Samsung Galaxy S8 Rumors, Specs and Release Date: Headphone Jack Ditched? New Features Are Impressive Despite Note 7 Recall

By Trisha Cerdena
Samsung Galaxy Note 7
An employee poses for photographs with Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Note 7 new smartphone at its store in Seoul, South Korea, September 2, 2016. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji Photo: Kim Hong-Ji / REUTERS

With the trend of wireless audio among mobile devices being adapted by Apple, it seems that other companies have also caught on, including the Cupertino-based company’s main rival- Samsung.

In the midst of the tech giant’s current dilemma over the Galaxy Note 7 recall, the South Korean company is reportedly prepping up in coming up with new and upgraded features of the new Galaxy S flagship smartphone - Galaxy S8. 

As previously reported, the device will do away with the audio connector. However, Samsung may not be joining the wireless audio trend soon as recent reports suggest that the audio jack could only be replaced by a USB Type-C hub, which is the current option for many of the current and forthcoming mobile devices.

Aside from the audio jack replacement, other details about the Galaxy S8 include the possible release of its two variants with the IDs SM-G950 and SM-G955, and the codenames ‘Dream’ and ‘Dream 2.’

The Galaxy S8 is also rumored to come with Samsung’s Exynos processor or the Snapdragon chipset from Qualcomm, both known for their remarkable speeds, although such detail is yet to be confirmed.

Chinese sources have also claimed that the Galaxy S8 will come with a dual-camera sensor, putting the smartphone at par with Huawei P9 and LG G5 along with the rumored iPhone 7 Plus and Pro. Samsung Motors, also known as SEMCO, will likely engineer the sensor, allowing the company itself come up with its own imaging technology.

In addition, a supposedly reliable Weibo insider stated that the Galaxy S8 will feature a 12MP sensor from Samsung as well as a Sony-built 13MP sensor.

As for its front snapper, an 8MP camera could be featured whereas an iris scanner, similar to that of the Galaxy Note 7, might come up. For the Galaxy S8 display, rumors have also suggested that a large 5.5-inch display with 4K resolution will be incorporated into the device. Such design feature is said to be compatible with VR, highlighting the possibility that the Galaxy S8 could work with Google Daydream, a headset likely to be released by Google, as well as Samsung’s Gear VR hardware.

Considering the fact that it has been nearly two years since Samsung’s flagship devices have not undergone a major redesign and that its rival Apple has been said to bring on an iPhone overhaul next year, the South Korean is expected to incorporate new designs and features to the Galaxy S8. It has been suggested by tech advisers that Samsung should focus on rebuilding their name especially in the midst of the Galaxy Note 7 recall due to battery issues.

In particular, the tech giant should exceed expectations when it comes to producing the Galaxy S8, releasing the device at an earlier date to cut down the troubles brought on by the Galaxy Note 7 recall.

Several analysts have already suggested that the Galaxy S8 release date will be pushed forward at an earlier time in order to increase customer trust through a new and “flawless” smartphone as soon as they are able to.

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