Samsung may be looking to launch a new Galaxy S5 version sans Android, as the company is reportedly testing the smartphone's hardware with its Tizen OS software.

Tizen is a Linux-based operating system that already powers Samsung Gear smartwatches, and a Samsung Z Tizen-based phone is expected to launch later this year. The Z, however, would launch with mid-range specifications, whereas the Galaxy S5 would allow the company to introduce its Tizen OS on a high-end device.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 has now been spotted with Tizen software instead of Android, as Samsung has apparently shipped some test units to India. Import-export site Zauba mentions a device called "Samsung Galaxy S5 Tizen Test Phone." According to the site, three units of this Tizen-based Galaxy S5 have reached India.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 is currently pegged as one of the best smartphones currently available on the market and it would make a great fit to boost Tizen as an alternative OS. As a reminder, the Galaxy S5 sports a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with 1080p resolution, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor clocked at 2.5GHz or an Exynos 5 Octa 5422 chipset (depending on region), and 2GB of RAM.

The Galaxy S5 comes in 16GB or 32GB internal storage configurations, with microSD card support for additional memory of up to 128GB. Other specs include a 16-megapixel rear camera, a 2-megapixel front shooter, and a 2,800 mAh battery. The smartphone also features a fingerprint reader for extra security and IP67 certification for dust- and water-resistance. On the software side, Android 4.4 KitKat runs the show, with Samsung's own skin on top.

Samsung has made no official announcement regarding plans to launch a Tizen-based Galaxy S5 smartphone, and the handset's appearance on Zauba does not guarantee that it will actually see the light of day. Consequently, it remains to be seen whether a Samsung Galaxy S5 with Tizen OS instead of Android will ever make it to market. We'll keep up to date as soon as we hear more about this device, but take everything with a grain of salt in the meantime.