A Samsung Electronics-made smartphone bearing the model number SM-G888N0 that’s been widely suspected to be the foldable Galaxy X was officially announced by the South Korean tech giant earlier today but ended up being a rugged handset targeted at professionals working in environments that warrant having a durable device. While the world’s largest phone maker has yet to share any official renders and images of the SM-G888N0, it’s now certain that the product isn’t the innovative gadget industry watchers and consumers have been hoping for in recent months.
In light of the development, the true model number of the Galaxy X remains unknown but is still presumed to be unique in nature, as Samsung repeatedly said its first foldable Android handset will mark the start of an entirely new lineup and won’t be attached to any existing product family, save for the fact it will still be advertised as part of the company’s main Galaxy brand, like nearly every other contemporary product from the firm. While the suspected model number of the Galaxy X ended up describing an unrelated product, nothing has changed in regards to the expected availability of Samsung’s first foldable phone which is still set for a 2018 release. Even though some insiders previously speculated that Samsung may unveil the handset at the upcoming iteration of the Consumer Electronics Show in the first half of January, such a scenario now doesn’t seem likely as the company supposedly won’t be bringing any new mobile products to CES 2018.
The SM-G888N0 is the second rugged Android phone launched by the Seoul-based original equipment manufacturer in 2017, with the first one being the Galaxy S8 Active. Following years of AT&T exclusivity, the Active lineup of Samsung’s flagships now also made its way to other wireless carriers in the United States and is presently being retailed by both T-Mobile and Sprint. Samsung is the only remaining major OEM in the world that continues catering to niche mobile segments and is expected to continue releasing both rugged handsets and flip phones going forward, albeit with extremely limited availability. The SM-G888N0 hence isn’t likely to go on sale outside of the company’s home country.