Another CGI rendering of iPhone 5. I definitely expect Liquidmetal acquisition to be reflected in new iPhone. Current unofficial estimates point to late August or September release. In the meantime, Samsung Galaxy III and new Nokia Lumia are offering stiff competition.



THE iPhone 5 is set to trump Samsung's latest version of its most popular smartphone, if speculation about the new Apple phone is correct.

While not released or endorsed by Apple, this artist's impression is based on rumored changes to the current model iPhone 4S, including a dazzling 10.1cm screen (up from 8.8cm) and a body 20 per cent more slender.

Independent tech website iLounge, which has a track record of publishing reliable information about upcoming product launches, has said it is due out in the Australian spring. .

The iPhone 5, which is said to be thinner and longer than its predecessor could well be the gadget of 2012.

Samsung had hoped to steal Apple's thunder following the release earlier this month of its Galaxy S III.

Its predecessor, the Galaxy S II, was the world's second-most popular smartphone behind the iPhone.

The Galaxy S III has a lot going for it.

Like the iPhone 4S, which has Siri, it has voice recognition technology which allows its owner to tell it to do such things as answer or reject an incoming call, change the volume settings, and even take a photo.

The Galaxy S III also has features including Smart Stay which tracks eye movement to keep the screen on whenever you are looking at it.

Another feature, Direct Call automatically dials the number on the screen when you lift it to your ear - even mid text should typing become tiresome, while Photo Share uses facial recognition to instantly tag people who are a match for profile pictures in your contacts.

However, the iPhone 5 will have the advantage of Apple's integrated experience across devices.

iLounge said the iPhone 5 will also feature a new metal back and a smaller connecting dock that will eventually be introduced for all of Apple's new mobile devices.

The phone's casing is also likely to be made at least partially from Apple's tougher Gorilla Glass 2. The extra screen size is expected to extend the handset's length by 1cm, making it 12.5cm in total.

It could be made from a futuristic material known as Liquidmetal alloy.

Apple spent $30 million in 2010 acquiring the rights to use Liquidmetal, which is said to be stronger than titanium but as easy to process as plastic.

iPhone 5 looks better than Samsung Galaxy S III | Adelaide Now