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The reveal for the Samsung Galaxy S9 range of smartphones is now just over two weeks away and Evan Blass isn’t slowing down on leaks. His latest image gives us a first-look at the next generation DeX docking station, alongside the reveal that Samsung is apparently set on retaining its headphone jack and Bixby button.
It’s fair to say that the Bixby button hasn’t been well loved given Samsung’s treatment of its virtual assistant in the West, however it is something that the company is hoping to strengthen as it moves forward. The 3.5mm headphone jack, however, has been adored to the point that the majority of consumers are unable to let it go in favour of Bluetooth-powered or USB-C audio solutions.
The majority of competition that the Samsung Galaxy S9 will be up against have already ditched the aging hardware, however Bluetooth is notable for being expensive and consumers have expressed worries that the loose fittings would make the devices easier to lose, and USB-C solutions tend to be even more expensive and often fall short regarding quality. Retaining the 3.5mm headphone jack is certainly a move that will help the handsets stand out among the crowd.
The so-called 'DeX Pad,' first reported here: https://t.co/DowGkJrKUA pic.twitter.com/5hDaR4g5CM
— Evan Blass (@evleaks) February 8, 2018
Despite this being the first time we’ve had solid indication that Samsung would be keeping the headphone jack, the reveal today centres more around the revised design of its DeX Pad. The DeX Pad looks to follow the same functionality as its $149 predecessor, turning the Galaxy smartphone into a miniature computer. Unlike the DeX Dock, however, the DeX Pad lies the Galaxy S9 flat and allows the user to use the phone as a touch pad and/or keyboard.
The DeX Pad uses USB-C to power itself and connects to a display via HDMI. There are secondary USB ports to ensure full PC-like functionality and the Pad will be backwards compatible with the Samsung Galaxy S8 range too.
As always, this is leaked information and therefore should be taken with a pinch of salt until officially confirmed by Samsung. More information is expected on the 25th February, just before Samsung takes to the Mobile World Congress (MWC) the following day.
KitGuru Says: While I see why manufacturers are ditching the aging hardware, there isn’t really a trustworthy, affordable alternative for the time being which makes keeping the 3.5mm headphone jack a lot more appealing. Personally, I lose my headphones too easily as it is and couldn’t imagine how I’d handle two barely connected buds. Are you happy about Samsung keeping the headphone jack? Do you like the look of the upgraded DeX Pad?
