Rumors, leaks, and speculations about Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Note 5 phablet have flooded the Internet. Now the device has been spotted in photos showing a prototype handset. The improved S Pen stylus has also surfaced online. The Galaxy Note 5 prototype is encased in a bulky square shell to hide its design.
Galaxy Note 5 undergoing network testing in the Czech Republic
The image leaked by Samsung Mania shows a square-shaped Note 5 with a physical home button. The publication noted that the device in this image is for testing purpose only. Dubbed “mule,” it is undergoing network testing in the Czech Republic. A mule is a fully functional device with the proper hardware packed in a shell to hide its design elements.
In a separate leak, Android Guys has leaked images of the S Pen stylus that would accompany the upcoming Galaxy Note 5. The stylus has a clickable top, which is believed to enable the auto-ejection feature. Last month, Samsung was granted a patent for an auto-ejectable stylus. A button located above the S Pen’s tip could bring exciting new features exclusive to the Galaxy Note 5.
Galaxy Note 5 to arrive next month
Last week, DigiTimes and SamMobile both reported that Samsung was gearing up to announce the Galaxy Note 5 along with the Galaxy S6 Edge+ on August 12. However, they differ about when the devices would hit stores. DigiTimes claims the Note 5 and S6 Edge+ will go for sale in major markets on August 14. On the other hand, inside sources told SamMobile that the handsets will be available for sale starting August 21.
Recent reports suggest that the Galaxy Note 5 will feature a 5.67-inch Super AMOLED display, 4GB RAM, a 4,100mAh non-removable battery, an improved Exynos 7422 processor, 16-megapixel main camera with OIS, and 5-megapixel front-facing camera. The device will be 7.9mm thick, and its design aspects resemble that of the Galaxy S6. On the other hand, the Galaxy S6 Edge+ will be a mid-range device with a 3,000mAh battery, Snapdragon 808 processor, and 16MP main camera.
