Samsung tends to use capacitive buttons on its smartphones not only for convenience but to constantly recreate the rounded-bottom, centralized home button appearance that people usually associate with its devices. However, there's a rumor being bandied about suggesting that the firm may switch things up with the much-anticipated Galaxy S8.
Word on the street has it that the Galaxy S8 and its larger variant, the Galaxy S8 Plus, will both sport on-screen navigation keys. Personally, I'm not too keen on the idea. I love having the facility to quickly open the camera by double tapping the home button on my handset. Although, I'd quite like to see extra space used to improve hardware.
By eliminating the traditional physical buttons and repositioning the internals, Samsung has a canvas to bundle a bigger battery or maybe even reduce the width of the bezels on its next flagship smartphone. The harsh reality is that phsycial keys take up too much space, and sooner or later they'll be phased out — so why not start now?
We’d love to know your thoughts on the matter, so be sure to cast a vote in the dedicated poll below and drop a comment in the section at the bottom of the page to elaborate on your response. Let's get a conversation going! As usual, I’ll be responding to comments submitted on Facebook and Twitter.
Poll results: It's clear that the majority of voters (45%) would rather Samsung opted for physical keys on the Galaxy S8, while 30% would prefer to see the introduction of on-screen navigation buttons. The minority (25%) aren't phased by the decision and will be happy to use either method of navigation.
- No, I'd much rather have physical keys. 23%, 1278 votes1278 votes 23%1278 votes - 23% of all votes
- No, I'd much rather have physical keys. 23%, 1278 votes1278 votes 23%1278 votes - 23% of all votes
- Yes, I prefer them to physical keys. 15%, 842 votes842 votes 15%842 votes - 15% of all votes
- Yes, I prefer them to physical keys. 15%, 842 votes842 votes 15%842 votes - 15% of all votes
- It doesn't bother me. Both are good. 13%, 715 votes715 votes 13%715 votes - 13% of all votes
- It doesn't bother me. Both are good. 13%, 715 votes715 votes 13%715 votes - 13% of all votes