Samsung has officially announced its Galaxy S5 smartphone at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
The tech giant’s new flagship device is powered by a quad-core Krait chip running at 2.5GHz, and features a 5.1-inch, Full HD Super AMOLED display (1920 x 1080).
Measuring in at 142 x 72.5 x 8.1mm, the Galaxy S5 tips the scales at 145g and is water and dust-resistant to the IP67 standard.
The handset also includes a 16-megapixel camera on the rear, a 2-megapixel snapper on the front, and runs off a 2800 mAh battery. Google’s latest operating system Android 4.4.2 KitKat comes pre-installed.
Samsung has confirmed that the phone will be capable of 4K UHD video recording at 3840 x 2160 resolution.
The Galaxy S5 is said to offer the “world’s fastest autofocus speed” of up to 0.3 seconds, and advanced High Dynamic Range (HDR), making it possible to reproduce natural light and colour with striking intensity.
A new Selective Focus feature makes it possible to hone in on a specific area of an image without blurring out the background, allowing users to create a shallow depth of field without a special lens kit.
The 4G-ready device comes with a Download Booster on board, a component that boosts data speed by bonding Wi-Fi and LTE simultaneously.
Both 16GB and 32GB models will be available, but the handset includes microSD support for up to 128GB.
The Galaxy S5 will include a fingerprint scanner, providing biometric screen locking and a secure mobile payment experience. A new Ultra Power Saving Mode will turn the display to black and white, and shut down all unnecessary features to minimise battery consumption.
“We’ve decided to go back to basics with the Galaxy S5 and focus on the features and things that matter the most to our customers – namely the camera, ability to view and download data and content quickly and their health and wellbeing,” said Samsung’s Simon Stanford.
“People want a smartphone that enhances and enables their mobile life. The Galaxy S5 represents just that, and we’re excited to see the response to our latest flagship smartphone device.”
Samsung’s Galaxy S5 has a strong health and fitness focus, with the revamped S Health 3.0 software coming pre-loaded, offering pedometer support, diet and exercise records and a heart-rate monitor via a sensor on the rear of the phone.
The device can be used in conjunction with the firm’s newly-announced wearable products, the Gear Fit band and the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo smartwatches.
Coming in Charcoal Black, Shimmery White, Electric Blue and Copper Gold colour options, the Galaxy S5 will be available globally in April.
(via Digital Spy)
