Over the past few months, many images claiming to be the much awaited Samsung GALAXY S III have appeared, with each one being shot down due to a lack of visual consistency.
However, yesterday on reddit, a picture emerged that has received a generally positive response from the community, which appears to be a leak from UK-based PR firm, Weber Shandwick.
Visually, the device feels spot-on, the screen comes closer to the phone's edge and the side-profile indicates a significant size-reduction by around one third in comparison to the S II. The screen appears to be 16:9 and, given the five icons lining the bottom row, likely features a 720p resolution.
We're not too convinced by the new metallic-style border as this isn't 'typical' Samsung, however if the device is as thin as it appears, it'll be difficult to judge how this affects the overall look and feel from this image alone. Notably, it appears as though a much more significant microphone grill has been integrated into the new finish, which, given that call quality was one of the weak areas of the S II, seems like a positive move. We do hold out some reservations, to the existence of a Home button, as Android 4.0 has attempted to do away with fixed buttons, however, if the space was required for a battery or other components, Samsung may as well place a button there, no doubt it'll be an important comfort-point for any Apple users that the firm may hope to snatch.
Most importantly, however, the image gives away a potential release date for the new device, May 22nd 6pm, GALAXY S III Unpacked Event, with the device's weather forecast indicating London as the location. Tough much later than the expected April release window, with any luck Samsung will have the device ready to hit the shelves as soon as its announcement is made.
This is all well and good, however, can this image truly be believed? If you think so, what do you think of Samsung's new high-end Smartphone?
