The Buyer's Guide

Find it, buy it and tell us how you really feel.

Reviews / Phones

Samsung Galaxy S5

Reviews / Phones

Samsung Galaxy S5

Share
share
product image
83 Engadget Score
There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws.
83

There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws.

How we score

The Engadget Score is a unique ranking of products based on extensive independent research and analysis by our expert editorial and research teams. The Global Score is arrived at only after curating hundreds, sometimes thousands of weighted data points (such as critic and user reviews).

Engadget Review

The S5 is a solid upgrade over last year's model, with improvements to the hardware, software and camera. However, certain headline features like the fingerprint scanner and heart rate monitor are mediocre at best. Chances are, you'll be happy with the phone, but don't fork out the extra cash for an early upgrade.

Read Full Review
Pros
  • Fantastic display
  • Daylight images are on par with other flagship phones
  • Waterproof casing and improved design
  • Good battery life
Cons
  • Fingerprint scanner can be frustrating
  • Selective focus doesn't always work as promised
  • Heart rate monitor isn't completely accurate
  • TouchWiz UI looks better, but is still confusing

Reviews

85
 
Average Critic Score
Critic Reviews 31
83
 
Average User Score
User Reviews 27
See All Reviews

Specs

Key Specs

Type
Smartphone
Operating system
Android
Screen size
5.122
Internal memory
161
Camera
Yes
Type
Operating system
Screen size
Internal memory
Camera
Smartphone
Android
5.122
161
Yes

Write a Review

Tip: Log in before writing a review

Step 1: Rate and comment on specific criteria

Reception and call quality
Display
Design and form factor
Battery life
Portability (size / weight)
Ecosystem (apps, accessories, etc.)
Ease of use
Media support
Durability
Camera

Step 2: Write a detailed review

Tips: Make sure to include your initial thoughts on using the product, any observations and potentially any issues you might have run into while using it.

Step 3: Finalize your product rating and submit your review

We've calculated your overall product rating based on the average of your criteria ratings above. You can adjust this rating by dragging this slider.
Overall Rating
Login and submit!
83 Engadget Score
There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws.
83

There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws.

How we score

The Engadget Score is a unique ranking of products based on extensive independent research and analysis by our expert editorial and research teams. The Global Score is arrived at only after curating hundreds, sometimes thousands of weighted data points (such as critic and user reviews).

See all scores

Scores

Engadget

83
 

User Reviews

90
jordibo
The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - Engadget
60
ks1
A forgettable product. It isn't bad, exactly, but also doesn't do anything particularly well. - Engadget
90
sakura446
The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - Engadget
Write a Review

The Latest

February 11, 2020
Galaxy
February 11, 2020

The first Forza mobile game will debut on Samsung Galaxy phones

Microsoft initially released 'Forza Street' on PC last year.

By K. Holt,   February 11, 2020
share
View
February 11, 2020
Galaxy
February 11, 2020

Samsung adds Google Duo to the Galaxy S20 dialer

You'll be able to chat with up to eight friends.

By C. Fisher,   February 11, 2020
share
View

Sponsored Links