Samsung’s upcoming flagship phablet Galaxy Note 5 was initially rumored to be announced at the annual IFA event in September. But if a new report coming out of South Korea is to be believed, the Note 5 could arrive as early as July. Inside sources familiar with the matter told Korea’s WhoWired that Samsung will launch the Galaxy Note 5 at the end of July.
Galaxy Note 5 developing faster than expected
The publication notes that the world’s largest smartphone maker will show off a prototype of Note 5 and Note 5 Edge to telecom operators in June, and officially announce the device in late July. WhoWired cited four reasons for the early launch. First, the Korean company has almost finished the device ahead of schedule. Second, Samsung wants to gain a strategic advantage over Apple’s upcoming iPhone 6S.
The third reason is that the “honeymoon period” of flagship smartphones has become shorter. Fourth and most important, Samsung needs a launch vehicle for its Samsung Pay system that is due to come out this summer. Samsung Pay will take on Apple Pay and other digital payment services. WhoWired notes that Samsung has “confirmed” the final specifications of the Galaxy Note 5 to its global clients, including telecom operators.
Galaxy Note 5 to have a 5.89-inch display
The Korean publication said that the Galaxy Note 5 will feature a 5.89-inch Ultra HD AMOLED display, while the curved Galaxy Note 5 Edge will have a 5.78-inch screen. The devices will have a pixel density of over 700ppi, making them perfect for 4K content and virtual reality experience.
Earlier this month, SamMobile reported that, unlike last year’s phablets, the Galaxy Note 5 and Note 5 Edge will have different specifications. The Note 5 is expected to run an improved, all-in-one Exynos 7422 processor that will combine RAM, CPU, GPU, modem and storage on a single chip. The Edge variant will be a mid-range smartphone with Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, 16MP main camera, 8MP front camera and 16GB internal storage. Both phones will come with an improved S Pen stylus.
