Samsung Galaxy S5 Plus Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to Samsung Galaxy S5 Plus

The Samsung Galaxy S5 Plus was an impressive smartphone released in 2014, and it garnered considerable attention for its array of features and technological advancements at the time. It is essentially an upgraded version of the original Galaxy S5, sporting enhanced specifications that made it one of the top contenders in the Android market. This article will delve into the various aspects of the Galaxy S5 Plus, including its design, display, performance, camera capabilities, and more.

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy S5 Plus maintains the same design philosophy as its predecessor, featuring a plastic body that is both lightweight and durable. With dimensions of 142 x 72.5 x 8.1 mm and weighing just 145 grams, the device is compact and easy to handle. It comes with a micro-SIM slot and is available in four colors: Charcoal Black, Copper Gold, Electric Blue, and Shimmery White, allowing users to choose based on their preferences.

Display

The device sports a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, yielding a pixel density of approximately 432 ppi. The clarity and vibrancy of this display were remarkable for its time, making it perfect for consuming media such as videos and games. Furthermore, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, making it resistant to scratches and minor impacts.

Performance

Powering the Galaxy S5 Plus is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 chipset with a Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 450 CPU and Adreno 420 GPU. This combination delivers a seamless performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The device is equipped with 2GB of RAM, which supports smooth multitasking, though it may face limitations with the memory-intensive applications available today.

Camera Capabilities

One of the standout features of the Galaxy S5 Plus is its 16MP rear camera, which offers a 1/2.6” sensor and 1.12µm pixel size, capable of capturing high-quality images. The camera includes features such as phase detection autofocus (PDAF), LED flash, panorama, and HDR. Users could record videos at 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, and 720p@120fps. The front-facing camera is 2MP, sufficient for video calls and basic selfies.

Operating System and Software

Originally shipped with Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) and Samsung's TouchWiz UI, the Galaxy S5 Plus provided a user-friendly experience with Samsung's customization options and features. However, considering the age of this device, support for newer applications and operating system updates would be limited without third-party ROM installations.

Battery Life

Fueling the Galaxy S5 Plus is a removable Li-Ion 2800 mAh battery, which was standard for smartphones of its era. Users could enjoy up to 20 hours of talk time on 3G networks and up to 75 hours of music playback. Additionally, the phone supported wireless charging via Qi, depending on market availability, offering users more flexibility in charging methods.

Connectivity and Networking

The device offers wide-ranging network support, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, with 4G bands 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 20, ensuring high-speed connectivity in various regions. Other connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with GLONASS and BDS, NFC, and an Infrared port for remote controlling electronic devices. However, it lacks a built-in FM radio.

Additional Features

The device includes a host of sensors such as a fingerprint scanner (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, gesture, and heart rate sensor, enhancing user interaction and utility. These sensors enable functionalities such as health monitoring and secure unlocking.

Price and Availability

Upon release, the Samsung Galaxy S5 Plus was priced at approximately 380 EUR. However, as of now, the device has been discontinued, and it might only be available in limited quantities in secondary markets. Its long service life and robust features, despite its age, make it a viable option for urban explorers and tech enthusiasts looking for a classic Android experience.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S5 Plus represented a significant step forward in smartphone technology when it was released, combining excellent display technology, robust performance specifications, and a versatile camera setup in a durable design. Though many years have passed since its launch, it remains a testament to Samsung's engineering capabilities and continues to be cherished by users who experienced its prime.