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Samsung Galaxy S5
(Image Credit: http:// www.ibtimes.co.uk)
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With the cat
already out of the bag, it appears that everyone is scrambling for the
opportunity to include the Samsung Galaxy S5 in its device lineup. The two
Sprint prepaid brands recently announced that it intends to offer the device by
the second quarter of the year.
Normally, prepaid
brands will get a shot at offering flagship devices some time after the major mobile
network providers offer them into the market. However, the recent announcement gives
an indication that the latest device offering of Samsung may not follow this
trend.
The Samsung
Galaxy S5 is expected to become available in the market by April 11 in numerous
countries around the world. Among the first US-based carriers to offer the
latest product offering of the South Korean manufacturer are Verizon Wireless,
Sprint, AT&T and T-Mobile. It will also be offered through US Cellular and
MetroPCS. A number of retail stores will also offer the device, including
Target, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Amazon, Best Buy, Costco and RadioShack.
The lightweight,
all-plastic device is expected to have a price tag of around $200 when it comes
with the typical two-year mobile service contract. On the other hand, an
unlocked version of the device may have a price tag ranging from $600 up to
$700.
One of the
main features of the Samsung Galaxy S5 is the fingerprint scanner, which is one
of the methods to secure the device. The scanner can also be used in paying for
services purchased through PayPal. A total of three fingerprints can be stored
on the device.
Another
nifty feature that has apparently taken into consideration the trend towards
healthy living is the heart rate monitor. It joins a number of products that are
relying on the increasing interest on a healthy lifestyle. This will make the device
an appealing choice for fitness buffs looking for a good smartphone to
purchase.
The Samsung
Galaxy S5 is also dust and water resistant. The release of the Samsung S4
Active allowed the South Korean manufacturer to evaluate if it can offer such a
device into the market. However, it should be noted that water-resistant does
not mean that the device can be used while going out for a swim. The military
spec IP67 indicates that the device can be submerged at a depth of three feet
for a maximum of thirty minutes. But it is necessary to ensure that all the
ports of the device are sealed.
Another
notable feature that caught my attention is the camera of the Samsung Galaxy
S5. According to the company, the camera can focus automatically within 0.3
seconds. Although this is a notable feature, it remains to be seen if the
device can perform up to the standard set by the company.
Samsung has
also reduced the bloatware that normally came with a number of smartphones in
the past. One of the applications that will not come preinstalled into the device
is the Samsung Hub. However, fans of the Hub may not fret since they can still
download the numerous apps they may want to use on the device.
One thing
that has plagued numerous smartphones in the past is battery life. Samsung revealed
the Ultra Power Saving Mode of the device will allow it to continue running for
24 hours even when battery life has gone down to 10 percent. The software
feature limits the processor, changes the display to grayscale, turns off Wi-Fi
and shuts down GPS. If the feature works, it may be one device that people may want
to consider acquiring.
For the
moment, it remains to be seen how the latest flagship smartphone of Samsung
will fare against its rivals. Until a head-to-head comparison is made with the
latest devices available in the market, the jury is still out on the performance
of the Samsung Galaxy S5.
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