Samsung Electronics will launch its first 5G-backed smartphone in a cheaper flagship model and a foldable-screen device next year, Bloomberg reported on Monday. The South Korean tech giant is in talks with Verizon Communications to launch its Galaxy S10 in the U.S. with a 5G wireless chipset

During a recent launch event for the Galaxy Note 9, Samsung’s smartphone chief Koh Dong-jin said the company has a goal to develop 5G-capable phones by March or April in 2019, backing the speculation that the Galaxy S10 will be powered by 5G.

The news report said Samsung will launch three versions of the Galaxy S10, which will embed a fingerprint sensor under the display and include a more affordable version, and the display will be 6.1 inches for the standard model, 6.4 inches for the Plus and 5.8 inches for a more affordable version.

Samsung is debating between two prototypes in the final stretch: one longer horizontally and the other vertically when unfolded, while both open from side and side, Bloomberg reported, adding Samsung and Google have been working on developing a special version of the Android operating software for the phone.

The bendable display weighs more than 200 grams because it has bigger screens than any other phone on the market, meaning it is heavier than its predecessor.

Samsung Electronics is reportedly adopting an in-folding variant for the new phone, spanning 7 inches when unfolded and 4 inches when folded. The hinge has recently passed internal tests of folding more than 200,000 times and a small screen will be added to the hinge part to display alarms and messages.

By Lee Sun-hee and Minu Kim

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