November 22, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] Samsung Electronics has embarked on its next flagship smartphone project, tentatively called Galaxy S9, earlier than usual even as the S8 is yet to hit shelves, The Bell reported on April 6.

Citing unnamed sources, the report said, Samsung has recently started developing key parts such as the display screen for the S9, almost six months ahead of the previous year’s schedule.

Galaxy S8

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“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 was quoted as saying. “About a month after the display, other key parts such as modules are expected to be developed in phases.”

The report said the early development of the S9 is largely due to the strengthened quality control process after the Note fiasco last year.

Even though it is too early to know the specifications, the report said, the S9 is likely to come in two variants -- 5.8- and 6.2-inch screen models -- the same with the S8 that will be launched on April 21.

In the meantime, Samsung is also working on the bigger-screen Note 8 under the code name “Great,” the report said.

The phone is expected to feature the largest 6.32-inch screen for Samsung’s premium lineup. It is rumored to have a fingerprint scanner on the bottom of the front screen as a virtual on-screen home button, a feature that was not adopted for the S8 due to technical issues.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)