Consumers haven’t been too pleased with how phone manufacturers are handling the device wars.  With competition in the mobile space so intense, consumers expect OEMs to really step things up and deliver astonishing devices packed with features that people won’t need to think twice about purchasing.

Though Samsung did better than most, delivering several Jedi-like features in its latest Galaxy phone, you can’t help but think that all of these devices look more or less the same, some are just bigger than the others.  Apple is far worse, yes it now offers an iPhone that comes on a variety of colors, and even one has a fingerprint sensor, but just about everything else is the same as last year’s model.  If it wasn’t for the new iOS, we wouldn’t really have a new iPhone at all.

With consumers apparently bored, recent reports suggest that smartphone sales are dwindling.  There are a number of factors affecting this.  One is that consumers are waiting for newer models with genuinely new features, and the second is that they don’t see the need to upgrade to something more expensive that delivers little that their current device doesn’t already have.

This is the reason consumers are in awe of concept designs.  They are fresh, they are innovative, and we wish OEMs would get a hint and at least take a hint at what consumers want to see in their next device.

GalaxyS5Info recently posted a piece that features a concept design for the Galaxy S5. Though Samsung hasn’t yet announced its working on such a device, we can only assume that it is, because it needs to deliver something to put the new iPhone 5s and 5c to shame.

So let’s check out what the Galaxy S5Info came up with.

Flexible screen

When Samsung unveiled Youm at this year’s CES, people were expecting the company to unveil a Galaxy device equipped with the flexible display.  That hasn’t happened so hopefully we’ll be seeing that next year.  The concept design features a device using OLED Youm measuring at 5.3”.  The screen extends to the sides which eliminates the need for physical buttons for volume control, profile switch, and camera button.  The display would use a screen that has oleophobic coating to deter fingerprint marks, but they should have added that the glass should Corning’s Willow Glass, a flexible glass that is as durable as its Gorilla Glass.

Touch-based everything

Buttons are so 2010, everything on the Galaxy S5 concept design is touch-based.  The home button has been re-invented as it uses touch sensors and it glows so you’ll see it even in the dark.  Even the power button is touch based so no buttons will be sticking out, but I’m pretty sure there will be slight engravings so you can feel it without looking.  The power button is also equipped with light notifications so in a glance, you’ll see if you have missed call or messages waiting for you.

Tough and sexy as hell

It would be awesome if Samsung finally unveiled a device encased in aluminum and plastic but made to look like it’s metal.  Aluminum can be engineered to make it light and durable at the same time.  Plus it would make it look and feel more sophisticated.  And it also wouldn’t hurt if the Galaxy S5 is released already waterproof and shockproof instead of releasing a later iteration with the said features.  The back of the device will be curved so even if it’s big, it will rest comfortably on a user’s hand.

Ports for all

The concept design for the Galaxy S5 features one port for the charger, microSIM slot and microSD slot.  Though it’s quite puzzling how all of that would fit in one slit, I’m pretty sure there’s a way to make that work.  The designers did mention that the device is capable of wireless charging so the slot could just be meant for the microSIM and microSD.  No headphone jack was visible in any of the photos so I’m assuming it will be using Bluetooth to connect headphones or headsets.

Under the Hood

Storage options will come in 32/63/128GB, while the device will have 3GB of RAM.  It will have a 2GHz Exynos 5 OctaCore Processor running Android 4.4 KitKat.  Powering it will be a 3200 mah Li-ion battery.  For the cameras, it sports a 16MP Carl Zeiss rear camera with Samsung’s own S:Vision Optical Image Stabilization, and dual LED Xenon flash, plus a 3.2MP camera up front.  There’s also a dual active noise cancellation mic below the back camera. And for those who want to share their music, the Quad Surround Speakers with S:Surround Technology will be make audiophile fall in love with this device.

Samsung is expected to unveil the Samsung Galaxy S5 in the first quarter of 2014. Hopefully, Samsung’s design team sees this concept design and take notice – giving Samsung fans something to really look forward to.

Images courtesy of GalaxySVinfo.com