Review of the Samsung Galaxy A22

 

By Fred Felton | October 14, 2021

The Samsung Galaxy A22 is a great entry-level device for those looking to get their first smartphone device and packs an amazing amount of sophistication into a cell phone.

The Samsung Galaxy A22

This week I was invited to try out this Samsung device for myself and it certainly is impressive. The Super Amoled screen with 90Hz refresh rate will certainly dazzle your eyes. It has a 5 000mAh battery which will keep you in the game for quite some time before you need a charge. It also comes in a variety of colours including violet, mint, white and black.

The A22 has four rear cameras

“The Galaxy A22 is an impressive device at excellent value that builds on our growing Galaxy A Series portfolio”, said Justin Hume, Director: Integrated Mobility at Samsung South Africa.

Here are just some of the key features that might just impress you:

Camera

The device has four cameras on the back and a front camera for selfies.

The back cameras include an ultra-wide camera 8MP (F2.2) for those panorama shots.

The main camera boasts 48MP (F1.8), Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS).

The macro camera is 2MP (F2.4) for close-up photography and a depth camera 2MP (F2.4) which will help you if you are looking for that bokeh effect.

The front camera is 13MP (F2.2)

The A22 cameras take rich, vibrant images. | Image: Fred Felton

So for all of you photographers out there you can be guaranteed of hours of fun playing around with these cameras and deciding on which image to upload to your Instagram.

An example of the zoom feature on the camera. 

Professional photographers can also play around with the settings to get the best shot.

Memory and Storage

This is probably one of main selling points for any device besides the battery. The A22 comes with 4GB Ram and 64 GB Internal Storage. Some models can also have 4GB / 6GB Ram and 128 GB Internal Storage which will mean that you have plenty of space and if you run out of space the device has capacity for a memory card if you need one.

Processor

The device comes with an Octa-Core (Dual 2GHz and Hexa 1.8GHz) processor.

Display

This A22 comes equipped with 6.4 inch³ HD and Super AMOLED, 90Hz Infinity-U Display.

Network

This device comes with LTE and some devices are also equipped with 5G as well.

Security

The A22 has a range of security options for you from the side-mounted fingerprint detector to facial recognition, pattern codes and normal security codes so you can rest assured that nobody will be getting into your device but you.

Extras

To power up the device press and hold the side key for a few seconds. The A22 takes around 30 seconds from start-up to initialization.

The size of the device is adequate and it should fit into your pocket with no problem.

Some of the added features I noticed which did impress me was the introduction of many more ringtones which included a rich variety including classical music like Mozart to disco, tech, dance and even love songs. Notification sounds have also been given an update and there are many more nifty little sounds to choose from for those messages you need to hear.

The nifty side volume keys have become more visual with visual displays to show you the various volume settings to choose from.

The device also comes with Dolby Atmos for a richer sound experience.

Dark mode has also been included for all of your display options.

An eye comfort shield has also been introduced which limits blue light and uses warmer colours. This makes it easier to use at night as well.

Screen zoom also makes it a pleasure to read all of those messages and documents.

Although the A22 comes equipped with a 90Hz screen refresh rate you can also use the standard option with 60Hz screen refresh to save on battery.

As with all the other Samsung models this device comes with all the bells and whistles including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Flight Mode, Torch, Power Saving, QR Code scanner, Screen shot, NFC and Contactless Payment and much more.

Apps include Samsung Notes, Samsung Apps, Google Apps, Microsoft Apps, Samsung Members, Galaxy Store, Play Store, Facebook, Spotify Netflix, You Tube Music and the Samsung Game Launcher, Voice Recorder, AR Zone and even a Radio to listen to tunes.

The calendar has a much more visual appeal to it and you can even add emoticons, stickers and voice notes to a calendar entry which is a nice touch.

The calculator features a much more updated version which can calculate anything from area, length, temperature, volume, mass, data, speed, time and scientific calculations.  

Find My Mobile is a good setting to activate to ensure you never lose your device.

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy A22 is great device if you are looking to get your first smartphone. It currently retails for a price of R3999. Some retailers are selling it cheaper so you might even get it at a bargain price.

If you want to score yourself an even bigger bargain you can take advantage of getting a cashback towards this device by trading in your older device with Samsung.

For more information visit: www.samsung.com/za/trade-in/

Rating

7/10

Limited Launch Gifts With Samsung Galaxy Z Series 5G

 

Samsung recently launched their new Galaxy Z series with the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and now you can get them with some extra-special launch gifts.

                                                                                          
                                    

                                               

Pre-order now to receive limited launch gifts

When you pre-order or purchase during the September to 20 October 2021 promotional period¹, you will receive an exclusive offer, that includes the new Galaxy Buds2, the must-have Galaxy Smart Tag and the peace of mind of Samsung Care+, all valued at R5 200². The free one-year Samsung Care+ plan will provide one accidental screen and/ or back cover repair, and will include a battery replacement. You can upgrade to the Samsung Care+ Premium plan at an affordable cost, for additional cover, which includes liquid, motherboard and external casing damage.

 

Select your new favourite foldable

Galaxy Z Fold3

Built for those who need the ultimate device to power their productivity and maximise every moment. Galaxy Z Fold3 5G combines power, efficiency and immersive viewing so you can check off your to-do list faster and have more time for next-gen gaming, content viewing and video calling. With a screen size that allows you to run up to three apps at once, it’s the ultimate productivity tool for modern multi-taskers. For the first time ever on a foldable, Samsung has added S Pen support⁴, so that you can jot down reminders directly on its immersive, large screen or join an online video call on your top half of screen and take notes with your S Pen on the bottom half, by just clicking the screen twice. 

When you’re enjoying some me-time, you can easily immerse yourself in your favourite show or sports game, undisrupted, thanks to the 7.6-inch Main Screen and Under display camera. From productivity to performance to portable entertainment on the go, the Galaxy Z Fold3 is the ultimate powerhouse device.

 

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G

For those who need a device that’s as stylish as they are, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 empowers you to express yourself with bold colour options, a sleek, compact rectangular design that  fits effortlessly in your pocket, and trendy new accessories. Unfold and snap a stunning selfie with the  Galaxy Z Flip3’s camera features including Flex mode and its unique ability to stand upright, with a  symmetrical and balanced design, that opens up to an angle that best fits your vision. Then add to your social feed, which scrolls smoother than ever with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Enjoy easier ways to pay, play, and check your notifications fast on its larger cover screen, without ever flipping open your phone. 

Choosing the Galaxy Z Flip3 means getting more of what you crave, your way, whatever you’re doing, whether the device is open or closed. Galaxy Z Flip3 is more than a folding phone, it’s a statement. 

Whether you flip or fold, both new Galaxy Z devices offer our most durable, connected, and expansive foldable experiences ever. Building on a legacy of impeccable craftsmanship, they are equipped with water-resistance⁵, Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus™, Armor Aluminium, an optimised panel layer, and an improved protective film.

Click here for more information about the Galaxy Z Fold3 and the Galaxy Z Flip3.

 

¹Terms and conditions apply. The promotion period depends on retailer.

For Vodacom customers the Promotion Period will end 6th October 2021.

For MTN customers Promotion Period will end 30th September 2021.

For Cell C customers Promotion period will end 17th October 2021.

For Telkom customers Promotion period will end 20th October 2021.

For Takealot customers Promotion period will end 30th September 2021.

²Users that pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold3 or Z Flip3 will get a year of Samsung Care+ protection.

Samsung Care+ for Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 requires a free registration within 30 days from the phone’s purchase date through Samsung Members or the Samsung care plus page . A R 999 repair fee will be charged per incident for the Samsung Care+ protection on the Z Fold3 | Z Flip3. Protection coverage and availability may vary by market. Full information on Samsung Care+ is available at https://www.samsung.com/za/offer/samsung-care-plus/

³Price may vary by retailer

⁴S Pen sold separately. Only Z Fold3 Main Screen has S Pen capability. Compatible only with the S Pen Fold Edition and S Pen Pro. All other S Pens or stylus pens not designed for Z Fold3 (including those by other manufacturers) may damage the screen.

⁵Rated as IPX8. Based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meter of freshwater for up to 30 minutes..

5 Reasons to Try the Samsung UV Sterilizer

 

By Fred Felton

Oct. 8, 2020

Banish up to 99% of Bacteria and Germs at the Touch of a Button with the New UV Sterilizer.

The new UV Sterilizer from Samsung. | Image: Samsung

These are different times we live in and thanks to Samsung you now have a nifty little device which can keep your devices crystal clean.

To help combat the spread of bacteria and germs Samsung recently introduced their UV Sterilizer with Wireless Charging. It was manufactured by Samsung C&T, a partner of Samsung Mobile Accessory Partnership Program (SMAPP) and you can get it at your nearest online or retail store.

Samsung recently sent me one to review and here are 5 reasons you should seriously think about investing in one:

 

Keep your belongings safe and clean from bacteria and germs

This is the perfect device to use to make sure your own devices are safe from bacteria and germs. It kills up to 99% of bacteria and germs, including E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, according to tests done by Intertek and SGS.

Fits a variety of devices

This sterilizer can fit a variety of devices such as your smartphone, earbuds and glasses and it can disinfect them in just 10 minutes, wherever you are.

 

Practical and Sleek Design

It has a great design which features dual UV lights that sterilize the item placed inside it. The minimal design also means it can fit in perfectly anywhere including your house or office.  

  

Easy to use

The UV Sterilizer is easy to use with a single button that turns it on or off. The device turns off automatically after 10 minutes.

 

Wireless charging

Thanks to the wireless charging it disinfects your smartphone and it will also charge the device at the same time, as long as your device can support Qi wireless charging. This means when it is done you can pick up your device and it is clean and fully charged at the same time.

 

It’s a nifty device and certainly useful in this new normal we now all live in. Keep an eye on some stores as they are offering this device free with some deals.

 

Fred Felton is a freelance tech journalist. Find him on Twitter @fredfelton

Review of Samsung Galaxy A30s Special Edition with Cassper Nyovest

This month I was invited by Samsung to try out their new A30s model. In particular the Special Edition with Cassper Nyovest.

Samsung A30s | Image: Samsung

This model comes with some added benefits including the Cassper Nyovest Alarm. This celebrity alarm wakes you up every morning to guide you through your day. So if you are looking for some daily inspiration in 2020 this might be the phone for you.

Other featured benefits include wallpapers and themes and of course Samsung Pay which allows you to make in-store purchases with your device.

Let’s take a look at the specs:

The Specs | Ts and Cs Apply | Some models may differ

The phone has a triple camera and of course a bigger screen.

It features infinity display and a long-lasting battery at an affordable price for all South Africans.

On the front of the device it features a proximity sensor, front camera, speaker and touchscreen.

The volume key and power key are on the side of the device. The power key can be used to turn on the device or to lock it.

A multipurpose jack is at the bottom of the device for USB interface or to charge the device. (USB Type-C)

The back of the device features a myriad of tech from a GPS antenna to NFC antenna, a dual rear camera, flash, fingerprint recognition sensor, main antenna, speaker, microphone and earphone jack. You can access your SIM card / Memory card on the side of the device through a tray.

When you turn on your device you will find some soft buttons on the button. On the left is your recents button, in the middle is your home button and on the right is the back button.

Battery

I charged the device out the box from a 54% charge to fully charged up in just under 1 hour which is pretty impressive.

Battery saving tips:

• Use the device care feature for optimisation
• When not using device turn off screen and use power key for that
• Activate power saving mode
• Close any unnecessary apps you are not using
• Deactivate Bluetooth if not in use
• Deactivate auto-sync of apps
• Decrease backlight time
• Decrease screen brigtness

The device also comes with a fast charging option.

To launch this option taps Settings, tap Device Care, tap Battery, tap Settings and then tap Fast Charging to activate it.

You will need to use the ejection pin which comes with your device to get your SIM tray out. The hole is next to the SIM tray. This will allow you to put in your SIM card and Memory card if you need it.

To restart the device press and hold the power key and hit Restart.

If your device freezes press and hold the Power key and Volume down key simultaneously for more than 7 seconds to restart it.

You can also switch the device to emergency mode to save on battery. With this option you can make an emergency call, send your current location info to others, sound an emergency alarm and more.

To activate emergency mode hold the power key and tap Emergency mode. To deactivate it tap the power key and tap Emergency mode.

With this device you can also sign up for your Samsung account and with it get a host of goodies. To do this launch the settings option, tap Accounts and backup, tap Accounts, tap Add account, tap Samsung account, tap create an account.

A nice option is Smart Switch which allows you to transfer all your info from one Samsung to another. Launch the Settings app, tap Accounts and backup and tap Smart Switch. You can transfer the data via Wi-Fi direct. If you do not have Smart Switch on your other device you can download it from the Play store.

On the previous device tap Send data and then Wireless.

On your device tap Receive.

A nifty option is that you can also set your screen to landscape mode if you prefer a wider angle version of seeing your device and apps. On the home screen tap and hold an empty area, tap Home screen settings and then tap Rotate to landscape mode.

Security

This device certainly has a host of security options for you. You can secure it in any of the following ways: Swipe, Pattern, PIN, Password, None, Face recognition and even Fingerprint recognition. To access these features tap Settings, then Lock screen then Screen lock type.

The device also comes with a built in screen capture option for when you see something you want to capture eg a job advert. You can press the Volume Down button and Power key at the same time. You can also swipe your hand to the left or right across the screen. Screen captures are saved to the Gallery.

If you swipe down from the top of your device you will find your notifications panel which gives you quick access to options such as WiFi, Sound, Bluetooth, Flight Mode and much more.

This device also comes with Bixby which is like your own personal assistant. To fully access it you must register a Samsung account.

You can also block those annoying phone calls by launching the Phone app and tap Settings and then Block numbers.

Camera

Through the lens of the Samsung A30s | Image: Fred Felton

The dual camera on the back and the camera on the front feature a multitude of options from Scene optimiser, Stickers, AR Emoji, lens options, panorama option, creation of GIF’s, Live focus mode which works well for portraits and yes you can now even create stories on your device. Other highlights include a Food option for Food Bloggers, Slow Motion and even a Watermark option which photographers will love.

Something that Samsung have also introduced on this device is the AR Emoji. This option is only really found on high end devices like the Samsung S10. Nice to see it on this device and I’m sure customers will love playing around with it. For those of you that don’t know much about it this allows you to create your own personal Emoji which looks just like you. To create one launch the Camera App, tap AR Emoji and Create my Emoji. Enjoy. You can also download items and accessories that can be used with your Emoji from AR World. On the My Emoji home screen tap Store.

Enjoy playing around with the Multi window option which will allow you to run two different apps at the same time on the screen.

A nice option for parents is the Kids Home option which allows you to setup a safe environment for your Kids before you give them the device.

This device also works with Samsung Wearables such as your Samsung Watch.

It also has Samsung Health which has a nice step counter and monitors your health.

All of your games are now stored in the Games Launcher.

It also works with Smart TVs and IOT products. Launch the Smart Things App for this.

On the settings screen tap Advanced features and tap Send SOS message/Panic Mode. Help messages are then sent if you press the Power key three times. You can also send sound recordings along with a message to recipients.

You can also activate Find My Mobile if you need to find it. Visit findmymobile.samsung.com to activate it.

To avoid pocket dialling tap Display and Accidental touch protection.

There are so many more features but I leave those to you to discover.

Certainly the perfect Christmas Gift for that friend or family member of yours that is a Cassper Nyovest fan.

This device is basically a slimmed down version of a Samsung S10 at a price that fits all pockets.

Rating: 9/10

This review by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton

Review of the Samsung Galaxy S4mini

This is a treat.  From the start one is impressed with this.  The packaging is made of 100% post-consumer recycled paper and printed with soy-based inks.  It is 100% recyclable.  Nice move Samsung.

Under the hood

·         HSDPA 21.1 / HSUPA 5.76

·         Screen is 108.5mm Super AMOLED

·         Runs on Dual Krait 1.7 GHz Processor

·         1.5 GB RAM Memory

·         8MP AF Camera and 1.9MP Front Camera

·         GPS

·         1,900 mAH Battery

·         Wi-Fi

·         Runs on the Android System

·         Bluetooth

Review

Although this phone is big in the hand it is surprisingly light to hold.  Quick start up time to begin with. 

Phone Contacts

·         Easy to set up and can be integrated with existing accounts

·         Also features a nice search function

·         Includes a Groups feature and Favourites section

Messaging

·         Simple to understand design

·         Features predictive text with a few options for quicker typing

Camera

·         Nice features on the camera which include face detection

·         You can also tag your friends in those awkward pictures

·         Also includes video for those precious moments

Other Features

·        Samsung Apps and of course the Play Store for loads of apps

Clock

·         Features plenty of cities for you to customise your time

·         Has a handy alarm for those important meetings

S Planner

·         Allows you to plan your day, also has useful list and task integration

Also included

·         Calculator

·         Voice Recorder

·         Files Folder

·         ChatON

·         Samsung Link

·         WatchON

·         Samsung Hub

·         Music

·         S Voice

·         Translator

·         S Memo

·         Group Play

·         Google – Of course

·         Google +

·         Messenger

·         Hangouts

·         Chrome

·         Play Books

·         Play Magazines

·         YouTube

·         Play Music

·         Maps, Navigation and Local

·         Dropbox, Flipboard

·         Story Album

·         Even has a FM Radio

What I like about it

·        I love the customisable home screen which means you can set it if you are more interested in your schedule or if you prefer to see the weather or something else.

·         Has a handy data usage tool so you can see how much MBs you have used

·         Screen Mirroring – you can share your device’s screen with another device

·         Driving Mode – Incoming calls and new notifications will be read out automatically

·         Safety Assistance – in an emergency, emergency messages will be sent out

·         Battery Indicator – shows you what is using how much battery

·         Storage Indicator – so you can see which apps are clogging up your storage

·         Also features Flight Mode

Final Verdict

A really nice phone.  Samsung has done well here to offer a phone that has almost as much bang as the Samsung S4.  Loads of apps, widgets and features to keep you busy till the next models come out. 

Rating 4/5

You can find out more on their website: www.samsung.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamsungMobileSA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamsungMobileSA

Review by +Fred Felton