Samsung Galaxy S8
Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus app tray Fionna Agomuoh

Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone is coming to market with several new features, in addition to a host of specs seen on older models, such as the Galaxy Note 7 and Galaxy S7. Though it remains early in the Galaxy S8 launch cycle, the device could hold many clues for what Samsung has in store for future devices, such as the Galaxy Note 8.

The manufacturer has confirmed the phablet line will continue late in 2017, while sales projections for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus seem hopeful, according to analysts. This could mean the worst of Samsung’s troubles are in the past, following the Galaxy Note 7 defect and discontinuation. The company continues to ensure the quality assurance and safety of its products.

Here’s an idea of what consumers can expect to see on the Galaxy Note 8, based on Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus features.

Dual Camera

The Samsung Galaxy S8 features a 12-megapixel single lens camera setup. However, leaks indicate that prototypes of the device exist with a dual camera configuration. KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects Samsung has saved the dual camera for the Galaxy Note 8, predicting the module may include a 12-megapixel wide angle lens and 13-megapixel telephoto lens, which could exceed the iPhone 7 Plus dual camera for quality.

The Galaxy S8 camera features f/1.7 aperture and other aspects including Auto HDR has already shown improvements over older Galaxy handsets in terms of low light imagery. It is possible the Galaxy Note 8 camera could have similar features to the Galaxy S8 camera, in addition to the dual lens setup.

Glass Infinity Display Design

Samsung has introduced on the Galaxy S8 an infinity display, which features thin bezels and a virtual home button instead of a capacitive option. The device includes a dual-edge curved display and a glass frame, which differs from the glass and metal design on other recent Galaxy iterations. It is likely Samsung will continue with its updated glass design for the Galaxy Note 8.

Large Display And Small Body

The Galaxy Note 8 could also be similar in size and shape to the Galaxy S8 Plus in particular. The S8 Plus features a 6.2-inch curved display and dimensions similar to those of the Galaxy Note 7. Rumors suggest the Galaxy Note 8 may feature a 6.4-inch dual-edge curved display. A slightly larger size would likely account for the Galaxy Note 8 S-Pen stylus, and to differentiate from the Galaxy S8 Plus, which is essentially the first Galaxy S model of its kind.

Bixby Updates

Samsung has introduced, on the Galaxy S8, its own artificial intelligence system. Bixby will rival assistants such as Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa. However, several Bixby features will be missing from the Galaxy S8 at launch and likely won’t be added until summer within software updates. The Galaxy Note 8 may be Samsung’s first smartphone to run Bixby in full with features including Bixby Vision, Bixby Home, and Bixby Voice.

Optical Fingerprint Sensor

To accommodate its infinity display, the Galaxy S8 features a rear fingerprint scanner. The component has already been heavily criticized for its odd placement alongside the camera module. However, it’s possible the Galaxy Note 8 could once again have a front-facing fingerprint scanner with an optical sensor embedded within the device’s display. Synaptics introduced its optical fingerprint scanner in January. The component should now be in mass production, which could make its availability just in time for implementation on the Galaxy Note 8.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 835/ Samsung Exynos 8895 chipsets

The Galaxy S8 runs the latest premium smartphone chipsets, with American models featuring the Snapdragon 835 and Asian models featuring the Exynos 8895. The Galaxy Note 8 will likely run the same processors, as have been seen on Galaxy S and Galaxy Note models from prior years.

USB-C

Samsung first introduced USB-C ports on the Galaxy Note 7 in 2016 and has now transitioned the Galaxy S line to the new charging protocol. This makes it very likely the Galaxy Note 8 will also feature USB-C instead of MicroUSB. However, it remains to be seen whether Samsung will remove the Galaxy Note 8 headphone jack and pair the device with USB-C supported audio accessories.

Iris Scanner And Facial Recognition

Samsung’s latest biometrics options include iris scanning and facial recognition. The former was new on the Galaxy Note 7, while the latter was introduced on the Galaxy S8. In addition to PIN, pattern and password options, the Galaxy Note 8 may have up to six security options, similar to the Galaxy S8.