Analyst predicts 2 Samsung Galaxy S5 models with varying specs

New claims from an analyst say the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S5 will come in two different models, both using plastic casing and a fingerprint scanner.

The claims come from a note to investors from KGI Research analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In the note Kuo says Samsung will release two Galaxy S5 models, a Standard model and a Prime model. The two phones will have many similar specs, but will have two key differences: their processors and RAM.

According to Kuo, the Standard Galaxy S5 will use either a quad-core Qualcomm MSM 8974AC (otherwise known as a model of the Snapdragon 800) or the eight-core Samsung Exynos 5422. The Standard will likely have 2GB of RAM. The Galaxy S5 Prime, however, will use the upgraded eight-core Samsung Exynos 5430 processor with 3GB of RAM according to the note.

Every processor Kuo mentions is a 32-bit processor, potentially ruling out the chance of a 64-bit chip in Samsung’s next phone. Notably, the iPhone 5s has a 64-bit chip, though the benefits of the chip aren’t immediately recognizable to most users beyond it’s speed.

Both models of the phone will have a 5.2-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440 pixels) display, a 2MP front-facing camera, 16MP rear-facing camera, 3D gesture support, and the aforementioned fingerprint scanner. The specs fall in line with previous rumors of Samsung’s next flagship phone, which could mean the phone is just about ready for release in the coming months.

For now it seems Galaxy fans will have to be happy with Samsung bringing a fingerprint scanner to its next flagship for added security. With Apple incorporating Touch ID in the iPhone 5S and even smaller rivals like HTCputting fingerprint scanners in phones like the HTC One max, Samsung really can’t avoid adding the feature. Hopefully the company copies Apple and puts the scanner in an easy to access location.

With any luck the feature will be at least as reliable as it is on the iPhone 5s. Anyone who has used the Apple’s flagship for an extended period of time will know Touch ID isn’t exactly reliable, as it routinely stops recognizing fingerprints for many users.

The big question regarding Kuo’s prediction, though, is how will Samsung price the two models? Will it follow Apple’s example of putting on at $100 on contract, and one at $200 on contract? Or will it keep the Standard model at a premium price and charge extra for the Prime model?