Samsung Galaxy S8 release date, specs, rumours, and price explained

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SAMSUNG GALAXY S8

We know the Samsung Galaxy S8 is coming in 2017, and the leaks and rumours are already flooding in. Here's what we know about Samsung's next flagship, including the Galaxy S8 release date, specs, features, and price.

Update (6 December 2016): The latest rumour is that the Galaxy S8 may be kitted out with dual stereo speakers built by audio firm Harman. However, we're very sceptical of the rumour, and you can find out why below.

Samsung has had a very mixed year, to say the least. The Galaxy S7 was a huge hit with critics and consumers alike, while the ill-fated Note 7 met an untimely death-by-fire.

So it's no surprise that Galaxy fans and forlorn Note 7 owners are looking forward to the Galaxy S8, which we're expecting to arrive in February or March next year. Fortunately, Samsung has already confirmed the existence of the Galaxy S8, revealing plans for the handset during the messy Note 7 recall.

Better still, we’re already hearing talk of Galaxy S8 specs, with rumoured features including a Qualcomm Snapdragon 830 chip, a 4K display, an ‘Edge’-style screen, and an improved camera.

Here’s a round-up of what to expect from the Galaxy S8.

LATEST GALAXY S8 NEWS:

When does the Galaxy S8 come out? February/March 2017

What’s new about the Galaxy S8? Rumoured: 4K screen, SD830 chip, USB-C

How much will the Galaxy S8 cost? Best guess: £599

GALAXY S8 RELEASE DATE UK & US – WHEN WILL THE NEW GALAXY S8 COME OUT?

The Galaxy S8 release date is likely of fall in either February or March, based on recent history. Here’s a quick look back at previous Galaxy phone launches:

• Galaxy S7 release date – March 11, 2016
• Galaxy S6 release date – April 20, 2015
• Galaxy S5 release date – April 11, 2014
• Galaxy S4 release date – April 27, 2013
• Galaxy S3 release date – May 29, 2012
• Galaxy S2 release date – May 2, 2011
• Galaxy S release date – June 4, 2010

While April seems like the most popular month of launch, we’re more convinced of a February debut. That’s because Samsung has shown a penchant for revealing the Galaxy S- flagships at Barcelona’s Mobile World Congress tradeshow. In 2017, MWC is set to run between February 27 and March 2. We reckon the handset will actually debut one day before, on February 26. One leaker certainly agrees:

SHOULD I WAIT FOR THE GALAXY S8?

The Galaxy S8 is a long way off, so it may be unwise to batten down the hatches and wait for the 2017 flagship.

There are plenty of great phones on the market right now, not least the Galaxy S7, and Google's new Pixel and Pixel XL. But you’ll also find good value from the HTC 10 and, to a lesser extent, the LG G5. And if you’re not a die-hard Android nut, the iPhone 7 is a formidable handset.

But by the time the Galaxy S8 handset comes out, there’ll be even more phones available. We’d expect to see the LG G6 vying for your hard-earned cash, for instance.

And looking beyond that, you’ll have the HTC 11 (probably, anyway) shortly following the Galaxy S8, with the iPhone 8 and Galaxy Note 8 assuredly in tow.

What phone are you most excited for in the coming year? Let us know in the comments.