Samsung Galaxy S9 latest leak reveals killer features
2017 has been the year of full-screen display phones, and Samsung would continue this trend with Galaxy S9, expected to be launched around Feb'18. However, Samsung would fix the "worst thing" about its recent releases: the awkward fingerprint-scanner placement. Earlier reports said Samsung was embedding an under-screen fingerprint-sensor. But, latest leaks suggest it may be placed at the bottom into an iPhone X-style notch.
Fingerprint scanner placement on recent Samsung devices
Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+, launched in Apr'17, received positive reviews but were criticized for the placement of fingerprint reader. It's placed very close to the rear-camera. Users complained it was easy to smudge the camera lens while unlocking the device. Galaxy Note 8 has a rear fingerprint sensor; some users find it difficult to reach it owing to the phablet's big size.
Samsung to create "virtually" bezel-free display
A patent leak reportedly suggests the "fingerprint scanner placement" issue would be fixed on Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+. Fresh leaks show the South Korean device maker is moving the sensor to the front of its next Galaxy S smartphone, at the screen's bottom into a notch similar to that of iPhone X. This would allow Samsung to create a virtually "all-screen" display.
Samsung may bring its own notch to Galaxy S9
The latest patent leak shows a "minimal sensor" mounted onto a depression or a notch in the screen assembly. This means a small scanner could be placed inside the rectangular screen. These reports are based on a patent, which is from 2016. So, Samsung could have already used it on the Galaxy S9 to address fingerprint sensor placement concerns.
Rumored specs of Samsung Galaxy S9, S9+
In a separate leak, several specs expected to feature in the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ were shared. According to the tipster Benjamin Geskin, both the new Galaxy S devices would have 6GB of RAM and 128GB onboard storage, expandable via microSD. Samsung is likely to retain the Galaxy Note 8 rear dual-camera setup on these upcoming handsets too.
Galaxy Note8 initially scheduled to have under-screen fingerprint sensor
The under-screen fingerprint sensor is something both Samsung and Apple have been working on since 2009. While Apple ditched the same to go with FaceID on iPhone X, Samsung is continuing to work on the concept. Samsung was to use the under-screen sensor in Galaxy Note 8 but the screen above the fingerprint scanner showed discoloration. So, it went with a rear fingerprint-reader.
Meanwhile, Samsung gives free Galaxy Note 8s to 200 passengers
Samsung had a great year with the successful launches of Galaxy S8, S8+, and Note 8, leaving behind the Galaxy Note 7 exploding battery fiasco. Last year, Note 7 users couldn't carry their devices on airplanes due to the battery issue. To show how safe the Note 8 is, Samsung distributed 200 brand-new Note 8s to the passengers aboard a flight in Spain.
