Korean media have reported this month on plans for a 5G version of the Galaxy S10 intended for later release against three initial versions compatible with 4G networks. It seems that firmware is able to affirm that speculation.
XDA-Developers has been able to dig into the Android 9 Pie ROM for the Galaxy S9+ running on a Snapdragon 845.
Several versions of the device have been found in a folder of XMLs:
- beyond0lte
- beyond0qlte
- beyond1lte
- beyond1qlte
- beyond2lte
- beyond2qlte
- beyond25g
- beyond2q5g
Previous rumors have listed “Beyond 0” as an “entry-level” model with a single camera. “Beyond 1” is has the same 5.8-inch display as “Beyond 0,” but with two cameras and extra features. The “Beyond 2” takes “Beyond 1” to a larger 6.44-inch display. It seems that Samsung is planning on releasing all three models with 4G support — ‘q’ versions would presumably signify devices running a Qualcomm chip while non-q variants would have Samsung’s own Exynos chip and availability of each would vary by region — while only the Beyond 2, presumably the Galaxy S10+, will get an extra 5G edition.
Qualcomm and Samsung both have 5G modem solutions — the Snapdragon X50 and the Exynos 5100, respectively — but a multitude of factors will contribute to whether and when this extra Galaxy S10+ comes out.
We could also see a five-camera Galaxy S10 coming out even later. In the meantime, we’re waiting on an October 11 event for what we expect to be a four-camera phone.