Ever since Samsung killed the Galaxy Note 7 after two recalls, there has been a bit of mystery whether the company would introduce a successor to the Note 7. Experts have suggested that Samsung should kill the Galaxy Note line altogether because consumers will easily associate it with overheating and explosions. But a new leak claims Samsung is working to release the Galaxy Note 8 in the second half of 2017.
Galaxy Note 8 Model number SM-N950
Reputed tipster Evan Blass has learned from his sources that the Korean company has a device in the works with the model number SM-N950. For the uninitiated, all the past Galaxy Note models have carried the model numbers starting with “SM-N9” sequence. The now discontinued Galaxy Note 7 was SM-N930, and the Note 5 was SM-N920. The SM-N950 follows the same sequence, indicating that it could Galaxy Note 8.
https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/796430939815641088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Why would Samsung skip the SM-N94* sequence and jump to SM-N95*? It could be because of tetraphobia in South Korea. In Samsung’s home country, the number 4 is associated with bad luck. Samsung has not confirmed the existence of a successor to the Note 7. Even if the company is indeed working on it, the device is unlikely to arrive before the second half of 2017.
Blass also reveals Galaxy S8 model numbers
Evan Blass also revealed that Samsung has two other devices in the works with model numbers SM-G950 and SM-G955. Recent rumors suggest that these model numbers are associated with the upcoming Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus. Samsung is reportedly working to launch Galaxy S8 in two different screen sizes – 5.7-inch and 6.2-inch – to lure the Galaxy Note 7 customers.
Experts believe that Samsung should kill the Galaxy Note brand altogether. Kim Duk-jin of the Korea-Insight Institute told the Korea Herald that if there is a Galaxy Note 8, consumers will associate it with explosions. The Note 7 has severely damaged the Galaxy Note brand. Its discontinuation is estimated to have cost Samsung approximately $5 billion.
Galaxy S8 may feature removable batteries
But it looks like Samsung is unlikely to kill the Note brand. The company has spent billions of dollars to build the brand and a loyal customer base worldwide. Samsung executives hope that customers would forgive it for the Note 7 debacle. Ironically, the Korean company is yet to identify the problem that was causing Galaxy Note 7 explosions. To regain customer trust, Samsung needs to be more transparent.
The world’s largest smartphone maker had to recall about 4.3 million Note 7 units because the phone packed a non-removable battery. If Samsung has learned anything from the debacle, it should use a removable battery in the Galaxy Note 8 to avoid a Note 7-like disaster.
