Samsung Galaxy S8 release date, specs latest rumors: Galaxy S8 may drop capacitive navigation buttons for use of soft keys

People may say that Apple is the world's most innovative company, but it looks like Samsung is out to prove that they are innovative as well because reports are now saying that the company's next flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S8, may say goodbye to capacitive navigation buttons and say hello to software keys.

Android Police's David Ruddock said the software keys will pressure-sensitive capabilities just like Apple's 3D Touch technology. He also noted that the keys may be configurable as well. Customizable on-screen navigation buttons on an Android smartphone isn't exactly new, so this is certainly plausible.

Furthermore, Ruddock revealed that by removing the physical home button, the Galaxy S8 would have a "very tiny bottom bezel." He also said that Samsung is going to remove the fingerprint scanner from the front of the smartphone, but he isn't sure where they would place it. He thinks that it might be placed on the back of the phone. Sources have reported that the fingerprint scanner that will be embedded into the Galaxy S8's display, but Ruddock did not mention it.

Meanwhile, GSMArena.com has reported that the Galaxy S8 may come in two-size versions, and it may support the S Pen stylus. If one of the Galaxy S8 models does have a 6-inch display, then the S Pen will come in handy indeed.

The publication also noted that adding stylus support to the Galaxy S8 does not mean that Samsung is going to discontinue the Note series since the company has already hinted that the Galaxy Note 8 will come out next year.

Previous reports say Samsung will unveil the Galaxy S8 at the Mobile World Congress in February, but sources are now saying that the company may skip the event and host an event of their own in April 2017 for the unveiling.

Right now, Samsung has yet to announce that the Galaxy S8 is under development, so readers are advised to take everything with a pinch of salt.