This weekly column gathers the top rumors in the Android space. It was originally published December 14, 2012, and is updated weekly. For rumors and news specific to the Samsung Galaxy S4, check out our Galaxy S4 rumor roundup.
This week saw multiple handsets confirmed at Mobile World Congress, including the LG Optimus G Pro, Huawei Ascend P2, and ZTE Grand Memo. Days earlier, however, HTC held a separate event to unveil the HTC One. Newly rumored devices for this roundup include a 4.8-inch Sony C670X and LG Optimus LTE III.
LG Optimus G Pro (February 24, 2013)
The Korean handset maker formally introduced the 5.5-inch flagship smartphone at Mobile World Congress, which CNET was quick to call a "phablet done right." Specifications for the handset matched up with early reports and include a quad-core 1.7GHz processor, 2GB RAM, and a 13-megapixel camera. Powered by Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, the Optimus G Pro should hit various carriers around the world in the coming weeks and months.
So long 'M7' rumors, hello HTC One!(Credit: CNET)
HTC One (February 19, 2013)
After months of hype and rumors, the HTC One was unveiled at a press event on February 19. Details are everything we expected in the weeks leading up to the conference, including the 4.7-inch 1080p display and Sense 5 UI. Three U.S. carriers were quick to pledge support for the handset; however, we're still awaiting pricing and availability.
Huawei Ascend P2 (February 24, 2013)
Huawei expanded its Android presence this week, pulling the wraps off of the Ascend P2, a 4.7-inch Jelly Bean experience. Among the standard fare of Android features, hardware includes a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, and a 13-megapixel camera. The Ascend P2 runs a custom user experience, Emotion UI, which renders Android almost unrecognizable.
ZTE Grand Memo (February 25, 2013)
In terms of sheer size, ZTE gave us the biggest new handset this week when it announced the 5.7-inch Grand Memo. The upper-end specs include Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, a 1.5GHz Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, and 3,200mAh battery. On the other hand, the Grand Memo does not offer a stylus, and the display is 1,280x720-pixel resolution. While not necessarily a deal breaker for some, these two details fall short of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2's specs.
Sony Xperia Tablet Z (February 25, 2013)
Sony officially introduced its third Android tablet at Mobile World Congress, touting it as the world's thinnest and lightest 10-inch tablet. Specifications include Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, a 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, and includes 2GB of RAM. Like its smartphone counterpart, the Sony Xperia Tablet Z is also able to withstand dust and water.
Samsung is expected to put the Galaxy S4 rumors to bed on March 14.(Credit: Screenshot by Lance Whitney/CNET)
Samsung Galaxy S4 (February 25, 2013)
The Samsung Galaxy S4 may be designed with different processors for various markets. Rumors this week indicate the U.S. model could employ the Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor while the European model will use Samsung's Exynos 5 Octa. As was the case with the Samsung Galaxy S3, the variations could be centered around 4G LTE networks; the data technology is not as pervasive overseas.
Additional chatter suggests the Galaxy S4 may offer touchless gestures for navigation and interfacing, reports Korea's DDaily (translate). Samsung will allegedly introduce an Amtel chip capable of understanding gestures within the range of the screen. The technology is not exactly new, as Sony employed it for the Sola smartphone, but we might expect Samsung to build this deeper into the custom user experience.
With an official invitation having been sent out early in the week, we're all clear for a March 14 debut. We're keeping a watchful eye on the rumors around the handset and invite you to follow along at the Samsung Galaxy S4 rumor roundup.
An 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.
Sony C670X (March 1, 2013)
Just when you thought it was safe to consider Sony's Xperia Z the flagship experience of 2013, a new model appears. Specifications obtained by XperiaBlog include a 4.8-inch 1080p HD display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 1.8GHz quad-core processor and Adreno 320 graphics, 2GB RAM, 32GB internal storage, and a 13-megapixel Exmor RS camera. Reportedly, the C670X smartphone will run Android 4.2 and will launch in the middle of the year.
LG may be readying the Optimus LTE for South Korea.(Credit: Blog of Mobile)
LG Optimus LTE III (February 27, 2013)
LG may soon be ready to introduce its next entrant in the Optimus LTE family as images and specs spilled online. The so-called Optimus LTE III should run Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and include a 720p HD display, a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, and a 2,540mAh battery. As of now, it appears the Optimus LTE III will be offered only in South Korea.
Pantech Perception (February 22, 2013)
The Pantech Perception recently passed through the FCC, hinting at a basic touch smartphone with an 8-megapixel rear camera. Details confirmed in the filing include NFC, 4G LTE, as well as CDMA and GSM roaming. Chances are good that this is merely Verizon's take on the Pantech Discover announced at CES. Should that prove true, we could also anticipate a dual-core processor and 4.8-inch display.
Verizon's midrange SCH-i425 'Godiva' may be quietly introduced in the near term.(Credit: FCC via Engadget)
Samsung Godiva (February 25, 2013)
The Samsung Godiva took one step closer to announcement this week as FCC documents confirmed the model number. As noticed by Engadget, the smartphone features CDMA and LTE bands, as well as support for future AWS networks. Rounding things out, the Godiva should offer GSM roaming and NFC support.
From all indications, the Godiva appears to be a member of the Stratosphere family. An SCH-I425 "Godiva" making the rounds recently points to a 1,280x720-pixel display, a 1.4GHz Snapdragon S4 processor with Adreno 305 graphics, and Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.
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.
Motorola X-Phone (February 11, 2013)
The anticipation continues to build for the rumored Google Motorola X-Phone with word that the phone could disrupt the mobile industry. Hugh Bradlow, Chief Technology Officer for Australia's Telstra recently told senior mobile staff at the carrier that the upcoming handset is a "real breakthrough, a game-changer that will put pressure on Samsung and Apple." Details are still light however it is alleged to feature software and capabilities not found on Samsung's Galaxy line. What's more, it reportedly pulls together Google services unlike anything we have seen to date.
It likely won't be called Motorola X-Phone when the project hits prime time, but the project is at least very much real. A job posting on Linked In advertised for an "X-Phone" product manager.
The Motorola X-Phone may borrow heavily from the Droid Razr Maxx HD (pictured).(Credit: CBS Interactive)
Plenty of other rumors swirl around the suspected device, including one that the X-Phone may offer hardware choices that resemble the Droid Razr Maxx HD, suggests a PhoneArena source.
Newly tipped rumors include that it will have up to 128GB of internal storage, a 3,000mAh or larger battery, and a Kevlar body. Expected as the first Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie device, the X-Phone could also boast a 4.8-inch display and a Sony Exmor camera sensor. It's worth noting that most of these new specs line up with last week's speculation of an unbreakable case, extended life battery, and wireless charging.
Archos smartphone trio (February 14, 2013)
Archos may introduce a trio of Android-based handsets this spring, reports French site MiniMachines (translate). Judging by the early details, the threesome could be wallet-friendly models aimed at new smartphone buyers.
On the low end, the Archos Carbon 35 is said to run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and feature a 3.5-inch IPS display. Specifications look to include a single-core ARM 1GHz processo, 512MB RAM, 512MB internal storage with microSD expansion, and a 1,500 mAh battery. Slated for April, the Carbon 35 may include dual-SIM 3G support.
Stepping up a notch, the Archos 52 Titanium is expected to run 4.0 Android Ice Cream Sandwich but offer a larger 5.2-inch 800x480 IPS display. Powered by a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, the handset is reported to feature a modest 512 MB RAM with 4GB internal storage with microSD expansion, a 5-megapixel camera, and 2,200 mAh battery. The 52 Titanium is also rumored with an April release.
The flagship of the three, the Archos 48 Platinum allegedly runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and features a 4.8-inch IPS 1280x800 display. Powered by a quad-core 1.7GHz Mediatek MT6589 processor with a PowerVR GPU, this one will also boast Miracast screen sharing as well as 3G/4G LTE support. We're advised to look for the 48 Platinum in May.
One of three Archos smartphones rumored for spring 2013.(Credit: Stratageme)
HTC Myst (February 5, 2013)
Despite Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's insistence to the contrary, the HTC Myst is reported to be the next take on a Facebook phone. According to Dutch site HTC Inside (translate), the phone will run Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and will feature a 1GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor. Sounding very midrange, the HTC Myst is listed as having a 4.3-inch 720p HD display, 1GB RAM, 16GB internal memory, and a 5-megapixel camera.
Asus could soon debut an "ultra-budget" Intel-powered tablet.(Credit: Droid Life)
HTC M4 (February 6, 2013)
Photos of the rumored HTC M4 surfaced earlier in the week, giving us a look at what may be in store for the midrange experience. As noted by HTC Source, the handset closely resembles an early mockup of the also-rumored HTC M7.
In a related note, Japanese tech blog Blog of Mobile (translate) pairs the same images with an HTC 603e. Expected to launch in China, the specifications mostly line up with previous M4 details.
One key difference would be the camera, which is listed at 5-megapixels. Early rumors tied the phone to a 13-megapixel camera, though a 5-megapixel shooter seems more likely for a midranger.
The midrange HTC M4 somewhat resembles the HTC One X.(Credit: Blog of Mobile)
Other hardware for the M4 may include a 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor, a 4.3-inch 720p display, 16GB internal storage, and 2GB RAM. Powered by Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, the M4 is expected to feature a lighter Sense 5.0 interface.
Asus ME371MG tablet (February 7, 2013)
Asus will reportedly debut an "ultra-budget" 7-inch Android tablet in the second quarter, reports Bulgarian tech site Tablet.bg (translate).
The tablet could have an Intel Atom Z2420 dual-core processor, a microSD expansion slot, 1GB RAM, and a 3-megapixel rear camera. Powered by Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the ME371MG is listed with a 7-inch 1,280x800-pixel IPS screen, 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera, and 4,270 mAh battery. Sales for the Asus tablet could begin in the second quarter, so we might look for an official announcement at Mobile World Congress.
Leaked Qualcomm details confirm Android Key Lime Pie expectations.(Credit: cnet.co.uk)
Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie
Leaked slides from a Qualcomm presentation give credence to rumors and expectations of a spring release for Android's 5.0 Key Lime Pie mobile OS. The name and time frame are not exactly new, though Qualcomm's insistence that the slides be removed is telling. Perhaps the chipmaker's Octa 8-core processor is included in the first handset or tablet?
White Nexus 4 (January 29, 2013)
Images of a white Nexus 4 handset surfaced this week, promptly sending Android geeks into a tizzy. A PhoneArena tipster suggests the Nexus handset will soon see a second color option, though exactly when remains unclear.
The Nexus 4 may soon have a second color option.(Credit: PhoneArena)
Nexus 7 HD (January 28, 2013)
Google is prepping a Nexus 7 refresh for release this spring, or says semi-reliable Digitimes. Little is known about the internals, however the display alleged to be "full HD" with a thinner bezel. Presumably, this means either a 1728x1080 or 1920x1080 pixel resolution. In terms of software, the new Nexus 7 is expected with the latest version of Jelly Bean.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Plus (January 30, 2013)
Samsung may introduce a Galaxy Tab with a 2,560x1,600 pixel resolution as soon as Mobile World Congress, reports Unwired View. Bearing the same display as the Nexus 10 tablet, the so-called Galaxy Tab 3 could also boast a quad-core Exynos processor and 2GB RAM.
The high-end tablet should be part of a larger Galaxy Tab refresh, including new 7-inch and 10-inch variants. Both sizes will be made available in 3G and Wi-Fi iterations, reports SamMobile. Specifications are light at this time. However the so-called "Santos" project device will have a 5-megapixel camera when it ultimately arrives.
HTC G2 (February 1, 2013)
Not to be confused with the another HTC smartphone of the same name, a low-end Android model is also rumored for a spring 2013 release date. Details obtained by Unwired View include a 1GHz processor, a 2.5-inch HVGA display, 512MB RAM, 4GB of internal storage, and 5-megapixel camera. Presumably aimed at first-time smartphone users, the G2 could run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
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.
Sony's "Togari" could offer the largest smartphone display size yet.(Credit: cnmo.com)
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.
Larger than the Huawei Ascend Mate, it is also expected to be faster and more powerful in nearly every aspect. Components are reported to include 3GB RAM, a 2.3GHZ Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 CPU, Adreno 330 GPU, 32GB of internal storage, and 13-megapixel Exmor RS camera. Powered by a 3,500mAh battery, the Togari should also feature a stylus, NFC, LTE, and IR-blaster.
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.
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.
ZTE is expected to jump into the phablet waters with the P945.Amazon Kindle Phone (December 17, 2012)
Allegedly, 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.
Come back next week for more rumors and possible resolutions!
