Samsung Galaxy S8 News and Release Date: Rumors Point to Dual-Lens Camera; Specs and Features
Samsung's Camera Department Receives Lots of Love as Next Year's Iteration Gets Dual Camera Setup
Samsung has so far dominated the year with their best smartphone lineup yet, with the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge earlier this year and the Galaxy Note 7 released just last month. With almost close to perfection, what more can these devices improve on? Several leaks point out to numerous changes to be made on the Samsung Galaxy S8.
Dual-Lens Camera
The great thing about any form of technology is that it only tends to move forward. The camera setup of Samsung's Galaxy and Note lineups is considered by most to be one of the best, if not the best, in the mobile industry. This year's iterations pack a 1/2.5-inch sensor, 12-megapixels, and an aperture of f/1.7. It features a top performing phase detection autofocus that seems to find the subjects almost in an instant.
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For the next iteration of the device, a plethora of rumors are pointing out to the inclusion of a dual-lens rear camera setup, similar to competitors produced by LG, Huawei, and the also rumored iPhone 7 Pro. There would be a 12-megapixel sensor beside a 13-megapixel one. The main camera would not have a change in megapixel count, but the purpose of the second camera remains unclear.
So far, a secondary camera may serve one of either two functions. First is for the secondary lens to serve as a wide-angle alternative, giving room for the user to take more immersive shots when the situation calls for it. This is how the LG G5 dual-lens camera is implemented.
Second method is for the sensor to shoot monochrome shots, capturing more contrast and detail which is later combined with the photo in color. The Huawei P9 uses this feature. Whether Samsung would use either of the two implementations or it will use its own is still unknown.
Also, the front camera is rumored to get an upgrade too. After having been stuck with 5 megapixels for several years, it will finally jump to 8 megapixels, while still adopting the best and latest technologies it already has.
Full-Body Upgrade
Plenty of rumors suggest that there would only be a one display iteration of the device—a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display with dual curved edges. It will also sport a bumped up 4K resolution. The iris scanner from the Note 7 is said to make an appearance, as well as the new UFS storage format.
The device will be run by either Snapdragon 830 or Samsung's very own Exynos 8995. A new standard of 6GB of RAM will also be available, as well as up to 128GB of internal storage. A native VR support will come with the device, as well as the Android 7.0 Nougat.
Release Date
For the release date, Samsung has been unveiling their new Galaxy lineups at the Mobile World Congress. Next year's MWC event will start on February 27, so expect the new Galaxy S8 around that time period.
