Apparent Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Fold 2 references spotted in kernel code

Shortly after releasing the Galaxy S20 line, Samsung also released the kernel source code for all three flagship phones. Tapping into the kernel code lets developers and advanced users unlock the full potential of their smartphones. It’s the core of every system and controls everything, including how the CPU functions.

Now, folks over at XDA Developers have managed to find evidence of future Samsung phones after digging through the kernel code of the Galaxy S20 series and the Galaxy Z Flip. The publication found references to what they believe is the Galaxy Note 20 series and Galaxy Fold 2. They also found evidence of a mysterious new device called Zodiac.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Fold 2

Files for three different series — “Project XYZ,” “Project Canvas,” and “Project Winner2” — were discovered in the code. XDA notes that Project XYZ refers to the three different Galaxy S20 models, with each letter representing one of the models.

Project Canvas and Project Winner 2 are most likely the Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Fold 2, respectively. That’s because the name “Project C” was also previously associated with the Note 20, while “Project Winner” was the name given to the first Galaxy Fold. The Winner2 codename for Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 was also previously confirmed by GalaxyClub.

Further, the code associated both Project Winner2 and Project Canvas with “kona,” which is a codename for the Snapdragon 865. It’s pretty obvious that the Fold 2 and Note 20 will run on the Snapdragon 865 since their predecessors ran on the Snapdragon 855.

The code also suggests that the Snapdragon 865 version of the Note 20 (Canvas) will only be available in the US. Files for the alleged Galaxy Fold 2 (Winner2) revealed availability in the European open market. However, this in no way confirms the final availability details of the two upcoming phones, as Samsung generally offers much wider device launches.

Project Zodiac

References for a third mysterious device codenamed “Zodiac” were found in the kernel code for the Galaxy Z Flip too. The device is based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 and China is the only region mentioned in its availability details. It’s possible this is a phone exclusive to China, but XDA was unable to uncover any additional details in this regard.

For what it’s worth, this could also just be a development device so we wouldn’t hold our breath for a new 855-powered Samsung phone just yet.