One of the big highlights at MWC 2018, other than the Samsung Galaxy S9, will be the debut of LG’s AI-focused LG V30S. But the Korean company has a few other launches planned, including upgrades to its low-end lineup of phones.
The LG K8 and LG K10 (from left to right in the photo above) are receiving a fresh coat of paint, both inside and out, for 2018 and will be launching soon in regions like Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. There’s good reason to believe that they will both come to both the US and Australia, but that’s yet to be confirmed.
A chip off the old LG G6 block, the K10 looks to be the star of the new duo, built with the same rear-facing 13MP sensor that’s capable of phase detection auto focus (PDAF), the ability to track moving objects while staying in focus. This will be complemented by an 8MP selfie camera that can add depth of field to selfies for a more pronounced look.
While the K8 doesn’t have the same caliber of optics, it is still receiving substantial upgrades in the form of a more robust user interface for the camera app. Users will be able to utilize Gesture Shot, Flash for Selfie and Quick Share, which were previously available only on the K10.
Potential mid-range all-stars
Of the improvements made over last year’s models, the highlights include a slick, new 2.5D glass design and rear fingerprint sensor that gives them a flagship-like quality. Both phones also feature a microSD slot so that internal storage can get a hearty boost.
It goes without saying that these phones likely can’t hold their own compared to more affordable premium devices, like the Essential Phone and OnePlus 5T, but they should do perfectly well for those on a budget.
The K8 and K10 both feature Android Nougat 7.1.2 and boast 720p displays. While that’s a relatively low-screen resolution for today’s standards, their batteries (3,000mAh for the K10, 2,500mAh for the K8) should provide long-lasting performance.
LG has shared a single photo of the K8 and K10 together, seen above, but we’ll be getting a much closer look at both of them at MWC 2018 coming up later this week.
Interested in specs? Here are the full specifications for the K10 and K8, respectively.
LG K10 specs
Chipset: 1.5 GHz Octa-Core
Display: 5.3-inch HD In-cell Touch (1280 x 720 / 277ppi)
Memory:
K10+ : 3GB RAM / 32GB ROM / microSD (up to 2TB)
K10: 2GB RAM / 16GB ROM / microSD (up to 2TB)
K10α : 2GB RAM / 16GB ROM / microSD (up to 2TB)
K10+ : 3GB RAM / 32GB ROM / microSD (up to 2TB)
K10: 2GB RAM / 16GB ROM / microSD (up to 2TB)
K10α : 2GB RAM / 16GB ROM / microSD (up to 2TB)
Camera:
K10+ : Rear 13MP / Front 8MP or 5MP (Wide)
K10: Rear 13MP / Front 8MP or 5MP (Wide)
K10α : Rear 8MP / Front 5MP
K10+ : Rear 13MP / Front 8MP or 5MP (Wide)
K10: Rear 13MP / Front 8MP or 5MP (Wide)
K10α : Rear 8MP / Front 5MP
Battery: 3,000mAh (embedded)
Operating System: Android 7.1.2 Nougat
Size: 148.7 x 75.3 x 8.68mm
Weight: 162g
Network: LTE / 3G / 2G
Connectivity: Wi-Fi (802.11 b, g, n) / Bluetooth 4.2 / USB 2.0 Type B / NFC
Colors:
K10+: Moroccan Blue / Terra Gold
K10 : Aurora Black / Moroccan Blue / Terra Gold
K10α: Aurora Black / Terra Gold
K10+: Moroccan Blue / Terra Gold
K10 : Aurora Black / Moroccan Blue / Terra Gold
K10α: Aurora Black / Terra Gold
Other: Fingerprint Scanner / FM Radio / Flash Jump Shot / Music Flash /
LG K8 specs
Chipset: 1.3 GHz Quad-Core
Display: 5.0-inch HD On-cell Touch (1280 x 720 / 294ppi)
Memory: 2GB RAM / 16GB ROM / microSD (up to 32GB)
Camera: Rear 8MP / Front 5MP
Battery: 2,500mAh (removable)
Operating System: Android 7.1.2 Nougat
Size: 146.3 x 73.2 x 8.2mm
Weight: 152g
Network: LTE / 3G / 2G
Connectivity: Wi-Fi (802.11 b, g, n) / Bluetooth 4.2 / USB 2.0 Type B
Colors: Aurora Black / Moroccan Blue / Terra Gold
Other: FM Radio / Flash Jump Shot / Music Flash / Time Helper / Quick Capture / Quick Shutter
We're very close to the unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy S9, and there have been so many leaks across the web that we know almost for certain what it's going to look like, and how it's going to work.
The bad news for some: it's not going to look hugely different from the Samsung Galaxy S8, with the main difference coming from the upgraded camera and the big jump in performance, thanks to a more powerful CPU.
We'll also be seeing the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus alongside the S9 when it's released on stage at MWC 2018, so it's going to be a bumper launch from Samsung.
In order to make the whole process as helpful as possible for you, we've disseminated the top rumors for you into one, easy-to-read guide on what we think you're going to see unveiled with the Galaxy S9.
Design: The Samsung Galaxy S9 design is going to be very similar to the Galaxy S8 according to the leaked images, although one of the key problems is solved, thanks to the fingerprint sensor being in a more accessible place. This means same rolling metal-and-glass chassis featuring minimal bezel as the S8, so we're not expecting to see much different between the two phones.
Screen: The Galaxy S9 screen will very likely be a 5.8-inch QHD+ Infinity Display, rolling to the edges of the phone, curved at the edges. Don't expect an inbuilt fingerprint scanner under the screen though as, essentially, it'll be a very similar display to last year.
Camera: The main change here is expected to be a 12MP dual-aperture sensor. One that's as good in low light as bright light, with the phone able to change the camera's power depending on the conditions. While it's still set to be a single sensor, Samsung is pushing the phone's ability to take superb low-light photos and capture super slo-mo footage.
Specs: The US looks set to get a phone powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, and the rest of the world Samsung's own Exynos 9810 chipset. This means 30% improved power, albeit still with 4GB of RAM inside. This will be more than enough grunt, but those that lust after specs for the sake of them will be disappointed not to see 6GB,
Battery: While it looks like we're going to get a 3,000mAh power pack - the same as on the Galaxy S8 - the improved CPU inside will likely lead to a real boost in battery life. This means the Galaxy S9 should last easily over a day for more users than ever before.
Other key features: A recent promo conformed animated emoji, where faces are turned into cartoons, will be present on the Galaxy S9 as a response to Apple's Animoji.
Stereo speakers will also be a welcome addition for anyone tired of the mono-firing single outlet on previous phones - we don't expect this to be industry-leading in the same way as Sony and Apple, but at least using your phone to play music or movies will be more pleasant.
An improved iris scanner is rumored to be Samsung's play against Apple's Face ID too, but given the poor performance of the sensor last year we don't expect this to be a big feature.
Want to get the latest info on the Samsung Galaxy S9 on video? We've got our rumor round up right here for you!
The Samsung Galaxy S9 launch date is locked down for Sunday, February 25 in Barcelona.
We know that, because Samsung has sent us an invite to its Unpacked event on that date, teasing the number nine in the process.
The Samsung Galaxy S9 invite teases the number nine and an improved camera
This makes the Galaxy S9 launch earlier than 2017's S8 announcement, which happened after MWC, in March.
The pre-order date is rumored to be March 1, while the Samsung Galaxy S9 release date is tipped to be mid-March according to our sources close to the S9.
Samsung Galaxy S9 screen
Hottest leaks:
An in-screen scanner
A water-repellent coating
A 5.8-inch QHD+ screen
Based on the leaks, we're certain the display will be the same size as the Galaxy S8, coming in at 5.8 inches. It's also sure to be curved at the sides and continue Samsung's trend of using Super AMOLED, which delivers vibrant visuals and good contrast.
Similarly it's very likely to retain the Galaxy S8's 18.5:9 aspect ratio, according to the leaked pictures.
Rumors of an in-screen fingerprint scanner abound, like the new Qualcomm Fingerprint Sensor can sit below quite thick displays, but we don't anticipate this coming to the S9.
Synaptics hasannounced an in-screen scanner and mentioned not just OLED but also "infinity display" (which is what Samsung calls the S8's screen) and that it's being used on a phone made by a top five manufacturer - but it doesn't seem that's going to be Samsung.
Aside from that, in late 2016 Samsung licensed a new glass coating technology that makes water bounce off your smartphone screen. Samsung plans to include this tech in an upcoming phone, so it may mean the Galaxy S9 is much easier to use in the rain.
Watch the video below to see how the new glass coating technology works
Samsung Galaxy S9 design
Hottest leaks:
Even smaller bezels
A repositioned fingerprint scanner below the rear camera
The headphone jack remains
The Samsung Galaxy S9 has become pretty clear in leaks, with more and more high quality images hitting the web to give us a convincing look at what the ninth generation 'S' flagship will offer us.
The latest design leaks comes courtesy of Twitter leaker Roland Quandt, who has a solid track record when it comes to revealing information like this.
They appear to show believable press renders of the handset, showing off the S9's dual rear cameras and fingerprint scanner, trio of color options and more slender bezels.
The same story also shows the Galaxy S9 on camera, with a retail outlet in Vietnam grabbing an early unit of the phone and snapping it for the world to see.
It means we're fairly confident we know what the Samsung Galaxy S9 design will be, purely thanks to the sheer volume of leaked images, from various sources that compliment each other.
What the Samsung Galaxy S9 could look like (right) (Credit: Evan Blass)
A short video seems to show us the Samsung Galaxy S9 from the front and back, albeit with the screen off.
Jan 26, 2018
Trusted leaker @evleaks shares renders of the Galaxy S9, with the design consistent with with the other leaks we've already witnessed. It does look a little bezel heavy compared to some other leaks though.
Dec 26, 2017
A photo posted on Slashleaks suggests the Galaxy S9 will keep its 3.5mm headphone jack, unlike the iPhone range, and USB-C port.
Dec 15, 2017
French leaker @OnLeaks posts a video showing a render of the Samsung Galaxy S9, complete with single rear camera, headphone jack and shifted fingerprint scanner.
Dec 13, 2017
A leaked image complete with dimensions backs up the 90% screen-to-body ratio, as it suggests that the Galaxy S9 will be marginally shorter than the S8, but will otherwise look similar, albeit with the scanner moved beneath the camera lens.
The Galaxy S9 camera is going to be a key feature of Samsung's phone this year, and not because of a dual-lens camera or higher megapixels.
Instead, we're expecting to see a variable aperture, super slow motion video and the possibility of the world's first phone with HDR video capture.
The MWC 2018 launch event invite heavily teases the Samsung Galaxy S9 camera by including the words "The Camera. Reimagined."
This could mean that the Galaxy S9 camera may beat the top-of-the-line Google Pixel 2 camera if it includes a variable aperture or becomes the world's first camera that can capture Mobile HDR video.
Samsung Galaxy S9 camera rumors point to a 12MP Dual Pixel lens with optical image stabilization and a variable f/1.5-2.4 aperture. That means it would be able to switch between f/1.5 (great for low light shots) and f/2.4 (ideal when the lighting is better and you want more of the photo to be in focus).
This rumor comes from a leaked image of the Galaxy S9's box, which also lists it as being 'super speed', having an 8MP front-facing camera and supporting 'super slow-mo'.
This could be the retail box for the Samsung Galaxy S9. Credit: Reddit
More recently we've heard additional details of what exactly 'super slow-mo' might mean, with sources claiming that the S9's camera will be able to tell when motion starts and automatically begin recording slow motion footage when that happens.
Samsung has also unleashed four teaser videos highlighting the S9's camera. While they don't confirm anything, the first three hint that it might have clever slow motion skills as detailed above, work well in low light and support an Animoji-like feature.
The fourth video shows far more, hinting at many of the same things, as well as an improved flash, live photo abilities, improved selfies - perhaps thanks to a bokeh effect or a wide-angle lens, and even social components.
One thing we're pretty sure of: the cameras on the S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus will be different. The sketch above echos that sentiment, as do some case renders.
This cut-out could either house a dual-lens camera or a single-lens and scanner. Credit: Techtastic/Weibo
Either way, Samsung might offer a new way for you to unlock your phone, with leaker @UniverseIce claiming that the Galaxy S9 will have a '3D sensor front camera'.
They don't explain what they mean by that, but it sounds a lot like the iPhone X's Face ID system which allows you to use facial recognition to unlock the phone. And the 3D part suggests that like Apple's solution it won't be fooled by a picture.
And Samsung might also borrow Apple's Animoji feature, with one report saying you'll be able to map your face onto 3D emoji.
Another source echos these claims, adding that you can create your own avatar and then control it like an Animoji.
Samsung Galaxy S9 battery
Hottest leaks:
A 3,000mAh battery
More power efficiency
The latest battery rumor comes in the form of a picture of a replacement unit on sale already for the phone, and it has a 3,000mAh capacity - the same as the Galaxy S8.
This lines up with a certificate supposedly originating from Brazil's telecom regulator Anatel, which also shows the Galaxy S9's battery as being 3,000mAh.
That's disappointing news, especially since an earlier report suggests Samsung will now use substrate-like PCB tech that will allow the Exynos chipset manufacturer to include a bigger battery without increasing the size of the processor.
However, whatever the size, efficiency improvements in the new chipsets should help the battery last longer.
Wireless charging is all but a given too, since the Galaxy S8 already sports it, and a photo supposedly showing the retail box (above) lists wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy S9 specs and power
Hottest leaks:
Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810 chipset
Just 4GB of RAM
Qualcomm has announced the Snapdragon 845, which will likely be powering US versions of the Samsung Galaxy S9.
It's an octa-core chip with four cores running at 2.8GHz and four at 1.8GHz, with the fastest cores delivering up to 30% better performance than the fastest cores in the Snapdragon 835. AI processing and graphics performance have also been improved, while power use has been reduced.
The chipset also allows cameras to record 4K Ultra HD video at 60fps.
Outside of the US, buyers are likely to get Samsung's own Exynos 9810, which includes an LTE modem which supports theoretical download speeds of 1.2Gbps - faster than any other phone, meaning you could potentially download an HD movie within just 10 seconds.
More recently though we've see a benchmark for the standard S9, again packing the Exynos 9810, and this has far more believable scores - along with 4GB of RAM.
Samsung Galaxy S9 other features
Hottest leaks:
An improved iris scanner
Stereo speakers
Samsung will likely improve the iris scanner for the Galaxy S9, with rumors suggesting it will be boosted to 3MP (from 2MP on the S8) and better able to recognize your eyes, even if you wear glasses or the lighting is poor. It will also apparently be faster than on the S8.
We've also heard that it could leverage 'Intelligent Scan Biometrics' to combine both iris scanning and facial recognition, along with the ability to work better in poor lighting.
A recent patent has detailed a similar system, with an iris camera that would recognize both of your eyes and part of your face.
The Galaxy S9's iris scanner could get an upgrade. Credit: LetsGoDigital/WIPO
The Samsung Galaxy S9 looks like it'll have improved audio too, as there are rumors of it both having AKG stereo speakers and a free set of Bluetooth AKG headphones. Both of those things have now also been listed on an image seemingly showing the phone's box.
And talk of stereo speakers has popped up again more recently, with rumors that the Galaxy S9 will have both a bottom-firing speaker and one built into the earpiece.
This rumor has been echoed by someone who claims to have used the phone and said the sound is a "major improvement".
The Galaxy S9 has also now passed through the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and in the process we've learned that it will support all major LTE bands and that it will be manufactured in Vietnam - that latter point is interesting because the leaked box image pictured above was first shared in Vietnam, so this further suggests it might be accurate.
We've also seen a Samsung patent for a sensor which would analyze atmospheric conditions and alert you to how much pollution there was in the air.
Plus, one source has also claimed the Dex docking station we saw debut alongside the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus will get an update that will make it work more like a charging pad and allow you to type on the screen too. It means you won't need to use a keyboard and mouse when connecting your phone up to a monitor.
And there's evidence that the Galaxy S9 could have a dual-SIM slot, as there's mention of one at the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), though that model might be limited to parts of Asia.
TechRadar's take: With the exception of a pollution monitor all of these features are believable, and the iris scanner upgrades seem especially likely.
With a premium metal body, high-res screen, relatively thin bezels and large optional keyboard cover, the Huawei MediaPad M5 10 Pro looks like it could make a decent MWC 2018 impression.
Indian e-commerce giant Flipkart has launched a dedicated teaser page for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus. The teaser page which was made live earlier today suggests that Flipkart could be carrying the next Samsung flagships exclusively in India on the online retail channel.
Samsung is gearing up to launch its next flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S9 and the Galaxy S9 Plus a day before the Mobile World Congress (MWC) starts next week. The launch is scheduled to happen on 25 February, a day before MWC officially kicks off.
Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus specifications and features
Flipkart’s teaser page focuses on the Galaxy S9’s camera, with the tagline “The Camera. Reimagined.”. Samsung has also posted teasers hinting that the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus will come with several features like slow-motion videos, variable aperture, a Face ID equivalent, 3D emojis and more.
In addition to new software features, the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus will also reportedly come with dual camera setup, which will be a first for a Galaxy S series flagship. The Galaxy Note 8 was the first Samsung flagship to feature a dual camera setup, and Samsung is expected to bring that feature to its S series flagships this year.
To recall, the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus are expected to come with Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset in some markets like the US, while in other markets, Samsung is expected to use its Exynos 9810 chipset.
Both phones are expected to come with 5.8-inch and 6.2-inch displays, featuring Quad HD+ resolution Super AMOLED panels and an 18.5:9 aspect ratio.
Apple reportedly has plans for two different AirPods generations, one with hands-free Siri and an upgraded wireless chip, and the other water-resistant.
iD Mobile has become the first mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in the UK to offer its customers Voice over Wi-Fi calling (VoWi-Fi).
VoWi-Fi works over a normal home wireless network and will help those in areas with poor 3G and 4G coverage, especially indoors.
More than 100,000 iD customers with compatible handsets can take advantage of the service immediately. These include the iPhone 5S, SE, 6, 6S, 7, 8 and X, as well as their ‘Plus’ variants, and more are expected to come online later this year.
iD Mobile also offers a range of SIM-only deals.
iD Mobile VoWi-Fi
“We’re continually looking at ways in which we can improve our customers’ experience and Wi-Fi Calling is the latest development,” said Paul Walsh, head of operations at iD Mobile. “No network has 100% coverage and most of us have experienced a time where we’ve failed to get signal, whether that be a basement coffee shop or a room or two at home – this is where Wi-Fi Calling saves the day.”
A number of other operators, including Three and EE, offer Voice over Wi-Fi.
iD Mobile was launched in 2015 and uses Three’s network to deliver its services. It has developed a reputation for value and flexibility and claims to be the only network to offer data rollover, cap bills and EU roaming.
It is however required by European law to let customers use their allowance in EU nations at no extra cost.
Telefonica, which owns O2 in the UK, has announced a new partnership with McAfee whereby the latter will provide bolstered security for mobile and fixed broadband customers.
The security solution in question is McAfee Secure Home Platform which will be integrated with O2’s broadband routers to cover every device in the home, including smart home gadgets which are a potential source of worrying security vulnerabilities.
Telefonica notes that it will also provide protection for customers when they are outside of the home using their mobile phone, and that this will be the first time a telecoms company has delivered umbrella security protection for users wherever they happen to be when they go online.
This new offering will begin to roll out across European markets and Latin America starting from this June.
Commitment to protection
Pedro Pablo Pérez, Global Security VP of Telefonica and CEO of ElevenPaths, Telefonica’s cybersecurity arm, commented: “At Telefonica we are very committed to increase levels of protection and privacy of our customers from the very first moment they connect to our networks and services.
“This agreement will allow us to do it transparently for our customer while giving them current and contextual information about what is their security status for all their devices and family members.”
A number of German Galaxy S8 and S8+ owners are happy to report they're receiving patched Android 8.0 Oreo updates over-the-air, which means the rest of the world should follow before long.
Google has launched a new certification program aimed at helping businesses identify the best mobile devices for their workers.
The company's new Android Enterprise Recommended initiative looks to promote the smartphone vendors that Google believes are doing good work with its Android platform, offering businesses a solid working platform with great security and user experience.
Among the devices highlighted by the new program are Google's own Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, and Pixel 2 XL offerings, but the list also includes the Huawei Mate 10 and P10, BlackBerry KeyOne and Motion, LG V30, Sony Xperia X, and the Nokia 8.
Recommended
Google says that in order to become part of its recommendations device, a device must meet basic hardware requirements needed to run Android 7.0 Marshmallow, meaning a minimum of 2GB RAM, 32GB storage, and a battery life of more than eight hours are among the basics.
Manufacturers will also need to demonstrate that their device can be rolled out in bulk, be offered unlocked as a default, and be able to roll out Google's security updates within 90 days of release, for up to three years.
“It is an honour to have BlackBerry KEYone and BlackBerry Motion among the first smartphones validated as part of the Android Enterprise Recommended programme,” said Alain Lejeune, global general manager for TCL Communication’s BlackBerry Mobile Division. “This is an important part of our portfolio growth and another step we’re taking to ensure our modern, Android-powered BlackBerry smartphones set the bar for an enterprise-ready, secure mobile experience.”
“We are delighted that the Nokia 8 has been selected by Google to be included in the Android Enterprise Recommended programme," said Andrej Sonkin, GM enterprise business, HMD Global.
"The Nokia 8’s incredible battery life, flagship performance and pure, secure and up-to-date Android experience, with security updates every thirty days, make it a great device for enterprise users.”
There might still be hope for notch haters from the upcoming Huawei P20, pictured today with conventional razor-thin bezels and only two rear-facing cameras.
Today is a good day to be a Virgin broadband customer - you're getting exclusive access to a new Virgin Mobile phone deal like no other.
The Virgin Mobile deal dubbed 'Truly Unlimited' is, as the name suggests, one that gives you unlimited usage. That means no limit on minutes, texts and, crucially, data - all for only £25 per month on a 12-month SIM only deal or alongside a handset.
That’s not all though. Virgin Mobile is also giving 4G connected customers a boost of up to 50Mbps speeds for over-the-air data transfer. That's a perk for both existing and new customers alike.
“Virgin Mobile is giving our customers peace of mind by eliminating the fear of running out of data," said Jeff Dodds, Managing Director of Virgin Mobile. "We won’t enforce caps or throttle speeds; our Truly Unlimited customers will get what it says on the tin – a truly unlimited service.”
Unlimited data mobile plans
Before you say it, yes we know that Three and Giffgaff offer unlimited data deals. However, those two networks cap their not–so–unlimited data at 30GB and 9GB respectively. Once you've used that amount of data each month, you have to settle for non-4G speeds.
If you’re interested in all-you-can-eat and want to make sure that you're getting the best price around, then head to our guide to the best unlimited data SIM only deals.
We are almost certain the Huawei P20 (previously rumored to be called the P11) will be ready to launch on March 27 at an event in Paris, but we've just seen a quick look at the likely design of the phone.
New leaked images of an early prototype of the device from Android Authority show what the Huawei P20 will probably look like.
It has a thinner bezel than the Huawei P10 - in a similar way to the Mate 10 and Mate 10 Pro - plus the design seems to be a touch rounder than on previous handsets from the company.
Perhaps the biggest design change though is that there's seemingly no volume rocker.
It's not clear if it's just missing from the prototype or if Huawei plans to include a virtual volume key on this phone instead, but we won't know any more until we see further leaks. There's no sign of a 3.5mm headphone jack here either.
Two or three?
As for the camera, we've previously heard rumors there will be three sensors on the back and the marketing material we've seen from Huawei so far has been hinting at an upgraded camera.
This prototype only shows two sensors on the back (with that familiar Leica branding scrawled over it) but the sources who provided the images to Android Authority suggested there will be two versions of the phone. One will have a dual camera and the other will have three lenses.
Huawei does have an event planned for MWC 2018 this weekend, but it's not expected we'll see the phone launch at the show. There may be word of it there though, so be sure to check back on Sunday for what Huawei announces.
The 2018 editions of the low to mid-end LG K10 and K8 smartphones don't seem very special at a first glance, but if priced aggressively enough, they could definitely sell well.
