Samsung Galaxy S8 Release Date, News & Update: 4K VR-Featured, Foldable And Bendable Smartphone Coming In 2017?

Samsung is reportedly in the process of developing a new model for its flagship smartphone. The Samsung Galaxy S8, set for release in 2017, is going to be an innovative device that's unlike any other smartphone in the market. It will have a powerful 4K virtual reality (VR) feature, aside from a foldable and bendable design.

Reports from Korea Herald cite that the Samsung Galaxy S8 will have a 5.5 inch AMOLED screen that is capable of delivering 4K resolution, specifically so that it can render VR quality images. It is supposed to complement Samsung's VR headset, the Gear VR powered by Oculus.

Currently, Gear VR already works with existing Samsung smartphones, but this will be enhanced with the Galaxy S8. A prototype of the unit was supposedly on display at a virtual reality trade show in California in March, per Korea Herald.

Samsung Galaxy S8 might get 4K display! And that's great news! At least for all those who... https://t.co/yXAzUKztZF pic.twitter.com/blDxs86psv

— VR SHOP (@The_VR_SHOP) June 12, 2016

Sam Mobile confirms seeing the display at the trade show and added that Samsung also presented a foldable and bendable smartphone prototype. Know Your Mobile reports that Samsung has been gearing up the release of its most technologically-advanced handheld devices for 2017, and without a doubt this will include the Galaxy S8.

Apart from the VR resolution and the potential foldable and bendable design, Mobipicker reports that the Samsung Galaxy S8 will also feature 6 GB DRAM and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 830. Analysts say this make sense if the phone will have a VR feature.

The timing comes as smartphone sales have been lagging in recent months and this could be due to the fact that while there are new models every year, the designs and features have hardly been improved or changed. But with Samsung teasing its upcoming prototypes, it's doing its best to spark renewed interest for smartphones. It's also upping the ante for other smartphone manufacturers, such as Apple's iPhone, its biggest competitor. Tech heads should expect 2017 to be an exciting year for smartphone releases.