More Galaxy S10 details drop: Tipped to feature flat screen option, Verizon 5G tie-up

The Samsung Galaxy S10 has been the subject of many a rumor in recent months, and now Bloomberg has added to the steady stream of leaks.

The outlet, citing “people familiar with the matter,” reiterated that we’ll see three models at launch, but it also shed more light on these devices. The standard Galaxy S10 will apparently feature a curved OLED screen, an in-display fingerprint sensor and triple cameras on the back.

Read: LG’s mobile division loses $130.5 million in Q3, says it’s all part of the plan

Bloomberg also said the front-facing camera is “visible and tucked under the screen,” which is pretty vague. Does that mean it’s like a keyhole or that it’s on the phone’s chin like the Nokia N9 and Xiaomi Mi Mix? We also know that Samsung is working on some interesting tech to reduce the need for a notch, so it’s anyone’s guess.

The report also suggested Samsung is working on a Plus version, which isn’t exactly surprising given Samsung’s track record. If it’s literally a large Galaxy S10, then we can expect the same features here too (i.e. curved OLED screen, in-display sensor, triple camera setup).

A cheaper model to fight Chinese brands?

The Korean company is apparently working on a cheaper Galaxy S10 model without a curved display. The outlet says Samsung might ditch the in-display fingerprint sensor on this cheaper variant due to costs.

A cheaper Galaxy S10 could go a long way towards fighting off affordable flagships from the likes of Honor, Xiaomi, and Vivo. This phone would presumably feature the same chipset as the standard Galaxy S10, but have fewer cameras. Then again, the Korean firm recently launched the Galaxy A9 with four rear cameras, so there’s still a chance of a stacked rear camera setup.

It’s also said that Samsung has a Galaxy S10 prototype without a headphone jack. This is far from a guarantee that the new phones will be reliant on Bluetooth and USB Type-C.

5G and foldable plans?

The publication says Samsung is working with Verizon to bring a Galaxy S10 with a 5G chipset to the U.S. market. It’s unclear if this means the standard Galaxy S10 would have 5G capabilities or if the Verizon model in particular would have 5G support. But I’d probably bet on the Verizon model being a special variant rather than the standard model.

Finally, the outlet also shed light on the company’s foldable smartphone, saying there’s an internal debate between two prototypes. One model opens vertically, while the other opens horizontally. Samsung’s designers reportedly favor the portrait model as it’s easier to hold. Either way, both models are said to have a four-inch screen on the outside.

It seems rather strange to hear news of two prototypes at this juncture, as previous reports said Samsung intends to show off the device next month. A source told Bloomberg that the company intends to present a “detailed conceptual image of the phone, its features and user interface” instead.

What do you make of the latest Galaxy S10 and foldable phone news? Sound off in the comments below.

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