Following the release of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Samsung fans are now looking forward to the next flagship device slated for next year: the Samsung Galaxy S5.

But now, reports are pointing out that, instead of the Samsung Galaxy S5 releasing in April of 2014, which was the same timeline for the Samsung Galaxy S4, the Korean company's next flagship phone may be coming earlier than expected.

Droid-Life reports that the unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy S5 may come as early as January 2014, with the MWC expo being the February event where it can have a full launch.

This can put Samsung as the one of the earlier flagship phones to release for 2014, which could put it at an advantaged position especially if it is planning to reveal some new technology. But as far as the timelines go, it puts the Samsung Galaxy S4 at an awkward position, as it is barely a year old when the next iteration comes.

However, this may actually be one of the reasons why Samsung has decided to push its flagship device forward, considering the slumped movement and lukewarm reception that the Samsung Galaxy S4 received.

Potential features of the Samsung Galaxy S5

With the rumour mill already churning out possible features and specs for the Samsung Galaxy S5, speculations have been on a high for those who are keeping a close watch. Phone Arena enumerates some of the features, which include the 64-bit Exynos processor, a 16-megapixel back camera with optical image stablisation, and the rumoured fingerprint scanner.

There have also been reports that a Samsung Galaxy S5 Active will be released, considering the attention that Samsung's Active lines have garnered. Given that Samsung is also slated to release a flexible display to combat LG, adding this to the mix of new technology in the Samsung Galaxy S5 can propel it as one of the more innovative smartphones to come out for 2014.

Concept shows metallic make

A new concept design found by Gotta Be Mobile leaps ahead of the Korean company and presents its own render of the Samsung Galaxy S5 device.

Created by Tobias Hornof of Concept-Phones, this design may be the response to all the bashers that have always targeted Samsung's plastic make to be a rather cheap choice for the device. In this render, you can see that the Samsung Galaxy S5 sports a high-quality metallic body.

Samsung Galaxy S5 with other Samsung Devices (CREDIT: http://www.concept-phones.com/)

Aside from this, the bezels have been almost entirely removed, putting an edge-to-edge look that could put it ahead of Apple in the race for bigger screens with a relatively smaller device.

However, what is noticeable is that the concept design follows the old Samsung Galaxy S4 instead of the square-ish look that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and the Samsung Galaxy 10.1 have sported. Though Samsung has not announced that a uniform change in design for all of its devices would occur, the innovative squared off look would fit a sleek metallic design just as well.

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