Samsung Pay May Arrive On Top Android Phones From Other Companies

Samsung Pay may be arriving on top-tier smartphones from competing companies, according to sources, expanding its presence in the market. The mobile payment platform is a popular alternative to Android Pay and Apple Pay, but it is currently limited to a number of high-end Samsung phones, as well as select lower-range handsets. The company has been in talks with OEMs about its plans, according to the sources.

The information comes from sources speaking with Gadgets 360; according to them, Samsung has been talking with both OEMs and within itself about the possibility of expanding Samsung Pay to smartphones made by other companies. As well, the company reportedly plans to release the full Samsung Pay app for its mid-tier smartphones.

According to sources, Samsung will be shipping mid-tier phones later this year that contain special hardware that make them suitable for use with the full Samsung Pay application. The expansion to competitors' phones, though, will seemingly be limited to high-end phones, meaning those with a smaller budget will need to look toward Samsung's own mid-tier handsets to use its service.

The Korean company may take things up yet another notch, though, as it is said to be considering providing an accessory of some sort that will bring additional hardware to Android phones that don't have the capability to use the full Samsung Pay app. The sources say that Samsung is considering whether this is even possible, and if so, whether it will benefit the company to do so. Whether the company will consider this in lieu of extending support to other phones or in addition to it is unclear.

We've seen indications of Samsung's plans to expand its mobile payment platform in the past. The company recently introduced it in the Indian market, for example, with its limited-features Samsung Pay Mini app. Whether the company will proceed with any of these tipped plans is yet to be seen, however.

SOURCE: Gadgets 360