Rumors are circulating heavily for all of Samsung’s upcoming smartphones. News has surfaced about Samsung’s foldable phone, as well as for several Galaxy S10 models. With 2019 quickly approaching, many of these devices will be official in a matter of weeks, but before then, all we have are speculations.
Here’s a rundown of the latest information on Samsung upcoming smartphones.
Samsung foldable phone
Samsung shared details about its foldable phone in November, but information about the device is still rather scattered. However, a report from the Dutch blog, Let’s Go Digital suggests that the device, prospectively called the Samsung Galaxy Flex or Samsung Galaxy Fold, may have a battery capacity of up to 5,000 to 6,000mAh. If accurate, the device could have a battery cell on each side of its foldable chassis, which would power on only its 7.3-inch inner Infinity Flex display, but also its 4.58-inch cover display. This could easily be one of the largest battery capacities on a Samsung device in years. The manufacturer tends to play it safe with smartphone models that may have availability in Westen markets; however, this device would likely require the extra power to function properly and keep a decent battery life.
Now that Samsung and Qualcomm have announced their 2019 mobile processors, reports suggest the foldable phone may run either the Samsung Exynos 9820 chip or the Snapdragon 855, or both depending on the market.
Samsung is expected to ship only about 1 million models of its foldable phone. The device may be available the U.S. and parts of Europe and Asia, but will likely be advertised as a public prototype and not a mass-market product. Prospective prices include 2 million won (~$1,770) in Korea and £1,500 to £2,000 (~$1,930 to $2,570) in the U.K. There is no word on what Samsung’s foldable smartphone might cost in the U.S.
Samsung Galaxy S10 5G model
Many hints lend to Samsung releasing a 5G powered smartphone in 2019. The company was present at the Snapdragon Tech Summit in early December and is confirmed as one of Qualcomm’s hardware partners for the 5G network rollout.
Much about Samsung’s 5G device remains unknown but the Dutch tech blog, Galaxy Club has uncovered several model numbers, which may coincide with Samsung’s 5G smartphone. While unconfirmed, the 5G device is expected to be a version in the Galaxy S10 series. The base model number is SM-G977, while the specific model numbers SM-G977N and SM-G977U may be for Korean and U.S. versions of the device respectively. The device will likely have limited availability in specific markets. Reports suggest Verizon and AT&T are among the U.S. carriers that will offer the device.
The Galaxy S10 series may be numerous with Samsung already expected to launch a standard version, a larger Plus version, and a smaller, flat screen, Lite version. The respective model numbers for these devices are SM-G970F, SM-G975F, and SM-G973F. Samsung may unveil the smartphones as early as February 20, but the 5G Galaxy S10 may not be announced until late in the second quarter of 2019, which could be around June. At this time, mobile networks across the globe still need time to officially open their 5G networks for commercial use.
Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite
The Galaxy S10 Lite may be special, not only due to its potential return to a flat display but also because it may be the only Galaxy S10 model available in a yellow color option, according to SamMobile. Colors have become a big thing in the mobile market in recent years, and yellow is a color favorite for budget rivals like Apple’s iPhone XR.
All Galaxy S10 models may be available in white, black, green, and blue color options, but the Galaxy S10 Lite may get an additional yellow option. Color exclusivity to certain models is a common way for manufacturers to get consumers interested in certain devices.
Samsung tested the affordable flagship market years ago with the Galaxy S Mini line; however, there hasn’t been an update to that model since 2014 with the Galaxy S5 Mini. Versions of high-end devices with less powerful specs and cheaper price tags have now become another widespread industry trend. It makes sense that Samsung would want to return to this device strategy, with several of its own devices exceeding $1,000, much to the chagrin of many price-conscious consumers.
Currently, there is no word on what the Galaxy S10 Lite might cost but a good guess would be in the $500 to $700 range.