Samsung fans can expect 5G support for the Galaxy Note 10 as Verizon CEO, Hans Vestberg has confirmed the upcoming smartphone will be equipped on its network when it releases later this year.
According to The Verge, Vestberg mentioned the details during Verizon’s first quarter earnings call on Tuesday, stating, “The Note and the Galaxy coming this year will both have 5G.” However, the executive gave no further detail about the device.
Rumors of Samsung releasing at least two 5G-enabled smartphones in 2019 have circulated for months with AT&T originally hinting in late 2018 that it would release a second 5G device from Samsung during the second half of 2019. While there are some other rumors about the Galaxy Note 10 circulating, they remain sparse and far-fetched at this point.
Reports out of Korea suggest the upcoming device may be available in two distinct models, likely the Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10 Pro. Currently, there is no word on which device will power 5G, or if both will be compatible with the network. The devices may differ in terms of size, with reports suggesting 6.28-inch and 6.75-inch displays for each model.
Some expected features include a quad-camera set up for both models and a “keyless” design, with no physical buttons. Samsung has already implemented a feature on the Galaxy Note 9 S-Pen, which allows users to press its stylus button as a remote camera shutter. This function could make a keyless device a possibility. While Samsung has relented and now allows for remapping of the Bixby button to launch other apps and features, there is no telling whether it would get rid of the button for good with a new design. Currently, have been no reports on internal hardware specifications of the Galaxy Note 10.
If Samsung keeps its usual release schedule for the device, we may see a launch event in early to mid-August and a market release in late August to early September.
The Galaxy Note 10 may also benefit from having more 5G availability in American cities by the time it launches. Verizon recently announced plans to add 20 more cities to its 2019 5G rollout, after launching networks in Chicago and Minneapolis in early April. AT&T is also expected to ramp up its 5G rollout to 19 U.S. cities before late June. Sprint has hinted at a May launch for its network, while T-Mobile’s 5G timeline is set for the second half of 2019.
By the time the Galaxy Note 10 releases, it will likely join the ranks of other 5G devices, including the OnePlus 7 Pro and the LG V50 ThinQ.
