The Galaxy S8 will be Samsung’s biggest smartphone launch since the Galaxy Note 7 disaster. A host of leaks and rumors indicate that the device promises to deliver on all fronts. GSM Arena reports that a smartphone case maker has revealed the dimensions of both the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus. A couple of other reports have leaked the phone’s price, release date, and specs.
Galaxy S8 to be smaller and thinner than S7
According to GSM Arena, the Plus version of Samsung’s upcoming flagship measures 152.38 x 78.51 x 7.94mm. With a display at 6.3-inch, that’s significantly larger than the Galaxy S7 Edge. The standard Galaxy S8 measures at 140.14mm x 72.20 x 7.30mm. It means the device will be slightly slimmer and shorter, but wider, than the current Galaxy S7. Despite its smaller size, the S8 is tipped to have a display of 5.7-inch, thanks to its bezel-less design.
In another report, Korean publication ETNews claims that Samsung is working to improve the S8’s front-facing camera. Sources familiar with the development told the publication that Samsung could add autofocus for the selfie camera as well. The front autofocus has been in the rumor mill for the past several months. The Galaxy S8 is also expected to feature iris scanner.
Galaxy S8 model number and price
Separately, a Chinese tipster has revealed the model numbers of the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus. The 5.7-inch S8 will be SM-G9500/SM-G950X and its bigger sibling will be SM-G9550/SM-G955X. The base model number of each handset is for the Chinese market. The numbers ending with ‘X’ will vary depending on the region and carrier, where ‘X’ will be replaced by specific numbers.
Noted tipster Ricciolo1 revealed that the Galaxy S8 would be present at the Mobile World Congress in February, but it will not be shown to the public. The phone will be unveiled on March 29, claims the tipster. Samsung is rumored to hold a special event in New York to unveil the Galaxy S8. The phone would hit the store shelves on April 18th. Ricciolo1 added that the Galaxy S8 would cost €850. The Plus variant could cost €100 more than the 5.7-inch version. By comparison, the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge were priced at €700 and €800 respectively.
#S8 is READY & will be present to mwc,though NOT showcased to big public.. Little bird told me 3/29 , available w17, from 849 !!! #galaxyS8
— Ricciolo (@Ricciolo1) January 16, 2017
S Health app to receive a major overhaul
SamMobile has learned from its sources that the S Health app would see a major overhaul with the Galaxy S8. The updated app will integrate services like WebMD and Amwell, allowing users to search for diseases, symptoms, and drugs easily. The overhaul will allow users to book an appointment with a doctor, and conduct video appointments 24×7.
Mass production of the Galaxy S8 is set to begin in March. Reports suggest that Samsung plans to have an initial production of 10 million units before the launch. The device is said to be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 and Android Nougat.
