Samsung Galaxy Mega range of tablet/smartphone hybrids rumored

Rumor: Samsung to launch Galaxy Note spin-off range named the Galaxy Mega

By Andy Boxall April 2, 2013

Samsung_Galaxy_S4_2510177k — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Check out our review of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 tablet.

According to the latest rumor from mobile gossip site SamMobile, Samsung is planning to launch a series of new big-screen devices which don’t fit into its high-end Galaxy Note family, and will instead create a new range called the Galaxy Mega. Apparently, there are two models planned at this stage, one with a 5.8-inch screen and the other with a huge 6.3-inch display. The blog cites two model numbers for the devices: the GT-i9152 and the GT-i9200 respectively.

Samsung has traditionally used the GT-i model number for its high-spec Galaxy phones – the GT-i9500 Galaxy S4 and the GT-i9080 Galaxy Grand for example – while Note devices have a GT-N model number, such as the GT-N5100 on the new Galaxy Note 8.0 tablet. One can speculate that although they’ll share the same big-screen form factor, the Mega devices won’t be carrying the S-Pen stylus that differentiates Note hardware from other tablet/smartphone hybrids.

The number two at the end of the i9152 model number supposedly given to the 5.8-inch Galaxy Mega, should denote it has a dual-SIM configuration, so the standard model will probably end up being the i9150. A device with this model number popped up in a series of benchmark results earlier this year, and it used Android 4.1.2 and the screen – of unknown size – had a fairly ordinary 960 x 540 pixel resolution. Not bad when the display measures around 4-inches, but not great when it’s supposed to be 5.8-inches.

Variations on the i9200 model number have been used already – the Galaxy S2 LTE is known as the i9210 in some regions – however in March, it did appear on a Samsung support page listed under Mobile Devices/Tablets, along with a possible variant under the model number i9208. As for the Galaxy Mega name, we’re not convinced it’ll make it through to production, as it’s a bit too generic even for Samsung. It is however, better than the Fonblet codename previously associated with the 6.3-inch GT-i9200.

It’s all speculation at the moment, but there is at least evidence the model numbers exist, and we also know Samsung is a fan of covering all the bases when it comes to screen sizes. Plus, the Galaxy Grand already offers big screen fun at a competitive price, so a set of even larger tablet/smartphone hybrids isn’t all that difficult to believe. Additionally, should other rumors prove to be correct, the Galaxy Note 3 will be getting an increase in screen size to 5.9-inches this September, showing Samsung isn’t worried about, “going large.” As for the release of the Mega range, they’re both rumored to arrive in late May or early June; but for now, they remain distinctly unofficial.

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