The Galaxy A (2018) series of Android-powered smartphones will feature considerably better specs compared to the previous lineup but will also be “significantly” more expensive, one industry insider said on Monday. The Galaxy A3 (2018), Galaxy A5 (2018), and the Galaxy A7 (2018) are all expected to mark the most significant overhaul of Samsung’s mid-range product family in many years, including a dual-camera setup that’s said to be present on the two more advanced models. This year’s devices were resistant to dust particles and water to a degree, with Samsung transitioning that functionality from its contemporary flagships. More functionalities of the firm’s high-end handsets are expected to trickle down to the Galaxy A lineup next year, with some insiders previously claiming that the upcoming phones may even feature Infinity Display panels.
The Russian source claiming that consumers can expect a major price increase from the Galaxy A (2018) series also said that the Android-powered trio is to be launched in the transcontinental country in January, with that availability window likely being applicable to Samsung’s other target markets as well. All three devices are expected to debut with some variant of Android Nougat as Samsung is likely focusing its Android 8.0 Oreo development efforts on updating its existing flagships and creating a stable version of the new OS for the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus which are said to be launching by late winter or early spring. If some Galaxy A (2018) models truly end up shipping with 18.5:9 Infinity Display panels, they’re likely to do away with a physical Home button and move their fingerprint scanners to the back, though it remains to be seen whether Samsung ends up equipping its entry-level offerings with curved displays or simply deliver taller devices with regular screens like LG Electronics did with its previously launched LG Q series.
While the Galaxy A (2018) smartphones may not run Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box, they are likely to be updated to a newer OS version in the second half of next year and will presumably target Western markets, whereas developing countries should continue receiving new Galaxy C models, as was the case in recent years. Samsung may officially announce its upcoming Android mid-rangers at CES 2018 taking place in January in Las Vegas, Nevada.