ValueWalk reported in October that Samsung’s next-gen flagship smartphone Galaxy S7 may incorporate a pressure-sensitive technology to rival Apple’s 3D Touch in the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus. Now the Wall Street Journal has learned from its sources that the Galaxy S7 will indeed feature a pressure-sensitive display. The publication adds that some versions of the device may also feature a retina scanner.
Galaxy S7 success crucial for Samsung’s new mobile chief
However, sources said the retina scanner has not been finalized yet. With just three months to go before the Galaxy S7 unveiling, that feature may change. The Korean electronics giant will also launch the curved display version Galaxy S7 Edge alongside the standard S7 model. The devices will be unveiled in late February on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona.
Sources told the WSJ that Samsung’s new flagship device will go on sale in the US market in mid-March, just 3-4 weeks after its announcement. By comparison, this year’s Galaxy S6 hit the stores six weeks after its announcement. The success of the Galaxy S7 will be crucial for Samsung, which recently replaced longtime mobile division head JK Shin with DJ Koh.
Galaxy S7 may feature Synaptics’ ClearForce technology
The Korean company’s smartphone profits have been declining for the last two years. It is facing stiff competition from Chinese Android vendors in the low-end segment, and Apple’s iPhone 6S is giving it a tough fight in the premium market. Sources told WSJ that the pressure-sensitive display will be similar to Apple’s 3D Touch. It can interpret different taps and touches based on how you press on the touch screen.
The Korean electronics giant is likely to use Synaptics’ ClearForce pressure-sensitive touchscreen technology in the next-gen phones. A few months ago, Samsung partnered with Synaptics for the technology. The device will also feature a new USB Type-C charging and connection port. It will fully charge the phone in less than 30 minutes. The standard Galaxy S7 will also likely feature a microSD slot, sources told the Wall Street Journal.
