Samsung Galaxy S9 rumors suggest 'disappointing' spec list

With the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 launched, we're automatically turning our attentions to the Galaxy S9, but the latest rumors suggest it might be a slight disappointment for some super smartphone fans.

According to a source speaking to XDA Developers the Samsung Galaxy S9 will have just 4GB of RAM. That’s the same amount as the Samsung Galaxy S8 and 2GB less than the Galaxy Note 8.

That’s unlikely to be a major issue for the bulk of users, as the Galaxy S8 is a very speedy phone and most flagships are still using 4GB with no issue, but it’s sure to disappoint some buyers.

More of an issue

However, there's something that's going to bother more people: Samsung will apparently be keeping the fingerprint scanner on the back for the Galaxy S9.

This is rather than moving it under the screen, as it’s long been rumored to be working on, or even moving it back to the front or the side, where it would be easier to reach.

However, there is apparently one change coming there, as the fingerprint scanner will apparently be in the center of the back, rather than at the top and near the camera where it's hard to reach.

The source also adds the very obvious fact that the Galaxy S9 will apparently use a Snapdragon 845 chipset, which is likely to be one of the highest-end mobile chips available at that point, and that it will retain the 1,440 x 2,960 QHD+ 18.5:9 aspect ratio display of the S8 and Note 8, though there’s no word on what size it will be.

Finally, the source says that apparently the Galaxy S9 will have an overall similar design to the S8 and will come with 64GB of internal storage and run Android 8.0 Oreo.

Subject to change

It’s worth noting that even if this information is accurate it could be subject to change, as it’s apparently based on a very early prototype of the Samsung Galaxy S9, but it's all thoroughly inline with what we expect.

Although Samsung tends to deliver cutting edge specs, if it thinks 4GB of RAM will get the job done it wouldn’t necessarily pack in more just to tick a box.

The news about the fingerprint scanner is no surprise, as the technology to build it into the display has reportedly been a struggle for multiple tech companies, and moving it anywhere else could mean redesigning the phone.

The rest of the specs listed here are even less surprising - indeed they’re exactly what we’d expect. But with the Samsung Galaxy S9 likely not launching until March or April 2018, there's plenty of time for change as a brand goes through a number of prototypes to see what will be the best option to bring out.