Samsung Reportedly Developing 'Bolt' 5G Smartphone For Verizon Wireless
Both Verizon Wireless and AT&T have officially activated their first 5G networks, which means that we'll soon be seeing first-generation 5G smartphones marketed to customers. Among the first will be a pair of smartphones from Samsung, which will operate on Verizon's 5G network.
Verizon and Samsung announced their partnership earlier this month and said that the first 5G devices would arrive during the first half of 2018. “5G will usher in a new era of mobile connectivity, allowing people to connect to data, experiences and other people in ways never thought possible,” said Brian Higgins, Verizon VP for wireless device and product marketing, at the time. “Together, Samsung and Verizon have made huge gains in bringing 5G commercial services to consumers in several cities. Now, we’re partnering to create a smartphone to put the power of 5G in the palm of your hand.”
We're learning some additional details on the two Samsung 5G smartphones thanks to a deep dive into the Android 9 Pie One UI firmware for the Galaxy Note 9. The firmware makes reference to two 5G smartphones: the BeyondX and the Bolt. The former we've discussed previously, and will represent the flagship of the Galaxy S10 family.
According to XDA-Developers, this is the first time that the BeyondX codename has been confirmed by Samsung (at least in software). According to past reports, in addition to the 5G capabilities, the BeyondX will feature a massive 6.7-inch display, dual-front cameras (peeking through a punch hole Infinity Display), four rear cameras, an in-display fingerprint sensor, and Time of Flight (ToF) sensors that will be used for 3D facial recognition. Also on deck (at least for U.S. and Chinese markets) will be Qualcomm's Snapdragon 855 Mobile Platform and accompanying Snapdragon X50 5G modem. Global market devices will feature Samsung's own Exynos 9820 SoC.
The kicker though comes with the reference to "boltq5gvzw," which was also found in the firmware. The naming clearly references a device that will operate on Verizon's 5G wireless network. Given that this is the first time that we've heard of the device, we don't have anything to go on with regards to its specs. But given that it has 5G onboard, we'd assume that it is yet another high-end device. 5G hardware will carry quite a hefty premium according to OnePlus, and given the early pricing details that we've seen from AT&T, it's doubtful that this will be a mid-range or lower-tiered device.
And because it doesn't share the "Beyond" naming convention with the Galaxy S10 family, it stands to reason that this device won't be related at all to Galaxy S10 and could features its own distinct design and features. But that's all just speculation based on the very little info we have right now.
