While Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 is involved in a series of recalls, industry sources in South Korea predict that the next flagship smartphone, set for release in first quarter of 2017, will bring significant changes in terms of design and hardware. The Galaxy S8 is expected to feature an edge-to-edge cured OLED display, which will completely cover the front side of the smartphone. This "bezelless" design would mean the elimination of the front "Home" physical button, which will be probably be in place but behind tempered glass or even inside the display.

Apple is also heard to implement a full-screen approach for future iPhones. Last month, The New York Times quoted an Apple’s representative saying that a full screen design would be used for iPhone that will be introduced next year and that the home button would be eliminated. And of course, Apple is widely expected to finally add an OLED display to the new iPhones. This display will be manufactured by Samsung Display.

The Galaxy S8 is also expected to be the first in the series with a dual camera setup. However, it is unknown whether Samsung will use "all-in-one" dual-cameras or two separate cameras.

Dual-camera components include two separate camera modules, while all-in-one dual-camera setups have two lenses and a single module.

While all-in-one dual-cameras have a lower unit cost, they are more difficult to be manufactured. On the other hand, separate dual-cameras cost more to build but manufacturing yields are higher.

Generally, dual-cameras are able to better capture the sense of depth in pictures.

Industry sources indicate that Samsung may eventually choose a dual-camera setup - 16 and 8 megapixels.

Samsung is also planning to use an upgrade Application Processor (AP) for the Galaxy S8.

Samsung's Device Solution System LSI Business Department will start mass production of the 10nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 830 AP by the end of 2016. The chip will power a percentage of the Galaxy S8 devices, along with Samsung's Exynos APs.

The Galaxy S8 is expected to be introduced and released in February and March respectively.