Samsung

Smartphone buyers who think the Galaxy S3 is too big could see a smaller version launch as early as next week.

An invite sent out by Samsung for an October 11 launch event touts a smaller product on the horizon with the headline "The size may be small" and the subheading "and so small can be big," according to Google Translate. The text from Samsung's German branch is also translated as "that's how big small can be," says TechRadar. However you translate it, Samsung is teasing a big announcement about a small product.

The notable Galaxy phone "S" logo appears in the background of the invitation, clearly indicating that the smaller device will be part of the Galaxy S lineup.

With a screen size of 4.8 inches, the Galaxy S3 seems a likely candidate to get a smaller brother. Such Android phones have spurred huge demand.

But some consumers have complained that their overall size is too large, making it difficult to hold the phone in one hand.

With the iPhone 5, Apple increased the display size to 4 inches from 3.5 inches. So it's unlikely Samsung would go smaller than 4 inches. A 4-inch Galaxy S3 would also pose a challenge to the iPhone 5, especially among users who don't like their smartphones too big.

CNET contacted Samsung for comment and will update the story if we receive any information.