Samsung Launches its Galaxy S5 and Gear Range on the same day to take a swipe at Apple

More than a month after Samsung unveiled its next generation of gadgets, they have hit the high street.
 

Samsung's Galaxy S5, Gear Fit, Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo watches have launched in 125 countries across the U.S., Europe, Middle East and Latin America.
 

By releasing four products on one day, the South Korean firm has made a major play in its consumer war with rival Apple - and experts claim it cements the company's place at the top of the smartphone market. 

 

Andy Betts, editor of UK-based Android Magazine said: 'The Galaxy S5 is not a massive upgrade over last year's S4, but what has been improved should be more than enough to ensure that Samsung retains its dominance of the market.

'With an improved camera, much longer battery life and water resistance, Samsung has targeted areas that, while not necessarily producing eye catching headlines, will deliver real benefits for users.'

'It's undoubtedly going to be a very, very popular phone. Over to you, Apple,' added T3 magazine's Jeff Parsons.

Prices for a SIM-free Galaxy S5 start at £570 in the UK and $649 in the US, while the Gear Fit costs £169 and $199 and the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo start at £199 and $199. 

In the UK, Germany and the Netherlands, customers who buy the Galaxy S5 additionally get a free six-month subscription to music service Deezer Premium+.

This service usually costs €9.99 (£8) a month. 

All handsets come with FIFA 14, available exclusively on the Galaxy S5 and other Galaxy devices.

The devices were unveiled during February's Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona

 

The S5 features a built-in heart monitor, pedometer, fitness apps and fingerprint recognition.

It is at the head of a move by tech giants to turn the ever more sophisticated mobile phone into a substitute doctor and personal trainer.

Samsung’s S5 has its own health functions, but it will also connect to the company’s second generation smartwatch, the Gear 2, as well as a new wearable band device, the Gear Fit, which will play a role in measuring fitness. 

 

The watch and fitness band can pick up the pulse through the skin on the wrist, and display it on the small screen throughout a normal day, or during a workout. 

 

GALAXY S5 SPECIFICATIONS

Its dimensions are 142.0mm x 72.5mm x 8.1mm. It weighs 145g

 

5.1-inch FHD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080) screen

2.5GHz quad-core application processor

Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) operating system

16MP (rear), 2.0MP (front) camera

Ultra HD 30fps video recording

Selective Focus camera

Finger scanner and heart rate sensor

Dust and water resistant

Ultra power saving mode

WiFi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac HT80, MIMO(2x2)
IR Remote

2800mAh  battery - Standby time: 390 hrs/Talk time: 21 hrs