The unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy S5 yesterday at the Barcelona Mobile World Congress was perhaps a little underwhelming for some. When a company unveils a massively anticipated piece of consumer electronics then the expectant public wants to see killer specs and killer apps. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930)’s new flagship handset perhaps failed to deliver this, but dig a little beneath the surface and there is more going on than some of the initial reaction perhaps gave the device credit for.
Media headlines were perhaps focused on the heart-rate monitor on the back and the optional fingerprint scanner on the front of the Galaxy S5 as being the only new features. But Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) has actually put a fair bit of thought into making the Galaxy S5 a more rounded device, and particularly one that will appeal to the business community. This is an interesting strategy given the slant of HTC Corp (TPE:2498) devices towards the market, the recent release of a new commerce-oriented BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB), and the popularity of the iPhone.
Samsung Galaxy S5 Features
Impressive camera
Firstly, there is a reason that Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) were keen to emphasize the vast array of camera features that the Galaxy S5 possesses, namely that there is a tonne of new camera options included with the Galaxy S5. Most notable is that the camera attempts to make it as fluid and intuitive as possible to take action shots; always a major issue with mobile photography.
Samsung’s nifty toolbox
Another useful element of the new handset is a toolbox function which can be accessed via the ‘Notifications’ menu. This particular option enables you to set up user-defined shortcuts to any feature within the Galaxy S5 which you use particularly regularly (its default is for camera, voice recorder, browser and notes). The toolbox can also be disposed of very easily by simply dragging it off the screen, while not fiddling with it for a while will result in the application fading. The toolbox makes navigating the Galaxy S5 that bit easier; always a boon given that this was one of the major criticisms of past Galaxy handsets.
NFC Quick Connect
Elsewhere, the Quick Connect function will find a lot of favor with people who want to share content with other phones that don’t feature Near Field Communication (NFC). Samsung must be commended for including this feature which provides a very fast shortcut to sharing material in a way which is slick and manageable. It will make sharing Galaxy S5 material with other devices extremely easy, and may motivate those who have never been inclined to do so to give it a chance for the first time.
Highly water resistant
Finally, the extent to which this device is water resistant could also come in extremely useful. Of course, lots of people love to tinker with their smartphone while on the beach, having just been in the sea and in constant vicinity of water, so this must be viewed as an extremely practical upgrade.
It is this word, ‘practical’, which has driven the Galaxy S5. It won’t blow you away with outrageous specs, but it might just be the most enjoyable smartphone to use that has been released thus far, and certainly the most intuitive Galaxy. Exactly what Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) was aiming for.
