14 DAY TRIAL // Samsung seems to be determined to get rid of flat screens and go all curved for its upcoming Galaxy S8 flagship. Although initial reports claimed the South Korean company would launch two Galaxy S8 variants with flat and dual-edge displays, new rumors state otherwise.
The Korean media claims that recent reports forecast the upcoming Galaxy S8 may come in 5.7-inch and 6.2-inch variants (actual sizes will be smaller), with both versions adopting dual-edge curved displays.
Even though we got used to getting both flat and dual-edge versions of Galaxy S flagships in the last couple of years, Samsung is prepared to change its marketing strategy with the launch of the Galaxy S8.
Unfortunately, the high-demand for curved displays might prevent Samsung from going all dual-edge for the Galaxy S8, analysts say.
“There appears to be no high demand for dual-edge screens because some still find them inconvenient because they mistakenly touch the sides of the smartphones. The utility of a bezel-less display does not seem that much higher for small, portable smartphones compared to televisions,” said Choo Dae-young, an analyst in charge of electronics industry at Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.
Apparently, the reason Samsung has decided to ditch the flat screen for the Galaxy S8 has nothing to do with efficiency.
The South Korean company wants to distinguish its device from other flagships that will be launched on the market next year, and adding a dual-edge curved display is a major milestone.
Samsung Display has been supplying dual-edge curved panels for many major handset makers, including Huawei and Vivo. Also, next year Apple is expected to adopt dual-edge screens for its new iPhone.
It remains to be seen whether or not the company will be able to provide its mobile division with enough curved panels for the Galaxy S8 in case Samsung is really ditching flat screens next year.