Android rumor roundup is a weekly column that gathers the top rumors each week in the Android space.
The
Android rumor mill churned a bit slower this week, producing relatively few new devices. On the other hand, a couple of models became official with product announcements and acknowledgments. Let's start with those before moving on to our regularly-scheduled rumor roster.
Devices confirmed!
The Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 is no longer a matter of "if" but "when".
(Credit:
Frandroid)
Samsung
Galaxy Note 8.0
Samsung head JK Shin confirmed this week that a mid-size Galaxy Note experience is not far off. Without officially recognizing the model or name, it is nearly certain that this will be the Galaxy Note 8.0. Leaked roadmaps and "in the wild" photos surfacing over the past few days suggest a Mobile World Congress announcement is in order.
So far, chatter points to a 3G and Wi-Fi variant, and that dovetails with earlier reports of GT-N5100 and GT-5110 model numbers. Specifications are said to include a 1,280x800-pixel Super Clear LCD display, a 5-megapixel rear camera, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB or 32GB internal storage capacities.
LG Optimus G Pro
The LG Optimus G Pro became official this week as Japanese carrier NTT DoCoMo tapped the handset for an April release. Specs include a 5-inch full HD display, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, a 1.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon Pro CPU, 32GB of storage, and 2GB of internal memory. It's worth noting, however, that LG currently does not plan to offer the Optimus G Pro outside of Japan.
January 19-25, 2013
Sony Togari (January 25, 2013)
Sony may introduce the largest smartphone experience to date, if the rumored "Togari" proves to be real. A photo of the alleged full HD panel surfaced recently, showing a massive 6.44-inch display size.
Sony's "Togari" could offer the largest smartphone display size yet.
(Credit:
cnmo.com)
Larger than the Huawei Ascend Mate, it is also expected to be faster and more powerful in nearly every aspect. Details are reported to include 3GB RAM, 2.3GHZ Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 CPU, Adreno 330 GPU, 32GB internal storage, and 13-megapixel Exmor RS camera. Powered by a 3500mAh battery, the Togari should also feature a stylus, NFC, LTE, and IR-blaster.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 (January 14, 2013)
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 will follow in the footsteps of its predecessors and be offered in both 7-inch and 10-inch variants. Each size will also be made available in 3G and Wi-Fi iterations, reports SamMobile. Specifications are light at this time however the so-called "Santos" project will have 5-megapixel cameras when they arrive in the first half of 2013.
Google Motorola 'X Phone' (January 23, 2013)
The rumored Google Motorola 'X Phone' may prove to feature an unbreakable case, extended life battery, and wireless charging. That is, of course, if you read tea leaves like qz.com does. Speaking on Google's recent earnings call, CEO Larry Page touched on all three subjects. Noting that all three are a pain point for mobile users, the anticipation continues to build for Google I/O 2013.
LG VS870 (January 23, 2013)
Verizon may soon introduce a version of the LG Escape, if FCC documents are any indicator. Spotted by Engadget, the VS870 may one-up its AT&T counterpart with wireless charging capability. Hardware details are unknown but are likely to include the same 4.3-inch display, 1GB RAM, and 5-megapixel camera.
January 12-18, 2013
LG Optimus G Pro (January 18, 2013)
An Optimus G Pro may help pass the time until we see the Optimus G2 arrive in the second half of the year.
A bigger, more powerful Optimus G is right around the corner.
(Credit:
Engadget)
A leaked slide obtained by Engadget foretells a bigger, faster experience with a 5-inch 1,920x1,080-pixel display and a 1.7GHz Qualcomm quad-core Snapdragon processor. Additional details include Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, 2GB of memory, 32GB of internal storage, and a 13-megapixel (rear) and 2.4-megapixel (front-facing) camera combo.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (January 14, 2013)
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will not only be bigger than its predecessor at 6.3 inches, but it will also employ an eight-core processor, reports Korea Times. Allegedly, the gigantic device will feature Samsung's own Exynos5 Octa CPU, recently announced at
CES 2013.
Samsung Galaxy Pocket Plus (January 15, 2013)
Perhaps in an effort to prove it can still make smaller devices, Samsung will debut a pint-size Galaxy Pocket Plus in the coming weeks. Specifications picked up by SamMobile tell of an Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich phone with a 2.8-inch QVGA TFT display. Additional features include 4GB internal storage, a 2-megapixel camera, and an 1,200mAh battery. Due in the first half of 2013, the GT-S5301 will be offered in Latin America and other markets.
Samsung Godiva (January 14, 2013)
In the final bit of Samsung news, Verizon appears to be readying another member of the Stratosphere family. An SCH-I425 "Godiva" making the rounds this week could have a 1,280x720-pixel display, a 1.4GHz Snapdragon S4 processor with Adreno 305 graphics, and Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.
How long before Verizon introduces this midrange Samsung experience?
(Credit:
Engadget)
While the model number indicates a direct successor to the Stratosphere is in order, a photo obtained by Engadget suggests otherwise; note the lack of a physical keyboard. My instincts tell me that Verizon may quietly introduce this entry-level experience in the next few weeks.
Huawei Ascend P2 (January 14, 2013)
Huawei will debut yet another model in the Ascend line, this time in the form of a midrange Ascend P2. According to a PhoneArena source, the handset will feature a 5-inch 1,280x720-pixel display, 2GB RAM, 8GB internal storage, and a 13-megapixel camera. Powered by Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, the Ascend P2 will also boast a 3,000mAh battery, and the same quad-core processor found in Huawei's Ascend D2.
Sprint should soon introduce the rugged Kyocera Torque.
(Credit:
Unwired View)
Kyocera Torque (January 14, 2013)
Sprint is expected to soon announce the rugged Kyocera E6710 Torque, according to Blog of Mobile. Details are somewhat light here, but point to Android Ice Cream Sandwich as well as support for LTE, NFC, and Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n). Kyocera phones are traditionally less expensive than other brands; however, it's unclear what price a rugged model might fetch
ZTE V987 (January 16, 2013)
The recently announced ZTE Grand S will be joined by a smaller sibling, reports Engadget. Details for a V987 found in a Chinese regulatory database include Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, and a 5-inch 720p display, 8-megapixel camera, 1.2GHz quad-core processor, and 2,500mAh battery. Considering the dual-SIM support for the phone we should not expect this one to come stateside anytime soon.
The ZTE V987 could be considered a smaller sibling to the Grand S.
(Credit:
Engadget)
Sony Tablet Z (January 14, 2013)
In our only bit of tablet news this week, Sony appears to be readying a successor to the Tablet S. Using some of the same design cues found in the new Xperia Z, the Tablet Z is said to be a waterproof and dust-proof 10.1-inch Android 4.1.2 device. Hardware details are reported to include a quad-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 32GB internal storage, 2GB of memory, an 8.1-megapixel camera, and support for 4G LTE.
Other rumors we're tracking
Galaxy S4 (January 4, 2013)
The first alleged image of the Samsung Galaxy S4 has found its way online, via SamMobile. Rumored to arrive sometime this spring, the photo shows a device that looks equal parts Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Premier. Considering the level of secrecy that shrouded the release of Samsung's current flagship phone, I would be very surprised if this is the real deal.
Is this the Galaxy S4 or the first of many fakes?
(Credit:
SamMobile)
HTC M7 (January 4, 2013)
The rumored flagship HTC smartphone will have a "huge face-lift" and a "simple and clean" user experience, according to HTCSource. The HTC blog reports software tweaks that include onscreen volume controls that jump directly to the handset's volume settings. The source, however, was not able to confirm rumors of onscreen buttons that also surfaced this week.
In terms of form factor, the M7 supposedly takes design cues from the HTC Droid DNA and features a black shell with a beveled edge along the screen. Flying in the face of previous rumors, the source claims the handset will not offer a unibody aluminum shell.
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ZTE is expected to jump into the phablet waters with the P945.
ZTE P945 (December 27, 2012)
ZTE will jump into the "phablet" game this year and is expected to debut a 5.7-inch experience late in the first quarter. The details, which come from Unwired View, include a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, an 8-megapixel camera, and a 3,000mAh battery.
Unlike other large-screen devices, however, the ZTE P945 will feature a 720p display. The first leaked image render suggests China Mobile will be the first -- and perhaps only -- carrier to offer the smartphone. Presumably, ZTE will announce this handset at Mobile World Congress in late February.
Polaroid IM1836 (December 17, 2012)
Polaroid is allegedly working on an Android-based digital camera with interchangeable lenses, according to Photo Rumors. Looking very much like a Nikon 1 J-series camera, the Polaroid is reported to feature an 18.1-megapixel sensor. Additional details include Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, a 3.5-inch touch display, a pop-up flash, HDMI-out, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Polaroid is prepping its own Android-based camera in the form of the IM1836.
(Credit:
Photo Rumors)
Red Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, Note 10.1 (December 17, 2012)
Samsung will introduce a "garnet red" color for the Galaxy Tab 2 line, says SamMobile. Rumored to arrive before Valentine's Day 2013, it is not clear if this will be exclusive to any carriers or retailers.
The new color is tipped for 3G and Wi-Fi versions of the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, and Galaxy Note 10.1. Samsung has already given this shade to AT&T exclusively for the Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphone.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, Note 10.1 to get a new color option in red.
(Credit:
SamMobile)
Amazon Kindle Phone (December 17, 2012)
In rumors that just won't die, Amazon has tasked Foxconn with building the Kindle Phone, Taiwan Economic News reports. Allegedly expected in mid-2013, Amazon is said to have already ordered 5 million of the smartphones, which are said to run $100 to $200 each. If this is the case, we could anticipate a skinned Android experience which resembles that found on the Kindle Fire.
Samsung Galaxy Young (December 18, 2012)
Samsung will announce a Galaxy Young and Galaxy Young Duos at Mobile World Congress, according to SamMobile. Thus far, only the model numbers (GT-S5360 Galaxy Y, GT-S6102 Galaxy Y Duos, GT-S6312 Galaxy Young Duos) and color options -- grayish blue (yep, that's what they're calling it) and white -- are suggested. Historically, the Duos models are offered internationally as single-SIM and dual-SIM models.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (December 12, 2012)
Samsung will allegedly offer a 6.3-inch model for its next Note "phablet," according to the Korea Times. Applying a bit of string theory, we've previously heard that Samsung might soon have a Galaxy Note device that falls between the current model and the 10.1-inch tablet. Could these be one and the same?
Come back next week for more rumors and possible resolutions!
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