MWC 2014: Samsung Unveils A Galaxy S5 Variant with Octa-Core Processor

Samsung seeks strong end to patchy period with the coming of its flagship handset, the Galaxy S5. On Monday, Samsung finally announced the Galaxy S5 handset in order to combat Apple Inc, which might bring a large screen handset later this year.

The device, showcased at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, features a 5.1-inch Full HD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, and runs Android 4.4 Kitkat mobile OS.

At the event, the company only announced a single variant of Galaxy S5, featuring a quad-core processor powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset.

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Now, it seems that Samsung has plans to release the Galaxy S5 with a 2.1-GHz Octa-core variant of the Exynos SoC. The exact details around the model are unknown at this hour. Whether Samsung will announce this particular version in India market is also not clear. Watch this space for more!

Samsung Galaxy S5 - Best Galaxy S phone ever?

Design and Form factor

Samsung's Galaxy S5, a premium handset, may not be enough to attract consumers. The high-end device is indeed a step forward to manufacturer's last big-ticket handset. However, the phone's boring design and plastic build quality may not help the company to tap users, who were possibly thinking to migrate from Apple ecosystem to Samsung created environment.

Hence, the Galaxy S5 failed to sizzle in terms of looks. The phone does come with a rugged feel, thanks to tiny dimples cover the rear. We would have expected removable metallic back cover, instead of Nexus 7 inspired rear back.

The Galaxy S5 is slightly taller and heavier than the Galaxy S4. Other than that, the phone looks exactly like the Galaxy S4. The biggest problem, even till now, with the Galaxy S5 is that it feels impressionless.

Earlier, it was reported that Samsung might announce the Galaxy S5 in two versions: one with plastic feel and the other with metallic body. Unfortunately, Samsung has only one version to offer.

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Waterproof and dust resistant

Beyond Galaxy 5's form factor and looks, the device is IP67 certified, which means the next time you plan to do scuba diving-don't forget to carry it along. It also means that Samsung won't ever come up with "Active" branded Galaxy S5.

Display

If we move away from design, then the Galaxy S5 features beefy internal hardware. The handset comes with a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED Full HD display, a slightly bigger display than the Galaxy S4 (5.0 Inch). Nothing much has been improved in the display department; though, the screen size is marginally larger. The S5 measures 8.1mm in terms of thickness and weighs 145 grams. Yes, it is slightly heavier than the original Galaxy S4.

Internal hardware

Hardware wise, the Galaxy S5 incorporates decent internal specs. There's a 2.5GHz quad-core processor powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 SoC, backed by 2GB of RAM and 16GB/32GB of internal memory. Amusingly the Galaxy S5 packs 2GB of RAM, instead of 3GB RAM. Further, the Galaxy S5 does not come with 64-bit PC like architecture.

Battery

The Galaxy S5's 2,800mAh battery may not be largest , but Samsung claims promises the battery will last up to 21 hours of talk time and over 16 days of standby time on a single charge. Well, it should be noted that the Galaxy S5's battery is slightly larger than that of S4's (2,600mAh).

Fingerprint sensor and heart rate monitor

So, what's impressive about the Galaxy S5? The biggest reason why you would like to try the new Galaxy S5 is certainly because of a fingerprint sensor and an added heart rate monitor. The fingerprint sensor has been integrated into the screen just above the home button. The fingerprint scanner scans your finger eight times before recognizing your profile. You can also add profiles for three fingers.

Another added feature that is unique to the Galaxy S5, and critical in many ways: the heart rate monitor. The Galaxy S5 features a heart rate monitor near camera flash. You need to hold your thumb over the module to register thumb. Samsung has launched S Health 3.0 app, which basically keep a tap on your regular activities.

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Camera

On the camera front, the Galaxy S5 comes fitted with a large 16MP camera with advance Auto Focus mechanism. Also add a 2MP front-facing camera. The word on the street is that the Galaxy S5's 16MP camera isn't great in taking low-light pictures. The rear-facing camera can capture videos in Full HD and 4K format.

Software

The Android 4.4.2 Kitkat powered handset features a slightly modified UI. But do not expect a complete overhaul, when it comes to user interface (UI).

Samsung Galaxy S5: Is This The Perfect Handset For Your Needs?

No doubt, the Galaxy S5's hype machine will continue to churn positive words. We think the Galaxy S5 isn't spectacular, but not bad either. The phone's boring design will not tempt you to buy instantly. The handset is yet to be priced in India, so a lot will depend upon S5's retail price.