Before Samsung unveiled its new Galaxy S5 flagship smartphone at Mobile World Congress last month, more than a few rumours hinted at a premium variant that would come with a metal body and a WQHD (2560×1440) display (and often referred to as Project F). Those hopes were shattered when Samsung launched a single variant of the Galaxy S5 with neither a metal case nor a WQHD display. But rumours of such a device quickly resurfaced, hinting at a launch in May. Those hopes may have been dashed again.
Speaking to South Korean press, JK Shin, President and Head of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung left little room for any hope, saying that there was “no such thing” as a premium Galaxy S5. Instead, Shin confirmed that Samsung would bring a new Galaxy Note to market sometime in the fall.
Keeping in mind that the source article is in Korean and that translations can often be misinterpreted, it does appears that there will be no higher-end variant of the Galaxy S5. But it also looks like Shin’s comments are limited to the Galaxy S line. Were Samsung to unveil a new family of premium devices (as the Galaxy F perhaps), Shin’s comments would remain valid.
Interestingly, Samsung’s Vice Chairman Kwon Oh-hyun seemed to suggest that a new line of premium smartphones was indeed coming when he spoke at Samsung Electronics’ annual shareholders meeting this week. “We will maintain our dominance in key businesses, such as mobile phones, TVs and memory chips, by rolling out premium lineups,” he said according to Korea’s Yonhap News agency. Could he have been referring to Project F?
It would appear that we cannot quite close the book on the rumours of a new premium Samsung smartphone just yet.
Sources : K Bench // AndroidBeat