The Samsung Galaxy S4 was the device that Google used to kick off its Google Play edition (GPe) program in which manufacturers can offer stock android versions of flagship smartphones. When the Samsung Galaxy S5 was announced back in May at Mobile World Congress, many expected a GPe edition to soon follow. We’re still waiting but it appears now that a launch is imminent. A number of images of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S5 GPe have now surfaced, including on Google Play.
The Google Play image shows the Galaxy S5 GPe surrounded by other GPe devices including what appears to be a yellow Nexus 5. But a closer look at that device reveals it is simply a black Nexus in a yellow bumper. Among the clues pointing to this is the lack of a yellow speaker grille (the red Nexus 5 has a red speaker grille).
A close look at the Galaxy S5 GPe reveals something odd: The presence of both software and hardware navigation keys. An image leaked by @evleaks around the same time the first image was discovered reveals the same odd button configuration:
Could Samsung release a device sporting both kinds of buttons? It’s certainly plausible. Maybe there will be a way to activate one or the other. A second image tweeted by @evleaks shows no software buttons. It also gives us a view of the back and the side.
We’re inclined to believe that this last image is the most accurate one. While the others may be genuine, they may be draft versions that still need some adjustment!
There is still no word on when Google will announce the Samsung Galaxy S5 GPe. The price is expected to come in around US$600. GPe devices are still not available in Canada so it is unlikely we’ll see the Galaxy S5 GPe here.
Sources : Google Play // evleaks.at // evleaks.at (2)