SYNAPSE CIRCUIT SAMSUNG TALK 2 UNPACKED 2

UNPACKED 2014 EPISODE 2: Oooh, yes! We are ready!

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT

SAMSUNG TALK 2

Good afternoon, Synapse Circuit Readers. I hope that all is well with you! I hope the weather is treating you well where you are! Here in London the Sun is out in splendour!

Yes, the Samsung train is being prepared before it leaves the station... We have the Galaxy Note 4 to look forward to! And it could be that there will be several versions of the Galaxy Alpha handset to look forward to also!

#Samsung #SamsungGalaxyNote4 #GalaxyAlpha #GalaxyS5LTE #GalaxyS5Prime #GalaxyTabS #GalaxyAlpha #SamsungUNPACKED2014Episode2

GALAXY NOTE 4
September 3 2014 is the date for the launch of the Galaxy Note 4! Hurrah! This is one of the handsets that I could be upgrading to later on this year and I – as is the rest of the world – am curious as to what the Galaxy Note 4 entails! Here’s what is expected at the very least:-

Screen: Super AMOLED 1440 x 2560 pixels, 5.7 or 6 inches (515 ppi pixel density)
RAM: 4 GB RAM
Main camera: 16MP, 3456 x 4608 pixels, optical image stabilization, autofocus, dual-LED flash
Front camera: 5MP

The processor is going to depend upon the International marketplace but it is going to be a quad-core of exceptional speed or octo-core Exynos! It could very well be that a 64-bit processor is out of the question but Samsung has stated in the past that they are just waiting for Google to enable 64-bits on its Android operating system. There again what is to stop Samsung from developing a 64-bit processor for its Tizen operating system?

It is very likely that we will get the main spec as mentioned above as the “leaks” uniformly point to a qHD screen but the screen size varies between 5.7 and 6 inches. The 16MP camera seems likely because we’ve been expecting a 20MP camera to no avail for the current Note 3. The front-facing camera varies between 2MP and 5MP as it is uncertain as to what value Samsung places on the “selfie” phenomenon. Many people find it easy to use the main camera to take selfies through guess work! I know I do! That said, it would be good to see Samsung rising to meet the innovations of other premium handsets where the camera is concerned! However, as a mobile phone photographer it is the main camera that is of interest to me; considering Samsung is renowned for its camera technology it would be ideal to have 20MP! There again Samsung premium handset cameras have never let me down! It can only get better – I hope! I am looking for increased sharpness and colour contrasts – especially night / poor lighting situations.

MAKING UP?
It has been said that it is hoped that the Galaxy Note 4 will compensate for the disappointing Galaxy S5 sales but I think that the Galaxy S5 is a red herring. Why? Okay... Here goes...

Right from the start we got wind of a Standard and Premium / Prime version of the Galaxy S5 and that did not happen. I took this as a sign that Samsung put the GS5 out there as a marketing experiment, “Back to basics...” Really? I feel that Samsung misfired purposefully to see what other manufacturers would bring to the table and LG was first with qHD screen G3 which has sold very well so far. And also to gauge the response of the consumer. As always, the main aim for Samsung is the iPhone. It is no secret that Samsung wants to convert iPhone users to the Galaxy S, Note and Tab S concepts because that is the objectivity of the adverts. Samsung does not target any other manufacturer / brand but Apple.

The Galaxy S5 was to gauge the marketplace, brand loyalty and to see how other manufacturers compete with the high standards of last years GS4. I am quite sure that Samsung will release a more competitive handset in the GS5 region that will have premium features such as the qHD screen. Could this be what the Galaxy Alpha is about? Hmmmm... I am not sure as the Galaxy Alpha - where the "leaks" are concerned - appears to be more of a design and build adjustment. But let’s stick to the Galaxy Note 4...

DESIGN
It is clear to me that consumers want more interesting designs. HTC has done well with the One M7 and M8 designs and LG has done remarkably well with the Nexus 5, G2, G Flex and G3! LG has worked very hard on their handsets and have taken criticisms onboard with regards to the Optimus range. Now LG has firmly cemented itself as a top Android manufacturer.

With Samsung, as said in the last SamsungTalk article, they seem to be emulating Apple and the unimaginative iPhone “designs”. What Samsung is doing is to keep refining the Galaxy S and Note designs and not rocking the boat as they did with the Galaxy S2 and S3 designs. Instead Samsung have concentrated on adding innovations such as the heart rate monitor and the dimpled battery cover that makes for a better grip. Had I been up for an upgrade I would have gotten the GS5 over the LG G3 primarily because of the camera whereas I think other would have been GS5 owners went with the G3 because of the unique design, qHD screen and removable battery - for some reason the G2 Pro didn't feature a removable battery. The GS5 seems to be more of a niche product for active folk what with the aforementioned heart rate monitor and water resistance; I think the sales are pretty decent considering. It remains to be seen if Samsung pitches some premium form of the GS5 against the upcoming iPhone 6 that is tipped for a September 9 launch! Again, this could be the Galaxy Alpha.

But we Galaxy Note users are hoping for somewhat of a design departure for the Note 4. I was a tad disappointed by the Galaxy Note 3 design when it was revealed but the spec was so impressive that I knew it would sell regardless. One of the whispers going around is that the Note 4 will feature a flexible screen so we could see a new design that fits around it. I for one don’t want to speculate about such (YOUM) screens as this could dampen the launch. I want to be surprised!

More than anything a disappointing design has dampened post Galaxy S3 launches with the exception of the Galaxy Tab S launch! No, the GS4 had great features but we were hoping for a stronger design. The Galaxy Tab S launch was the way back to Samsung’s glorious and flamboyant launches that we know and love. Yes, some hate such launches but it is a good sign; it’s a reaction nonetheless!

I would love to see 2 Galaxy Note 4 designs; one featuring a 6” screen and one 7”! In any event I have yet to see a direct competitor to the Galaxy Note... There are quite a few phablets out there that don’t quite match up to all the features of the Galaxy Note and this could change this year as Chinese manufacturers are on the rampage! Watch out!



I would love to see Samsung refine the superior i8910 Omnia HD design for today's market! Make it a tad wider, flatter, extend the screen so that it bends to the edge (as seen with a YOUM screen prototype) remove the physical buttons except the 'home' button and put some speakers at the front! Personally, I think this design is better than the iPhone. Oh, make it so that the main camera can also be used at the front! I doubt that Samsung will take any notice of me. Lol! When the Omnia HD came out in the UK it made people take notice - especially the HD video recording capabilities that, if I remember correctly, featured in an amatuer music video. Samsung were ahead of their time - they still are! Just! Lol!


GALAXY ALPHA
It could be that as the September 3 launch will happen simultaneously in 3 major cities, Berlin, Beijing and New York, that there will be more devices launched that day. Rumour has it that we’ll see the introduction of the Galaxy Alpha range. Here’s what is said to be the spec of one of the rumoured range:-

4.7-inch Super AMOLED display, 1280 x 720 pixels (320ppi, or pixel density)
4G capabilities
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, EDR, LE, Micro USB, GPS
Camera: 12MP with autofocus, LED flash, video, and secondary 2.1MP camera

The design and materials look to be in line with the iPhone form to appease consumers who want the iPhone feel but not the iOS experience.

This Galaxy Alpha could very well appeal to the iPhone market that appears to be young women (and even children) these days. If that is the Galaxy Alpha in the picture above it looks like the battery can be replaced and would add to the appeal; many iPhone users I know complain about the poor battery life.

Samsung could also reveal a 5.5” screen Galaxy Alpha to go head to head with the much rumoured iPhone 6 5.5” phablet. We’ll see! You can never really tell what Samsung is going to do. What will they come up with next?

GALAXY VR
Samsung could also be announcing its virtual reality headset: Gear VR! I assume that the Gear VR headset will display any or selected Galaxy S and Note screens for immersive game playing, etc. This could be very exciting. I am surprised that Samsung haven’t come up with an alternative to Google Glass or maybe that is in the works...

As always it is exciting whenever Samsung launches a new product or products!

THANKS FOR READING...
Please check out the Synapse Circuit site here: Synapse Circuit.com

Yes, I am well aware that the site is due an update soon! It’s coming...

Synapse Circuit for tech news, opinions, articles, reviews and competitions. You will find interactive PDF magazines, videos and links to free legal software! Check it out at Synapse Circuit dot com

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT SAMSUNG GALAXY S5 PRIME JUNE 2014

Above: The Samsung Galaxy S5 Prime?

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT

SAMSUNG GALAXY S5 PRIME & OTHER RUMOURS...

Good evening, Synapse Circuit Readers. I hope that you have had a great weekend! The weather is fantastic! It’s scorching hot for a change!

What’s happening this week? Well, I am going to deliver a bunch of reviews – including the Animation Special that I keep promising. I do apologize for the delay but personal issues are the cause of it. It may please you to know that I am getting there! I am doing my absolute best as per usual!

My Synapse Circuits are still firing!

#Samsung #GalaxyS5Prime #GalaxyS5Premium #GalaxyS5Active #GalaxyKZoom #GalaxyNote4 #GalaxyS5

IT’S PRIME TIME?
Over the weekend it seems that many tech bloggers / online magazines have gone nuts over the forthcoming Samsung Galaxy S5 Prime or Premium. This is no surprise to me as the writing has been on the wall ever since the “leaks” of the Galaxy S5 started to surface (before its release).

Am I surprised by the “leaked” pictures and video? No! A third party protective case manufacturer already gave away the design for the Galaxy S5 Prime – it’ll be similar to the current Galaxy S5 only made from metal (aluminium – as they are saying). The only thing that concerns me is the back-plate being removable or not.

The Galaxy S5 Prime is said to be scheduled for release late June.

GALAXY S5 ACTIVE
There’s also rumour of the Galaxy S5 Active too. Again, it is to be expected. Samsung has had some limited success with the S4 Active but this time around they are making the handset almost identical to the standard S5...

Galaxy S5 Active (SM-G870): 5.2in Full HD Display, Snapdragon 800 CPU and 16MP Camera. 4K video appears to not be a feature of the camera.

I would imagine that the GS5 Active will be produced in limited stock; if I were a snowboarder or mountain climber I would get one for sure!


GALAXY NOTE 4
Months ago I had it in mind that there is a possibility that the forthcoming Galaxy Note 4 may get a bendable YOUM screen – of course this is not the same as ultra-futuristic handsets featuring screens that can unfold from a handset to a phablet! Not yet! What we’re looking it is one of the prototype handsets showing off a YOUM screen whereby text messages can be read at the side of the handset in tickertape style!

Samsung has confirmed that they are looking into the possibility of utilizing a flexible screen for the Note 4. But, as you know, or should know, just because Samsung are looking into such possibilities it doesn’t mean it will manifest. Fingers crossed!

What I do know is that the fourth generation Note will set the design precedent for the Galaxy S design – if the Galaxy S isn’t phased out next year. I can see it now: Andromeda. The next phase... The next biggest thing... You just don’t know with Samsung.

The Galaxy Note 4 is due a new design and I can only hope that Samsung will unleash their design flare – the technology is there for sure! I get the feeling that the Galaxy Note 4 will be bigger – 6”! Well, Samsung has until August or earlier to finalize the Galaxy Note 4 for September release.

Above fig: Is a concept that Samsung has patented for a possible fourth generation Galaxy Note 4.

RELATED ARTICLES:

http://synapse-circuit.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/synapse-circuit-samsung-galaxy-s5-prime.html

http://synapse-circuit.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/synapse-circuit-galaxy-s5-prime-suspect.html

http://synapse-circuit.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/synapse-circuit-samsung-galaxy-s5-24_11.html

THANKS FOR READING...
Please check out the Synapse Circuit site here: Synapse Circuit.com

Yes, I am well aware that the site is due an update soon! It’s coming...

Synapse Circuit for tech news, opinions, articles, reviews and competitions. You will find interactive PDF magazines, videos and links to free legal software! Check it out at Synapse Circuit dot com

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT F-THE RUMOURS, SAMSUNG!

These concepts just keeps us guessing and possibly disappointed when the reality kicks in!

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
F-THE RUMOURS, SAMSUNG!
#Samsung #GalaxyF #GalaxyS5 #GS5 #MWC2014 #GalaxyS5Prime

Good evening, Synapse Circuit Readers! How are you tonight? I hope that life is treating you well – exceptionally so! The Samsung Galaxy S5 launch is still burning warm, however the heat is on with the launch of the next generation HTC One (M8) and the Oppo Find 7! As predicted there is a little twist surrounding Samsung... Yes, the Samsung Galaxy F!

Is the Galaxy F a codename for the S5 Prime?

SAMSUNG CODENAMES
Samsung has had some codenames in the past and the one that I remember was the “Galaxy Q”. The Galaxy Q turned out to be the Galaxy Note – if memory serves me correctly! I remember the excitement it caused as we speculated as to what it could be! The Galaxy Q actually exists as a small handset with a QWERTY keyboard. If the Galaxy Q, back then, was a codename for the Note then the “Q” stood for “quill”, it stands to reason.

So, I guess the “F” must stand for “future-proof”. I know that Samsung has taken out other naming standards that I can’t recall at this moment. However, I do think that Samsung will be looking to remain at the top of the game especially as HTC have created an alternative to the Galaxy S (and iPhone) with the One. Come March the 25^th we’ll be seeing what the next generation One entails! If that’s not enough there’s the aforementioned Oppo Find 7 to come in 10 days, 19^th March and the specs on it is similar to that of the would be Galaxy S5 Prime: a 5.5" screen with a massive 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution, 13MP camera (at one time it was said to be 50MP) and it is driven by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor!

Certainly the Oppo Find 7 will effectively diminish Samsung’s position at the top of the Android handset throne. Therefore I am sure that Samsung will announce their next generation Galaxy range. The clues are in what Samsung Vice President for Brand Stephen Taylor had to say about the aftermath of the Galaxy S5 launch, "I don't think that people need radical re-designs every year..."

I can understand the idea here... The Galaxy S and Note range have a very distinctive look and why rock the boat if people have come to love that design theme?

"You have to create a design theme that people identify with. If you came out with a radical design right now, would that have fitted with the Galaxy story that we have created over the last 3 or 4 years? It's about making evolutions that matter, so I think the improvements to the covers, finishes and colours are a step forward for people...”

There you go! I agree with what Samsung did with the GS5 however, there is a very strong market for Techno-Fetishists, like me, who want the absolute best that technology has to offer!

"If you look at the feedback, it felt like making [the phone] more durable and keeping the sleek design was what people were after. Waterproof and dustproof elements are more important."

So, that tells me Samsung are not only listening to folks that want a practical phone for everday living they are also listening to the Techno-Fetishists too! Or at least I hope they are! I am expecting something out of this world from Samsung this year – apart from the Note 4! I am looking at the Note 4 come December when my contract for the Note 2 runs out!

Samsung announcing the Galaxy S5 as early as they did was, I suspect, to maximize awareness to the current owners of the GS3 who are due for an upgrade right about now! I know that several of my GS3 friends are definitely upgrading to the GS5 when it is available next month!



Many people become stuck in their ways when they are satisfied with a handset and will not budge. But there are folks who are looking for another experience! I am telling you right now that what LG, Huawei, Archos, HP and Oppo – to name a few –are doing at the moment is quite compelling!

I would imagine that people like me are that grey area where we can go for something else while we are waiting to upgrade; towards the end of the year more handsets come out and it gives us more of a choice when we’re considering upgrading. Samsung has got some stiff competition this year! How will they cope?

What do you reckon?

Review coming very soon.... Stay tuned (pun unintended but works so well)...    

Take good care!

Thank you for watching and reading!

Please check out the Synapse Circuit website for video, i-PDF and more! 

Synapse Circuit Dot Com

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT SAMSUNG vs APPLE 2014

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
SAMSUNG vs APPLE 2014
#Samsung #GalaxyS5 #GS5 #MWC2014 #GalaxyS5Prime #Unpacked #Gear #Apple

Good late evening, Synapse Circuit Readers! I hope that you had a wonderful day! And if your day is unravelling where you are there is still time!

Yes, indeed... The Samsung Unpacked Episode 1 event last night has got me thinking...

"With the Galaxy S5, Samsung is going back to basics to focus on delivering the capabilities that matter most to our consumers."

JK Shin
President and Head of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung

SAMSUNG vs. APPLE
Yes, folks! There’s another court battle next month between the technological giants: Samsung and Apple! I’ll be glad when it’s all over. I think we’ll all be glad when it’s all over! Of course, I want Samsung to win! I just think Apple is too smug and inaccurate over their claims!

I was just thinking about the parallels between Samsung and Apple. Let my observations begin...

PRESS LAUNCHES
Samsung took a critical hammering for their Unpacked in New York 2013 event. Some people called it “sexist” and to some degree it was. But so is any depiction of men doing something in the name of media. What Samsung tried to do with the launch of the Galaxy S4 was reach the masses in one fell swoop! I didn’t think the GS4 event was a disaster. Samsung wanted to show how appealing the GS4 Air Gestures were if you just happen to be in the middle of doing your nails!

But in comparison nothing can be more repulsive to Apple presentations. Every Apple presentation / launch I have seen is: “The other guys... Smug, smung, smung, smung, smung, smung, smung, smung, smung, smung, smung, smung, smung, smung, smung, smung... Untruth, untruth, untruth, untruth, untruth, untruth, untruth, untruth, untruth, untruth, untruth... Amazing, amazing, amazing, amazing, amazing, amazing, amazing, amazing, amazing, amazing, amazing, amazing... Isn’t that fantastic?”

We’ve seen the mess they’ve made of their maps and we’ve seen how the iPhone has fallen quite behind in terms of design and technology. The famous retina screen has been surpassed by HTC and Samsung to name a few. I find Apple presentations painful to watch!

In contrast Samsung states facts and very, very rarely makes comments about the competition. Unpacked events are just for Samsung products.

The winner: Samsung.

Unpacked (5) episode 2 is in the pipeline and I would like to see some of that showmanship again!

PRODUCT STRATEGIES
The build up for the iPhone 5C and iPhone5S were similar to the Galaxy S5 and this possible Galaxy S5 Prime. There was a great sense of let down when the iPhone 5 products were revealed. The iPhone 5C may have brought some colour to the proceedings but it was the iPhone 4S. And the iPhone 5S proved to be unimaginative and lacklustre despite having a 64 bit CPU onboard.

Whereas the Galaxy S5 it’s a great improvement over the S4 and I do get the feeling that we are seeing Samsung doing a similar thing but with a different strategy. I can’t help but think that the Galaxy S5 is the superior equivalent to the iPhone 5C (and 5S). Look at the images below...





I did ask Samsung if they could launch their different coloured products at once because it give us – the consumer – more choice from day one! Oh, you will have to wait until April 11 for the Galaxy S5! What colour are you going for? If I could I would have a white front with the Electric Blue back! Or ultimately, I would have a pink front (no dirty jokes, thank you) and the Electric Blue back!

PREMIUM PRODUCT
Honestly, I don’t think there’s anything premium about the iPhone except the materials perhaps. But like I have said and will keep on saying, these materials scratch dent very easily. The iPhone becomes less premium with such defects from everyday use. I am not saying that the Galaxy S and Note handsets are damage free; however the plastic makes it harder to suffer serious damage from a drop.

Yet, I am inclined to believe that Samsung is planning to release some sort of Galaxy premium handset based on the S5 made partly of metal. See?



Heavy metal! That metal chassis must be destined for greatness...



There has gotta be a reason why the above specs exist...

I am guess that Samsung are going to see what HTC comes up with next month and then set a date for Unpacked (5) Episode 2 which will reveal, I am hoping, the Galaxy S5 Prime along with news of their Exynos Octa-core CPU that could also be 64 bit! I am sure there will be a couple of tablets too! I do think that the Prime model will marry a great camera to a greater handset than that of the Galaxy S5! I think we will see the QHD screen!

So, the iPhone 6 is tipped to come out around September and I think that’s when Unpacked Episode 3 will be announced shortly after to reveal the Galaxy Note 4!

That’s Samsung’s strategy for the competition this year! I reckon that if there is a Galaxy S5 Prime it may have a 3MP or 5MP front-facing camera which can also be on the Note 4!

Given the GS5 spec I am inclined to believe that Samsung has just bested the GS4 to make it competitive to the Sony Z2 handset. I am thinking that Samsung doesn’t want to play its hand too soon! Look at the spec again...

GS5 SPEC:-

NETWORK
LTE Cat.4 (150/50Mbps)

DISPLAY
5.1” FHD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080)

AP
2.5GHz Quad core application processor

OS
Android 4.4.2 (Kitkat)

CAMERA
16MP (rear), 2.0MP (front)

VIDEO
UHD@30fps, HDR, video stabilization
Video Codec : H.263, H.264(AVC), MPEG4, VC-1, Sorenson Spark, MP43, WMV7, WMV8, VP8
Video Format: MP4, M4V, 3GP, 3G2, WMV, ASF, AVI, FLV, MKV, WEBM

AUDIO
Audio Codec : MP3, AMR-NB/WB, AAC/ AAC+/ eAAC+, WMA, Vorbis, FLAC
Audio Format: MP3, M4A, 3GA, AAC, OGG, OGA, WAV, WMA, AMR, AWB, FLAC, MID, MIDI, XMF, MXMF, IMY, RTTTL, RTX, OTA

CAMERA FEATURES
HDR (Rich tone), Selective Focus, Virtual Tour Shot, Shot & More

ADDITIONAL FEATURES
IP67 Dust and water Resistant
Ultra Power Saving Mode
Download Booster
S Health 3.0
Quick Connect
Private Mode
Kids Mode

Google Mobile Services: Chrome, Drive, Photos, Gmail, Google, Google+, Google Settings, Hangouts, Maps, Play Books, Play Games, Play Newsstand, Play Movie & TV, Play Music, Play Store, Voice Search, YouTube

CONNECTIVITY
WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac HT80, MIMO(2x2)
Bluetooth®: 4.0 BLE / ANT+
USB: USB 3.0
NFC
IR Remote

SENSOR
Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, Hall, RGB ambient light, Gesture (IR), Finger Scanner, Heart rate sensor

MEMORY / STORAGE
RAM: 2GB
Internal Memory: 16/32GB
microSD slot upto 64GB

DIMENSIONS
142.0 x 72.5 x 8.1mm, 145g

BATTERY
2800mAh
Standby time: 390 hrs / Talk time: 21 hrs

What do you reckon? 

Take good care!

Thank you for watching and reading!

Please check out the Synapse Circuit website for video, i-PDF and more! 

Synapse Circuit Dot Com

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT SAMSUNG UNPACKED 5

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
UNPACKED 5, THE GALAXY S5 & GEARS!
#Samsung #GalaxyS5 #GS5 #MWC2014 #GalaxyS5Prime #Unpacked #Gear

Good evening, Synapse Circuit Readers! I hope that all is well with you! Yes, the wait is long over as the Galaxy Unpacked 5 has just finished.

If you missed the live event I will give you a rundown...

SUBDUED: TH E UNPACKED 5 PART 1
My goodness... What happened?? The Samsung Unpacked 5 event saw Samsung at their most humble! Gone was the flair and supreme showmanship! No celebrity presenters to speak of! It was a very odd Unpacked for Samsung indeed... I am a bit shell-shocked!

If this is part 1 I can only imagine that part 2 will feature the Galaxy S5 Prime (as leaked by a third party protective case manufacturer). How about the S5 Zoom? S5 Active? Or have we seen an amalgamation of the S5 and what would be a separate Active device? S5 Mini? The Unpacked for the Galaxy Note 4 probably will not be announced until August / September 2014.

THE GALAXY S5: DESIGN
I did my best to prepare us for not too much of a design departure and I am glad that I did! The design...

Well, as a fan of Samsung I can say that I appreciate the design. I am not wowed by it but I do appreciate that it’s water and dust resistant (not waterproof and it probably won’t last long in a sandstorm).

As predicted, the Galaxy S5 design takes up from where the Note 3 left off. I guess the faux leather backing hasn’t made it to this model... Could it be designated for the Galaxy S5 Prime? Here’s the GS5 spec:-

NETWORK
LTE Cat.4 (150/50Mbps)

DISPLAY
5.1” FHD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080)

AP
2.5GHz Quad core application processor

OS
Android 4.4.2 (Kitkat)

CAMERA
16MP (rear), 2.0MP (front)

VIDEO
UHD@30fps, HDR, video stabilization
Video Codec : H.263, H.264(AVC), MPEG4, VC-1, Sorenson Spark, MP43, WMV7, WMV8, VP8
Video Format: MP4, M4V, 3GP, 3G2, WMV, ASF, AVI, FLV, MKV, WEBM

AUDIO
Audio Codec : MP3, AMR-NB/WB, AAC/ AAC+/ eAAC+, WMA, Vorbis, FLAC
Audio Format: MP3, M4A, 3GA, AAC, OGG, OGA, WAV, WMA, AMR, AWB, FLAC, MID, MIDI, XMF, MXMF, IMY, RTTTL, RTX, OTA

CAMERA FEATURES
HDR (Rich tone), Selective Focus, Virtual Tour Shot, Shot & More

ADDITIONAL FEATURES
IP67 Dust and water Resistant
Ultra Power Saving Mode
Download Booster
S Health 3.0
Quick Connect
Private Mode
Kids Mode

Google Mobile Services: Chrome, Drive, Photos, Gmail, Google, Google+, Google Settings, Hangouts, Maps, Play Books, Play Games, Play Newsstand, Play Movie & TV, Play Music, Play Store, Voice Search, YouTube

CONNECTIVITY
WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac HT80, MIMO(2x2)
Bluetooth®: 4.0 BLE / ANT+
USB: USB 3.0
NFC
IR Remote

SENSOR
Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, Hall, RGB ambient light, Gesture (IR), Finger Scanner, Heart rate sensor

MEMORY / STORAGE
RAM: 2GB
Internal Memory: 16/32GB
microSD slot upto 64GB

DIMENSIONS
142.0 x 72.5 x 8.1mm, 145g

BATTERY
2800mAh
Standby time: 390 hrs / Talk time: 21 hrs

GALAXY S5: FIRST IMPRESSIONS SPEC-WISE
The Galaxy S5 ticks all the boxes when it comes to specifications and features. I think the LTE and Wi-Fi support is outstanding and should be rocket of a handset! I was expecting 3 or 4GB of RAM but it’s 2GB, which is good enough.

The Finger Scanner has made it! I am curious as to how this works! And if that’s not enough, there’s a Heart Rate Sensor where the camera flash is (at the rear.

Speaking of the camera... Yes, it will capture 4K video and it’s a 16MP instead of the anticipated 20MP. The camera has some depth of field attributes that is a feature on SLRs, Selective Focus, but I do believe that the camera software is more simplified. I have to see it to believe it! HDR promises to be faster and I can’t wait to test this!

WHAT SAMSUNG SAYS OF CUSTOMERS WANTS
Samsung says that the customer “Wants a powerful, fast but simple technology...” That’s why the camera has been overhauled to be practically minimalist in comparison to the Galaxy S4.

Normally Samsung would talk about sharing the latest Galaxy S screen with other Galaxy S models and compatible televisions. They would also talk a little more about their TouchWiz improvements, but it was said that the S features wouldn’t get in the way of the interface.

And once again, there was no mention of Android (the GS5 is running KitKat) or a listing of specification.

I am not too sure about all that... Yes, I appreciate that the S features on the interface are streamlined, etc. Of course, a faster camera is desired. But with regards to the camera I would have wanted a simplified interface and an option to have more complex photography attributes presented to me. Hmmmm...

MY OVERALL THOUGHTS OF THE UNPACKED 5, GALAXY S5 & GEAR 2014
This was a tactical launch from Samsung. I suspect that this is just the beginning of their onslaught. Again, this was part 1! And in part 1 Samsung made sure that they hit certain marks such as the LTE 4 and Wi-Fi connectivity with no uncertainty! They have made a great and compelling argument to the everyman and everywoman. What they have done with the Galaxy S5 presentation is to iPhone-ized it. “iPhone-ized” it??? Yes, Samsung has presented the GS5 as a simple, back to basics handset. It’s practical, fast, powerful and very simple to use. It should appeal!

Yes, Samsung introduced the full Gear family: Gear 2, Gear 2 Neo and Gear Fit – the first wearable device to feature a curved AMOLED display! Cool! I am curious about the Gear pricing!

Samsung knows that the competition is stronger than ever this year! I am quite sure that come part 2 we will be seeing the Galaxy S5 Prime and other handsets introduced to the Galaxy Family! HTC is coming! As is Sony and LG to name a few! And of course, we are expecting the iPhone 6! Usually, Samsung introduces the next Galaxy S successor at around April / May but it has come in February! You have to suspect that something is going on! Wink, wink!

I love the Electric Blue colour! I did state in one of my articles that I wished for an Electric Blue colour and Samsung has made me feel that they did it just for me! Aaah! Lol! Oh, I would say that the bezel and handset is slightly thicker to accommodate for the water and dust resistance. Again, I do prefer a thicker handset just because it makes it easier to take pictures! There’s nothing more nerve-shredding than taking a photo with a device that is wafer thin! The slightest knock and I shudder to think!

I can’t wait to review one!

SOUND
Oh, I almost forgot to mention that Samsung introduced some new headphones! Looking good! I wonder how they sound?

Great idea! Payment through using a fingerprint verification.

Oooh... I have to try it!

Jock strap...

Get fit with the Samsung Gear Fit!

The Gear 2 gets a "Home" button.

Great colours! Blue, Blue Electric Blue...

The Galaxy S5 Heart Rate Monitor.

 Samsung's J. K. Shin wearing the Gear Fit.

 Once your children get a hold of your phone you may not get it back!

If the battery says "10% power" the Ultra Power Saving Mode kicks in and extends the battery for 24 hours! That's amazing! Essentially, the GS5 screen is reduced to black and white.

Now you can hide your pictures! ;) 

I can't wait to hear them!

The user interface promises to be simpler.

What do you reckon?

Review coming very soon.... Stay tuned...

Take good care!

Thank you for watching and reading!

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