Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy A52 & A72

Yesterday saw the global release of Samsung's new Galaxy A devices, the A52, A52 5G and A72. As always with the Galaxy A series, the devices are aimed at the youth, giving the user a quality device with features that normally are reserved for high-end flagship devices but at half the price! The brands marketing ploy worked really well, with making the A stand for awesome, and after watching the launch, seeing what these phones come with and the capabilities of them, they really are awesome devices!

So lets take a quick run down the features, both devices are the same apart from the sizes, with the A72 giving you a larger display but everything on the inside is virtually the same. Both are powered by a Octa-Core (dual 2.3GHz + Hexa 1.8GHz) processor with memory of up to 8GB RAM with internal storage of 128 and 256GB, there's also external storage via MicroSD of up to 1TB so you're never going to run low on space, if you do there is always Google drive to backup your data. Both devices are LTE enabled with only the A52 getting a 5G variant. The devices are IP67 rated making them water and dust resistant. The A52 comes with a Super Fast Charging 4,500mAh battery while the A72 has a 5,000mAh both of which Samsung claim a two-day single charge lifespan, but it comes with intelligent settings that pick up patterns when you don't use your devices, example when you're sleeping it will swap over into battery saving mode to conserve life until you wake up again. 

Now, the most important thing for the youth are the camera and Samsung definitely are going all out for this one, with the A52 and A72 getting Quad rear cameras. Main camera is a 64MP high res lens with OIS (optical image stabilization), Ultra Wide 12MP,  5MP Depth sensor camera, 5MP Macro camera. True power in the main camera is when making videos, with the OIS it ensures your content is smooth and clear all the time. The A72 camera swaps out the 5MP depth sensor camera for the 8MP tele photo lens with 3x Optical Zoom, letting you see things further than ever before. Front facing camera is a 32MP F2.2 lens which ensures awesome selfies all the time. 

Staying connected is more important right now than ever, which is another big gameplay by Samsung with these devices. With seamless ways to share content with devices, adding restrictions to the content and even giving the user the ability to delete sent content off other peoples devices. The devices also have music share so you and friends can listen to music off a single device with multiple buds. The phones displays are FHD flat, with 800 nits brightness with eye comfort shield which ensures the eyes are protected at all times from the harmful blue lights. The quick refresh rate makes for super smooth scrolling. 

Both the A52 and A72 are available in four awesome colours, being Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Blue and Awesome Violet. Local pricing as confirmed by Samsung are as follows:

Galaxy A52 - R7,999

Galaxy A72 - R9,999

Galaxy A52 5G not confirmed for local market as yet. 

Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G

Yesterday Samsung Mobile SA officially launched its much anticipated Galaxy Z Fold 2 mobile device in the country. During their live stream launch, Samsung gave us insight into what makes this 3rd foldable device from their range so special and why it's been generating so much hype world over. Folding mobile devices is a whole new category to the portable technology range and while so far only two manufacturers have come to the party, Samsung is leading the way in terms of design and development of such. It's a phone, its a tablet, its a world of innovation in the palm of your hand and its beautiful! The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 has come a long way since the first gen with Samsung through much research and development ironing out most if not all of the bugs from the first one. Biggest one being the "crease" which users found to appear after much opening and closing of the device, Samsung have seemed to remedy this by making an all new state-of-the-art hinge using cam technology which operates smoothly and doesn't put that much pressure on the screen, as well as sourced new materials to make the folding glass helping to prevent this from happening on the Galaxy Z Fold 2. 

I know many will be looking at this device and wondering "why", well its innovation at its finest and in time to come could be the way mobile devices of the future will be made. As the generations of devices were made, it went form big to small due to evolution of components, with the introduction of smartphones and touch screens, devices had to get bigger to give the end user a bigger and clearer picture or working space, with folding tech this can still be achieved and keeping the device at a decent size. We saw this with the Samsung Z Flip which folds into a compact wallet size pouch but unfolds into a standard sized smartphone. With the evolution in tech, devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 could replace the smaller variant of tablets on the market. It gives you and experience like nothing you've had before, with you being able to use the device in various openings to suit your need. With the UI and large screen it is possible for your to work on multiple apps at the same time, having them as windows on your screen all while chatting to someone on a messaging service, the possibilities are endless with the Galaxy Z Fold 2.

In closed mode, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is a normal smartphone with a 6.2" touch screen which you use just as a normal smart device. Perfect for one handed operation, whether its texting, talking, gaming or taking pictures. Unfolded, the main screen measures a massive 7.6", the display delivers rich colours of dynamic AMOLED 2X4. The screen is designed to emit less blue light so you can unfold to a table-sized viewing experience for hours on end with minimal strain on your eyes.  All the apps for the Galaxy Z Fold 2 are optimized for the devices which feature app continuation, so if you're working on the device while its folded, soon as you unfold it, the app you're working on will transfer to the bigger screen so you can continue with what you were doing and not lose any vital information. You can also drag and drop files from various apps which makes things much easier and quicker. 

Speaking of quick, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 omes with a 5G chipset so it's ready for the fastest network. With the device boasting a dual battery with a combined power output of 4500mAh, along with improved AI which actively saves the phones energy, you can be rest assured that the Galaxy Z Fold 2 will give you more than a days worth of use. The Z Fold 2 comes with a triple camera set-up, all three of them being 12MP with a wide, telephoto and ultrawide lens. The Selfie camera is a 10MP wide lens which there is two off, one on the front folded screen and one in the large display. The Galaxy Z Fold 2 will be available for pre-order from the 7th of September 2020 at a RRP of R49,999 with units due to arrive towards the end of the month. It will be available in two colours, Mystic Black and the ever popular Mystic Bronze. 

Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Unpacked

Wednesday saw Samsung unveil their latest in the Note model of flagship devices to the world, the Note 20 series showcased just why it remains one of the worlds leading business orientated smart devices. Experiencing the launch from home was a first for many of us media partners but hats off to Samsung SA for having a private launch for us so that we could ask some questions to the big wigs before the global proceedings. So whats new with the Note? Well lots, first up there's three variants, the Note 20 LTE, the Note 20 5G and the Note 20 Ultra 5G. With global demand shift to 5G networks its understandable that most models would be 5G ready, SA has already begun its roll-out in main business areas and slowly it will make its way all over, with this in mind Samsung SA chose to also bring in the LTE version of the device seeing that many wont be able to make full use of the 5G services. 

Both devices are styled beautifully, both in a full metal unibody available in a host of mystic colours, with the pick of the bunch being mystic bronze. The Galaxy Note 20 features a 6.7" Infinity-O Display with the Ultra having a bigger 6.9" Infinity-O Display and a refresh rate of 120Hz! Camera wise, both devices feature packed optics with both having a triple camera systems, the Note 20 features a 64MP main camera with 3x hybrid optical zoom and the Note 20 Ultra having a 108MP main camera with 5x Optical zoom from the telescope lens. The Note 20 Ultra has 8K recording capabilities hence the high refresh rate on the screen, for ultra clear and crisp footage. Battery life on both devices is as good as it gets, with the standard Note 20 having a 4,300mAh battery and the Ultra coming with a 4,500mAh battery.  

The key selling point for the Note is how it is transforming the way we work, with the drastic change in times that we're in, working from just about anywhere is critical so with the Note 20 it is trying to give you an all in one business capable device. With easy synchronization from Dex via Microsoft or Google, you can start off working on documents from your phone and finish them off on your PC or tablet. With the dynamic new S-Pen, you can jot down notes and the new AI converts them into text, the AI learns as you write and predicts what you're writing for faster point taking. It can also record conversations or lectures as your write so you can listen to what was being said while you were making notes, a real game changer for many. 

While the Note 20 might be seen as a business device, Microsoft came in to ensure that it has a fun aspect to it as well with its Xbox pairing system. With the Bluetooth controller and clamp you can use the Note 20 as a second screen for gaming or carry it around wherever you go and continue your favourite games when you have nothing to do. It's perfect for all you gamers out there as with the Xbox controller, you don't feel out of touch having to readjust to using the phone as your controller. Don't have an Xbox? Well thats okay too, you can cast your phone screen to your smart TV and then your Note 20 becomes the controller!

Samsung also launched some other goodies at the launch, first being their new Galaxy Buds Live, a retake on the  conventional wireless earphones. This all new design looks like a bean, has a perfect in ear fit thats not only comfortable but sits well too, so there isn't a risk of it falling out while you're on a run or doing vigorous exercises. The Buds Live also works well with the video camera on the device, where it can pair up with the mic and record your voice clearly while in a crowd. It has a 6 hours playing time and the carry case has up to 21 hours charging time for the buds. Also launched was the Galaxy Watch 3, a stylish new edition to the smart watch models in the range, it features a host of apps, as well exercises which pair to your phone and can be cast to your TV so you can see follow the training from there. It also has built GPS to track your runs and workouts, an ECG setting to check how fit you're are as well as give you accurate blood pressure readings on the go. Another cool feature is how you can personalize the watch face by snapping a picture of what youre wearing, the AI will select faces with colours close enough to match your outfit!

Local pricing for the devices are as follows.

• Galaxy Note 20 LTE - R24,999
• Galaxy Note 20 5G - R27,999
• Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G - R36,999
• Galaxy Buds Live - R3,999
• Galaxy Watch 3 LTE - (45mm) R10,499/ (41mm) R9,999
• Galaxy Watch 3 Bluetooth - (45mm) R9,499/ (41mm) R8,999

All these devices will be in the country from the end of August with pre-orders already open on the Samsung e-Store. Pre-orders for the Galaxy Note 20 will include a R4,000 voucher to spend on anything from the store. Samsung Global launch also showcased the Galaxy Z Fold 2 which will be available in the country from September. 

Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2020

Last night's Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event saw the release of the much anticipated Galaxy S20 Series flagship devices, yes like their Chinese competitor, Samsung have also ditched going through the teens and have jumped straight from 10 to 20. Maybe it has something to do with the year?  Actually it does, Justin Hume, Director of Integrated Mobility at Samsung SA had this to say "As we enter this new decade, how we communicate and how we experience the world around us has evolved. Samsung is therefore providing a next-generation device for transforming peoples lives. With an incredible AI powered camera, you can capture the moments as they happen and connect more seamlessly with the people you love"

Getting back to the devices, there are three phones that make up the Galaxy S20 Series, namely the, S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra, all of whom will be available locally from March 6th 2020. Big talking points from these devices are definitely the camera or should I say camera's with the S20+ and S20 Ultra boasting 5 lenses, the S20 being the entry level has the least features but does share some of the lenses with its siblings. The S20 Ultra primary camera is a whopping 108MP with built-in OIS which is miles ahead of the S20+ and S20 which only features a 12MP primary camera lens. Samsung say their whole approach with this new camera AI system is to increase clarity in their pictures, for higher quality images in low light. 

The S20 Ultra also boasts a telephoto lens which has 10x Optical Zoom and 100x Space zoom which is twice than what the current market competitor has to offer. Samsung have added an optical image stabilizer to assist with taking pictures at full zoom but clarity will deteriorate as you zoom in more on the subject. Users maybe more inclined to take pictures at full 108MP and crop for better clarity in the images.  Samsung have also added a cool trick to their S20 devices, called "Single Take" which takes pictures from all 5 lenses and allows you to go through each image keeping the ones you want and discarding the others. This allows the users to pick the perfect capture and also showcases the different lenses attributes so the user can get more accustomed to what lens does what. 

When it comes to videos, there is no competitor to Samsung Mobile devices, they're still leading the way with the S20 Ultra offering recording in 8K! While you're going to need an 8K television to watch these videos, and those are not cheap it's nice to know that you have that kind of quality in your device. You can also snap 33MP stills from your 8K video. With Samsung's Super Steady recording feature, anti-rolling stabilization and AI motion analysis you can be sure that none of your videos will have any shakes to them. It will look as if you were using a gimbal. 

Samsung Galaxy S20 Series will be available locally from the 6th of March, pricing and colours noted below. 

• Galaxy S20: Cosmic Grey, Cloud Blue, Cloud Pink - R18,999
• Galaxy S20+: Comsic Grey, Cloud Blue, Cloud Pink - R20,999
• Galaxy S20 Ultra: Cosmic Grey, Comsic Black - R26,999

Samsung Mobile also used this event to launch their new foldable device, the Galaxy Z Flip, in my opinion the best use of fold tech in a mobile device to date! It's the first ever foldable glass display where by the Galaxy Fold made use of plastic which left a nasty crease line. This one seems seamless and beautiful. The company says its a statement making smartphone and so far it's got everyone gasping, even me! It's bold, stylish and designed for those who see cutting-edge technology as a way to express themselves. It features a 6.7" touch screen display that fold into a stylish and compact form factor that fits into the palm of your hand. Samsung's innovative Hideaway Hinge and custom built UX, provides the Galaxy Flip with an elegant finish when folded or opened. Good news is that the Galaxy Z Flip will be available locally, and before the S20 Series touches down on the 22nd of February. There will be limited stock at selected stores around the country with more locations made available from 1st of March.

• Galaxy Z Flip: Mirror Purple, Mirror Black - R29,999