The Samsung Galaxy S8 is shaping up to be a very interesting device with many features similar to the iPhone, such as major internal storage capacity boosts and the implementation of an AI assistant. Recent reports from SamMobile suggest the device may adopt even more design features that have already come to the iPhone or are rumored for future iterations of Apple’s smartphone, such the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack and home button.
The Galaxy Note 7 was Samsung’s first smartphone to feature a USB Type-C port and SamMobile suggests the manufacturer may expand this implementation on the Galaxy S8 with the removable of the audio jack on its upcoming flagship. If rumors are true, the USB Type-C port on the Galaxy S8 would double as a charging port and audio port; using USB Type-C headphones or a 3.5mm to USB Type-C adapter.
The iPhone 7 released in September without a headphone jack, garnering mixed reviews from Apple fans. However, similar to the iPhone 7, Samsung may be able to use the room freed up by removing the Galaxy S8 headphone jack in order to make room for a larger battery. Samsung could possibly correct some of the battery issues that came up in the Galaxy Note 7 by removing the headphone jack in the Galaxy S8.
The Galaxy S8 may also lose its home button, possibly also in an effort to free up space in the device. SamMobile claims Samsung will use a new material for the display on its flagship, which should allow the device to have an fingerprint sensor embedded underneath its glass panel. The Galaxy S8 is expected to have its front panel be made mostly of active display space, with minimal bezels.
Currently the top and bottom bezels on Samsung's devices take up a considerable amount of space on the front panel. Reports have indicated bezels may be decreased to a point where 90 percent of the front panel on the Galaxy S8 is made of active display space. The iPhone 8 is similarly rumored to lose its home button.
Samsung has not yet confirmed any features for the Galaxy S8, but the smartphone is expected to be announced in February during Mobile World Congress. However, the device may not hit markets until April.
