Samsung Galaxy S6 Release Date, Specs Rumors: 3-Sided Display to Battle iPhone 6

South Korean tech giant Samsung is planning to release next month two new versions of its high-end Galaxy S smartphones, including a model with a display that users can view from three sides, in a bid to narrow the widening sales gap with its chief rival, Apple.

Citing sources with direct knowledge on the matter at Samsung, Bloomberg said one of the newest Samsung Galaxy S6 models may be viewed from the front, left, and right.

The other version, the sources added, with only a front-facing display will be the one to be unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Spain, Bloomberg reported.

"Samsung need a model with new technology to stop the iPhone juggernaut and to distinguish it from others," said Lee Sang Hun, a Seoul-based analyst at HI Investment & Securities Co.

"Although Samsung is continuing to release cheaper models globally to defend its market share, the next S phone is more important because that's where they make money," he added.

The latest iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus captured sales originally pioneered by Galaxy S line-up in global market share with its larger-screen devices, pushing Samsung to use its skills in display and chips to revive earnings.

Apple's global share of the smartphone market rose to 20 percent in the fourth quarter from 18 percent a year prior, CNET reported, citing research firm Strategy Analytics.

Over the same time, Samsung's slice dropped to 20 percent from 30 percent, losing sales for its lower end phones in emerging markets to Chinese vendors such as Xiaomi and Huawei.

Both phones will have a 5.1-inch screens and all-metal bodies, using Samsung's most advanced processor chips, Bloomberg revealed.

Developed under the "Project Zero" codename, the new Galaxy S phones will use metal frames supplied by BYD Electronic International Co, Bloomberg added.

Earlier, Samsung had hinted at a wraparound screen in invitations this month to a March 1 unpacking event in Barcelona ahead of Mobile World Congress, the same event it chose to unveil its Galaxy S5 last year.