Samsung is expected to launch its next flagship smartphone series, the Galaxy S24, in January 2024. The new devices will likely feature some hardware improvements and design tweaks, but the most exciting rumor is about their software support. According to a report by Android Headlines, Samsung may offer seven major OS upgrades and security updates for the Galaxy S24 series, matching Google’s Pixel phones.
Samsung has been leading the Android market in terms of software updates for the past few years. The company has promised four major OS upgrades for its flagship and select mid-range and budget devices, surpassing most of its rivals. However, Google raised the bar in October 2023, when it announced that its Pixel smartphones would receive Android version upgrades and security updates for a whopping seven years. This kind of commitment to software support was simply unheard of in the smartphone industry, with even Apple only providing five major iOS updates for its iPhones and iPads.
If the rumor is true, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series will be the first Android phones to match Google’s Pixel phones in terms of software longevity. This means that Galaxy S24 users will be able to enjoy the latest features and security patches from Android 14 to Android 20, without worrying about their devices becoming obsolete or vulnerable. This will also enhance the value and resale potential of the Galaxy S24 series, as well as reduce the environmental impact of electronic waste.
How will Samsung achieve this feat?
Samsung has not officially confirmed or denied the rumor, but it has hinted at the possibility of extending its update policy in an interview with SamMobile at its developer conference. The company said that it was working closely with Google and Qualcomm to optimize its software for the new chipsets and platforms. Samsung also said that it was exploring ways to leverage its artificial intelligence capabilities to enhance the user experience and performance of its devices.
One of the possible ways that Samsung could achieve this feat is by using its own Exynos processors for the Galaxy S24 series, instead of relying on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chipsets. Samsung has been developing its own custom cores and GPUs for its Exynos processors, which could give it more control and flexibility over the software optimization and compatibility. Samsung has also been rumored to collaborate with AMD to integrate its Radeon graphics technology into its Exynos processors, which could boost the gaming and multimedia performance of the Galaxy S24 series.
Another possible way that Samsung could achieve this feat is by using its One UI skin as a modular layer on top of the Android OS, instead of modifying the core system files. This could allow Samsung to deliver the Android version upgrades and security updates more quickly and easily, without compromising its own features and customizations. Samsung has already been using this approach for some of its apps and services, such as the Samsung Internet browser and the Samsung Pay app, which can be updated independently from the OS.
What else can we expect from the Galaxy S24 series?
Aside from the software support, the Galaxy S24 series is also expected to offer some hardware improvements and design tweaks. According to various leaks and reports, the Galaxy S24 series will consist of three models: the Galaxy S24, the Galaxy S24 Plus, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The Galaxy S24 and the Galaxy S24 Plus will likely have similar designs and specifications, with the main differences being the screen size and battery capacity. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, on the other hand, will be the most premium and powerful model, with some exclusive features and enhancements.
Some of the rumored features and specifications of the Galaxy S24 series are:
- A 120Hz AMOLED display with a center punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera. The Galaxy S24 Ultra may have a flat screen instead of a curved one, which could improve the durability and usability of the device.
- A quad-camera setup on the back, with a main, ultra-wide, telephoto, and depth sensor. The Galaxy S24 Ultra may have a periscope zoom lens with up to 100x digital zoom, as well as a laser autofocus system. The cameras may also have some AI enhancements, such as an Instagram shortcut on the lock screen and a director’s view mode for video recording.
- A Snapdragon 898 or an Exynos 2200 processor, depending on the region. Both processors are expected to be based on the 4nm process, which could improve the performance and efficiency of the devices. The processors may also support the new wireless charging standard, Qi2, which uses magnets for secure attachment with accessories.
- A 4,000mAh battery for the Galaxy S24, a 4,500mAh battery for the Galaxy S24 Plus, and a 5,000mAh battery for the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The batteries may support fast wired and wireless charging, as well as reverse wireless charging for other devices.
- A minimum of 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, with options for higher configurations. The devices may also have a microSD card slot for expandable storage, which was missing from the Galaxy S23 series.
- An in-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, IP68 water and dust resistance, and 5G connectivity. The devices may also have a dedicated Bixby button, which can be customized to launch other apps or functions.
Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S24 series at its Unpacked event on January 17, 2024. The devices will likely go on sale shortly after, with prices ranging from $799 to $1,199, depending on the model and configuration. The Galaxy S24 series will compete with other flagship smartphones, such as the iPhone 14, the Pixel 7, and the OnePlus 11.