Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone

Photo: Maurizio Pesce via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S5

April 11, 2014 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy S5 is an Android-based smartphone released in April 2014, featuring a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display, a 16MP main camera, and IP67 dust and water resistance. It introduced a fingerprint scanner and heart rate monitor, aiming to enhance user experience and health-related features.
Display5.1-inch Full HD Super AMOLED
ChipsetSnapdragon 801 (or Exynos 5422)
Main Camera16 MP with PDAF and 4K video
Battery2800 mAh removable
Starting from $3,791

💰 Samsung Galaxy S5 Price

The Samsung Galaxy S5 lowest price is $3,791, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeSuper AMOLED
Size5.1 inches
Resolution1080 x 1920 pixels (Full HD)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass

Platform

OSAndroid 4.4.2 KitKat, upgradable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 801 (LTE version) or Exynos 5 Octa 5422 (3G version)
CPUQuad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 (Snapdragon 801)
GPUAdreno 330 (Snapdragon 801)

Memory

Internal16GB or 32GB
RAM2GB
Card slotmicroSDXC, up to 128GB

Main Camera

Single16 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard), 1/2.6", 1.12µm, PDAF
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDR
Video2160p@30fps (4K), 1080p@60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR

Selfie Camera

Single2 MP, f/2.4, 22mm (wide)
Video1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeRemovable Li-Ion
Capacity2800 mAh
Charging5W wired

Body

Dimensions142 x 72.5 x 8.1 mm (5.59 x 2.85 x 0.31 in)
Weight145 g (5.11 oz)
BuildPlastic body, textured rear cover
SIMMicro-SIM
IP RatingIP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE
GPSYes, with A-GPS, GLONASS
NFCYes
Infrared portYes
USBmicroUSB 3.0 (MHL 2 TV-out), OTG

Launch

AnnouncedFebruary 24, 2014
ReleasedApril 11, 2014

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Removable battery and expandable storage
  • IP67 dust and water resistance
  • Good camera for its time with 4K video
  • Physical home button with integrated fingerprint scanner
  • IR blaster for remote control functionality

Cons

  • Plastic build criticized for not feeling 'premium'
  • Fingerprint scanner was sometimes unresponsive
  • Micro-USB 3.0 port with a flap could be cumbersome
  • Bloatware (TouchWiz) was a common complaint
  • Limited software updates beyond Android 6.0
★ Our Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S5 was a solid flagship for its time, offering innovative features like water resistance and a heart rate monitor, despite some criticisms regarding its design and software.

The Samsung Galaxy S5, while a landmark device in its era, is now a vintage smartphone. Its Android 6.0 operating system is significantly outdated, meaning many modern apps may not function correctly or securely. Battery life, even with a new battery, will likely be limited compared to current devices, and the camera, while good for its time, won't match contemporary phone photography. It could serve as a basic secondary phone for calls and texts, or for those interested in retro tech. However, for daily use, especially for internet browsing, social media, or demanding applications, newer budget smartphones offer far superior performance, security, and longevity at a comparable or lower price point. Consider it more as a collector's item or for very light, specific uses rather than a primary device.

Reviewed by the infozme.com Editorial Team — see how we research & rate phones.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy S5 Handset
  • 2800 mAh Battery
  • Wall Charger
  • USB 3.0 Cable
  • Stereo Headset
  • Quick Start Guide

Typically, the Samsung Galaxy S5 came with a standard one-year manufacturer's warranty.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the release date of the Samsung Galaxy S5?

The Samsung Galaxy S5 was released on April 11, 2014.

Is the Samsung Galaxy S5 waterproof?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S5 is IP67 certified for dust and water resistance, meaning it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S5 have a removable battery?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S5 features a removable 2800 mAh Li-Ion battery.

What is the main camera resolution of the Galaxy S5?

The main camera on the Samsung Galaxy S5 is 16 megapixels with PDAF and is capable of recording 4K video.

Can the storage on the Samsung Galaxy S5 be expanded?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S5 has a microSDXC card slot that supports expansion up to 128GB.

What Android version does the Samsung Galaxy S5 run?

The Samsung Galaxy S5 originally launched with Android 4.4.2 KitKat and is officially upgradable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow.