Samsung Suddenly 'Confirms' Radical Galaxy S10 - Forbes

We already know Samsung’s 10th-anniversary Galaxy S10 is the biggest shake-up of the Galaxy range in years. There will be four models (including a new, more affordable version), up to six cameras, massive displays and ‘gradient’ colour schemes. And now Samsung isn’t even trying to hide its biggest upgrade of all…

In a pair of official announcements which are about as subtle as a brick, both Verizon and AT&T have announced a partnership with Samsung to deliver a ‘5G Galaxy smartphone’ in the first half of 2019. And yes, we know exactly what this is.

Galaxy S10 Plus ConceptIce Universe

“5G is going to be about more than just a network. Customers will eventually be able to connect in near real-time to unforeseen possibilities,” said David Christopher, president of AT&T Mobility and Entertainment. “Together with Samsung, we plan to bring the best in technology and innovation to our customers. The future we imagine with 5G is just beginning, and it is a great time to be a consumer.”

Christopher is right. 5G is fast enough and reliable enough to replace home broadband and its integration in phones is big deal, so its good to know Samsung has been testing 5G in the Galaxy S10 for some time.

Why would the announcement only be for one phone when the Galaxy S10 has four different models? Because only the flagship Galaxy S10 ‘Beyond X’ will get 5G. Samsung does have plans to integrate 5G into its folding ‘Galaxy F’ but that will be a limited release which is not expected to be sold outside Asia and it certainly won’t arrive in the US before the Galaxy S10.

Could Samsung have another 5G capable phone? Not before the Galaxy S10 and, as a 10th-anniversary model, Samsung is not looking to undermine its 2019 headline release straight after launch.

Furthermore, there’s another interesting plot twist: the news hits Apple hard.

Galaxy S10 Plus ConceptOnLeak, 91Mobiles

The simultaneous announcements from Verizon and AT&T come in the week it has been confirmed Apple will not have 5G in its iPhones until late 2020, at the earliest. Given 5G is already rolling out at a breakneck pace nationwide, this is not like Apple previously missing the launch of 3G or 4G. This one will impact immediately due to technical problems and come with a cost penalty.

All of which makes this a pretty great day for Samsung, and adds credence to the company’s promise that the Galaxy S10 will be a very significant upgrade.

Is it all smooth sailing? Not quite. Samsung still has to sell its customers on the controversial decisions to scrap not just one, but two beloved features due to a controversial redesign. And that’s not going to be easy…

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