The biggest Android smartphone launch of the year is round the corner, February 9 to be precise. At Samsung’s next Unpacked event we expect the unveiling of the Galaxy S22 series, which should set the benchmark for other smartphone brands. Given Samsung’s track record, each new Galaxy S series comes with the latest tech, from screen to camera. In fact, last year’s Galaxy S21, which was launched in February, turned out to be the best Android phone of the year. One can always compare it with the top iPhone but the comparison is not exactly a fair one because of how the software plays out. So what can we expect from Samsung this year? There are plenty of rumours flying around… let’s unpack them together.
Expect big differences inside out
Three devices are expected — the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+ and Galaxy S22 Ultra. There have been detailed leaks from WinFuture and tipster Dohyun Kim. The big question is whether we will get Qualcomm’s latest flagship processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, or the company’s new Exynos 2200 processor, a smartphone chip with AMD graphics. Chances are that some markets — like the US — will get the Snapdragon version while India may receive Exynos.
Though leaked renders suggest subtle changes in the design, it’s unlikely that the final product will be very different from last year’s updates, which put forward a new design language and the flat displays were well accepted.
A big upgrade is expected in the camera department, which hasn’t changed much in two years. First, the non-Ultra devices. WinFuture reports that it may well by 50MP main cameras complemented by 12MP ultrawides and 10MP telephotos. The 50MP sensor may get a size increase to 1/1.56” (last year it was 1/1.76”) and telephoto lens sensor is reportedly 1/3.94” (last year it was 1/1.72”). A bigger sensor means more night streaming in, making night photographs shine.
The Ultra, or the phone with everything and the kitchen sink, may come with 108MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide and two 10MP telephotos with 3x and 10x zoom.
One of the big highlights last year was the ability to use the S Pen with the Ultra but there was a drawback, namely you needed a special case for the phone to keep the stylus. Rumour has it that there is a built-in slot for the S-Pen stylus on the Ultra. This is in line with what the company has teased — this being its “most noteworthy S series ever”. A slot for the S Pen means the design of the Ultra should be different from the other two phones in the series.
Keeping the S21 Ultra company last year was the Galaxy S21+ and (right) Galaxy S21
Will we see new tablets?
Lately, Samsung has done wonders with the software running its tablets, tweaking it to make apps easily work according to screen size. And Samsung tablets are the very best Android has to offer. Nothing is confirmed but we may see the new flagship Galaxy Tab S8 launched at the event. Rumours (according to WinFuture) — and a picture was mistakenly uploaded on the company’s website — suggest that the flagship tablet may have a notch (to accommodate a second 12MP selfie camera) on the Ultra tier, which is a couple of “notches” higher in way of specs over Tab S8 and Tab S8 Plus.
All three tablets are expected to be powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, screen sizes will go from 11 inches with the base Tab S8 through to 12.7 inches for the Tab S8 Plus and 14.6 inches for the Tab S8 Ultra, all featuring 120Hz display refresh rate but only the top two modesl will have OLED panels.
Of course, we have been expecting updates on the Bixby smart speaker front for long but that seems to be eluding us.
You can find out more on February 9 during the Galaxy Unpacked event, which will stream live on Samsung’s YouTube channel, 8.30pm onwards (or visit samsung.com).
