Samsung's 2013 flagship phone, the Galaxy S4, has been a smashing success, but with its first birthday fast approaching, rumors are flying about its successor. All of the details of Samsung's next flagship phone -- including design, camera, and materials -- are still up in the air. Even the name is uncertain, but we're assuming it will be called the Samsung Galaxy S5.
What we think we know We're tracking all the buzz about the next Galaxy S, and we'll continue to update this post as new reports surface. Share your predictions for the new device in the comments below.
The rumors for the Samsung Galaxy S5 have been all over the place, but a few things seem certain. Samsung will most definitely include several hardware upgrades with the new device, including a new camera, possibly with an improved sensor, a powerful processor, and maybe a fast-charging battery. There are a handful of reports of a higher-resolution screen with a 2,560x1,440-pixel AMOLED display. Some speculate that Samsung will ditch the polycarbonate exterior it used on S4 and Galaxy Note 3 and instead give the S5 an all-metal case.
Rumors are also flying about new sensors, including an iris scanner that would unlock your phone by scanning your eyeball (this would be Samsung's answer to Apple's Touch ID fingerprint scanner on the iPhone 5S). On the software front, there's a good chance that TouchWiz, Samsung's version of Android, is getting a makeover with a new design.
When we will get it
The buzz is that Samsung will announce the Galaxy S5 in February, either ahead of Mobile World Congress or during the massive mobile hardware trade show in Barcelona, which takes place from February 24 to 27. However, the phone isn't expected to go on sale until March or April.
The buzz is that Samsung will announce the Galaxy S5 in February, either ahead of Mobile World Congress or during the massive mobile hardware trade show in Barcelona, which takes place from February 24 to 27. However, the phone isn't expected to go on sale until March or April.
Editors' note: This post was originally published on December 11, 2013. We will continue to update it with new rumors as they surface until the phone launches.
January 30, 2014
Leaks suggest 2K display and fingerprint scanner for S5
Rumor monger @evleaks (run by Evan Blass) dropped several hints about the new Galaxy phone on Twitter, including the phone's name and a few specs. First, @evleaks alleges that the new phone will indeed be named the Galaxy S5, not the Galaxy F as noted in the past. Second, Evan reports that the device will have a 2K-resolution display and a fingerprint scanner, backing up earlier rumors. He backs up those reports with screenshots that mention two new APKs, one called "FingerprintService" for the fingerprint scanner and another named "3DTourViewer_WQHD." The WQHD display is rumored to have the 2K resolution.
January 27, 2014
Galaxy S5 getting a fingerprint scanner
A earlier report claimed, quoting a Samsung executive, said the company would eschew fingerprint scanning in favor of something even more sci-fi, an iris scanner. However, a new rumor claims otherwise. KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that Samsung is planning to add a fingerprint scanner to the S5 in an effort to compete with the iPhone 5S, as well as Android phones, like the HTC One, that sport the same technology. Kuo also notes that Samsung will not try to match Apple's 64-bit processors found in the iPhones, and that reports of two models for the S5 (a premium metal body and less expensive plastic option) are true.
Galaxy S5 getting a fingerprint scanner
A earlier report claimed, quoting a Samsung executive, said the company would eschew fingerprint scanning in favor of something even more sci-fi, an iris scanner. However, a new rumor claims otherwise. KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that Samsung is planning to add a fingerprint scanner to the S5 in an effort to compete with the iPhone 5S, as well as Android phones, like the HTC One, that sport the same technology. Kuo also notes that Samsung will not try to match Apple's 64-bit processors found in the iPhones, and that reports of two models for the S5 (a premium metal body and less expensive plastic option) are true.
January 21, 2014
TouchWiz is getting an update for the S5
The look of Android on Samsung devices could change soon, starting with the Galaxy S5. Leaked images from Twitter tipster evleaks shows an updated, but hardly brand-new take on TouchWiz, Samsung's Android overlay, which affects the design and features of the operating system. The images show a card-like interface, where notifications show up and constantly update. Just looking at the mock-ups, it appears Samsung is trying to deliver a lot of the same information that Google Now does -- sports scores, weather conditions, travel times, and hot businesses nearby -- but with its own unique design.
TouchWiz is getting an update for the S5
The look of Android on Samsung devices could change soon, starting with the Galaxy S5. Leaked images from Twitter tipster evleaks shows an updated, but hardly brand-new take on TouchWiz, Samsung's Android overlay, which affects the design and features of the operating system. The images show a card-like interface, where notifications show up and constantly update. Just looking at the mock-ups, it appears Samsung is trying to deliver a lot of the same information that Google Now does -- sports scores, weather conditions, travel times, and hot businesses nearby -- but with its own unique design.
Galaxy S5 coming February 23, says analyst
Russian analyst Eldar Murtazin, with the firm Mobile Review, and who correctly predicted the S4's launch date last year, believes that the S5 will finally reveal itself on February 23, the day before MWC begins. It will also apparently cost the same as as the Galaxy S4 and go on sale sometime in April, just like the S4 did. Lastly, Murtazin hints that TouchWiz is getting a new look, which matches other reports.
Russian analyst Eldar Murtazin, with the firm Mobile Review, and who correctly predicted the S4's launch date last year, believes that the S5 will finally reveal itself on February 23, the day before MWC begins. It will also apparently cost the same as as the Galaxy S4 and go on sale sometime in April, just like the S4 did. Lastly, Murtazin hints that TouchWiz is getting a new look, which matches other reports.
January 15, 2014
Samsung's next flagship phone might have a rapid-charge battery
The Galaxy S5 could boast a better battery, according to a report from Phone Arena. This rumor says that the new phone will come with a lithium ion battery that holds 20 percent more energy, but is no larger than the battery in the Galaxy S4. It will also have rapid-charging technology that will fully charge in less than 2 hours, thus never leaving you with a dead phone again.
Samsung's next flagship phone might have a rapid-charge battery
The Galaxy S5 could boast a better battery, according to a report from Phone Arena. This rumor says that the new phone will come with a lithium ion battery that holds 20 percent more energy, but is no larger than the battery in the Galaxy S4. It will also have rapid-charging technology that will fully charge in less than 2 hours, thus never leaving you with a dead phone again.
This could be the home screen for the Galaxy S5.
(Credit: Twitter/EvLeaks)
January 13, 2014
Leaked info suggests top-notch specs, metal body for S5
Adding to earlier reports that the upcoming Galaxy S5 will be an ultra-powerful phone, a lone "insider" has leaked out a handful of impressive specs, according to SamMobile. First, you might be able to feast your eyes on a 2,560x1,440-pixel AMOLED display, which is higher than the resolution on the iPhone 5S. There's either an Exynos 6 processor or a Snapdragon 805 processor powering the S5, both of which would make the phone blazing-fast. Next, there's allegedly a 16-megapixel camera, which, if earlier rumors are right, would take stunning pictures thanks to its optical image stabilization technology. Last, the S5 is also said to ship with the latest version of Android, KitKat 4.4.
Leaked info suggests top-notch specs, metal body for S5
Adding to earlier reports that the upcoming Galaxy S5 will be an ultra-powerful phone, a lone "insider" has leaked out a handful of impressive specs, according to SamMobile. First, you might be able to feast your eyes on a 2,560x1,440-pixel AMOLED display, which is higher than the resolution on the iPhone 5S. There's either an Exynos 6 processor or a Snapdragon 805 processor powering the S5, both of which would make the phone blazing-fast. Next, there's allegedly a 16-megapixel camera, which, if earlier rumors are right, would take stunning pictures thanks to its optical image stabilization technology. Last, the S5 is also said to ship with the latest version of Android, KitKat 4.4.
But wait, there's more; this insider also claims that Samsung will release a Galaxy S5 Mini and Galaxy S5 Zoom shortly after the S5's debut. Like their predecessors, the Miniwould be a smaller, slimmed-down version of the S5, and the Zoom would have a full-sized camera lens.
January 11, 2014
Galaxy S5 could track your head movements
Move over eye tracking, Samsung's next phone could track your entire head's movements according to a patent the company filed in Europe. Using a front-facing camera, the S5 might be able to let you control the phone with a head nod, or even a particularly pronounced eyebrow raise. The patent notes that this technology would be used during times when you cannot touch the screen, such as while driving or when you wear gloves.
Galaxy S5 could track your head movements
Move over eye tracking, Samsung's next phone could track your entire head's movements according to a patent the company filed in Europe. Using a front-facing camera, the S5 might be able to let you control the phone with a head nod, or even a particularly pronounced eyebrow raise. The patent notes that this technology would be used during times when you cannot touch the screen, such as while driving or when you wear gloves.
January 8, 2014
S5 coming in April, possibly with an iris scanner
Adding a bit more validity to earlier claims, Samsung Executive Vice President of Marketing Young-hee Lee said in an interview with Bloomberg that the company is considering adding an iris scanner to the Galaxy S5. If it does, you'll be able to unlock the new phone by looking into the scanner, which would detect subtle variations in your iris to verify your identity. Lee also hinted at a new design for the S5, saying there will be differences in the screen and the feel of the case. Lastly, going against earlier reports that the S5 would come in February, Lee said the phone will be released a year after the S4, in March or April.
S5 coming in April, possibly with an iris scanner
Adding a bit more validity to earlier claims, Samsung Executive Vice President of Marketing Young-hee Lee said in an interview with Bloomberg that the company is considering adding an iris scanner to the Galaxy S5. If it does, you'll be able to unlock the new phone by looking into the scanner, which would detect subtle variations in your iris to verify your identity. Lee also hinted at a new design for the S5, saying there will be differences in the screen and the feel of the case. Lastly, going against earlier reports that the S5 would come in February, Lee said the phone will be released a year after the S4, in March or April.
January 5, 2014
Galaxy S5 might launch at Mobile World Congress in February
Hold tight, everyone, we might get the Samsung Galaxy S5 as soon as February 2014.CNET UK via iNews24 reports that Samsung has all but confirmed that the S5 will launch either right before or at Mobile World Congress, the yearly mobile conference held every February in Barcelona, Spain.
Galaxy S5 might launch at Mobile World Congress in February
Hold tight, everyone, we might get the Samsung Galaxy S5 as soon as February 2014.CNET UK via iNews24 reports that Samsung has all but confirmed that the S5 will launch either right before or at Mobile World Congress, the yearly mobile conference held every February in Barcelona, Spain.
Dong-hoon Chang, Samsung's executive vice president of design strategy, was quoted saying that rumors of the S5 coming out at Mobile World Congress are "about right." Despite Chang's statement, which was translated from Korean, I am still calling this a rumor because a Samsung spokesperson would not comment on this speculation.
If this turns out to be true, it's likely that the Samsung will host an event right before the trade show to announce the S5, then show off the new phone at MWC. Though the Korean company took the stage at CES 2014 to announce new TVs and tablets, it likes to hold dedicated press conferences to unveil new handsets.
December 31, 2013
New Samsung chip hints at 4GB of RAM for Galaxy S5
Samsung unveiled a new chip that could reveal what's to come with its future smartphones. The LPDDR4 is a 8-gigabit (1GB) low-power DDR4 memory chip. It's not much on its own, but put four chips together in a smartphone and you could get 4GB of RAM, says Samsung. That's one gigabyte more of RAM than what's in the powerful and snappy Galaxy Note 3, which means whichever phone gets these new chips could be blazing-fast.
New Samsung chip hints at 4GB of RAM for Galaxy S5
Samsung unveiled a new chip that could reveal what's to come with its future smartphones. The LPDDR4 is a 8-gigabit (1GB) low-power DDR4 memory chip. It's not much on its own, but put four chips together in a smartphone and you could get 4GB of RAM, says Samsung. That's one gigabyte more of RAM than what's in the powerful and snappy Galaxy Note 3, which means whichever phone gets these new chips could be blazing-fast.
December 23, 2013
No curved display for S5
Though Samsung gave us the curvy (and massive) Galaxy Grand in 2013, the Galaxy S5 won't sport a curved body or display. That's according to analyst Kim Jong-hyun, from Seoul-based Eugene Investment & Securities, who spoked to the The Korea Herald. Jong-hyun notes that Samsung is struggling to produce enough curved displays for its current devices, so it's unlikely that the company could also be making enough for a new Galaxy flagship phone that's slated to launch in spring 2014. Instead, we could see a separate curved phone from Samsung later in 2014, which would likely be a follow-up to the Galaxy Grand.
No curved display for S5
Though Samsung gave us the curvy (and massive) Galaxy Grand in 2013, the Galaxy S5 won't sport a curved body or display. That's according to analyst Kim Jong-hyun, from Seoul-based Eugene Investment & Securities, who spoked to the The Korea Herald. Jong-hyun notes that Samsung is struggling to produce enough curved displays for its current devices, so it's unlikely that the company could also be making enough for a new Galaxy flagship phone that's slated to launch in spring 2014. Instead, we could see a separate curved phone from Samsung later in 2014, which would likely be a follow-up to the Galaxy Grand.
December 17, 2013
Step aside, TouchID; the Galaxy S5 could have an eye scanner
Unlocking your phone with your fingerprint might soon become passé. According to rumors, Samsung is working on an iris scanner for the S5 that would scan your eye and unlock your phone. The report comes from CNET sister site ZDNet Korea, and claims that Samsung could debut the phone at Mobile World Congress in late February 2014.
Step aside, TouchID; the Galaxy S5 could have an eye scanner
Unlocking your phone with your fingerprint might soon become passé. According to rumors, Samsung is working on an iris scanner for the S5 that would scan your eye and unlock your phone. The report comes from CNET sister site ZDNet Korea, and claims that Samsung could debut the phone at Mobile World Congress in late February 2014.
December 4, 2013
Spotted in the wild: A possible Galaxy S5
Some promising new details about the S5 have emerged from benchmark siteGFXBench. Apparently the new handset will run Android 4.4 KitKat when it ships, have a Snapdragon 800 processor running up to 2.5GHz, and, wait for it, sport a stunning 1440p, 2,560x1,440-pixel-resolution display. That makes earlier rumors that the S5 will have a 5-inch, 560-pixels-per-inch screen seem a bit more plausible.
Spotted in the wild: A possible Galaxy S5
Some promising new details about the S5 have emerged from benchmark siteGFXBench. Apparently the new handset will run Android 4.4 KitKat when it ships, have a Snapdragon 800 processor running up to 2.5GHz, and, wait for it, sport a stunning 1440p, 2,560x1,440-pixel-resolution display. That makes earlier rumors that the S5 will have a 5-inch, 560-pixels-per-inch screen seem a bit more plausible.
Galaxy S5 could be one of five smartphones from Samsung in early 2014
Samsung's next flagship phone might have some competition if this rumor is true. Korean site ETNews says that Samsung is planning to launch five, yes, five, new smartphones in the first quarter of 2014. Supposedly, the new phones could include the Galaxy S5, a cheaper version of the Galaxy Note 3, and perhaps a hybrid of the Galaxy Grand and the Grand 2 called the Samsung Galaxy Grand Lite. While five devices released close together seems a bit absurd, it's likely that Samsung could launch a bevy of new phones for different markets, including a global model or two and a few for emerging areas such as India and South America.
Samsung's next flagship phone might have some competition if this rumor is true. Korean site ETNews says that Samsung is planning to launch five, yes, five, new smartphones in the first quarter of 2014. Supposedly, the new phones could include the Galaxy S5, a cheaper version of the Galaxy Note 3, and perhaps a hybrid of the Galaxy Grand and the Grand 2 called the Samsung Galaxy Grand Lite. While five devices released close together seems a bit absurd, it's likely that Samsung could launch a bevy of new phones for different markets, including a global model or two and a few for emerging areas such as India and South America.
December 3, 2013
The S5 will only have a metal body
Earlier rumors hinted that the next Galaxy S would have a metal unibody design with a less expensive polycarbonate model. Now, Japanese site EMSOne says that there will only be one model, and it's only available in metal. Sources say that Samsung has placed an order from Taiwanese parts supplier Catcher to produce 10 million and 30 million unibody metal cases.
The S5 will only have a metal body
Earlier rumors hinted that the next Galaxy S would have a metal unibody design with a less expensive polycarbonate model. Now, Japanese site EMSOne says that there will only be one model, and it's only available in metal. Sources say that Samsung has placed an order from Taiwanese parts supplier Catcher to produce 10 million and 30 million unibody metal cases.
November 29, 2013
S5 is coming soon, really soon
A report from ETNews is claiming that the Galaxy S5 will grace store shelves sometime in February or March 2014, a few months earlier than the S4's first birthday. Earlier rumors had said the phone would be announced in January. Instead, ETNews is saying that production is slated to begin in January.
S5 is coming soon, really soon
A report from ETNews is claiming that the Galaxy S5 will grace store shelves sometime in February or March 2014, a few months earlier than the S4's first birthday. Earlier rumors had said the phone would be announced in January. Instead, ETNews is saying that production is slated to begin in January.
November 15, 2013
Next flagship Galaxy device could have a wraparound display
In one of the most eyebrow-raising rumors out there, Bloomberg wrote that Samsung will debut a phone with a three-sided wraparound display in 2014. Details are, of course, fuzzy, but it's said that the display would wrap around the edges of the phone, allowing you to view messages at different angles. Also, the three sides could operate independently, showing different information on different edges. There's no guarantee that this will happen, or that it will even show up in the S5, but it's one of the most interesting rumors nonetheless.
Next flagship Galaxy device could have a wraparound display
In one of the most eyebrow-raising rumors out there, Bloomberg wrote that Samsung will debut a phone with a three-sided wraparound display in 2014. Details are, of course, fuzzy, but it's said that the display would wrap around the edges of the phone, allowing you to view messages at different angles. Also, the three sides could operate independently, showing different information on different edges. There's no guarantee that this will happen, or that it will even show up in the S5, but it's one of the most interesting rumors nonetheless.
November 7, 2013
The Galaxy S5's camera could have Samsung's Isocell technology
We've already heard murmurs that the S5 will sport a 16-megapixel camera; now there's talk that it will also get Samsung's Isocell camera sensor, which promises better image quality. This news is more fact than rumor, as it comes straight from Samsung. During the Korean company's Analyst Day, Samsung said the phones it releases in 2014 and 2015 will get Isocell. So far, though, Samsung hasn't confirmed that the Galaxy S5 even exists.
The Galaxy S5's camera could have Samsung's Isocell technology
We've already heard murmurs that the S5 will sport a 16-megapixel camera; now there's talk that it will also get Samsung's Isocell camera sensor, which promises better image quality. This news is more fact than rumor, as it comes straight from Samsung. During the Korean company's Analyst Day, Samsung said the phones it releases in 2014 and 2015 will get Isocell. So far, though, Samsung hasn't confirmed that the Galaxy S5 even exists.
October 11, 2013
Look for the Galaxy S5 in January 2014
It seems that Samsung is in a rush to get the Galaxy S5 on the market. News from Korean site Naver, which was founded by ex-Samsung staffers, says that the Korean manufacturer will debut the S5 in January 2014. The phone will have a 16-megapixel camera with optical image stabilization and Samsung's Exynos processor, according to the report.
Look for the Galaxy S5 in January 2014
It seems that Samsung is in a rush to get the Galaxy S5 on the market. News from Korean site Naver, which was founded by ex-Samsung staffers, says that the Korean manufacturer will debut the S5 in January 2014. The phone will have a 16-megapixel camera with optical image stabilization and Samsung's Exynos processor, according to the report.
October 7, 2013
Samsung's new smartphone camera could be brighter
New details from patent-tracking site Patent Bolt back up earlier gossip that Samsung's new smartphones (including the putative S5) could come with much better cameras. It says that Samsung has been building a new 13-megapixel camera that uses less power, and, more importantly, takes brighter, more vibrant pictures. In fact, it's said to be eight times brighter than the cameras on current Galaxy devices.
Samsung's new smartphone camera could be brighter
New details from patent-tracking site Patent Bolt back up earlier gossip that Samsung's new smartphones (including the putative S5) could come with much better cameras. It says that Samsung has been building a new 13-megapixel camera that uses less power, and, more importantly, takes brighter, more vibrant pictures. In fact, it's said to be eight times brighter than the cameras on current Galaxy devices.
September 25, 2013
Samsung's next flagship might be called the Galaxy F, not S5
Is Samsung is ditching the Galaxy S name? ETNews reports that the next flagship device, aka the most high-end model in Samsung's lineup, will be named the Galaxy F. It's possible that the Galaxy F could be a new device altogether that launches separately from the Galaxy S5, but the F's alleged features and specs match up with earlier buzz for the S5. Namely, the Samsung Galaxy F is said to have an octa-core processor, a 16-megapixel camera with optical image stabilization, and a metal case.
Samsung's next flagship might be called the Galaxy F, not S5
Is Samsung is ditching the Galaxy S name? ETNews reports that the next flagship device, aka the most high-end model in Samsung's lineup, will be named the Galaxy F. It's possible that the Galaxy F could be a new device altogether that launches separately from the Galaxy S5, but the F's alleged features and specs match up with earlier buzz for the S5. Namely, the Samsung Galaxy F is said to have an octa-core processor, a 16-megapixel camera with optical image stabilization, and a metal case.
September 17, 2013
Two flavors of Samsung Galaxy S5: Android and Tizen?
This rumor, hailing from CNET's UK site, says that the Galaxy S5 could have two operating system options at launch. One will run Android, as we'd all expect it to, the other would run another Linux-based OS called Tizen, which was developed in part by Samsung. The argument for Tizen is that when an Android phone is sold, a cut goes to Google. Google also gets to continually make money when you view ads on your phone and download apps from the Play store. With it's own operating system running on the phone, Samsung gets to keep more cash in its pockets.
Two flavors of Samsung Galaxy S5: Android and Tizen?
This rumor, hailing from CNET's UK site, says that the Galaxy S5 could have two operating system options at launch. One will run Android, as we'd all expect it to, the other would run another Linux-based OS called Tizen, which was developed in part by Samsung. The argument for Tizen is that when an Android phone is sold, a cut goes to Google. Google also gets to continually make money when you view ads on your phone and download apps from the Play store. With it's own operating system running on the phone, Samsung gets to keep more cash in its pockets.
August 29, 2013
S5 to sport an aluminum case
Samsung may ditch the plastic with the next Galaxy S, opting instead for metal according to a rumor. ETNews says the new phone will have an aluminum or other metal housing.
S5 to sport an aluminum case
Samsung may ditch the plastic with the next Galaxy S, opting instead for metal according to a rumor. ETNews says the new phone will have an aluminum or other metal housing.
August 26, 2013
Look for a 16MP camera with optical image stabilization
If this rumor from SamMobile is true, the Galaxy S5 could take stellar photos thanks to a 16-megapixel that uses optical image stabilization technology. The improved camera sensor could help you take better pictures on the go.
Look for a 16MP camera with optical image stabilization
If this rumor from SamMobile is true, the Galaxy S5 could take stellar photos thanks to a 16-megapixel that uses optical image stabilization technology. The improved camera sensor could help you take better pictures on the go.
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