Latest Samsung Galaxy S9 Leaked Renders Hint To Inclusion Of A Headphone Jack

As with the pending release of any new flagship smartphone, there’s been a ton of speculation about Samsung’s Galaxy S9. Of course, there have been many leaks on the new flagship already, but the past week has been particularly revealing. A couple of days ago, the king of mobile leaking, Evan Blass, showed off the phone’s “DeX Pad”, hinting at Samsung’s continued work in getting us to use our phones as PCs.

The DeX Pad is going to be an optional accessory that allows users to connect their S9 to an external display and peripherals to provide an desktop-like experience. The device itself isn’t entirely attractive, but it’s functional. When docked, users will be able to use their phone as a touchpad, a possible boon if no mouse is nearby.

The so-called ‘DeX Pad,’ first reported here: https://t.co/DowGkJrKUA pic.twitter.com/5hDaR4g5CM

— Evan Blass (@evleaks) February 8, 2018

These renders and the DeX Pad itself are all fine and good, but what’s really notable about these shots is something super subtle: the fact that the S9 still has a headphone jack.

When Apple decided to remove the headphone jack from the iPhone 7, you didn’t have to scour long to find a good uproar. Those content with wireless headphones, and those who don’t mind shelling out for a new pair, haven’t had too much of an issue, but for the greater good, headphone jacks shouldn’t be chucked to the side too quickly. Some vendors have followed Apple’s lead, but Samsung remains defiant. Practicality wins.

As much as I love the performance and reliability of wired connections, it’s hard to deny the likelihood of the S10 or S11 finally cutting the headphone jack. However, technology will continue to improve in the meantime, meaning better options will be available when that time comes. That’s especially true on the USB-C audio front.

As for the S9, it’s due to arrive by the end of the month at the annual Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, so it won’t be too much longer before all of these leaks and suspicions are confirmed (or denied).