The Samsung Galaxy S3 is one of the most eagerly anticipated gadgets of the year, assuming it launches on 3 May in accordance with a media invite the company sent out earlier. Incidentally, new speculation suggests Samsung could have simultaneous launch events in New York City, Seoul and Dubai, apart from the planned event in London.

Check out the list of top ten reasons why you should ditch your old smartphone and get the Galaxy S3...

Eye-Tracking Technology:

One of the more fascinating features of the next-gen smartphone is the eye-tracking functionality of the front-facing camera. There are already a few novelty security features like the fingerprint reader, retina scanners and similar biometric applications floating around. This new technology adds another dimension to the hands-free world.

The technology borrows, partially, the concept of retina scanners, which are capable of tracking eye movement by scanning that of the retina. The revolutionary function the Galaxy S3 could offer is the ability to perceive the point of the user's gaze and act accordingly.

In other words, this feature should allow users to unlock the screen by allowing the front-facing camera to monitor eye movement. Therefore, nobody apart from the authorised user will be able to use your phone.

Near Field Communication (NFC)

Although it is not yet known, it is probable the device will feature advanced features like Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.

This feature, if present, should allow users to pay for goods and services by simply swiping the phone against an NFC reader, initiating wireless financial transactions. The technology also allows users to share files and contact details by simply tapping devices against each other. Finally, the technology has the ability to store and retrieve information through NFC tags found on posters by simply holding the handset up to the tag.

Battle of Quad-Core Processors

The iPhone 5 has hogged much of the limelight with rumours of an A6 quad-core processor. The S3, however, should not be too far behind, with its quad-core Exynos-based chipset, as confirmed by official sources.

It is understood then that the S3 will feature the new 1.4GHz Exynos quad-core processor, designed using the 32nm High-k Metal Gate (HKMG) low-power process technology. It is based on the ARM Cortex A9 chipset and has been rated to deliver twice the processing capability of the 45nm process-based Exynos 4 dual-core chip while consuming 20 percent less power.

The Exynos 4 Quad is said to be ideal for graphics and processor-intensive applications such as 3D games, video editing and calculation-intensive simulation.

4G Connectivity

Rumours suggest the S3 will have 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) capabilities and, if everything works out, US carrier Verizon could be the official network carrier.

Multiple Models

Apparently Samsung is set to launch two models - colour and onboard storage - of the S3. According to BGR reports, the colour options are expected to be a two-tone blue and black and an Apple-like white. The source also said there would be two choices for onboard storage - 32/64GB. This means there will be four models, to choose from, in all.

Ceramic Case

According to some reports, the smartphone could feature a ceramic and brushed metal case, in an effort to mark a stylistic and aesthetic difference from the Apple iPhone. However, we should add this is still an unconfirmed report and is based on unverifiable leaks from across the Internet.

Home Button

The S3 is expected to feature a physical "Home" button, something various reports, including one on BGR, have commented on; apparently the information comes from well-placed sources within Samsung.

In addition, according to the Korea Times, the onscreen navigation buttons that debuted with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) will be replaced by a five-column User Interface (UI) layout.

Official Olympics Phone?

It is believed the Galaxy S3 will be marketed as the official phone of the 2012 London Olympic Games, in accordance with the Korean smartphone giant's status as a key sponsor/event partner. According to the latest report by the Telegraph, Samsung and Visa confirmed in April last year they would launch an Olympics mobile phone - this could be it. However, Samsung has decided to keep silent on this count and refused to reveal any more information.

Bendable HD Display

BGR had earlier reported the Galaxy S3 would have a 4.8-inch Super AMOLED Plus touch screen with a 1080p resolution display at 319ppi (pixels per inch). Other rumours suggested a 4.7-inch Super AMOLED HD panel and Non-PenTile Display.

However, industry reports suggest the resolution and higher pixel density meant the S3 could outclass the iPhone 4S' Retina Display (326 ppi). Meanwhile, contrary to earlier rumours, the smartphone will not feature 3d technology could have the Gorilla Glass feature. Finally, there is also speculation the S3 could have a YOUM phone design, made of a bendable AMOLED screen. The YOUM design is not made of glass but of film-like sheets and TFT layers, which are expected to bend and flex as needed.

Eight Megapixel Camera

Contrary to earlier rumours, the next-gen Galaxy smartphone is likely to port an eight megapixel rear-facing camera and a two megapixel front-facing camera.

MUST READ: Samsung Galaxy S3 Release Roundup: Confirmed Features, New Leaked Images and Video

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