How Samsung built its Galactic Empire
BARCELONA, Spain -- Unless you were dead set on a metal design and futuristic features, then Samsung's Galaxy S5 is a worthy successor the evolving Galaxy S line.
At MWC where Samsung introduced its marquee phone to the world, I dove deep into the " >phone's new fingerprint scanner and heart-rate monitor, tested out the new 16-minute camera, and uncovered a few new features of our own.
I know you still have questions, so I've put together a list of some answers. If you've got more, shout them out in the comments below.
When and where does it go on sale?
Samsung will sell the Galaxy S5 on April 11 in over 150 countries. Samsung's US PR outfit told us that it will come to these carriers: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, MetroPCS, and U.S. Cellular. You'll also be able to pick it up at these retail stores: Best Buy, Amazon, Costco, RadioShack, Sam's Club, Target, and Walmart.
Samsung will sell the Galaxy S5 on April 11 in over 150 countries. Samsung's US PR outfit told us that it will come to these carriers: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, MetroPCS, and U.S. Cellular. You'll also be able to pick it up at these retail stores: Best Buy, Amazon, Costco, RadioShack, Sam's Club, Target, and Walmart.
How much will it cost?
Individual carriers and brick and stores will announce pricing on their own, but look for the handset to cost the same amount as the Galaxy S4 did last year. In the U.S., this should be about $200 with a carrier contract and around $600 to $700 unlocked.
Individual carriers and brick and stores will announce pricing on their own, but look for the handset to cost the same amount as the Galaxy S4 did last year. In the U.S., this should be about $200 with a carrier contract and around $600 to $700 unlocked.
Why isn't it made of metal?
Rumors that the Galaxy S5 would be made of metal, or that there would be a metal variant, picked up steam in the runup to the big unveiling. So you may be a bit disappointed to learn that the GS5's body is all plastic. In the past, Samsung has used reasons of durability, weight, and price to defend its decision.
Rumors that the Galaxy S5 would be made of metal, or that there would be a metal variant, picked up steam in the runup to the big unveiling. So you may be a bit disappointed to learn that the GS5's body is all plastic. In the past, Samsung has used reasons of durability, weight, and price to defend its decision.
What's up with the fingerprint scanner?
The Galaxy S5's fingerprint scanner is an optional biometric measure you can use to unlock your phone, and also to pay for services through PayPal. You can log up to three fingerprint.
The Galaxy S5's fingerprint scanner is an optional biometric measure you can use to unlock your phone, and also to pay for services through PayPal. You can log up to three fingerprint.
The swipe zone sits above the phone's home button, and you pull straight down to unlock the phone, which I found easiest to do with my index finger. For even more, check out the photos, video, and extra details here.
Why did Samsung add a heart-rate monitor?
We've seen Samsung update its S Health app, release various fitness bands, and integrate a heart-rate monitor in to theSamsung Gear 2 smartwatch and Gear Fit band. They're clearly banking on the growing convergence of personal health and personal technology.
We've seen Samsung update its S Health app, release various fitness bands, and integrate a heart-rate monitor in to theSamsung Gear 2 smartwatch and Gear Fit band. They're clearly banking on the growing convergence of personal health and personal technology.
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