Samsung Galaxy S5 rumor overload: mid-March release, 16 MP camera, water protection

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Published 20 Feb 2014

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galaxy-s5-conceptIt’s so close I can almost feel it, see it, smell it, touch it, scan my fingerprints on it. Samsung’s “next big thing”, the Galaxy S5, is to go official at long last on Monday, during an Unpacked press conference at Barcelona’s Mobile World Congress.

With so little time left, and such lengthy, extensive rumor mongering started ages ago, you’d think the 5.2-incher would hold no surprises for its actual unveil. Yet in many ways, it’s still a big, fat question mark.

Not when it comes to its main camera though, as long as we assume Sam Mobile’s usually reliable sources know what they’re talking about this time also. Apparently, S5’s rear snapper won’t catch up with Sony Xperia Z1’s 20.7 MP shooter in megapixel count, settling for “just” 16, but will offer 4K Ultra HD video recording at 30 fps and Full HD at 60 fps to compensate.

Plus, an invisible dedicated camera button placed on one side of the device. Wait, what? It’s true, it seems S5 users will be able to take a photo by simply tapping their phone where some gizmos have a physical key for such tasks.

Another little tidbit that’s nearly set in stone is the integration of a shield against water and dust. Not on a Galaxy S5 Active to be released later in the year, but, according to ZD Net Korea, on the standard version(s) coming to MWC.

Last but certainly not least, a Samsung executive allegedly spoke to GSM Arena, confirming an incredibly zippy turnaround for the next-generation flagship. Namely, the S5 may be up on store shelves as early as mid-March, so a measly three weeks behind its formal introduction. Guess that’s game over for HTC and their “All New One”.