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Samsung Galaxy S5 - Specs Explained

We take a look at the specifications of the Galaxy S5 in a little more detail.
By
February 24, 2014
Samsung Galaxy S5 Hands on MWC 2014-1160059
MWC 2014 Coverage brought to you by: Bitdefender Mobile Security & Antivirus for Android.

After months of rumors surrounding details about the Galaxy S5, Samsung has finally unveiled its latest flagship at its Unpacked event in Barcelona. While some of the rumors were right, there certainly were more than a few surprises with the Galaxy S5.

So what’s all new with the newest member of the Galaxy S family? Let’s jump in and take a look at the specs.

Display5.1-inch Super AMOLED, Full HD (1920 x 1080), 432 ppi
Processor
2.5GHz Snapdragon 801
RAM
2GB
Storage
16GB/32GB
Battery
2800 mAh
Cameras
16 MP rear LED flash with ISOCELL and 4K recording (limited to 5min), 2.1 MP front
Networks
3G, LTE Cat. 3 2X2 MIMO
Connectivity
GPS, GLONASS, microUSB, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0 LE
Dimensions
142 x 72.5 x 8.1 mm,
145 grams
Colors
Black White, Blue, Gold
Waterproof and dust resistant
Rated IP67 - USB port covered with plastic flap
Software
Android 4.4

Samsung Galaxy S5 specs explained

The Galaxy S5 features a bigger display than the GS4, a better processor, and improved camera technology when compared to the Galaxy S4 and Note 3.

Gone are the days of glossy plastic, first with the faux leather of the Note 3, followed by the soft touch plastic back of the Galaxy S5. Also expected was in the inclusion of the integrated fingerprint scanner, and credible rumors pointed to the fact that the Galaxy S5 would be waterproof.

Let’s talk about the specifications in a little more detail.

Display

Samsung Galaxy S5 Hands on MWC 2014-1160053

Not much has changed as far as the display is concerned except for a bigger size, at 5.1-inches, compared to the 5-incher of the S4. Resolution remains the same at 1080p, with the larger size resulting in a slightly lower pixel density of 432 ppi.

Processor, RAM, and Storage

The processing package is essentially the best that is currently available, with the powerful quad-core Snapdragon 800 CPU. There’s also 2GB of RAM which is more than enough, though perhaps a little bit disappointing since the Note 3 came with 3 gigs of RAM.

As always, you get multiple built-in storage options, in this case 16 GB or 32 GB, which can also be expanded further via a microSD card.

Battery

Samsung Galaxy S5 Hands on MWC 2014-1160075

Power consumption is expected to be more frugal with the Snapdragon 800 CPU, helped along with the battery saving features baked into Android 4.4 Kitkat. With this in mind, the 2,800 mAh capacity of the Samsung Galaxy S5 battery should be more than enough for your device to at least make it through a full day’s use.

Camera

One of the coolest new features of the device is the 16MP Isocell sensor, which should make for some amazing pics. The Galaxy S5 is the first device to integrate Isocell, a technology we’ve reviewed extensively here. The new tech should reduce noise and bloom, even in difficult lighting conditions.

Samsung also revamped the camera app, with a simpler mode selector and easy access to the app’s many features and settings. There’s also several new camera features introduced with the Galaxy S5:

  • Phase Detection Auto Focus: Advanced auto focus speeds for capturing a shot quickly – first smartphone with phase detection auto focus, a feature usually found in DSLR cameras
  • Real-Time HDR: High Dynamic Range (HDR) preview mode makes it easier to choose when to use HDR – like trying to photograph a beautiful sunset. It also enables users to capture HDR photos or videos with no shutter lag or post-processing.
  • Selective Focus Mode: blur images near or far for a creative, one-of-a-kind shot
  • Shot and More Mode: The camera chooses and recommends Drama Shot, Best Photo, Best Face or Eraser shot after the picture is taken to create the best photo
  • Studio: Add effects to photos and edit movies with a complete suite of editing tools within the Gallery

Connectivity

You get a plethora of connectivity options with the Galaxy S5 including GPS, GLONASS, microUSB 3.0, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0 LE. There’s also network connectivity such as HSPA+ and LTE Cat. 3 2X2 MIMO for faster data transfers.

IP67 rating

Samsung Galaxy S5 Hands on MWC 2014-1160070

Probably one of the most interesting features found on the Galaxy S5, aside from the camera, is the the IP67 certification that allows the GS5 to be dust and water resistant. This feature means that the USB 3.0 port of the device is covered with a plastic flap, which is also a minor aesthetic change.

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Wrap Up

The Galaxy S5 is without a doubt a step up from its predecessor, with a faster CPU, better camera experience and new waterproof design. Whether it’s worth the upgrade from the Galaxy S4 is entirely up to you. What do you think of the Galaxy S5, impressed or not?