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Latest Samsung Galaxy S9 leak suggests similar look, new specs

Samsung's flagship being announced Feb. 25 seems familiar on the outside, but there are some key differences.

Scott Stein Editor at Large
I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.
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Scott Stein
samsung-galaxy-s8-caracteristicas

Samsung's Galaxy S8, seen here: it could end up being very similar to the S9.

CNET

Samsung's next big phone could look a lot like the last one... at least on the front. But on the back, it could end up fixing one of the S8's biggest annoyances.

Frequent Twitter leaker Evan Blass posted what looks like a clear photo and details on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus at VentureBeat. The phones, which are expected to be unveiled at Samsung's Feb. 25 event in Barcelona, don't look different on the outside: they seem identical in design to Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus.

However, both phones, according to the report, differ in specs. Blass suspects March 16 will be the on-sale date for the phones (per the date on the phone displays seen in the photo on his post).

The fingerprint sensor is also expected to be realigned, placed below a vertical camera array for what could be easier access (but once again, on the back).

Rumored Galaxy S9 specs:

  • 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (US and China, Samsung Exynos 9810 (everywhere else)
  • 4GB RAM
  • 64GB storage
  • 12 megapixel single rear camera, variable aperture
  • 8 megapixel front camera
  • Rear fingerprint sensor
  • Stereo speakers

Rumored Galaxy S9 Plus specs:

  • 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (US and China, Samsung Exynos 9810 (everywhere else)
  • 6GB RAM
  • 128GB storage
  • Dual rear 12MP cameras, one variable aperture
  • 8MP front camera
  • Rear fingerprint sensor
  • Stereo speakers

It seems like the more wild experimental dreams of future smartphones may not be in the S9 or S9 Plus after all... but we'll see soon.

Watch this: Our Samsung Galaxy S9 feature wishlist (The 3:59, Ep. 342)