Samsung is reportedly working on a 5G-capable smartphone for release in early 2019. By most accounts, this will be the tenth-anniversary Galaxy S10 model which will be tailor made for Verizon’s 5G network in the US. But what about Australia? Here’s what you need to know.
[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2018/09/samsung-galaxy-s10-all-the-facts-and-rumours-so-far/” thumb=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2018/09/galaxy-S10.jpg” title=”Samsung Galaxy S10: All The Facts And Rumours So Far” excerpt=”All eyes were on Apple this month, but that doesn’t mean plenty of us aren’t still thinking about Samsung. The Samsung Galaxy S10 is one of the most anticipated phones of 2019, expected to be released early next year. If you’re eagerly holding out for news on the Galaxy S10, here’s everything we know (and think we know) about Samsung’s next phone.”]
Last week, we recommended waiting until late 2019 to buy a new smartphone so you can take advantage of fifth-generation wireless chipsets. A new Bloomberg report suggests you might not actually have to wait that long.
People “familiar with the matter” reportedly told Bloomberg that Samsung is planning to launch its first 5G-capable smartphone as early as January. The 5G chipset, which is still in development, will allow users to transfer data “dozens of times” faster than the fourth-generation networks in use now.
According to the report, the phone will also come with an in-display fingerprint sensor (similar to the Huawei Mate20 Pro), a rear triple-camera array and a true edge-to-edge screen with almost no bezel. Whether this means we’ll be getting an in-screen sensor, a pop-up camera or a notched display isn’t known.
Interestingly, the report suggests Samsung may finally ditch 3.5mm headphone jacks with this phone series. Similar to the latest iPhone X range, there will also be a third, cheaper model to compliment the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10 Pro. (Presumably, some of the features mentioned above won’t be appearing on this version.)
If these reports are true, the Samsung Galaxy S10 is guaranteed to sell well with early 5G adopters in the US. But where does this leave Aussie phone users?
Despite a considerable amount of progress in recent months, it is expected that Australia’s equivalent 5G networks will be a while off yet. (While there has been much talk of a ‘2019 rollout’, this generally refers to fixed wireless deployments rather than mobile services.)
Australia’s major telcos anticipate that it may take until mid 2020 for 5G capable mobile devices to become mainstream. While the transition needs to start somewhere, expecting a 5G-ready smartphone in early 2018 might be asking a bit much.
We’ll keep you updated on Samsung’s 5G plans in Australia. Either way, the Galaxy S10 is shaping up to be a very impressive unit. You can check out the latest credible leaks and rumours here.
[Via Bloomberg]