The family of deceased Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Kun-hee on Wednesday said that they would pay over $10.78 billion (12 trillion won) in inheritance taxes for his estate.

Lee passed away away on October 25 and was largely credited with the transformation of Samsung into a global tech leader. Under him, Samsung became the world’s largest smartphone and memory chip maker. Part of the estate includes shareholdings in Samsung affiliates amounting to over $17 billion.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/samsungs-vice-chairman-lee-jae-yong-jailed-for-25-years-in-bribery-case-357611/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Lee family’s inheritance tax bill is one of the largest ever globally and in Korea both. The family’s handling of the bill is being watched closely for it could lead the family losing controlling stake in the company. Reuters reported that the family was considering using shares in affiliated companies as collateral for personal loans to pay for the tax bill.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/samsung-heir-jailed-for-25-years-over-bribery-357426" hreflang="en">Samsung heir jailed for 2.5 years over bribery</a>

This would ensure that their extensive Samsung holdings are not sold off.

The family put out a statement on Wednesday but did not reveal how Lee’s shares will be distributed among the heirs and whether any of these shares would be sold. The family is expected to use dividends from their own as well as Lee’s shareholdings to pay part of the tax, many analysts believe.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/south-korea-holds-final-hearing-in-samsung-leader-jay-y-lees-graft-trial-353333" hreflang="en">South Korea holds final hearing in Samsung leader Jay Y Lee's graft trial</a>

Lee’s shareholdings include a 4.18 per cent stake in Samsung Electronics, 0.08 per cent of Samsung Electronics preferred shares, 20.76 per cent of Samsung Life Insurance, 2.88 per cent of Samsung C&amp;T, and 0.01 per cent stake in Samsung SDS.

According to South Korean tax code valuation, these all are worth over $17 billion (18.96 trillion won).

(With inputs from agencies)

The family of deceased Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Kun-hee on Wednesday said that they would pay over $10.78 billion (12 trillion won) in inheritance taxes for his estate.

The family of deceased Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Kun-hee on Wednesday said that they would pay over $10.78 billion (12 trillion won) in inheritance taxes for his estate. Lee passed away away on October 25 and was largely credited with the transformation of Samsung into a global tech leader. Under him, Samsung became the world’s largest smartphone and memory chip maker. Part of the estate includes shareholdings in Samsung affiliates amounting to over $17 billion. The Lee family’s inheritance tax bill is one of the largest ever globally and in Korea both. The family’s handling of the bill is being watched closely for it could lead the family losing controlling stake in the company. Reuters reported that the family was considering using shares in affiliated companies as collateral for personal loans to pay for the tax bill. Also read: Samsung heir jailed for 2.5 years over bribery This would ensure that their extensive Samsung holdings are not sold off. The family put out a statement on Wednesday but did not reveal how Lee’s shares will be distributed among the heirs and whether any of these shares would be sold. The family is expected to use dividends from their own as well as Lee’s shareholdings to pay part of the tax, many analysts believe. Also read: South Korea holds final hearing in Samsung leader Jay Y Lee's graft trial Lee’s shareholdings include a 4.18 per cent stake in Samsung Electronics, 0.08 per cent of Samsung Electronics preferred shares, 20.76 per cent of Samsung Life Insurance, 2.88 per cent of Samsung C&T, and 0.01 per cent stake in Samsung SDS. According to South Korean tax code valuation, these all are worth over $17 billion (18.96 trillion won). (With inputs from agencies)

Samsung's Lee family set to pay over $10 billion inheritance taxes

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd is considering Austin, Texas, as one of the sites for a new $17 billion chip plant that the South Korean firm said could create 1,800 jobs, according to documents filed with Texas state officials.

Samsung considers Austin for $17 billion chip plant, eyes tax breaks of at least $806 million

There is a leadership crisis in Samsung. South Korea has sentenced Samsung's heir and Vice Chairman Jay Y Lee to two and a half years in prison. What happens to the world's largest smartphone maker?

Gravitas: South Korea jails Samsung's heir

The final hearing of a trial that will decide whether Samsung Electronics Co Ltd Vice Chairman Jay Y. Lee returns to jail for alleged bribery began in a Seoul court on Wednesday.

The heir of one of South Korea`s most powerful families was convicted of bribing an associate of former President Park Geun-hye and jailed for five years in 2017. That sentence was reduced and suspended on appeal and he only served a year in jail before being freed in 2018.

A subsequent Supreme Court ruling sent the matter back to the Seoul High Court, which must now decide on a new sentence. A decision is not expected until early next year.

While not the only legal challenge Lee is dealing with - he is also on trial for alleged fraud and stock price manipulation - the bribery case is the biggest immediate threat to his leadership of Samsung Electronics.

Lee, who entered the court in a dark suit and grey tie, is expected to read a statement near the end of the hearing.

Lee, 52, has been the de facto head of Samsung Electronics since his father Lee Kun-hee was hospitalised in 2014.

The elder Lee passed away in October but his role as chairman has yet to be filled.

A return to jail could see the younger Lee sidelined from major decisions at the smartphone-to-semiconductor giant, at a time when the family needs to raise funds to pay a hefty inheritance tax and potentially juggle equity stakes in key affiliates to shore up its control.

How much more jail time Lee serves, if any, will partly depend on the court`s evaluation of the work of an independent compliance committee set up by Samsung earlier this year.

The committee, headed by a former Supreme Court judge, was established in January to monitor wrongdoing by executives and suggest remedies.

Prosecutors sought a nine-year jail term for Lee, saying that defendants, including Lee, "did not show passive resistance" to former President Park`s unlawful demands.

Under South Korean law, a jail term of three years or less can be suspended; more than that and the person must serve out the term barring a presidential pardon.

The final hearing of a trial that will decide whether Samsung Electronics Co Ltd Vice Chairman Jay Y. Lee returns to jail for alleged bribery began in a Seoul court on Wednesday.

The final hearing of a trial that will decide whether Samsung Electronics Co Ltd Vice Chairman Jay Y. Lee returns to jail for alleged bribery began in a Seoul court on Wednesday. The heir of one of South Korea`s most powerful families was convicted of bribing an associate of former President Park Geun-hye and jailed for five years in 2017. That sentence was reduced and suspended on appeal and he only served a year in jail before being freed in 2018. A subsequent Supreme Court ruling sent the matter back to the Seoul High Court, which must now decide on a new sentence. A decision is not expected until early next year. While not the only legal challenge Lee is dealing with - he is also on trial for alleged fraud and stock price manipulation - the bribery case is the biggest immediate threat to his leadership of Samsung Electronics. Lee, who entered the court in a dark suit and grey tie, is expected to read a statement near the end of the hearing. Lee, 52, has been the de facto head of Samsung Electronics since his father Lee Kun-hee was hospitalised in 2014. The elder Lee passed away in October but his role as chairman has yet to be filled. A return to jail could see the younger Lee sidelined from major decisions at the smartphone-to-semiconductor giant, at a time when the family needs to raise funds to pay a hefty inheritance tax and potentially juggle equity stakes in key affiliates to shore up its control. How much more jail time Lee serves, if any, will partly depend on the court`s evaluation of the work of an independent compliance committee set up by Samsung earlier this year. The committee, headed by a former Supreme Court judge, was established in January to monitor wrongdoing by executives and suggest remedies. Prosecutors sought a nine-year jail term for Lee, saying that defendants, including Lee, "did not show passive resistance" to former President Park`s unlawful demands. Under South Korean law, a jail term of three years or less can be suspended; more than that and the person must serve out the term barring a presidential pardon.

South Korea holds final hearing in Samsung leader Jay Y Lee's graft trial

The Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is offering financial incentives to Samsung Electronics Co in a bid to set up a 48.25 billion rupees ($654.36 million) display factory.

Right now, Samsung is re-locating the factory to India from China, in a bid to boost manufacturing in India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been attempting to boost local manufacturing, and has repeatedly asserted the need to make India a manufacturing hub.&nbsp;

India has the world’s second largest market for smartphones, with a lot of room for growth. Due to this, companies like Samsung are heavily investing in local growth.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/samsung-stops-including-chargers-with-phones-after-mocking-apple-for-the-same-348380" hreflang="en">Samsung stops including chargers with phones after mocking Apple for the same</a>

Earlier in 2020, India approved financial incentives to boost domestic smartphone production under 16 companies.

The central government’s $6.65 billion plan covers Samsung, and Apple suppliers Foxconn, Wistron, and Pegatron.

Uttar Pradesh government on Friday said that Samsung would get 7 billion rupees in financial benefits. In addition, the company would also receive exemption of tax payable after the land is given to Samsung for the factory.

Reuters had earlier reported that Samsung was seeking tax incentives from Uttar Pradesh for its display manufacturing plant.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/samsung-may-launch-flagship-phone-early-to-grab-huawei-share-341786" hreflang="en">Samsung may launch flagship phone early to grab Huawei share</a>

The particular unit would create 510 direct jobs, and should be operational by next year. The company already has a mobile phone manufacturing plant in Uttar Pradesh, considered one of the world’s largest.

Over the last few months, China has faced increasing backlash as it pins blame on other countries for spreading COVID-19. As a result, most governments have become wary of Chinese activity in their regions.

India too, worries about Chinese influence in the country, and set out to achieve the goal of self reliance&nbsp;by banning a series of Chinese apps, local versions&nbsp;of which can now&nbsp;be accessed on digital marketplaces.

The Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is offering financial incentives to Samsung Electronics Co in a bid to set up a 48.25 billion rupees ($654.36 million) display factory.

The Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is offering financial incentives to Samsung Electronics Co in a bid to set up a 48.25 billion rupees ($654.36 million) display factory. Right now, Samsung is re-locating the factory to India from China, in a bid to boost manufacturing in India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been attempting to boost local manufacturing, and has repeatedly asserted the need to make India a manufacturing hub. India has the world’s second largest market for smartphones, with a lot of room for growth. Due to this, companies like Samsung are heavily investing in local growth. Also read: Samsung stops including chargers with phones after mocking Apple for the same Earlier in 2020, India approved financial incentives to boost domestic smartphone production under 16 companies. The central government’s $6.65 billion plan covers Samsung, and Apple suppliers Foxconn, Wistron, and Pegatron. Uttar Pradesh government on Friday said that Samsung would get 7 billion rupees in financial benefits. In addition, the company would also receive exemption of tax payable after the land is given to Samsung for the factory. Reuters had earlier reported that Samsung was seeking tax incentives from Uttar Pradesh for its display manufacturing plant. Also read: Samsung may launch flagship phone early to grab Huawei share The particular unit would create 510 direct jobs, and should be operational by next year. The company already has a mobile phone manufacturing plant in Uttar Pradesh, considered one of the world’s largest. Over the last few months, China has faced increasing backlash as it pins blame on other countries for spreading COVID-19. As a result, most governments have become wary of Chinese activity in their regions. India too, worries about Chinese influence in the country, and set out to achieve the goal of self reliance by banning a series of Chinese apps, local versions of which can now be accessed on digital marketplaces.

Uttar Pradesh approves incentives for relocation of Samsung factory from China

In a war between two ultra rich tech conglomerates, who wins? Not us, that’s for sure. Apple and Samsung have been warring for years now, both accusing each other of unoriginality, and of lifting each others features. 
 
Even though Samsung has bore the brunt of being the imitator in this sour relationship, Apple has been constantly questioned for getting parts of its devices through makers like Samsung and LG. But now, copycat Samsung has struck again. But this time, a lot of love has been lost.

Earlier this year, Apple announced that it would not be supplying a wall charger and/or a set of cabled headphones with its devices starting with iPhone 12, a move which invited scorn from many, and Apple-induced admiration from some.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/samsung-may-launch-flagship-phone-early-to-grab-huawei-share-341786" hreflang="en">Samsung may launch flagship phone early to grab Huawei share</a>

After the move was announced, Samsung jumped on mockery train pretty quickly. In fact it tweeted out from its official Twitter account - “Your galaxy does give you what you’re looking for. From the most basic as a charger, to the best camera….”. Attached was a picture of a Samsung power adapter, a direct attack at Apple.

Since then, the tweet has been deleted, and well, so has the sentiment. Turns out, Samsung will not ship power adapters or a pair of headphones with its upcoming Galaxy S21 series, which are set to be revealed in January 2021.

The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra will reportedly not have any accompanying charger, or headphones, much to the dismay of Android users.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/another-win-samsung-and-apple-strike-deal-with-india-abandon-china-333284" hreflang="en">Another win: Samsung and Apple strike deal with India; abandon China</a>

Apple has been known for its radical moves that shape the route of the mobile technology. First, it opted for a charging port of its own as opposed to the USB, then it forsake it. Then, it dropped the headphone jack, which has now become the norm. With this move, Apple is expected to influence a new set of normals in the industry for the next few years.

Apple claims that the move was triggered by the need to help the environment, and to minimise the company’s carbon emissions.

In a war between two ultra rich tech conglomerates, who wins? Not us, that’s for sure. Apple and Samsung have been warring for years now, both accusing each other of unoriginality, and of lifting each others features.

In a war between two ultra rich tech conglomerates, who wins? Not us, that’s for sure. Apple and Samsung have been warring for years now, both accusing each other of unoriginality, and of lifting each others features. Even though Samsung has bore the brunt of being the imitator in this sour relationship, Apple has been constantly questioned for getting parts of its devices through makers like Samsung and LG. But now, copycat Samsung has struck again. But this time, a lot of love has been lost. Earlier this year, Apple announced that it would not be supplying a wall charger and/or a set of cabled headphones with its devices starting with iPhone 12, a move which invited scorn from many, and Apple-induced admiration from some. Also read: Samsung may launch flagship phone early to grab Huawei share After the move was announced, Samsung jumped on mockery train pretty quickly. In fact it tweeted out from its official Twitter account - “Your galaxy does give you what you’re looking for. From the most basic as a charger, to the best camera….”. Attached was a picture of a Samsung power adapter, a direct attack at Apple. Since then, the tweet has been deleted, and well, so has the sentiment. Turns out, Samsung will not ship power adapters or a pair of headphones with its upcoming Galaxy S21 series, which are set to be revealed in January 2021. The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra will reportedly not have any accompanying charger, or headphones, much to the dismay of Android users. Also read: Another win: Samsung and Apple strike deal with India; abandon China Apple has been known for its radical moves that shape the route of the mobile technology. First, it opted for a charging port of its own as opposed to the USB, then it forsake it. Then, it dropped the headphone jack, which has now become the norm. With this move, Apple is expected to influence a new set of normals in the industry for the next few years. Apple claims that the move was triggered by the need to help the environment, and to minimise the company’s carbon emissions.

Samsung stops including chargers with phones after mocking Apple for the same

INVEST IN TECH THIS FESTIVE SEASON

The festive season is upon us! It is that time of the year when we dive into our savings and indulge in some retail therapy. With Diwali and other festivals coming up, we're all hoping to make the most of sales and offers, upgrade our gadgets and deck up our homes.

The year 2020 hasn't been easy on any of us. The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have made us all realise one thing -- that home is where the heart is. So this year, I suggest you invest in your home and make your personal space smarter with tech.&nbsp;

Lockdowns have inspired us to cook up a storm in the kitchen, try some interesting do-it-yourself hairstyles and even make our homes clutter-free and more organised. And technology has played a huge role in it.

So if you're planning on buying and gifting some useful options in the festive season, I say put some tech into your shopping cart. Our festive buying guide has something for everyone.

BREATHE BETTER WITH AIR PURIFIERS

This is a category which has graduated from gifting options to home essentials in the last few years. The Covid-19 pandemic has put the focus on healthy lungs yet again and as pollution rises, air purifiers have become a necessity. You'll be surprised to see the poor air quality in indoor spaces!

<h6 data-ogsc="rgb(69, 69, 69)"><img alt="oo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="42a344b7-6c9e-4b24-aeae-f506cc842a3c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_161.jpg" /> 
DYSON PURE HOT+COOL 
PRICE: ₹55,900</h6>

Opt for the Philips AC1217 for your master bedroom priced at ₹12,995. And if you have a bigger budget, the Blueair Blue 211 is a great option at just over ₹20,000.&nbsp;

And for those with deeper pockets, the Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Air Purifier promises cleaner air indoors for ₹55,900.

ALEXA CAN PLAY SHOW AND TELL

"Alexa, play my favourite workout music!" This has become the wake-up call for many of us in lockdown. The Amazon Echo Show 8 is a great addition to your home which can organise your day. With an 8-inch HD screen and stereo sound, Alexa can play show and tell. You can watch your favourite shows, cook with your favourite chefs and control your smart home through Alexa.

<img alt="Echo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1fb92fc9-2ebe-4ad9-8d75-0d3c35dbbe25" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_45.jpg" />

&nbsp;

<h6 data-ogsc="rgb(69, 69, 69)">Echo Show 8 
PRICE:&nbsp;₹6,999.00</h6>

Pro tip: it's also an engaging tool for your children who can learn and play with Alexa. Confession: I often make my toddler practise the alphabet with Alexa as I manage other chores!

EASY CLEANING WITH VACUUM CLEANERS

The lockdowns have made us more self-reliant. If your mission is to achieve squeaky clean floors and furniture, the mighty Dyson V11 is your best friend. It looks like Thor's hammer instead of a vacuum cleaner, catches every speck of dust and grime across multiple surfaces and is an investment for your home. It is a pricey option but this cord-free vacuum is a workhorse and makes tedious cleaning fuss-free.

<img alt="Dyson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="006c1ad5-04ee-4267-9dc4-cd7a35e79e06" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_41.jpg" />

<h6 data-ogsc="rgb(69, 69, 69)">DYSON V11 ABSOLUTE PRO 
PRICE:&nbsp;₹52,900</h6>

Houses with the happy clutter created by kids will welcome this suggestion as you can clean up messy floors and shelves in seconds!

SMART AUDIO

It's still a risky affair heading to a packed gym so we suggest you stick to effective home workouts and outdoor runs. A sturdy pair of wireless earphones is your best bet. Go for the Sony WF-XB700 wireless earphones which offers great sound with Sony's famous Extra Bass technology. At ₹7,990, they're priced well.&nbsp;

<img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4e61bfc1-3f6a-48ff-8969-a9250afa55ab" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/4_6.jpg" />

<h6 data-ogsc="rgb(69, 69, 69)">Sony WH-1000XM4 
PRICE: ₹26,990</h6>

If you're willing to splurge more, the Apple Airpods are a popular option for ₹14,900 for those in the Apple ecosystem.

<h6 data-ogsc="rgb(69, 69, 69)"><img alt="Airpods" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6c9f578e-754c-45fc-b26e-529832dbd618" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_52.jpg" /> 
Apple Airpods 
PRICE:&nbsp;₹14,900</h6>

And if you're looking for a stellar flagship pair of headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM4 with 30 hours of playback is an investment you won't regret at ₹26,990.

In the portable speaker category, go for the JBL Charge 3 which is water-proof and offers booming sound for ₹7,999.

STAY AT HOME AND STYLE AT HOME

Your wife, mother or sister may squeal with joy for this one. The Dyson Corrale is a gamechanger. It is a cordless styling tool which possibly explains the steep price tag of ₹36,900.

<h6 data-ogsc="rgb(69, 69, 69)"><img alt="a" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a217b774-4cba-4770-89ad-067ad2c2e6b2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_25.jpg" /> 
Dyson Corrale 
PRICE:&nbsp;₹36,900</h6>

Another feature I like is that it delivers results quickly without inflicting the kind of hair damage that other heat-styling tools do.&nbsp;

For men, the Philips OneBlade beard trimmer at ₹2,199 is a great grooming tool.

LIGHT UP YOUR HOME -- SMARTLY

A smart home is incomplete without a smart light and the Philips Hue remains a favourite.

<h6 data-ogsc="rgb(69, 69, 69)"><img alt="philips" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="de5ac0f0-ad1e-4759-97de-55c78e6e1fe3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_79.jpg" /> 
Philips Hue 10W B22 Smart Bulb 
PRICE:&nbsp;₹2,295</h6>

Available for around ₹2,195 online, it can be controlled through your phone or tablet and is the perfect addition to your pretty corners in the festival of lights.

UPGRADE YOUR TV

In the times of a pandemic, my only hope is that you're not stepping out for any Diwali parties and instead, enjoying your favourite sitcom from the cozy comforts of your home. For your family room, I'd recommend the new LG OLED TV with a jaw-dropping display where the black is dark enough and the stars are super bright.

<img alt="aa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="beea9ebb-c33e-44ee-af92-d7531fa6d2fa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_24.jpg" />

<h6 data-ogsc="rgb(69, 69, 69)">Samsung Frame 
STARTING PRICE: ₹74,990</h6>

You can even opt for VU televisions' Masterpiece TV which comes with a stunning 85-inch screen, a gold finish and quantum dot technology. This one is priced high at ₹3.5 lakh.

Then again, if you're a Samsung loyalist, opt for the Samsung Frame which comes with Samsung QLED technology and great design. Prices start at ₹74,990.

A SMART KITCHEN

And if the kitchen is where you're spending your festive season cooking up a storm for the family, opt for the Samsung Masala, Tadka and Sun-dry Microwave.

<img alt="samsung" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ff5d3a6-8514-4d40-a04f-3898c248b2df" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/6.jpg" />

<h6 data-ogsc="rgb(69, 69, 69)">Samsung Masala, Tadka and Sun-dry Microwave 
STARTING PRICE:&nbsp;₹19,990</h6>

As the name suggests, this microwave is capable of tempering your dishes and is ideal for professionals working from home. Prices start at ₹19,990.

YOUR SMART WORKOUT BUDDY

From tracking your heart rate, fitness levels to even detecting if you suffer a fall, smartwatches are becoming more intuitive with every update.

<h6 data-ogsc="rgb(69, 69, 69)"><img alt="galaxy" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d4f765b3-4b77-4b12-8afc-b1b783ef9544" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3_22.jpg" /> 
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 | 34 mm 
PRICE:&nbsp;₹34,490</h6>

<h6><img alt="Apple Watch" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5ece761-4417-430a-b2d6-c9219af6b5a5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_48.jpg" /> 
Apple Watch Series 6 
PRICE:&nbsp;₹40,900</h6>

Both the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 have plenty of features at similar price points.

<img alt="Smartwatch" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="119a019c-8249-45b6-9dd4-0bf36e67079b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_162.jpg" />

<h6 data-ogsc="rgb(69, 69, 69)">Inbase Urban Pro 
PRICE:&nbsp;₹6,999</h6>

In the budget segment, Indian brand Inbase has come up with the Urban Pro smartwatch for&nbsp;₹6,999 which comes with a 1.3-inch Full Touch LCD Screen, 7 sports modes and a magnetic charging method.

INVEST IN TECH THIS FESTIVE SEASON The festive season is upon us! It is that time of the year when we dive into our savings and indulge in some retail therapy. With Diwali and other festivals coming up, we're all hoping to make the most of sales and offers, upgrade our gadgets and deck up our homes.

INVEST IN TECH THIS FESTIVE SEASON The festive season is upon us! It is that time of the year when we dive into our savings and indulge in some retail therapy. With Diwali and other festivals coming up, we're all hoping to make the most of sales and offers, upgrade our gadgets and deck up our homes. The year 2020 hasn't been easy on any of us. The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have made us all realise one thing -- that home is where the heart is. So this year, I suggest you invest in your home and make your personal space smarter with tech. Lockdowns have inspired us to cook up a storm in the kitchen, try some interesting do-it-yourself hairstyles and even make our homes clutter-free and more organised. And technology has played a huge role in it. So if you're planning on buying and gifting some useful options in the festive season, I say put some tech into your shopping cart. Our festive buying guide has something for everyone. BREATHE BETTER WITH AIR PURIFIERS This is a category which has graduated from gifting options to home essentials in the last few years. The Covid-19 pandemic has put the focus on healthy lungs yet again and as pollution rises, air purifiers have become a necessity. You'll be surprised to see the poor air quality in indoor spaces! DYSON PURE HOT+COOL PRICE: ₹55,900 Opt for the Philips AC1217 for your master bedroom priced at ₹12,995. And if you have a bigger budget, the Blueair Blue 211 is a great option at just over ₹20,000. And for those with deeper pockets, the Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Air Purifier promises cleaner air indoors for ₹55,900. ALEXA CAN PLAY SHOW AND TELL "Alexa, play my favourite workout music!" This has become the wake-up call for many of us in lockdown. The Amazon Echo Show 8 is a great addition to your home which can organise your day. With an 8-inch HD screen and stereo sound, Alexa can play show and tell. You can watch your favourite shows, cook with your favourite chefs and control your smart home through Alexa. Echo Show 8 PRICE: ₹6,999.00 Pro tip: it's also an engaging tool for your children who can learn and play with Alexa. Confession: I often make my toddler practise the alphabet with Alexa as I manage other chores! EASY CLEANING WITH VACUUM CLEANERS The lockdowns have made us more self-reliant. If your mission is to achieve squeaky clean floors and furniture, the mighty Dyson V11 is your best friend. It looks like Thor's hammer instead of a vacuum cleaner, catches every speck of dust and grime across multiple surfaces and is an investment for your home. It is a pricey option but this cord-free vacuum is a workhorse and makes tedious cleaning fuss-free. DYSON V11 ABSOLUTE PRO PRICE: ₹52,900 Houses with the happy clutter created by kids will welcome this suggestion as you can clean up messy floors and shelves in seconds! SMART AUDIO It's still a risky affair heading to a packed gym so we suggest you stick to effective home workouts and outdoor runs. A sturdy pair of wireless earphones is your best bet. Go for the Sony WF-XB700 wireless earphones which offers great sound with Sony's famous Extra Bass technology. At ₹7,990, they're priced well. Sony WH-1000XM4 PRICE: ₹26,990 If you're willing to splurge more, the Apple Airpods are a popular option for ₹14,900 for those in the Apple ecosystem. Apple Airpods PRICE: ₹14,900 And if you're looking for a stellar flagship pair of headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM4 with 30 hours of playback is an investment you won't regret at ₹26,990. In the portable speaker category, go for the JBL Charge 3 which is water-proof and offers booming sound for ₹7,999. STAY AT HOME AND STYLE AT HOME Your wife, mother or sister may squeal with joy for this one. The Dyson Corrale is a gamechanger. It is a cordless styling tool which possibly explains the steep price tag of ₹36,900. Dyson Corrale PRICE: ₹36,900 Another feature I like is that it delivers results quickly without inflicting the kind of hair damage that other heat-styling tools do. For men, the Philips OneBlade beard trimmer at ₹2,199 is a great grooming tool. LIGHT UP YOUR HOME -- SMARTLY A smart home is incomplete without a smart light and the Philips Hue remains a favourite. Philips Hue 10W B22 Smart Bulb PRICE: ₹2,295 Available for around ₹2,195 online, it can be controlled through your phone or tablet and is the perfect addition to your pretty corners in the festival of lights. UPGRADE YOUR TV In the times of a pandemic, my only hope is that you're not stepping out for any Diwali parties and instead, enjoying your favourite sitcom from the cozy comforts of your home. For your family room, I'd recommend the new LG OLED TV with a jaw-dropping display where the black is dark enough and the stars are super bright. Samsung Frame STARTING PRICE: ₹74,990 You can even opt for VU televisions' Masterpiece TV which comes with a stunning 85-inch screen, a gold finish and quantum dot technology. This one is priced high at ₹3.5 lakh. Then again, if you're a Samsung loyalist, opt for the Samsung Frame which comes with Samsung QLED technology and great design. Prices start at ₹74,990. A SMART KITCHEN And if the kitchen is where you're spending your festive season cooking up a storm for the family, opt for the Samsung Masala, Tadka and Sun-dry Microwave. Samsung Masala, Tadka and Sun-dry Microwave STARTING PRICE: ₹19,990 As the name suggests, this microwave is capable of tempering your dishes and is ideal for professionals working from home. Prices start at ₹19,990. YOUR SMART WORKOUT BUDDY From tracking your heart rate, fitness levels to even detecting if you suffer a fall, smartwatches are becoming more intuitive with every update. Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 | 34 mm PRICE: ₹34,490 Apple Watch Series 6 PRICE: ₹40,900 Both the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 have plenty of features at similar price points. Inbase Urban Pro PRICE: ₹6,999 In the budget segment, Indian brand Inbase has come up with the Urban Pro smartwatch for ₹6,999 which comes with a 1.3-inch Full Touch LCD Screen, 7 sports modes and a magnetic charging method.

Invest in tech this festive season. Here's a comprehensive list of what to buy!

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd&nbsp;may soon launch its flagship Galaxy S smartphones almost&nbsp;a month earlier than expected in a bid to grab market share from Huawei and fend off competition from Apple Inc.

Samsung is preparing to launch its new Galaxy S21 as early as late January next year, whereas it previously launched its flagship S20 phone in early March this year.&nbsp;Samsung, which lost its No.1 position to Huawei in the second quarter, regained the crown in the third thanks in part to the U.S. restrictions on Huawei.

Huawei Technologies Co Ltd&nbsp;once challenged Samsung`s top position in the global smartphone market, but the Chinese rival is in survival mode with U.S. restrictions choking off its supplies of chips used in smartphones and telecom equipment.

South Korean chip industry officials hope Joe Biden`s presidency will ease some of those restrictions, although they are far from certain as they also expect the incoming U.S. administration to maintain a tough stance on China. 
 
The South Korean company shipped 59% fewer Galaxy S20 5G series handsets in the United States in the second quarter compared to the previous model`s performance a year earlier, according to research firm Canalys. In contrast, Apple&nbsp;shipped 15% more of its flagship iPhone 11 than last year`s best-seller, the iPhone XR.

Samsung&nbsp;faces intensifying competition from Chinese rivals like Xiaomi and Oppo, which are expected to take advantage of Huawei’s struggle to retain market share. Apple also launched its iPhone series in October, about a month later than usual, stepping up competition.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd may soon launch its flagship Galaxy S smartphones almost a month earlier than expected in a bid to grab market share from Huawei and fend off competition from Apple Inc.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd may soon launch its flagship Galaxy S smartphones almost a month earlier than expected in a bid to grab market share from Huawei and fend off competition from Apple Inc. Samsung is preparing to launch its new Galaxy S21 as early as late January next year, whereas it previously launched its flagship S20 phone in early March this year. Samsung, which lost its No.1 position to Huawei in the second quarter, regained the crown in the third thanks in part to the U.S. restrictions on Huawei. Huawei Technologies Co Ltd once challenged Samsung`s top position in the global smartphone market, but the Chinese rival is in survival mode with U.S. restrictions choking off its supplies of chips used in smartphones and telecom equipment. South Korean chip industry officials hope Joe Biden`s presidency will ease some of those restrictions, although they are far from certain as they also expect the incoming U.S. administration to maintain a tough stance on China. The South Korean company shipped 59% fewer Galaxy S20 5G series handsets in the United States in the second quarter compared to the previous model`s performance a year earlier, according to research firm Canalys. In contrast, Apple shipped 15% more of its flagship iPhone 11 than last year`s best-seller, the iPhone XR. Samsung faces intensifying competition from Chinese rivals like Xiaomi and Oppo, which are expected to take advantage of Huawei’s struggle to retain market share. Apple also launched its iPhone series in October, about a month later than usual, stepping up competition.

Samsung may launch flagship phone early to grab Huawei share

Shares in Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and affiliates rose on Monday after the death a day earlier of Chairman Lee Kun-hee sparked hopes for restructuring and stake sales, analysts said.

Samsung affiliates' shares rise after Lee's death sparks hopes of shake-up

Lee Kun-hee, who built Samsung Electronics into a global powerhouse in smartphones, semiconductors and televisions, died on Sunday after spending more than six years in hospital following a heart attack, the company said.

The charismatic leader of Samsung Group and the country`s richest person, grew it into South Korea’s biggest conglomerate. But he was also convicted of bribery and tax evasion, and he and the empire he built were vilified for wielding huge economic clout, and for opaque governance and dubious transfers of the family wealth.

"Lee is such a symbolic figure in South Korea`s spectacular rise and how South Korea embraced globalisation, that his death will be remembered by so many Koreans," said Chung Sun-sup, chief executive of corporate researcher firm Chaebul.com.

Samsung Group affiliates` 326.7 trillion won ($289.6 billion) in 2019 revenue was worth 17% of South Korea`s gross domestic product, according to Fair Trade Commission data and a Reuters calculation.

Around 5 p.m. (0800 GMT), Lee`s son Jay Y. Lee, wearing a face mask, walked into the Samsung Medical Center where a memorial was being held. The area for the memorial was limited to 50 people, a sign said.

The funeral will be a small family affair, Samsung said. It did not say when or where the funeral would be.

Lee, who was 78, is the latest second-generation leader of a South Korean family-controlled conglomerate, or chaebol, to die, leaving potentially thorny succession issues for the third generation.

Ruling party leader and former prime minister Lee Nak-yon praised Lee`s leadership, but said, "It can`t be denied that he reinforced chaebol-led economic structure and failed to recognise labour unions."

The death of Lee, with a net worth of $20.9 billion according to Forbes, is set to prompt investor interest in a potential restructuring of the group involving his stakes in key Samsung companies such as Samsung Life Insurance and Samsung Electronics.

Lee owns 20.76% of the insurance firm and is the biggest individual shareholder of Samsung Electronics with a 4.18% stake.

Jay Y. Lee has been embroiled in legal troubles linked to a merger of two Samsung affiliates that helped Lee assume greater control of the group’s flagship Samsung Electronics.

The younger Lee served jail time for his role in a bribery scandal that triggered the impeachment of then-President Park Geun-hye. The case, being heard on appeal, is scheduled to resume on Monday. A separate trial on charges of accounting fraud and stock price manipulation kicked off this month.

"With Lee passing, Samsung Group is now facing the biggest governance shakeup since the merger between Cheil Industries and Samsung C&amp;T" in 2015, said Ahn Sang-hee, a corporate governance expert at Daishin Economic Research Institute.

"For Jay Y. Lee, getting the most of that stake Lee Kun-hee holds is more important than ever," Ahn said. "The key here is with taxes. Coming up with enough taxes related to inheritance and avoiding possible disputes with his sisters are major hurdles."

It remains unclear how the elder Lee`s three children and his wife will split his wealth, an issue that led to family feuds at other chaebols after the deaths of their patriarchs.

"It has been six years since Lee was hospitalised, so if there is a consensus among the children, Samsung will go through an orderly succession. If not, there is a possibility of a feud," said Park Sang-in, a professor at Seoul National University.

Lee died with his family by his side, including Jay Y. Lee, the Samsung Electronics vice chairman, the conglomerate said.

"Chairman Lee was a true visionary who transformed Samsung into the world-leading innovator and industrial powerhouse from a local business," Samsung said in a statement.

The company did not specify the cause of death and declined to comment on whether Lee left a will.

Lee became Samsung Group chairman in 1987 but had to resign more than a decade later after being convicted of bribing the country`s president.

He was convicted again in 2008 of breach of trust and embezzlement, but the long-time member of the International Olympic Committee was pardoned to help the country`s bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics.

His aggressive bets on new businesses, especially semiconductors, helped grow his father Lee Byung-chull`s noodle trading business into a sprawling powerhouse with assets worth some $375 billion, with dozens of affiliates stretching from electronics and insurance to shipbuilding and construction.

"His legacy will be everlasting," Samsung said.

Lee Kun-hee, who built Samsung Electronics into a global powerhouse in smartphones, semiconductors and televisions, died on Sunday after spending more than six years in hospital following a heart attack, the company said.

Lee Kun-hee, who built Samsung Electronics into a global powerhouse in smartphones, semiconductors and televisions, died on Sunday after spending more than six years in hospital following a heart attack, the company said. The charismatic leader of Samsung Group and the country`s richest person, grew it into South Korea’s biggest conglomerate. But he was also convicted of bribery and tax evasion, and he and the empire he built were vilified for wielding huge economic clout, and for opaque governance and dubious transfers of the family wealth. "Lee is such a symbolic figure in South Korea`s spectacular rise and how South Korea embraced globalisation, that his death will be remembered by so many Koreans," said Chung Sun-sup, chief executive of corporate researcher firm Chaebul.com. Samsung Group affiliates` 326.7 trillion won ($289.6 billion) in 2019 revenue was worth 17% of South Korea`s gross domestic product, according to Fair Trade Commission data and a Reuters calculation. Around 5 p.m. (0800 GMT), Lee`s son Jay Y. Lee, wearing a face mask, walked into the Samsung Medical Center where a memorial was being held. The area for the memorial was limited to 50 people, a sign said. The funeral will be a small family affair, Samsung said. It did not say when or where the funeral would be. Lee, who was 78, is the latest second-generation leader of a South Korean family-controlled conglomerate, or chaebol, to die, leaving potentially thorny succession issues for the third generation. Ruling party leader and former prime minister Lee Nak-yon praised Lee`s leadership, but said, "It can`t be denied that he reinforced chaebol-led economic structure and failed to recognise labour unions." The death of Lee, with a net worth of $20.9 billion according to Forbes, is set to prompt investor interest in a potential restructuring of the group involving his stakes in key Samsung companies such as Samsung Life Insurance and Samsung Electronics. Lee owns 20.76% of the insurance firm and is the biggest individual shareholder of Samsung Electronics with a 4.18% stake. Jay Y. Lee has been embroiled in legal troubles linked to a merger of two Samsung affiliates that helped Lee assume greater control of the group’s flagship Samsung Electronics. The younger Lee served jail time for his role in a bribery scandal that triggered the impeachment of then-President Park Geun-hye. The case, being heard on appeal, is scheduled to resume on Monday. A separate trial on charges of accounting fraud and stock price manipulation kicked off this month. "With Lee passing, Samsung Group is now facing the biggest governance shakeup since the merger between Cheil Industries and Samsung C&T" in 2015, said Ahn Sang-hee, a corporate governance expert at Daishin Economic Research Institute. "For Jay Y. Lee, getting the most of that stake Lee Kun-hee holds is more important than ever," Ahn said. "The key here is with taxes. Coming up with enough taxes related to inheritance and avoiding possible disputes with his sisters are major hurdles." It remains unclear how the elder Lee`s three children and his wife will split his wealth, an issue that led to family feuds at other chaebols after the deaths of their patriarchs. "It has been six years since Lee was hospitalised, so if there is a consensus among the children, Samsung will go through an orderly succession. If not, there is a possibility of a feud," said Park Sang-in, a professor at Seoul National University. Lee died with his family by his side, including Jay Y. Lee, the Samsung Electronics vice chairman, the conglomerate said. "Chairman Lee was a true visionary who transformed Samsung into the world-leading innovator and industrial powerhouse from a local business," Samsung said in a statement. The company did not specify the cause of death and declined to comment on whether Lee left a will. Lee became Samsung Group chairman in 1987 but had to resign more than a decade later after being convicted of bribing the country`s president. He was convicted again in 2008 of breach of trust and embezzlement, but the long-time member of the International Olympic Committee was pardoned to help the country`s bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics. His aggressive bets on new businesses, especially semiconductors, helped grow his father Lee Byung-chull`s noodle trading business into a sprawling powerhouse with assets worth some $375 billion, with dozens of affiliates stretching from electronics and insurance to shipbuilding and construction. "His legacy will be everlasting," Samsung said.

Lee Kun-hee, who made South Korea's Samsung a global powerhouse, dies at 78

The great China decoupling is truly underway with India slowly emerging as a viable alternative. New Delhi has given its nod to partners of Apple and Samsung to set up their smartphone manufacturing in India.

India wants to become a smartphone production hub. As many as 16 global companies are ready to set up a base in India.

The Indian government has promised these firms incentives worth well over six billion dollars, and the biggest beneficiaries could be Samsung and Apple.

The South Korean electronics giant has won a place in the government's incentive programme. Three contract manufacturing partners of Apple are also on the list.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/distrust-of-china-jumps-to-new-highs-in-democratic-nations-333269">Also read:&nbsp;Distrust of China jumps to new highs in democratic nations</a>

Ambitious targets

India wants smartphone makers to produce phones and components worth more than 143 billion dollars over the next five years.

According to a report, 60 per cent of the products made locally will be exported. The incentives will generate two lakh direct and six lakh indirect jobs.

India wants to leverage the anti-China sentiment in the global markets. Since the outbreak of the&nbsp;coronavirus, decoupling from China has become the new buzzword as major companies have announced plans to move out of China.

Samsung has shutdown its mobile phone production in China. The company has expanded production in India and Vietnam. Hasbro began shifting its manufacturing last year. The toy maker wants to have only 50 per cent of its products to come from China by the end of this year.

Apple's supplier Foxconn is leaving China too. Reports say the company plans to invest one billion dollars to expand its factory in Chennai.

Electronics company Nintendo and tech company GoPro want to leave China too.

India has positioned itself to leverage this great China exit. In an effort to attract smartphone makers,&nbsp;New Selhi came up with an incentive scheme. These companies have been given a 6 per cent financial incentive on additional sales of goods for the next five years. This is likely to be offered as a tax rebate.

However, India faces an uphill battle.

Chinese smartphone makers dominate the Indian market. According to one report, these companies command an 80 per cent market share in India alone.

So, India must break this Chinese monopoly — anroad, as well as at home.

The great China decoupling is truly underway with India slowly emerging as a viable alternative. New Delhi has given its nod to partners of Apple and Samsung to set up their smartphone manufacturing in India.

The great China decoupling is truly underway with India slowly emerging as a viable alternative. New Delhi has given its nod to partners of Apple and Samsung to set up their smartphone manufacturing in India. India wants to become a smartphone production hub. As many as 16 global companies are ready to set up a base in India. The Indian government has promised these firms incentives worth well over six billion dollars, and the biggest beneficiaries could be Samsung and Apple. The South Korean electronics giant has won a place in the government's incentive programme. Three contract manufacturing partners of Apple are also on the list. Also read: Distrust of China jumps to new highs in democratic nations Ambitious targets India wants smartphone makers to produce phones and components worth more than 143 billion dollars over the next five years. According to a report, 60 per cent of the products made locally will be exported. The incentives will generate two lakh direct and six lakh indirect jobs. India wants to leverage the anti-China sentiment in the global markets. Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, decoupling from China has become the new buzzword as major companies have announced plans to move out of China. Samsung has shutdown its mobile phone production in China. The company has expanded production in India and Vietnam. Hasbro began shifting its manufacturing last year. The toy maker wants to have only 50 per cent of its products to come from China by the end of this year. Apple's supplier Foxconn is leaving China too. Reports say the company plans to invest one billion dollars to expand its factory in Chennai. Electronics company Nintendo and tech company GoPro want to leave China too. India has positioned itself to leverage this great China exit. In an effort to attract smartphone makers, New Selhi came up with an incentive scheme. These companies have been given a 6 per cent financial incentive on additional sales of goods for the next five years. This is likely to be offered as a tax rebate. However, India faces an uphill battle. Chinese smartphone makers dominate the Indian market. According to one report, these companies command an 80 per cent market share in India alone. So, India must break this Chinese monopoly — anroad, as well as at home.

Another win: Samsung and Apple strike deal with India; abandon China

WION's Ankit Tuteja gets his hands on the brand-new Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G. Watch the video to know more about the foldable phone.

Foldable phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G first impressions

Samsung announced its flagship Galaxy Note 20 Ultra smartphone at a time when the pandemic was still raging. The Note line of devices is the cornerstone of everything Samsung does in the smartphone business. While the Galaxy S line of devices are equally powerful, it’s the Note series that elevates the smartphone game year after year.

Back in August, the Note 20 Ultra was put on sale in India at a starting price of Rs 1,04,999. That’s a hefty asking price during a worldwide pandemic. Budgets may be stretched but if the product is that good, then why not?

I’ve been using the smartphone for over a month now and here’s why I think the Note 20 Ultra has a lot to offer

Design: Similar to the previous Note 10+

Let’s start with the design. The smartphone is all-screen at the front, while the back is covered with glass and has curved sides with a thin metal band. There’s the flat top and bottom. It’s one of those designs that immediately stands out despite its gigantic nature.

The 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED display is simply stunning to look at. It’s the back of the smartphone that will attract all the attention though. It’s got an enormous camera bump. So much so that the smartphone will never lie flat on a table when on its back.

What’s best about the rear panel is the frosted glass back. Probably the best Samsung has ever used. It hides fingerprints more than most other phones and also provides for a comfortable grip in one’s hand. In certain situations - answering calls and checking notifications - one-handed usage may be possible but this is really a phone for both your hands.

Samsung’s Note 20 Ultra is the first smartphone in the world to use the new Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back. It can withstand drops up to 2 metres and is twice as scratch-resistant as compared to Gorilla Glass 6.

The camera module is covered with Gorilla Glass 6. Despite a few drops and a couple of nicks here and there, there hasn’t been a single dent on my Note 20 Ultra. It is one sturdy device.

Mystic Bronze goodness

Is the mystic bronze colour really all that it is hyped up to be? The answer to that is YES. It may look like rose gold in certain lightings but it’s got this understated elegance to it. Thanks to the matte finish, there are close to zero fingerprints.

Display: Gorgeousness

<img alt="Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a56f986f-1474-42e9-a910-cc4c38b7a7b4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Samsung%20display%20final.jpg" />

The best-in-class display shows off its strengths on the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.. It might be massive at 6.9 inches but it is pretty faultless. The colours are vivid and punchy and when maxed out at QHD+ resolution, binge-watching is a super treat.

The 120Hz screen refresh rate has been much better implemented than on the Galaxy S20 Plus and S20 Ultra. There’s the “Adaptive” motion smoothness, that adjusts the refresh rate based on the action being performed on the screen. Essentially, this saves battery in the long-run.

The one negative is the optical fingerprint scanner that is buried under the display. It’s easy to set up but the positioning is off. It’s the exact same sensor as in the Note 10+ but it’s inconsistent and slow.

Curved screens: Yay or nay?

The curved display of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra looks immersive, with its waterfall edge. But the edge-to-edge display makes it easy for accidental touches to occur. It’s more prominent when gripping the phone with one hand and typing with the other. Far too many times I unintentionally touched a part of the display I didn’t want to and it got in the way of my typic. Sometimes, an app would be closed by accident.

Some touch rejection along the edges would make this issue mostly go away.

Performance: Will breeze through any task

Despite the Indian variant of the Note 20 Ultra having the Exynos 990 chipset and not the Snapdragon 865+, the smartphone can handle any task with aplomb.

Whether it is capturing multiple photos, flipping through social media feeds, playing game after game, or just reading, the Note 20 Ultra will never slow down.

The Note 20 Ultra developed significant heat during my usage. Whether it was playing Call of Duty: Mobile, taking multiple pictures or even just charging the smartphone, the Note 20 Ultra got hotter than usual. It wasn’t too hot to hold at any point though.

Software: One UI 2.5

Samsung’s Note 20 Ultra runs the latest One UI 2.5 based on Android 10. It’s almost identical to S20 Ultra but has some nifty S Pen features such as handwriting recognition, translation and gesture support and various screen writing and screenshot tools.&nbsp;

One UI 2.5 may be filled with Samsung apps and a Galaxy Store (that basically acts as a duplicate), but the software works well and is very heavily-customised to suit the consumers’ needs. Samsung has promised three years of major Android updates and monthly security patches which bodes well for the company’s outlook.

Battery life: Middling at best

With the Galaxy S20 Ultra there was rarely a time I had to charge the smartphone in the same day. Samsung decided to stick with a 4,500 mAh despite the huge display and state-of-the-art processor. Sure, it is an improvement over the Note 10+’s 4,300 mAh battery, but was hardly an improvement in real world usage.

The Note 20 Ultra lasted me a day and over 5 hours of screen-on-time but barely any charge leftover to last through the night. I always have to put it on charge before hitting the sack.

With the S20 Ultra earlier this year, I rarely had to charge it at night. It was only in the morning, while getting ready, did I put it for charge.

The Note 20 Ultra ships with a 25W charger which means the phone takes about 70 minutes to reach a full charge from being dead. The Note 20 Ultra also supposes 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.

Cameras: The all-important laser autofocus sensor

<img alt="Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review:" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f590d802-1d85-448e-9486-a3e0e6523306" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Camera%20final.jpg" />

One of the biggest downfalls of the S20 Ulta’s camera was blurry shots. The S20 Ultra had 100x digital zoom but the photos were blurry in both zoom shots and general shots.

The laser autofocus helps with all kinds of shorts. It provides for less blurry photos on the whole. Even those with the shakiest of hands get a huge benefit here.

Also, the Note 20 Ultra uses pixel-binning technology. This basically means that it uses a higher lens to capture a shot as smaller megapixels. Then it combines them for a rich and detailed shot. A 108-megapixel lens delivers 27-megapixel shots. It combines four pixels into one.

The Note 20 Ultra has a triple-camera setup plus the laser autofocus sensor.

<ul>
	<li>A 108-megapixel wide-angle camera: You can shoot at full 108 megapixels or the pixel-binned 27-megapixel shots.</li>
	<li>A 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera: This can be used to capture a wider field of view.</li>
	<li>A 12-megapixel telephoto camera: This lens allows for you to capture more details (when zoomed in) and offers up to 5x optical zoom.</li>
</ul>

The Note 20 Ultra’s camera is a huge step up from the S20 Ultra’s camera setup. The speed of the capture and the transitions between the three lenses is excellent. In good lighting, the photos are rich in detail with great colours. The low-light performance has been vastly improved. Using the Night mode is a pleasure.

It is the 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera that steals the show. One of the best implementations of an ultra-wide camera on any phone.

The 12-megapixel telephoto camera is definitely a step up from the S20 Ultra. The optical zoom makes a difference but going into digital zoom and anything over 30x is just not good.

Video quality up to 8K is also quite good and you get a range of shooting options. Finally, the 10-megapixel selfie camera is simply excellent.

This is by far Samsung’s best camera on any of its smartphones. It’s a reliable camera that you can just pull out of your pocket and shoot dozens of great photos in mere minutes.

S Pen: Game-changer

The S Pen on the Note series of devices has been a game changer since Day One. This time around, the latency on the S Pen has been drastically reduced making it a pleasure to use all the time. Taking notes is faster and more accurate.

The Air Actions and the physical button is great. I use it mostly to as a camera shutter

Final observations: Worth the price tag?

While I love the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, and it is Samsung’s best photo to date, expensive smartphones just don’t cut it anymore. Going down the ladder, there are plenty of other phones that offer almost as much as the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra but for far less.

Samsung played it safe with the Note 20 Ultra but that isn’t to cut into the fact that this is a fantastic device. Despite some shortcomings, the Note 20 Ultra has risen to the top of the Android smartphone charts.

During a pandemic nonetheless, spending over one lakh rupees is sheer exuberance. Once the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is on discount, it will be a fantastic deal.

Samsung announced its flagship Galaxy Note 20 Ultra smartphone at a time when the pandemic was still raging. The Note line of devices is the cornerstone of everything Samsung does in the smartphone business.

Samsung announced its flagship Galaxy Note 20 Ultra smartphone at a time when the pandemic was still raging. The Note line of devices is the cornerstone of everything Samsung does in the smartphone business. While the Galaxy S line of devices are equally powerful, it’s the Note series that elevates the smartphone game year after year. Back in August, the Note 20 Ultra was put on sale in India at a starting price of Rs 1,04,999. That’s a hefty asking price during a worldwide pandemic. Budgets may be stretched but if the product is that good, then why not? I’ve been using the smartphone for over a month now and here’s why I think the Note 20 Ultra has a lot to offer Design: Similar to the previous Note 10+ Let’s start with the design. The smartphone is all-screen at the front, while the back is covered with glass and has curved sides with a thin metal band. There’s the flat top and bottom. It’s one of those designs that immediately stands out despite its gigantic nature. The 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED display is simply stunning to look at. It’s the back of the smartphone that will attract all the attention though. It’s got an enormous camera bump. So much so that the smartphone will never lie flat on a table when on its back. What’s best about the rear panel is the frosted glass back. Probably the best Samsung has ever used. It hides fingerprints more than most other phones and also provides for a comfortable grip in one’s hand. In certain situations - answering calls and checking notifications - one-handed usage may be possible but this is really a phone for both your hands. Samsung’s Note 20 Ultra is the first smartphone in the world to use the new Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back. It can withstand drops up to 2 metres and is twice as scratch-resistant as compared to Gorilla Glass 6. The camera module is covered with Gorilla Glass 6. Despite a few drops and a couple of nicks here and there, there hasn’t been a single dent on my Note 20 Ultra. It is one sturdy device. Mystic Bronze goodness Is the mystic bronze colour really all that it is hyped up to be? The answer to that is YES. It may look like rose gold in certain lightings but it’s got this understated elegance to it. Thanks to the matte finish, there are close to zero fingerprints. Display: Gorgeousness The best-in-class display shows off its strengths on the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.. It might be massive at 6.9 inches but it is pretty faultless. The colours are vivid and punchy and when maxed out at QHD+ resolution, binge-watching is a super treat. The 120Hz screen refresh rate has been much better implemented than on the Galaxy S20 Plus and S20 Ultra. There’s the “Adaptive” motion smoothness, that adjusts the refresh rate based on the action being performed on the screen. Essentially, this saves battery in the long-run. The one negative is the optical fingerprint scanner that is buried under the display. It’s easy to set up but the positioning is off. It’s the exact same sensor as in the Note 10+ but it’s inconsistent and slow. Curved screens: Yay or nay? The curved display of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra looks immersive, with its waterfall edge. But the edge-to-edge display makes it easy for accidental touches to occur. It’s more prominent when gripping the phone with one hand and typing with the other. Far too many times I unintentionally touched a part of the display I didn’t want to and it got in the way of my typic. Sometimes, an app would be closed by accident. Some touch rejection along the edges would make this issue mostly go away. Performance: Will breeze through any task Despite the Indian variant of the Note 20 Ultra having the Exynos 990 chipset and not the Snapdragon 865+, the smartphone can handle any task with aplomb. Whether it is capturing multiple photos, flipping through social media feeds, playing game after game, or just reading, the Note 20 Ultra will never slow down. The Note 20 Ultra developed significant heat during my usage. Whether it was playing Call of Duty: Mobile, taking multiple pictures or even just charging the smartphone, the Note 20 Ultra got hotter than usual. It wasn’t too hot to hold at any point though. Software: One UI 2.5 Samsung’s Note 20 Ultra runs the latest One UI 2.5 based on Android 10. It’s almost identical to S20 Ultra but has some nifty S Pen features such as handwriting recognition, translation and gesture support and various screen writing and screenshot tools. One UI 2.5 may be filled with Samsung apps and a Galaxy Store (that basically acts as a duplicate), but the software works well and is very heavily-customised to suit the consumers’ needs. Samsung has promised three years of major Android updates and monthly security patches which bodes well for the company’s outlook. Battery life: Middling at best With the Galaxy S20 Ultra there was rarely a time I had to charge the smartphone in the same day. Samsung decided to stick with a 4,500 mAh despite the huge display and state-of-the-art processor. Sure, it is an improvement over the Note 10+’s 4,300 mAh battery, but was hardly an improvement in real world usage. The Note 20 Ultra lasted me a day and over 5 hours of screen-on-time but barely any charge leftover to last through the night. I always have to put it on charge before hitting the sack. With the S20 Ultra earlier this year, I rarely had to charge it at night. It was only in the morning, while getting ready, did I put it for charge. The Note 20 Ultra ships with a 25W charger which means the phone takes about 70 minutes to reach a full charge from being dead. The Note 20 Ultra also supposes 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. Cameras: The all-important laser autofocus sensor One of the biggest downfalls of the S20 Ulta’s camera was blurry shots. The S20 Ultra had 100x digital zoom but the photos were blurry in both zoom shots and general shots. The laser autofocus helps with all kinds of shorts. It provides for less blurry photos on the whole. Even those with the shakiest of hands get a huge benefit here. Also, the Note 20 Ultra uses pixel-binning technology. This basically means that it uses a higher lens to capture a shot as smaller megapixels. Then it combines them for a rich and detailed shot. A 108-megapixel lens delivers 27-megapixel shots. It combines four pixels into one. The Note 20 Ultra has a triple-camera setup plus the laser autofocus sensor. A 108-megapixel wide-angle camera: You can shoot at full 108 megapixels or the pixel-binned 27-megapixel shots. A 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera: This can be used to capture a wider field of view. A 12-megapixel telephoto camera: This lens allows for you to capture more details (when zoomed in) and offers up to 5x optical zoom. The Note 20 Ultra’s camera is a huge step up from the S20 Ultra’s camera setup. The speed of the capture and the transitions between the three lenses is excellent. In good lighting, the photos are rich in detail with great colours. The low-light performance has been vastly improved. Using the Night mode is a pleasure. It is the 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera that steals the show. One of the best implementations of an ultra-wide camera on any phone. The 12-megapixel telephoto camera is definitely a step up from the S20 Ultra. The optical zoom makes a difference but going into digital zoom and anything over 30x is just not good. Video quality up to 8K is also quite good and you get a range of shooting options. Finally, the 10-megapixel selfie camera is simply excellent. This is by far Samsung’s best camera on any of its smartphones. It’s a reliable camera that you can just pull out of your pocket and shoot dozens of great photos in mere minutes. S Pen: Game-changer The S Pen on the Note series of devices has been a game changer since Day One. This time around, the latency on the S Pen has been drastically reduced making it a pleasure to use all the time. Taking notes is faster and more accurate. The Air Actions and the physical button is great. I use it mostly to as a camera shutter Final observations: Worth the price tag? While I love the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, and it is Samsung’s best photo to date, expensive smartphones just don’t cut it anymore. Going down the ladder, there are plenty of other phones that offer almost as much as the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra but for far less. Samsung played it safe with the Note 20 Ultra but that isn’t to cut into the fact that this is a fantastic device. Despite some shortcomings, the Note 20 Ultra has risen to the top of the Android smartphone charts. During a pandemic nonetheless, spending over one lakh rupees is sheer exuberance. Once the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is on discount, it will be a fantastic deal.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review: The best Android smartphone comes with a hefty price tag

In a series of bad news for China’s Huawei Technologies which has faced global boycott in the face of coronavirus and the alleged role of Chinese companies in providing user data from other countries to the Communist Party of China, Samsung and LG Display are the latest big league players to join the party.

South Korea’s Samsung Electronics and LG will stop supplying display panels to Huawei Technologies as US restrictions continue to define the route of major companies around the world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/samsung-to-end-production-at-its-only-tv-factory-in-china-325748" hreflang="en">Samsung to end production at its only TV factory in China</a>

South Korea’s Chosun Biz reported the news first on Wednesday. The biggest costumers of Samsung Display include its own Samsung Electronics as well the US giant Apple for OLED display screens. Reuters reported that Samsung has declined to comment on the situation.

LG Display in a statement claimed that this move will only cause a minimal impact as the company only ships limited panels to Huawei. The company added that it plans to further diversify its customer base.

In August, US tightened limitations on Huawei, after it banned suppliers from selling chips made in the US to the Chinese company without a special license.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/samsung-crafts-india-comeback-as-anti-china-wave-surges-317823" hreflang="en">Samsung crafts India comeback as anti-China wave surges</a>

The restrictions in question will take effect on September 15, which also includes chips that operate these displays. However, as Chosun Biz reported, Huawei only constitutes a minor portion of their businesses as opposed to Apple, which is their major customer.

Samsung ending TV production as well

Earlier, South Korea’s Samsung Electronics announced that it will cease production at its sole television factory in China this year. By November, the company will have officially ended all formal production in China, the world’s second-largest economy.&nbsp;

The factory for televisions situated in China’s Tianjin is the sole base for production in the country, according to the company’s spokesman.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/apples-taiwan-suppliers-samsung-apply-for-indias-smartphone-scheme-317488" hreflang="en">Apple's Taiwan suppliers, Samsung apply for India's smartphone scheme</a>

Now, Samsung Electronics will be left with a home appliance factory in Suzhou in China. Additionally, the company runs chip production facilities in Suzhou and Xian.

Earlier, Samsung Electronics’ display unit had confirmed that it would sell its majority stake in the Suzhou liquid crystal display (LCD) production unit to &nbsp; TCL Technology Group Corp's Star Optoelectronics Technology unit.

In March, Samsung Display had announced that the company will cease production of all of its LCD panels in South Korea and China before this year ends.

In August 2020, Samsung also added that the company is shutting down its last computer factory in China.

A lot of companies are pulling out of China owing to the global backlash received in the aftermath of COVID-19.

In a series of bad news for China’s Huawei Technologies which has faced global boycott in the face of coronavirus and the alleged role of Chinese companies in providing user data from other countries to the Communist Party of China, Samsung and LG Display are the latest big league players to join the party.

In a series of bad news for China’s Huawei Technologies which has faced global boycott in the face of coronavirus and the alleged role of Chinese companies in providing user data from other countries to the Communist Party of China, Samsung and LG Display are the latest big league players to join the party. South Korea’s Samsung Electronics and LG will stop supplying display panels to Huawei Technologies as US restrictions continue to define the route of major companies around the world. Also read: Samsung to end production at its only TV factory in China South Korea’s Chosun Biz reported the news first on Wednesday. The biggest costumers of Samsung Display include its own Samsung Electronics as well the US giant Apple for OLED display screens. Reuters reported that Samsung has declined to comment on the situation. LG Display in a statement claimed that this move will only cause a minimal impact as the company only ships limited panels to Huawei. The company added that it plans to further diversify its customer base. In August, US tightened limitations on Huawei, after it banned suppliers from selling chips made in the US to the Chinese company without a special license. Also read: Samsung crafts India comeback as anti-China wave surges The restrictions in question will take effect on September 15, which also includes chips that operate these displays. However, as Chosun Biz reported, Huawei only constitutes a minor portion of their businesses as opposed to Apple, which is their major customer. Samsung ending TV production as well Earlier, South Korea’s Samsung Electronics announced that it will cease production at its sole television factory in China this year. By November, the company will have officially ended all formal production in China, the world’s second-largest economy. The factory for televisions situated in China’s Tianjin is the sole base for production in the country, according to the company’s spokesman. Also read: Apple's Taiwan suppliers, Samsung apply for India's smartphone scheme Now, Samsung Electronics will be left with a home appliance factory in Suzhou in China. Additionally, the company runs chip production facilities in Suzhou and Xian. Earlier, Samsung Electronics’ display unit had confirmed that it would sell its majority stake in the Suzhou liquid crystal display (LCD) production unit to TCL Technology Group Corp's Star Optoelectronics Technology unit. In March, Samsung Display had announced that the company will cease production of all of its LCD panels in South Korea and China before this year ends. In August 2020, Samsung also added that the company is shutting down its last computer factory in China. A lot of companies are pulling out of China owing to the global backlash received in the aftermath of COVID-19.

South Korea's Samsung, LG will cease display business with China's Huawei

South Korea’s Samsung Electronics will cease production at its sole television factory in China this year. By November, the company will have officially ended all formal production in China, the world’s second-largest economy.&nbsp;

The factory for televisions situated in China’s Tianjin is the sole base for production in the country, according to the company’s spokesman.

The company in a statement revealed that the decision to shut shop in China is part of the company’s “ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency” in its production capabilities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/samsung-heir-charged-with-fraud-over-succession-linked-deal-324456" hreflang="en">Samsung heir charged with fraud over succession-linked deal</a>

The factory in question has 300 workers, as per numbers reported by Yonhap news agency. The company had not officially announced the number of workers involved in maintaining the factory.

Samsung did add that many workers and equipment will be retained.&nbsp;

Now, Samsung Electronics will be left with a home appliance factory in Suzhou in China. Additionally, the company runs chip production facilities in Suzhou and Xian.

Earlier, Samsung Electronics’ display unit had confirmed that it would sell its majority stake in the Suzhou liquid crystal display (LCD) production unit to &nbsp; TCL Technology Group Corp's Star Optoelectronics Technology unit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/samsung-crafts-india-comeback-as-anti-china-wave-surges-317823" hreflang="en">Samsung crafts India comeback as anti-China wave surges</a>

In March, Samsung Display had announced that the company will cease production of all of its LCD panels in South Korea and China before this year ends.

In August 2020, Samsung also added that the company is shutting down its last computer factory in China.

A lot of companies are pulling out of China owing to the global backlash received in the aftermath of COVID-19.

South Korea’s Samsung Electronics will cease production at its sole television factory in China this year. By November, the company will have officially ended all formal production in China, the world’s second-largest economy.

South Korea’s Samsung Electronics will cease production at its sole television factory in China this year. By November, the company will have officially ended all formal production in China, the world’s second-largest economy. The factory for televisions situated in China’s Tianjin is the sole base for production in the country, according to the company’s spokesman. The company in a statement revealed that the decision to shut shop in China is part of the company’s “ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency” in its production capabilities. Also read: Samsung heir charged with fraud over succession-linked deal The factory in question has 300 workers, as per numbers reported by Yonhap news agency. The company had not officially announced the number of workers involved in maintaining the factory. Samsung did add that many workers and equipment will be retained. Now, Samsung Electronics will be left with a home appliance factory in Suzhou in China. Additionally, the company runs chip production facilities in Suzhou and Xian. Earlier, Samsung Electronics’ display unit had confirmed that it would sell its majority stake in the Suzhou liquid crystal display (LCD) production unit to TCL Technology Group Corp's Star Optoelectronics Technology unit. Also read: Samsung crafts India comeback as anti-China wave surges In March, Samsung Display had announced that the company will cease production of all of its LCD panels in South Korea and China before this year ends. In August 2020, Samsung also added that the company is shutting down its last computer factory in China. A lot of companies are pulling out of China owing to the global backlash received in the aftermath of COVID-19.

Samsung to end production at its only TV factory in China

South Korean prosecutors indicted the heir to the Samsung empire Tuesday over a controversial merger of two business units seen as a key step towards his succession, in the latest legal blow to the sprawling conglomerate.

Lee Jae-yong, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, committed stock manipulation, breach of trust and other offences when two other subsidiaries, Samsung C&amp;T and Cheil Industries, merged in 2015, the prosecutors said.&nbsp;

Ten other current and former top Samsung executives were also charged.

Lee and his subordinates had carried out "a systemic scheme to take control of the Samsung Group with the least cost", said the prosecution, by deploying "various unfair transactions" that damaged other shareholders' interests. &nbsp;

Lee is already separately being retried on charges of bribery, embezzlement and other offences in connection with the corruption scandal that brought down former South Korean President Park Geun-hye.

The businessman was not detained, but the charges are likely to prove a distraction as his firm seeks to navigate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-reportedly-paid-almost-1-billion-to-samsung-for-faltering-on-order-for-screens-313197">Also read:&nbsp;Apple reportedly paid almost $1 billion to Samsung for faltering on order for screens</a>

Samsung Electronics is the flagship subsidiary of the group, which was founded by Lee's grandfather and has grown to become by far the biggest of the family-controlled conglomerates, or chaebols, that dominate business in the world's 12th-largest economy.

Its overall turnover is equivalent to a fifth of South Korea's gross domestic product and is crucial to the country's economic health.

The firm saw profits rise in April-July with data centres moving to stockpile its DRAM chips to meet surging demand for online activities as a result of global lockdowns.

But the South's economy shrank 3.2 per cent year-on-year in the same period, according to a revised estimate by the central Bank of Korea on Tuesday.

Lee's legal team rejected the charges, calling them "one-sided allegations" by the investigators and "totally untrue".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/south-korean-court-denies-arrest-warrant-request-for-samsung-heir-304387">Also read:&nbsp;South Korean court denies arrest warrant request for Samsung heir</a>

"Every process for the merger was carried out legally," they said, adding the indictment against Lee was "not only beyond comprehension, it's lamentable."

'Cloud of uncertainty'

Chaebol families often have only a small ownership stake in their empires, but maintain control through complex webs of cross-shareholdings between units.&nbsp;

Lee was the largest shareholder in Cheil Industries, and critics say Samsung sought to artificially lower the price of C&amp;T to give him a bigger stake in the merged entity -- a key part of the Samsung structure -- consolidating his grip on the conglomerate.

Lee's latest legal troubles add a layer of "uncertainty" to the company and could "burden the South's economy as a whole", said Kim Dae-jong, a business professor at Sejong University in Seoul.&nbsp;

"The fact that he will have to stand another trial creates a cloud of uncertainty and probably affects Samsung's long-term investment plans," he told AFP.

With the country feeling the economic pain from the outbreak, "the timing isn't good", he added.

Nonetheless Samsung Electronics' shares closed up 0.37 percent in Seoul.

Some chaebol leaders who have been convicted in the past have subsequently received presidential pardons in recognition of their economic roles.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in campaigned in part on a promise of reforming the chaebols and the prosecution's move came despite a civilian review panel recommending Lee should not be indicted, citing a lack of evidence.

Lee was jailed for five years in 2017 after being found guilty of bribery and other offences linked to former president Park, before being cleared of the most serious charges on appeal and released a year later. That case is currently being retried.

Lee apologised in May over the issues, pledging to ensure "there will be no more controversy over the succession" and that he would not allow his children to take over from him at the firm.&nbsp;

"Our technology and products are being hailed as first-class but the public gaze towards Samsung still remains harsh," he said, bowing to the cameras. "This is my fault. I apologise."

South Korean prosecutors indicted the heir to the Samsung empire Tuesday over a controversial merger of two business units seen as a key step towards his succession, in the latest legal blow to the sprawling conglomerate.

South Korean prosecutors indicted the heir to the Samsung empire Tuesday over a controversial merger of two business units seen as a key step towards his succession, in the latest legal blow to the sprawling conglomerate. Lee Jae-yong, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, committed stock manipulation, breach of trust and other offences when two other subsidiaries, Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries, merged in 2015, the prosecutors said. Ten other current and former top Samsung executives were also charged. Lee and his subordinates had carried out "a systemic scheme to take control of the Samsung Group with the least cost", said the prosecution, by deploying "various unfair transactions" that damaged other shareholders' interests. Lee is already separately being retried on charges of bribery, embezzlement and other offences in connection with the corruption scandal that brought down former South Korean President Park Geun-hye. The businessman was not detained, but the charges are likely to prove a distraction as his firm seeks to navigate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Apple reportedly paid almost $1 billion to Samsung for faltering on order for screens Samsung Electronics is the flagship subsidiary of the group, which was founded by Lee's grandfather and has grown to become by far the biggest of the family-controlled conglomerates, or chaebols, that dominate business in the world's 12th-largest economy. Its overall turnover is equivalent to a fifth of South Korea's gross domestic product and is crucial to the country's economic health. The firm saw profits rise in April-July with data centres moving to stockpile its DRAM chips to meet surging demand for online activities as a result of global lockdowns. But the South's economy shrank 3.2 per cent year-on-year in the same period, according to a revised estimate by the central Bank of Korea on Tuesday. Lee's legal team rejected the charges, calling them "one-sided allegations" by the investigators and "totally untrue". Also read: South Korean court denies arrest warrant request for Samsung heir "Every process for the merger was carried out legally," they said, adding the indictment against Lee was "not only beyond comprehension, it's lamentable." 'Cloud of uncertainty' Chaebol families often have only a small ownership stake in their empires, but maintain control through complex webs of cross-shareholdings between units. Lee was the largest shareholder in Cheil Industries, and critics say Samsung sought to artificially lower the price of C&T to give him a bigger stake in the merged entity -- a key part of the Samsung structure -- consolidating his grip on the conglomerate. Lee's latest legal troubles add a layer of "uncertainty" to the company and could "burden the South's economy as a whole", said Kim Dae-jong, a business professor at Sejong University in Seoul. "The fact that he will have to stand another trial creates a cloud of uncertainty and probably affects Samsung's long-term investment plans," he told AFP. With the country feeling the economic pain from the outbreak, "the timing isn't good", he added. Nonetheless Samsung Electronics' shares closed up 0.37 percent in Seoul. Some chaebol leaders who have been convicted in the past have subsequently received presidential pardons in recognition of their economic roles. South Korean President Moon Jae-in campaigned in part on a promise of reforming the chaebols and the prosecution's move came despite a civilian review panel recommending Lee should not be indicted, citing a lack of evidence. Lee was jailed for five years in 2017 after being found guilty of bribery and other offences linked to former president Park, before being cleared of the most serious charges on appeal and released a year later. That case is currently being retried. Lee apologised in May over the issues, pledging to ensure "there will be no more controversy over the succession" and that he would not allow his children to take over from him at the firm. "Our technology and products are being hailed as first-class but the public gaze towards Samsung still remains harsh," he said, bowing to the cameras. "This is my fault. I apologise."

Samsung heir charged with fraud over succession-linked deal

Amazon.com on Thursday (August 27) launched fitness band and app "Halo" as the e-commerce giant looks to take on Apple, Fitbit and Samsung in an increasingly crowded fitness tracker market.

Amazon launches its first fitness band in bid to take on Fitbit, others

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd is forging a comeback in India's smartphone market with a new range of budget devices and a ramped-up online presence, aiming to recoup ground ceded to Chinese rivals such as Xiaomi Corp.&nbsp;

Samsung, the only major non-Chinese player in the country, has already begun to gain ground, and a surge in anti-China sentiment in India following a border clash in June is expected to provide a fresh boost.

Samsung jumped to the No. 2 spot with 26% market share in the second quarter behind Xiaomi's 29%, according to tech researcher Counterpoint, as the South Korean company's diverse and inhouse supply chain helped it avoid product delays suffered by rivals during coronavirus lockdowns.

It was in third position with a 16% share in the previous quarter.&nbsp;

Once the unrivalled leader in the world's second-biggest smartphone market, Samsung has over the past three years lost Indian customers to Chinese brands, whose devices are perceived as better value.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/taking-cue-from-public-indian-government-begins-mission-boycott-china-307805" hreflang="en">Taking cue from public, Indian government begins mission boycott China</a>

But India still accounts for some $7.5 billion in annual retail smartphone revenues for Samsung, according to Counterpoint, making it the company's biggest market outside the United States.&nbsp;

It has built what it has described as the world's largest mobile phone manufacturing plant on the outskirts of New Delhi, where it tests new devices and often assembles them for export.

That manufacturing power, and Samsung's ability to source many components internally, is helping it gain ground amid the pandemic. Chinese smartphone brands Xiaomi and Oppo suffered local production hiccups and product delays due to COVID-19, but Samsung was able to keep delivering phones smoothly.&nbsp;

Now it is building on the momentum. Samsung has launched seven new smartphones since June, three of them under 10,000 rupees ($133.63) including its cheapest Android offering at $75.

"The COVID crisis has pushed people to use smartphones for everything from online education to digital payments to even connecting with friends on video calls. That's why these budget phones are focused on the mass market," said a source familiar with Samsung's strategy in India.

In May, Samsung partnered with Facebook to train some 200,000 brick and mortar stores selling its phones to use social media for sales and marketing. It has also launched instalment-payment plans for customers and new incentive schemes, including one that gives student discounts on select devices.

A spokesman for Samsung said the company was seeing high demand for its devices in India and expected its revenues to increase from last year. The company does not provide a breakdown of revenues from individual countries.

TOUGH COMPETITION

Competition from rivals such as Xiaomi, which is banking on a 'Made in India' image to beat the anti-China sentiment, remains stiff. A deal between India's Reliance Industries Ltd and Google to make a cheap Android phone could also pose a threat to Samsung's sales of lower-end devices.

Anti-China sentiment is nothing new in India, where the Chinese have a reputation for cheaper products. Samsung, despite a better brand reputation, has struggled to woo price-sensitive Indian customers.

But better low-end offerings and the new anti-China tide -New Delhi has banned 59 Chinese apps since the border skirmish and traders have called for a boycott of imported Chinese products - could help shift the market dynamics.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/apples-taiwan-suppliers-samsung-apply-for-indias-smartphone-scheme-317488" hreflang="en">Apple's Taiwan suppliers, Samsung apply for India's smartphone scheme</a>

"Samsung is India's No.2 smartphone brand after Apple by image," brand strategist Harish Bijoor said. "So a phone priced between 6,000 rupees to 15,000 rupees from Samsung is very well placed today to capture market share from Chinese rivals."

The cheapest iPhone in India costs around 31,500 rupees, while the cheapest Xiaomi phone costs around 7,500 rupees.

Ganesh Salvi, a private sector employee from Satara town in western Maharashtra state said he had bought a Chinese branded phone for his 16 year-old son's online classes last month, even though he dislikes buying Chinese products.

"I believe Samsung mobiles are more durable than Chinese phones and I'd certainly prefer them if they had more smartphones below 10,000 rupees," Salvi said.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd is forging a comeback in India's smartphone market with a new range of budget devices and a ramped-up online presence, aiming to recoup ground ceded to Chinese rivals such as Xiaomi Corp.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd is forging a comeback in India's smartphone market with a new range of budget devices and a ramped-up online presence, aiming to recoup ground ceded to Chinese rivals such as Xiaomi Corp. Samsung, the only major non-Chinese player in the country, has already begun to gain ground, and a surge in anti-China sentiment in India following a border clash in June is expected to provide a fresh boost. Samsung jumped to the No. 2 spot with 26% market share in the second quarter behind Xiaomi's 29%, according to tech researcher Counterpoint, as the South Korean company's diverse and inhouse supply chain helped it avoid product delays suffered by rivals during coronavirus lockdowns. It was in third position with a 16% share in the previous quarter. Once the unrivalled leader in the world's second-biggest smartphone market, Samsung has over the past three years lost Indian customers to Chinese brands, whose devices are perceived as better value. Also read: Taking cue from public, Indian government begins mission boycott China But India still accounts for some $7.5 billion in annual retail smartphone revenues for Samsung, according to Counterpoint, making it the company's biggest market outside the United States. It has built what it has described as the world's largest mobile phone manufacturing plant on the outskirts of New Delhi, where it tests new devices and often assembles them for export. That manufacturing power, and Samsung's ability to source many components internally, is helping it gain ground amid the pandemic. Chinese smartphone brands Xiaomi and Oppo suffered local production hiccups and product delays due to COVID-19, but Samsung was able to keep delivering phones smoothly. Now it is building on the momentum. Samsung has launched seven new smartphones since June, three of them under 10,000 rupees ($133.63) including its cheapest Android offering at $75. "The COVID crisis has pushed people to use smartphones for everything from online education to digital payments to even connecting with friends on video calls. That's why these budget phones are focused on the mass market," said a source familiar with Samsung's strategy in India. In May, Samsung partnered with Facebook to train some 200,000 brick and mortar stores selling its phones to use social media for sales and marketing. It has also launched instalment-payment plans for customers and new incentive schemes, including one that gives student discounts on select devices. A spokesman for Samsung said the company was seeing high demand for its devices in India and expected its revenues to increase from last year. The company does not provide a breakdown of revenues from individual countries. TOUGH COMPETITION Competition from rivals such as Xiaomi, which is banking on a 'Made in India' image to beat the anti-China sentiment, remains stiff. A deal between India's Reliance Industries Ltd and Google to make a cheap Android phone could also pose a threat to Samsung's sales of lower-end devices. Anti-China sentiment is nothing new in India, where the Chinese have a reputation for cheaper products. Samsung, despite a better brand reputation, has struggled to woo price-sensitive Indian customers. But better low-end offerings and the new anti-China tide -New Delhi has banned 59 Chinese apps since the border skirmish and traders have called for a boycott of imported Chinese products - could help shift the market dynamics. Also read: Apple's Taiwan suppliers, Samsung apply for India's smartphone scheme "Samsung is India's No.2 smartphone brand after Apple by image," brand strategist Harish Bijoor said. "So a phone priced between 6,000 rupees to 15,000 rupees from Samsung is very well placed today to capture market share from Chinese rivals." The cheapest iPhone in India costs around 31,500 rupees, while the cheapest Xiaomi phone costs around 7,500 rupees. Ganesh Salvi, a private sector employee from Satara town in western Maharashtra state said he had bought a Chinese branded phone for his 16 year-old son's online classes last month, even though he dislikes buying Chinese products. "I believe Samsung mobiles are more durable than Chinese phones and I'd certainly prefer them if they had more smartphones below 10,000 rupees," Salvi said.

Samsung crafts India comeback as anti-China wave surges

Apple Inc's Taiwan contract manufacturers Foxconn, Wistron Corp and Pegatron Corp have applied for India's $6.65 billion scheme to boost local smartphone manufacturing, the country's tech minister said on Saturday.

The production-linked incentive (PLI) plan offers companies cash incentives on additional sales of devices made locally over five years, with 2019-2020 as the base year. India hopes it will help turn the country into a global smartphone export hub like neighbouring China.

Apple already assembles some its smartphones, including the iPhone 11, via Foxconn and Wistron's local unit in two southern Indian states.

Also read- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-supplier-foxconn-to-invest-1-billion-in-india-sources-312563">Apple supplier Foxconn to invest $1 billion in India: Sources</a>

Pegatron, one of Apple's top suppliers, has yet to open a plant in India, but is in talks with various states to set up operations, according to sources.

South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co Ltd has also applied for PLIs, technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told a news conference.

Samsung runs what it calls the world's biggest mobile phone manufacturing plant on the outskirts of the Indian capital, New Delhi. It also exports devices made at the plant.

Lava, which once also assembled some models for China's Lenovo, was among the Indian companies which had applied for the scheme, Prasad added.

India's smartphone sector is a bright spot in the South Asian nation's economy, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on local manufacturing in a bid to create jobs.

With more than 1 billion wireless subscribers and roughly 350 million users still on basic phones, India offers huge room for growth to smartphone makers.

Its labour, which is cheaper than China's, also allows companies to produce or assemble at lower costs. And companies are ramping up.

Foxconn said it plans to invest up to $1 billion to expand a factory in Tamil Nadu state where it assembles iPhones, sources told Reuters last month.

Apple Inc's Taiwan contract manufacturers Foxconn, Wistron Corp and Pegatron Corp have applied for India's $6.65 billion scheme to boost local smartphone manufacturing, the country's tech minister said on Saturday.

Apple Inc's Taiwan contract manufacturers Foxconn, Wistron Corp and Pegatron Corp have applied for India's $6.65 billion scheme to boost local smartphone manufacturing, the country's tech minister said on Saturday. The production-linked incentive (PLI) plan offers companies cash incentives on additional sales of devices made locally over five years, with 2019-2020 as the base year. India hopes it will help turn the country into a global smartphone export hub like neighbouring China. Apple already assembles some its smartphones, including the iPhone 11, via Foxconn and Wistron's local unit in two southern Indian states. Also read- Apple supplier Foxconn to invest $1 billion in India: Sources Pegatron, one of Apple's top suppliers, has yet to open a plant in India, but is in talks with various states to set up operations, according to sources. South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co Ltd has also applied for PLIs, technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told a news conference. Samsung runs what it calls the world's biggest mobile phone manufacturing plant on the outskirts of the Indian capital, New Delhi. It also exports devices made at the plant. Lava, which once also assembled some models for China's Lenovo, was among the Indian companies which had applied for the scheme, Prasad added. India's smartphone sector is a bright spot in the South Asian nation's economy, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on local manufacturing in a bid to create jobs. With more than 1 billion wireless subscribers and roughly 350 million users still on basic phones, India offers huge room for growth to smartphone makers. Its labour, which is cheaper than China's, also allows companies to produce or assemble at lower costs. And companies are ramping up. Foxconn said it plans to invest up to $1 billion to expand a factory in Tamil Nadu state where it assembles iPhones, sources told Reuters last month.

Apple's Taiwan suppliers, Samsung apply for India's smartphone scheme

China's Huawei has overtaken Samsung to become the number-one smartphone seller worldwide in the second quarter, industry tracker Canalys said Thursday.

Huawei shipped 55.8 million devices in the April-June period, trumping Samsung's 53.7 million, according to data from research firm Canalys.

The Chinese company has felt the heat of US sanctions that have disrupted its business overseas, but the latest numbers show its rising dominance in its home market.

The findings marked the first quarter in nine years that a company other than Samsung or Apple has led the market, Canalys said.

More than 70 per cent of Huawei smartphones are now sold in the country, where Samsung has a very small share of the market.

Samsung said on Thursday it expects smartphone demand to pick up in the second half of the year.

Huawei -- the world's top producer of telecoms networking equipment -- has become a pivotal issue in the geopolitical standoff between Beijing and Washington, which claims the firm poses a significant cybersecurity threat.&nbsp;

Washington has essentially barred Huawei from the US market and waged a global campaign to isolate the company.

The British government bowed to growing US pressure and pledged earlier this month to remove Huawei from its 5G network by 2027.

Australia and Japan have also taken steps to block or restrict the Chinese company's participation in their 5G rollouts, and European telecoms operators including Norway's Telenor and Sweden's Telia have passed over Huawei as a supplier.

The US has also requested the extradition of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on fraud charges, further damaging relations between China and Canada, where she is under house arrest.

Meng, the Chinese telecom giant's chief financial officer, was arrested on a US warrant in December 2018 during a stopover in Vancouver and has been fighting extradition ever since.

(with inputs from agencies)

China's Huawei has overtaken Samsung to become the number-one smartphone seller worldwide in the second quarter, industry tracker Canalys said Thursday. Huawei shipped 55.

China's Huawei has overtaken Samsung to become the number-one smartphone seller worldwide in the second quarter, industry tracker Canalys said Thursday. Huawei shipped 55.8 million devices in the April-June period, trumping Samsung's 53.7 million, according to data from research firm Canalys. The Chinese company has felt the heat of US sanctions that have disrupted its business overseas, but the latest numbers show its rising dominance in its home market. The findings marked the first quarter in nine years that a company other than Samsung or Apple has led the market, Canalys said. More than 70 per cent of Huawei smartphones are now sold in the country, where Samsung has a very small share of the market. Samsung said on Thursday it expects smartphone demand to pick up in the second half of the year. Huawei -- the world's top producer of telecoms networking equipment -- has become a pivotal issue in the geopolitical standoff between Beijing and Washington, which claims the firm poses a significant cybersecurity threat. Washington has essentially barred Huawei from the US market and waged a global campaign to isolate the company. The British government bowed to growing US pressure and pledged earlier this month to remove Huawei from its 5G network by 2027. Australia and Japan have also taken steps to block or restrict the Chinese company's participation in their 5G rollouts, and European telecoms operators including Norway's Telenor and Sweden's Telia have passed over Huawei as a supplier. The US has also requested the extradition of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on fraud charges, further damaging relations between China and Canada, where she is under house arrest. Meng, the Chinese telecom giant's chief financial officer, was arrested on a US warrant in December 2018 during a stopover in Vancouver and has been fighting extradition ever since. (with inputs from agencies)

China's Huawei overtakes Samsung as top smartphone seller

In less than a month, on August 5th, Samsung will be hosting its annual Galaxy Unpacked 2020 event. This time though, it’ll be an online-event as the coronavirus pandemic has halted travel and in-person events across the world. The Unpacked event is one of the two annual events hosted by Samsung but arguably the more important one.

At the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked 2020 event, Samsung is inviting us to explore their latest ecosystem of Galaxy devices that are “designed to empower” our lives.

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While the prized package will be the upcoming Galaxy Note 20/Note 20 Ultra (if that is what they end up calling them), there is also going to be the brand-new Galaxy Tab S7/Tab S7+ (No one is sure if they’ll release two variants or if they’ll just be two sizes of the same tablet), Galaxy Watch 3 and the Galaxy Buds Live (bean-shaped TWS earphones). That’s a hefty lineup for Samsung going into their fall showcase.

<img alt="Samsung Galaxy note 20 " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8595e73f-1fa0-4d48-b5c9-85bf51f8678b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/960x0_1.jpg" />

In picture:&nbsp;Galaxy Note 20

Samsung has confirmed 5 devices to be launched at the Galaxy Unpacked 2020 event, Galaxy Note 20 series, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Watch 3 and Galaxy Fold 2 and Galaxy Z Flip 5G, the latter two being foldables which I won’t be talking about in this piece.

<img alt="Samsung Galaxy Watch 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="56a2b12b-8366-43f0-8c37-687ee67ce328" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/watch3.jpg" />

In picture:&nbsp;Samsung Galaxy Watch 3

Samsung, for what it's worth, has been on an upward trajectory lately. It’s Android devices - S-Series, Note-Series and Tab-Series - have all got One UI 2.1, a much needed refinement on the Android experience.

<img alt="Samsung Galaxy Tab S7" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ccf2a32c-f76d-4a16-bca5-e641e891202d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/csm_iu65_7900ffaa78.jpg" />

In picture:&nbsp;Samsung Galaxy Tab S7

With just about two weeks to go for the event, let’s take a look at how the Galaxy S20 Ultra, Note 10 Plus and Galaxy Tab S6 fare in 2020 and what to expect from the showcase event of the year.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ &amp; Galaxy Note 20/Note 20 Ultra

Samsung’s Note-series of smartphones has been a revolutionary ever since they were first launched in 2011. Over the years they’ve been considered the one of the first successful examples of phablets (A combination of a phone and a tablet). The Note series devices have also brought big-displays to the mainstream.

What really has stood out with the Note-series has been the S-Pen. Other companies have tried and failed but Samsung stuck to its guts and with the Galaxy Note 10 plus, knocked it out of the park.

I’ve been using the Galaxy Note 10 Plus for a year - on-and-off for the past six months) - and I think it’s really held up as a wonderful multitasking device. I think the S-Pen can be further upgraded to do more going forward but let’s rewind a year.&nbsp;

The Galaxy Note 10 Plus was the first modern phone to drop the 3.5mm headphone jack. That was a paradigm shift in the industry with many other players following suit. It was also the first Note to embrace the bezel-less trend we’re all comfortable with. Last but not least, it also went far and away from the distinct bold colours and gave us the Aura Glow.

The only thing I really miss while using Note 10 Plus is a high-refresh rate display. Either 90Hz or 120Hz. The Note 10 Plus’ display is excellent. The colours and sunlight eligibility are superb. Samsung has always aced it with its displays. A high-refresh rate display comes at the expense of battery life and with the criticism toward the S-series a few months ago, there is hope that Samsung would have found a sweet middle spot between high-refresh rate and battery life.

Coming back to the all-important S-Pen. It’s a handy little stylus that comes with the device and can perform a plethora of tasks. Most importantly, one can scroll using the stylus, highlight text more precisely (thanks to the floating cursor) and just take notes with it. Last year though, with the Note 10 Plus, came an S-Pen that had a button on its side. It can be used as a remote shutter. A game changer. One needn’t use a self-timer anymore.

One last thing, Samsung needs to fix the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor in the upcoming Note 20 device. Samsung failed to improve it with the S20-series and all hopes are fixated on the Note 20-series.

If you were to buy the Note 10 Plus in 2020 then you’d only be missing out on 5G (doesn’t really matter here in India until end of 2021), a high-refresh rate display and the best cameras on a smartphone. Saying that, the Note 10 still feels every bit as modern as when I first got my hands on it near the end of 2019.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 &amp; Galaxy Tab S7

Nothing comes close to Apple’s iPad in the tablet industry. Unfortunately though, you’ve got to be deep into the Apple ecosystem to want one of those. On the Android side, Samsung is leading the charge for many a year. Samsung further consolidated their market share with the Galaxy Tab S6 last year. This time around, Samsung is rumoured to be bringing Galaxy Tab S7 in two sizes.&nbsp;

Samsung has been on top of the tablet industry on the Android side for many a year and 11" and 12.4". A press render shows the Tab S7 being eerily similar to the iPad Pro.

The tablets are likely to be powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 865+ chipset with 5G support and an S Pen. Furthermore, the larger tablet is rumoured to come with a 10,090 mAh battery, while the smaller one will have a 7,700-7,900 mAh battery cell. Finally, the display will be AMOLED and the speakers will be “tuned by AKG” (the sound engineering company now owned by Samsung).

Over the past eight months I’ve been using the Galaxy Tab S6 almost exclusively. My Dell XPS is way too old and it’s just easier and lighter to pull out the Galaxy Tab S6 for daily work (which for me, is mostly writing).&nbsp;

The Galaxy Tab S6 is by no means a tablet replacement but if you’re not a graphic designer nor a gamer then for day-to-day activity, this will suit you pretty well. Having the DeX mode also enables you to use the tablet like you would a laptop. It’s limited in what it can do as a laptop but the potential is certainly there.

Lugging the Galaxy Tab S6 around Delhi was pretty much no problem. I could take it to cafes, friends houses, the park and more. I’d have no problem plonking it down, and getting to my writing within seconds. Provided there was a flat surface, of course.

With the Galaxy Tab S7 there is hope that the official Tab Keyboard cover would do a whole lot more. For one, the back cover could be a lot more sturdy. The glue that sticks the cover to the Tab has come off way too many times for me during my typing and that has broken my chain of thought.

With fast charging up to 45W coming to the Tab S7, one needn’t worry about battery life anymore.

One thing Samsung, and all Android tablet players need to scale up significantly is the number of apps optimised for these tablets. It pales in comparison to iPadOS.

Still, one is optimistic that the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 models will be even closer to the iPad Pro from Apple and even surpass it in some areas.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4G &amp; Galaxy Watch 3

This is another category where Apple is head and shoulders above its Android-based competitors. The Apple Watch has done wonders for the company but yet again you’ve got to be tied to the Apple ecosystem.

On the Android side there is a whole lot more competition. Samsung may be leading with the Galaxy Watch 4G and the Galaxy Watch Active 2 but the competition - Huawei GT2e, Fitbit Versa 2 and others - isn’t far behind.

What Samsung has up its sleeve is the rotating bezel on the Galaxy Watch 4G. It was absent on the Galaxy Watch Active and Watch Active 2 but is set to make a comeback with the upcoming Galaxy Watch 3.&nbsp;

The Galaxy Watch 3 will also reportedly be getting a heart rate monitor with 8 pulse-reading photodiodes and support for blood pressure monitoring. Furthermore, it could also be getting an electrocardiogram sensor. That’s something Apple implemented but was missing on the Android side.

I’ve been using Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4G for many months now and it is a fantastic watch. Two things have been bugging me while using this watch though. First, it is more of a smartwatch than a fitness tracker. I get that it isn’t purely a fitness tracker like FitBit or Garmin and it’s trying to be a cross between the two but the activity monitor could be much better at tracking my workouts and my walks. I’m hoping Samsung works on its fitness smarts so that I don’t get told to walk when I’ve already embarked upon one.

Second, the watch face is a little bulky. I’ve gotten used to it and actually kind of like it but a lot of people have been put off by its sheer size. It’s a nice looking watch but could do with a little bit of trimming. Battery life could also get a boost but seeing as I get over two days of battery life as compared to other watch’s even tinier batteries, I’m quite happy. 
&nbsp;

In less than a month, on August 5th, Samsung will be hosting its annual Galaxy Unpacked 2020 event. This time though, it’ll be an online-event as the coronavirus pandemic has halted travel and in-person events across the world.

In less than a month, on August 5th, Samsung will be hosting its annual Galaxy Unpacked 2020 event. This time though, it’ll be an online-event as the coronavirus pandemic has halted travel and in-person events across the world. The Unpacked event is one of the two annual events hosted by Samsung but arguably the more important one. At the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked 2020 event, Samsung is inviting us to explore their latest ecosystem of Galaxy devices that are “designed to empower” our lives. × While the prized package will be the upcoming Galaxy Note 20/Note 20 Ultra (if that is what they end up calling them), there is also going to be the brand-new Galaxy Tab S7/Tab S7+ (No one is sure if they’ll release two variants or if they’ll just be two sizes of the same tablet), Galaxy Watch 3 and the Galaxy Buds Live (bean-shaped TWS earphones). That’s a hefty lineup for Samsung going into their fall showcase. In picture: Galaxy Note 20 Samsung has confirmed 5 devices to be launched at the Galaxy Unpacked 2020 event, Galaxy Note 20 series, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Watch 3 and Galaxy Fold 2 and Galaxy Z Flip 5G, the latter two being foldables which I won’t be talking about in this piece. In picture: Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Samsung, for what it's worth, has been on an upward trajectory lately. It’s Android devices - S-Series, Note-Series and Tab-Series - have all got One UI 2.1, a much needed refinement on the Android experience. In picture: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 With just about two weeks to go for the event, let’s take a look at how the Galaxy S20 Ultra, Note 10 Plus and Galaxy Tab S6 fare in 2020 and what to expect from the showcase event of the year. Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ & Galaxy Note 20/Note 20 Ultra Samsung’s Note-series of smartphones has been a revolutionary ever since they were first launched in 2011. Over the years they’ve been considered the one of the first successful examples of phablets (A combination of a phone and a tablet). The Note series devices have also brought big-displays to the mainstream. What really has stood out with the Note-series has been the S-Pen. Other companies have tried and failed but Samsung stuck to its guts and with the Galaxy Note 10 plus, knocked it out of the park. I’ve been using the Galaxy Note 10 Plus for a year - on-and-off for the past six months) - and I think it’s really held up as a wonderful multitasking device. I think the S-Pen can be further upgraded to do more going forward but let’s rewind a year. The Galaxy Note 10 Plus was the first modern phone to drop the 3.5mm headphone jack. That was a paradigm shift in the industry with many other players following suit. It was also the first Note to embrace the bezel-less trend we’re all comfortable with. Last but not least, it also went far and away from the distinct bold colours and gave us the Aura Glow. The only thing I really miss while using Note 10 Plus is a high-refresh rate display. Either 90Hz or 120Hz. The Note 10 Plus’ display is excellent. The colours and sunlight eligibility are superb. Samsung has always aced it with its displays. A high-refresh rate display comes at the expense of battery life and with the criticism toward the S-series a few months ago, there is hope that Samsung would have found a sweet middle spot between high-refresh rate and battery life. Coming back to the all-important S-Pen. It’s a handy little stylus that comes with the device and can perform a plethora of tasks. Most importantly, one can scroll using the stylus, highlight text more precisely (thanks to the floating cursor) and just take notes with it. Last year though, with the Note 10 Plus, came an S-Pen that had a button on its side. It can be used as a remote shutter. A game changer. One needn’t use a self-timer anymore. One last thing, Samsung needs to fix the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor in the upcoming Note 20 device. Samsung failed to improve it with the S20-series and all hopes are fixated on the Note 20-series. If you were to buy the Note 10 Plus in 2020 then you’d only be missing out on 5G (doesn’t really matter here in India until end of 2021), a high-refresh rate display and the best cameras on a smartphone. Saying that, the Note 10 still feels every bit as modern as when I first got my hands on it near the end of 2019. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 & Galaxy Tab S7 Nothing comes close to Apple’s iPad in the tablet industry. Unfortunately though, you’ve got to be deep into the Apple ecosystem to want one of those. On the Android side, Samsung is leading the charge for many a year. Samsung further consolidated their market share with the Galaxy Tab S6 last year. This time around, Samsung is rumoured to be bringing Galaxy Tab S7 in two sizes. Samsung has been on top of the tablet industry on the Android side for many a year and 11" and 12.4". A press render shows the Tab S7 being eerily similar to the iPad Pro. The tablets are likely to be powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 865+ chipset with 5G support and an S Pen. Furthermore, the larger tablet is rumoured to come with a 10,090 mAh battery, while the smaller one will have a 7,700-7,900 mAh battery cell. Finally, the display will be AMOLED and the speakers will be “tuned by AKG” (the sound engineering company now owned by Samsung). Over the past eight months I’ve been using the Galaxy Tab S6 almost exclusively. My Dell XPS is way too old and it’s just easier and lighter to pull out the Galaxy Tab S6 for daily work (which for me, is mostly writing). The Galaxy Tab S6 is by no means a tablet replacement but if you’re not a graphic designer nor a gamer then for day-to-day activity, this will suit you pretty well. Having the DeX mode also enables you to use the tablet like you would a laptop. It’s limited in what it can do as a laptop but the potential is certainly there. Lugging the Galaxy Tab S6 around Delhi was pretty much no problem. I could take it to cafes, friends houses, the park and more. I’d have no problem plonking it down, and getting to my writing within seconds. Provided there was a flat surface, of course. With the Galaxy Tab S7 there is hope that the official Tab Keyboard cover would do a whole lot more. For one, the back cover could be a lot more sturdy. The glue that sticks the cover to the Tab has come off way too many times for me during my typing and that has broken my chain of thought. With fast charging up to 45W coming to the Tab S7, one needn’t worry about battery life anymore. One thing Samsung, and all Android tablet players need to scale up significantly is the number of apps optimised for these tablets. It pales in comparison to iPadOS. Still, one is optimistic that the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 models will be even closer to the iPad Pro from Apple and even surpass it in some areas. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4G & Galaxy Watch 3 This is another category where Apple is head and shoulders above its Android-based competitors. The Apple Watch has done wonders for the company but yet again you’ve got to be tied to the Apple ecosystem. On the Android side there is a whole lot more competition. Samsung may be leading with the Galaxy Watch 4G and the Galaxy Watch Active 2 but the competition - Huawei GT2e, Fitbit Versa 2 and others - isn’t far behind. What Samsung has up its sleeve is the rotating bezel on the Galaxy Watch 4G. It was absent on the Galaxy Watch Active and Watch Active 2 but is set to make a comeback with the upcoming Galaxy Watch 3. The Galaxy Watch 3 will also reportedly be getting a heart rate monitor with 8 pulse-reading photodiodes and support for blood pressure monitoring. Furthermore, it could also be getting an electrocardiogram sensor. That’s something Apple implemented but was missing on the Android side. I’ve been using Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4G for many months now and it is a fantastic watch. Two things have been bugging me while using this watch though. First, it is more of a smartwatch than a fitness tracker. I get that it isn’t purely a fitness tracker like FitBit or Garmin and it’s trying to be a cross between the two but the activity monitor could be much better at tracking my workouts and my walks. I’m hoping Samsung works on its fitness smarts so that I don’t get told to walk when I’ve already embarked upon one. Second, the watch face is a little bulky. I’ve gotten used to it and actually kind of like it but a lot of people have been put off by its sheer size. It’s a nice looking watch but could do with a little bit of trimming. Battery life could also get a boost but seeing as I get over two days of battery life as compared to other watch’s even tinier batteries, I’m quite happy.

Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked 2020: What impact will the upcoming Note 20, Galaxy Watch 3 and Galaxy Tab S7 have?

Apple may have paid $950 million to Samsung for not meeting its goals in terms of the number of OLED screen it had ordered.

The iPhone maker depends on Samsung to procure Organic Light Emitting Diodes screens. Samsung makes over 40 per cent of all OLED screens in the world. With its AMOLED displays, it has a 98 per cent share of screens in the market. Out of the $400 million yearly revenue from screens over $100 million is generated by Samsung alone.

The report, which was published by Display Supply Chain Consultants suggests a one-time payment for falling short in terms of product acquirement.

"One-time gain"

During its Q2 2020 release, Samsung made a reference to a “one-time gain” coming from its screen display enterprise. However, no clear indication of Apple’s involvement or amount was mentioned in this report.

Last month, reports of Samsung receiving over $700 million circulated on social media. But this new revelation pins the approximate amount at $950 million.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/apple-supplier-foxconn-to-invest-1-billion-in-india-sources-312563" hreflang="en">Apple supplier Foxconn to invest $1 billion in India: Sources</a>

The report also mentioned how this affects the profit for Samsung. “The Apple payment likely turned what otherwise would have been an operating loss for display devices into an operating profit,” it said.

The revenue incurred from screens was down by 7 per cent for Samsung, while its operation profit was up by 23 per cent, much higher than expected.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/samsung-smartphone-receive-mysterious-1-notification-company-says-it-was-mistake-281871" hreflang="en">Samsung smartphone receive mysterious '1' notification; company says it was mistake</a>

Not the first time

This is not the first time Apple has paid a hefty amount to Samsung. In 2019, a similar penalty was enforced by Samsung for not buying enough OLED screens. For perspective - let’s say Apple placed an order for 20 million screens, but due to market fluctuations and demands, was only able to accommodate 15 million screens. The value of the 5 million screens would then have to be paid to Samsung, or made up by procuring even more screens from the company, which is exactly what happened last year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/ceos-of-apple-amazon-facebook-and-google-to-testify-in-congress-over-antitrust-issues-310090" hreflang="en">CEOs of Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google to testify in Congress over antitrust issues</a>

Most big companies make deals with screen makers with a guaranteed purchase of a minimum number of screens, which lowers the total cost of buying them. As part of the contract, inability to fulfil this imposes fine on the buyer.

It is likely that this year’s disruption will be attributed to COVID-19, which has caused a global slowdown of selling and buying power. Factories have also remained shut in the face of growing concerns about social distancing to conquer the virus.

Apple may have paid $950 million to Samsung for not meeting its goals in terms of the number of OLED screen it had ordered. The iPhone maker depends on Samsung to procure Organic Light Emitting Diodes screens.

Apple may have paid $950 million to Samsung for not meeting its goals in terms of the number of OLED screen it had ordered. The iPhone maker depends on Samsung to procure Organic Light Emitting Diodes screens. Samsung makes over 40 per cent of all OLED screens in the world. With its AMOLED displays, it has a 98 per cent share of screens in the market. Out of the $400 million yearly revenue from screens over $100 million is generated by Samsung alone. The report, which was published by Display Supply Chain Consultants suggests a one-time payment for falling short in terms of product acquirement. "One-time gain" During its Q2 2020 release, Samsung made a reference to a “one-time gain” coming from its screen display enterprise. However, no clear indication of Apple’s involvement or amount was mentioned in this report. Last month, reports of Samsung receiving over $700 million circulated on social media. But this new revelation pins the approximate amount at $950 million. Also read: Apple supplier Foxconn to invest $1 billion in India: Sources The report also mentioned how this affects the profit for Samsung. “The Apple payment likely turned what otherwise would have been an operating loss for display devices into an operating profit,” it said. The revenue incurred from screens was down by 7 per cent for Samsung, while its operation profit was up by 23 per cent, much higher than expected. Also read: Samsung smartphone receive mysterious '1' notification; company says it was mistake Not the first time This is not the first time Apple has paid a hefty amount to Samsung. In 2019, a similar penalty was enforced by Samsung for not buying enough OLED screens. For perspective - let’s say Apple placed an order for 20 million screens, but due to market fluctuations and demands, was only able to accommodate 15 million screens. The value of the 5 million screens would then have to be paid to Samsung, or made up by procuring even more screens from the company, which is exactly what happened last year. Also read: CEOs of Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google to testify in Congress over antitrust issues Most big companies make deals with screen makers with a guaranteed purchase of a minimum number of screens, which lowers the total cost of buying them. As part of the contract, inability to fulfil this imposes fine on the buyer. It is likely that this year’s disruption will be attributed to COVID-19, which has caused a global slowdown of selling and buying power. Factories have also remained shut in the face of growing concerns about social distancing to conquer the virus.

Apple reportedly paid almost $1 billion to Samsung for faltering on order for screens

Samsung has been on a blitz of sorts in 2020. For many months now Xiaomi and Realme have dominated the budget segment (under Rs 15,000) in the smartphone industry. Samsung is hell-bent on changing that with the recently launched Galaxy M21. It’s a phone that borrows design cues from its predecessor Galaxy M20 and its immediate successors Galaxy M30s/M31, at an economical price of Rs 12,999. &nbsp;

The Galaxy M21 is a smartphone that offers a massive 6,000mAh battery, an AMOLED screen, decent RAM and storage options, a 48-megapixel rear camera and weighs just 164 grams.&nbsp;

While the M21 borrows a lot from other Samsung M-series smartphones, does it have what it takes to stand on its own two feet? Read on to find out.&nbsp;

Design and Display: Plain old boring&nbsp;

Thanks to the polycarbonate body of the Galaxy M21 that covers the entire back and chassis, the smartphone is extremely lightweight. Though this doesn’t feel premium at all. The plastic body lends to its durability. The smartphone is very ergonomically designed and it is a treat to use in one’s hand. &nbsp;

Thanks to the glossy nature of the plastic, the phone is very susceptible to fingerprints. If you choose to use the Galaxy M21 without a case then be prepared to be constantly wiping the back of the smartphone to make it look new and shiny.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Samsung" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8ff02ea-7fc8-46f7-af9e-b24db312c1e5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/samsung5.jpg" />

The Galaxy M21 comes with a volume rocker and power button on the right, the SIM card slot on the back and the USB-Type C (thank you Samsung) port, 3.5mm headphone jack and speaker grille on the bottom. On the back is a capacitive fingerprint scanner. &nbsp;

There’s also no camera bump on the Galaxy M21. In a world of Galaxy S20s, this sure does feel refreshing. On the whole, the Galaxy M21 is dull and monotonous. It definitely won’t stand out next to an array of competitors in any mobile phone shop.&nbsp;

The display, on the other hand, is the standout feature (other than the battery) of the Galaxy M21. Samsung’s displays have always been its strong point and that doesn’t change with the M21. You get a 6.4-inch, full HD+ AMOLED (1440x2400 resolution) display with Gorilla Glass 3 protection. It’s got punchy colours and gets bright enough to be used while out and about on a walk. Furthermore, it’s got good viewing angles and is Widevine L1 certified which means that it’ll be a pleasure consuming media from OTT platforms such as Amazon Prime and Netflix.&nbsp;

It may not have a 90Hz high-refresh-rate display but that isn’t something that has trickled down into the budget segment yet.&nbsp;

Performance and Software: Advantage over Realme and Xiaomi&nbsp;

Sadly though, performance is one area where the Galaxy M21 falters. The Exynos 9611 (coupled with 4GB/6GB of RAM) that powers the smartphone isn’t snappy and lags quite a bit when trying to multitask.&nbsp;

It’ll handle everyday tasks without a problem but when you try to open multiple tabs in Google Chrome while using the camera and listening to some audio, it sure will stutter along. The smartphone also tends to heat up slightly when taking a lot of photos of recording long videos. &nbsp;

Playing games like PUBG, Need For Speed, and others will not work on their highest settings. You’ll have to reduce the in-game graphics so that you can play the games without any lag.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Samsung" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="563a4172-bebe-4ba5-abfc-b9556a83f07c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/samsung4.jpg" />

Samsung’s One UI 2.0 is by far the standout Android skin amongst all the budget players, especially Realme’s Reamle UI and Xiaomi’s MIUI. The software is feature-rich and you get consistency across all Samsung smartphones. It’s got a native dark theme that pairs well with the AMOLED screen.&nbsp;

The mono speaker on the smartphone is loud. At loud volumes though, it isn’t as clear and you can hear a little bit off crackling. The earpiece quality is pretty good.&nbsp;

Battery life: Most excellent&nbsp;

The Galaxy M21 comes with a huge 6,000mAh battery that doesn’t weigh down the smartphone at all. The smartphone lasts almost two days with a good 5-hour plus screen-on-time. The one downside is that the Galaxy M21 takes over two and a half hours to charge from 0 per cent -100 per cent.&nbsp;

The long charge times are negated by the fact that the smartphone can last really long on a single charge.&nbsp;

Cameras: So-so&nbsp;

The Galaxy M21 has a triple-camera setup at the back. It has a 48-megapixel main sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens (123* field of view) and a 5-megapixel depth sensor. On the front is a 20-megapixel sensor for all those selfies one takes on a daily basis.&nbsp;

Over the last few months, Samsung’s budget range of smartphones has gotten better and better in the camera department. &nbsp;

The 48-megapixel main sensor on the Galaxy M21 is excellent. With sufficient lighting, the pixel-binned photos came out great. The colours were vibrant and crisp. The close-ups also offered good depth-of-field. Taking some landscapes and you’ll be impressed with the dynamic range as well. Now it isn’t without its faults. &nbsp;

The ultra-wide sensor comes with a fixed focus and that’s a huge disappointment. Furthermore, a lot of noise is there and some details are lost.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Samsung M21" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e53618-4e23-4fde-99f5-c257196d5414" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Samsung1.jpg" />

The depth-sensor takes fairly decent shots but some of the in-focus items are sometimes slightly blurred and that’s a disappointment.&nbsp;

The 48-megapixel shots have some major issues. First, the colours looked weaker/faded and if you look at the pixel-binned photos and the 48-megapixel shots side-by-side, you’ll notice a huge colour temperature difference.&nbsp;

Finally, I’ll end on a positive note. Disable all the beautification features (trust me, you don’t want any of them) and you’ll get good, crisp selfies, that you can share on social media and spam all of your friends on WhatsApp. 
 
<img alt="Samsung M21" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cf27a43e-c5c5-4085-9a62-0117a57f61a9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/samsung2.jpg" />

On the video front, you only get the main sensor to shoot from. Samsung, for whatever reason, doesn’t allow you to shoot with the ultra-wide sensor. Maybe this is where they are cutting corners. Nonetheless, videos come out decently good on auto mode with the anti-shake mode turned off. Turn on the super-steady mode and the videos look washed out.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Verdict: Is this a worthy budget smartphone in today’s market?&nbsp;

Compared to Samsung’s own Galaxy M31, I’d say this isn’t as good a deal. The Galaxy M31 has a better design - albeit slightly - and better low-light performance. Significantly, it has more RAM (the Galaxy M31 starts at 6GB and there is an 8GB variant as well) than the Galaxy M21’s measly 4GB.&nbsp;

Still, there is a lot going for the Galaxy M21. It’s got a great AMOLED display with HD streaming support, a massive 6,000mAh battery (on par with the M31) and fast biometric unlock - whether with face unlock or with the capacitive fingerprint sensor. It’s a worthy smartphone in today’s market.&nbsp;

At Rs 12,999, one feels that Samsung could have gone a little more aggressively and it a thousand rupees cheaper. That would have definitely given it the edge against the Realme 6 that at just Rs 13,999 offers a faster CPU, a fluid display and faster-wired charging. Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 9 Pro also starts at Rs 13,999 and offers great performance albeit with crippled software experience.&nbsp;

Both the Realme 6 and Redmi Note 9 Pro offer better gaming performance than Samsung’s Galaxy M21.&nbsp;

For those that have brand loyalty, or can’t get a Realme/Xiaomi where they are because of lockdown rules, the Galaxy M21 will do them just fine. If you can stretch your budget to the Galaxy M31, I’d recommend getting that instead but it is a hefty Rs 3,000 more though.&nbsp;

Samsung has been on a blitz of sorts in 2020. For many months now Xiaomi and Realme have dominated the budget segment (under Rs 15,000) in the smartphone industry.

Samsung has been on a blitz of sorts in 2020. For many months now Xiaomi and Realme have dominated the budget segment (under Rs 15,000) in the smartphone industry. Samsung is hell-bent on changing that with the recently launched Galaxy M21. It’s a phone that borrows design cues from its predecessor Galaxy M20 and its immediate successors Galaxy M30s/M31, at an economical price of Rs 12,999. The Galaxy M21 is a smartphone that offers a massive 6,000mAh battery, an AMOLED screen, decent RAM and storage options, a 48-megapixel rear camera and weighs just 164 grams. While the M21 borrows a lot from other Samsung M-series smartphones, does it have what it takes to stand on its own two feet? Read on to find out. Design and Display: Plain old boring Thanks to the polycarbonate body of the Galaxy M21 that covers the entire back and chassis, the smartphone is extremely lightweight. Though this doesn’t feel premium at all. The plastic body lends to its durability. The smartphone is very ergonomically designed and it is a treat to use in one’s hand. Thanks to the glossy nature of the plastic, the phone is very susceptible to fingerprints. If you choose to use the Galaxy M21 without a case then be prepared to be constantly wiping the back of the smartphone to make it look new and shiny. The Galaxy M21 comes with a volume rocker and power button on the right, the SIM card slot on the back and the USB-Type C (thank you Samsung) port, 3.5mm headphone jack and speaker grille on the bottom. On the back is a capacitive fingerprint scanner. There’s also no camera bump on the Galaxy M21. In a world of Galaxy S20s, this sure does feel refreshing. On the whole, the Galaxy M21 is dull and monotonous. It definitely won’t stand out next to an array of competitors in any mobile phone shop. The display, on the other hand, is the standout feature (other than the battery) of the Galaxy M21. Samsung’s displays have always been its strong point and that doesn’t change with the M21. You get a 6.4-inch, full HD+ AMOLED (1440x2400 resolution) display with Gorilla Glass 3 protection. It’s got punchy colours and gets bright enough to be used while out and about on a walk. Furthermore, it’s got good viewing angles and is Widevine L1 certified which means that it’ll be a pleasure consuming media from OTT platforms such as Amazon Prime and Netflix. It may not have a 90Hz high-refresh-rate display but that isn’t something that has trickled down into the budget segment yet. Performance and Software: Advantage over Realme and Xiaomi Sadly though, performance is one area where the Galaxy M21 falters. The Exynos 9611 (coupled with 4GB/6GB of RAM) that powers the smartphone isn’t snappy and lags quite a bit when trying to multitask. It’ll handle everyday tasks without a problem but when you try to open multiple tabs in Google Chrome while using the camera and listening to some audio, it sure will stutter along. The smartphone also tends to heat up slightly when taking a lot of photos of recording long videos. Playing games like PUBG, Need For Speed, and others will not work on their highest settings. You’ll have to reduce the in-game graphics so that you can play the games without any lag. Samsung’s One UI 2.0 is by far the standout Android skin amongst all the budget players, especially Realme’s Reamle UI and Xiaomi’s MIUI. The software is feature-rich and you get consistency across all Samsung smartphones. It’s got a native dark theme that pairs well with the AMOLED screen. The mono speaker on the smartphone is loud. At loud volumes though, it isn’t as clear and you can hear a little bit off crackling. The earpiece quality is pretty good. Battery life: Most excellent The Galaxy M21 comes with a huge 6,000mAh battery that doesn’t weigh down the smartphone at all. The smartphone lasts almost two days with a good 5-hour plus screen-on-time. The one downside is that the Galaxy M21 takes over two and a half hours to charge from 0 per cent -100 per cent. The long charge times are negated by the fact that the smartphone can last really long on a single charge. Cameras: So-so The Galaxy M21 has a triple-camera setup at the back. It has a 48-megapixel main sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens (123* field of view) and a 5-megapixel depth sensor. On the front is a 20-megapixel sensor for all those selfies one takes on a daily basis. Over the last few months, Samsung’s budget range of smartphones has gotten better and better in the camera department. The 48-megapixel main sensor on the Galaxy M21 is excellent. With sufficient lighting, the pixel-binned photos came out great. The colours were vibrant and crisp. The close-ups also offered good depth-of-field. Taking some landscapes and you’ll be impressed with the dynamic range as well. Now it isn’t without its faults. The ultra-wide sensor comes with a fixed focus and that’s a huge disappointment. Furthermore, a lot of noise is there and some details are lost. The depth-sensor takes fairly decent shots but some of the in-focus items are sometimes slightly blurred and that’s a disappointment. The 48-megapixel shots have some major issues. First, the colours looked weaker/faded and if you look at the pixel-binned photos and the 48-megapixel shots side-by-side, you’ll notice a huge colour temperature difference. Finally, I’ll end on a positive note. Disable all the beautification features (trust me, you don’t want any of them) and you’ll get good, crisp selfies, that you can share on social media and spam all of your friends on WhatsApp. On the video front, you only get the main sensor to shoot from. Samsung, for whatever reason, doesn’t allow you to shoot with the ultra-wide sensor. Maybe this is where they are cutting corners. Nonetheless, videos come out decently good on auto mode with the anti-shake mode turned off. Turn on the super-steady mode and the videos look washed out. Verdict: Is this a worthy budget smartphone in today’s market? Compared to Samsung’s own Galaxy M31, I’d say this isn’t as good a deal. The Galaxy M31 has a better design - albeit slightly - and better low-light performance. Significantly, it has more RAM (the Galaxy M31 starts at 6GB and there is an 8GB variant as well) than the Galaxy M21’s measly 4GB. Still, there is a lot going for the Galaxy M21. It’s got a great AMOLED display with HD streaming support, a massive 6,000mAh battery (on par with the M31) and fast biometric unlock - whether with face unlock or with the capacitive fingerprint sensor. It’s a worthy smartphone in today’s market. At Rs 12,999, one feels that Samsung could have gone a little more aggressively and it a thousand rupees cheaper. That would have definitely given it the edge against the Realme 6 that at just Rs 13,999 offers a faster CPU, a fluid display and faster-wired charging. Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 9 Pro also starts at Rs 13,999 and offers great performance albeit with crippled software experience. Both the Realme 6 and Redmi Note 9 Pro offer better gaming performance than Samsung’s Galaxy M21. For those that have brand loyalty, or can’t get a Realme/Xiaomi where they are because of lockdown rules, the Galaxy M21 will do them just fine. If you can stretch your budget to the Galaxy M31, I’d recommend getting that instead but it is a hefty Rs 3,000 more though.

Samsung Galaxy M21 review: The best Samsung smartphone under Rs 15,000

Samsung Galaxy phone users worldwide received a mysterious notification on Wednesday on their phone from the company's My Mobile app. The alert, which several users reported on social media, simply reads "1" with another "1" written in the text area.

Hours later, the company explained that it was sent by mistake while it was conducting an internal test.

Several users tapped on alert which took them nowhere. It only closed the notification shade.

The mysterious notification immediately made people freak out as Samsung's Find My Mobile service allows owners of Samsung devices to remotely locate or lock their device.

The app also lets users back up data stored on the devices to Samsung Cloud, delete local data, and block access to Samsung Pay. Guess the panic was justified.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Freaking hell! I've changed all my passwords before reading this!!!
— Lize Testa (@LizeTesta) <a href="https://twitter.com/LizeTesta/status/1230420348820238339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
No one: 
 
Samsung Find My Mobile: 11 
 
Samsung users: <a href="https://t.co/Ns0ccPPX5o">pic.twitter.com/Ns0ccPPX5o</a>
— #24 (@Biwx313) <a href="https://twitter.com/Biwx313/status/1230433096312467456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Dear Samsung, 
 
I got your confession letter but unfortunately, I'm going to have to decline your offer of 1 date as I have a girlfriend <a href="https://t.co/hqUCwGxkSY">pic.twitter.com/hqUCwGxkSY</a>
— Ty, Northern Lights CEO (@trxnslunar) <a href="https://twitter.com/trxnslunar/status/1230471512903372800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Find My Mobile 
 
1 
1<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Samsung?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Samsung</a> <a href="https://t.co/EUe2IVgmOP">pic.twitter.com/EUe2IVgmOP</a>
— Edward Elizabeth Hitler (@Edward_Hitler1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Edward_Hitler1/status/1230444541985148930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ok so I was talking to Samsung Support about this. Apparently we did not get hacked by the 1 (1) Find My Mobile notification, and the battery drainage is probably a software glitch. 
They are investigating at high levels apparently. 
.. 
 
Everyone in Samsung Support HQ: <a href="https://t.co/NZH8fUDpWS">pic.twitter.com/NZH8fUDpWS</a>
— Matthew Joyce (@Matty_J2912) <a href="https://twitter.com/Matty_J2912/status/1230431824528236545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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&nbsp;

Samsung Galaxy phone users worldwide received a mysterious notification on Wednesday on their phone from the company's My Mobile app. The alert, which several users reported on social media, simply reads "1" with another "1" written in the text area.

Samsung Galaxy phone users worldwide received a mysterious notification on Wednesday on their phone from the company's My Mobile app. The alert, which several users reported on social media, simply reads "1" with another "1" written in the text area. Hours later, the company explained that it was sent by mistake while it was conducting an internal test. Several users tapped on alert which took them nowhere. It only closed the notification shade. The mysterious notification immediately made people freak out as Samsung's Find My Mobile service allows owners of Samsung devices to remotely locate or lock their device. The app also lets users back up data stored on the devices to Samsung Cloud, delete local data, and block access to Samsung Pay. Guess the panic was justified. Freaking hell! I've changed all my passwords before reading this!!! — Lize Testa (@LizeTesta) February 20, 2020 × No one: Samsung Find My Mobile: 11 Samsung users: pic.twitter.com/Ns0ccPPX5o — #24 (@Biwx313) February 20, 2020 × Dear Samsung, I got your confession letter but unfortunately, I'm going to have to decline your offer of 1 date as I have a girlfriend pic.twitter.com/hqUCwGxkSY — Ty, Northern Lights CEO (@trxnslunar) February 20, 2020 × Find My Mobile 1 1#Samsung pic.twitter.com/EUe2IVgmOP — Edward Elizabeth Hitler (@Edward_Hitler1) February 20, 2020 × Ok so I was talking to Samsung Support about this. Apparently we did not get hacked by the 1 (1) Find My Mobile notification, and the battery drainage is probably a software glitch. They are investigating at high levels apparently. .. Everyone in Samsung Support HQ: pic.twitter.com/NZH8fUDpWS — Matthew Joyce (@Matty_J2912) February 20, 2020 ×

Samsung smartphone receive mysterious '1' notification; company says it was mistake

EU countries have no reason to use 5G mobile technology from Huawei because Sweden's Ericsson, Finland's Nokia and South Korea's Samsung are on par with the Chinese group in the field, a senior US diplomat said.

EU countries have no reason to use 5G mobile technology from Huawei because Sweden's Ericsson, Finland's Nokia and South Korea's Samsung are on par with the Chinese group in the field, a senior US diplomat said. Robert Strayer, deputy assistant secretary for cyber, international communications and information policy at the US State Department, said on a visit to Lisbon it was "necessary to demystify" the notion that Huawei is more advanced in 5G. Washington wants its allies to ban Huawei, the world's largest producer of telecoms equipment, arguing the use of its kit creates the potential for espionage by China - a claim denied by Huawei and Beijing. Also Read: Why global battle over Huawei could prove more disruptive than Donald Trump’s trade war with China Its stance has sparked tensions with allies such as Britain, whose Prime Minister Boris Johnson has granted Huawei a limited role in building a 5G mobile network. Strayer said the United States is encouraging European countries to think carefully about the security and economic implications of rushing forward with using Huawei's technology. "There is no way to fully mitigate any type of risk except the use of trusted vendors from democratic countries," Strayer told reporters. "The good news is Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung all provide 5G technology that is on par with the one Huawei is providing today. They are leading the world in the type of technology they have." Watch: US expands lawsuit against Huawei Huawei says it spent $15 billion last year on research to help it achieve market leadership and has said the United States wants to frustrate its growth because no US company could offer the same range of technology at a competitive price. Strayer said Western vendors such as Ericsson and Nokia will use an open architecture with more functionality, creating opportunities for companies in the United States and Europe to provide compatible equipment. American companies like Dell, Cisco, Juniper and VMware "want to play a future role", he said, seeing many European companies also getting involved. The European Union has said it would allow members to decide what part China's Huawei can play in 5G networks. Portugal last month approved guidelines for its 5G strategy and launched a working group to permanently monitor the risks and security of this network.

US urges EU to use 5G by Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung, seen on par with Huawei

Samsung Electronics has launched smartphone delivery services for customers to test its new products, as the spread of the coronavirus has prompted the tech giant to cancel promotional events and brace for weak store sales.

Samsung Electronics has launched smartphone delivery services for customers to test its new products, as the spread of the coronavirus has prompted the tech giant to cancel promotional events and brace for weak store sales. The move highlights efforts made by the global smartphone industry, one of the tech sectors most hurt by the virus outbreak in China, to minimise the impact on business. Analysts say the virus may slash demand for smartphones by half in the first quarter in China, the world's biggest market for the devices. Also Read: Apple prepares for Coronavirus fallout, Samsung fears it may affect earnings Apple Inc warned on Monday it was unlikely to meet a sales target set just three weeks ago, while Xiaomi Corp had to live-stream its smartphone launch event last week because of nationwide restrictions on travel and large gatherings. Samsung, which unveiled a new foldable smartphone and a trio of its flagship Galaxy S20 models last week, is also curtailing brick-and-mortar marketing. The South Korean smartphone maker has decided to sharply cut the number of in-store "experimental zones," where consumers can try out the latest phones, and skip promotional events such as "Galaxy fan parties" for the latest device over worries about the spread of the virus, dubbed SARS-Cov-2. [ The logo of Samsung Electronics is seen at its office building in Seoul, South Korea (Courtesy: Reuters) ] There will only be nine such zones for the Galaxy S20, compared with the 130 it had for Galaxy Note 10 series in South Korea, according to Samsung's website. Samsung customers who want to try out the Galaxy S20 can have one delivered to their door and can use it for up to 24 hours. A delivery worker will reportedly pick it up after that. "We are introducing a new service, as coronavirus-related issues could result in less in-store experience," one of the people said, adding that the service is expected to be available only in some parts of South Korea.

Samsung offers phone delivery service for test use to ride out COVID-19 impact

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/samsung-electronics-board-chairman-jailed-on-union-busting-charge-268655">Samsung </a>Electronics&nbsp;on Tuesday unveiled a foldable smartphone shaped like a large makeup compact and put 5G mobile network capabilities into all of its other flagship devices as it strives to retain the mantle of biggest global phone company.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/samsung-electronics-board-chairman-jailed-on-union-busting-charge-268655">Samsung</a>'s second attempt at a folding phone after a delayed rollout last year comes as the South Korean firm fends off its traditional rival in the premium smartphone market, Apple Inc, along with ascendant Chinese makers such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/smartwatch-revwith-2-week-battery-life-and-fitness-tracking-is-huawei-watch-gt-2-really-worth-the-price-266811">Huawei </a>that have eaten into its sales in China and Europe.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/latest-business-news-apple-prepares-from-for-virus-fallout-samsung-says-it-will-affect-first-quarter-earnings-277547">Apple prepares for Coronavirus fallout, Samsung fears it may affect earnings</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/smartwatch-revwith-2-week-battery-life-and-fitness-tracking-is-huawei-watch-gt-2-really-worth-the-price-266811">Huawei </a>has only released its own folding phones in China, and Apple has yet to release a 5G iPhone of any kind.

Some analysts said sales of Samsung's new flagship series, the Galaxy S20 which feature as many as four powerful cameras will be slightly less than those of its predecessor, expecting foldable phones could eat into some of its sales.

<img alt="Samsung Galaxy Z Flip foldable smartphone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43a23b4a-3b95-4798-b757-acdfbc8aa264" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2811%29_15.jpg" />

Shares of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/samsung-electronics-board-chairman-jailed-on-union-busting-charge-268655">Samsung</a>, which generated 34 per cent&nbsp;of its profit last year from the mobile business and half from its chip business, rose 0.2&nbsp;per cent in a flat wider market.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/samsung-electronics-board-chairman-jailed-on-union-busting-charge-268655">Samsung Electronics board chairman jailed on union-busting charge</a>

The Galaxy Z Flip, with folding glass, starts as a large square when closed and expands to look like most smartphones. It will start at $1,380 and be available from Friday in purple, gold and black, executives said in San Francisco.

<img alt="Attendees take photographs of the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip foldable smartphone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="81c72944-8c5c-4527-95db-982b3c8a9347" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2812%29_10.jpg" />

Last year's Galaxy Fold, a larger unit that folds like a book and was panned for its construction, had a plastic screen and was priced at nearly $2,000.

Samsung said its three Galaxy S20 phones will be more expensive than predecessors when they launch in March with a starting price of $999.

They will have a 5G option whereas the Z Flip is a 4G phone.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/samsung-electronics-board-chairman-jailed-on-union-busting-charge-268655">Samsung </a>was the No. 1 smartphone company overall in 2019, with 21.6 per cent&nbsp;of the global market, according to IDC. But it lost that title to&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;in the December quarter, as cheaper prices for the iPhone 11 launched in the third quarter helped the US&nbsp;firm mark its best growth since 2015.

Globally it also faces stiff competition from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/smartwatch-revwith-2-week-battery-life-and-fitness-tracking-is-huawei-watch-gt-2-really-worth-the-price-266811">Huawei </a>Technologies Co Ltd, which was a close third in market share in the fourth quarter, although the Chinese company is caught in a US-China battle over security and technology, especially in 5G.

Samsung Electronics on Tuesday unveiled a foldable smartphone shaped like a large makeup compact and put 5G mobile network capabilities into all of its other flagship devices as it strives to retain the mantle of biggest global phone company.

Samsung Electronics on Tuesday unveiled a foldable smartphone shaped like a large makeup compact and put 5G mobile network capabilities into all of its other flagship devices as it strives to retain the mantle of biggest global phone company. Samsung's second attempt at a folding phone after a delayed rollout last year comes as the South Korean firm fends off its traditional rival in the premium smartphone market, Apple Inc, along with ascendant Chinese makers such as Huawei that have eaten into its sales in China and Europe. Also read: Apple prepares for Coronavirus fallout, Samsung fears it may affect earnings Huawei has only released its own folding phones in China, and Apple has yet to release a 5G iPhone of any kind. Some analysts said sales of Samsung's new flagship series, the Galaxy S20 which feature as many as four powerful cameras will be slightly less than those of its predecessor, expecting foldable phones could eat into some of its sales. Shares of Samsung, which generated 34 per cent of its profit last year from the mobile business and half from its chip business, rose 0.2 per cent in a flat wider market. Also read: Samsung Electronics board chairman jailed on union-busting charge The Galaxy Z Flip, with folding glass, starts as a large square when closed and expands to look like most smartphones. It will start at $1,380 and be available from Friday in purple, gold and black, executives said in San Francisco. Last year's Galaxy Fold, a larger unit that folds like a book and was panned for its construction, had a plastic screen and was priced at nearly $2,000. Samsung said its three Galaxy S20 phones will be more expensive than predecessors when they launch in March with a starting price of $999. They will have a 5G option whereas the Z Flip is a 4G phone. Samsung was the No. 1 smartphone company overall in 2019, with 21.6 per cent of the global market, according to IDC. But it lost that title to Apple in the December quarter, as cheaper prices for the iPhone 11 launched in the third quarter helped the US firm mark its best growth since 2015. Globally it also faces stiff competition from Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, which was a close third in market share in the fourth quarter, although the Chinese company is caught in a US-China battle over security and technology, especially in 5G.

Samsung unveils compact foldable phone, 5G Galaxy S20 to fend off Apple, Huawei

South Korean battery maker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-aged-21-phones-are-a-greater-threat-than-guns-in-vermont-273423">Samsung</a> SDI Co Ltd said on Thursday its first-quarter earnings could be negatively affected by a virus outbreak in China.

The total number of confirmed deaths from the virus in China had risen by 38 to 170 as of Wednesday, and the number of infected patients had risen to over 7,700.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/the-transformation-tale-of-mobile-phones-how-we-evolved-from-nokia-3310-to-samsung-galaxy-fold-271299">Samsung</a> SDI, an affiliate of South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, counts Volvo and Volkswagen among its customers.

<img alt="Samsung" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54388805-24c3-4d63-ba45-10cc68d8944a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2815%29_11.jpg" /> 
[ A customer stands near Samsung logo during Galaxy Note 8 consumer launch event (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/apples-iphone-sales-in-china-up-18-in-december-sources-273217">Apple's iPhone sales in China up 18 per cent in December: Report</a>

Meanwhile, &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/apple-supplier-japan-display-to-receive-830-million-from-asset-manager-ichigo-267874">Apple</a> said it had baked into its outlook uncertainty related to a virus outbreak in China that has killed 132 and infected nearly 6,000. Companies also asked the staff there to work from home.

Apple closed one of its retail stores in China, reduced hours at others and prevented employees from travelling.

South Korean battery maker Samsung SDI Co Ltd said on Thursday its first-quarter earnings could be negatively affected by a virus outbreak in China. The total number of confirmed deaths from the virus in China had risen by 38 to 170 as of Wednesday, and the number of infected patients had risen to over 7,700.

South Korean battery maker Samsung SDI Co Ltd said on Thursday its first-quarter earnings could be negatively affected by a virus outbreak in China. The total number of confirmed deaths from the virus in China had risen by 38 to 170 as of Wednesday, and the number of infected patients had risen to over 7,700. Samsung SDI, an affiliate of South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, counts Volvo and Volkswagen among its customers. [ A customer stands near Samsung logo during Galaxy Note 8 consumer launch event (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Also Read: Apple's iPhone sales in China up 18 per cent in December: Report Meanwhile, Apple said it had baked into its outlook uncertainty related to a virus outbreak in China that has killed 132 and infected nearly 6,000. Companies also asked the staff there to work from home. Apple closed one of its retail stores in China, reduced hours at others and prevented employees from travelling.

Apple prepares for Coronavirus fallout, Samsung fears it may affect earnings

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd board chairman Lee Sang-hoon was sentenced to 1-1/2 years <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/south-korea-jails-three-executives-of-samsung-electronics-267180">jail</a> on Tuesday for sabotaging legitimate union activities, a South Korean court said.

Lee and about 25 other defendants were charged with sabotaging union activities by subcontracted workers at Samsung Electronics' repair unit, Samsung Electronics Service Co Ltd.

When union activities took place at Samsung Electronics Service in 2013, Samsung Group's now-defunct elite strategy office developed and implemented strategies to hinder the union's operation, Seoul Central District Court ruled.

Samsung executives and employees were, to different degrees, involved in finding out sensitive information about union members to convince them to leave the union, inducing the closure of subcontracting firms with active unions and delaying negotiations between labour and management.

Samsung Electronics declined to comment.

“This is a further signal of change for South Korean judicial system, which previously gave lenient sentences to convicted businessmen,” said Park Sang-in, a professor at Seoul National University.

Samsung’s new leader, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-prosecutors-seek-12-year-jail-term-for-samsung-heir-lee-27847">Jay Y. Lee</a> needed to "build industrial relations which are in line with global standards," he added.

The verdict follows last week's ruling by the same court that gave a 16-month jail term to Samsung Electronics Vice-President Kang Kyung-hoon on charges of union-busting activities at a different Samsung affiliate.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd board chairman Lee Sang-hoon was sentenced to 1-1/2 years jail on Tuesday for sabotaging legitimate union activities, a South Korean court said.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd board chairman Lee Sang-hoon was sentenced to 1-1/2 years jail on Tuesday for sabotaging legitimate union activities, a South Korean court said. Lee and about 25 other defendants were charged with sabotaging union activities by subcontracted workers at Samsung Electronics' repair unit, Samsung Electronics Service Co Ltd. When union activities took place at Samsung Electronics Service in 2013, Samsung Group's now-defunct elite strategy office developed and implemented strategies to hinder the union's operation, Seoul Central District Court ruled. Samsung executives and employees were, to different degrees, involved in finding out sensitive information about union members to convince them to leave the union, inducing the closure of subcontracting firms with active unions and delaying negotiations between labour and management. Samsung Electronics declined to comment. “This is a further signal of change for South Korean judicial system, which previously gave lenient sentences to convicted businessmen,” said Park Sang-in, a professor at Seoul National University. Samsung’s new leader, Jay Y. Lee needed to "build industrial relations which are in line with global standards," he added. The verdict follows last week's ruling by the same court that gave a 16-month jail term to Samsung Electronics Vice-President Kang Kyung-hoon on charges of union-busting activities at a different Samsung affiliate.

Samsung Electronics board chairman jailed on union-busting charge

Today, watch in WION Wallet with Sumit Chaturvedi: Samsung's Vice Chairman Lee's bribery case sent back to the lower court. Watch this complete video to find out more in the details.

WION Wallet: Lee's bribery case sent back to the lower court

Samsung's plan to&nbsp;outsource a fifth of its smartphone production to&nbsp;China&nbsp;next year may help it compete with low-cost&nbsp;rivals&nbsp;such as Huawei and Xiaomi but it's a strategy fraught with risks, people with familiar with the move said.

Samsung&nbsp;Electronics, which shut its last in-house Chinese smartphone factory in October, is quietly moving production of some Galaxy A models to contractors such as Wingtech, which are little known&nbsp;outside&nbsp;China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/samsung-says-to-shut-down-united-states-cpu-research-division-260078">Samsung&nbsp;</a>has been coy about&nbsp;the volumes involved but sources said the South Korean tech giant plans to ship some 60 million&nbsp;phones&nbsp;made&nbsp;in&nbsp;China&nbsp;by so-called original design manufacturers (ODMs) next year&nbsp;out&nbsp;of a total of about&nbsp;300 million devices.

Wingtech and other ODMs make&nbsp;phones&nbsp;for multiple brands - including Huawei, Xiaomi and Oppo - giving them the economies of scale to keep costs down, and the nimble contractors can develop and produce new budget&nbsp;phones&nbsp;quickly.

Critics of&nbsp;Samsung's strategy say it risks losing control of quality and undermining its manufacturing expertise by&nbsp;outsourcing, and may even help&nbsp;rivals&nbsp;by giving contractors the extra volume they need to lowers costs further for all.

Samsung&nbsp;can ill afford another quality crisis. It scrapped its flagship Galaxy Note 7 in 2016 after reports the expensive&nbsp;phones&nbsp;were catching fire and delayed the launch of its folding phone this year after screen defects were identified.

But with margins razor-thin for budget smartphones, people familiar with&nbsp;Samsung's strategy say it has little choice but to follow&nbsp;rivals&nbsp;and use Chinese ODMs to shave costs.

"This is an inevitable strategy rather than a good strategy," a source with knowledge of&nbsp;Samsung's Chinese operations said.

Samsung&nbsp;said in a statement to Reuters that it has been making limited lines of smartphones&nbsp;outside its own plants to broaden its existing portfolio and "ensure efficient management in the market". It declined to say how many&nbsp;Samsung&nbsp;phones&nbsp;are&nbsp;made&nbsp;by ODMs and said future volumes had yet to be determined.

Wingtech did not respond to a request for comment.

Research firm Counterpoint says ODMs can procure all the components needed for $100-$250 smartphones&nbsp;for 10 per cent&nbsp;to 15&nbsp;per cent less than major brands with their own factories in&nbsp;China.

One supply chain source said Wingtech can get some parts for up to 30 per cent less than&nbsp;Samsung&nbsp;Electronics pays in Vietnam, where it has three factories churning&nbsp;out&nbsp;smartphones, TVs and home appliances.

Wingtech started making tablets and&nbsp;phones&nbsp;for&nbsp;Samsung&nbsp;in 2017, accounting for 3&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of its smartphones. That's expected to hit 8 per cent, or 24 million units, this year, according to IHS Markit.

Samsung's&nbsp;outsourcing plans involve its lower and mid-range Galaxy A series, with Wingtech having a hand in both design and production, sources said. The A6S, one of the models to be&nbsp;outsourced, costs from 1,299 yuan ($185) in&nbsp;China.

The Wingtech&nbsp;phones&nbsp;will mainly go to Southeast Asia and South America, one source said.&nbsp;Samsung&nbsp;is gaining share in both at the expense of Huawei, which is suffering from U.S. sanctions that bar it from putting all Google's services on new&nbsp;phones.

While&nbsp;Samsung&nbsp;is anxious to remain global smartphone market leader, some analysts worry it might not be worth the risk is given that profits in the budget phone business are scarce for all.

"Low-end&nbsp;phones&nbsp;are a headache for&nbsp;Samsung," said CW Chung, head of research at Nomura in Korea.

Chung said they were now commodity products and it was "nonsense" to make them in-house. But he and other experts said if&nbsp;Samsung&nbsp;gave ODMs&nbsp;more&nbsp;volume, that could cut contractors' costs further and boost their experience and knowledge.

"If ODM firms become&nbsp;more&nbsp;competitive,&nbsp;rivals&nbsp;will be&nbsp;more&nbsp;competitive," Tom Kang, an analyst at Counterpoint said, adding that once a company loses its expertise in making low-end&nbsp;phones&nbsp;by&nbsp;outsourcing, it is difficult to regain the know-how.

Chung said&nbsp;Samsung's strategic shift signalled the declining manufacturing prowess of the company, once a low-cost Asian manufacturer and now the world's top producer of high-end electrical consumer goods.

US rival Apple&nbsp;outsources production to Taiwan's Foxconn Technology, which has factories in&nbsp;China, but Apple still designs its&nbsp;phones&nbsp;in California.

Samsung&nbsp;said in an emailed response to Reuters that it will be involved in the oversight of the design and development of smartphones&nbsp;produced by ODMs.

One person familiar with&nbsp;Samsung&nbsp;and Chinese ODMs said contractors save money by cutting some steps&nbsp;out&nbsp;of the manufacturing process, potentially raising quality issues. He declined to go into details.

With that in mind,&nbsp;Samsung&nbsp;has been pairing South Korean component suppliers with Chinese contractors to keep closer tabs on quality control, the person said.

"We understand the logic of increasing the production volume with Chinese contractors is a strategic business decision but that doesn't mean all of us are happy about&nbsp;it," an executive at a Korean component supplier said.

Samsung&nbsp;told Reuters it has applied the same quality checks and standards it does with all its devices, adding that it was committed to delivering high-quality products.

Historically,&nbsp;Samsung&nbsp;has designed and produced almost all its&nbsp;phones&nbsp;in-house in vast factories in Vietnam and,&nbsp;more&nbsp;recently, India while winding down production in South Korea and&nbsp;China&nbsp;where labour costs&nbsp;more.

But Roh Tae-moon, the youngest executive to become a president at&nbsp;Samsung&nbsp;Electronics, is championing the new ODM strategy in his role as number two at the mobile division, two people familiar with the matter said.

"It is crucial to cut costs to maintain competitiveness with Huawei and other Chinese handset makers," said a&nbsp;Samsung&nbsp;insider who declined to be named.

Other Korean firms have also embraced&nbsp;outsourcing. LG Electronics, whose smartphones&nbsp;have been losing money for several years, has said it plans to expand its ODM&nbsp;output from budget models to mid-priced&nbsp;phones.

"Smartphones&nbsp;have come down to a battle over costs.&nbsp;It's a game of survival now," said Kim Yong-serk, a former&nbsp;Samsung&nbsp;mobile executive who is a professor at South Korea's Sungkyunkwan University.

Samsung's plan to outsource a fifth of its smartphone production to China next year may help it compete with low-cost rivals such as Huawei and Xiaomi but it's a strategy fraught with risks, people with familiar with the move said.

Samsung's plan to outsource a fifth of its smartphone production to China next year may help it compete with low-cost rivals such as Huawei and Xiaomi but it's a strategy fraught with risks, people with familiar with the move said. Samsung Electronics, which shut its last in-house Chinese smartphone factory in October, is quietly moving production of some Galaxy A models to contractors such as Wingtech, which are little known outside China. Samsung has been coy about the volumes involved but sources said the South Korean tech giant plans to ship some 60 million phones made in China by so-called original design manufacturers (ODMs) next year out of a total of about 300 million devices. Wingtech and other ODMs make phones for multiple brands - including Huawei, Xiaomi and Oppo - giving them the economies of scale to keep costs down, and the nimble contractors can develop and produce new budget phones quickly. Critics of Samsung's strategy say it risks losing control of quality and undermining its manufacturing expertise by outsourcing, and may even help rivals by giving contractors the extra volume they need to lowers costs further for all. Samsung can ill afford another quality crisis. It scrapped its flagship Galaxy Note 7 in 2016 after reports the expensive phones were catching fire and delayed the launch of its folding phone this year after screen defects were identified. But with margins razor-thin for budget smartphones, people familiar with Samsung's strategy say it has little choice but to follow rivals and use Chinese ODMs to shave costs. "This is an inevitable strategy rather than a good strategy," a source with knowledge of Samsung's Chinese operations said. Samsung said in a statement to Reuters that it has been making limited lines of smartphones outside its own plants to broaden its existing portfolio and "ensure efficient management in the market". It declined to say how many Samsung phones are made by ODMs and said future volumes had yet to be determined. Wingtech did not respond to a request for comment. Research firm Counterpoint says ODMs can procure all the components needed for $100-$250 smartphones for 10 per cent to 15 per cent less than major brands with their own factories in China. One supply chain source said Wingtech can get some parts for up to 30 per cent less than Samsung Electronics pays in Vietnam, where it has three factories churning out smartphones, TVs and home appliances. Wingtech started making tablets and phones for Samsung in 2017, accounting for 3 per cent of its smartphones. That's expected to hit 8 per cent, or 24 million units, this year, according to IHS Markit. Samsung's outsourcing plans involve its lower and mid-range Galaxy A series, with Wingtech having a hand in both design and production, sources said. The A6S, one of the models to be outsourced, costs from 1,299 yuan ($185) in China. The Wingtech phones will mainly go to Southeast Asia and South America, one source said. Samsung is gaining share in both at the expense of Huawei, which is suffering from U.S. sanctions that bar it from putting all Google's services on new phones. While Samsung is anxious to remain global smartphone market leader, some analysts worry it might not be worth the risk is given that profits in the budget phone business are scarce for all. "Low-end phones are a headache for Samsung," said CW Chung, head of research at Nomura in Korea. Chung said they were now commodity products and it was "nonsense" to make them in-house. But he and other experts said if Samsung gave ODMs more volume, that could cut contractors' costs further and boost their experience and knowledge. "If ODM firms become more competitive, rivals will be more competitive," Tom Kang, an analyst at Counterpoint said, adding that once a company loses its expertise in making low-end phones by outsourcing, it is difficult to regain the know-how. Chung said Samsung's strategic shift signalled the declining manufacturing prowess of the company, once a low-cost Asian manufacturer and now the world's top producer of high-end electrical consumer goods. US rival Apple outsources production to Taiwan's Foxconn Technology, which has factories in China, but Apple still designs its phones in California. Samsung said in an emailed response to Reuters that it will be involved in the oversight of the design and development of smartphones produced by ODMs. One person familiar with Samsung and Chinese ODMs said contractors save money by cutting some steps out of the manufacturing process, potentially raising quality issues. He declined to go into details. With that in mind, Samsung has been pairing South Korean component suppliers with Chinese contractors to keep closer tabs on quality control, the person said. "We understand the logic of increasing the production volume with Chinese contractors is a strategic business decision but that doesn't mean all of us are happy about it," an executive at a Korean component supplier said. Samsung told Reuters it has applied the same quality checks and standards it does with all its devices, adding that it was committed to delivering high-quality products. Historically, Samsung has designed and produced almost all its phones in-house in vast factories in Vietnam and, more recently, India while winding down production in South Korea and China where labour costs more. But Roh Tae-moon, the youngest executive to become a president at Samsung Electronics, is championing the new ODM strategy in his role as number two at the mobile division, two people familiar with the matter said. "It is crucial to cut costs to maintain competitiveness with Huawei and other Chinese handset makers," said a Samsung insider who declined to be named. Other Korean firms have also embraced outsourcing. LG Electronics, whose smartphones have been losing money for several years, has said it plans to expand its ODM output from budget models to mid-priced phones. "Smartphones have come down to a battle over costs. It's a game of survival now," said Kim Yong-serk, a former Samsung mobile executive who is a professor at South Korea's Sungkyunkwan University.

Samsung to outsource production to China to fend off rivals

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