We have heard a lot about what Samsung could be planning next for their latest flagship smartphone in recent months, and as we get closer to the release of the Galaxy S3 we have news that the device may be defining.

In recent weeks there have been a number of alleged images for the upcoming device along with rumoured specs that claimed the device may have wireless charging. The images that have emerged have lead many to believe they were just a Galaxy S2 variant according to Phandroid.

So far the design team behind Samsung’s devices have not offered hardware that really stands out from the crowd, but they have sold really well and the company’s vice president for design, Lee Minhyouk, has been talking about Samsung’s future.

Samsung has been accused of copying the Apple iPhone and Minhyouk said he “made thousands of sketches and hundreds of prototype products for the Galaxy”, and added the device “is original from the beginning”. Minhyouk did admit that he had a way to go to match Apple’s Jonathan Ive, but is looking to change this in the future.

He believes that “one day Samsung will make a product that defines our time, and I hope it’s one of mine”. Recently Samsung’s Chief Executive Choi Gee-sung claimed the company decided not to showcase the Galaxy S III at this year’s CES event, as they were worried rivals would copy the design.

This makes you think all those recent images that were leaked are not real, and maybe the Galaxy S III will bring something different to the table. We recently heard the device may be coming as soon as next month, and if that’s the case we won’t have long to wait.

Samsung are taking a leaf out of Apple’s book with regards to showcasing their flagship device at its own event, which makes perfect sense for a product range that is so successful. The Galaxy S II continues to sell really well with most owners loving their handset, and Samsung will obviously be looking to build on that success.

Will you be getting the Galaxy S III this year?