Top 3 Key Points:
- Galaxy A06 passes Google Play Console certification, hinting at an imminent launch.
- The phone is expected to have a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, 4GB RAM, and a 6.7-inch display.
- Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 Olympic Edition could potentially violate North Korean sanctions if athletes take them home.
Samsung is gearing up to launch its new smartphone, the Galaxy A06, as the device has been certified by Google Play Console. This follows previous certifications from Geekbench, Wi-Fi Alliance, FCC, Bluetooth SIG, and UL Demko. The model, identified as SM-A065M, is expected to feature a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, 4GB of RAM, and Android 14, likely with Samsung’s One UI 6.1.
Galaxy A06 Specifications and Design
According to leaks, the Galaxy A06 will sport a 6.7-inch LCD screen with a U-shaped notch, a dual-camera setup on the back, and a 5,000mAh battery that supports 15W charging. It will also include a 3.5mm headphone jack, dual SIM support, and 4G LTE connectivity. The phone will come in two RAM variants, 4GB and 6GB, and will be more compact than its predecessor, the Galaxy A05. The design will feature Samsung’s Key Island style, and it will be available in at least two colors: grey and white. However, details about its camera specs, price, and launch date are still under wraps.
Galaxy Z Flip 6 Olympic Edition and North Korea Sanction Issues
Samsung, a key sponsor of the Olympics, has distributed 17,000 units of its special Galaxy Z Flip 6 Olympic Edition to athletes at the Paris Games. These limited-edition phones have become popular among athletes, who are often seen taking selfies with their medals using the devices. However, the situation has become complicated for North Korean athletes.
South Korea’s government has raised concerns that the distribution of these phones to North Korean athletes could violate United Nations sanctions. Specifically, UN Security Council Resolution 2397 prohibits the supply of industrial machinery, including smartphones, to North Korea. The North Korean National Olympic Committee has taken possession of the phones on behalf of its athletes, but it’s unclear if the athletes have received or used them.
To avoid a potential violation, South Korea is working diplomatically with French authorities and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ensure the phones don’t end up in North Korea. However, the IOC has stated that the North Korean Olympic Committee is not required to return the devices, and if the phones do enter North Korea, Samsung won’t be held responsible. Samsung’s role was limited to providing the phones as part of its sponsorship, and the decision to distribute them lies solely with the IOC.
