Samsung Galaxy S9, S9 Plus release date, specs update: Unpacked event confirmed for MWC 2018 on February 25th

Promotional image for the Samsung Galaxy S8, featuring the Infinity DisplaySamsung/smartphones/Galaxy-s8

Rumors about the Samsung Galaxy S9 have surfaced in the past several weeks as the tech giant's next flagship smartphone is expected to arrive very soon. The South Korean tech firm had been quiet regarding the Galaxy S8 successor until now, as the Unpacked event has been confirmed just before the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2018 in February.

As reported by CNET, Samsung has finally announced that the much-awaited Unpacked expo will happen on Feb. 25, the eve before the actual MWC 2018 week-long activity begins. The teaser photo for the Samsung Unpacked event gives every hint that the hardware to be showcased on that day will be none other than the Galaxy S9.

The MWC 2018 will run from Feb. 26 to March 1 in Barcelona, which would present other flagship devices aside from the Samsung Galaxy S9. The Galaxy S series launch at the MWC is not new, although Samsung had also used separate events to unveil its new devices, particularly the 2017 Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus that were launched at a standalone event in March.

The invitation for the Samsung Unpacked this February includes a photo that has a huge number 9 in the background, not to mention the intriguing "the camera reimagined" phrase. One would easily assume that the event is dedicated to the Samsung Galaxy S9 and its bigger S9 Plus variant, although the mention about the camera could mean a lot of things. For one, this confirms the previous rumors that the Galaxy S9 will boast improved camera features, possibly adding a dual-lens setup for the first time in the S series. If ever the Galaxy S9 sports a dual camera, it will be the second Samsung mobile device to do so after the Galaxy Note 8 phablet.

Still, Forbes speculates that only one of the Samsung Galaxy S9 variants will receive a dual camera. It is likely that the smaller Galaxy S9 will stick to a single-lens camera module, while the S9 Plus will get the dual camera boost. However, a single-lens camera for the regular S9 may still deliver some imaging enhancements, given that the Google Pixel 2 is capable of capturing high-quality photos in spite of not using a dual camera.

As for the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus, it is rumored to pack with a primary 12-megapixel (MP) rear shooter with f/1.5 aperture, which can capture crystal-clear images and 4K resolution videos at 120 frames per second.