The Galaxy S8 is not even available in stores yet, and Samsung has already started developing its successor. While that may not sound surprising, it’s still a lot earlier than expected. And it’s great news for fans of Samsung’s flagship smartphones.
For starters, we know that Samsung is now simply too big to keep secrets. The company wasn’t able to prevent any Galaxy S8 leaks in the months preceding the phone’s launch. The earlier it starts developing the Galaxy S9, the more we’ll know about the phone.
But that’s not the real reason why it’s great to hear the Galaxy S9 development is underway. The fact that Samsung is working on the next-gen Galaxy S flagship some six months ahead of schedule suggests that Samsung is indeed paying extra attention to product quality, and that’s great news for buyers.
Furthermore, an early start may lead to an earlier launch. This year, Samsung had to postpone the Galaxy S8’s announcement and release to deal with the fallout of the Galaxy Note 7 recall, and to make sure its next flagship won’t see a similar fate.
A report from The Bell says the Galaxy S9 development started precisely because of the Galaxy Note 7 debacle last year.
“Since late last month, a display team for the S9 has started the development work with aims to supply samples from mid-April,” a source said. “About a month after the display, other key parts such as modules are expected to be developed in phases.”
The Galaxy S9 is expected to come in two sizes similar to the Galaxy S8, but other specific details aren’t known at this time.
The report also mentions the Galaxy Note 8, known internally as “Project Great,” which is also in development. The phone will supposedly have a 6.32-inch Infinity display and should feature a fingerprint sensor incorporated into the screen like Apple’s upcoming iPhone 8. Samsung is said to have tried to build the Galaxy S8’s fingerprint scanner into the display, but it couldn’t get the tech ready for mass production.
The Bell also says Samsung’s DJ Koh told reporters that Samsung is working on a foldable phone, but the timing of the launch hasn’t yet been decided. A report earlier this week said Samsung’s Galaxy X phone is at least two years away, dispelling rumors that the first foldable Galaxy handset would launch later this year.
