Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930)’s highly anticipated Galaxy S5 is set to debut at the Mobile World Congress later today. But this time it doesn’t feel like we are just a few hours away from the release of the flagship smartphone of the world’s largest smartphone maker. Last year, there was incredible hype around the release of Galaxy S4. But the Galaxy S5 clearly lacks that big fanfare. The Korean company has simply sent out an invite to the press, and has unveiled a video teaser.
Gold version of Galaxy S5: more indications
The Galaxy S5 is anticipated to follow the iPhone 5S. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) witnessed massive success with its gold-color iPhone 5S. Recent leaks show that the Galaxy S5 will also be available in gold. A now deleted Instagram photo indicated that the Korean company is likely to bring the device in at least three colors, including gold. The image shows the Galaxy S5 in three different colors along with the recently unveiled Galaxy Gear smartwatch. The Instagram account has now entirely disappeared. The image shows three Galaxy S5 devices in black, white and gold colors. The back of the device features a texture, but it doesn’t reveal whether it sports a plastic or metal body.
There have been rumors that the Galaxy S5 would have a metal design. But the Galaxy S5 in the above image appears more like a plastic casing with a silver band around the edge. Maybe, it’s the basic model, and the premium one is a tightly-wrapped secret. Moreover, a leaked screenshot from Vodafone Group Plc (NASDAQ:VOD) (LON:VOD)’s internal system suggests the same.
Galaxy Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo to ship in April
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) has already unveiled Tizen OS-powered Galaxy Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo smartwatches. These wearable devices were announced well before the release of the Galaxy S5. That’s because they can connect with a number of Galaxy smartphones. Samsung didn’t want to tie them to only Galaxy S5. The new smartwatches have seen significant improvements compared to their predecessor. Gear 2 and gear 2 Neo have better support for fitness, a new placement for the camera, and music via Bluetooth headset. But Samsung hasn’t done anything to improve their battery.
The smartwatches have a 1GHz dual-core processor, 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display, a 2MP camera in Gear 2, 4GB internal storage, 512MB RAM, Tizen OS, and a 300mAh battery. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) hasn’t revealed pricing for this set yet, but they are likely to hit the store in April this year.
Galaxy S5 has to meet heightened expectations
The Galaxy S5 is confirmed to sport a fingerprint sensor, just like the iPhone 5S. A new Unpacked event image recently teased at a completely revamped user interface with more apps, improved privacy, better battery life and a long-rumored Snapdragon 800 processor. The Galaxy S5 has also been confirmed to be waterproof and dustproof. Sony Corporation (NYSE:SNE) (TYO:6758)’s flagship smartphone Xperia Z already offers these features. Reports indicate that the Galaxy S5 will go on sale within just two weeks of launch.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) is releasing the Galaxy S5 at a time when consumers have very high expectations. The iPhone 5S has raised the bar with its fingerprint scanner and 64-bit processor. If the Korean company fails to meet already heightened expectations, it could have a disastrous impact on the company because the Galaxy S4 itself wasn’t a huge success.
