The Galaxy S5’s back panel was made out of cheap plastic fashioned to look like a Band-Aid. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

Wave goodbye to your removable batteries, Galaxy S fans, because it looks like Samsung could be ditching them for this year’s flagship. Sources say that the upcoming Galaxy S6 will have a high-end glass back panel similar to that of earlier iPhones or Sony’s Xperia Z devices, and you won’t be able to pull it off yourself.

Say goodbye to the swipe. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

Samsung’s fingerprint scanners could be some of the worst available in today’s mobile devices; they’re so unreliable that most people don’t even bother with them. But sources familiar with the company’s plans say it is working to change that for the upcoming Galaxy S6.

How? By copying Apple, of course.

Is the Mi Note Xiaomi’s prettiest smartphone yet? Photo: Xiaomi

Xiaomi’s more affordable answer to the iPhone 6 Plus is here, and if you’re shopping for a flagship phablet, you should be interested. Not only is it incredibly attractive, it’s also thinner than Apple’s offering, and it’s packing some impressive specifications. It also starts at just $370.

Sony’s Xperia business could be sold off. Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Android.

Sony may have begun its recovery following a massive cyberattack, but its bad luck isn’t going to stop there. The Japanese company continues to endure heavy losses thanks to the decline of key divisions, and sources say it is considering the sale of its smartphone business as CEO Kazuo Hirai tries desperately to turn things around.

Samsung’s next Galaxy is close. Photo: Samsung

Samsung’s next-generation Galaxy S6 may be about a month away from its official unveiling, but the South Korean company is already showing it off at CES 2015 in Las Vegas, it has confirmed. Don’t expect to see any early glimpses of the handset, however, because only “select partners” get to look at it.