The Samsung Galaxy S5 release date and specs are being heavily rumored. What can we expect from the powerful next-gen flagship? Read this article to get details.
Samsung's 2013 flagship phone, the Galaxy S4, has been a smashing success, so it's no wonder people are already guessing about its successor. I'm presuming that the next phone will be named the Galaxy S5, but even that's up in the air.
Not long ago, the Samsung model number SM-G900S was discovered within a device performance benchmark and has already been connected to the Galaxy S5. Now, a variant of the number has been discovered within a Samsung shipping manifest. The model number SM-G900F is believed to be a "premium" version of the Samsung Galaxy S5, which would feature the manufacturer’s first metal exterior design. Previous reports have indicated that the Galaxy S5 may come in a more stylish metal variant as well as the standard plastic. If true, the two design variants may prompt Samsung to look for cost-cutting measures in other components.
Samsung Galaxy S5 Features? PLS LCD Display
Most recently, reports indicate that Samsung may use PLS LCD displays for the Galaxy S5. According to ETNews, the Korean manufacturer may opt for LCD displays instead of its usual AMOLED displays, because they could reduce production costs of the Galaxy S5 by almost 20 percent. Notably, the previous Samsung Galaxy S4 costs $236 to build, and its most expensive component is its 1920 x 1080 5-inch Full HD AMOLED display boasting 441 ppi, which costs $75. Even with a production cut, the cost of the PLS LCD displays would still be relatively pricey in comparison to other components, which max out at about $30. Samsung has used LCD displays for its tablets, and devices such as the Nexus 10 and Galaxy Note 10.1 feature PLS LCD displays.
Will The Samsung Galaxy S5 Launch In Late April?
Some advantages to LCD displays include more natural colors and less battery drain, but AMOLED displays have become somewhat of a flagship feature on the Galaxy S series. In addition, this is not the first time rumors have suggested that Samsung may forgo an AMOLED display for an LCD. Similar reports surfaced for the Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S4 prior to their release, which makes many think this rumor may not be quite reliable as both the Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S4 released with AMOLED displays.
Reviews have indicated that the 5.7-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display on the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is on par with the best LCD displays on the market. Other rumors indicate that Samsung has plans to boost its AMOLED displays even further, with 560 ppi, which equates to 2K resolution (2560 x 1440). The display for the Galaxy S5 will reportedly be 5.25-inches.
Samsung Galaxy S5 Features? Slimmer Design With LDS Antenna
A more plausible rumor about the Samsung Galaxy S5 is that it may feature a slimmer design than its predecessor. Once again, according to ETNews, the Galaxy S5 may achieve a slimmer look by implementing a technology that was not long ago introduced in the Samsung Galaxy Note 3: LDS antenna.
LDS antenna is implemented within a device's external structure, which not only simplifies the manufacturing, but also lets devices be slimmer by having fewer internal components. On the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, the LDS antenna is molded into the back plate, and is located between its internal circuitry and battery. This allowed the Galaxy Note 3 to be slimmed down to 8.3 mm breadth, in comparison to the 9.7 mm breadth of the Galaxy Note 2. The Samsung Galaxy S4 is notably 7.9 mm in breadth; which could indicate that the Galaxy S5 could be up to 1 mm thinner with LDS antenna implemented into its design.
The practicality of LDS antenna is that it allows manufacturers to tune devices’ frequencies for different countries and regions quickly and easily. An antenna expert told ETNews that it took three weeks during the manufacturing of the Samsung Galaxy S3 to tune all handsets to their proper location frequencies, while the process would take just three or four days using LDS antenna technology.
Is the Metal Samsung Galaxy S5 Actually A Whole New Phone?
LDS antenna will reportedly only be implemented into the rumored plastic variant of the Samsung Galaxy S5, as a device with a metal back panel would be unable to conduct frequencies in this fashion. While still unconfirmed, this could indicate that the Galaxy S5 dual-design rumor is false. The overall design of a metal Samsung Galaxy device would likely be far different from the general design of Samsung’s plastic devices for such Galaxy S5 variants to be sold under the same name.
Notably, another rumor suggests that Samsung has plans to introduce a new Galaxy line, the Samsung Galaxy F, which would feature a metal design and stand as its latest "premium" device. This would likely demote the Galaxy S line; while still being high-end, it would likely continue to introduce the latest software technology. The Galaxy F line would introduce newer, sleeker designs for Samsung. Keep in mind that Samsung likely won’t be releasing anything for at least four more months, so there is plenty of time for more concrete reports to surface.
There have been rumours that the initial designs and chassis for the Samsung Galaxy S5 have been developed in Europe and currently being tested in Vietnam. The phone is rumoured to be manufactured in the Vietnam factory.
There have been no official announcements about the release date for the Samsung Galaxy S5, but analysts expect it to be early 2014. Do you think the current Samsung Galaxy S5 rumors are plausible or too good to be true? Let us know in the comments below.
