Supermarkets have already started putting out their Christmas chocolates. If that annoys you, just wait until you hear the first rumours of the follow-up to the Samsung Galaxy S3 -- the Samsung Galaxy S4.
The first reports have emerged from Korea that Samsung is planning to unveil the S4 in February 2013.
Sources say the S4 will make its debut at Mobile World Congress, the annual phone-focused trade show in Barcelona.
And the early word on the street is that the S4 will pack a mammoth 5-inch screen, a quad-core Exynos processor and 4G LTE data. Samsung is also reportedly considering whether the S4 will sport a flexible display. Maybe it will have a selection of new colours too.
All very interesting, but I'm sceptical. For a start, the S3 didn't appear at this year's MWC for the same reason Apple's iPhone has never appeared there: the S3 and iPhone on their own are bigger than any trade show. So I'd be surprised if Samsung waded back into the scrum with the S4.
Plus a 5-inch screen is heading into Galaxy Note territory, which is a stretch when the S3 is already plenty big enough.
No doubt the rumours will continue, but if the S4 is as closely guarded as the S3, we won't know for certain for a good while yet.
Previous rumours have suggested we could be treated to a Windows Phone version of the S3. Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 software launches with a range of new phones in November, so by next year's MWC will be in several phones.
A new version of the S3 is expected this year with 4G. The Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE is one of the batch of LTE phones that will work on EE's 4G network, the next-generation data infrastructure from Orange and T-Mobile's parent company Everything Everywhere.
Can Samsung improve on the S3? Are you annoyed another new version is coming out so soon? What would you like to see in the S4? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.
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Comments 28
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anonymous 17 September, 2012 18:13
This is getting ridiculous now, smart phones are becoming way to big.
CaptainPicard 17 September, 2012 18:30
It makes sense. With features like Google Now, S-Voice and even Apples Siri becoming more advanced, instead of getting out my phone to make a call or text or someone or even browse the web. I could just tell me phone to do that.
CaptainPicard 17 September, 2012 18:31
*call or text someone
anonymous 17 September, 2012 18:39
What i would like to see is quad core1.6ghz, 2gb ram and screen 1080p super amoled plus would be amazing. I like big phones so it doesnt bother me but if they can keep the phone very similar size with 5inch screen would be great.
Well hey atleast we know samsung wont just strech it lol
anonymous 17 September, 2012 18:42
Getting ridiculous, my Galaxy S is on a two year contract and has months to run, yet I could, potentially, jump THREE generations. When you have a tablet and a phone with tethering capabaility you don't need an enormous screen!
baeta 17 September, 2012 19:05
And there was I thinking about buying an S3! Might just wait now....
anonymous 17 September, 2012 19:08
I HEAR THE S5 IS COMING OUT A FEW MONTHS AFTER :) THIS REALLY IS GETTING SILLY.
Meleagru 17 September, 2012 19:35
Cnet, I really thought you would have heard about this already http://www.samsung.com/global/ativ/ativ_s.html#features
It's the Windows version of S3, it's not a rumour, it has been confirmed, presented and will be launched in October.
I, for one, am only looking forward to a Nexus phone. Stock Android is the best Android.
anonymous 17 September, 2012 20:08
I think we should all wait for the S5. It should be here in about 16 months and it'll have a 5.3" ultra amoled screen with 4GB ram and a double quad core processor. It's killer feature will be its ability to fly - with smartphones growing at a faster rate than pocket technology can currently cope with, this will allow the S5 to stay with its owner who can control it with S-voice.............
anonymous 17 September, 2012 20:19
@anonymous 20:08 very funny!
anonymous 17 September, 2012 20:21
that's too early. i think they should release it in the middle of the year.
anonymous 17 September, 2012 20:25
@anonymous 20:21 i agree
anonymous 17 September, 2012 21:17
Keep increasing the size until it reaches the size of iPad or should I say Galaxy Tab. I won't be ashamed of taking out my tablet to make a call or take pictures as some people do already.
Ruffus Stone 17 September, 2012 21:18
Quote: "Previous rumours have suggested we could be treated to a Windows Phone version of the S3".
As Meleagru says above, they've already showcased what is effectively the W8 Phone version of the S3.
The unfortunately named Ativ S was shown at IFA Berlin last month.
.
anonymous 17 September, 2012 21:27
I've held off 6 months for a phone. My 30 days notice is up in T minus 2 weeks and having being ripped off time after time I'm not giving orange another penny. Instead of rumours of s4's I was hoping Samsung could kindly give a release date for their s3 LTE. (I realise 4G is only orange EE but 3 will be on the same frequency and will get there well within a 2 year contract). Hell if they could even just release a black s3(dont like the other colours) i'd probably get it so I could get the gorgeous nexus 7.
Sadly it looks like as of monday i'll be reluctantly joining the isheep for 2 years and use 3s one plan to tether with the wifes ipad 3.
I may never forgive myself
anonymous 17 September, 2012 21:43
a high end nokia pure view phone on WP or Android with a 4.3 inch screen would be a killer. Enough of these massive b*st*rd- I dont have massive pockets and do sit down on occasion!!
anonymous 17 September, 2012 23:40
I want a phone not a blummin tablet. That's got the same screen size as the Vita forgoodness sake! IPhone 5 looks so much better. ( I do empathise the word 'look' not 'is')
Li M Anmol 18 September, 2012 02:01
Can any one tell me when, exactly is this new version of s3 comming ????
damien2501 18 September, 2012 07:44
It's also tipped to be made of cheap fisher price plastic
anonymous 18 September, 2012 09:51
From Samsung:
"Please note that some media reported speculation that the Galaxy S ? subsequent models will be released in a simple rumor is not true. ... why spread these rumors?"
anonymous 18 September, 2012 12:50
@damien2501 its also tipped to smash the hell out of anything that apple can thow at it.
Nishant Soni 18 September, 2012 14:38
There r just 3 things, which GALAXY S III dosen't have.
.
.
.
.
.
.Well, A Washing machine, A mini Fridge and a mini Rocket launcher.
gilesdavies 18 September, 2012 22:39
Ohhhh CNET, give it a rest...
If your not speculating on a new iPhone, its a Samsung Galaxy S!
Lets just enjoy the plethora of new phones that are coming out now, instead of speculating for the next 5 months on what the next Galaxy will be like. After that you will move on to speculating abount the iPhone 5S or 6.
anonymous 20 September, 2012 21:40
My S3 still work well. I agree it annoy me. What Samsung should do is bring new upgrade or more enhanced feature via its Android. Hardware capacity is still good.
anonymous 28 September, 2012 22:44
My hands are bigger and bigger
anonymous 31 October, 2012 19:32
Ok... so its going to have a faster processor - this may seem great at first however no games or apps need such a powerful processor to run and the screen size is getting out of hand..
anonymous 15 January, 2013 22:49
Nobody is making you buy a new phone. I still have my GS2 and will stick with it.
anonymous 20 January, 2013 14:25
i wouldnt care if they brought out the s4, s5 s6 s7 every 3 months, it's called progress!! Your call if you dont want to keep up, plus choice of screen size is not a problem, they ring out mini versions for twats! Large screen devies is the way forward bring on the 6.3 galaxy note!!!