Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is a new budget (entry-level) giant

Samsung is getting set to launch the first entry-level mobile phone of 2023. The official images of the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G are already available. This device will come with a huge 6.8-inch display and a solid low-end base. Popular tech blogger Evan Blass released some official images of this device. They are also marketing images of the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G on the GadgetGang website. The images are from U.S. carrier, AT&T. Recall that AT&T was the official and exclusive provider of the Galaxy A13 5G this year. There’s also an AT&T-specific 5G icon in the top-right corner of the display.

The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is a cheap giant with a 6.8-inch display. The images show a very simple entry-level mobile phone with a “notch” for the front camera. The notch is at the centre of the display. On the rear, this device will come with a triple camera setup. The design is pretty simple and it appears that there will be no camera bump on this device.

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G increases its display

The display of this mobile phone appears to be getting more attention. The display size of many tablets is just about 7 inches. However, this budget monster comes with a huge 6.8 inches display. It is about 0.3 inches (7.62 mm) larger than the previous generation. Unfortunately, the resolution remains quite low at 720p. Under the hood is an octa-core SoC, which is either the MediaTek Dimensity 700 or the new Samsung Exynos 1330. In both cases, these are low-end chips, but they offer decent performance and, above all, integrate a 5G modem.

The main sensor on the rear is a 50MP shooter while there is also a 13MP camera for ultra-wide-angle shots. The third camera on the back will probably be a low-resolution sensor for macro or depth effects. The images also show that the device has a fingerprint reader on the power button. In addition, the Samsung Galaxy A14 will come with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. Also, this storage can be expanded using a microSD card. With 5000 mAh, the battery is reasonable based on its size. On the software end, we expect the Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI 5. When and at what prices the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G will go on sale is currently under wraps.

Samsung’s new feature for millions of Galaxy devices

Samsung has unveiled a new feature that will land on millions of Galaxy devices over the next few months. The “Maintenance Mode”, completely restricts access to private content. This removes the need for resetting during repairs. In the future, Galaxy devices will enter maintenance mode during repairs. The idea behind this new mode is quite simple. When users want to take their devices for repairs, they need to activate this mode. When the mode is active, all personal data such as photos, messages or contacts, are blocked. It also does not allow access to user-installed applications.

This mode is a way to create a separate user account when you send your device in for repairs. Thus, core functions can run without anyone having access to your private data. It is possible for users to activate this feature after receiving the relevant update in the “Battery and device maintenance” menu under the “Maintenance mode” heading. After the restart, the mode will then be active. However, to be on the safe side, before activating this feature, ensure that your data are backed up. After repairs, users can easily return back to the regular mode.

Start with the Galaxy S22

Samsung tested this mode on the Galaxy S21 family in South Korea in July. It became available for the first devices in China in September. In October, the company officially released the feature globally for the Samsung Galaxy S22 models. “Selected models” that support One UI 5 will follow over the next few months. “In 2023, the introduction will continue and the availability will be extended to other Galaxy devices,” the company said.

Samsung launches major Android 13 update

Samsung released the Android 13 update for its first mobile phones in October. The South Korean brand announced the release at its annual developer conference. The Galaxy S22, S22+ and S22 Ultra models are the first. After several months of beta testing, Samsung is said to have slowly but surely completed work on its One UI 5.0.

In October, the Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+ and S22 Ultra got the One UI 5 and Android 13 update. Due to the slightly delayed beta starts, it is also possible that the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S20 series will receive an update in November and December. In advance, experts already assume that in addition to the S21/S22, the foldable, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Flip 4, Fold 3 and Flip 3, along with the popular Galaxy A53, will get the update at the end of 2022.

New design, new functions

At the beginning of September, Samsung gave a first look at its One UI 5.0 and Google Android 13. Among other things, the “Material You” design will be even more deeply integrated into apps and the system. In addition, they want to expand gesture control and offer a new interface in terms of security and data protection. Furthermore, stackable widgets are introduced, icons are revised and user profiles are added. As usual, the updates should roll out in batches. We expect the update first in South Korea, the U.S. and China before it gets to other regions like Europe and other parts of the world.