Samsung Galaxy S9, S9+ release date, specs rumors: Leaked images show much-welcomed design change

Promotional image of the Samsung Galaxy S8 smartphone, featuring the Infinity displaySamsung/smartphones/Galaxy-s8

The latest leaked images of the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ smartphones reveal some bits of good news for the users. The 2017 flagship handsets were widely praised upon their launch, although a handful of users pointed out that the new location of the fingerprint scanner is inconvenient. This time, the Galaxy S8 successor is expected to correct that issue by relocating the reader.

As reported by NDTV, the latest scoop about the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ came from a set of leaked renders that form a 360-degree view of the 2018 premium devices. The leaks suggest that the upcoming smartphone will have its fingerprint sensor moved from the previous location in the Galaxy S8. Specifically, the biometric scanner will be transferred from the adjacent side of the rear camera to just below the camera lens. 

With this change, it is expected that users will find it easier to access the fingerprint scanner, unlike in the Galaxy S8 in which some accidentally hits the camera lens when trying to unlock the phone. Aside from the new fingerprint sensor position, the overall design of the Samsung Galaxy S9 looks similar to its predecessor.

Speaking of the camera, the leaked images also show that the Samsung Galaxy S9 will sport a single-lens rear camera, just like the Galaxy S8. This came down as a disappointment for people hoping to see an upgraded dual camera setup in the 2018 flagship phone. Although, the larger Galaxy S9+ variant is shown to have the dual-lens rear shooter.

The leaks reveal that the Samsung Galaxy S9 will receive the Infinite display feature, which was first introduced by the Galaxy S8. Although, the upcoming smartphone will sport even slimmer bezels compared to the previous iteration.

Meanwhile, there are now doubts if Samsung will proceed with the earlier launch of the Galaxy S9 and S9+ smartphones in 2018. According to The Bell, the next flagship devices may not be presented during the Consumers Electronics Show (CES) in January as Samsung is likely to have a separate showcase event of its own.

Samsung is said to have considered unveiling the smartphones as early as possible in order to beat the iPhone X's sales. Although, it appears that the company is no longer threatened by it believes that the Galaxy S9 will not be affected by Apple's latest flagship handset.

The new expected release date of the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ is on February 27th next year. The special press event will take place in Barcelona, Spain.