Samsung Galaxy S8 release date, specs: Samsung patent points to dual camera among the specs

The Samsung Galaxy S7 and the S7 Edge are shown in this photo. It is expected that the lineup's next-gen follow-up, the Galaxy S8, will feature major improvements, including a dual-cam setup.Reuters/Albert Gea

A recent patent application filed by Samsung seemingly confirms that a dual camera setup will be one of the features of its next flagship.

SamMobile believes that the new patent filed by the South Korea-based tech giant hints at one of the new features for its next batch of flagships, starting with the Galaxy S8. In an application filed early last month, Samsung hopes to patent a camera interface with improved zoom control. Instead of the standard pinch-to-zoom interface, the new patent outlines a one-finger, gesture-based camera controls for Samsung devices.

The industry follower surmises that a new camera interface hints at a possible overhaul for Samsung's camera assembly. Previously, it is already rumored that Samsung will feature a dual camera set up for its next flagship. Most tech makers have already made this upgrade to their own flagships, the most recent of which is the iPhone 7 Plus, so it is expected that Samsung will also feature the setup on the Galaxy S8. In addition, Samsung may already be thinking of having massive improvements for its next flagship release to make up for the issues that plagued the launch of its current lineup, the Galaxy Note 7.

Having a dual cam setup is highly possible for the Galaxy S8, given that other purported specs and features point out a top-tier launch early next year. Other rumored improvements for the Galaxy S8 include ditching regular screens for dual-curved edge-only variants, a faster Exynos or Snapdragon processor, 4K display, and Samsung's own proprietary audio port in lieu of the standard 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Meanwhile, even if the Samsung Galaxy S8 is supposed to come out earlier than expected, Samsung has yet to provide an official timeline for its release. Due to the Galaxy Note 7 recall issue, it is said that Samsung may choose to release the Galaxy S8 earlier than the scheduled 2017 Mobile World Congress, so it is expected that the upcoming flagship will be released in the market by the end of March.