The S3 - no MWC appearance for you!

Samsung has confirmed to TechRadar that the Galaxy S3, its much-hyped successor to the S2, won't be appearing at MWC 2012.

The phone was fully expected to launch at the flagship event in Barcelona later this month, but Samsung has stated there will be a separate event to show off the new device:

"Samsung is looking forward to introducing and demonstrating exciting new mobile products at Mobile World Congress 2012.

"The successor to the Galaxy S2 smartphone will be unveiled at a separate Samsung-hosted event in the first half of the year, closer to commercial availability of the product.

"Samsung stays committed to providing the best possible mobile experiences for customers around the world."

Mano a mano

It's not good news for Android fans, as the Galaxy S3 was expected to pick up where the S2 left off but with a faster processor, larger screen and a wealth of next-gen content.

The fact Samsung is looking to launch the phone 'closer to commercial release' hints at either a delay in manufacturing the S3, or a strategic decision to rival the iPhone 5 which is rumoured to be launching in July.

Either way, it's a disappointment - and more petrifying is the thought of Samsung and Apple going head to head in the hype-wars later this year...