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Monday, February 24, 2014

Samsung Galaxy S5 - Finally Launched



Since I just spent an hour watching the Samsung Unpacked event streamed live from Barcelona, I might as well tell my readers what I learnt.

Galaxy S5 - Fingerprint scanner, 5.1" super AMOLED Full HD screen, yes, I was disappointed as I was hoping for a 2K screen, but there are some innovative improvements in display technology that will make this a unique display. The design is a bit disappointing after watching all those "concept" videos. It's a simple S4-like shape and design, with a perforated back (so I am assuming a metal body not plastic). It has a heart rate sensor.

The fingerprint scanner can be used for making paypal payments. Would be good if I didn't already hate paypal.

Although it's not waterproof it is water and dust resistant, the rating is IP67. I doubt that it would let me sing along in the shower as the Samsung VP J.D. Ayme was urging everybody to do, but at least it would be safe to take the phone out in the rain. I live in London, this is a big deal for me.

The camera is a 16 MP camera with many improvements. This one did impress me. The sensor is bigger, the autofocus is faster, there is even selective focus to emulate DSLR-like shallow DOF. It looked very good on screen. There is HDR for both stills and video. 0.3 seconds response time.

They didn't talk about the processor or RAM, that seems to be tomorrow's agenda on their event. The battery is 2800mAh, that was a big disappointment. There is a Ultra Power Saving mode that turns off everything except essential functions and even turns the screen to black and white. Samsung claims that in this mode the phone can last for 24 hours on standby on 10% battery left. Well, I would have preferred a 3200mAh battery.

The release date is April 11. 

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