Samsung might drop the flat display for the Galaxy S8

Samsung has apparently been weighing up whether or not to completely ditch flat screen panels for its future generations of Galaxy S flagships. According to the latest tip from industry sources, the company may opt solely for the edge display as early as the Galaxy S8.

This isn’t the first time that we’ve heard this rumor. Last month, Samsung’s Koh Dong-jin stated that the company has been considering whether or not to use the edge display as a key identifier of the Galaxy S lineup. However, he did not commit to making a decision about the flat-display model in time for the Galaxy S8. The fact that Samsung can differentiate the user experience through its new edge display software functions is one of the leading arguments for removing the flat screen option.

However, it may be sales data that is finally tipping the balance in favor of the edge variant. This generation, the Galaxy S7 edge sold in greater numbers than the flat-screen model. The same may have also been the case with the S6 edge, had Samsung not run into display supply issues soon after launch. Samsung has also been testing the water with a curved-only model with the Galaxy Note 7. Although the mass recall now may make it harder to judge any sales impact that only offering one display type may have had.

According to the industry sources, the company is already procuring two different display sizes for the Galaxy S8 from Samsung Display. Interestingly, and perhaps confusingly, Samsung may still offer two Galaxy S8 models at 5.1 and 5.5-inch sizes, but both offering dual-edge displays. Such a decision may turn some consumers off, but perhaps the unique marketing opportunities of its edge display technology will help Samsung reach new consumers.