Galaxy Note 3 rumored to share same body as Galaxy S4

Samsung fans may still be elated by the news an unlocked version of the Galaxy S4 would be sold by Google in the U.S. in June, but those still waiting out a new and improved Galaxy Note 3 may want to have a seat.

While rumors of a major redesign for the phablet have run the gamut to include flexible displays and a full metal chassis, it looks like Samsung is going to continue along the beaten path with its next iteration of the Note.

According to sources speaking with SamMobile, the Korean manufacturer will be once again following the design aesthetic of the Galaxy S3/S4, and will release the Galaxy Note 3 in a similar polycarbonate case.

Though the look of the follow-up phablet may disappoint some Samsung users, the innards of the device still sound quite impressive.

Demanding audience

The decision to use the same style of casing on the Note 3 was reportedly made because Samsung is concerned it won't be able to satisfy demand for a metal-cased version.

Rather than delay the production of the Note 3 to accommodate an increased availability for a metal design, Samsung is believed to be moving ahead with the device in its plastic case, which will continue to keep the Galaxy phone line uniform in look.

Initially it was believed Samsung might switch to metal based on the positive response to the rival HTC One, but since Samsung is already responsible for the vast majority of Android sales, the company clearly feels it can turn out a profit with a case of diminished quality.

Fortunately, all of the specs rumored for the Note 3 appear to still be fine, regardless of the flip-flopping Samsung has done on the outer shell.

The same sources indicated the Galaxy Note 3 will feature a 5.99-inch AMOLED HD screen, and is still planned to include the octa-core design, which features a quad-core 1.9GHz Cortex A15 and a quad-core 1.6GHz Cortex A7 processor.

There will also be a 13MP rear camera, and the Note 3 will supposedly use Android 4.3, rather than Android 5.0 as originally believed.

Though it's possible Samsung still could be moving ahead with a metal Note 3, consumers have shown performance matters more than design, which could be all the reason it needs to keep the Note 3 in shiny, happy plastic.