Galaxy S5: How Innovative Will Samsung Be This Time?

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Samsung Electronics Co Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) is reportedly gearing up to launch the Galaxy S5 during the first quarter of 2014. The shorter release cycle underpins media reports that weak sales of the Galaxy S4 prompted Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) to bring its successor sooner. South Korea’s ET News reported that the company would begin production of the Galaxy S5 in Vietnam in January 2014, and launch it in February.

Can Galaxy S5 change Samsung’s image of ‘Apple follower’?

Despite its massive success, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) is still seen as a laggard in innovation. So, the obvious question is, how innovative will the Galaxy S5 be? The Korean company knows that it faces stiff competition from heavyweights like Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL), Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG). So, its next product has to be nothing less than ground-breaking to make a mark.

Reports suggest that the Galaxy S5 will have a 5-inch Super AMOLED display with 560ppi pixel density. The device will be available in two versions, one with metal casing and flexible screen, and the other with a regular screen in plastic casing. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) is expected to equip the Galaxy S5 with 3GB RAM, 64-bit Exynos processor and improved graphics. The device would have a 16MP camera, and will run Android 4.4 Kit Kat.

Galaxy S5 to come with a 4000mAh battery?

But what surprised many is the report of a 4000mAh battery. Currently, most smartphones come with a 2200 – 2600mAh battery. A 4000mAh battery will definitely make Galaxy S5 bulky (or maybe the bulkiest high-end smartphone). But the curved display is no surprise. During the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas earlier this year, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) showcased its Youm flexible display technology.

To test the response of consumers to a curved screen smartphone, the company launched the Galaxy Round in South Korea. It has a 5.7 inch flexible screen. But the device didn’t sell very well. The specs definitely look interesting. But we have to wait until February 2014 to see how the actual product turns out.

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