Roger Fingas
Photos and videos posted over the weekend allegedly show the final designs of Samsung's latest answers to the Apple iPhone, the Galaxy S8 and S8+, which should be officially revealed at an event in late March.
Both devices appear to use curved, edge-to-edge displays and omit physical home buttons in favor of virtual ones, as seen in a photo posted to Slashleaks, as well as videos on YouTube. 3.5-millimeter headphone jacks remain, despite the technology being jettisoned by some other Android phones and last fall's iPhone 7.
With the Galaxy S6 and S7, curved OLED screens were only available on more expensive Edge models. And while other Android phones have sometimes ditched physical buttons, the S8 marks the first time Samsung has brought the concept to its flagship line.
The leaks echo rumors about this year's upcoming "iPhone 8," which is expected to use a 5.8-inch edge-to-edge OLED panel — likely made by Samsung — with a 5.1-inch practical area, the rest being dedicated to virtual buttons. Last week however a report suggested that Apple may be abandoning the idea of a curved screen, owing to yield problems and poor drop-test results.
It's not yet certain how Apple will deal with the removal of the Touch ID sensors used since the iPhone 5s, but rumors have hinted that it will rely on 3D facial recognition, iris scanning, and/or a different form of fingerprint sensing.
Samsung has meanwhile announced a March 29 press event, to be held at the Lincoln Center in New York City, according to TechCrunch. The invitation includes a silhouette matching recent leaks.
Christine McKee
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48 Comments
"Samsung: We're What's Blowing Up!"
These near bezel-less phones just look weird to me, especially the ones that don't have symmetrical top and bottom bezels. If you're using the device in landscape mode where do you put your thumbs?
Feels like another product being rushed to market to beat Apple. We'll see how this one pans out for Sammy.
If I need Plus-Plus size phone than I will buy iPad mini tablet with phone connectivity. Normal phone size at largest end is with screen 5.1-5.2" and for Plus size is 5.5-5.6". Any screen size above is Mega phone and in that range mini tablet with phone connectivity is better choice. Very large phone is prone to get drop from your any size hand breaking screen costing lot. If you put heavy duty case/cover than it adds bulkiness and ugliness. Not sure what was reason for Samsung behind making over 6" Galaxy 8 Plus Plus phone.