Samsung is overhauling its line-up or premium smartphones for next year, preparing to launch its first 5G-capable smartphone, a cheaper flagship model and a foldable screen device to challenge Apple and stay ahead of Chinese rivals, people familiar with the matter Bloomberg.
The company is in talks with Verizon to launch its Galaxy S10 in the US with a 5G chipset, the report said. The goal is to secure support from the biggest US carrier to popularize the technology.
In addition, Samsung has embedded a fingerprint sensor under the S10's display, a first for the company. Samsung will launch three versions of the flagship model, including a more affordable version to the widest range of consumers, the report said.
Three S10 models
The standard S10, codenamed Beyond, features an OLED screen curved on both sides, round-shaped corners and almost no bezel at the top and bottom, according to the news agency's sources. It will be about the same size as the current 5.8-inch S9 model. The S10 has triple cameras on the back while the front camera is visible and tucked under the screen,. Samsung also plans a bigger “plus” version for next year.
The cheaper version of the S10 lacks the dual-curve edge screen that has been a hallmark of Samsung’s premium phones since the Galaxy Note Edge in 2014 and may come without a fingerprint sensor under its display depending on costs, the report said.
Samsung is also toying with a S10 prototype without a headphone jack, indicating that it may follow Apple in going completely wireless with its devices. The S10 will come pre-loaded with Google’s Android Pie operating system.
Foldable 'winner'
The foldable-screen device is codenamed Winner and has reportedly been under development for years. 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. The bendable display does not hold a finger-print sensor like the S10, due to technical difficulties unique to its flexible screens. It has an extra four-inch screen on the outside, allowing users to enjoy basic features like checking emails and messages without having to flip it open.
Samsung and Google have been working on a special version of Android for the phone, whose final user interface will depend on which of the two designs is chosen, one person said. Samsung may not be able to launch it commercially until the second quarter, another person said.
