Samsung Galaxy S5 Review!
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The Galaxy S5, Samsung's flagship for 2014! Samsung Galaxy S5: amzn.to Galaxy S5 First Impressions: youtu.be Video Gear I use: amzn.com Intro/Outro Track: Deadmau5 - Slow Down, Start Over ~ twitter.com google.com @MarquesBrownlee @MKBHD @MKBHD
The Samsung Galaxy S5 Review presents a device that largely inherits the familiar Galaxy design from the S4 while bumping up the internal specs and display size to a 5.1 inch 1080p panel. Marques Brownlee notes the back of the phone uses a soft touch material with dimples that improve grip, contrasting it with the metal feel of the HTC One M8, and highlights that the removable back cover enables microSD expansion up to 128 GB and access to a 2800 mAh battery. A key talking point is the IP67 certification, which provides dust protection and water resistance, though Brownlee points out a sealing gap at the bottom flap around the USB port that complicates using protective cases and charging. The fingerprint sensor embedded in the home button is treated with skepticism due to its accuracy and reliability, requiring a precise vertical swipe to unlock, which can be frustrating in daily use. Overall, a quick and responsive experience is delivered by the S5 thanks to its strong internals, though TouchWiz on top of Android 4.4 remains a point of contention for some users. The camera is identified as a standout feature, with a 16 MP sensor delivering highly detailed and saturated images, plus 4K video recording and advanced focus options like selective focus and pan focus, which offer flexible creative control directly from the phone. Brownlee also notes a curious heart rate monitor beneath the camera, tied into Samsung’s S Health ecosystem, adding a health-tracking dimension to the device. In closing, the S5 marks a solid and meaningful upgrade over the S4 in several key areas, including build features, display quality, and camera performance, while acknowledging design opinions and software quirks as potential drawbacks. The reviewer suggests that for many users, the S5 represents a strong, capable flagship choice, and even hints at the possibility of a Google Play edition for stock Android enthusiasts, before signing off with a positive outlook on the device's overall value and capabilities.
Topics · smartphones · technology · reviews · hardware
Questions answered
- What are the main design changes of the Galaxy S5 compared to the S4?
- The S5 keeps a very similar overall design to the S4 but introduces a larger 5.1 inch display with slightly bigger bezels, a removable back for microSD expansion and a bigger battery, and a new fingerprint/HOME button that introduces a different unlocking method.
- What makes the Galaxy S5 camera notable?
- The Galaxy S5 camera features a 16 megapixel sensor with rich detail and vivid color, supports 4K video, and includes advanced focusing modes like selective focus and pan focus for flexible photography directly on the device.
- What are the downsides mentioned for the Galaxy S5?
- Key drawbacks include the bottom USB port flap which can hinder use with cases and charging, and the fingerprint sensor which can be finicky and require precise swiping to unlock reliably.