Less than a year after the launch of their current flagship mobile, the Galaxy S4 Samsung has announced a replacement. The appropriately-named Samsung Galaxy S5 is a few steps up from the current model and offers more than just an incremental update to hardware. Launched at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, the Galaxy S5 is set to redefine “how technology innovation enhances our lives.”
The Rundown:
The heart of the S5 is a 2.5 GHz, quad-core processor backed by 2GB of RAM. It packs a 16 megapixel main camera, which features lightning-fast autofocus speeds of a third of a second, plus selective focus that lets you take spectacular shallow depth of field shots. This, coupled with HDR
Connectivity is taken care of by both LTE Cat. 4 and Wi-Fi ac connectivity, as well as the Download Booster load balancing that spreads the load across both the LTE and Wi-Fi network ensures the fastest connectivity wherever you find yourself.
The outdoorsy among us will appreciate the S5’s SHealth 3.0 app that gives users tools to let them stay active. A built-in pedometer, diet, and exercise records, as well as a built-in heart rate monitor let you stay on top of all your fitness activities. The S5 is also built to IP67 specifications, allowing it to survive greater than average dips in water, or bumps outdoors.
The S5 is also all about security. The device comes with an internal fingerprint scanner that keeps the device secure without the need for long, complicated passkeys or less-than-secure pattern locks.
The S5 comes with a rar case with a pattern similar to that on the previous S4. The sleek new device comes in Charcoal Black, Shimmery White, Electric Blue and Copper Gold.
More wearable tech
Along with the Galaxy S5, Samsung also released updates to the Samsung Galaxy Gear, dubbed the Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 and Galaxy Gear 2 Neo. Though essentially the same device, the Gear 2 will have a camera which the Neo will be leaving out.
Both devices carry a modern, premium design that combine the latest in design and function. The devices both move the future of wearable tech forward, and address some of the comments users had about Samsung’s first foray into the world of wearable tech.
Both devices retain their position as companion hardware that enrich the smartphone user experience. Both devices let the user make and receive calls and texts, and updates on notifications the main device may have. On top of this, the Gear devices also let the user control compatible smart devices such as TVs through the WatchON application and embedded IrLED sensor. It also serves as a standalone music player that can stream audio via Bluetooth, and even monitor users’ health thanks to a heart rate monitor and fitness coaching. Reported battery life is pegged at two to three days, thanks to the internal 300mAh Li-Ion battery.
Perhaps the biggest news for the two devices is how Samsung has dropped the Android operating system in favor of the similarly-Linux-based Tizen OS.
Take a look at the specs after the jump.
Screen: 1.63″ AMOLED
Processor: 1GHz Dual-core processor, 512MB RAM
OS: Tizen
Camera: Gear 2: 2.oMP, NEO: None
Fitness features: Heart Rate Monitor, Multi-mode Pedometer
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 LE, Ir LED
IP67 Dust, water and shock resistance, Noise cancellation
“The Ultimate Fitness Solution”
Rounding off the event was the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Gear Fit, the industry’s first Curved, Super AMOLED wearable device. It is basically the perfect combination of wearable tech and fitness tool, without having to give up personal style or connectivity.
The curve of the Gear Fit countours comfortably with the user’s wrist, while still giving them all the usability of a clear, vivid AMOLED screen. Users can choose to use any of three colored straps (Black, Orange, Mocha Grey) to suit their individual styles.
The Fit is the combination of both the convenience of a connected, wearable device, and constant, real-time fitness coaching, right on your wrist.
Specs:
1.84″ Curved Super AMOLED display
Pedometer, Heart Rate Monitor, Stopwatch, timer, Sleep Mode
Notifications (tied to host device)
Changeable Straps
IP67 Dust, water and shock resistance
Battery: 210mAh, 3-4 day stamina
All four devices will be available starting April this year. Time to start saving up, friends!