Several signs point to Samsung soon releasing official details about its long-rumored foldable phone. The latest hint comes from Samsung’s own official Facebook page, which was recently updated with a profile picture that shows the Samsung logo curved in half.
Samsung will host its Developer Conference on November 7 and 8, where the manufacturer may showcase the device, which is currently being called the Galaxy F. Samsung has also shared other teasers with folding references in the past month, further fueling speculation.
The crossroads between the present and the future – Samsung Developer Conference is where you’ll meet the knowledge needed to stay on tech’s cutting edge. #SDC18
Learn more: https://t.co/t66edOWIUi pic.twitter.com/bDZHuZVWee— Samsung Mobile (@SamsungMobile) October 18, 2018
Specs rumors for the Galaxy F have also been circulating. The device’s model number may be SM-F900x, with the model SM-F900U for the U.S., SM-F900F for Europe, and SM-F900N for Asia, according to a recent report by SamMobile. Samsung is supposedly now testing the F900USQU0ARJ5 series firmware for the U.S. model and will soon begin testing firmware for other models.
If reports are accurate, the Galaxy F may have a 7.3-inch internal OLED display that folds in on itself when the device is closed like a laptop, as well as a 4.6-inch external OLED display. This design would allow the device to be used solely as a phone when in its folded position and as a tablet in its unfolded position. The Galaxy F is expected to be a premium tier device with 512GB of internal storage. While the capacity is unconfirmed, the device will likely feature a large battery to support all of its displays. The device may also come in a silver color option.
Even if the Galaxy F is unveiled later this week, the device likely won’t release until next year and may be available only in limited quantities for a pilot launch. Samsung has had similar launches for devices including the Galaxy Round, its first curved display smartphone and the Galaxy Note Edge, the curved edge device that ushered in Samsung’s current design philosophy for its flagships. These devices were extremely expensive and while available on the open market, were hard to find. The Galaxy F may similarly be expensive, with a prospective $2000 price tag. The abovementioned model numbers suggest the device may see availability in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
If the rumors don’t exactly pan out, there are also reports that Samsung has a gaming smartphone in the works that could be showcased at its Developer’s Conference. With the year quickly ending, other trade shows, such as CES and Mobile World Congress are right around the corner in early 2019. Samsung could also host a separate launch event for the device if it were inclined. Keep in mind the Galaxy Note Edge was announced alongside the Galaxy Note 4 during a traditional launch event.
Even so, there is a good chance Samsung’s foldable phone will make its debut in the near future. Samsung CEO, DJ Koh has spoken on the company’s plans to release the device as a viable product option for consumers and not a gimmick that ultimately gets no traction.
The manufacturer also recently had several brand names trademarked, including ‘Infinity-V’ as a U.S. brand and ‘Infinity-Flex’, ‘Infinity U,’ and ‘Infinity-O’ as international brands. Many believe these names are branding for the foldable display on the Galaxy F.
Though Samsung’s foldable display technology is several years old, the company now has some competition with an obscure Chinese brand having announced a 7.3-inch foldable device that may already be on sale.
Other rivals including LG and Huawei are expected to release foldable phone in the coming months. This leaves Samsung with no other choice but to release the Galaxy F or get left behind.
