupt a company’s distribution strategies.

    History of Thefts

    The theft of valuable electronics around Heathrow isn’t a new phenomenon. Previous reports indicate that criminal organizations often target shipments at or near major airports in the UK. Earlier this year, authorities managed to intercept a stash of 1,000 stolen smartphones at Heathrow. Statistically speaking, a large percentage of stolen devices get quickly exported; estimates from UK police suggest that as much as 75% of taken phones leave the country, complicating recovery efforts significantly.

    What This Means for Samsung

    For Samsung, the consequences will probably involve filing insurance claims, increased scrutiny on logistics partners, and a temporary reassessment of supply chain routes. Customers should also be cautious: stolen devices frequently appear on secondary markets and could be blacklisted or lack official support.

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  • Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Expected as Premium Mid-Range Smartphone

    Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Expected as Premium Mid-Range Smartphone

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy A17 series is set to launch in Europe with higher pricing than the A16 models, starting at €299.90.
    2. The A17 5G offers upgraded storage (256GB and 8GB RAM) compared to the A16 5G’s 128GB.
    3. Key features of the A17 include a sturdier design with Gorilla Glass Victus and improvements to the 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization.
    4. The A17 will continue to use the Exynos 1330 SoC and retain the same IP54 rating and 5,000mAh battery as the A16.
    5. Existing A16 users may not feel compelled to upgrade due to minimal significant changes in specifications.


    The upcoming Galaxy A17 series of Android smartphones is “on the way” to Europe, as noted on a sales page from the Italian online store Epto. However, new information hints that it may not be as budget-friendly as the A16 models previously offered in the region.

    Pricing Differences

    Samsung introduced the Galaxy A16 5G’s entry-level model at €229 in Europe, but its successor could be as much as €70.90 higher. The “A17 5G” is reportedly priced at €299.90 on Epto, which is actually a promotional rate for a device that has a €319.90 regular price. In addition, this new model comes with a minimum of 256GB of internal storage paired with 8GB of RAM, compared to the 128GB storage found in the A16 5G.

    Specifications Overview

    Even the 4G/LTE-only variant of the A17 is priced at a rather steep €289.90 with the same configuration. Expectations for the A17 5G include a refreshed and possibly sturdier design that features high-quality Gorilla Glass Victus for the display, as well as enhancements to its 50MP main rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS).

    Upgrade Considerations

    However, it seems that the phone will continue to use an old-style waterdrop notch screen powered by the outdated Exynos 1330 SoC. It is also expected to keep the same IP54 rating for water and dust resistance, along with the same 5,000mAh battery as the A16 5G. As a result, existing users of the A16 may not feel a strong urge to upgrade with the imminent launch of this next generation.

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  • Samsung HBM3E Demand Surges, Pressuring Prices and Margins

    Samsung HBM3E Demand Surges, Pressuring Prices and Margins

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung is increasing HBM3E production faster than market demand, which may lower prices temporarily.
    2. Rising contract prices for standard DRAM will narrow profit margins between HBM3E and regular memory.
    3. Competitors like SK Hynix and Micron are producing 12-stack HBM3E, risking inventory buildup before demand rises.
    4. Samsung’s semiconductor division profits have dropped 94% year-on-year, prompting cost cuts to regain Nvidia’s business.
    5. Samsung is considering price cuts to compete, with future market dominance depending on cost and yield rather than just bandwidth.


    Samsung informed investors that the production of the fifth-generation HBM3E is increasing quicker than the demand in the market, which the company believes “will affect market prices for the time being.”

    Profitability Concerns

    Management pointed out that the rising contract prices for regular DRAM are going to narrow the previously large profit margin between HBM3E and standard memory in the second half of the year. This will limit the potential for increased margins, even with a rise in volumes.

    Customer Shift and Competitive Landscape

    This alert comes at a time when clients like Nvidia and AMD are moving towards the 12-stack HBM3E for their next-gen AI accelerators. Other competitors, including SK Hynix and Micron, are already producing this denser version in large amounts, which increases the risk of inventory accumulation before the anticipated demand surge happens.

    Internally, Samsung’s semiconductor division is facing challenges: its quarterly operating profit has plummeted by 94 percent year-on-year to 400 billion Korean won ($287 million) due to export controls and inventory adjustments affecting the results. To stop this decline, the company is cutting HBM3E production costs in hopes of regaining Nvidia’s business that has mostly shifted to SK Hynix.

    Growth in Memory Revenue

    Memory revenue has seen an 11 percent increase compared to Q1 as HBM3E shipments have risen. Samsung intends to boost production of 128 GB DDR5, 24 GB GDDR7, and 8-gen V-NAND by the end of the year. A deal worth $16.5 billion to manufacture Tesla’s next-gen AI6 chips in Texas should also help stabilize foundry usage, although new 15 percent US tariffs on Korean products cast a shadow over the demand forecast.

    Price Concessions and Market Dynamics

    Sources within the industry mention that Samsung has proposed price cuts. Meanwhile, Nvidia is confirming its 12-layer stacks, indicating that market dominance in the next cycle may depend more on cost and yield rather than just bandwidth. If Samsung can achieve high-yield and lower-cost production ahead of its competitors, the company might regain some market share in the profitable AI-memory sector—however, any error could deepen the oversupply issue that is currently pressuring HBM3E prices.

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  • Galaxy S25 FE Leak Reveals Disappointing Battery News

    Galaxy S25 FE Leak Reveals Disappointing Battery News

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy S25 FE will launch earlier this year compared to the Galaxy S24 FE.
    2. A leak indicates the Galaxy S25 FE will have a 4,500 mAh battery, down from the Galaxy S24 FE’s 4,700 mAh.
    3. The new model is expected to be slimmer and lighter, measuring 7.4 mm and weighing 190 grams.
    4. The Galaxy S25 FE will feature the Exynos 2400 SoC, which may improve battery performance despite the smaller battery size.
    5. Official unveiling and sales for the Galaxy S25 FE could happen later this month or in early September.


    Samsung has recently announced that the Galaxy S25 FE will be debuting earlier this year compared to the Galaxy S24 FE’s launch last year. This is exciting news for those who are on the lookout for a budget-friendly flagship phone. However, a recent leak has revealed some not-so-great information. It appears that Samsung may have reduced the battery capacity to make the device slimmer.

    Key Specifications Leaked

    The leak has come from @MysteryLupin on X, who has been revealing details about the Galaxy S25 FE for a while. According to this source, the phone will feature a 4,500 mAh battery with 45W wired charging and support for 15W wireless charging. Until now, many believed that the Galaxy S25 FE would see a battery improvement over the Galaxy S24 FE (available on Amazon), but this new leak suggests otherwise.

    Battery Comparisons

    The Galaxy S24 FE is equipped with a 4,700 mAh battery, and there was hope that the Galaxy S25 FE would have a larger 4,900 mAh battery. Even though it’s just a 200 mAh difference, such an upgrade would have been a positive development. It’s important to keep in mind that these are merely leaks, and things could change as more information is released leading up to the official launch.

    Design and Performance Insights

    In addition to the battery news, it is thought that the Galaxy S25 FE will be both slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, measuring 7.4 mm (as opposed to 8 mm) and weighing 190 grams instead of 213 grams. This likely influenced Samsung’s decision to decrease the battery size. However, this doesn’t automatically mean that the Galaxy S25 FE will have a shorter battery life. It is anticipated that the new phone will be powered by the Exynos 2400 SoC, unlike the Exynos 2400e found in the Galaxy S24 FE. This change, along with Samsung’s optimizations, might lead to improved or at least comparable battery life.

    In conclusion, Samsung is set to unveil the Galaxy S25 FE earlier than last year’s model, which could mean a reveal as soon as this month, with sales starting later this month or possibly in early September.

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  • Galaxy A17 Specs Revealed: Thinner, Lighter, and OIS Included

    Galaxy A17 Specs Revealed: Thinner, Lighter, and OIS Included

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung plans to release several devices in the latter half of the year, including the budget-friendly Galaxy A17, successor to the A16.
    2. The Galaxy A17 will be thinner (7.5 mm) and lighter (192 grams) than the A16 (7.9 mm, 200 grams) while maintaining the same SoC.
    3. The A17 is expected to feature a 50 MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 6.7-inch Super-AMOLED display with a 90 Hz refresh rate.
    4. Battery capacity remains at 5,000 mAh, and the device will retain an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance.
    5. New features for the A17 include a Gemini feature linked to the power button and One UI 7, but official details and release timing have yet to be confirmed.


    Samsung recently mentioned during an earnings call that it has a number of devices planned for the latter half of the year. Among these are the budget-friendly A series models, including the Galaxy A17. This phone will be the successor to the Galaxy A16, and while it was expected to feature the same SoC, recent leaks seem to confirm these assumptions as well as provide insight into other important specifications.

    Specs Comparison

    Android Headlines has published a comparison of the specs between the Galaxy A16 5G (buy on Amazon) and the anticipated Galaxy A17 5G. Samsung appears to have made some significant updates to the new model, despite keeping the same SoC. One of these changes is that the A17 is designed to be thinner and lighter. The Galaxy A16 measures 7.9 mm in thickness and weighs 200 grams, whereas the A17 is expected to be 7.5 mm thick and weigh just 192 grams. Additionally, the display is reportedly protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, while the back is made of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer, enhancing its durability compared to the Galaxy A16.

    Camera and Battery

    In terms of camera features, while the setup remains similar, the main 50 MP sensor is rumored to include OIS (optical image stabilization). The battery capacity is unchanged at 5,000 mAh, and the IP54 water and dust resistance rating stays the same. The Galaxy A17 is likely to feature a 6.7-inch Super-AMOLED display with a 90 Hz refresh rate, just like the Galaxy A16, and it will be available in the same configurations: 4 GB + 128 GB, 6 GB + 128 GB, 8 GB + 128 GB, and 8 GB + 256 GB.

    Additional Features

    Furthermore, the report indicates that the Galaxy A17 will have a Gemini feature linked to the power button. One UI 7 will also be included, along with features like Circle to Search and Cross App AI.

    However, it’s important to keep in mind that Samsung has not officially confirmed any details about the Galaxy A17, so this information should be viewed with caution. The exact date of the phone’s release is still unclear, but there’s a possibility it could be revealed in October, which is when the Galaxy A16 5G was launched last year. It’s worth noting that the A16 didn’t hit the US market until January of this year.

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  • New Leak: Galaxy Tab S11, S11 Ultra & S10 Lite Colors and Storage

    New Leak: Galaxy Tab S11, S11 Ultra & S10 Lite Colors and Storage

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung is revamping the Galaxy Tab S11 tablet range, with a focus on new color options and storage choices.
    2. The standard Galaxy Tab S11 will have 12 GB of RAM and storage options of 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB.
    3. The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra will also feature 12 GB of RAM but will only have storage options of 256 GB and 512 GB, with no 1 TB model available.
    4. Samsung is introducing the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite, powered by the Exynos 1380 chip, with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage.
    5. The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite will be available in three colors: Grey, Coral Red, and Silver, but other specifications are still unclear.


    Samsung is gearing up to revamp its Galaxy Tab S11 tablet range for the second time recently. In a twist from before, when the standard Galaxy Tab S10 was discontinued, it seems the Galaxy S11+ may have been shelved this time. Renowned leakster @MysteryLupin has shared some details about the color options and storage choices.

    Specifications of the Galaxy Tab S11

    The standard Galaxy Tab S11 is set to come with 12 GB of RAM in all its versions. It will kick off with a base storage of 128 GB, with options for 256 GB and 512 GB available. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra will also feature the same RAM capacity, with storage options of 256 GB and 512 GB. Notably, there is no indication of a 1 TB model for the Ultra. Both models will be offered in Grey and Silver color choices.

    New Galaxy Tab S10 Lite

    The leaker has also revealed some details about Samsung’s puzzling new re-release, the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite. This tablet, powered by the Exynos 1380 chip, will unfortunately be limited to 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. However, it will come in three different colors: Grey, Coral Red, and Silver. As of now, the other specifications are unclear, but it’s expected to feature minor improvements over the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024).

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  • Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Launch Date Earlier Than Last Year’s Model

    Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Launch Date Earlier Than Last Year’s Model

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung plans to launch the Galaxy S25 FE earlier than usual, potentially as soon as August 2025.
    2. The Galaxy S25 series will focus on maintaining sales momentum through seasonal promotions.
    3. Upcoming releases include new entry-level A-series smartphones, the next Galaxy Tab, and a tri-fold smartphone.
    4. The Galaxy S25 FE is expected to feature a 4,900 mAh battery, 45W fast charging, and a 6.7-inch AMOLED LTPO display.
    5. Samsung is also set to reveal its XR headset, known as Project Moohan, later in 2025.


    Samsung usually reveals its top-of-the-line Galaxy S series smartphones in January and follows up with a more affordable FE model around September each year. However, this time, with the Galaxy S25 FE, Samsung plans to launch the device earlier than usual, although the exact timing remains unclear for now. During its recent earnings call, the South Korean tech leader indicated it has multiple devices lined up for the latter half of 2025.

    Future Releases and Sales Strategy

    Discussing the results from Q2 2025 and upcoming product launches, Daniel Araujo, Vice President of Samsung’s Mobile Experience division, remarked, “For the Galaxy S25 series, we will focus on keeping our sales momentum through seasonal promotions and a quicker launch of the S25 FE.”

    While no additional specifics were provided, we can make some predictions based on past FE model introductions. The Galaxy S24 FE was unveiled in late September 2024 and became available for purchase in early October. Thus, it’s possible that the Galaxy S25 FE could be announced as soon as August, next month, and might hit stores later that month or in early September.

    Upcoming Devices and Innovations

    Samsung’s timeline for the second half of 2025 appears quite robust. New entry-level A-series smartphones are anticipated, along with the next iteration of the Galaxy Tab. There are also plans for the first Samsung tri-fold to be announced this year. Additionally, outside of smartphones, the company is set to reveal its XR headset, known as Project Moohan, later in the year.

    Regarding the Galaxy S25 FE, there have been numerous leaks and speculations about the device, providing insights into its design, available colors, and features. The phone is expected to be offered in Navy, Ice Blue, Jet Black, and White, which replace the current model’s colors of Blue, Graphite, Gray, Mint, and Yellow. It’s anticipated to have a battery capacity of 4,900 mAh with support for 45W fast charging. Moreover, a 6.7-inch AMOLED LTPO display with full-HD+ resolution is expected to be part of the package.

    Conclusion

    The upcoming Galaxy S25 FE is being closely watched by fans and analysts alike as it promises to bring exciting features and improvements. With Samsung’s commitment to an earlier launch and a diverse range of devices planned, the latter half of 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting time for tech enthusiasts.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Firmware Confirms 60W Fast Charging, One UI 8.5

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Firmware Confirms 60W Fast Charging, One UI 8.5

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is unofficially confirmed, with a starting price around $1,024.
    2. Key features include a thickness of under 0.31 inches, a 5,000mAh battery, and support for 60-watt rapid charging.
    3. The 60-watt charging capability has been supported by firmware analysis.
    4. The Galaxy S26 will launch with One UI 8.5, built on Android 16.
    5. One UI 8.5 is expected to highlight new Galaxy AI features and enhancements.


    We’ve got our first unofficial confirmation about the much-talked-about successor to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which starts at $1,024 on Amazon. Although Samsung has yet to make any official statement on the Galaxy S26 series and likely won’t for a while, some solid evidence backing up previous rumors is beginning to surface online.

    Details of the Upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra

    For example, the reputable Chinese leaker Ice Universe recently shared a few features of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, mentioning that it will have a thickness of under 0.31 inches, a 5,000mAh battery, and support for 60-watt rapid charging. The last detail, at least, has been substantiated by an early firmware analysis. As shown by Erencan Yılmaz on X through a screenshot, the code includes hidden notes indicating that 60 watts is likely the new fast-charging limit for the upcoming Galaxy Ultra flagship.

    Software Updates and Features

    Additionally, the version of One UI that the Galaxy S26 series will launch with has also been verified. Since One UI 8 is already running on Android 16 on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, it seems that the next iteration will be One UI 8.5. This was also confirmed through the earlier firmware examination. While we wait for One UI 9, which will be based on Android 17 and expected in the summer of 2026, One UI 8.5 on the Samsung Galaxy S26 is likely to emphasize new Galaxy AI features and other enhancements.

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  • Samsung May Skip Galaxy S26 for Premium Smartphone Lineup

    Samsung May Skip Galaxy S26 for Premium Smartphone Lineup

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung may replace the Galaxy S26 Plus model with an Edge variant and possibly remove the basic Galaxy S26 model entirely.
    2. The new lineup may feature a Galaxy S26 Pro and Galaxy S26 Ultra, with the potential for a Galaxy S26 FE as an entry-level option.
    3. Internal codenames for the new devices are M1 (Galaxy S26 Pro), M2 (Galaxy S26 Edge), and M3 (Galaxy S26 Ultra), indicating a shift in naming conventions.
    4. Historically, Samsung has used the number ‘1’ for base models, but this pattern seems to have changed with the S26 series.
    5. There is still a possibility that a base Galaxy S26 exists under a different codename like ‘M0’ or ‘M4’, but no evidence currently supports its existence.


    It appears that Samsung is planning significant changes for the next Galaxy S26 series. Reports suggest that the Plus model might be replaced by an Edge variant, and there is a possibility that the basic Galaxy S26 could be removed from the lineup. Instead, a Pro version could take its place, indicating that the new Galaxy S series might look quite different from its previous iterations.

    New Device Codenames

    According to an in-depth analysis by Android Authority on an internal build of One UI 8, three new devices have been identified with the codenames M1, M2, and M3. These codenames are linked to the Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra, respectively. Notably, there was no mention of a Galaxy S26, which hints at Samsung’s intriguing plans for the upcoming series. If the base model is indeed absent and the lineup kicks off with the Pro model, it could result in a more upscale collection of devices. This change might also indicate that the Galaxy S26 FE could serve as the entry-level model, although it probably won’t launch simultaneously with the other three devices. Or will it?

    Codename Patterns

    Historically, Samsung has used the number ‘1’ in its codenames for the base model, a pattern seen in the Galaxy S24 and S25 series. For instance, the Galaxy S24’s internal codename was E1, while its Plus and Ultra counterparts were E2 and E3, respectively. The Galaxy S25 series followed a similar naming convention with NP1, NP2, and NP3. With the recent findings, it seems that M1 refers to a Pro model, M2 relates to the Edge variant, and M3 is designated for the Ultra.

    Possibility of a Base Model

    There remains a chance that a base Galaxy S26 could still exist with a codename such as ‘M0’ or ‘M4’. The final version of One UI 8 might include references to this, but for now, evidence for a base Galaxy S26 is lacking.

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  • JerryRigEverything Calls Out Samsung Mobile US, Switches from Galaxy

    JerryRigEverything Calls Out Samsung Mobile US, Switches from Galaxy

    Key Takeaways

    1. Zack Nelson, known as “JerryRigEverything,” plans to leave Samsung after a negative interaction with a customer service representative.
    2. He criticized Samsung’s customer service in the US, describing it as “dehumanizing” and inadequate.
    3. Many users on forums like r/Samsung share similar complaints about poor customer service experiences with Samsung.
    4. A specific complaint highlighted the difficulty of canceling an order for a Galaxy Z Flip 7, showcasing ongoing issues with support.
    5. Despite some viewing Zack’s comments as dramatic, there is a consensus that Samsung’s customer service has a long-standing reputation for being inadequate.


    Serial smartphone tester Zack Nelson, who’s well-known on YouTube as “JerryRigEverything”, has a lively presence on X where he shares bold opinions and critiques. Recently, Zack has criticized Samsung, describing his conversation with a Samsung Mobile US representative as “dehumanizing”.

    A Big Change Ahead

    Zack mentioned that after this interaction, he plans to leave behind his Samsung phone of ten years. One user tried to calm him down, saying that a single bad experience with an employee doesn’t reflect the quality of the product. However, Zack responded that he’s “not into that kinda thing” and feels “it’s time to try a new brand”. Although we don’t have specifics about what happened during the chat that led to this strong response, it highlights ongoing issues with Samsung’s customer service in the US, something that has been brought up by others too.

    Customer Service Concerns

    The reputation of Samsung US’s customer service seems quite poor, according to feedback on forums like r/Samsung. Many posts, both recent and older, express dissatisfaction with Samsung’s support in the US. One user called it “truly the worst,” and another described it as “a nightmare to deal with.” A complaint from a couple of weeks ago described the frustrating experience of trying to cancel an order for a Galaxy Z Flip 7, which the user couldn’t do despite their attempts.

    Ongoing Issues?

    So, while some may view JerryRigEverything’s comments on X as overly dramatic, it appears that Samsung’s customer service in the US has a long-standing reputation for being inadequate.

    It seems like the situation between Zack and Samsung is not done yet. We’ll keep you updated with any new information as it comes in.

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