Earlier this week, we learned that the much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy A5 2018 and Galaxy A7 2018 will be getting new names, or at least the A5 2018 – the Galaxy A8 2018 and Galaxy A8+ 2018, respectively.
This came after the Bluetooth SIG listed the model number SM-A530F as Samsung Galaxy A8, a number that was expected to succeed the Galaxy A5 2017’s SM-A520F. As usual with the SIG, not so much was revealed about the device, but we now have more verified info thanks to the Wi-Fi Alliance.
The Galaxy A8 2018 has been cleared with model number SM-A530W, which suggests that this is a Canadian variant headed to Bell Mobility and Rogers. The WFA also confirms the phones will come preinstalled with Android 7.1 Nougat out of the box and not Android Oreo, which should be annoying for fans of the series, especially since it also happened this year with the Galaxy A 2017 family. Keep in mind that Oreo has been around since August while the new A8 2018 family is expected in early 2018.
Samsung is reportedly working on Infinity Display screens for the Galaxy A8 2018. No, this one won’t be curved on the edges, but something like the rugged Galaxy S8 Active variant, but with a sleeker design. The details of the screen sizes are still not clear, but reports say the inside will have an Exynos 7785 processor, 4GB RAM and 32GB storage. Similar to the flagship S8, the A8 2018 will also come with a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, but still no dual camera.
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy A 2017 family on the same day the CES 2017 kicked off in Las Vegas. The upcoming CES 2018 is expected to begin on January 9. Whether Samsung will stick to the exact date (5th) or play along with the CES dates is still unknown. Either way, the fact that the WFA has cleared the Samsung Galaxy A8 2018 (SM-A530W) is enough to confirm that the launch date is fast approaching.