Samsung Galaxy S5 Review

With every passing year, as the smartphones are getting more and more advanced, the user expectations towards Samsung grow – the prime focus for new and interesting ideas has now shifted to the flagship devices of Samsung, the Samsung Galaxy S series. The range has not only stood up to the stiff competition of the iPhone, but has effectively taken the leadership and the creativity mantles from Apple as well. The Samsung Galaxy S5 also follows in the same footsteps, looking to cement its position on the top.

There are a wide range of modifications made, and they are in a wide variety of places – the chipset has been improved, there are a couple of new sensors for heart rate and finger printing, screen size has been increased, and there is a much improved camera, and on top of it all, the device is given a new finishing touch, which is even better than the much appreciated Note 3.

The device has added to its arsenal 4K recording, and a larger battery, the latest in Android OS, dust and water resistance among other things. However, at this level, where things start to get more or less similar in devices, it is mainly the way of getting things done, the personal feel, and skills, that matters most. The questions that start to arise in the minds of many start to sound like, do these changes matter so much to spend such an amount of cash? Lets try to cover some of these things.

While unboxing the Samsung Galaxy S5, you will get everything inside the retail box that you need to get started with this phone.

• Samsung Galaxy S5 handset
• A A/C adapter with charging prong
• MicroUSB 2.0 cable connector for A/C adapter for charging (the device supports MicroUSB 3.0 too)
• Earphones

On the outside, the device display will, for the cursory eye, seem to be the same as the Samsung Galaxy S4 – the very similar sized, 5.1” display with the same Super AMOLED, 1080p capable, with a 432ppi. However, on a closer inspection, one would identify the actual different in the device. For starters, the device employs a better and redesigned display panel, which has an increase in brightness along with a more efficient usage of backlight and reduced reflectivity, resulting in an improved contrast ratio and much better legibility in presence of bright lights as well.

The color renderer has been improved, and the colors are now as close to real-life as ever possible. There are more modes which provide additional color saturation as well, like Samsung is known to provide. The device has resulted in one of the best displays available.

The initial layout that we saw of the new device from Samsung through the initial coverage, we were underwhelmed – the modifications, made on the Note 3, had come off. However, once the device came out, we were pleasantly surprised to see that the device is way much cooler than the pictures made it out to be. The back of the device is perforated, which is a first, and kind of classy while giving the device a stylish look. The MicroUSB port now has a flap to hide the port, which adds to the look. The device has a solid feel to it, and there are no creaks or sounds whatsoever during handling. Also, while the IP67 certification would result in some devices increasing a plastic like feel, Samsung has not gone the same way.

The only negative that we could think of was that the device does not have the same level of grip that the Samsung Note 3 has. Though the Galaxy S5 is a comfy fit in hand and handling, there is always a nagging feeling that the device might slip from the grip if not kept under a proper grip.

The Galaxy S5 has some modifications made to the controls on the device as well. The legacy context menu option has been replaced with a button dedicated for task switching, on the left of the Home key. Additionally, the fingerprint scanner option has been added to the Home button, similar to the iPhone, though the usage here is more like the one used on laptops, by sliding the finger over the key. Although some might find the method on Apple simpler, we think the one on Samsung is the more likely to succeed – firstly, due to the accuracy rate, and secondly because is resembles the implementation on laptops and notebooks, which are used fairly commonly. Additionally, Samsung has added the ability to use PayPal via the fingerprint, and this can be triggered by up to three finger print scans. The added benefit of the fingerprint scanner is that users can keep their area separate, away from the access of other non-regular users of the device, like friends, family members, or children. This security level protects user data and other apps.

Another addition is the heart rate monitor sensor, just next to the LED flash of the back snapper, which can collect heart rate data and display it accordingly – you just need to place a finger on the sensor for a few seconds while you stay still, and you get a proper display for the heart rate. The synchronization with the S Health app makes it easier to keep all the health related information in one location.

Another update to the product has been the change of the data port from USB 2.0 to USB 3.0, of course backward, as well as USB host and TV-out compatible too (via MHL). The port provides an improvement that not many devices possess, and the upside is of course the data transfer speed. The downside is the large hole that gets created on the device side. Happily, Samsung has catered to this by providing a protective cover, and this also aids in the IP67 certification.

The rest of the device is the same, just on top of the screen is the earpiece, with the sensors, which now adds IR gesture to its list as well – the 2.1 MP front facer is also present here, along with a status LED. The left side of the device is home to the volume rocker, while the power key is on the right side – the device still has not gotten around the idea of a dedicated camera button, and uses the display or volume rocker to snap images. The top of the device has the 3.5mm audio jack, with the IR blaster for device remote control as well as a secondary microphone. A cool app is pre-installed for the IR remote control feature. At the bottom is the primary microphone alongside the MicroUSB port.

At the back lies the 16MP upgraded camera, enhanced with 4K capabilities, featuring a larger sensor for 16:9, and a unique focus for face detection supporting the regular contrast detection, along with the LED flash, and the loudspeaker grille. The back cover is removable, and has a replaceable 2,800mAh battery, next to which lies the microSIM slot and the microSD card slot.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 comes with Android 4.4.2 KitKat - the latest release of the Google platform available at the moment - and a laundry list of new TouchWiz features. So let’s get started.

The lockscreen has been tweaked so now there are no widgets other than some special options of control. The device can now be secured with up to three fingerprint scans, and if any of those fail, the phone will ask for the password as a backup, so you are almost never locked out of the device. Samsung has added a display similar to the HTC BlinkFeed, labeled the My Magazine, which actually works almost the same, although the display differs. The social network updates as well as news articles from sources which are liked by the user are automatically displayed on this page, and can be accessed easily the display uses Flipboard at the backend, and a neat display with easy to use functions are ensured, as are the features to directly share stuff from here to social networks. Information is categorized and each category is a separate tile, which makes it more intuitive for usage. The My Magazine app can be disabled as well, and there are other regular home screens are available for use too, complete with options for widgets, folders, shortcuts and all.

Similar to the Galaxy Pro tablets, the notification area has multiple toggles, with the Search and Quick Connect buttons just under these – and below the buttons lies a slider for brightness control, under which is the notifications section, where all notifications can be displayed. A new feature has been included, labeled Recommended apps, which includes shortcuts to some relevant apps, when an accessory like headphones in plugged in.

The Samsung Galaxy S5, like its predecessor has the multitasking multi-window option, where two apps can be run in parallel, in two different windows, side by side, and these windows can be resized as well – even data can be swapped between these apps. Samsung has also provided a shortcut option, called Toolbox, which is basically a floating icon, clicking which opens a menu, from which any of the common apps can be accessed.

The Galaxy S5 has a dedicated car mode, which provides all commonly required options when driving, available on fingertips – these are the phone dialer, the messages, navigation and music options though many users won’t be needing any of the options, since the car automatically enters the listening mode, and all activities can be done without a touch being required.

The Kids mode is available with this device too – a separate dedicated area for any children who might access your smartphone. The area contains lively colored apps, with graphics and icons more suited towards kids, with a different camera UI also. There can be multiple kids related profiles too. The obvious benefit is that access to the phone settings, main apps, and content is all restricted from children there is another option which allows viewing which apps were accessed how much by which child. And this is not the only option to secure things on the smartphone – there is a Private mode setting as well, which allows for securing various data on the device using the fingerprint scanner, from which up to three finger scans can be used for security the data marked is available only in Private mode, and otherwise, not displayed in any of the apps. It should be noted that this lock screen and options are separate from the lock screen on the device for unlock purposes.

The fingerprint scanner is additionally, usable with PayPal, and has been certified by PayPal as well. The scanner can be accessed for this purpose by any of the apps requiring this feature, unlike the implementation done on iPhones.

The battery saving modes get two more options from Samsung – the first option to turn the display to monochrome and limit processor performance, and hence its power consumption, and has the option to block background data as well. The second one, labeled Ultra Power Saving mode, works in addition to the first mode mentioned above, and in addition, cuts the power of all but the basic smartphone features, and changes the homescreen to a simple display with the basic 6 shortcuts to save power.

A Safety Assistance feature is also available on the device, and works with the battery saving modes as well – this connects users to the Geological News for updates on any extreme weather, earthquakes and such, the primary contacts can be accessed easily, and two buttons on the screen send messages of “I need help” or “I am OK” to the selected contacts. The message can also be tailored to be sent when the power button is clicked three times in quick succession, and there is an added option for a snap being taken and sent along with the message too.

Then there is the Easy mode, with large icons, and a step counter. The display is designed when you are out and about, so that it is easier to access options while jogging. The Galaxy S5 has inherited the Smart screen options of the Air View, and the Smart Stay, Smart Scroll, Smart Play and Smart Pause options from its predecessor.

Samsung Galaxy S5, has Samsung’s assistant, the S Voice, present alongside the Google Now assistant. The Google Now assistant can pull information from the Google, like the routine, searches, email and other information, and informs updates on interests as well. It includes updates regarding traffic on regular routes, sports, news, weather forecasts etc. and supports voice also. The Google Now has a homescreen widget as well now, for quicker and easier access. However, the S Voice is meant only for audio commands, like playing music, dictating text, opening apps, adding reminders, event scheduling, memo creation, alarm setting etc. and for responses to any questions asked.

Samsung Galaxy S5 has made some improvements in its call quality and reception for a better performance, to deliver a very loud and clear audio quality – so much so, that we needed to lower the call audio. The dialer for the phone has the generic Samsung touch, and even has options for video call as well as the much needed call blocking option, and the block feature has been detailed into a much larger section. The incoming calls and notifications and alarms can be blocked, and there is an option to only allow specific people to get calls or messages through – this setting can be set to on or off at certain time periods too. The call logs have the search feature added to them. Then there is the auto call rejection, which rejects calls from specific numbers or all numbers not saved on the device. Also, the call loudspeaker is almost the same as that on the Galaxy S4, even with the waterproofing implemented both land in the Good range.

The standard Samsung file manager labeled My Files is available, and displays files in a categorized manner, allowing for multiple files to be copied, deleted, renamed, moved and transferred as well. Zipping multiple files is available as a feature too.

Samsung has come out with the standard Google Chrome browser, as well as the Android browser which supports the Air gestures like the Air view, Smart scroll and Smart stay. Both have identical interfaces, both can sync bookmarks and tabs in different devices, and both have hidden modes, though Chrome can switch between tabs more handily. The browsers support audio inputs for those feeling lazy. Flash support has been removed, and Chrome follows in the footsteps of Opera Turbo mode to improve browsing efficiency.

Samsung has added a bunch of small utility-like apps to improve usage. These include the ability to encrypt data on the phone and external storage, and the Private mode is a larger set of similar control too. Another commonly required app is the Find my mobile, which allows remote access to the device for reset and device lock if device is lost, as well as locating it on a map. The phone can even send out a message once a new SIM is inserted into it. The backup function in this app allows for phone logs, messages, and other settings to be kept on the cloud.

The S Health app has been improved to identify burnt calories, heart rate monitor data management, running, hiking and cycling. Goal setting is a part of the app, while music and progress reports can be heard during the exercise process too. The app can handle all the diet that has been followed, and calculates the calories that have been taken in and burnt, in a report like layout. The S Health even allows for sharing information with friends and others.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 does not have an Office files viewer, though Polaris Office 5 is present and can be downloaded free from Samsung Apps, and allows for both view and edit capabilities. The device has Google Maps, and Navigation, which are hugely supported by the quick and accurate positioning enabled by the GPS / GLONASS receiver. The app now features audio instructions, and public transport feature can be very helpful in many situations.

The gallery for the Samsung S5 has been upgraded too – the sorting options have been increased, and filters can be placed for images with pets, food, people, etc. as well. The app allows for direct posts to social networking and image related sites like Picasa and Dropbox. Like its predecessor, the pinch zoom on gallery increases and reduces the size of thumbnails, as well, and batch operations can be done on multiple images, which includes copy, delete and image rotation among others. When viewing an image, there is a Quick Connect button available, which scans for all possible options via which file transfer can be done with devices in close proximity. The gallery allows for image editing options in addition to the above mentioned features, and the recently added Studio option allows from the very basics in image editing to managing collagesand onwards to video trimming and others as well – allowing for post snapping processing of images too.

As far as the music player is concerned, tracks can be categorized, and there is a feature to hide categories not needed at the time. Folder view to see music files is available, and users can perform DLNA scans to check for music files on any DLNA servers nearby. The Music square option rates music against its tempo and emotions, and can play the list of songs as per the user’s current mood. The emotion can be switched to Age for a list of songs that is better suited towards the users. The view for song play checks for the song lyrics online, and will display them if found. There are multiple audio enhancement options, like the SoundAlive equalizer preset, which is another intelligent way of managing the equalizer settings tailored to fit against user likings. The equalizer this time around has 7 bands, and caters to effects in addition to the equalizer settings. The Smart volume option keeps audio levels similar across different tracks. Another option labeled Adapt tests out the headphones performance, and sets up the equalizer to put out the best quality sound.

The video player has been similarly enhanced to handle files both available on the device or DLNA devices – additionally, every video now has a chapter wise display added, so that users can skip to any location and watch from that point onwards. Subtitle search is also present, and can be manually loaded to the video as well. Video play supports pinch zoom too. Too much zooming out will make the video player a floating window as well. Codec support, like the Samsung Galaxy S4, is not too good though, so users will have to install codecs for proper and issue free video play. The Sound Alive feature is available with the video player too. The video player has the option to play audio on Bluetooth devices, and managing the brightness and video speed too.

The phonebook and messaging are the same high powered apps that are generic to Samsung, though Samsung has added to the strength of the Messaging app. The message sending can be delayed by up to 30 seconds, which makes room for a timeline when there is uncertainty of whether or not to send a message. Messages can be scheduled to be sent at later times too, and the spam protection has now been built into the app, so that messages that have some specific text or are coming from specific numbers, can be blocked out, and there is a Safe mode option, which disables all clickable links in the messages.

The same two email clients are present with this device too, for Gmail and the other for other email addresses configuration. All the basic options are present for the apps.

There are two chat apps on the device preloaded too – the basic Google Hangouts, which is the standard app – also, the device has the Samsung app of ChatOn present, which is a slightly different take on chatting combined with basic social networking.

Samsung has upgraded its keyboard, and the numbers can now be seen above the alphabet keys. Also, all possible alternates for keys can be viewed. Number keys can contain short phrases, and when that specific number key is pressed for a longer time, the message is sent with the text. A floating keyboard option is present, which is more than useful specially in multi-window operations, as it can be moved out of the way, and already takes up lesser space than keyboards in both apps.

Samsung Galaxy S5 gives out very clear, accurate and loud sound, and audio wise this is actually one of the best devices that we have seen around in quite some time. There is a little bit of crosstalk that creeps in if audio levels are raised though. However, the loudness levels have a stiff competition in terms of HTC One (M8), and this device leads the Samsung Galaxy S5 just marginally as per the loudness meter.

Samsung has come out with big guns blazing with its latest flagship device, using the latest from Qualcomm to power this smartphone – the Snapdragon 801 chipset. The chipset also has classifications, and the one fitted into the Galaxy S5 is top of the line from this spectrum as well.

The Galaxy S5 removes overclocking as well, which will improve the performance of the device. The device seems, in overall performance, to be above the Snapdragon 800 devices, and a slight notch above the recently released HTC One (M8) device, which also sports the Snapdragon 801 chipset. The Galaxy S5 is better in all areas that matter to most of the users, and is a significant improvement to its predecessor, even helping with improved gaming performance among other things. Of course, with the improved performance, Samsung Galaxy S5 is now a bigger machine, and can process two very heavy apps, in multi-window mode without even the slightest sign of slowing down.

Samsung Galaxy S5 has an improved 16MP camera, featuring an ISOCELL sensor for the first time on any smartphone. The sensor size has been increased, as has the image capturing aspect ratio, which now allows for widescreen image capturing, and Phase Detection and Auto Focus improve the speed of image capture, making it one of the fastest and accurate snappers around. The camera snaps images at a resolution of 5312 x 2988, which also makes it one of the best in this regard.

The camera UI has been given a slight revamp to make it similar to other camera UI’s. the recorder, snapper, and mode switcher are on the right, while the left side contains settings. The Mode button is made simpler, clicking which displays a scrollable list, and any mode can be selected. The shot modes have been combined together, like the Best Photo, Best face, Drama shot, Eraser and Panning shot.

Another mode added is the Virtual tour mode, and this is pretty close to the panorama shot, but includes the ability for users to be able to move forward or backwards, left or right, and the camera creates an animation of the movement, along with the option to make a map of the path followed.

One more interesting mode is the Selective focus, which takes two shots for every snap taken, one with the item in the foreground being focus and the background blurred, while the second with the background in focus and the item in foreground blurred – a third optional shot is the one where all items are in focus. However, both the selective focus and virtual tour produce a single image file, and the additional options are only visible on a Galaxy device that is compatible – it would have been hugely helpful if Samsung had provided an option to export these too, so that they could be visible on all devices.

Images captured by the Samsung snapper are good at capturing, though they also tend to over-sharpen images slightly, and a little off on the white balance. The colors tend to get oversaturated at some instances. The field of view for the shots is pretty good too, when compared to competition.

In low light, the shots without flash were pretty decent, and took fairly lesser time to process. With the flash enabled, the ISOCELL did its job, providing more detail to the shots, with the same shutter speed. The HDR mode in the Samsung Galaxy S5 is pretty cool, with one of the best HDR performance that we have seen. The level of detail, with highlights and shadows is very nice. Panorama shots are also very detailed and high res, with 60MP shots being taken, and almost seamless stitching on most occasions.

For videos, Samsung Galaxy S5 records in 2160p at 30fps (at 48Mbps), and 1080p at 30 (at 17Mbps) and 60fps(at 28Mbps), and a 120fps slo-mo option for 720p, saving videos in MP4 files. This can mean that very small videos at a higher rate, can also grow up in size very rapidly, something to be considered since these videos may be shared at a later time. Audio is recorded as stereo at 128Kbps bitrate, and 48kHz sampling rate.

Though the video does not have too many modes for recording, the dual mode is still available, as is time lapse, which can speed up the recording videos by up to 8x. Touch focus is present on the Samsung Galaxy S5, and can be switched to autofocus too. The up to 4x digital zoom is available and the quality is very good even at the max.

Videos provide an awesome level of detail, of course the best being in the 2160p mode, with very low levels of noise, and very good and accurate colors. The 1080p is also pretty good, and since the 2160p is not too common at this time, we would think 1080p would be the most commonly used option.

The video quality of the Samsung Galaxy is superior than its peers, most closely followed by the Galaxy Note 3, and even though the level of details on both these devices is comparable, the field of view is much wider in the Galaxy S5. The levels of resolution on the device are sure to give most of the competition a tough time, and the video quality in normal light is every bit as impressive as it has been promoted, while though the low light may not be as perfect, 1080p still beats competition by a long shot.

Samsung Galaxy S5 has the usual host of connectivity features at its disposal, with the likes of the basics including GSM, 3G and 4G connectivity present. The 3G has HSPA levels of 42Mbps down and 5.76Mbps up, while the 4G raises this to 150Mbps and 50Mbps respectively.

Support for Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA is also available. The Download booster option is taken up here, which uses multiple connections to download larger files, for example using Wi-Fi in parallel with LTE, simultaneously downloading the file – this feature works for native apps, even if set for Wi-Fi only, though it does not support third party applications. Bluetooth 4.0 + LE is present here to allow pairing with smartwatches and other wearable gadgets, including ANT+ for sports gadgets which support this option. As always, NFC and Android Beam and S Beam are present, as is the GPS and GLONASS.

The expandable memory slot, added into the Galaxy S series with this device, can easily be filled with the fast data transfers allowed by the USB 3.0 port, though USB 2.0 compatibility is present too. USB on the go is supported, as is the TV out option via an HDMI adapter. Display throwing to other devices is included.

As we had already mentioned, there is an IR blaster at the top of the device, with a Smart Remote app to control all compatible devices. Wireless printing is supported too.

Samsung Galaxy S5 has almost the same screen property to cover up, and same pixel density as well, but the display is brighter than its previous version, and using the Snapdragon 801 over the Snapdragon 600 of its predecessor, there should be an increase in utilization of juice, but there is only a 200mAh increase in the battery from its 2,600mAh predecessor.

Samsung has added an Ultra Power Saving mode, which enhances the battery life by turning off all functionality other than the very basic ones, and displays the homescreen as a simple monochrome display. Still, we would think not many would require usage of this function, since the battery performance is quite good – the device can endure up to 72 hours, while the 3G talk time duration is more than 20 hours, a good feat – the video playback is also a decent 11 hours, though, the weakest point here again, is the web browsing, which takes up around 9 hours.

Apart from its improved user experience, as well as the other enhancements and improved battery life the Samsung Galaxy S5 has available, it does come with some shortcomings which are listed below:

• Absence of Image Stabilization in camera
• There is no dedicated snapper key
• The speaker is present at the back, and is mono rather than stereo
• Video codecs provided out of the box are too few to cover up the user needs

Since the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S5, the device has been in the news – the device has been made up to be so much that it would be difficult for most, to live up to their expectations, like Samsung has been doing time and again. There are those who criticize the device, and then there are those who are strongly behind Samsung.

For the first part, we would never be with those who are critical of the design – the revamp made by Samsung, the perforated back and all, seem a new device altogether, and one of the best looking devices on the market. The build quality of the S5 also goes in favor of Samsung – no one we think could question that.

Another area which cannot go against the Samsung S5 is the upgrade to the Snapdragon 801, as well as the 4K and other improvements to the snapper, or the fingerprint option on the Home button. The IP67 certification certainly makes it easier to use the device without any fear of getting it wet – this sort of options always are handy, though you never know when you are going to need them.

On the software end, the TouchWiz, and the option to create a separate section for kids are always beneficial.

However, there are some things that, for some people, are going against the device. For starters, the heart rate monitor doesn’t make sense on a smartphone. Also, the location and strength of the speaker, placed at the back, are in question with the likes of HTC One and others posing with front mounted and pretty good quality speakers. The absence of a camera shutter key raises some questions too.

In the end though, Samsung Galaxy S5 is another success story from the long list of Samsung go-getters. With the sort of backing the Galaxy S5 has from Samsung, the sort of resources being put into place, we doubt that Samsung is just about to lose its crown to anyone else anytime soon.