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Samsung reveals the Galaxy S20 series features a state-of-the-art security chip

Samsung is also revealing that other companies are welcome to use the Secure Element chip.
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Published onFebruary 26, 2020

Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra in hand 1

Pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S20 series are already happening, but the company just now is announcing a pretty interesting feature in the phones. According to a press release, a new security chip known as Secure Element (SE) is installed inside Galaxy S20 phones.

The SE chip works in a similar fashion as Google’s Titan-M and Apple’s Secure Enclave. It allows for ultra-sensitive data — such as biometrics, cryptocurrency, and passwords — to be stored separately from other “less important” data. This makes it more difficult for hackers, malware, and viruses to gain access to it.

Related: Forensics detective says that Android phones are now harder to crack than iPhones

Android smartphones are already very secure but this Secure Element chip will make the Galaxy S20 phones even more secure. Additionally, Samsung is offering up SE chips to any company that wishes to use them (for a price, of course). This means there could be more smartphones in the future — even ones not made by Samsung — that feature the Secure Element chip.

Chances are good that the presence of the SE chip won’t sway too many buyers to purchase a Galaxy S20. However, for those who have already decided to buy, it’s likely a nice perk to know that your smartphone data will be as secure as possible once you start using it as your daily driver.

For more information about the technical aspects of the Secure Element chip, check out Samsung’s press release summarizing the new technology. Interested in grabbing a Galaxy S20 for yourself? You can pre-order one of the phones using the widget below:

Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra screen in hand
Samsung Galaxy S20
The Samsung Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20 Plus, and Galaxy S20 Ultra are super-premium 5G smartphones from the South Korean company. No matter what you're looking for, the Galaxy S20 line likely has something to suit your needs.