Samsung is rumored to be showing off the Galaxy S8 quietly at the MWC 2017 to a select few and it seems that another smartphone may give the S8 company.
According to a new report, Samsung may be showing off a foldable smartphone to a handful of people at the MWC, where it has an event slated for Feb. 26.
The news comes courtesy of publication Pocket Lint, which shares that the foldable smartphone will be shown off "behind the doors."
"A private demo of one of the world's first foldable smartphones might be in the pipeline. 'Private' is unfortunately the key word, as a select group of partners, distributors, retailer reps and journalists will probably attend the secret event," notes the publication.
The prototypes of the same will be available only for the eyes of specific "invited guests." The foldable phone in question could possibly be the Galaxy X.
By showing it off to a select few, Samsung could be looking to gauge the market reaction to the product.
Older rumors suggest that the Galaxy X may hit market sometime around the third quarter of 2017. An industry insider has previously stated that Samsung is reportedly looking to roll out at least 100,000 units of foldable smartphones. The Galaxy X has been codenamed Project Valley and can reportedly be used as an 7-inch tablet as well.
Galaxy X: Rumored Features
A peek at the Galaxy X was offered when illustrations of a patent application filed by Samsung got leaked. The images showed off the hinges of the foldable smartphone from various angles.
Prior to this in May 2016, the foldable display of the smartphone turned up before its official release, giving a peek into the alleged screen.
Another patent application filed by Samsung at the USPTO in July 2016 shows a foldable clamshell-like device resembling a makeup case.
Images on both the patent applications affirm the fact that the camera would be placed on the top closed clamshell which becomes the rear part once the device has been folded. Incidentally the bottom part of the device appears to be curved when the device is opened fully.
LG, A Likely Competitor?
Samsung may think it is making ground-breaking progress regarding the foldable smartphone, but reports suggest LG is not far behind with a similar model.
Samsung is rumored to roll out 100,000 units of the foldable handset and LG too is reportedly gearing up to produce almost the same number of foldable devices in the fourth quarter.
It is also believed that LG started developing foldable mobile technology long before Samsung started to explore the field.
It remains to be seen whether the rumored foldable smartphone Samsung will showcase quietly at the MWC is indeed the Galaxy X.
Photo: Kārlis Dambrāns | Flickr
