The Galaxy S5 is the latest offering from Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930). The device has garnered mixed reviews with some analysts saying that it’s similar to the Galaxy S4. But other have praised its improved camera, larger size, health tracking feature and the fingerprint sensor. The upcoming launch of the Galaxy S5 has sparked comparisons with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iPhone 5S and the upcoming iPhone 6. Though the iPhone 6 is likely to be better than the Galaxy S5, here are the reasons Samsung’s new device can trump the iPhone 5S.
Galaxy S5 has a bigger screen
The Galaxy S5’s 5.1-inch display is 1.1-inch larger than that of the iPhone 5S. And it boasts a 1920 x 1080 resolution, compared to just 1136 x 640 in Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s flagship offering. A large number of customers now prefer larger screens over devices that easily fit into your pocket. According to Juniper Research, annual phablet shipments are expected to jump to 120 million by 2018. This means that the big-screen factor of the Galaxy S5 will appeal to people for whom smartphone is their only computing device. That population is very large in Asian markets.
Strong brand affinity
Before the Galaxy S series, Android devices didn’t have a clear brand, and they were collectively called “Droids.” But over the past few years, the Galaxy S series has earned the identity of its own. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) said at the MWC that the company has shipped over 200 million Galaxy S smartphones since 2010. Overall, the company sold 300 million smartphones last year alone.
Galaxy S5 has the heart rate monitor
Wearable health tracking devices like FitBit have been massive hits. Now Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) has introduced the heart rate monitor to become your exercise companion. You just put your finger on the sensor below the camera on the Galaxy S5, and it will measure your pulse in just 5-10 seconds. The company has also announced the Gear Fit smartwatch, indicating its seriousness about the fitness market.
Galaxy S5 enjoys the “newness factor”
The Galaxy S5 will be the latest high-end smartphone when it hits the markets in April. The iPhone 5S was launched in September 2013. Users tend to prefer the latest device, and the much-rumored next iPhone is unlikely to release before September 2014. That gives the Galaxy S5 a solid five month window to tempt those who want the latest smartphone.
Samsung’s marketing might
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) spent more than $14 billion on marketing and advertising its products in 2013, according to Reuters. On the other hand, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) spent a meager $1.1 billion on advertising in the same period. It’s hard to predict what the Korean giant has in store to promote the rollout of the Galaxy S5, but you can count on some kind of a major social media campaign.
