Samsung Galaxy S8 release date, specs rumors: Smartphone's release date affected by Note 7 recall?

Sunshine Navarro Sunday, September 11, 2016

Reports say the Samsung Galaxy S8 is expected to launch early next year. Still, the recent recall of the Galaxy Note 7 might affect the timeline of release, according to speculations.

New Samsung S7 (R) and S7 edge smartphones are displayed after their unveiling ceremony at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, on Feb. 21. | Reuters/Albert Gea

The internet was abuzz the past weeks as news of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 spontaneously combusting went viral. There appeared to be a defect in the internal makeup of the released units that caused them to explode, some while charging.

The purported defect made Samsung recall over 2 million Galaxy Note 7 units, according to Android Authority. Moreover, adjustments are being made by the South-Korea based tech giant to compensate third-party retailers and mobile carriers. There are even rumors that full refunds or replacement units like the Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge will be given to those affected by the recall.

The recall of the Galaxy Note 7 could invariably affect the release date of Samsung's follow-up flagship phone, the Galaxy S8, as per rumors. It looks like Samsung will work on developing an updated version of the Galaxy Note 7 first, which might be released before the end of 2016, before they release the Galaxy S8.

Nevertheless, the Galaxy S series is in co-flagship with the Galaxy Note series, which means each one has its own market base. That being the case, Samsung might still push through with the planned release schedule for the Galaxy S8, which is early 2017.

In fact, Korea Herald reports that Samsung has solidified plans to release two smartphones in early 2017, both of which will have curved displays. One will apparently be 5.1 inches while the other one 5.5 inches, both with dual-edge displays like the Note 7 and S7 Edge. Some are surmising that this will be the Galaxy S8's iterations. Rumors likewise suggest that the S8 will feature a 4K display and a 12- and 13-megapixel dual camera, with 6 GB of RAM.

There are also talks that the new S8 flagship phone from Samsung will be unveiled at the Mobile World Congress 2017 happening in February. Until then, keep coming back for more updates and news on the release date of the Samsung Galaxy S8.