Samsung developed a lightweight version of its Internet browser meant to be pre-loaded onto its upcoming Android Go smartphone, with the existence of the mobile tool being revealed by a recent firmware leak. While it’s still unclear whether the device in question will be called the Galaxy J2 Core or feature a different moniker, the fact that Samsung opted to commit resources to revamping its Chromium-based browser and have it optimized for low-end hardware suggests the company doesn’t see its first Android Go handset as an experiment but has already resolved to release multiple such products in the near future.
The device itself is said to be the world’s first Android Go smartphone that ships with a custom implementation of the operating system instead of Google’s vanilla software specifically designed for handsets with no more than 1GB of RAM. The app is believed to be called Internet Go and will lack the vast majority of features offered by Samsung’s flagship tool, including Samsung Cloud Sync support, extensions, and night mode. Its performance is also likely to be inferior to that of the regular Internet app, though the tool will weigh only 17MB, a significant decrease compared to the 80MB package available on other smartphones, both Galaxy-branded and third-party ones.
As Android Go devices are meant to serve as an alternative to high-end feature phones in emerging markets, Samsung isn’t expected to ever officially launch the Galaxy J2 Core in the West. Due to that state of affairs, it’s still unclear when exactly might the device be unveiled. The company’s next product event is taking place tomorrow and should see the announcement of the Galaxy Note 9, whereas the tech giant is also attending this year’s IFA with the intention of debuting the Galaxy Watch series of wearables. The Galaxy J2 Core will likely only be officially available in India and a number of other developing countries.