Samsung Galaxy Note 9 release date, specs rumors: Next-gen phablet to come with an in-display fingerprint sensor, true bezel-less design

Promotional image for the Samsung Galaxy Note 8YouTube/Samsung

The current hot topic among the Samsung followers is the impending arrival of the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus smartphones this month. Nevertheless, it is never too early to look for details regarding the South Korean tech giant's next premium phablet, which is still expected to launch later this year. The latest leaks show that the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 will be the first handset from the company to sport an in-display fingerprint sensor. It is also tipped as the first device to have a true bezel-less display.

According to the latest report, a leaked patent document allegedly filed for the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 shows the upcoming handset having a biometric scanner embedded right under the screen panel. If ever, the Galaxy Note 9 will be the first handset released by Samsung with an optical fingerprint reader. This will not be too hard to believe, especially that Samsung has already mentioned about the in-display fingerprint sensor coming to its future devices. It has been reported that the company is in talks with tech firms such as Qualcomm and Synaptics to develop the necessary hardware for an under-display reader.

At first, it was believed that the in-display fingerprint sensor would be featured first by the Samsung Galaxy S9. However, it has become clear that incorporating such advanced screen technology into the next-gen Galaxy S series phone might be too late. Per the latest render leaks, the Galaxy S9 is still expected to sport a rear-positioned fingerprint reader, although placed in a more convenient position to avoid the camera lens being smudged by the user's finger.

The Galaxy Note 9 is now the most likely device from Samsung to sport an in-display fingerprint scanner in the coming months, although it will not be the first device to do so as Oppo already delivered such feature on its latest smartphone. Meanwhile, a separate patent leak shows the same under-display reader in the rumored Samsung Galaxy Note 9 handset. However, the highlight of this patent is the device's front display without any bezels around. With this, the Galaxy Note 9 could also be the first handset to sport a true all-screen display.

To note, the current Samsung Galaxy S8, S8 Plus, and Note 8 handsets boast the Infinity Display design, having an edge-to-edge full-screen view with 18:9 aspect ratio. Although, there are still minimal bezels present on the sides, albeit unnoticeable.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is expected to be unveiled sometime in August or September.