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Samsung unveils Galaxy S5 in Kenya: What are the key upgrades?

S5 back front

Samsung Electronics launched the fifth generation of the Galaxy S series, the Galaxy S5, at a glamorous event at Safari Park, Nairobi. The S5 launch was choreographed to highlight the five key selling points of the new device; design, camera, connectivity, fitness and protection.

“With the Galaxy S5, Samsung is going back to basics to focus on delivering the capabilities that matter most to our consumers,” said Mr. Robert Ngeru, VP and COO of Samsung East Africa Ltd.

“Consumers are looking for mobile tools that inspire and support them as they improve their everyday lives. The Galaxy S5 represents an iconic design with essential and useful features to focus on delivering the ultimate smartphone on the market today through people inspired innovation.”

Galaxy S5 started selling on April 11 in 125 countries with the Kenya launch serving as the launch pad for eight countries in Eastern Africa. The S5 boasts a new curved design with a slightly larger screen than the galaxy S4. There are other minor and subtle variations from the S4 including a metallic frame and a perforated back cover as opposed to the plastic, smooth cover of the S4.

The device has a wide range of modern colors, and finishing choices which reflect the current styles and trends worldwide. Samsung Electronics officially unveiled the S5 at the Mobile World Congress, Barcelona last month and has focused on ‘designing for what matters to you’ by focusing on the five key specs.

S5 blue

Design and color

The Galaxy S5 features a perforated pattern on the back cover creating a modern glam look. Its new contoured shape comes in an array of vivid colors, including Charcoal Black, White, Blue and Copper Gold. The S5 measures 145g compared to the S4 which is 130g. The extra weight is because the S5 has a bigger screen and is 1.2mm thicker than its predecessor, though the Galaxy series is relatively lighter than most smart phones. A thin rubber border on the inside of the case makes the S5 water and dust resistance; a feature lacking in the S4.

Samsung has packed the S5 with a 5.1” full HD super AMOLED screen which enhances a consumer’s multi-media consumption while at the same time extending the battery life. The S5’s 10.78Wh will give users an extra hour or two of use compared to the S4 due to the larger battery (2,800mAh) and optimized hardware.

Camera

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The new Galaxy S5 offers superior camera functionality, featuring a 16 megapixel camera with an enhanced menu and user friendlier interface. The Galaxy S5 claims to offer the world’s fastest auto focus speed up to 0.3 seconds and selective focus which allow users to focus on a specific area of an object while simultaneously blurring out the background.

Other noteworthy features that come with the advanced camera include virtual shot which enables consumers to recreate their environment and the studio app which gives consumers the complete studio experience from lighting to editing. But apart from the addition camera specs, the shots from the S4 and S5 are not too different although the S5 has a nifty heart rate sensor on the lens which works by placing your finger on the lens for a few seconds.

S5 health gear

Designed for health-conscious users

Galaxy S5 offers tools encourage users to engage in a healthier lifestyle through inbuilt specs and apps like Coach, Sleep, Caregiver and Community. Coach, for instance, turns the Galaxy S5 into a personal trainer that offers advice on how to stay fit and healthy.

The Samsung Gear Fit is the first curved wearable device for the active consumer. The Gear Fit offers the convenience of Samsung Gear technology with the most comprehensive fitness tools available thus enabling consumers stay physically active without sacrificing personal style or mobile connectivity.

S5 heart monitor

Fingerprint reader

The S5 also offers a Finger Scanner embedded in the home key, providing a secure, biometric screen locking feature and a seamless and safe mobile payment experience to consumers.

Accidental Damage and Handling Premium

Samsung will offer consumers who own a Galaxy S5 Accidental Damage from Handling (ADH) assurance for up to two years. If a consumer damages their device in any way in the first year (12 months) they are entitled to a free swap for another Galaxy S5, or a free repair twice in the year. If a consumer does not incur any incidents, then this is carried over to the second year where the consumer can claim up to four repairs. This smart swap – smart value guarantee is only applicable if the consumer downloads the Samsung Premium Android App as soon as they buy the phone.

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The device comes preloaded with a number of international and local apps and will is starting at a retail price of Sh76,000.

Samsung Electronics East Africa (SEEA), Director of Internet & Mobile Division, Manoj Changarampatt (left) and Vice President of SEEA, Robert Ngeru (right) display the new Galaxy S5 together with the new Samsung Gear during the launch of the fifth generation Galaxy S series

Samsung Electronics East Africa (SEEA), Director of Internet & Mobile Division, Manoj Changarampatt (left) and Vice President of SEEA, Robert Ngeru (right) display the new Galaxy S5 together with the new Samsung Gear during the launch of the fifth generation Galaxy S series

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