The Samsung Galaxy S10 rumors have been swirling around for months even though the phone is at least six months away. Samsung hasn’t confirmed most of the features it would introduce with the Galaxy S10. But we expect the device to bring an entirely new design along with never-seen-before technologies to mark the 10th anniversary of its flagship model. The new features could drive a massive upgrade cycle, boosting the Galaxy S10 demand.
Galaxy S10 to offer 5G support
This one is actually not a rumor. It’s coming straight from the horse’s mouth. Samsung announced its second-quarter results on Tuesday. During the earnings call, the company also talked about its future smartphones.
In case you were wondering, Samsung posted $52.1 billion in Q2 revenues, down 4% compared to the same quarter a year ago. However, operating profits jumped 6% to $13.3 billion for the period. Samsung blamed poor Galaxy S9 sales for its declining revenues. Industry analysts estimate the company sold just 9 million Galaxy S9 units in the second quarter.
Samsung confirmed during the earnings call that it’s launching Galaxy Note 9 in August to revive premium smartphone sales. Surprisingly, the company said the Note 9 would be sold at “a reasonable price.” Talking about its future models, the company said it would adopt cutting-edge technologies, new form factors, and 5G support.
The Korean company was talking about the near future rather than distant future. So, we should expect the Galaxy S10 to offer 5G support right out of the box. Business Korea has reported earlier that Korean carriers would start rolling out 5G services early next year, and Samsung would be fully prepared to take advantage of all the 5G buzz. Other Android vendors such as OnePlus have also indicated that they would launch 5G smartphones next year.
Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor headed for Galaxy S10
Earlier this month, Samsung’s mobile business chief DJ Koh surprised everyone at an event in China when he said the Galaxy S10 would launch without the optical fingerprint sensor because it offers poor user experience. Koh added that the Galaxy S10 would feature an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor integrated under the display, which would offer a much better user experience.
The same ultrasonic fingerprint scanner will also likely be used in the next year’s Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy A series mid-range phones. Samsung will reportedly source the ultrasonic fingerprint sensors from Qualcomm. It’s the primary reason the company has been reluctant to place further orders for the iris recognition sensors.
Now the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has published a patent application filed by Samsung that describes a biometric sensor for smartphones using the ultrasonic technology. The ultrasonic sensor is mounted under the screen of the device.
According to the patent filing, the ultrasonic sensor is so versatile that it could also be used on the side of a smartphone or on the back. Though past Samsung Galaxy S10 rumors have also pointed to advanced 3D facial recognition similar to Apple’s Face ID, it’s unclear whether the device will feature both the ultrasonic sensor and 3D facial recognition.
Triple cameras: One of the most exciting Samsung Galaxy S10 rumors
Samsung is said to be working on three rear cameras for the Galaxy S10 to take on Huawei’s P20 Pro. According to KB Securities analyst Kim Dong-won, Samsung is preparing to launch three models of Galaxy S10. The triple camera will be exclusive to the largest one, claims the analyst. The other two models will have dual cameras on the back.
Now DigiTimes says the Galaxy S10 is indeed coming with three rear cameras. The publication added the triple cameras could also appear in 2019 Galaxy A series phones. Samsung is facing stiff competition from OnePlus, Vivo, and Huawei in the “affordable premium” segment. High-end features in the mid-range Galaxy A would help the company challenge its Chinese rivals.
German publication AllAboutSamsung has said earlier that the larger Galaxy S10 Plus would sport a 12MP main camera with variable apertures, a 13MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 16MP ultra-wide-angle lens with an f/1.9 aperture. Other Samsung Galaxy S10 rumors suggest it would have dual cameras on the front to let users take portrait selfies with blurred backgrounds.
Will Galaxy S10 have unbreakable OLED panels?
The display-making arm of Samsung has developed “unbreakable OLED panels” that could find their way into the Galaxy S10. The innovative panels have already received certification from the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the official testing firm for the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
The certification suggests the unbreakable panels are ready for use in smartphones and other products. However, it’s too early to say whether this technology will be used in the Galaxy S10. Samsung could use the new panels in its upcoming foldable smartphone.
Samsung expects strong demand for the Galaxy S10
Citing sources familiar with Samsung’s plans, DigiTimes reports that the company will ramp up Galaxy S10 shipments to 40 million units. The 6.1-inch and 6.4-inch models will alone account for 34-36 million units. The third model – which is expected to have a 5.8-inch display and a side- or rear-mounted fingerprint sensor – would account for only 4-6 million units.
