Samsung Galaxy S5 The Ultimate Guide to Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy S5 was crafted with a focus on functionality and durability. It features dimensions of 142 x 72.5 x 8.1 mm and a weight of 145 grams, making it relatively lightweight and comfortable to hold. The front of the phone is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, while the back and frame are made from plastic. This design choice aimed to balance durability, weight, and cost-efficiency. The device was released in a variety of colors, including Charcoal Black, Copper Gold, Electric Blue, and Shimmery White, appealing to a broad range of style preferences.

Display

The Galaxy S5 is equipped with a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display, which offers vibrant colors and deep contrasts. The resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels with a 16:9 ratio results in an impressive pixel density of approximately 432 pixels per inch. This high-resolution display made it suitable for multimedia consumption, gaming, and daily use. Additionally, the use of Gorilla Glass 3 contributed to the screen's durability, protecting it from scratches and minor impacts.

Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy S5 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801 chipset, featuring a quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 CPU and Adreno 330 GPU. This hardware configuration delivered smooth performance for its time, providing efficient multitasking, fast application launches, and decent gaming performance. The device was originally shipped with Android 4.4.2 KitKat and was upgradable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, coupled with Samsung's TouchWiz UI, offering a user-friendly experience with various customization options.

Storage and Memory

The Samsung Galaxy S5 came with 2GB of RAM, which was adequate for handling everyday tasks efficiently. In terms of storage, it offered two variants: 16GB and 32GB. For users needing additional storage, the device included a dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing expansion and providing ample space for apps, photos, and multimedia files.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera of the Galaxy S5 featured a 16 MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. It supported phase detection autofocus (PDAF), LED flash, and various modes such as panorama and HDR. The camera was capable of capturing 4K video at 30fps, as well as 1080p at 60fps and 720p at 120fps for slow-motion videos. The front-facing camera, primarily for selfies and video calls, was a 2 MP unit with an f/2.4 aperture, capable of 1080p video recording. Dual video call functionality allowed simultaneous front and rear image capture during calls.

Battery Life

The device housed a removable Li-Ion 2800 mAh battery, which provided sufficient power for a day of moderate use. Standby time was up to 390 hours, talk time reached up to 21 hours, and music playtime was around 67 hours. The Galaxy S5 supported wireless charging (Qi/PMA) depending on market availability, a convenient feature for users who preferred cable-free charging.

Network and Connectivity

The Galaxy S5 supported a variety of network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, allowing for robust cellular connectivity. It supported numerous LTE bands, which ensured wide compatibility with different carriers worldwide. Connectivity features included Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, an infrared port for remote control functionality, and microUSB 3.0 with MHL TV-out and OTG support.

Additional Features

The Galaxy S5 came equipped with a range of sensors, such as a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, gesture sensor, and heart rate monitor. These sensors enhanced the overall user experience, with features like secure unlocking, fitness tracking, and navigation. The device lacked a built-in radio, but it maintained a 3.5mm headphone jack for traditional audio connectivity.

Models and Market Variants

The Galaxy S5 was released in several model versions to cater to various regional markets, ensuring compatibility with the local cellular technology standards. Models included SM-G900F, SM-G900I, SM-G900M, among many others, each designed to meet the specific requirements of different markets. This strategy helped Samsung maintain a strong global presence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S5 was a well-rounded smartphone that offered a compelling package of features, performance, and design. While it has since been discontinued, its legacy continues as a testament to Samsung's innovation in mobile technology during its time. With capabilities like a strong camera, vibrant display, and robust performance, it served a diverse range of users and adapted to various lifestyles with ease.