Now that many of the major Android smartphone makers have laid their cards on the table at MWC last month, it’s the turn of Samsung, which opted to postpone the usual February-debut of the latest Galaxy device to later this month in the form of the Galaxy S8 and S8+. While we only have to wait a little under one week for Samsung to showcase the devices on 29 March in New York, that has not stopped specification details and rendered images of the smartphone and phablet surfacing. 

With that in mind, here’s what we know about the Samsung Galaxy S8, and its larger brother, so far. 

Samsung Galaxy S8

Starting off with dimensions, the Samsung Galaxy S8 is expected to feature a fairly large 5.8” body, most of which will be taken up by the Super Amoled display (possibly 568 ppi pixel density). Far larger than its predecessor’s 5.1” screen, the one on the S8 is anticipated to do away with the physical home button, along with featuring an edge-to-edge design and greater curvature on the sides of its aluminium frame.

Switching to the back of the device, it’s confirmed to feature a fingerprint sensor alongside the primary camera. How consumers will react to this setup is unclear, especially as it could become difficult to operate given the size of the phone, with it reminiscent of the heart rate sensor that was placed on the back of the Galaxy S5.  

Other aspects of the device will see a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 doing the heavy lifting, as well as 4 GB of RAM. As for which Exynos chip will be on offer, this remains unknown at this stage, along with which version will be launched here in South Africa. In terms of pricing, the Galaxy S8 is expected to retail around the €799 (R10 900) for the 64 GB model when it becomes available in select regions in mid-April. The local availability and price will hopefully be disclosed after the device’s launch next week. 

Samsung Galaxy S8+

Moving onto the bigger S8+, which may be an upgrade option for Samsung fans unable to get their hands on the ill-fated Galaxy Note 7. In terms of size, it has a 6.2” display at its disposal, and will also feature the same physical home button removal and edge-to-edge screen as its smaller brother. 

Also present will be a fingerprint sensor on the rear, as well as a similar internal setup of processor and RAM. There’s also said to be a iris scanner, which could give the S8+ an additional layer of biometric functionality, much like the Note 7. Other talking points include IP68-rated waterpoofness and dust resistance (also on the S8), and earphones tuned by AKG, which likely means Samsung has retained the device’s 3.5 mm headphone jack. 

While more colours may be on offer, at the moment it is believed the Galaxy S8+ and Galaxy S8 will launch in three different colours - black sky, orchid grey and artic silver. When it comes to price, the Galaxy S8+ should be a bit more than its smaller brother, expected to sell for €899 (R12 200) for the 64 GB version. 

Remember to follow

As has been the case with past Galaxy devices, there will probably a few more leaks between now and the 29th of March. As always, we’ll be covering any such stories, but will also be tweeting about the Galaxy Unpacked event from 17:00 onwards on 29 March. Along with detailing all the aspects of the S8 and S8+, hopefully we can get hands-on with the new devices too. Be sure to follow us at @TechSmartMag to stay in the know.