Samsung Galaxy A Quantum: The First 5G Phone with Quantum Security

Samsung Galaxy A Quantum (SM-A716S)

Definition

The Samsung Galaxy A Quantum (model number: SM-A716S/SM-A716N) is the world’s first commercially available 5G smartphone integrated with a Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) chip, co-developed by Samsung Electronics and South Korea’s SK Telecom, unveiled on May 14, 2020, and released exclusively for SK Telecom’s 5G network in South Korea on May 22, 2020. It is essentially a Galaxy A71 5G variant enhanced with quantum security hardware, targeting users prioritizing data protection (e.g., enterprise, fintech, and privacy-conscious consumers). The core innovation lies in the SKT IDQ S2Q000 QRNG chip (developed by SK Telecom’s Swiss subsidiary ID Quantique), which generates true random numbers via quantum processes—unlike traditional software-based pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs)—to create unbreakable encryption keys for secure transactions, logins, and data storage. The device retained the A71 5G’s mid-range hardware while adding quantum security as its defining differentiator.

Key Hardware Specifications (SM-A716S)

Component	Detailed Specifications
Display	6.7-inch Super AMOLED Infinity-O capacitive touchscreen; 2400×1080 Full HD+ resolution (393 ppi); 20:9 aspect ratio; Gorilla Glass 3; in-display optical fingerprint scanner; supports multi-touch
Processor & RAM	Samsung Exynos 980 (8-core: 2×2.2 GHz Cortex-A77 + 6×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55); Mali-G76 MP5 GPU; 8 GB LPDDR4X RAM
Storage	128 GB UFS 2.1 internal storage; microSD card slot (supports up to 512 GB expandable storage)
Camera System	– Rear Camera: 64 MP wide (f/1.8 aperture, AF, OIS) + 12 MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 123° FOV) + 5 MP macro + 5 MP depth sensor; 4K video recording at 30 fps- Front Camera: 32 MP (f/2.2 aperture); 4K video recording at 30 fps
QRNG Chip (SKT IDQ S2Q000)	World’s smallest QRNG chip (2.5 mm × 2.5 mm); uses an LED and CMOS image sensor to capture quantum light noise (shot noise) for true random number generation; 8 nm FinFET process; integrates with Samsung Pay, SK Pay, and T ID login for secure authentication
Battery	4500 mAh non-removable lithium-ion battery; 25W fast charging support (30 mins charge for 50% battery)
Connectivity	5G (sub-6 GHz, SK Telecom-exclusive); 4G LTE Cat.15; Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac); Bluetooth 5.0; NFC; USB-C 2.0 port; 3.5 mm headphone jack; GPS/GLONASS/Beidou
Build & Dimensions	Plastic back with prism finish; dimensions: 163.7 × 76.0 × 7.7 mm; weight: 185 grams; available colors: Prism Cube Black, Prism Cube Blue, Prism Cube Silver
Operating System	Launched with Android 10 (Q) + One UI 2.0; officially upgradable to Android 13 + One UI 5.1

Core Quantum Security Innovation (QRNG Technology)

How the SKT IDQ S2Q000 QRNG Works

Traditional software-based PRNGs rely on predictable algorithms, making them vulnerable to hacking. The Galaxy A Quantum’s QRNG chip solves this by:

Emitting light from a tiny LED onto a CMOS image sensor.
Capturing quantum shot noise—random fluctuations in photon emission inherent to quantum physics—from the light source.
Converting this noise into true random binary digits (bits), which are used to generate encryption keys and secure tokens.

Security Applications

The QRNG chip integrates with critical apps and services to enhance protection:

Mobile Payments: Secures Samsung Pay and SK Pay transactions by generating unique, unguessable payment tokens.
Account Authentication: Strengthens T ID logins for SK Telecom’s ecosystem (e.g., 11th Street, FLO, T Map) with quantum-secured credentials.
Data Encryption: Protects stored data and app communications with quantum-generated keys, resisting brute-force and side-channel attacks.

Release & Market Context

Launch Details

Price: 649,000 KRW (~530 USD) at launch.
Availability: SK Telecom network-exclusive in South Korea; no global release (due to regional quantum security infrastructure dependencies).
Sales Target: 1 million units in the first year of release.

Reception & Legacy

Industry Impact: Marked a milestone in consumer quantum security, proving the feasibility of integrating QRNG chips into mainstream smartphones. It laid groundwork for future quantum-safe devices (e.g., Samsung’s later Knox Quantum security platform).
Criticisms: Limited regional availability; QRNG benefits were mostly tied to SK Telecom’s ecosystem, limiting utility for non-SK users; mid-tier Exynos 980 chip struggled with high-end gaming.
Discontinuation: Phased out in 2021, replaced by the Galaxy A72 5G; legacy persists as the first consumer device to bring quantum security to mobile.