Samsung to Ship High-End ‘Veyron’ Android Flip Phone Soon

Although flip phones may have never quite recaptured the cachet they enjoyed during the Motorola Razr’s heyday, Samsung made an impressive argument for their relevance last year with its release of its high-end SM-W2016 Android-powered flip phone.

Now, it appears that Samsung plans to launch its successor, the SM-W2017 (codenamed ‘Veyron’), in stores later this year, possibly around the month of November. Think of it as the Galaxy S7 incarnated in clamshell form.

The spec headlines include a Snapdragon 820 processor chipset, Android 6.0.1 software, a sizeable 4GB of RAM, a 12 MP rear cam and 5MP front-facing cam, as well as two 3.9-inch Super AMOLED displays. The Veyron is also rumored to have wireless charging capabilities, like its predecessor, according to Tech Times.

As of now, Samsung has handily cornered the high-end flip phone segment and it seems as though the Veyron, if well-received, is poised to cement its dominant position in that market. Yet Samsung’s investment and vote of confidence in the clamshell form factor also raises questions as to whether it’s due for a resurgence and whether other phone manufacturers should take heed.

What was so eye-opening about the W2016 was the fact that it boasted high-end specifications in a throwback flip phone chassis, sharing many features with Samsung’s then-flagship, the Galaxy S6. In fact, the W2016, which was released about a year after the iPhone 6 in November 2015, featured some key specs that were comparable, if not superior to Apple’s then-flagship as well, including greater RAM and storage, longer battery life, more powerful cameras.

Which begs the question, should it ever hit the market, would you purchase a flip iPhone? Let us know in the comments!