Just a couple of weeks after Samsung launched the much-anticipated Note 3, rumours around the alleged Galaxy S5 gained momentum. Though Samsung has not exactly been tight lipped (read: 2K display) about the successor to the Galaxy S4, it doesn't need to say much considering the speculation about the next flagship. Samsung is rumoured to be preparing the Galaxy S5 for a January 2014 announcement with a February launch date. Although that would be a bit too early in our opinion, we wouldn't mind seeing the S5 unveiled at CES in Las Vegas!
The S5 will have able competition from HTC One's successor, set to feature exchangeable lenses.
Metal frame
Looks like Apple and Samsung have exchanged gloves. Apple introduced its first plastic-built device, the iPhone 5c, recently. Now, Samsung is rumoured to be opting for metal over polycarbonate. Leaked device parts of the alleged S5 that surfaced last month show a metal frame. Of course just a metal frame does not tell us much about the materials for the exterior, Samsung could be moving away from plastic finally. That has been the biggest criticism against Samsung devices for many years. However, it must be noted there are no guarantees that the leaked image even belongs to a Samsung device.
5 to 5.3-inch display size
The Galaxy S4 features a 5-inch display while the recently launched Galaxy Note 3 comes equipped with a 5.7-inch display. Some reports suggest that Galaxy S5 could settle for a display size somewhere between the two at 5.3-inch display. The metal frame mentioned above measures 5.66-inches in height and 2.8-inches in width. A 5.3-inch display would be best suited for such dimensions. On the other hand, other reports point to a 5-inch display. Perhaps, Samsung will consider keeping the display size around the 5-inch territory to better sell the Note line-up.
Plastic no more
2K Display
The display resolution the most talked about rumour when it comes to the S5. Ever since the Samsung Display CEO Kinam Kim's presentation last month, it is widely speculated that the Galaxy S5 could feature a 5-inch Super AMOLED panel with an eye-popping 2560x1440 pixel resolution, resulting in a pixel density of 560ppi. Further adding fuel to the fire, a leaked GFX benchmark listing for a device codenamed SM-G900S reveals the same resolution, with many speculating that this is indeed the S5.
Octa-core processor or Snapdragon 800?
In September, Samsung had promised to come up with a new 64-bit chip to compete with Apple. Speculation is rife that the next device in its popular high-end “S” series would feature this chipset. However, the leaked benchmark that pointed to the 2K display also lists a Snapdragon 800 chipset clocked at 2.4GHz along with the Adreno 330 GPU. Now, this is a tad disappointing as many tech enthusiasts expected the S5 to have the Qualcomm Snapdragon 805, or a 64-bit version of Samsung's own Exynos chip. We could be in for a surprise like last time around and have two configurations of the S5 - one powered by a Qualcomm processor and another by Samsung's own Exynos chip. In terms of memory, the S5 is expected to have 3GB of RAM, going by the Galaxy Note 3.
One concept render of the S5 (Image: Naver)
16-megapixel camera
The Galaxy S5 is also expected to get a 16-megapixel camera module with optical image stabilisation. Both Sony and Samsung LSI are bidding to be the main supplier of the new CMOS image sensors for the company's next high-end smartphone. It should be noted that the 13-megapixel camera currently seen in the Galaxy S4 is supplied by Sony. Reportedly, the company may end up keeping its existing suppliers for the camera module, lens and auto-focusing (AF) actuator, but Sony and Samsung’s System LSI division will be fighting to be the main CMOS image sensor supplier.
Eye-Scanner
If Apple has a fingerprint scanner to spruce up security, can Samsung be far behind? This one seems highly unlikely to us, but we know how Samsung likes to put to use the front camera. Samsung is rumoured to be working on an “Eye-Scanning” unlock capability. Rumours say the S5's front camera will scan your eyes to verify your identity before letting you use the phone.
The Galaxy S5 is also expected to get a 16-megapixel camera module with optical image stabilisation. Both Sony and Samsung LSI are bidding to be the main supplier of the new CMOS image sensors for the company's next high-end smartphone. It should be noted that the 13-megapixel camera currently seen in the Galaxy S4 is supplied by Sony. Reportedly, the company may end up keeping its existing suppliers for the camera module, lens and auto-focusing (AF) actuator, but Sony and Samsung’s System LSI division will be fighting to be the main CMOS image sensor supplier.
Eye-Scanner
If Apple has a fingerprint scanner to spruce up security, can Samsung be far behind? This one seems highly unlikely to us, but we know how Samsung likes to put to use the front camera. Samsung is rumoured to be working on an “Eye-Scanning” unlock capability. Rumours say the S5's front camera will scan your eyes to verify your identity before letting you use the phone.
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