Samsung Galaxy S5 Sport Ultimate Guide on Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Samsung Galaxy S5 Sport

The Samsung Galaxy S5 Sport, launched in June 2014, was a distinct release as part of Samsung's Galaxy S series, designed with a focus on fitness and activity-oriented features. While it has been discontinued, it left a mark as a robust device for enthusiasts of active lifestyles, offering functionality tailored to sports and fitness. Let's delve into the device's features and specifications.

Durability and Design

The Galaxy S5 Sport features a rugged design, built to withstand more than just the usual wear and tear. Its dimensions are 144 x 74 x 8.9 mm, and it weighs 158 grams, making it slightly bulkier, which adds to its robust feel. The phone features a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen, offering a level of protection from scratches and minor drops. Moreover, with dust and water resistance, it caters well to users engaging in outdoor activities, ensuring the device can handle exposure to various elements.

Display

The phone comes with a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display, boasting vibrant colors and deep contrasts at a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels with a density of approximately 432 ppi. This ensures clarity and detailed visual experience, whether you're watching videos or navigating through fitness apps. The Super AMOLED technology is also power-efficient, aiding in better battery conservation.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Galaxy S5 Sport is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, running on a quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 CPU and an Adreno 330 GPU. With 2GB of RAM, the device offers smooth multitasking capabilities. Initially, it shipped with Android 4.4.2 KitKat, upgradeable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, integrated with Samsung's TouchWiz UI, providing a user-friendly interface.

Storage

The device offers 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSDXC card, providing flexibility for users to store more apps, music, and other files without worrying about space limitations. The microSD slot ensures that users can upgrade their storage capacity as needed, a useful feature for those who require more data space.

Camera Quality

The Samsung Galaxy S5 Sport is equipped with a 16MP main camera with autofocus, capable of capturing detailed photos. Features like LED flash, panorama, and HDR enhance the photo-taking experience, even in lower-light conditions. For video recording, the device supports 4K@30fps and 1080p@30fps, offering high-definition video capture. The 2MP front camera, though basic by today's standards, handles video calls and selfies reasonably well.

Battery Life

The phone is powered by a removable Li-Ion 2800 mAh battery, delivering up to 29 hours of talk time on 3G and about 77 hours of music playback. The option of a removable battery means users can carry a spare, which is ideal for longer trips or outdoor adventures where charging options may be limited.

Fitness Features

In addition to its durability, the Galaxy S5 Sport is embedded with various sensors that appeal to fitness enthusiasts: accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, and a dedicated heart rate sensor. These tools are invaluable for tracking exercise progress, making the device an attractive option for fitness tracking even without additional gadgets.

Connectivity and Network

The phone supports GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE, providing broad coverage options for users across different markets. Wi-Fi connectivity offers dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with GLONASS, and NFC support further enhance its connectivity suite, although it does not feature radio. The inclusion of microUSB 2.0 with MHL 2.1 TV-out support allows for versatile connectivity options.

Audio and Sound

The Galaxy S5 Sport supports a loudspeaker and retains a 3.5mm audio jack, which was standard for the time, allowing for a wide range of headphones or external speakers to be used without adapters. This feature is essential for those who prefer wired audio solutions.

Colors and Availability

Originally available in Electric Blue and Cherry Red, the Samsung Galaxy S5 Sport catered to users looking for a phone with a bit of character in its color options. The models during its release were SM-G860 and SM-G860P, and its competitive pricing at approximately 300 EUR widened its accessibility to a range of consumers interested in a balance of performance and durability.

Conclusion

While the Samsung Galaxy S5 Sport is now discontinued, its focus on fitness and durability, alongside a suite of features tailored for active lifestyles, made it a noteworthy device. With substantial performance, reliable battery life, and robust design, it served as a capable companion for those who value functionality and resilience in their mobile devices.