Samsung unwraps much-awaited Galaxy S8 duo

Bigger screen: Samsung has given the S8 (left) a 5.8in display and the S8 a 6.2in one.

NEW YORK: After weeks of speculation, Samsung has finally taken the wraps off its highly anticipated flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S8 and S8+ at the Lincoln Centre for Performing Arts.

The 5.8in S8 and 6.2in S8+ come with an Infinity Display – a seamless design with no physical home key (just a virtual one with haptic feedback), offering users a larger screen in a smaller, more ergonomic form factor. This makes for much more immersive viewing of videos and other content as more of the device is the screen.

“The S8 ushers in a new era of smartphone design, opening up new ways to experience the world,” said Samsung Electronics president of mobile communications business DJ Koh.

One such way to experience the world is via Bixby, Samsung’s new intelligent interface that integrates with several native apps and features like Camera, Contacts, Gallery and Messages, with more in the works. For instance, users could use the Camera to take a picture of an object and then ask Bixby what it is or where to buy it, or even to show images of similar items.

The S8 and S8+ have not one or two but rather three biometric security features – besides the fingerprint and iris scanners, the S8 comes with facial recognition. As soon as you tap on the Home key, the camera detects your face and upon recognising it will unlock the phone.

The smartphones have an advanced 8-megapixel smart autofocus front-facing camera and 12-megapixel Dual Pixel rear camera.

The company also unveiled the Samsung Dex which transforms the S8/S8+ into a mobile desktop computer. All users have to do is plug the phone into the Dex, connect to compatible monitors, keyboards and mice, and they can easily display, edit and save data from their phone.

The S8 isn’t all work and no play. The phone connects with the new Gear VR for better one-handed control and navigation while gaming, and the new Gear 360 camera for capturing 4K 360° videos and 15-megapixel photos. The Galaxy S8 will be available starting April 21 in five colours: Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver, Coral Blue and Maple Gold. Local pricing and availability have yet to be announced.