The latest rumors out of China suggest at least one of the proposed Galaxy S8 models will feature 6-inch display. Samsung is expected to release two Galaxy S8 models in spring 2017 as it has for its last two release cycles; however, the manufacturer may build on its current trajectory of releasing a standard slate sized smartphone and a phablet.
In 2016, Samsung released the 5-inch Galaxy S7 and the 5.5-inch Galaxy S7 Edge. Prior to that the Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 Edge were both 5.1-inches, but were Samsung’s first flagship smartphones to be released simultaneously. The Galaxy Note 5 and the Galaxy S6 Edge + also launched in 2015 at 5.7-inches.
However, Samsung may launch a smartphone with an extra large display to make up for the failed Galaxy Note 7, which was discontinued due to several instances of spontaneous combustion. Samsung may use the device to work on developing a large-screen smartphone that does not appear much larger than the average phone.
Both Galaxy S8 models are expected to feature Samsung’s signature dual-edge curved display. They are also expected to have a no-bezel design and no home button to maximize the screen real estate. This can possibly allow the smartphone to have a size similar Samsung’s other phablets.
Samsung was able to achieve a similar feat with the Galaxy Note 7. Its shallowly curved display curved display allowed the device to be smaller than the previous Galaxy Note 5 while still featuring a 5.7-inch display. Meanwhile, other 6-inch phablets, such as the 2014 Nexus 6 (codenamed Shamu), were gargantuan devices with large, flat screens and thick bezels.
At this time Samsung has not confirmed any features for the Galaxy S8.
