The IFA model poses at the Samsung pavilion before the start of the IFA consumer electronics fair in Berlin. Credit: Reuters/Tobias Schwarz
According to SamMobile, the go-to source for insider information about all things Samsung, the upcoming Galaxy SIV handset is not expected to launch at the Mobile World Conference later
this month -- Samsung is planning a dedicated event in March -- but when it does arrive it will be as both a full-size (5-inch or greater display) and as a mini handset.
The South Korean company recently launched a ‘mini' version of its all-conquering Galaxy SIII smartphone, which boasted a 4-inch, rather than a 4.8-inch display, which has proved popular in Asia and Europe and has helped to prolong the shelf life of the handset between product cycles. However, this time Samsung is planning to launch the ‘maxi' and ‘mini' simultaneously. This could be seen as an attempt to offer the same functionality at different price points to increase market share, or, it could be that Samsung is worried that a smartphone with a 5+inch display may actually limit potential sales. Sam Mobile suggests that the smaller handset may also lack some of the features of its big brother, such as wireless charging, and may have a less powerful processor in order to drive retail prices down further.
However, the big news is that the two devices will be supported by a third device currently codenamed ‘Fortius' which, according to Sam Mobile will be supported by a range of accessories that include an "arm band, a bike mount and a pouch" leading the site to conclude that Fortius will be a smartwatch and one that will mimic much of the functionality currently offered by wearable health and well-being technology products offered by the likes of Jawbone, FitBit or even Nike+.