There are two strings of smartphone launches this year that are obviously the most highly anticipated of 2014. The first comes from Apple, which is expected to launch an iPhone 6 with a larger display as well as a phablet-sized iPhone. Perhaps just as eagerly anticipated, however, is Samsung’s Galaxy S5 lineup. Galaxy S5 rumors have been coming hot and heavy in recent months and while there are a number of conflicting reports out there, even leaks that contradict each other may still end up panning out. Why? Considering how many different Galaxy S4 models Samsung has debuted so far — some as recently as last week — we can probably look forward to several different Galaxy S5 versions debuting this year beginning in March or April.
While the various Galaxy S5 reports out there have come from sites with varying track records, one of the latest leaks comes from a rather convincing source.
Top South Korean brokerage KDB Daewoo Securities has detailed at least one of Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S5 models in a recent note to clients, which was picked up on Monday by by Oled-display.net. The firm has a history of revealing accurate details surrounding unannounced devices long before they debut.
In KDB’s latest note, the firm’s analysts claim to detail both a flagship Galaxy S5 model as well as Apple’s upcoming iPhone 6 and its larger companion. From the looks of things — on paper, at least — the Galaxy S5 will pack specs that outshine and outclass its iOS-powered rivals.
According to KDB’s unnamed supply chain sources, the Galaxy S5 will be powered by either a 2.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon chipset or an octa-core 64-bit Exynos SoC clocked at 2GHz. As was the case with the Galaxy S4, the processor will vary by region and device model.
Other specs, according to the firm, include a 5.2- or 5.25-inch AMOLED display with WQHD resolution (2,560 x 1,440 pixels), 3GB of RAM, 32GB/64GB/128GB storage options, a 16-megapixel rear camera, a 3.2-megapixel front-facing camera and a massive 3,200 mAh battery. KDB also says that the Galaxy S5 version it has detailed will be the first flagship phone from Samsung to feature an all-metal case.
The firm’s note states that Samsung’s Galaxy S5 will debut in either the first or second quarter this year. A separate report recently stated that Samsung plans to unveil the new handset during a special event in mid-March.
