Samsung, the market leader in smartphones, is expected to launch the latest version of its best-selling Galaxy phone this month.
The company has sent out invitations to an event at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, which tech industry analysts predict will be the unveiling of the Galaxy S5, the smartphone that will go head-to-head with Apple’s iPhone 6.
There has been no confirmation of this from Samsung.
The Mobile World Congress is a central meeting place for the telecoms industry where many new models and features are showcased. Samsung’s presentation is set for February 24, the first day of the fair.
Rumours are already circulating on the internet about the possible technical features of the new model.
Samsung will probably bring out two versions will which differ in terms of processor performance, screen size and built-in memory, Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst with KGI, told the technology blog Apple Insider.
What is certain is that the new Galaxy S5 will have a faster processor and better resolution. The chip technology will use 32-bit technology, Apple Insider reports, unlike Apple’s iPhone 5S which uses 64-bit.
It’s also expected that Samsung will try to catch up with its rival by integrating biometric security into its smartphones.
Apple included a fingerprint reader in its iPhone 5s launched last autumn, thus setting a new standard. It’s unclear what form of biometric technology Samsung might employ.
In November the South Korean company applied for a patent in the United States for an iris scanner, a technology that can be used for user recognition. Last month, Samsung mobile chief Lee Young Hee said that the company is studying the possibility of integrating biometric security in its phones.
However, analyst Kuo believes it Is probably too early for an iris scanner to be included in the new phone. Most likely the phone will feature a fingerprint reader like the newest iPhone.
Samsung’s current top model, the Galaxy S4, was introduced in March 2013 so in that respect the time is ripe for the next generation model.
Apple’s iPhone 6 is expected to appear this summer or autumn.
According to media reports, it will have a much bigger screen than previous models.