Some evidence has surfaced amid rumors that there may be a separate 5G Galaxy S10 model. It suggests that this particular model may indeed be in development. This means that all models of the Galaxy S10 might not have support for the next-generation network technology.
Previous reports have already revealed that Samsung has assigned the “Beyond” codename to the Galaxy S10. It has also been mentioned in reports that Samsung will launch three different models of the Galaxy S10. These models are reportedly classified internally as the Beyond 0, Beyond 1 and Beyond 2. The 5G model will be a variant of the Beyond 2.
Separate 5G Galaxy S10 model in development
Some configuration files in the leaked Android 9.0 for Galaxy S9 build contain references to the Beyond models. The Beyond 0, 1 and 2 codenames are present in addition to the Beyond 2 5G reference. The file names are also separate for the Exynos and Snapdragon-powered variants.
Beyond 0 is likely a more affordable model of the new flagship. A 5.8-inch display, single rear camera and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor might be present on this model. Beyond 1 would be the successor to the Galaxy S9 with its 5.8-inch display and dual rear camera. Beyond 2 will be the Galaxy S10+ with a 6.4-inch display, triple rear and dual front camera. Both Beyond 1 and 2 are expected to feature an in-display fingerprint sensor.
The separate 5G Galaxy S10 model may only be launched in South Korea initially as their 5G networks are expected to be fired up early next year. Samsung could bring this variant to the United States as well when the country's carriers launch their 5G networks later on in the year.
Not shipping every Galaxy S10 model with a 5G modem would mean that the LTE-only units will not be future-proof. They may cost a bit cheaper as the 5G modems will likely come at a premium but those customers would need to upgrade their devices once 5G networks start becoming widely available in a couple of years.
