Samsung Galaxy S8 release date, specs rumors: Flagship smartphone may feature Bluetooth 5.0, optical fingerprint sensor

With Samsung Galaxy S8 expected to break cover in just a few months, rumors and speculations about the next-generation flagship device are becoming more widespread. Due to the disaster caused by the exploding batteries of the Galaxy Note 7 which led to a global recall, a lot is also riding on the shoulders of the upcoming smartphone. As such, the South Korean tech giant is expected to equip the Galaxy S8 with innovative and premium features.

The latest reports suggest that the Samsung Galaxy S8 could be one of the first devices to feature Bluetooth 5.0. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group is said to have certified the latest version last week and it promises faster speed, longer range and a higher broadcast message capacity compared to Bluetooth 4.0. According to SamMobile, Bluetooth 5.0 is expected to arrive "within two to six months," which fits the touted release window of the Galaxy S8.

In the past few weeks, it was also rumored that the Samsung Galaxy S8 could feature an optical fingerprint sensor. Now, based on the latest announcement from Synaptics, it seems that this feature could definitely be featured in the next-generation Galaxy smartphone. The leading human interface solution developer recently unveiled the FS9100 optical sensor family that can work even under 1 mm of full cover glass which would then translate to seamless and button-free designs.

In terms of the Galaxy S8's display, it is said that Samsung could once again use the Y-OCTA display technology that they used in the Galaxy Note 7. This allows touch sensors to be attached to the display which eliminates the need for a film to be put underneath it. This will lead to a thinner form factor. It will also allow Samsung to cut down on production costs as they will no longer need to enlist third-party suppliers. This could be an important aspect for Samsung to consider as the tech giant is expected to lose as much as $17 billion in revenue after discontinuing the volatile Galaxy Note 7 phablet.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 is rumored to be unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February 2017 and the smartphone is expected to go on sale the following month.