Samsung Galaxy S5 Specs: Company to Produce Device With Metal Body

Samsung is currently searching for suppliers to produce a metal frame and body for its next-generation flagship device, the Galaxy S5.

The company is close to making a final decision on the suppliers of the metal body of "at least one of its high-end smartphone models from the second quarter next year," according to a research note from Barclays analysts that was cited by the Taipei Times.

Catcher is qualified as a supplier for 10 to 30 million units. The note was based on checks in the supply chain.

The media reported last month that Samsung has set up a production line in Gumi, South Korea to manufacture test batches of these metal casings for the next-gen Galaxy. The company is also setting up production in Vietnam.

In order to gear up for its next-gen device, Samsung needs to secure components from multiple sources in order to ensure adequate supply and reduce risks. If the company does end up making a metal smartphone, it will have to split production between its own facilities and external suppliers from both South Korea and abroad.

Samsung's current choice of glossy plastic for the exterior of its flagship devices has been criticized by fans and various smartphone makers. Companies such as HTC have moved onto creating their handsets with metal unibody designs.

Samsung already made a significant change to the Galaxy Note line by using texturized plastic that's gives the appearance of leather. The company could also end up using this design for the Galaxy S5 when it is released next year.

Judging from Samsung's track record, the next-gen device will launch sometime in Q2 2014. The Galaxy S4 was released in the Spring of this year and has been an extremely successful device for the company thus far.