Samsung is now expected to launch a foldable device, a 5G-ready premium flagship smartphone and a cheaper flagship model next year.
Apple launched three flagship smartphones this year and even though they come bearing a super premium price tag, none of the new iPhones are 5G ready. The current crop of iPhones – iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR – may not be future-proof for when 5G networks actually start rolling out sometime in 2020, but Samsung’s next set of flagship devices surely will.
A new report by Bloomberg reveals that the South Korean electronics giant may launch three flagship smartphones next year – one 5G-ready premium flagship, one cheaper flagship and a foldable smartphone which has been rumoured for over three years now. This, according to Bloomberg, is Samsung’s strategy to take on rival Apple in the premium smartphone segment. The report claims that Samsung is in talks with Verizon in the US to launch the Galaxy S10 with a fifth-generation wireless chipset. Samsung’s goal is to choose the biggest wireless carrier in the US to support its 5G technology.
In India, Samsung is expected to bring 5G support to the said 2019 flagship smartphones in partnership with Reliance Jio. At the ongoing India Mobile Congress (IMC), Samsung announced its plan for India’s first large-scale 5G trial, scheduled to take place in the first quarter of 2019. “Our partnership with Reliance Jio has empowered millions, making their everyday lives better. Our roadmap for 5G showcases our strong commitment to India. We will continue to be a partner in Government of India's Digital India mission,” said HC Hong, President and CEO, Samsung Electronics SouthWest Asia at the sidelines of IMC 2018.
The Bloomberg report goes on to say that the Galaxy S10 (codenamed Beyond) will come with a 5.8-inch OLED display curved on both sides and an in-display fingerprint sensor, confirming multiple leaks and rumours which also predict the same. Further revealing the smartphone’s specs, the report states that the S10 will sport a triple camera setup on the back, while the front cameras will be embedded within the display. This sounds about right since Samsung recently revealed its smartphone design roadmap for 2019 which showcased in-display cameras to avoid the notch. The company also teased the Galaxy A8s with holes in the display to house the front camera, instead of a notch, signalling that the company is ready with the technology.
While the premium 5G-enabled version of the S10 could come in two sizes – regular and plus – the cheaper version will shed Samsung’s signature dual-curved display. The Galaxy S10 will launch with Android Pie on board and Samsung is also experimenting with the idea of removing the headphone jack just like Apple and other flagship-makers like OnePlus.
The third upcoming flagship device from Samsung would be the foldable phone which is said to be codenamed “Winner” and come without a fingerprint sensor. “Samsung is debating between two prototypes in the final stretch: one longer horizontally and the other vertically when unfolded, while both open from side and side,” states the report. The phone may also allow users to check their messages and notifications without flipping the phone open. Bloomberg says that the prototype weighs more than 200 grams and its hinge has recently completed internal tests of folding more than 200,000 times.
Since the report describes the prototype of the foldable Samsung phone in a lot of detail, we feel that the publication got to see it. This discredits previous reports of the said device launching next month given that the company is at the prototyping stage right now.
Armed with these unique flagships, Samsung could have a strong opening to 2019 as the Galaxy S10 flagships are expected to be launched at MWC in February. These premium smartphones, combined with the companies assertive push to combat Chinese players in the budget and mid-range smartphone categories, makes Samsung a company to watch out for in 2019.
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