Disclaimer: A Samsung product sample was received to review temporarily. All opinions are my own. No compensation was received.
Do you enjoy having the latest technology at your fingertips? It’s can be a huge convenience but only when the learning curve is smooth. Your ability to getting around the Samsung Galaxy S5 may depend on your previous devices. I’ve only used Android phones but have only recently become familiar with Samsung. I find it extremely user-friendly (especially if you already have a Google account) and simple to set up in order to get moving on the important stuff like connecting on social media.
Samsung Galaxy S5 Review Features
All in all, here are the features that I enjoyed most about the Samsung Galaxy S5:
- 16 megapixel camera and its features to edit the photos
- S Health 3.0 with built-in heart rate monitor
- Fast connections – it supports LTE frequency and the fifth generation of WiFi
- Water-resistant and dust resistant
- Options for power saving for a longer battery life
Select Focus Feature
Personally, the feature that I use the most on smart phones is the camera. Being able to share quality photos from my phone is important for my blog and to stay in touch with loved ones. The select focus feature of the Samsung Galaxy S5 was what I was looking forward to trying the most. After a handful of times in different situations, I finally got it right. The best practice is to ensure the object is less than 1.5 feet away and hold the device steady. Below is an example.
Using S Health Apps/Widgets
While the S Health app is available on the Galaxy S4 with food tracker, exercise tracker and pedometer, one unique feature on the Samsung Galaxy S5 is the built-in heart rate monitor that is located on the back of the device. Monitoring your heart rate during exercise helps to know if your work outs are strenuous enough and help improve your workout over time. Since the device is water and dust resistant, it is a perfect companion for the gym.
What We Really Thought
While I did receive a returnable sample device, it was very timely because we knew we’d be purchasing a new phone for my husband very soon. Ultimately, we chose the Samsung Galaxy S5. Honestly, if my husband had not ever discovered YouTube, he’d still have a flip phone. After playing around on the sample device, he realized that he does enjoy the speed and clarity of the videos from Netflix, YouTube and pretty much anywhere else. He was also very pleased with the rapid battery charge. Note: You can use the Ultra Power Saving Mode for a longer battery life when needed.
He chose the black Samsung Galaxy S5 while I’d stick with the white color. Regardless of the color, I like the sleek and stylish design. I consider the larger screen a bonus.
While there are numerous benefits holding to the latest technology in your hands, I appreciate that Samsung has made the Galaxy S5 with everyday usability in mind: fast connectivity, great camera features and enhanced tools for a healthier lifestyle.
Technical specs of the Samsung Galaxy S5
As listed by Samsung.
|
Network |
LTE Cat.4 (150/50Mbps) |
|---|---|
|
Display |
5.1” FHD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080) |
|
AP |
2.5GHz Quad core application processor |
|
OS |
Android 4.4.2 (Kitkat) |
|
Camera |
16MP (rear), 2.0MP (front) |
|
Video |
UHD@30fps, HDR, video stabilizationVideo Codec : H.263, H.264(AVC), MPEG4, VC-1, Sorenson Spark, MP43, WMV7, WMV8, VP8Video Format: MP4, M4V, 3GP, 3G2, WMV, ASF, AVI, FLV, MKV, WEBM |
|
Audio |
Audio Codec : MP3, AMR-NB/WB, AAC/ AAC+/ eAAC+, WMA, Vorbis, FLACAudio Format: MP3, M4A, 3GA, AAC, OGG, OGA, WAV, WMA, AMR, AWB, FLAC, MID, MIDI, XMF, MXMF, IMY, RTTTL, RTX, OTA |
|
Camera Features |
HDR (Rich tone), Selective Focus, Virtual Tour Shot, Shot&More |
|
Additional Features |
IP67 Dust and water Resistant |
|
Ultra Power Saving Mode |
|
|
Download Booster |
|
|
S Health 3.0 |
|
|
Quick Connect |
|
|
Private Mode |
|
|
Kids Mode |
|
| Google Mobile Services | Chrome, Drive, Photos, Gmail, Google, Google+, Google Settings, Hangouts, Maps, Play Books, Play Games, Play Newsstand, Play Movie & TV, Play Music, Play Store, Voice Search, YouTube |
|
Connectivity |
WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac HT80, MIMO(2×2) Bluetooth®: 4.0 BLE / ANT+ USB: USB 3.0 NFC IR Remote |
|
Sensor |
Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, Hall, RGB ambient light, Gesture(IR), Finger Scanner, Heart rate sensor |
|
Memory |
RAM: 2GB Internal Memory: 16/32GB microSD slot upto 128GB |
|
Dimension |
142.0 x 72.5 x 8.1mm, 145g |
|
Battery |
2800mAh Standby time: 390 hrs / Talk time: 21 hrs |
