While many people are working out their attempts to track Santa's route around the globe that will be starting soon, sources in Korea have dropped their own gift in the form of new rumors about Samsung's upcoming flagship device, the Galaxy S8. We have already heard rumors about a couple massive devices coming from Samsung and this latest batch of news seems to confirm some of the previous information, but revises other bits. The latest claims indicate Samsung will be releasing a 5-inch Galaxy S8 and a 6-inch Galaxy S8 Plus in 2017.
Much of the focus has been on the reported 6-inch variant of the Galaxy S8 as it will be the largest version yet of Samsung's flagship device. Some might note though that a 6-inch smartphone also moves the “S” line up to offering something similar to the now defunct Galaxy Note 7. If this holds true, Samsung apparently has a strong belief that there is a healthy market for really big smartphones even without a stylus.
In addition to the large screen, and a corresponding reduction in screen size for the standard model that was previously thought to be 5.7-inches instead of the now reported 5-inch screen, sources indicate Samsung plans to virtually do away with bezels on the Galaxy S8 Plus and possibly the smaller Galaxy S8. Doing this along the edges may not be a huge challenge given Samsung's history with “Edge” devices that curve the screen around the sides even though there is no indication yet as to whether Samsung will employ this for the new models. However, it appears Samsung is also planning to extend the screen almost all the way to the top and bottom edges as well. This means the device will abandon a physical home button on the front. Sources believe there may be just a little bit of space consumed by speakers along the edges.
Sources indicate Samsung has directed partners to start production of new screens for the upcoming devices in January. This will be a very tight schedule to have devices ready for an expected April launch and it does seem to lend some credence to the rumors indicating Samsung plans to skip MWC 2017 as far as a smartphone launch or announcement.
Is anyone out there interested in a smartphone in the 6-inch range sans stylus?
As a former Note 2, Note 3, Note 4, V10, Note 7, and now V20 user, I absolutely would be interested in an S8 Plus with 6 inch screen. I never really used the stylus much anyway, but I love the large screens for media, internet and for work…just as long as they continue to offer a great camera/video recorder…
Sounds interesting. I just hope the six inch model isn’t a trial balloon to see if they can eliminate the Note series.
First time I’ve been excited for something to ONLY be six inches. :-)
First time I’ve been excited for something to ONLY be six inches. :-)