Applications/Baseband Processor: The Galaxy S7 was shipping using the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 quad-core MSM8996 built on a 14nm process. This was a mature part, having first been seen about 15 months prior. Our latest cost estimate on it was approximately $40. When first observed, our cost estimate was approximately $57. This price erosion comes from the normal cost savings measures and margin compression. The Galaxy S8 is shipping with the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 octo-core MSM8998 built on a Samsung 10nm FinFET process. This being the first product in which we have observed it, has an estimate price of $60.50. It is significantly higher than the current estimate of the MSM8996, but only marginally higher than the launch price estimate.

Camera/Image: Both the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S8 have comparable dual pixel OIS 12 megapixel rear cameras. The front camera on the Galaxy S8 was improved to 8 megapixels from the 5 megapixels on the Galaxy S7. Samsung also added an Iris scanner camera that was seen on the Note 7 that was not on the Galaxy S7. So, between the improved front camera and the addition of the Iris scanner camera, we are seeing a $5.50 jump in this category.

Connectivity: We are seeing a $2 jump in Connectivity mainly due to the new cutting-edge Murata Wifi/Bluetooth module. It is the first to employ Bluetooth 5.0 LE.

Display/Touchscreen: The new, 5.8”, 2960x1440 quad-pixel+ SuperAMOLED display is a beast. It adds 400 more rows of pixels in height (576,000 more pixels total) compared to Galaxy S7 and Galaxy Note 7. Like the Note 7, it is a dual edge display while the Galaxy S7 is flat. It also has a home key force touch sensor built in. Our quick turn estimate of this display is $67.00. This compares to the Note 7 at $55 and the Galaxy S7 at $47. The major cost factors when compared to the Note 7 are the additional pixels and quad pixel technology. The Galaxy S7 is really less of a comparison since it is smaller and has flat edges.