The reveal of a new Samsung smartphone was introduced at the 2014 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on February 24. Rumors and speculations flew around the Internet about the specs we could expect to see. Let’s take a look at what we learned from the Samsung Galaxy S5 reveal and see what rumors were true.
A New Name?
Most phones don’t have the same name for five generations in a row, but it would have been surprising if Samsung deviated from “Galaxy” for its new device. The rumor was that it would indeed be called the “Galaxy S5” However, the term “Unpacked 5” was also thrown around. Samsung has spent too much money on branding to change the name at this point. Plus, there is a whole line of complementary products that already carry the “Galaxy” name and it would be too costly to start all over on those, too. The end result? Samsung kept the name “Galaxy.”
Samsung Galaxy S5 Price: Cheaper?
Since the high-end market of smartphones is declining, people speculate that the Galaxy S5 will have a cheaper starting price than previous models. Of course, Samsung hasn’t given a selling price to carriers yet. The Galaxy S4 had a starting price of $199.99 for a 16 GB device and a two-year contract. That seems pretty standard for high-end smartphones. Without a contract, people can probably expect to pay between $500 and $650.
Historically, Samsung Galaxy phones see a price drop after three months and this trend is expected to hold true for the Samsung Galaxy S5. As a matter of fact, some reports predict that the Samsung Galaxy S5 price will see a reduction as much as 76% by the three-month mark. This was viewed as good news, both for consumers and businesses looking to improve their communication solutions. However, first indications are the price is nearly identical to when the S4 was released. The Galaxy S5 will go on sale April 11 in both the US and UK.
Samsung Galaxy S5 Screen & Body Design
In 2013, Samsung updated the Galaxy S4 with a dust and waterproof body, which was enhanced and come standard on the Samsung Galaxy S5. The body is sleeker with a screen that covers the entire surface of the phone instead of a physical home button on the bottom. As far as screen size, there are rumors of everything from 5.2 inches to 5.7 inches. Predictions were correct. The phone is 5.59 inches X 2.85. Additionally, most sources predicted correctly that the Galaxy S5 will have a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080, debunking others who thought it will have an amazing QHD resolution of 2560 x 1440.
Two Model Designs?
Rumors were also flying that Samsung would introduce two different phone models. One would most likely have a metal chassis instead of the standard carbon-fiber chassis seen on the S4 version. The other phone model could possibly have a flexible or bendy body. Samsung has been playing with that idea for a while. This would support the conflicting rumors behind the screen resolution since both may actually be true—one of the models would have the 1080p screen and the other would have the next-generation QHD offering.
Samsung did not unveil two different phone models and instead just enhanced the S5 with a slicker soft-touch plastic back for grip and increasing the weight and size of the screen.
Recognition Software and Other Features?
Sales on the Galaxy S4 model slowed in September after Apple’s iPhone 5 came out with a fingerprint-identity sensor to improve phone security. Rumors were Samsung would add a fingerprint scanner as well as an eye scanner on the S5 model to compete better with Apple. The fingerprint sensor was built into the home button and lets you authorize PayPal transaction as well as lock folders and unlock the handset from a sleep mode.
The Galaxy S5 is meant for fitness fanatics, so Samsung added several new features. The new features include ANT+ support for pairing heart rate monitors, exercise pedometers and a heart rate sensor built into the rear of the handset just beside the camera. The S5 is also water-and dust-resistant all in an effort to keep your device safe from the elements when on a run or outdoors.
Samsung Galaxy S5 Rumors
These are just the biggest rumors flying around about the Galaxy S5. Others include a better camera, longer battery life, slimmer design, and more loaded apps. Will you be the first to get your hands on the new Samsung device? What features do you want it to have? Tell us in the comments below.
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