Samsung Galaxy S5 Video Rumor and Release Roundup

On February 24th we expect to see the Samsung Galaxy S5 with a larger screen, possibly a new higher resolution, a new design and a look at a new version of Samsung’s TouchWiz on Android 4.4 that will take the Samsung Galaxy S experience to a whole new level with new features and specs.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 is the first new Galaxy S smartphone in 2014, and after an announcement later this month we expect to see it arrive on store shelves as soon as April in the UK, Internationally and in the U.S.

Samsung Galaxy S5 rumors continue to bounce between various specs and features, but with the launch less than three weeks away we have a good idea about what to expect from the Galaxy S5 in many key areas.

 

For shoppers looking at the Samsung Galaxy S4, it is a good idea to wait for the Galaxy S5 announcement and release before buying as the new phone will surely drive the price down lower on each carriers.

Samsung announced the Unpacked 2014 Episode 1 event for February 24th at Mobile World Congress and while they did not tease the Samsung Galaxy S5 specifically, the number 5 shows up on the invite enough that it’s there to set expectations. We should see the Samsung Galaxy S5 and possibly a Galaxy Gear 2 at this event.

From the looks of it, the Samsung Galaxy S5 will be the first flagship smartphone of 2014, beating out a new HTC One and an iPhone 6. Let’s explore the Samsung Galaxy S5 rumors as they stand.

Galaxy S5 Video: Rumor Roundup

We still have at least a week of waiting before a leaked Galaxy S5 video hits the Internet based on past leaks, but you can watch this roundup of the latest Galaxy S5 rumors, features and what to expect in a 10 minute video that showcases what we know about the Samsung Galaxy S5 so far.

Galaxy S5 Display Rumors

The Samsung Galaxy S5 display rumors agree on a larger display, but there is a divergence on the resolution. The Galaxy S5 will arrive with a screen that is roughly a quarter-inch larger diagonally according to multiple sources.

Some sources, like Eldar Murtazin suggest Samsung is planning a stunning 2560 x 1440 resolution that has the potential to deliver a stunning display for movies, reading, photos and more.

The NY Times claims Samsung is not going that far, and will introduce a Galaxy S5 with a 1080P display, like that found on the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3.

Ming-Chi Kuo suggests two models are on the way, both with the same ~5.25-inch display size, but with different screen resolutions. A premium Galaxy S5 with a 2560 x 1440 resolution and a higher end processor and a standard version with a 1920 x 1080 resolution and lower end processor.

At this point we don’t know for sure what to expect, but it would not be surprising to see Samsung rely on a super-high resolution display to stand out in the smartphone market.

Galaxy S5 Design Rumors

The Samsung Galaxy S5 design remains a mystery, but several leaks and reports suggest what we can expect. While there is still hope for a metal Samsung Galaxy S5, the better bet is on a plastic Galaxy S5 with a new look and a more premium feel for the plastic on the back.

Samsung just announced a Black Edition Galaxy S4 that uses a faux leather similar to the Galaxy Note 3 and to the Galaxy Note Pro 12.2. This is not a leather back, but it does feel better to the touch than the Galaxy S4 back does.

Samsung made minor changes to the Galaxy S4, compared to the Galaxy S3. According to a Bloomberg article Samsung is planning to deliver a focus on the display and on the cover, referring to the back of the phone.

At this point, expect a plastic removable back that is made of a new type of material on the Galaxy S5. Samsung designers spend a lot of time finding the perfect colors, even mixing metal in to deliver a layered look. Samsung shares a quote from Jungah Kang, a Designer who describes the process of finding the perfect color, “We also tried adding different materials in the color, such as metal. The hint of metal in this color gives the color a shining effect, like a star.” We could see a Galaxy S5 back with similar layered qualities to help deliver that new tactile experience.

Rumors don’t yet show the front of the Galaxy S5, but it would not be out of the question to see Samsung shrink the bezels slightly to help keep the overall size of the phone in check with a larger screen. Rumors suggest Samsung is including a fingerprint reader in the Galaxy S5, but it is not clear where it will be located.

The overall look remains a closely guarded secret, thanks in part to tactics Samsung perfected with the Galaxy S3 involving helicopters lock boxes, dummy cases and compartmentalized processes within the company.

Galaxy S5 Camera Rumors

The Samsung Galaxy S5 rumors agree on a new and improved Galaxy S5 camera that jumps up to 16MP. According to Eldar Murtazin it should be capable of recording in 4k, or better as he put it.

@Josh_Smith much better i think

— Eldar Murtazin (@eldarmurtazin) February 4, 2014

The specs of the Galaxy S5 camera are less exciting than the features it could deliver including one really impressive demo. The rumored Galaxy S5 processor can enable a camera that takes photos at several focus points so that the user can later pick the focus they want. There is a Lytro camera that does something similar, but this tech could arrive in the Galaxy S5. Check out the incredible demo below.

The Galaxy S5 camera could also make better use of the flash and track objects on screen to keep them in focus.

Galaxy S5 Performance and Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy S5 will reportedly use a Exynos or a Qualcomm processor depending on the market and depending on timing. Two leaks suggest it could be the first phone to arrive with the new Snapdragon 805 processor which enables the previously mentioned camera features. In other markets it could use an Exynos 5430 processor from Samsung. We could also see 3GB of RAM in a high-end model.

In other specs, we may see a Galaxy S5 with 32GB or 64GB of storage and no 16GB model. This would offer more storage for users, even with a large amount used by Samsung software.

Rumors point to a high-capacity Galaxy S5 battery between 2850mAh and 2900mAh, which is in line with the Galaxy Note 3 battery. This could be necessary to power a high-resolution display or it could be a way of delivering off the chart battery life to users.

Galaxy S5 Software Rumors

The Samsung Galaxy S5 software should offer a new look to users upgrading from the Galaxy S3 or Note 2. Leak show a flatter overall design that could borrow from the card layout popularized in Google Now. The image below shows a possible Galaxy S5 Touchwiz screen shared by @evleaks.

In addition to a new look across the phone, look for app updates to deliver a flatter, modern look. SamMobile shares several screenshots that show a new version of S Voice and other apps that could debut on the Galaxy S5.

Users should still look for Samsung software that relies on sensors to deliver the same eye-tracking and gesture control that the Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S4 delivered to users.

Galaxy S5 Release Date

The Samsung Galaxy S5 release date is not set in stone, but there is a narrow window that makes sense based on Samsung’s past and on rumors.

Look for a Galaxy S5 release in late April or early May. This is about a year after the Galaxy S4 release and lines up with the timing of the event, availability of a Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor and leaks. A reliable source tells Gotta Be Mobile that a window in late April or early May is likely in the U.S.

Samsung is likely planning a swift Galaxy S5 U.S. release date, but a global release will likely come a few days or a week ahead of the first U.S. carrier. Look for a U.S. release on all major carriers within a few weeks of each other.