Samsung Galaxy S5

Samsung Galaxy S5: Built for the Real World

Released in April 2014, the Samsung Galaxy S5 was a turning point for the "S" series. While previous models focused on software gimmicks, the S5 was designed for durability and utility. For Chasms.com users, it was the first flagship that could actually survive a trip to the beach or a spill on the desk.

Rugged and Resilient: IP67 Water Resistance

The most significant upgrade was the IP67 rating. For the first time, a Galaxy flagship was officially water and dust-resistant.

• The Charging Flap: To maintain this seal, the S5 featured a distinctive chrome-plated flap over the charging port.

• Peace of Mind: You could submerge the phone in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes, making it the perfect companion for active users in any weather.

Hardware Innovations: Biometrics and Health

The Galaxy S5 brought several "firsts" to the Samsung lineup:

• Fingerprint Scanner: Built directly into the Home button, it allowed users to unlock their phone and authorize PayPal payments with a swipe.

• Heart Rate Sensor: Located just below the rear camera, this sensor worked with the S Health app, allowing you to check your pulse simply by placing your finger on the sensor.

• Ultra Power Saving Mode: This feature turned the screen black and white and disabled non-essential apps, allowing 10% of battery to last for an additional 24 hours.

A Faster, Sharper Camera

The S5 featured a 16-megapixel camera with a major technical breakthrough: Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF).

• Instant Focus: It could lock onto a subject in as little as 0.3 seconds, ensuring you never missed a shot.

• Live HDR: You could see exactly how an HDR photo would look on the screen before you took the picture, making it much easier to balance bright skies and dark shadows.

The "Modern Glam" Design

While polarizing at launch, the "dimpled" back texture—often called the "Band-Aid" design—offered a superior grip and a soft-touch feel that was much less prone to fingerprints than the glossy plastics of the past.