Samsung Galaxy S5
| File:Samsung logo.svg Samsung logo | |
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Consumer electronics |
| Founded | March 1, 1938 in Su-dong, South Korea |
| Founder | Lee Byung-chul |
| Headquarters | Suwon , South Korea |
Key people | Han Jong-hee (Vice Chairman and CEO) |
| Products | Smartphones, tablets, televisions, home appliances, semiconductors |
| Owner | Publicly traded company |
Number of employees | 287,439 (2023) |
| Website | www |
{{Infobox mobile phone
| codename = klte
| name = Samsung Galaxy S5
Samsung Galaxy S5 Active
Samsung Galaxy S5 Sport
Samsung Galaxy S5 Neo
| modelnumber = * SM-G800 series (Mini)
- SM-G870A (Active)
- SM-G900A (AT&T)
- SM-G900F (Global)
- SM-G900FD (Dual SIM)e
- SM-G900H (HSPA)
- SM-G900P (Sprint)
- SM-G900T (T-Mobile)
- SM-G901F (LTE-A)
- SM-G900V (Verizon)
- SM-G900W8 (Canada)
- SM-G900S(SKT LTE-A)
- SM-G906S(SKT Broadband LTE-A)
- SM-G900K(Olleh LTE-A)
- SM-G906K(Olleh Broadband LTE-A)
- SM-G900L(LGU+ LTE-A)
- SM-G906L(LGU+ Broadband LTE-A)
- SM-G903F (Neo)
- SM-G900R4 (US Cellular)
| logo = File:Samsung Galaxy S5 logo.svg
| image = Samsung Galaxy S5.png
| imagesize = 150px
| manufacturer = Samsung Electronics
| slogan = My Life powered by Samsung Galaxy S5
| series = Galaxy S
| networks = (GSM/GPRS/EDGE): 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz;
3G (HSDPA 42.2 Mbps, HSUPA 5.76 Mbps): 850, 900, 1900, and 2100 MHz;
LTE: 800, 850, 900, 1800, 2100, and 2600 MHz
TD-LTE & TD-SCDMA (China Mobile Plus Network)
| released = S5:
April 11, 2014
S5 Active and S5 Sport: June 2014
S5 Neo: August 2015
| discontinued =
| status =
| unitssold = 12 million units within the initial three months[1]
| unitsshipped =
| predecessor = Samsung Galaxy S4
| successor = Samsung Galaxy S6
| related = Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini
Samsung Galaxy Note 4
Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
Samsung Galaxy Alpha
| type = Smartphone
| form = Slate
| size = 142 mm (5.59 in) H
72.5 mm (2.85 in) W
8.1 mm (0.31 in) D
| weight = 145 g (5.11 oz)
| os =
- Initial (S5/S5 Active/S5 Sport): Android 4.4.2 "KitKat"
- Initial (S5 Neo): Android 5.1.1 "Lollipop"
- Latest official (S5/S5 Active/S5 Sport): Android 6.0.1 with TouchWiz version 6.0
- Latest official (S5 Neo): Android 7.0 "Nougat" accompanied by Samsung Experience version 8.1
- Unofficial firmware (S5/S5 Active/S5 Sport): Android 14 via LineageOS version 21[2]
- Unofficial firmware (S5 Neo): Android 12 through LineageOS version 19.1[3]
| soc = Samsung Exynos 5 Octa 5422
LTE variants: Qualcomm Snapdragon 801
LTE-A variants: Qualcomm Snapdragon 805
| cpu = Combination of a quad-core Cortex-A15 at 2.1 GHz and a quad-core Cortex-A7 at 1.5 GHz (big.LITTLE)
LTE models: Quad-core Krait 400 at 2.5 GHz
LTE-A models: Quad-core Krait 450 clocked at 2.7 GHz
| gpu = ARM Mali T628MP6
LTE models: Adreno 330
LTE-A models: Adreno 420
| memory = Standard models feature 2 GB LPDDR3 RAM
Broadband LTE-A variants equipped with 3 GB LPDDR3 RAM
| storage = Available with either16 or32 GB eMMC storage[4]
| memory_card = Expandable via microSD up to128 GB
| battery = Removable lithium-ion battery rated at2800 mAh
| input =
- Optical fingerprint sensor
- Heart rate monitor
- Accelerometer
- Gesture sensor
- Gyroscope
- Proximity sensor
- Compass
- Barometer
- Hall effect sensor
- Magnetic sensor
- RGB ambient light sensor
- Infrared LED sensor
| display = 5.1 inches (130 mm) diagonal Super AMOLED with1080p resolution (432 ppi)
Utilizes Diamond PenTile matrix technology
Protected by Gorilla Glass version3
| rear_camera = Samsung S5K2P2XX ISOCELL sensor with16 MP resolution[5][6]
Sensor size of1/2.6 inch with back-illuminated design
ƒ/2.2 aperture
31 mm equivalent focal length
Video capture supports2160p at30 fps (limited to five minutes),1080p at30 or60 fps,720p at30 or60 fps; slow-motion video at720p120 fps
- LED flash
- Autofocus capability
- Zero shutter lag feature
- Simultaneous HD video and image capture
- Selective focus option
- Smile and face detection features
- Image stabilization support
- Exposure compensation controls
- White balance presets available
- Digital zoom functionality
- HDR photography mode
- Panorama capture
- Self-timer option
- Voice activation control
| front_camera = Front-facing camera with2.03 MP resolution capable of1080p video recording at30 fps; equipped with back-illuminated sensor model S5K8B1YX03.[7] | sound =
| connectivity =
- Wi-Fi standards supported: IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac on both2.4 GHz and5 GHz bands
- Wi-Fi Direct enabled
- Wi-Fi hotspot functionality available
- DLNA compatibility for media sharing
- GPS and GLONASS satellite navigation support
- NFC for contactless communication
- Bluetooth version4.0 with BLE support
- Infrared blaster included
- USB3.0 Micro-B port supporting USB On-The-Go and charging functions
- \u03bc3.50 mm audio jack present for headphones
| other = | sar = | hac = | website = Official Website | references = |} The Samsung Galaxy S5 is an Android-powered smartphone developed, launched, and distributed by Samsung Electronics, forming part of the company's flagship Samsung Galaxy S series. Announced on February24,2014 during the Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona, Spain, it became available on April11,2014 across approximately150 countries as the direct follow-up to the Galaxy S4.
Building upon the foundation set by its predecessor, the S5 delivers enhancements focused on durability with a textured back panel and IP67 certification for dust and water resistance. It introduces upgraded security measures including a fingerprint scanner and a private mode feature alongside expanded health monitoring capabilities such as an integrated heart rate sensor. Additional advancements include a USB3.0 port and an improved camera system offering rapid phase-detection autofocus technology. Video recording capabilities were elevated to support ultra-high-definition2160p footage while also doubling the frame rate to60 fps for smooth full HD videos.
Critics generally responded favorably to the Galaxy S5, highlighting its vibrant display, robust hardware design, advanced camera performance, extended battery life, and water resistance while preserving user-friendly features like a removable battery and microSD card slot — marking it as the last in the series to offer these conveniences.[8] Nonetheless, certain drawbacks were noted such as excessive pre-installed applications ("bloatware"), inconsistent fingerprint scanner responsiveness, and the use of polycarbonate materials that some considered less premium compared to competitors employing metal or glass constructions.[9][10][11]
In August2015, following the debut of its then-current flagship model—the Galaxy S6—Samsung introduced a refreshed edition referred to as the "Galaxy S5 Neo." This variant is powered by an Exynos7 Octa7580 processor running at1.6 GHz paired with2 GB RAM and16 GB internal storage capacity. It features a USB2.0 interface, ships with Android Lollipop version5.0.2 out-of-the-box but omits fingerprint unlocking functionality as well as support for2160p video recording.
The Galaxy S5 represents the final installment in the Galaxy S lineup to incorporate a plastic frame combined with a user-removable battery while also initiating the "SM-G9xx" model numbering scheme that continued through subsequent releases such as the Galaxy S6 series until Samsung transitioned to the "SM-S123X" format starting with the February2022 launch of the Galaxy S22.
Release date
The Galaxy S5 was introduced on 24 February 2014 during Samsung's keynote at the Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona, Spain. JK Shin, president of Samsung Electronics, emphasized that customers desired a device not reliant on "complex" or "eye-popping" cutting-edge technology, but rather one featuring "elegant design and strong performance," a "straightforward yet capable camera," enhanced and smooth connectivity, along with fitness-focused functionalities.
Samsung declared that the S5 would become available starting 11 April 2014 across 150 nations, including markets such as the United Kingdom and the United States. On 18 June 2014, the company revealed an LTE-Advanced variant of the S5 exclusively for South Korea. This version distinguished itself by upgrading the screen to a quad HD, 1440p resolution, unlike the standard models.
Shortly after its launch, a significant software defect was identified in some Galaxy S5 units—most notably those distributed by Verizon Wireless—which caused the camera hardware to fail permanently. Affected devices displayed a persistent "Camera failed" error message whenever users attempted to operate the camera. Both Samsung and Verizon acknowledged this fault, which impacted a limited segment of Galaxy S5 phones. Samsung advised users experiencing this problem to reach out to either the company or their carrier to obtain a warranty replacement.
Modifications
Building upon the design language of the S4, the S5 introduces a refined appearance featuring a rounded polycarbonate chassis with a "modern glam" aesthetic. This includes a dotted texture reminiscent of the 2012 Google Nexus 7 tablet computer, accented by faux metal edging and a detachable rear panel. Unlike earlier versions, the rear cover of the S5 is crafted from a superior soft plastic material with dimples to enhance grip.
The device holds an IP67 certification for resistance against dust and water, allowing it to be submerged up to 1 metre (3.3 ft) deep for as long as 30 minutes. Its Micro-USB 3.0 port is protected by a removable flap. Available color options include Charcoal Black, Electric Blue, Copper Gold, and Shimmery White. The display measures 5.1-inch (130 mm) diagonally and utilizes a 1080p Super AMOLED panel, slightly larger than that of its predecessor, the S4. It supports automatic adjustments for brightness and color gamut.[12][13][14] Furthermore, the screen's minimum brightness has been reduced to improve visibility in dark settings without relying on third-party screen filter applications that could interfere with screen capture.[15]
Front Panel
Positioned beneath the display are three buttons. The central physical "Home" button incorporates a swipe-type fingerprint scanner. Flanking it are the "Recent apps" key (also called the "task key") to its left and the "Back" key on its right. Consistent with other flagship devices in the Galaxy S series, these navigation keys adjacent to the home button are capacitive. However, aligning with Android 4.0 interface guidelines, the S5 omits the traditional "Menu" button found on previous models (which was located to the left of Home). Notably, this button arrangement differs from many Android devices such as the HTC One X and Galaxy Nexus, where the "Back" button appears to the left of "Home." Holding down the task key for one second activates a function equivalent to pressing the menu key.
A notification LED is situated near the top left corner of the bezel. This indicator emits a blue light to alert users of incoming calls and messages when the screen is off and the device is idle. During charging, it glows red and blinks red when battery levels are critically low. Once fully charged at 100%, the LED changes to green.[12][13][14][16]
Camera
The S5 is equipped with a 16 megapixel (5312×2988) rear camera capable of recording 4K (2160p) videos at 30 fps. It features phase detection autofocus, which Samsung states can achieve focus in approximately 0.3 seconds. This camera supports real-time HDR for both photos and videos, marking the first time this video capability has been included in a Samsung flagship device. The sensor is a BSI CMOS unit incorporating Samsung's "ISOCELL" technology, designed to isolate individual pixels within the sensor to enhance light capture and minimize crosstalk. The sensor model is identified as S5K2P2XX. Compared to traditional BSI sensors, this technology reduces electrical crosstalk by roughly 30 percent. Additionally, the camera can shoot 1080p video at 60fps for smoother real-time playback and supports slow-motion video recording at 720p and 120fps, although the latter is encoded using the menial method.
On the front, the device employs a Samsung CMOS S5K8B1YX03 image sensor with an aperture of Template:F/2.4. This front-facing camera captures photos and videos at 1080p, with video recording capped at 30 frames per second.
For further details, see the section on Camera and gallery software.
Miscellaneous
Adjacent to the rear camera's flash is a newly integrated heart rate sensor, which functions in conjunction with the S Health application.
Located at the top edge of the phone are an IR blaster and a headphone jack. The IR blaster operates solely as a transmitter and includes an embedded database that allows control of various devices through Samsung's Smart Remote app.
Unlike its predecessors—the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 released in 2013—the Galaxy S5 does not include sensors for measuring temperature (thermometer) or humidity (hygrometer).
Internal specifications
The Galaxy S5 LTE model is equipped with a 2.5 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 chipset paired with 2 GB of RAM. In addition to this, Samsung also launched a 3G version (SM-G900H) featuring an octa-core Exynos 5422 processor, which became available in several regions. Similar to its predecessor, this Exynos chip consists of two clusters of four cores each: four Cortex-A15 cores clocked at 2.1 GHz and four Cortex-A7 cores running at 1.5 GHz. The system-on-chip dynamically switches between the energy-efficient A7 cores for less intensive tasks and the more powerful A15 cores when higher performance is required. A notable advancement with the Exynos 5422 is its capability to operate both clusters simultaneously, unlike earlier versions that could only activate one cluster at a time.
Battery
The device houses a 2800 mAh lithium-ion battery, which remains user-removable despite the phone's IP67 certification for water resistance. It supports Qi wireless charging, although this requires an additional Wireless Charging Cover accessory. The Galaxy S5 also includes an "Ultra Power Saving" mode designed to prolong battery life by disabling all unnecessary functions and converting the display to grayscale. Samsung asserts that activating this mode allows the phone to continue in standby for up to 24 hours even when the battery level drops to 10%. Another enhancement in energy efficiency is achieved through Qualcomm's envelope tracker technology, which optimizes power consumption during network connectivity.
Software
The Galaxy S5 was initially launched with Android version 4.4.2 KitKat, and subsequently received updates, the latest being 6.0.1 Marshmallow. It features Samsung's proprietary TouchWiz interface, which on the S5 presents a more streamlined, geometric design compared to the previous S4 iteration. This redesign was partly influenced by a recent licensing agreement with Google, mandating that Samsung’s TouchWiz adhere more closely to the aesthetics of "stock" Android. Additionally, the S5 incorporates the "My Magazine" feature from the Galaxy Note 3 as the leftmost home screen panel. The Settings application was revamped to include a new grid-style layout, while still providing options for both "list" and "tabbed" views reminiscent of the S4 interface.
A new "Kids' Mode" was introduced, and the S Health application gained enhanced capabilities by integrating with the device’s built-in heart rate sensor as well as compatibility with Samsung’s Gear 2 smartwatch and Gear Fit activity tracker. The device also includes a "Download Booster" feature that combines LTE and Wi-Fi connections to accelerate download speeds; however, this functionality is unavailable on the 3G variant. Furthermore, due to carrier restrictions, Download Booster was disabled on Galaxy S5 units sold in the United States running KitKat 4.4.2, with exceptions for models on T-Mobile US and U.S. Cellular. The phone app itself offers advanced features such as noise cancellation, call hold, volume amplification, and customizable call sound profiles. A disk space analyzer tool is also part of the software suite.
The Galaxy S5 continues to support interaction features from the Galaxy S4, including finger-based Air View, air gesture controls, motion gestures, and Samsung’s SmartScreen technology. The Air View functionality relies on a self-capacitive touch sensor layer to detect hovering fingers without contact. The previous "Quick Glance" feature has been replaced by "Air wake-up," enabling users to wake the phone from standby by hovering over the front proximity sensor located near the "Samsung" branding, rather than merely displaying clock and status information.
Security
The Galaxy S5 introduces several enhanced security capabilities. Users can unlock the device using the fingerprint scanner, and an available SDK enables third-party developers to incorporate fingerprint-based features into their applications; for instance, PayPal has integrated fingerprint authentication to verify online transactions. Additionally, the S5 includes a "Private Mode" feature that lets users conceal specific apps and folders, which remain inaccessible without extra verification steps.
The previously available face unlock option, first launched with the Galaxy S III and later backported to the S II on Android 4.0, has been discontinued in favor of the more secure fingerprint sensor on the S5.
Camera and gallery software
The camera application received an update featuring a new "Shot & More" menu that captures eight consecutive still images combined into a single JPG fileTemplate:How, enabling users to edit photos post-capture through Samsung's gallery app. This mode consolidates various camera functions from earlier Samsung models—such as Best Photo, Best Face, Drama Shot, Eraser, and Action panorama—into one comprehensive mode. A novel selective focus option is included, capturing multiple images at varying focus distances (a process akin to focus bracketing, though stored within one file), allowing users to select near, far, or panoramic focus after taking the photo and export the chosen focus version as a separate image.
Additional camera modes can be downloaded via Samsung’s dedicated app store.
The software also supports a remote viewfinder function, which permits one device’s screen to serve as the viewfinder for another phone connected through Wi-Fi Direct. Apart from the S5, this feature is available on models such as the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S4 Zoom, Galaxy K Zoom, Galaxy Note 3, and Galaxy Alpha.
Two innovative modes—Virtual Tour and Spherical (360°) Panorama—have been added. These allow users to create navigable 3D photo environments and spherical panoramic views of surroundings, respectively, both accessible within the integrated gallery software. The 360-degree panoramas can be explored using touch input or by moving the device with its gyroscope sensor.
Users can customize the camera interface by selecting up to four frequently used settings shortcuts positioned along the left horizontal edge of the screen.
However, the camera software has faced criticism due to excessive post-processing sharpening applied to images.
The gallery application provides detailed display of Exif metadata for photos, including parameters such as exposure time, exposure value, ISO sensitivity, aperture size, focal length, flash usage, and a histogram.
Updates
The initial rollout of the Android 5.0 "Lollipop" update for Galaxy S5 units began in Poland during December 2014.[17] This upgrade introduced enhancements in performance, a redesigned "Recent apps" interface featuring a card-style layout, lock screen notification access, and updates to the TouchWiz UI to align with Material design principles.[17] By April 2016, Samsung expanded support by releasing the Android 6.0.1 "Marshmallow" update for international variants of the S5.[18] This version brought new functionalities such as "Google Now on Tap", enabling contextual searches based on displayed content, and "Doze", a feature designed to conserve battery life when the device remains inactive.[19][18]
Furthermore, Samsung Galaxy S5 users can install Android 13 through custom ROMs like LineageOS.[20]
Variants
Rugged variants
Samsung introduced two rugged adaptations of the Galaxy S5: the S5 Active and S5 Sport. These models retain the core design of the S5 but replace the capacitive navigation keys with physical buttons and omit the fingerprint scanner. Aside from these differences, they maintain parity with the standard S5 hardware. Both devices are equipped with an exclusive "Activity Zone" application that offers tools such as a barometer, compass, and stopwatch. The S5 Active features an additional "Active Key" on its side, programmable for launching apps with short or long presses; by default, it opens Activity Zone. The Sprint-exclusive S5 Sport includes extra software called Sprint Fit Live, serving as a central hub for fitness-related content and integrating S Health along with MapMyFitness MVP (owned by Under Armour) and Spotify. Complimentary subscriptions to these services are provided. Color options vary between the two models: the S5 Active is available in grey, camouflage green, and red shades, while the S5 Sport comes in blue or red. Notably, the S5 Sport weighs slightly less at 158 g (5.6 oz) compared to the S5 Active’s 171 g (6.0 oz). Released in June 2014 within the United States, these variants were exclusive to AT&T (S5 Active) and Sprint (S5 Sport).[21][22][23] The Canadian market saw availability of the S5 Active starting October 2014.[24]
Additionally, June 2014 marked the launch of a dual SIM iteration of the Galaxy S5, named Samsung Galaxy S5 Duos (model SM-G900FD), which supports LTE connectivity consistent with the original Galaxy S5 specifications.
Neo variant
In August 2015, Samsung discreetly introduced a hardware update known as the Galaxy S5 Neo.
This model serves as a more affordable alternative to the original Galaxy S5, featuring a downgraded processor with the Exynos 7580 Octa chipset, yet it upgrades the front-facing camera to a 5-megapixel sensor. Notable modifications include the elimination of the fingerprint scanner and a switch from a USB 3.0 port with a water-resistant flap—often criticized for its fragility—to a standard USB 2.0 port. The rear cover design also differs, showcasing a finer dotted texture. Additionally, Samsung provided the S5 Neo with Android 7.0 Nougat bundled with Samsung Experience, an update not available for the original S5. Initially, this variant was launched in Europe (model SM-G903F) and Canada (model SM-G903W).
While the original Galaxy S5 supports video recording at 2160p 30fps, 1080p 60fps, and 720p 120fps for slow-motion capture, the Galaxy S5 Neo’s camera is limited to recording at 1080p up to 30fps and does not support slow-motion video functionality.
Wireless charging capability is completely absent on the Galaxy S5 Neo, and it cannot be upgraded by using a wireless charging-compatible back cover.
Comparison table
| Model | SM-G900H |
SM-G900F/FD |
SM-G900I |
SM-G900K/L/S |
SM-G900M/MD |
SM-G900W8 |
SM-G900T/T1 |
SM-G900A |
SM-G900V |
SM-G900R4 |
SM-G900P |
SM-G9006W |
SM-G9008V |
SM-G9009D |
SM-G900D (SC-04F) |
SM-G900J (SCL23) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countries | International | Asia, Australia | South Korea | International | Canada, Caribbean, Mexico | USA | China | Japan | ||||||||||
| Carrier | Vodafone, Telcel | T-Mobile, MetroPCS | AT&T, Cricket | Verizon | US Cellular | Sprint | China Mobile | China Telecom | NTT DoCoMo | au | ||||||||
| 2G | 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE |
CDMA 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE |
CDMA | 800, 1900 MHz CDMA 1x |
850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE |
800, 1900 MHz CDMA 1x 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE |
850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE |
800, 2100 MHz CDMA 1x 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE | ||||||||||
| 3G | 850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz UMTS/HSPA+ |
850, 1900, 2100 MHz UMTS/HSPA+ |
850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz UMTS/HSPA+ |
850, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz UMTS/HSPA+ |
850, 1900, 2100 MHz UMTS/HSPA+ |
800, 1900 MHz EVDO Rev.A 850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz UMTS/HSPA+ |
800, 1700, 1900 MHz EVDO Rev.A |
800, 1900 MHz EVDO Rev.A |
850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz UMTS/HSPA+ |
1880,2010 MHz TD-SCDMA | 800, 1900 MHz EVDO Rev.A & UMTS/HSPA+ | 800, 850, 2100 MHz UMTS/HSPA+ | 850, 1900, 2100 MHz UMTS/HSPA+ | |||||
| 4G (Band)
|
No | 800 (20),850 (5),900 (8),1800 (3),1900 (2),2100 (1),2600 (7) MHz LTE-A | 700 (28),850 (5),900 (8),1800 (3),1900 (2),2100 (1),2300 (40),2600 (7) MHz LTE-A | 850 (5),1800 (3),2100 (1),2600 (7) MHz LTE-A | 700 (17),850 (5),1700/2100 (4),1900 (2),2600 (7) MHz LTE-A | 700 (17),850 (5),1700/2100 (4),1800 (3),1900 (2),2600 (7) MHz LTE-A | 700 (17),850 (5),900 (8),1700/2100 (4),1800(3),19001200(2),21001(1),26007(7) MHz LTE-A | 700(17),850(5),17002100(4),18003(3),19002(2),21001(1),26007(7) MHz LTE-A | 700(13),18003(3),17002100(4) MHz LTE-A | 700(12 &17),850(5),17002100(4),19002(2) MHz LTE-A | 800(26),190025(LTE-A) | 250041(LTE-A) | 190039230040250041(LTE-A) | No | 80019, 150021, 18003, 21001 MHz LTE-A | 70017, 80018, 18003, 21001 MHz LTE-A WiMax | ||
| Dimensions | 142 x72.5 x8.1 mm | 142 x72.5 x8.3 mm | ||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 145 g | 151 g | 145 g | 150 g | 145 g | 146 g | 147 g | |||||||||||
| SoC | Exynos_5_Octa_5422 | Snapdragon_801_MSM8974-AC | ||||||||||||||||
| GPU | Mali-T628 MP6 | Adreno_330 | ||||||||||||||||
| Internal storage | 16 GB | 32 GB | 16 GB | 32 GB | ||||||||||||||
| SIM slots | 1 | 1/2 | 1 | 1/2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | |||||||||||
Critical reception
The Galaxy S5 was met with generally favorable critiques, with reviewers recognizing it as mainly a technological refinement of the previous model, featuring only minor modifications. While its enhanced aesthetics and build quality were commended, the device faced criticism for maintaining an almost identical look and structure to the Galaxy S4, despite subtle design updates such as the removal of the glossy polycarbonate back cover and the introduction of a dot pattern reminiscent of the 2012 Google Nexus 7. Additionally, the choice to avoid premium materials like metal or higher-grade plastics drew some negative remarks. The display earned praise for its superior quality, avoiding the oversaturation seen in earlier versions, and offering extensive options for viewing angles, brightness levels, and color gamut adjustments to customize visual output. TechRadar pointed out that although the processor was powerful, certain applications and interface elements experienced lag, suggesting that the operating system might not have been fully optimized for the device’s chipset. The user interface was lauded for a cleaner design compared to prior versions but was still faulted for including an excessive number of unnecessary features and settings.
The camera system on the S5 received largely positive feedback due to improvements in image quality brought by its Isocell sensor; however, it was still viewed as inferior to competitors, especially in low-light scenarios. The camera app’s streamlined interface was appreciated, though it was criticized for slow startup times, and the Selective Focus functionality was noted as inconsistent in performance. The fingerprint sensor offered more versatility than the iPhone 5s’s Touch ID but was criticized for requiring an awkward vertical swipe gesture, delivering unreliable results, and being less practical than traditional PINs or passwords in most situations. Security Research Labs in Berlin highlighted vulnerabilities with the fingerprint sensor: it could be easily deceived, allowed unlimited attempts without locking out users, did not require a PIN after 48 hours of inactivity or upon reboot (unlike Touch ID), and its use beyond unlocking increased security risks by encouraging attackers to spoof fingerprints. Engadget described the heart rate sensor as similarly unreliable and occasionally inaccurate compared to other monitors, while The Verge regarded it as somewhat superfluous given the simultaneous release of the Samsung Gear Fit—a device equipped with its own heart rate monitor—likely appealing to users aiming to fully utilize the S Health application on their S5.
Sales
Within just 25 days of release, the S5 reached a shipment milestone of 10 million units to retailers, marking it as the quickest smartphone rollout in Samsung's history. During its initial month on the market, Samsung dispatched 11 million S5 units, surpassing the Galaxy S4’s shipment volume by 1 million units within the same timeframe. Nevertheless, over the course of the first three months, shipments of the S5 totaled 12 million units, which fell short compared to the S4’s sales figures.
The subdued performance of the S5 led Samsung to report its lowest profit levels in more than two years by July 2014, alongside a decline in market share from 32.3% to 25.2% over the previous year. This reduction in market dominance was largely attributed to intensified competition—particularly from emerging players in the expanding low-end smartphone segment—and a saturated high-end smartphone market. By the end of 2014, sales of the S5 were reported to be down by 40% relative to the preceding S4 model, a factor that contributed to significant changes within Samsung’s management structure.
See also
- Comparison of Samsung Galaxy S smartphones
- Comparison of smartphones
- Samsung Galaxy S series
- Samsung Rugby Smart
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4
- Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
Notes
References
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- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedcnet-lollipops5poland - ↑ 18.0 18.1 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedpa-s5marsh - ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedars-review - ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedcnet-s5sport - ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedpcmag-s5active - ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedtechradar-s5sport - ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedvsun-s5canada
External links
Template:Succession boxTemplate:Samsung smartphones Template:Samsung phones Template:Samsung Galaxy S Lua error in Module:Authority_control at line 159: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
- Pages with reference errors
- Pages with script errors
- Articles with short description
- Pages with broken file links
- Use dmy dates from June 2021
- Articles with invalid date parameter in template
- Android (operating system) devices
- Discontinued flagship smartphones
- Mobile phones introduced in 2014
- Mobile phones with user-replaceable battery
- Mobile phones with infrared transmitter
- Mobile phones with self-capacitive touch screen layer
- Mobile phones with 4K video recording
- Discontinued Samsung Galaxy smartphones