Samsung's next-generation flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S5, could sport a new exterior featuring a scratch-resistant coating with a diamond-like material.
Samsung is testing a new technology called the "diamond metal surface treatment" that involves diamond material being coated onto the metal case surface of the phone, as per a report by South Korean publication ET News.
The report points out the external design of Galaxy S5 is likely to be changed to a great extent. The process will make the phone's exterior less vulnerable to scratches and deformation.
It adds that Samsung could expose carbon material to high temperature and high pressure turning it into powder or liquid. It could then be coated on the surface of the metal case of the phone. The metal surface could be treated with nano materials or convert it into paint to coat over the surface.
However, it is worth pointing out that the company is expected to launch the Galaxy S5 in the first quarter of 2013. So it is unlikely it will be able to adopt this technology at a mass level so soon.
Another report by Digitimes cites "Taiwan-based chassis makers" to report that Samsung may or may not adopt a metal design for the Galaxy S5 as there's no sign of mass production, and that the South Korean electronics giant is still introspecting on the matter.
Other rumoured features of Samsung Galaxy S5 include iris recognition for security, a QHD (2560x1440p) screen, a 64-bit processor, 5.25-inch touchscreen, 16MP Isocell camera and Android 4.4 operating system.