Samsung is a well-known and respected brand in the smartphone industry, and its track record for updating its devices is one of the best among Android manufacturers. The company has a policy of providing up to four major software updates for its devices, which is something that is not offered by many other companies.
One of the latest devices to receive an update is the Galaxy A04s, an affordable entry-level smartphone that is available for around KES 19000 or less in Kenya. The Galaxy A04s runs on One UI Core 5.0, which includes a subset of the full version’s features, and has received the Android 13 update, which includes the November 2022 security patch. The device is also set to receive quarterly security updates, with the next update expected to arrive in the first quarter of next year.
Some of the key features of the One UI 5 include a customizable lock screen, a wide range of clock faces and color palettes to choose from, and the ability to set a short video as your lock screen wallpaper.
Android 13 includes several new features and improvements, such as new Material You color schemes and cinematic wallpapers, opt-in notifications, a QR code scanner in the quick settings toggle, a warning for crooked apps that drain the battery in the background, Ultra-wideband (UWB) support, full support for Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) audio, an improved output picker and media player, the option to make the lock screen clock more subtle, improved clipboard management, predictive back gestures, and a 7-day view on the Privacy Dashboard.
In addition to the Galaxy A04s, several other Samsung devices have been updated to Android 13, including the S-Series (Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra, S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S21 FE, S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S20 FE, and S10 Lite), foldables (Galaxy Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4, Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3, Z Fold 2, Z Flip, and Z Flip 5G), Notes (Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra, and Note 10 Lite), A-Series (Galaxy A53 5G, A33 5G, A73 5G, A72, A52 5G, A52s 5G, and A71), and tablets (Galaxy Tab S8, Tab S8 Ultra, Tab S7, and Tab S7+).
Samsung Electronics recently reported strong financial results for the third quarter of 2022, with total consolidated revenue reaching a record KRW 76.78 trillion, despite a challenging business environment.
Operating profit for the quarter was KRW 10.85 trillion, a 23% decline from the previous quarter. The company’s Memory Business saw a decline in earnings due to inventory adjustments by customers and weak demand for consumer products, while the System LSI Business saw lower profits due to weak demand for mobile phones and TVs.
The Foundry Business, however, saw record quarterly revenue due to improving yields in advanced nodes. The Mobile experience (MX) Business saw solid profitability, driven by sales of flagship products, including foldables, and new wearables. The Networks Business saw an improvement in earnings, led by overseas businesses, including a deal with Comcast.
The Visual Display Business expanded sales of premium products, but saw a decline in earnings due to weak demand and increased costs.
The Digital Appliances Business faced challenges due to higher materials and logistics costs and sluggish demand.
In the fourth quarter, the Memory Business expects there to be fundamental server demand based on core infrastructure investments, but inventory adjustments are likely to continue.
The MX Business will continue to sustain strong sales of premium smartphones and expand sales of tablets and wearables, while focusing on profitability amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties.
The Digital Appliances Business will aim to increase revenue with higher sales in the premium segment and online channels during the year-end seasonality.
In 2023, the company expects demand to recover to some extent, but macroeconomic uncertainties are likely to persist. The Device Solutions Division plans to address demand for high-density products and expand contributions from advanced nodes and adoption of new applications, while the Device experience Division will strengthen its leadership in premium segments and enhance multi-device connectivity across mobile, TVs, and home appliances.
Overall, Samsung’s strong financial performance and commitment to regularly updating its devices make it a top choice for consumers looking for a reliable and well-supported smartphone.
