Even though it’s just been a couple of months since the Galaxy S4 launched, we’ve already started seeing rumours about its successor- the Galaxy S5. These rumours point to a better display, faster processor, an evolved chipset and even a retina scanner. Let’s take a look at some of these rumours:
The Galaxy S5 may have a QHD display
According to these rumours, Samsung will be applying QHD (quad-HD) tech onto their smart phone next year (not to be confused with qHD which points to a resolution of 960×540 pixels). The rumours state that Samsung has already developed the technology and is now figuring out a way to mass produce it. Flagship smartphones today sport displays with full HD resolution (1920×1280) while QHD resolution is 2560×1440 pixels, which is about four times the number of pixels than on a full HD display. Samsung is expected to reveal the first QHD smart phone at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in February according to internal sources.
PLS LCD displays for Galaxy S5
According to the Korean media, Samsung is considering using PLS LCD displays on next year’s flagships like the Galaxy S5 and Note 4, in order to reduce production costs by almost 20%. Samsung already uses PLS LCDs on its tablets such as the Nexus 10 and the Galaxy Note 10.1, and the company is now considering adopting the technology for its phones as well.
Samsung Galaxy S5 64-bit CPU
The rumors are also on about Samsung launching the S5 with a 64-bit processor, thanks to an ARM executive spilling the beans on how Samsung had picked up a new ARM chip for 2014. CNET reported that during a presentation at Samsung’s Analyst Day in Seoul, South Korea, Samsung revealed a two-prong approach in creating a 64-bit chip: first develop a 64-bit chip based on ARM’s design, and then develop its own “optimized” 64-bit CPU core design. This approach was revealed by Stephen Woo, president of System LSI at Samsung Electronics, although a specific time frame for the custom core was not provided.
Samsung Galaxy S5 rumored to pack 14nm Exynos 6 chipset
A report in Korean media has emerged that potentially sheds light on the CPU of the yet to be revealed Samsung Galaxy S5. Reportedly, the next generation Samsung Galaxy S smartphone will pack an Exynos 6 CPU with 14nm architecture and 64-bit support. The current generation uses 28nm process, while previous rumors have suggested that Samsung is working on 20nm architecture.
Eye scanner on the Galaxy S5
The next Samsung smartphone will have both fingerprint sensors and iris scanners for security, according to ZDNet Korea. Samsung integrated eye-tracking tech into the Galaxy S4, so it would make sense that the company was looking for a way to add a security element to the mix as well.
Rugged Water-And-Dust Proof S5
Sources have told Korean publication ETNews that the Samsung Galaxy S5 will be waterproof and dustproof similar to the Galaxy S4 Active. The Galaxy S4 Active debuted shortly after the original Galaxy S4, to rave reviews, much to Samsung’s surprise, reportedly. It appears customers appreciated the incorporation of metal into the Galaxy S4 Active design, which gives it a more premium look in comparison to Samsung’s other polycarbonate-encased devices.
Samsung Galaxy S5 operating system
All previous headlining Galaxy S handsets have sported the Android operating system and we don’t expect that to change with the Galaxy S5. Google’s latest version of its mobile platform, Android 4.4 KitKat, is launched in October 2013, so it’s highly likely this will be the version of choice for the Galaxy S5 come March. There’s a rumor that throws a spanner in the works though, suggesting that Samsung will offer the Galaxy S5 in both Android and its homebrewn Tizen variants.
Sources: ZDNet Korea, ET News, CNET, Daily Tech