Samsung Electronics unveiled its flagship smartphone, Galaxy S5 in February after months of speculations, but it disappointed many as most of the rumoured features were not seen in the device. However, the smartphone received mixed reaction from critics after its release on Friday with some describing it as "Samsung's best phone" while others think it's "boring."
Here are Five Reviews of Samsung Galaxy S5:
The device received a rating of four and a half out of five from CNet. "It (Samsung Galaxy S5) looks good, it performs very well, and it has everything you need to become a fixture in nearly every aspect of your life. But, like a candidate running for reelection, the GS5 gets where it is today based on experience and wisdom, not on flashy features or massive innovation," wroteCNet in its review.
"With the exception of a few nonessential hardware and software additions - like the fingerprint scanner and novel heart-rate monitor - and a few design tweaks, you're pretty much looking at the same phone Samsung released in 2013. The S5 is more of a Galaxy S4 Plus than it is a slam-the-brakes, next-generation device; it makes everything just a little smoother and faster."
Brad Molen of Engadget wrote in his review: "...you'll be happy with the Galaxy S5 if you choose to buy it. It's a solid upgrade to the Galaxy S4, with reasonable improvements to the design, software and camera. I can't say this is your most visually appealing option, especially compared to the all-metal HTC One M8, but the dimpled back and waterproof casing at least add more durability than we've enjoyed on previous Galaxy S devices."
"The fingerprint scanner and the heart rate monitor, on the other hand, need some work. Each delivers inconsistent results and can be quite frustrating to use," he added. "If you're looking for a good Android phone, the GS5 won't let you down. I'd be happy using this as my daily driver. That said, I wouldn't waste an early upgrade on it, either."
Pete Pachal of Mashable wrote: "The Samsung Galaxy S5 is boring. While its competitors, Android flagships such as the HTC One M8 and Google Nexus 5, stake out their territory with a couple of standout features, the GS5 wants it all. Bells and whistles, however, don't necessarily add up to a great experience."
"If setting up yet another smartphone sounds like a nightmare to you, you're in luck: Samsung makes it easy to get started via the Smart Switch app. It even works with iPhones by letting you log into your iCloud account to gather your Contacts, Calendar and email. And if there are Android equivalents of your apps, it'll download those, too."
Steve Kovach of Business Insider wrote: "The Galaxy S5 isn't as beautiful as rival devices like the HTC One and iPhone 5S, but it is much more user friendly and inviting than previous Samsung phones. And in many ways, it trumps its competitors thanks to a superior screen and excellent camera performance."
"As you can probably tell, my only major problem with the Galaxy S5 is the physical design. I still prefer metal phones or phones made out of a solid plastic unibody. It's not awful, but it's not ideal, either. But if you don't mind plastic, you're really going to like the Galaxy S5."
Gareth Beavis of TechRadar wrote: "The design of the Samsung Galaxy S5 is likely to be the area that receives the most criticism, and for good reason."
"It doesn't command a premium feel in the hand like so many other high-end phones on the market, and while some will point to how strong and high-quality the polycarbonate used is, it still pales in comparison to the competition," he added. "Yes, it's lighter and probably more hard-wearing (you're much less likely to need a case with the Galaxy S5, for instance) but this is the biggest pain point for Samsung and it's one that it needs to improve with the Galaxy S6."
(Ed: AJ)
