Samsung will show the Galaxy S9 at MWC next month

Samsung’s smartphone for this year, the Galaxy S9, will be shown at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona towards the end of next month.

The previous model, the Galaxy S8 was revealed a month before its launch in April last year. Samsung tends to be at the forefront of the high-end Android smartphone market, and there is no reason to expect differently from the upcoming model. Not a lot is known about the S9’s internal hardware yet, but it would be reasonable to expect some top-of-the-line internal components to power the flagship device. As for external design, some leaked renders seem to show a relatively unchanged shell.

While the S9 and S9+ are likely to be the most important smartphone launches for Samsung this year, the company has also hinted at a foldable phone to be launched next year. A flexible display would mean users could have much larger screens in a device that is still pocketable when stowed away.

As for features, face unlocking is likely to be included and Bixby, Samsung’s smart assistant, has been updated for better functionality and usability. The new phone is rumored to include an in-screen fingerprint scanner as well; a feature that Apple gave up on as the iPhone X drew closer to shipping. A larger battery, smaller bezel, and water-repellent coating are also rumored to be featured.

Local pricing is thought to be around the same as last year’s model which came in at AUD$1200 for the S8 and around AUD$1350 for the S8+.