Samsung's Android handsets have become extremely popular in recent years and after the SIII released, we've heard plenty of rumors about a successor. SamMobile states the company's upcoming flagship is identified as "Altius(J)," having been changed from "Project J". The codename Altius doesn't seem to relate to anything in particular, so it's unlikely that there's a treasure trove of details floating around.
The phone is meant to come in black and white, but it's unlikely they'll be shipped with such plain names. The blue SIII was Pebble Blue; we'd likely see similar naming coming to S IV colors.
The Altius devices are apparently meant to ship April 15 and it is probable they'll be accompanied by a showing at MWC or another event around March. Alternatively, Samsung might host another Unpacked event to show the phone off; 'Unpacked' is the name Samsung chooses to use for their keynote presentations.
But you're here for the specifications, aren't you? Well, they haven't changed much from the rumors doing the rounds.
- Exynos 5 Octa (8-Core) CPU (announced at CES)
- Mali-T658 (8-Core) GPU
- 4.99" Super AMOLED (1080x1920)
- 2GB RAM
- 13MP rear camera; 1080p recording at 30fps
- 2MP front camera; 720p recording
- Android 4.2.1
The Exynos 5 Octa seems to have been a big part of the SIV rumors. It has appeared in AnTutu benchmarks and other sources, so it's beginning to look plausible.
The press-shot for the T658 points out improved performance over the Mali-400MP; the SIII's GPU.
While we're not able to verify the specifications, SamMobile considers the following details to be 'Confirmed':
- Code Name: Altius
- Model Number: GT-I9500
- Colours: Black / White
- Battery Capacity: 2600 mAh
- Special: Wireless Charging Kit
The wireless charging will seemingly stem from a separate dock and back cover with charging capabilities. Wireless charging can already be packed into the Galaxy Note 2 if you've got the gear (a Palm Pre Touchstone cover and dock, among other things). You can see it being made to work on YouTube.
You'll notice the GT-I9500 number doesn't flow with the SIII, which was identified as I-9300. Korean tetraphobia seems to be the reason. Wikipedia excerpt below:
In Korea, tetraphobia is less extreme, but the floor number 4 is almost always skipped in hospitals and similar public buildings. In other buildings, the fourth floor is sometimes labeled "F" (Four) instead of "4" in elevators. Apartment numbers containing multiple occurrences of the number 4 (such as 404) are likely to be avoided to an extent that the value of the property is adversely affected. The national railroad, Korail, left out the locomotive number 4444 when numbering a locomotive class from 4401 upwards.
Assuming these specifications are correct, Samsung might just have given themselves some free publicity across the internet.
28 Comments - Add comment