Following the launch of the LG G4 just a few days ago, new rumors have surfaced online regarding the pricing of the flagship phone, which could disappoint smartphone enthusiasts looking for an affordable device. According to fresh reports, the LG G4 will be priced somewhere between the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, thanks to its "vegetable-tanned" leather back, which is not only more expensive than normal rear covers, but also takes 10 times longer to be produced.

LG G4 comes with eight different leather backings, as well as two polymer (plastic) ones, including one ceramic-coated back, all of which are interchangeable. The leather is real cowhide that's "vegetable aged" with banana peels and other organics, and is "the same leather used in the premium brand handbags sold on Fifth Avenue," claims LG.

According to LG, creating the hand-made leather-backed models takes 12-weeks, which is more than 10 times longer than the 4 days required to make a normal rear cover. But the time consuming process and high quality cow leather required to make the leather cover for the LG G4 means that the device will be sold at a premium and could be out of reach for many people.

LG will be targeting the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge in terms of pricing, as the company sees the vegetable-tanned leather back as a luxury offering and believes that consumers will not mind paying a premium for it. According to fresh reports, the LG G4 could be priced at $825, as against the Galaxy S6 that is available for $795 and the Galaxy S6 Edge that sells for $910.

The LG G4 was unveiled on April 28, though the company has not yet confirmed the pricing or release dates for any country, including South Korea.