We’re weeks away from Samsung’s Unpacked event, set for Feb. 11 in San Francisco. That’s where the world’s largest phone-maker is expected to officially introduce the Galaxy S20, S20 Pro or Plus and S20 Ultra 5G phones, along with the Galaxy Z Flip, a foldable phone that bends vertically and rivals the Motorola Razr.

But beyond these heavily leaked, rumored and speculated devices with all their whistles and bells, there are some other hardware and software announcements that Samsung’s likely to make.

The timing couldn’t be more crucial. Samsung has intentionally decided to host its enormous production days before journalists flock to Mobile World Congress, the mega phone show that takes place in Barcelona each year. By getting ahead of the pack, Samsung can command the spotlight, and enter MWC with momentum, and without having to compete with other phone brands that may also introduce 5G and foldable phones. Motorola, Huawei, TCL, Vivo and Xiaomi have all planned press conferences there.

Galaxy S20, and what happened to the Galaxy S11?

At this point, Samsung’s trio of flagship phones for 2020 is well documented, at least in leaked renders and rumor upon rumor. If those details are correct, we’re looking at 5G phones with 120Hz screens and major camera improvements. We may even see the Ultra’s main camera hit 108 megapixels, which is enormous.

Even if you don’t dig into the rumors, expect for the Galaxy S20 to be a leap forward over the incremental Galaxy S10. We should see Samsung going bigger and bolder with its first 5G phones, with a premium price to match. That said, the “standard” S20 is expected to be the most affordable of the bunch, following Apple’s model with the iPhone 11. Expect competitive pricing there.ALSO READ:   Samsung Galaxy S11 could get a significant power boost

And if you’re wondering why Samsung might be moving away from Galaxy S11 as the successor to last year’s Galaxy S10 and picking a brand new name, I have some theories. And opinions.

Galaxy Z Flip

That Samsung is making a second, simpler foldable phone that folds vertically is fact. What’s strongly rumored is that this device is called the Galaxy Z Flip and that it will be the first foldable phone to ever use a bendable glass screen. I’m nearly giddy typing that, and I haven’t even had coffee yet.

Foldable glass could potentially transform this new phone design from a crazy futuristic fantasy into a viable and completely different way to use our phones. There’s even talk of a foldable phone screen made out of diamonds. But even if the Galaxy Z Flip does come with a glass screen that bends in half, there’s still a lot of testing to do to see just how strong or fragile it is.

Cracking, breaking, shattering and scratching are problems for today’s chemically strengthened Gorilla Glass screens. Ultrathin glass may be prone to damage, too. Expect discussions of screen strength to dominate conversations around this phone, which is anticipated to be a cheaper alternative to the luxury Galaxy Fold.