Galaxy S9 Leak: New Renders, Code Names And Model Numbers

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We won’t see another smartphone in 2017, but there’s always news and leaks about what’s coming next. We know that the Samsung Galaxy S9 will release sometime in 2018, and a recent Galaxy S9 leak on twitter from @evleaks shows new renders, internal code names, and model numbers. For the first time, we’re able to get a sneak peek of what exactly the phone might look like, as well as a confirmation that the phone’s development is well underway.

The phone may release earlier than expected, with prolific leaker Evan Blass suggesting that we could see a release as early as Q1 2018 — a release that’s a good amount faster than usual. If the renders from this Galaxy S9 leak are any indication, it’s going to be a beautiful device with premium looks to accompany its premium performance. This new leak adds to the decent amount of reliable information we already have on what we can expect from the upcoming phone.

Following in the footsteps of the iPhone X, the Galaxy S9 will also include a vertically-oriented dual camera system. There’s also reliable information that suggests that the phone will be powered by Samsung’s next-generation Exynos 9810 processor, or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 in a few different areas like the United States. The Galaxy S9 will likely ship with either 4 or 6 GB of RAM, and will be the most expensive Galaxy phone to date. The fingerprint sensor is also here to stay for this generation, and will again be located on the back of the device — a decision that increases available screen space, yet has been met with mixed customer feedback.

Samsung has typically released phones in a “tick-tock” schedule, with each “tick” being a nominal upgrade or streamlining of existing technology, and every “tock” a major release. Blass assures us that the Galaxy S9 is definitely a “tock.”

Also released with the Galaxy S9 leak is the product development code name — Project Star — and the model numbers SM-G960-Star 1 (S9) and SM-G965-Star 2 (S9+).

The  renders included below, courtesy of BGR, were released by smartphone case manufacturer Ghostek and give us a sense of what we can expect from the new phone. The renders are based on official information provided to the company in order to develop their products, so it’s very likely that the Galaxy S9 and S9+ will look quite similar to what we’re seeing here.

Galaxy S9 Leak

Previous information has suggested that Samsung is looking into technology similar to Apple’s groundbreaking Face ID, but they have since stated that the tech won’t be ready for this upcoming phone. Unfortunately, it looks as if we’re going to have to wait another generation to see a Face ID analogue from the Korean manufacturer. At least we’ll see the smartphone a lot sooner than we had expected based on previous release schedules.

This Galaxy S9 leak seems reliable, and it’s especially exciting that the phone is this far along in development. With the next iPhone not releasing until late summer, Samsung has a major opportunity on their hand to create some major hype around their new product release. As a major player in the luxury smartphone scene, the Galaxy lines have always had a devoted following. In 2017, however, it’s not really enough to just continue releasing phones with slightly more power. Samsung really needs to hit it out of the park with the Galaxy S9 if they want to capture the attention of a market that’s currently enamored with Apple. The iPhone X included a number of new features and was definitely a “tock” for Apple. Here’s hoping that Samsung also innovates and provides the excellent phone we’re all anticipating.

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