In January, Samsung announced its Galaxy S24 series of phones, which has redefined the way we look at smartphones. There have been AI features on our phones in the past but what Samsung has done is different — offer AI features that help in everyday usage. You suddenly have on-device transcription which matches the accuracy offered by the likes of Otter.AI, there are a number of AI-powered features in the photo department, AI translation and much more. These are features meant for the flagship devices. At the same time, Samsung is bringing many flagship innovations to its Galaxy A series and the party begins with Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G.

“Continuing the philosophy of democratising innovations, these devices are talking about flagship-like innovations. Combine this with flagship-level affordability programmes that we’re continuously introducing,” says Akshay S. Rao, general manager, MX business, Samsung India.

Security first

Perhaps the most important feature on the two devices is Samsung Knox Vault, which is coming to Galaxy A series users for the first time. A hardware-based and temper-resistant security solution, Knox Vault works by constructing a secure execution environment that is physically isolated from the system’s main processor and memory. It can help secure the most critical data on a device, including lock screen credentials, like PIN code, passwords and patterns.

“It a segment disruptor: More and more consumers are concerned about privacy and security on their phones. There are bad actors out there. It’s not just a concern, for many it has become a decision-making factor. These devices are introducing Samsung Knox Vault to the A series,” says Akshay.

The two devices are also protected by Samsung Knox, which is Samsung Galaxy’s multi-layer security platform. It is designed to safeguard critical information and protect against vulnerabilities with end-to-end secure hardware, real-time threat detection and collaborative protection.

“You can rest assured your sensitive information will not be attacked. With private share we ensure users have full control over their information. You may want sensitive information to be read only once or you may not want sensitive information to be shared any further. You may want to revoke certain access to files… a lot of these features will help users,” says Akshay.

Big design update

Beyond security, there are major improvements in the design segment. The Galaxy A55 5G has received a metal frame for the first time while Galaxy A35 5G has received a premium glass back for the first time.

Recycled paper and plastic were used in the production of these devices. They are also hazardous-substance free

“The design is the first thing that will strike customers. I think the metal frame with the glass back adds a new level of premiumness in this segment and to Galaxy A series. It reflects the flagship-like design identity that we have. Further, we have ensured the devices are durable,” says Akshay. There is, in fact, Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection on the front and back.

The other area that needs a mention is photography. Samsung has been trying Nightography for some time on its phones and the technology has changed the way we click photos under uneven lighting. “The Nightography element is important to devices. The big pixel sensor will offer tremendous output when you shoot in low light. The image processing has been bumped up significantly,” says Akshay.

A lot of content creators are using Samsung phones. “We’ve tried to make that experience easier, more convenient; these are phones that are a delight for content creators. There are editing features enhanced by AI. There is the object eraser, remaster features and image clipper… these enhance one’s experience of the phone. You can remove reflection from the photos you click.”

Akshay S. Rao, general manager, MX business, Samsung India

If not anything else, there is the sustainability factor. Users will continue to benefit from up to four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, optimizing the lifecycle of the devices by keeping them equipped with all the latest Galaxy and Android features.

“I think the philosophy is to bring in flagship innovations at an affordable price point.”

Samsung Galaxy A55 5G is priced upwards of Rs 36,999 and Galaxy A35 5G is priced upwards of Rs 27,999.