Model numbers seemingly confirm there will be three Galaxy S10 variants

Only a few days ago, we reported information that suggests there will be four versions of the Samsung Galaxy S10, codenamed Beyond 0, Beyond 1, Beyond 2, and Beyond 2 5G. Now, via SamMobile, we have three leaked model numbers for the Samsung Galaxy S10 line.

The fact that there are three model numbers seemingly confirms that there will be at least three variants of the Samsung Galaxy S10, which is one more than the usual two. But what about that 5G model? We’ll get to that in a second.

The three model numbers recently leaked are SM-G970, SM-G975, and SM-G973. The first two follow the usual naming scheme of the Galaxy S series and likely match to the Samsung Galaxy S10 (SM-G970) and the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus (SM-G975). For reference, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus are numbered as SM-G960 and SM-G965 respectively, while the Galaxy 8 and Galaxy 8 Plus are numbered SM-G950 and SM-G955. So that all makes sense.

The third model number — SM-G973 — would be the new addition to the Galaxy S series. The rumors are that this device will be a cheaper “entry” model to the Galaxy S line. One of the potential differentiators to the SM-G973 would be a single camera on the rear, while the Galaxy S10 would have a dual rear camera and the Galaxy S10 Plus would have a triple rear camera.

That’s all rumor at this point, but the existence of this model number at least makes the idea that there will be a third, somehow different model of the Galaxy S10 much more plausible.

But what about the “Beyond” codenames and the suggestion of 5G? Shouldn’t there be a fourth model number?

What Samsung might be doing is releasing a 5G variant of the same model number. As an example, Samsung could push out a Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus with 5G capabilities. It would be the same phone with the same model number, but with the addition of 5G connection hardware. Perhaps its model number would be SM-G975G or something along those lines.

There’s also the possibility that there is a fourth, as-yet-unknown model number out there that will relate to the rumored 5G variant. It’s totally possible.

Either way, this new information suggests that we might see price increases for the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10 Plus when they launch in 2019. Samsung might adopt a similar strategy to Apple’s launch of the iPhone XS by releasing a cheaper model at the same price as last year’s flagship and then increase the prices of the other models.

What do you think? Let us know your Galaxy S10 theories in the comments!

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