Samsung says Galaxy Note 4 will launch with a new form factor, could it look like this?

Concept image based on recently filed Samsung patent

The Samsung Galaxy S5 didn’t do much to change the Korean manufacturer’s current design language. Launching last week across the globe, we saw the same plastic build quality (we aren’t knocking it), soft touch leathery finish on the back (similar to Note devices), and chrome siding that could be seen as a throw back to the original Samsung Galaxy S. Holding the phone side by side with previous iterations, and you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference.

But we’ve noticed that when Samsung does get around to changing the design for their devices, they don’t do it with their flagships, but rather with their Galaxy Note line which launches later in the year. Maybe that’s why we’re excited about the prospect of something “different” for the Galaxy Note 4, and what it could mean for future Galaxy devices down the road.

In an interview with Reuters, Yoon Han-kil,  senior vice president of Samsung’s product strategy team, talks about the company’s plans for this year. After mentioning that Samsung will be launching their first Tizen-based smartphone towards the end of Q2, he even divulged a little info on their plans for the Samsung Galaxy Note 4. Concerned with a “slowing high-end market,” it appears as if Samsung will look towards a new design for the next Galaxy Note iteration, this in an effort to help drive sales. According to Yoon, the next Galaxy Note will launch with a “new form factor,” though remained mum on exact details. He went on to say:

“Our ultimate goal is to make products that consumers really aspire to have. This is how we are trying to find a breakthrough in the stagnant premium market.”

I guess the only question now is exactly what Samsung could be planning with the Galaxy Note 4. We’ve already seen the OEM experiment with their flexible OLED display technology with the Samsung Galaxy Taco Round. It’s entirely possible Samsung could be experimenting with implementing that into the Galaxy Note 4, in fact, we’ve already seen one possible idea Samsung has been experimenting with in a recently uncovered patent filing.

The patent shows a device that’s flat, but features curved display edges, wrapping around the sides of the device. It’s very modern looking, and unlike anything we’ve seen from Samsung in the past (and that’s a good thing). If this is what we can look forward to in the Galaxy Note 4 (or even looking ahead to the Samsung Galaxy S6), would any of you consider going #TeamSamsung for your next Android?

Samsung Galaxy S5 Edges Out HTC One M8 in SquareTrade’s Breakability Test

The smartphones that release these days are generally slim and sexy pieces of kit, but unfortunately, we usually end up paying for those eye-pleasing aesthetics through fragility. Smartphones can’t exactly be considered the most durable devices on the block, after all. SquareTrade, a company that offers insurance plans on devices like smartphones and tablets, has rated the “breakability” of the Samsung Galaxy S5 as it relates to two other prominent Android smartphones – the HTC One M8 and the Nexus 5.

The results for the Galaxy S5 are encouraging. SquareTrade rates the breakability of a device on a 1-10 scale, with lower numbers being better. The Galaxy S5 slightly edged out the One M8, with the S5 taking home a score of 6 to the M8′s 6.5. The Nexus 5 posted a score of 7 in its own test, which means the S5 had the upper hand on Google’s latest flagship as well. Just the same, the Galaxy S4 had a breakability score of 7, so Samsung seems to be improving durability between iterations of its most popular device.

However, all three of those big Android devices ended up losing out to the iPhone 5S, which scored a 5.5 in SquareTrade’s breakability test. Though we all love Android for one reason or another, it would appear that manufacturers have some catching up to do in terms of durability. As you can see from SquareTrade’s infographic (click the thumbnail below to see the full-sized image), the Galaxy S5 can boast a “low risk” rating for the front and back panels, water resistance, and the drop test. It’s weight gives it a “medium risk” rating in that department, while its overall size, performance in the slide test, and “gripability” all land in realm of “high risk.” With those results in mind, you don’t necessarily need to panic if you drop your Galaxy S5, but if you do something like slide it across pavement, then it’s time to worry.

All in all, it’s encouraging to see that the Galaxy S5 offers a durability improvement over its predecessor and other high-profile Android devices, but that score of 6 could definitely be improved when we make the jump to the Galaxy S6 next year. Have any of you early Galaxy S5 adopters experienced any problems with durability, or do you think your phone will survive some close encounters? Head down to the comments section to let us know.

Samsung Galaxy S6 panel design offers ideas

It’s often the case that just days after the release of a major new device we start to see rumors and speculation about the next version. Now one of our favourite concept designers has turned his attention to the Samsung Galaxy S6 with a panel design showing what could be offered, just as we’re getting used to the Galaxy S5.

Designer Jermaine Smit has come up with many impressive concepts including one for the  Galaxy Note 4, and the image shown here depicts his idea for the front panel of the Galaxy S6. What you can’t see from this design is Smit’s notion of a concealed solar panel for the device.

The design of the panel shows the handset would have a more rectangular styling and it still features the Home button with finger scanner. There are also JBL front speakers at the top and bottom, 3D sensors and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. A 5.1-inch display is also detailed.

You may also be interested in another recent Galaxy S6 creation that features a flexible design. What are your thoughts on this early stage concept for the Samsung Galaxy S6 from Smit?

How Do Overseas Media Outlets Respond to Galaxy S5? -

Samsung Electronics introduced the Galaxy S5 worldwide on April 11. After its launch, Samsung’s new flagship smartphone has scored high marks in function, but has met with a mixed response from foreign news outlets and IT news sites in design. The market, on the other hand, is showing a warm response. 

The Korean tech giant announced on April 13 that the sale of the Galaxy S5 in 125 markets around the world, including the US, the UK, and France, is showing a positive trend. 

Samsung reportedly sold nearly 120,000 Galaxy S5 units in Korea from its launch on March 27 to April 11. The figure is similar to the early sales volume of its predecessor, the Galaxy 4. 

Meanwhile, overseas media outlets and IT news sites have been showing different responses to the new product. 

In a “Your Friday Briefing” article posted on its website on April 11, the New York Times said, “How many gizmos can one phone have?” adding, “The Samsung Galaxy S5 has a fingerprint scanner, a 16-megapixel camera and a personal fitness tracker that can measure not only your steps but also your heart rate. The highly anticipated phone is released around the world today.”

The Wall Street Journal, on the other hand, reported that the new smartphone is excellent in dust and water resistant functions, screen, and Ultra Power Saving Mode. However, its heart rate sensor works well only if it doesn’t move. Its camera was said to perform poorly especially in low light. The newspaper also pointed out, “The plastic phone lacks the stylishness and luxury feel of the new all-metal HTC One (M8).”

The Telegraph said, “The launch of its latest, the new S5, comes just 11 months after the S4, and that in large part explains why there is not that much that is new. The S4 was an excellent device and the S5 comes with the expectation that it will be better. But in reality meaningful innovation takes longer than that.”

TechRadar wrote, “The Samsung Galaxy S5 can be defined by one word: evolution. However, it doesn’t look like a cutting edge smartphone. Overall, the design of the Samsung Galaxy S5 is likely to be the area that receives the most criticism, and for good reason. It doesn’t command a premium feel in the hand like so many other high-end phones on the market. It’s lighter and probably more hard-wearing, but this is the biggest pain point for Samsung and it’s one that it needs to improve with the Galaxy S6.”

Samsung Galaxy S6 vs iPhone 6: Battle Of Apple And Samsung As Next Generation Flagship Phones Compete For Speed And Reported 20MP Camera

Samsung Galaxy S5 vs iPhone 6: The iPhone 6 may not yet have been released yet but rumors about the next generation iPhone that is expected for a release this June.

With an expected larger screen and a reportedly giant retina with IGZO display, a new state of the art next generation iPhone will surely be expected this year.

According to Business Insider, the new phone will have a major improvement on a minute change on the home button seen in the 5s as opposed to what have seen in the iPhone 5 as they were quoted saying, "new form factor with no home button. Gesture control is also possibly included"

As a trend being seen in the improvement of iPhones throughout the year, the improvement in speed and size is expected. A larger 5.7-inch almost borderless phone can be expected as the company tries to improve the usability of the phone for the users to maximize the space and maximize the resolution of the display that would surely blow the minds of the Apple phone users.

The body of the phone looks to improve every time Apple upgrades its phone and so with the iPhone 7 concept, a much sturdier aluminum body and a longer battery life can be expected.

Also likely to be seen on the future flagship model phone may include an 8-megapixel camera that has been reported that Apple has been improving every year. A huge improvement of the camera and the sensors will surely give the phone the most powerful it has ever been.

In relation to its toughest competitor - Samsung - a trend has been spotted with regards to the cameras. Starting with the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 which has a 13-megapixel camera, the S5 has been rumored to come up with a 16-megapixel camera and then the new S6 was reported and speculated by experts to have a larger 20-megapixel camera.

"After the 16-megapixel product, the 20-megapixel product will become the general trend," a source told PCMagazine.com.

Samsung Galaxy S6 panel design offers ideas

It’s often the case that just days after the release of a major new device we start to see rumors and speculation about the next version. Now one of our favourite concept designers has turned his attention to the Samsung Galaxy S6 with a panel design showing what could be offered, just as we’re getting used to the Galaxy S5.
Designer Jermaine Smit has come up with many impressive concepts including one for the Galaxy Note 4, and the image shown here depicts his idea for the front panel of the Galaxy S6. What you can’t see from this design is Smit’s notion of a concealed solar panel for the device.
The design of the panel shows the handset would have a more rectangular styling and it still features the Home button with finger scanner. There are also JBL front speakers at the top and bottom, 3D sensors and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. A 5.1-inch display is also detailed.
You may also be interested in another recent Galaxy S6 creation that features a flexible design. What are your thoughts on this early stage concept for the Samsung Galaxy S6 from Smit?
Source: Concept Phones

Samsung Galaxy S5 hands on review: feature-rich with a brilliant display

Before I even touched the Galaxy S5, which was lassoed to a glowing table at a fancy Samsung launch event, I came in with diminished expectations. I wasn’t a fan of the Galaxy S4, yet I loved the S3 and S2. Samsung has embraced plastic and eschewed the full metal look, which the HTC One so beautifully rocks. It’s also almost identical to the S4 in terms of hardware and design (have a gander for yourself). So do I love, or even like the S5 and more so, will you?

It all depends on what you want from a phone. If you require the latest smartphone crammed with every feature possible minus the fireworks display button (most likely coming in the S6), then you’ll be happy with the S5. For those looking for a future-proof phone crammed with extras they may or may not use a few months down the line, then the S5 may not be for you. It has possibly the best screen I’ve ever seen, great sound and a slick revamp of Android KitKat, but it’s just another addition to the S-series and if you own the S4, there’s little reason to upgrade this year. But for the Samsung die-hard fans, this is the most feature-packed Galaxy S yet. And here’s why:

Samsung’s gone out of its way to cram as many useful features as possible into a 5.1″ display. The 1920×1080 screen is incredible to look at and exceptionally smooth to navigate. Content looks the part on the display, everything is crisp, images look life-like and high-def video was seemingly made for this SuperAMOLED stunner. For it’s part though, it looks like the same display as the S4′s, which is still one of the best in the smartphone business. If you want a phone with a great screen, the S5′s perfect for you.

One of the more controversial aspects of the S5 is the new dimpled rear which I found quite fetching. My favourite colour? Copper-Gold. Shiny plastic is out, scuff-free rubber is in. It feels great to hold, but the dimples didn’t really do anything for me. I say controversial, because it doesn’t add to the desirable aspects of the S5. It doesn’t make me want to purchase it based on looks alone, something Apple is now expertly versed in. There’s a thick band of metal around the sides, with volume, home and a power key as the only physical buttons.

There’s one feature of the S5 which impressed, namely the Ultra Power Saving mode. When activated, the S5 goes drops into a black and white display (see above), only allowing calls, texts and web browsing. On 10% battery, Ultra Power Saving mode can extend the battery life by 12-hours. This alone is an innovation I look forward to seeing in every new smartphone from now on.

The home button is an interesting addition this time round, chiefly because it’s a fingerprint reader now. Not the best one, but it’s there if you need it. Unlocking the S5 is unlike the iPhone 5s, because you have to hold the phone in two hands to unlock it, and only with a downward swipe. On the iPhone 5s, I’d hold my finger over the silver circle from any angle and the phone would unlock.

On the S5, it’s hold the phone in one hand, unlock with the other. There’s the option of adding passwords and PayPal payments with the fingerprint reader, but I didn’t have additional time to test this. I’m sure it works though. But after locking and unlocking the S5 many times, I can tell that the fingerprint reader is going to become a novelty, and not sadly a necessity as it is with the 5s.

The S5 comes standard with Android 4.4 or KitKat but hot damn, has it been dumbed down. There’s no other way to say it. The S5′s homescreen looks almost exactly the same as the S3 and S4 homescreen, but dig a bit deeper and you’ll find a UI that’s a little too basic for its own good.

Of course, Samsung has to appeal to the millions of casual users who’re going to purchase their first smartphone, but for dedicated Samsung fans, the new look is going to disappoint. Those expecting a brilliant new overhaul will instead find a UI inspired by Disney. It’s all bright colours, shiny effects and cutesy corners. Remember Toon Town from ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit?’ This is a phone Mickey Mouse would be at home with.

But for R10 200 (or US$650), this is no phone for kids. The S5 is one of the most expensive phones on the market, but that’s the trend with Samsung, as the S4 cost the same in 2013.

What I didn’t have much time to play around with was the speed of the phone because firstly, these were demo models without internet access and secondly, what games were loaded onto the S5 (Cut the Rope 2), weren’t exactly taxing the CPU or memory.

Once I’ve spent more time with the S5, I’ll be able to accurately gauge its speed. My guess though is that the S5 will perform well for all games, as d uring the short me ith the device, it rarely lagged and opened apps in split-seconds. This includes the 16MP camera, which took images with n o hardware delay, even the new and improved HDR mode snapped images as quickly as any other camera. Also, there’s slow-mo but it’s nowhere near as good as the iPhone 5s’ attempt.

Overall, the S5 is a capable smartphone, stuffed to the brims with extras and designed to fit in with our digital lives. When paired with the Gear 2 smartwatch or Gear Fit fitness band, your entire life can be streamlined the Samsung way.

If that’s what you want, Samsung offers it. But the S5 is an expensive upgrade, and adding either accessory puts the price into the fairly to extremely ridiculous category. I haven’t spent enough time with the S5 to make a judgement call, but my snap decision is to weigh your options carefully before purchasing this, especially when phones such as the Xperia Z2, iPhone 5s and HTC One (M8) coming in at the same price.