Due to the continuing explosive debacle that has engulfed the Galaxy Note 7, Samsung may be about to abandon the phablet and instead turn to the Galaxy S8 to restore its reputation. Rumors about this move are flooding the internet, and there could be two S8 variants coming our way. So let’s take a look at what these Chinese sources have been saying.
Galaxy S8 variants
Before the launch of the Note 7, it had been predicted that the next generation S-line would offer something new, and these new rumors are not telling us anything different. However, there being two variants is a new one and something that has given Samsung fans something to feel positive about once again.
S8 variant with a 4K display
According to the Chinese source, both of the devices will offer different screen sizes and resolutions, which are 5.1 inches and 5.5 inches, with the smaller believed to have a 1440p QHD Super AMOLED display, meaning it’s 2K. This is the same tech as was used in the previous generation of handset. The larger 5.5-inch display variant is expected to come with a hugely upgraded display which will sport 4K Super AMOLED technology; this signals Samsung’s intention to move on with the best it can provide.
No matter how big the battery may be on the new handsets, the inclusion of 4K will be a significant drain. So it’s thought that Samsung may make it possible to use its 4K features in certain situations. Known as “Adaptive Display” technology, it was first seen on the Xperia Z5 Premium and helps to save battery power. Related to this is the possibility that Samsung could enable the conservation of power by the manual reduction of resolution.
Battery, processor and camera rumors
It’s likely that due to the Galaxy S8 having a large form factor, Samsung will incorporate a bigger battery. However, and I’m sure they are aware of this, critics will scrutinize the battery of any future device.
It’s rumored that the handsets will have a 10nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 830 chip, but like with previous handsets, depending on where a customer lives, this could be changed to the Exynos 8895.
For some time now, it has been rumored that the Galaxy S8 will get a dual-lens setup. This latest information points towards the 5.5-inch variant benefiting from this.
Intelligent assistant
It looks as though S-Voice may have had its day, as there’s talk about the Viv artificial intelligence assistant replacing it. What this will do is give the Galaxy S8 an assistant that is similar to Siri, which S-Voice is not. To back this rumor up is the purchase of Viv Labs by Samsung earlier this year. One other point worth mentioning is that the people behind this technology previously worked on Siri.
Launch date
Samsung needs to move quickly to repair the damage to its reputation caused by the Note 7 affair, and there have been rumors doing the rounds that suggest the handsets could be announced as early as February 26, 2017. That’s one day before the MWC begins. As for when the Galaxy S8 variants could be on sale, early March is a realistic month to consider. However, it’s possible that the launch will be sooner, if only to help Samsung offset the losses it’s accruing.
