Introduction
TheSamsung Galaxy S5 is an amazing phone. I should know, seeing as I lived
with it for an entire month. And I rarely put it down to rest. I
explored the depths of its extraordinarily versatile, Android-based
TouchWiz software, and I kept a watchful eye out for its shortcomings,
both software and hardware ones. Yes, it has shortcomings, and not one
or two, but many. Most of these can be put in the nitpicking category,
but some are rather important, as the consequences of them will be for
you to stomach, should you decide to go down the Galaxy S5 path.
But we reviewed the S5.
Months ago. So if you felt a little uncomfortable when faced with the
title of this particular piece, that's understandable. It's important to
lay ground rules, and we often do, even though most of this is done
behind the curtain and you're all presented with a polished piece for
the most part. So why should you read this one, and what does its very
existence mean? Are you to discredit our initial review in favor of this
one? Is this piece saying that we didn't do our job back in April, and
we'd like a second shot? No. And a resounding "no" at that. Instead,
what you're about to read should be viewed as an addition to it (the
original review) -- one that is, at its core, different in the way it
goes about looking at what the S5 has to offer.
Months ago. So if you felt a little uncomfortable when faced with the
title of this particular piece, that's understandable. It's important to
lay ground rules, and we often do, even though most of this is done
behind the curtain and you're all presented with a polished piece for
the most part. So why should you read this one, and what does its very
existence mean? Are you to discredit our initial review in favor of this
one? Is this piece saying that we didn't do our job back in April, and
we'd like a second shot? No. And a resounding "no" at that. Instead,
what you're about to read should be viewed as an addition to it (the
original review) -- one that is, at its core, different in the way it
goes about looking at what the S5 has to offer.
Indeed, the
reviewing process necessarily needs to be a standardized one. This means
that scientific measurements are at the core of what makes up our
professional opinion, as those are hard to fool and leave claustrophobic
room for bias. Whatever can't be quantified or measured, we usually
steer away from, unless the issue (or advantage!) is significant enough
to warrant a comment born out of a more personal opinion. That's because
there's no such thing as one-size-fits-all, and what doesn't appeal to
the editorial team may appeal to you. A good example is the Galaxy S5's
display and its TouchWiz interface, both of which we'll go through in
just a bit. But instead of focusing on what objective benchmarks say
about the Galaxy S5, I'll focus on what I, as a user, found about
Samsung's latest and greatest, both in terms of the good and the bad.
And through that, my hope is that you'll be able to draw a parallel
(something that us humans are very good at), and possibly gain a more
conclusive insight into the inner workings of a device that many of you
are shortlisting even now, and one that is likely destined to
characterize Samsung throughout 2014.
reviewing process necessarily needs to be a standardized one. This means
that scientific measurements are at the core of what makes up our
professional opinion, as those are hard to fool and leave claustrophobic
room for bias. Whatever can't be quantified or measured, we usually
steer away from, unless the issue (or advantage!) is significant enough
to warrant a comment born out of a more personal opinion. That's because
there's no such thing as one-size-fits-all, and what doesn't appeal to
the editorial team may appeal to you. A good example is the Galaxy S5's
display and its TouchWiz interface, both of which we'll go through in
just a bit. But instead of focusing on what objective benchmarks say
about the Galaxy S5, I'll focus on what I, as a user, found about
Samsung's latest and greatest, both in terms of the good and the bad.
And through that, my hope is that you'll be able to draw a parallel
(something that us humans are very good at), and possibly gain a more
conclusive insight into the inner workings of a device that many of you
are shortlisting even now, and one that is likely destined to
characterize Samsung throughout 2014.
Design and Display
 |
In
order to kick things off into a higher gear, I'm about to start with
two contested territories: design and display. Both of these have been a
source of massive controversy, and have caused many consumers to
naturally run for shelter in order to quelch the noise, and make up
their own mind. I'd like to try and accommodate those people.
order to kick things off into a higher gear, I'm about to start with
two contested territories: design and display. Both of these have been a
source of massive controversy, and have caused many consumers to
naturally run for shelter in order to quelch the noise, and make up
their own mind. I'd like to try and accommodate those people.
Starting
off with design, I have to admit that the Galaxy S5 is not striking in
terms of its looks and the feel you get when handling it. This is only
amplified by the fact that the company's designs has been cloned and
rehashed a hundred times over on lower end devices, even though most of
them are reminiscent of the slightly different Galaxy S4. In any case, I
didn't feel like I was using something unique. That said, I've found
that I like the white model the most, and I definitely hold it in higher
regard. Even then, however, the S5 is not the most stylish choice
currently on the market.
off with design, I have to admit that the Galaxy S5 is not striking in
terms of its looks and the feel you get when handling it. This is only
amplified by the fact that the company's designs has been cloned and
rehashed a hundred times over on lower end devices, even though most of
them are reminiscent of the slightly different Galaxy S4. In any case, I
didn't feel like I was using something unique. That said, I've found
that I like the white model the most, and I definitely hold it in higher
regard. Even then, however, the S5 is not the most stylish choice
currently on the market.
It is utilitarian's choice, though.
In fact, if I had to draw a parallel with the car industry, the Galaxy
S5 would be the Volkswagen Passat of the smartphone world, at least in
terms of its design's practicality. Indeed, out of the new crop of
flagship devices from rival manufacturers, it is the S5 that keeps
physical size in check, and that makes it by far the most comfortable
phone to use, especially compared with the clunky Z2, G3, and even One
M8. And while its exterior isn't as premium as some of those, it's
definitely the most grippy, ergonomic, and pocket-friendly, and it's not
like anybody confuses it with anything else than a high-end device.
In fact, if I had to draw a parallel with the car industry, the Galaxy
S5 would be the Volkswagen Passat of the smartphone world, at least in
terms of its design's practicality. Indeed, out of the new crop of
flagship devices from rival manufacturers, it is the S5 that keeps
physical size in check, and that makes it by far the most comfortable
phone to use, especially compared with the clunky Z2, G3, and even One
M8. And while its exterior isn't as premium as some of those, it's
definitely the most grippy, ergonomic, and pocket-friendly, and it's not
like anybody confuses it with anything else than a high-end device.
Pandora's box: The AMOLED display
As
for the display, it reminds a lot about how certain groups of people
feel about the Tesla Model S -- the majority love it, but there's a
protective and unyielding minority that is dismayed at the possibility
of deriving fun from driving an electrical vehicle. The overzealous
color reproduction of the S5 has people split in much the same way and
proportions, as most people downright cherish the overly-saturated hues,
while a stoic, but comparatively smaller faction, refuses to settle for
a color-inaccurate panel like that.
for the display, it reminds a lot about how certain groups of people
feel about the Tesla Model S -- the majority love it, but there's a
protective and unyielding minority that is dismayed at the possibility
of deriving fun from driving an electrical vehicle. The overzealous
color reproduction of the S5 has people split in much the same way and
proportions, as most people downright cherish the overly-saturated hues,
while a stoic, but comparatively smaller faction, refuses to settle for
a color-inaccurate panel like that.
As for me, I think most
people are right not to be too bothered by the color inaccuracies of the
screen. In fact, I specifically put the Galaxy S5 into the Dynamic
screen mode (which exhibits by far the most overly-saturated colors of
all modes) two weeks in, and I found that I quickly got used to them and
never changed them back. The only time those would get a bit unpleasant
is in darkness, where the extreme saturation wasn't as easy on the
eyes. Do, however, keep in mind that the S5 is not a very feasible
device to make online purchases through, especially if you're picky
about colors and ordering clothes, for example. These can, in reality,
differ palpably.
people are right not to be too bothered by the color inaccuracies of the
screen. In fact, I specifically put the Galaxy S5 into the Dynamic
screen mode (which exhibits by far the most overly-saturated colors of
all modes) two weeks in, and I found that I quickly got used to them and
never changed them back. The only time those would get a bit unpleasant
is in darkness, where the extreme saturation wasn't as easy on the
eyes. Do, however, keep in mind that the S5 is not a very feasible
device to make online purchases through, especially if you're picky
about colors and ordering clothes, for example. These can, in reality,
differ palpably.
Because of these color inaccuracies, some of
you might be tempted to go for the so-called Cinema screen mode, which
is, according to our measurements, the least color-incorrect mode of the
S5's AMOLED screen. Having said that, I generally wouldn't advise you
go for it unless you're actually watching a movie, as the colors are
downright lifeless-looking, and not in a fun way. In any case, and on
the whole, this is a great display, and one that is easily made out even
under strong and direct sunlight, which makes it perfectly-suited for
use even on the beach.
you might be tempted to go for the so-called Cinema screen mode, which
is, according to our measurements, the least color-incorrect mode of the
S5's AMOLED screen. Having said that, I generally wouldn't advise you
go for it unless you're actually watching a movie, as the colors are
downright lifeless-looking, and not in a fun way. In any case, and on
the whole, this is a great display, and one that is easily made out even
under strong and direct sunlight, which makes it perfectly-suited for
use even on the beach.
Interface and functionality
 |
Time
and time again, I've found that Samsung's Android-based TouchWiz
software is something of an acquired taste. As such, there's a learning
curve, and unless you've been exposed to it before, you're probably more
likely to look at it with disdain than loving appreciation. Indeed, the
interface can be quite busy, and the variety of features and options
can be downright overwhelming. This is to say that the Galaxy S5 is
definitely not the best pick for people who are just getting to know
Android, and specifically if their background reads "iOS", which is, in
comparison, extremely simplistic (which is not necessarily a 'pro').
Indeed, at times, the GS5's interface just feels messy, and I think
that's fair to say. For example, why are the plethora of special modes
(Private Mode, Kids Mode, Car Mode, etc) all over the place in the sense
that one you activate exclusively through the settings, another through
an app, and the third -- exclusively through the expanded quick toggles
menu? And why are features like Smart scroll and Air wake up buried
several levels deep into the Accessibility menu, and not in the more
obvious, Motions and gestures menu? Certainly that would've made more
sense.
and time again, I've found that Samsung's Android-based TouchWiz
software is something of an acquired taste. As such, there's a learning
curve, and unless you've been exposed to it before, you're probably more
likely to look at it with disdain than loving appreciation. Indeed, the
interface can be quite busy, and the variety of features and options
can be downright overwhelming. This is to say that the Galaxy S5 is
definitely not the best pick for people who are just getting to know
Android, and specifically if their background reads "iOS", which is, in
comparison, extremely simplistic (which is not necessarily a 'pro').
Indeed, at times, the GS5's interface just feels messy, and I think
that's fair to say. For example, why are the plethora of special modes
(Private Mode, Kids Mode, Car Mode, etc) all over the place in the sense
that one you activate exclusively through the settings, another through
an app, and the third -- exclusively through the expanded quick toggles
menu? And why are features like Smart scroll and Air wake up buried
several levels deep into the Accessibility menu, and not in the more
obvious, Motions and gestures menu? Certainly that would've made more
sense.
But all this isn't to say that the skin doesn't have
its appreciators -- in fact, for the longest time I've been observing a
very clear (and extremist) split in the community, a love/hate type deal
if you will. That said, I happen to agree with both sides of this
particular argument -- TouchWiz be better organized and less bloated,
but I can also see why groups of people are worried about all the
negative feedback. To them, functionality and customization is what
makes Android their platform of choice, and it's also why they buy into
Samsung products in the first place. These are the power users in the
crowd, who are not as easily thrown off their game, and are usually
extremely knowledgeable. To them, to criticize TouchWiz is to risk the
versatility of the custom software.
its appreciators -- in fact, for the longest time I've been observing a
very clear (and extremist) split in the community, a love/hate type deal
if you will. That said, I happen to agree with both sides of this
particular argument -- TouchWiz be better organized and less bloated,
but I can also see why groups of people are worried about all the
negative feedback. To them, functionality and customization is what
makes Android their platform of choice, and it's also why they buy into
Samsung products in the first place. These are the power users in the
crowd, who are not as easily thrown off their game, and are usually
extremely knowledgeable. To them, to criticize TouchWiz is to risk the
versatility of the custom software.
I believe that, while
subjective in a strict sense, this is a very open interpretation of what
TouchWiz really is, though I'm sure not all will agree.
subjective in a strict sense, this is a very open interpretation of what
TouchWiz really is, though I'm sure not all will agree.
Features overload: Gimmicks or actually useful?
 |
The GS5's built-in IR blaster is a miracle in disguise -- this is the kind of useful features we want. |
gone through the underlying philosophy and reality of the interface,
I'd like to go through another very controversial topic: are the
features offered by the software firmly entrenched in the realm of
gimmicks, or are these actually useful? If I have to be completely fair,
I'm not exactly happy with Samsung's approach, but hear me out first.
There's
a finite quantity of resources that can, are, and will be allocated to
software development, whether we're talking human or financial, even at a
company as massive as Samsung. And while I agree that simply because I,
personally, fail to see enough use in a certain feature doesn't
automatically discredit it, I'd argue very hard that a few of those
available on the Galaxy S5 are nearly useless, or at least
badly-implemented enough to be tagged the same.
a finite quantity of resources that can, are, and will be allocated to
software development, whether we're talking human or financial, even at a
company as massive as Samsung. And while I agree that simply because I,
personally, fail to see enough use in a certain feature doesn't
automatically discredit it, I'd argue very hard that a few of those
available on the Galaxy S5 are nearly useless, or at least
badly-implemented enough to be tagged the same.
By the above,
I mean the likes of "Smart" scroll, the heart rate monitor (which can
be substituted with a free app), and Air wake up, for example, all of
which are just resource hogs and, save for the monitor, offer little
benefit except in terms of marketing the phone. So yes, while Samsung
has probably done its homework, and has found and confirmed that extra
features attract consumers, I'd love to see the day in which the company
frees up some more resources currently locked into gimmicky features
and allocate them to as comprehensive and successful projects, such as
the S Health suite, or well-executed features like Smart stay,
One-handed mode and Multi Window, for example. You simply got to love
those.
I mean the likes of "Smart" scroll, the heart rate monitor (which can
be substituted with a free app), and Air wake up, for example, all of
which are just resource hogs and, save for the monitor, offer little
benefit except in terms of marketing the phone. So yes, while Samsung
has probably done its homework, and has found and confirmed that extra
features attract consumers, I'd love to see the day in which the company
frees up some more resources currently locked into gimmicky features
and allocate them to as comprehensive and successful projects, such as
the S Health suite, or well-executed features like Smart stay,
One-handed mode and Multi Window, for example. You simply got to love
those.
While still on the topic of functionality, I am
basically required to mention the all-new fingerprint scanner. I've made
my feelings towards Samsung's implementation clear in Week 1, and even
after giving it a second chance in Week 4, my opinion remained
unchanged. In the simplest of words, the fingerprint scanner is not
reliable enough for me to use on a daily basis, and its inferiority is
especially noticeable when you get to compare it with what Apple offers
with the iPhone 5s. And no, this isn't an Apple-can-do-no-wrong type of
statement, it's the reality of the matter.
basically required to mention the all-new fingerprint scanner. I've made
my feelings towards Samsung's implementation clear in Week 1, and even
after giving it a second chance in Week 4, my opinion remained
unchanged. In the simplest of words, the fingerprint scanner is not
reliable enough for me to use on a daily basis, and its inferiority is
especially noticeable when you get to compare it with what Apple offers
with the iPhone 5s. And no, this isn't an Apple-can-do-no-wrong type of
statement, it's the reality of the matter.
So what's wrong
with it? Admittedly, there are a number of things that factor in,
including the somewhat awkward position of the sensor and the fact that
it's of the swipe type, and not touch. This makes the GS5 hard to unlock
with one hand, and even registering your fingerprint sideways during
setup isn't of much help, as you need to perform a rather flawless
vertical swipe, which is, again, just an awkward exercise that often had
me thinking of how long it'll take for me to finally drop the phone
while unlocking.
with it? Admittedly, there are a number of things that factor in,
including the somewhat awkward position of the sensor and the fact that
it's of the swipe type, and not touch. This makes the GS5 hard to unlock
with one hand, and even registering your fingerprint sideways during
setup isn't of much help, as you need to perform a rather flawless
vertical swipe, which is, again, just an awkward exercise that often had
me thinking of how long it'll take for me to finally drop the phone
while unlocking.
Performance: Awesome and disappointing at the same time
Benchmarks
can be misleading, at least if you do not quite get their purpose. I'd
say that the Samsung Galaxy S5 is something of a case study in this
regard, in that it scores amazingly in those synthetic tests, but can
also be a bit of a disappointment if you consider the overall user
experience. As many of you will know, the main reason behind this is
Samsung's TouchWiz skin.
can be misleading, at least if you do not quite get their purpose. I'd
say that the Samsung Galaxy S5 is something of a case study in this
regard, in that it scores amazingly in those synthetic tests, but can
also be a bit of a disappointment if you consider the overall user
experience. As many of you will know, the main reason behind this is
Samsung's TouchWiz skin.
Indeed, there's just something about
the company's custom overlay that just refuses to play nice no matter
the type of hardware powering the device. This issue usually manifests
in random, but consistent, stutters, especially in the settings menu and
the app drawer, but, occasionally, also when scrolling through the
homescreens. To make matters worse, essential apps like Phone and
Messenger (among others) are equally-heavy, and take a while to load.
Considering that the S5 runs even extremely graphics-intensive
third-party apps without a hitch, it's fair to say that performance is
alright, but also a mixed bag.
the company's custom overlay that just refuses to play nice no matter
the type of hardware powering the device. This issue usually manifests
in random, but consistent, stutters, especially in the settings menu and
the app drawer, but, occasionally, also when scrolling through the
homescreens. To make matters worse, essential apps like Phone and
Messenger (among others) are equally-heavy, and take a while to load.
Considering that the S5 runs even extremely graphics-intensive
third-party apps without a hitch, it's fair to say that performance is
alright, but also a mixed bag.
It's true: Battery life on the S5 is great
Galaxy S5 battery life tests, and those have been consistently stellar.
Ours, for example, puts the S5's longevity at 7 hours and 38 minutes,
which is excellent. This being yet another synthetic test, however,
means that many among you will wonder exactly how well the 2800 mAh cell
of the phone translates into real life usage.
In my
experience, the GS5 is good to go for up to two days before you just
have to charge it to stay online. And I say "up to", because it really
comes down to how hard you push your devices on a daily basis. In my
estimate, the phone was kept with Wi-Fi and 3G on at all times, and I
consider myself a moderate user -- I chat on Viber a lot (which wakes up
the screen, thus draining juice), and I browse websites and images
about as much. I also occasionally play casual games, like Piano Tiles
and 2048, for example. With this kind of usage, I usually get a maximum
of two work days of battery life, which means that, sometimes, I'm a tad
worried that the GS5 might not make it through the entirety of the
second day. Thankfully, whenever that happens, you can simply switch on
the so-called Ultra Power Saving Mode and make it through the remainder.
Lastly, the GS5 loses very little charge while it's in standby -- along
the lines of 2% or 3% during the night.
experience, the GS5 is good to go for up to two days before you just
have to charge it to stay online. And I say "up to", because it really
comes down to how hard you push your devices on a daily basis. In my
estimate, the phone was kept with Wi-Fi and 3G on at all times, and I
consider myself a moderate user -- I chat on Viber a lot (which wakes up
the screen, thus draining juice), and I browse websites and images
about as much. I also occasionally play casual games, like Piano Tiles
and 2048, for example. With this kind of usage, I usually get a maximum
of two work days of battery life, which means that, sometimes, I'm a tad
worried that the GS5 might not make it through the entirety of the
second day. Thankfully, whenever that happens, you can simply switch on
the so-called Ultra Power Saving Mode and make it through the remainder.
Lastly, the GS5 loses very little charge while it's in standby -- along
the lines of 2% or 3% during the night.
On a different, but
related topic, the Galaxy S5 is on the growing list of still few devices
that offer very fast charging times -- according to our tests, it takes
the S5 about 120 minutes to charge from zero to full, and that's with
the included, 2 ampere charger. In comparison, the One M8 and Xperia Z2
need about 210 minutes.
related topic, the Galaxy S5 is on the growing list of still few devices
that offer very fast charging times -- according to our tests, it takes
the S5 about 120 minutes to charge from zero to full, and that's with
the included, 2 ampere charger. In comparison, the One M8 and Xperia Z2
need about 210 minutes.
Closing words
Suffices to say
that the Samsung Galaxy S5 is one complicated device. And that doesn't
necessarily have to mean something bad. Not at all. But in certain
regards, it feels like the GS5 is unnecessarily complicated. On the
whole, it's a great device, but if you have even mild OCD tendencies,
you'll find many little things with the S5 that you'll wish were
better-executed, or missing altogether.
that the Samsung Galaxy S5 is one complicated device. And that doesn't
necessarily have to mean something bad. Not at all. But in certain
regards, it feels like the GS5 is unnecessarily complicated. On the
whole, it's a great device, but if you have even mild OCD tendencies,
you'll find many little things with the S5 that you'll wish were
better-executed, or missing altogether.
The Galaxy S5 is the Swiss knife of the flagship bunch: it's complex, but extremely versatile
Execution,precisely, is what, in a way, feels like is holding the GS5 from being
the perfect device. And I mean that in terms of thoroughness, as certain
aspects definitely deserve applause. This stark contrast is so profound
that one can't help but wonder what Samsung could deliver, were it to
focus on fewer areas, and finally do some summer house cleaning. After
all, more isn't necessarily better, though I imagine the average
consumer is drawn to all the extra features, good or bad, like a moth to
a flame. We have marketing to thank for that.
So would I recommend
you go for the Galaxy S5 if you're on the market for a flagship? Quite
frankly, I tend to think that the current split between Samsung, HTC,
Sony, and LG, is downright perfect, as the lines between what they bring
to the table are clearer than ever, and that makes it easier to pick.
Indeed, the One M8, for example, is definitely the stylish choice, while
the G3 is for the power users out there, that just need phablet-sized
screens. The Xperia Z2 is somewhere between those two -- it's both
stylish, but also very, very large. As for the GS5, to me, it remains
the utilitarian's choice. It's the Swiss knife of the bunch --
complicated and a little overboard at first, but extremely capable and
versatile once you get to know it. And that, more than anything else, is
why people continue to choose the GS5 over the rest. And I don't fault
them, and nor should you.
you go for the Galaxy S5 if you're on the market for a flagship? Quite
frankly, I tend to think that the current split between Samsung, HTC,
Sony, and LG, is downright perfect, as the lines between what they bring
to the table are clearer than ever, and that makes it easier to pick.
Indeed, the One M8, for example, is definitely the stylish choice, while
the G3 is for the power users out there, that just need phablet-sized
screens. The Xperia Z2 is somewhere between those two -- it's both
stylish, but also very, very large. As for the GS5, to me, it remains
the utilitarian's choice. It's the Swiss knife of the bunch --
complicated and a little overboard at first, but extremely capable and
versatile once you get to know it. And that, more than anything else, is
why people continue to choose the GS5 over the rest. And I don't fault
them, and nor should you.
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