Samsung Galaxy S5 :-
Once a year, Samsung takes some of its best material and slaps
it together into a premium flagship model called the Galaxy S. While 2014's
version -- the S5 -- came a bit earlier in the year than some earlier
iterations, we're no less excited to see it become the star of the show at
Mobile World Congress. The new device will ship in April (on stage, Samsung
specifically mentioned that it launches on April 11th in 150 markets), although
exact pricing and availability are still unknown. It features a refreshed
design language, yet anyone who has used a GS phone recently will immediately
recognize it as a Samsung flagship.
Despite its familiar design, the GS5 has a few new useful
hardware features, including a fingerprint scanner, heart rate sensor, and a
toned-down TouchWiz UI on top of Android 4.4 KitKat. Perhaps the biggest
surprise of all, however, was that Samsung didn't overload its prized new
smartphone with a heaping dose of new S-branded features. This is a marked
departure from the company's previous
strategy of cramming
in every software feature under the sun, which leads us to wonder if this is
related to Samsung's recent agreement to dial back the customization it does on
Android devices.
Samsung Galaxy S5 – Design
It's more conspicuously plastic than the Galaxy S4 too. There's no fake
metal finish on the back this time - just the silvery sides - and the back has
a texture of little dimples to give it a bit of extra grip, and a different look
from the previous Galaxy S phones. Samsung calls it "modern and
refreshing", and it comes in four shades – blue, gold, white and black.
Don't buy the gold version, it looks horrible.
This is no great departure, though. The shape is
similar, the weight is similar and it's just a little thicker at 8.1mm thick.
It is a bit longer, though, which is likely down to all the extra tech Samsung
has crammed in. Unlike some of this year's top phones, the soft keys and clicky
select button remain, which won't have helped.
However, the central
select button houses one of the Galaxy S5's most intriguing features - a
fingerprint sensor. It's in a similar position to the iPhone
5S's Touch ID sensor, but the tech it uses is a
little different.
Where the Touch ID sensor simply requires you to
place a finger on it, the Galaxy S5's button sensor needs a swipe. It feels a
little more awkward, but the front positioning is much better than the rear
sensor of the HTC
One Max. As well as unlocking the
phone, the fingerprint sensor can be used to authenticate online transactions,
like PayPal. A little scary? Yes. Handy? Absolutely.
The fingerprint sensor is just one of a number
of hardware features you might not appreciate from simply looking at the phone.
Water resistance and dust-proofing is the other biggie. The Galaxy S5's plastic
back and the USB port on the bottom are rubber sealed, letting you dunk the
phone in water without risking breaking the thing
The Samsung Galaxy S5 is
certified to the IP67 standard, meaning it can be submerged in water and is
completely dust-proof. As ever with mobile phone water-resistance, this relies
on the seals being in place. And Samsung does not recommend submerging it.
The one sealed port is the USB port on the
bottom, and its flap is much larger than you might expect. It's a USB 3.0 port,
not the usual microUSB type. It offers faster data transfer, and faster
charging when used with a computer's USB 3.0 socket. However, it's also a good
deal bigger than normal microUSB. You can use regular microUSB cables in the
socket, though, so there's no real convenience issue. It just looks a bit
weird.
This is not the first time we've seen a microUSB
3.0 socket on a Samsung mobile device, either. It is also used in the Galaxy
Note 3 and the Galaxy
Note Pro 12.2. No other major manufacturers have cottoned on to this, though –
we imagine it's because they think few people would care. They may have a
point.
There's one more standout hardware addition on
the Galaxy S5, and it's the least 'everyday' of the lot. The rear of the phone
has a heart rate sensor, which can monitor your heart rate when you place a
finger on the back of the phone.
It's only really of use
within the pre-installed fitness app at the moment, though, and it's nowhere
near as convenient as the sensor on a smartwatch like the Samsung Gear 2. I
can't imagine many runners trotting around with their fingers glued to the
phone's back.
The heart rate sensor lives next to the LED
flash, in the little group of odd-looking techy bits and bobs below the camera.
Samsung Galaxy S5 – Screen
As with just about every OLED-type screen,
contrast and black level are excellent. Samsung says it has dramatically
increased how dim the screen can go too. It's the first time we've seen a
company boast about such a thing, but it will come in handy if you like to
watch a spot of iPlayer before bed, or check your emails at all times of the
day - OCD-style.
Side-by-side with the
Galaxy S4, maximum brightness of the Galaxy S5 seemed a smidge higher but this
is something we'll look into in more detail when we get the phone in to review.
Samsung also claims it has significantly improved the screen's colour gamut,
which should result in a further lessening of the over-saturation commonly
associated with OLED screens.
To my eyes, the screen looked pretty great, but
we'll be examining the screen much closer soon.
Samsung Galaxy S5 – Software
The icons are a bit simpler, and a bit cleaner.
The interface still isn't the prettiest around, but it's a solid improvement.
Samsung's interface is starting to look less cluttered, less busy. I think the
Google Experience interface of the Nexus 5 tops it on the clean
and clear front – and iOS 7 is a bit better than both. But Samsung is moving in
the right direction.
As usual with a Samsung
phone, the Galaxy S5 is loaded with a few extra apps. Key ones include S Health
3.0 – which we've already mentioned – and Knox (missing on our demo model, but
apparently it'll come included). This is a security suite. But it's more
concerned with connecting to company networks, not keeping your most secret
secrets safe from members of your family.
Kids Mode is a new addition that is family
oriented. It offers a special area in the phone that's kid-friendly and you can
choose what goes into it. Here's kid mode -
General performance seemed
good, but Samsung has not confirmed the final details of the exact CPUs
involved although the ones we get in the UK will almost certainly have a
Qualcomm Snapdragon processor combined with 2GB RAM.
Samsung Galaxy S5 – Camera
However, the most technologically interesting
improvement is one that is in danger of being overlooked –the autofocus. Most
phones use a basic contrast detect focusing system. This uses high-contrast
areas in an image to judge when a photo is in focus, but is pretty ropey when
you try to focus on an area of block colour. And it's generally not that fast.
The Samsung Galaxy S5 doesn't use simple
contrast detect autofocus, though. It has a hybrid system that uses a mix of
contrast detection and phase detection. The latter is what is used by SLRs, and
some compact system cameras. Phase detection enables the phone to reach its
0.3-second focusing times – although this naturally doesn't apply in tricky
lighting conditions. However, in good lighting focusing speeds are seriously
impressive.
To go with the super-fast autofocus, the Galaxy
S5 has a redesigned HDR mode, with a new emphasis on speed. From what Samsung
said, it appears that the HDR may create its shot from a single exposure rather
than multiple ones – making it even more software-based, but easier and
quicker.
An extra mode that's new is selective focus, and
this one is built-in. This lets you defocus the foreground of background,
artificially creating a shallow depth of field effect. It works to an extent,
but seems to work by simply using a software algorithm to separate near and far
objects, rather than something cleverer.
Samsung Galaxy S5 – Battery Life
Samsung claims the phone will last for 12 hours
of looped video, where the Galaxy S4 lasts for up to 11 hours. It's not a
game-changing improvement.
What is likely to be more of a bonus in
day-to-day life is the new Ultra Power Saving Mode. This is an intensive
low-power most that cuts out almost all phone functions but the basics like
calls and texts. Samsung says it'll last for up to a day with just 10 per cent
of battery left – if only in standby.
Samsung Galaxy S5 – Connectivity
This is a 4G phone, naturally, has Wi-Fi ac
support and a MIMO antenna array for better signal. It can also download from
Wi-Fi and the 4G connection at the same time, for super-fast downloading
Price
cost around $650 and ₹40,274-49,990 approximately.
It's more conspicuously plastic than the Galaxy S4 too. There's no fake metal finish on the back this time - just the silvery sides - and the back has a texture of little dimples to give it a bit of extra grip, and a different look from the previous Galaxy S phones. Samsung calls it "modern and refreshing", and it comes in four shades – blue, gold, white and black. Don't buy the gold version, it looks horrible.
This is no great departure, though. The shape is similar, the weight is similar and it's just a little thicker at 8.1mm thick. It is a bit longer, though, which is likely down to all the extra tech Samsung has crammed in. Unlike some of this year's top phones, the soft keys and clicky select button remain, which won't have helped.
However, the central
select button houses one of the Galaxy S5's most intriguing features - a
fingerprint sensor. It's in a similar position to the iPhone
5S's Touch ID sensor, but the tech it uses is a
little different.
Where the Touch ID sensor simply requires you to place a finger on it, the Galaxy S5's button sensor needs a swipe. It feels a little more awkward, but the front positioning is much better than the rear sensor of the HTC One Max. As well as unlocking the phone, the fingerprint sensor can be used to authenticate online transactions, like PayPal. A little scary? Yes. Handy? Absolutely.
The fingerprint sensor is just one of a number of hardware features you might not appreciate from simply looking at the phone. Water resistance and dust-proofing is the other biggie. The Galaxy S5's plastic back and the USB port on the bottom are rubber sealed, letting you dunk the phone in water without risking breaking the thing
The Samsung Galaxy S5 is
certified to the IP67 standard, meaning it can be submerged in water and is
completely dust-proof. As ever with mobile phone water-resistance, this relies
on the seals being in place. And Samsung does not recommend submerging it.
The one sealed port is the USB port on the bottom, and its flap is much larger than you might expect. It's a USB 3.0 port, not the usual microUSB type. It offers faster data transfer, and faster charging when used with a computer's USB 3.0 socket. However, it's also a good deal bigger than normal microUSB. You can use regular microUSB cables in the socket, though, so there's no real convenience issue. It just looks a bit weird.
This is not the first time we've seen a microUSB 3.0 socket on a Samsung mobile device, either. It is also used in the Galaxy Note 3 and the Galaxy Note Pro 12.2. No other major manufacturers have cottoned on to this, though – we imagine it's because they think few people would care. They may have a point.
There's one more standout hardware addition on the Galaxy S5, and it's the least 'everyday' of the lot. The rear of the phone has a heart rate sensor, which can monitor your heart rate when you place a finger on the back of the phone.
As with just about every OLED-type screen, contrast and black level are excellent. Samsung says it has dramatically increased how dim the screen can go too. It's the first time we've seen a company boast about such a thing, but it will come in handy if you like to watch a spot of iPlayer before bed, or check your emails at all times of the day - OCD-style.
To my eyes, the screen looked pretty great, but we'll be examining the screen much closer soon.
The icons are a bit simpler, and a bit cleaner. The interface still isn't the prettiest around, but it's a solid improvement. Samsung's interface is starting to look less cluttered, less busy. I think the Google Experience interface of the Nexus 5 tops it on the clean and clear front – and iOS 7 is a bit better than both. But Samsung is moving in the right direction.
As usual with a Samsung
phone, the Galaxy S5 is loaded with a few extra apps. Key ones include S Health
3.0 – which we've already mentioned – and Knox (missing on our demo model, but
apparently it'll come included). This is a security suite. But it's more
concerned with connecting to company networks, not keeping your most secret
secrets safe from members of your family.
The
Samsung Galaxy S5 offers several camera tech improvements over the Galaxy S4.
It has a higher-resolution 16-megapixel sensor, some new modes and a reworked
HDR mode.
To go with the super-fast autofocus, the Galaxy S5 has a redesigned HDR mode, with a new emphasis on speed. From what Samsung said, it appears that the HDR may create its shot from a single exposure rather than multiple ones – making it even more software-based, but easier and quicker.
An extra mode that's new is selective focus, and this one is built-in. This lets you defocus the foreground of background, artificially creating a shallow depth of field effect. It works to an extent, but seems to work by simply using a software algorithm to separate near and far objects, rather than something cleverer.
Like
previous S-series phones, you get pretty easy access to the Samsung Galaxy S5's
battery. The back pops off, and the battery is there for the taking. It's a
2,800mAh battery, up from 2,600mAh in the Galaxy S4.
Samsung claims the phone will last for 12 hours of looped video, where the Galaxy S4 lasts for up to 11 hours. It's not a game-changing improvement.
What is likely to be more of a bonus in day-to-day life is the new Ultra Power Saving Mode. This is an intensive low-power most that cuts out almost all phone functions but the basics like calls and texts. Samsung says it'll last for up to a day with just 10 per cent of battery left – if only in standby.
Wireless
connections are not the most interesting elements of a phone, but the Samsung
Galaxy S5 has a few bits worth mentioning – don't switch off just yet.
This is a 4G phone, naturally, has Wi-Fi ac
support and a MIMO antenna array for better signal. It can also download from
Wi-Fi and the 4G connection at the same time, for super-fast downloading
Price
cost around $650 and ₹40,274-49,990 approximately.Samsung Galaxy S5 detailed specifications
| General | |
| Release date | February 2014 |
| Form factor | Touchscreen |
| Dimensions (mm) | 142.00 x 72.50 x 8.10 |
| Weight (g) | 145.00 |
| Battery capacity (mAh) | 2800 |
| Removable battery | Yes |
| SAR value | NA |
| Display | |
| Screen size (inches) | 5.10 |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Touchscreen type | Capacitive |
| Resolution | 1080x1920 pixels |
| Colours | 16M |
| Hardware | |
| Processor | 2.5GHz quad-core |
| Processor make | Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 |
| RAM | 2GB |
| Internal storage | 16GB |
| Expandable storage | Yes |
| Expandable storage type | microSD |
| Expandable storage up to (GB) | 64 |
| Camera | |
| Rear camera | 16-megapixel |
| Flash | Yes |
| Front camera | 2.1-megapixel |
| Software | |
| Operating System | Android 4.4.2 |
| Java support | Yes |
| Browser supports Flash | No |
| Connectivity | |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Wi-Fi standards supported | 802.11 a/ b/ g/ n/ ac |
| GPS | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v 4.00 |
| NFC | Yes |
| Infrared | Yes |
| DLNA | No |
| Wi-Fi Direct | No |
| MHL Out | No |
| HDMI | No |
| Headphones | 3.5mm |
| FM | No |
| USB | Micro-USB |
| Charging via Micro-USB | Yes |
| Proprietary charging connector | No |
| Proprietary data connector | No |
| Number of SIMs | 1 |
| SIM Type | Nano-SIM |
| GSM/ CDMA | GSM |
| 2G frequencies supported | GSM 850/ 900/ 1800/ 1900 |
| 3G | Yes |
| 3G frequencies supported | 900, 2100 |
| Sensors | |
| Compass/ Magnetometer | Yes |
| Proximity sensor | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes |
| Ambient light sensor | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes |
| Barometer | Yes |
| Temperature sensor | Yes |
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