<div>Samsung's galaxy S series has had a long and successful run. Responsible for the march of Android across the world and many headaches for Apple, this series is now in its 5th generation, as is Apple’s iPhone. And as is the case with the iPhone, some users are happy to move on to the next upgrade because they’re fully invested in and used to that product and some are jaded and want a new concept. Whichever camp you fall into, know that the S5 is an evolution, a refresh, an improvement but not a new approach. It’s possible that it could have been replete with new tricks and features, but after so many complaints about there being unnecessary gimmicks, Samsung toned it down and instead stepped up the hardware specs and usability. The S5, with or without tricks, came in at over Rs 51,500 in India, which by all accounts, is a bit much. Thankfully, it seems to be available for much less (Rs 37,000 or so) at various stores online.<br /><br />So what does the S5 have over, first of all, the S4. Actually, the S4 is still a powerful phone and can hardly be considered obsolete. In the design department, there are no changes in approach and the S5 is essentially the same shape but this time with a slightly strange perforated patterned back panel. Thankfully, the panel opens and you have access to the battery and the SD card slot. The smartphone is still good with ergonomics and can even be used comfortably with one hand.<br /><br />To cut to the chase, the hardware specs on the S5 are all bumped up. The screen looks gorgeous and is vibrant and responsive as well. In fact, it’s easily the best screen on a phone — for now. The CPU is faster and the battery is bigger. There are also power-saving modes, one of which really cuts down on everything to give you a last reserve of battery juice in case you’re stuck.<br /><br />The camera on the S5 is very capable and takes quick sharp images. Other than the photography specialist Lumia 1020, the S5 is actually one of the best camera phones in the regular category, competing with the Sony Z2 and the iPhone 5s. It’s not the phone camera of choice in low light, but outdoor shots are particularly accurate and full of detail. Video recording is also superb.<br /><br />Also on the hardware front, the S5 is now dust and water resistant, has a heart rate monitor on the rear, and a fingerprint scanner. The heart rate measure is of slightly dubious usefulness. The scanner needs to be more reliable, but the water resistance works.<br /><br />TouchWiz, Samsung’s famous interface overlaid on Android, has been tweaked in many places. The most immediately noticed one being the capacitive button on the bottom left bringing up recent apps. The old tricks of using gestures, etc., are all still there, but on the software front, it’s the addition of an improved S-Health app that is more notable. Health on phones and wearables is poised to take off, so in that sense, there’s a starting point on the S5.<br /><br />The S5 isn’t necessarily a recommended buy if your S4 or Note 3 is going strong. However, if you’re new to Android and looking for a top-of-the-line phone, the S5 is certainly worth considering. <br /><br />(This story was published in BW | Businessworld Issue Dated 14-07-2014)<br /> </div>
BW Reporters
Mala Bhargava has been writing on technology well before the advent of internet in Indians and before CDs made their way into computers. Mala writes on technology, social media, startups and fitness. A trained psychologist, she claims that her understanding of psychology helps her understand the human side of technology.
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