Leaks and rumors about Samsung’s next-gen Galaxy S8 have intensified as its official unveiling approaches. Now prolific tipster Evan Blass of VentureBeat has obtained images that offer the best look yet at the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus. Sources familiar with the matter told Blass that the upcoming flagship would be “significantly different” from its predecessors.
Galaxy S8 to have an aspect ratio of 18.5:9
The leak confirms many of the past rumors. Thanks to its edge-to-edge bezel-less display, the Galaxy S8 will have a display larger than the ill-fated Galaxy Note 7. Blass reports that the two models will have 5.8-inch and 6.2-inch QHD Super AMOLED displays. The phones have a screen-to-body ratio of 83%. By comparison, the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge had ratios of 72% and 76% respectively.
Earlier this week, The Guardian reported that the S8 would have an “infinity display” with top and bottom bezels so thin that there won’t even be room for Samsung’s logo. Due to its bezel-less design, the phone will have an unusual aspect ratio of 18.5:9, deviating from the industry standard of 16:9. The physical home button is missing on the device.
https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/824694138809569284
The fingerprint scanner has been moved to the back. However, it sits next to the rear camera rather than underneath it, which could be problematic for some users. But you may not always need to use the fingerprint sensor because there will be an iris scanner on the front.
The headphone jack will stay
Samsung is not going to ditch the 3.5mm headphone jack. Users will be able to charge the device via a USB Type-C port located at the bottom of the phone next to the headphone jack. The device will be powered by 4GB RAM and Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 or Samsung’s own Exynos processor, depending on the region. Both chipsets will be built using 10nm manufacturing process.
Overall, the Galaxy S8 is said to be 11% faster and 20% more energy efficient than its predecessor. The 5.8-inch model is said to pack a 3,000mAh battery while its bigger sibling will have a 3,500mAh battery. The main camera will remain at 12-megapixel, though there will be software improvements. The front camera will get an upgrade from 5MP to 8-megapixel.
Galaxy S8 to feature Samsung DeX
Sources told Evan Blass that the main camera will have a visual search functionality integrated with Samsung’s Bixby AI assistant. It will allow users to scan the objects using the camera, and search for or buy those objects online. Blass confirmed that the Galaxy S8 will have a Microsoft Continuum-like feature called Samsung DeX that will allow users to turn the device into a computer by connecting it to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
Sources told Evan Blass that the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus will be unveiled on March 29 in New York City. The phones will hit the store shelves on April 21.
