Samsung Galaxy S5 Review

After all, the Samsung Galaxy S5 is a revolution or evolution? The review of the top line of the Korean smartphone giant leads us to believe that the device launched in April 2014 is a turbocharged version of its predecessor. After all, after a few weeks of exhaustive testing, literally under the sun, rain, cold and dusty, we have a conclusion. And it is very encouraging. Check it out.

Performance

For starter, a little about the device hardware (and operating system). It is a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801, running at 2.5 GHz, Adreno 330 GPU with 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage (expandable via micro slot). It has Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, NFC, USB 3.0, 4G with respect to connectivity. Its screen is Super Amoled 5.1 inch, with a maximum 1920 x 1080 resolution and pixels density of 432 pixels per inch. Weighs 145 g, is 0.81 cm thick and 7.25 cm x 14.2 cm (width x height). 2-megapixel front camera and rear of 16 megapixels, all powered by a 2,800 mAh battery and running Android 4.4.2.

And looks much, the device also features a dozen sensors: light, proximity, gestures, gyroscope, heartbeat, barometer, accelerometer, geomagnetic, hall and biometric. And then you ask yourself, will I need them all? Honestly, no. And even more: you probably will not use half the capacity of the unit (in terms of hardware and software). But they are there, making the Galaxy S5 the unit being followed.

In that matter, processor, camera and resistance elements (dust and water). The S5 brings Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core 2.5 GHz, while the Snapdragon S4 has 600 quad-core 1.9 GHz the first, and significantly faster, it is still far more economical. And the camera, that besides making videos and 4K HDR brings ISOCELL feature that improves (a lot) the sharpness of the images, especially in low light.

In the "benchmark" tests that evaluate the performance of the device through selected tests, a bit of frustration. While the day to day the unit seems to be powerful, apps like AnTuTu and the 3D Mark show that it is great, but not top 5. At first, for example, it is right behind the main rival, LG G2, and a good distance from the bigger brother, the Galaxy Note 3.

Still, according to AnTuTu, the striking unit can marks. Win a "great", a score and a "Cheer" program, confirming the satisfactory performance above the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801, plus the Adreno 330. Redid the test a few times, but was actually curious S5 stay (as) ago LG G2.

Already in 3D, which essentially evaluates the set CPU + GPU + screen, the S5 has fared better, pushing all rivals down and just behind the S5 octa-core itself and the Xperia Z2. Although run virtually "clean" test without any other active application, 3D Mark says it is still below expectation. A little mystery to the test ...

The S5 is still slightly more stylish than the S4 (of course this is debatable ...), with minor changes in design. The highest edges, the back cover with the face of the band-aid and more "boxy" shape and to give more stability and security (the screen is less vulnerable and less slippery cell), giving an imposing air to the Galaxy S5.

Still on the design, the Galaxy S5 was with a guy younger brother of the Galaxy Note 3. What is a good thing. The Main button now, besides being the "Home", the biometric reader is responsible for unlocking the phone via fingerprints of its owner. Incidentally, on the sensor, a controversy: part of the tests, a person, it worked perfectly, opening the phone on 9/10 times. While the iPhone just touch your finger, slide the S5 is needed, and this can cause difficulties. For accuracy, correctly registering the digital, motion and the angle is essential.

The entrance to the headset switched sides - from left to right - and the USB port gained an uncomfortable but necessary cover. The 0.1 inch screen came back and wrinkled really "sticks" to the device in hand. Open the back cover is always tense, but it resists - and probably will endure for many years - without cracking.

Now, is it plastic? it is. But it is by no means a demerit. Perhaps the fact that Samsung insist on it to the detriment of the noblest materials (such as aluminum), be given due to the malleability of the compound. In a fall, an aluminum case transfers more power to the display and internal components, increasing the risk of breakage. Since the plastic absorbs the impact. See rivals, all wrinkled and cracked after a few use of the screens, while the new S5 as follows. It takes away from time with the nonsense of "plastic = bum".

Camera

The main change of the Samsung Galaxy S5 S4 is relative to the camera. If there was once a chronic problem with saturation, blue trend and especially a very poor quality video, it appears to be near the end. The photos show quite balanced, the automatic modes are really smart and videos with the stabilization system, 4K capture, HDR, and more powerful hardware, are actually very good.

Guilt? Possibly the ISOCELL technology, adopted by Samsung, which, in general, allows sensors show a much greater ability to absorb light and block interference between pixels. The result? Best photos in the worst light conditions.

Compared with the "king" of photos on mobile phones, the Nokia Lumia 1020, the Samsung hillside, under ideal conditions, and still slipped when the subject is dimly lit. In the photos, you can see a level of detail unbalanced in S5, a tendency to underexpose images and the chronic problem of "flattening", when everything seems reduced to a plan. For everyday use, though, the top of the Samsung meets expectations. But if the intention is something more elaborate, is better off for a "cameraphone".

Already in videos, especially with HDR capture mode and stabilization, the difference is monstrous. Others, such as HTC and Sony, have tried shooting with HDR, but the result was hopeless. The S5 shows your balance, and fall, still makes 4K video at 30fps (that nobody will use, due to the huge file sizes and no TV to see it ...), Full-HD at 60 fps and HD great camera slow (120-240 fps). The big disappointment still rests with the image stabilization, as can be assessed in the next video. He trembles and shakes as well. Compared with Lumias (1020, 920 and 925), which appear to be attached to a crane, the Galaxy S5 is still a few steps behind. Although the feature set significantly ahead of its direct competitors.

Battery

The autonomy of the Galaxy S5 however, follows that of older brother, S4. The 2,800 mAh battery does not allow large extravagances. As always, a work day is enough to send the device low battery alert. The power is greater than that of S4 (2600 mAh), but that's just for the hardware difference to the powerful screen and above all for the camera.

On loading, the USB 3.0 port (with one double connector), makes a difference. The gain in time between the start of charging a battery reset and 100% is as high as 30%. Ie if u took 45 minutes before, now has a huge chance to wait half an hour to return to active. But the device also offers the load with traditional USB plugs. And then, there is no difference.

Interface

Here things get tense. The TouchWiz, 'face' of Android modified by Samsung, has always been a problem. Target of much criticism, by all users, lay or advanced, the interface became smoother. Sometimes it is noticeable. Finish the freshness of 3D icons, fonts 'face of Samsung', less icons, widgets and things that the Korean manufacturer tries to shove down our throats. Shortcuts are grouped together, and everything is much easier to find - especially in the search bar, which also helps, since we're talking tens of controls, and hundreds of services.

Apparently, the TouchWiz became an "Android for mortals." Still not a pure version of the world's most popular smartphone operating system, but is an experience that anyone can have. If before you needed a PhD from MIT to operate a Galaxy, now just think 'what do I want?' and follow your intuition. But still expect a deeper cleaning by Samsung.

Audio

Well, that is not - or at least should not be - a reason to buy a smartphone or not. But the S5 speakers are beautiful. Can you put some music, hear a voice call, without becoming annoyed with that distortion that leaves everything with noise cellophane being crumpled. But this does not indicate quality.

Have the headphones that come with the unit are the traditional Samsung. Well balanced, comfortable, durable and seemingly unobtrusive. The original attachment is above average, but below-standard products from brands like Seinheiser, Audio Technica and the like.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S5 is undoubtedly one of the most balanced handsets. Maybe not the best in the world, but it certainly is, along with the iPhone 5S, the most versatile, one which is good at everything. As much as one tries to find something mean in Samsung product is a task that requires a lot of ill will.

If you want a top Android phone, you go strictly meet all your needs, with reliability, strength and quality (and not concerned with price ...), the S5 is the guy. There are other options? Yes, like the Sony Xperia Z1 and Z2, G2 LG and Moto X and G. If you like photos, Lumia 1020 and 1520 are the best options, despite the Windows Phone. Now if you are Apple, of course, the iPhone 5S is your target.

However, the Galaxy S5 is still the best value for money. It improved weaknesses of S4, and this is no small thing. If you are not great at anything, the S5 is very good at all. And that's enough.