Although the explosive demise of the Galaxy Note 7 still lingers in everyone’s minds, Samsung is ready to turn the page and unveil the hotly anticipated Galaxy S8 this week.
As usual, the rumour mill has been in overdrive in recent weeks, and we’ve seen an array of pristine renders that match Samsung’s own marketing teases, plus there’s a nice stack of specs and rumours that sound about right. In other words, it’s par for the course these days.
THE GALAXY S8
Based on the leaked renders and specs, we’re expecting a base model with a 5.8in curved screen and also a larger 6.2in version, with the extremely minimal bezel resulting in a large phone that shouldn’t feel too large. We’ll likely lose the physical home button on the front, too, and the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chip should power the action.
Likelihood: Guaranteed – It’s the reason for the event, and Samsung’s chance to reassert its top-end smartphone dominance.
A FLAT-SCREEN GALAXY S8
For the last two Galaxy S models, the curved version has been the anomaly – the “Edge” model in the bunch. But as the curved screen approach has picked up steam, Samsung seems less inclined to stick with flat models, as seen with the short-lived Galaxy Note 7. Rumours suggest it’ll be much the same with the S8, with no “standard” flat version produced.
Likelihood: Low – What started as a fun gimmick has apparently become Samsung’s default, and we should only see curved Galaxy S8 devices.
BIXBY
The Google Assistant might be Android’s hot new voice-based ally, but Samsung has its own solution: Bixby, a voice assistant that will first appear with the Galaxy S8. Its existence has already been officially announced, and apps will be able to build in support for its capabilities. And the S8 will have a physical Bixby button on the side for quick access, too.
Likelihood: 100% – Samsung says that Bixby sets a new standard for A.I. assistants, but we’ll see if it can really trump Siri or the Google Assistant.
A NEW GEAR VR
It’ll probably look like the one we tried earlier this month, which has a touch remote like the rival Daydream View. And if the Galaxy S8 really does have a 4K screen, as rumoured, then the VR experience could be drastically improved, as well.
Likelihood: Strong – The Gear VR is one of the best bonus perks of owning a Galaxy flagship, and the Galaxy S8 will need a headset that fits it.
GALAXY X FOLDABLE PHONE
However, a recent report out of Korea suggests that we’ll see it later this year instead, perhaps with a debut at the IFA show. That seems to make a lot more sense, timing-wise.
Likelihood: Minimal – Samsung won’t want to steal the thunder from its own S8 flagship this week, so don’t expect this oddball prototype in sight.
GALAXY NOTE 8
So will we see Samsung try to speed out a successor this week? No. Like, no possible way. Samsung needs to take its time to ensure the Note 8 is refined and ready before even considering a debut, and showcasing it this week would only take away from the buzz around the Galaxy S8.
Likelihood: No chance – We can’t think of a worse time for Samsung to try and bring the Note back into the world. Give it time: this is the S8’s show.