Samsung Galaxy S5 Review

Context is everything in life, especially when comparing two different generations of smartphones. For example, if you were to compare the Galaxy S5 to the more recently launched S10, you'd be unlikely to opt for the former unless you were feeling nostalgic. However, this should not distract from the fact that the S5 is a powerful and competent handset in its own right, and one that can still hold its own even in a fast changing market.

Let's be honest; it's hard to make a compelling case for buying Samsung's Galaxy S5 in the current market, particularly given how the range has evolved over the course of the last few years. However, there's no doubt that the S5 is a powerful handset with a more than competent UI, while its display, battery performance and unique value proposition also make this smartphone a viable option in a market full of premium devices. It's little surprise then that a refurbished Samsung Galaxy S5 is a top choice.

A clean, simple and alluring design

Samsung definitely implemented some design improvements in the Galaxy S5, particularly in comparison with the preceding S4. The wider, pock-marked rear embodies this perfectly, as it provides far greater grip and minimises the risk of droppage! nSome will argue that the S5 doesn't look like a premium smartphone, of course, but this is perfectly reasonable given that it isn't one. However, the metal-effect band around the frame is indicative of a strong and sturdy build quality, and one which is focused primarily on function rather than form.

Stay fit and healthy with the S5's heart monitor

Staying fit and healthy remains one of life's universal challenges, especially if you want to maintain the type of body that would put your average Love Island contestant to shame. To this end, the S5 has been designed to include a heart rate monitor on the rear of the handset (just underneath the main camera lens). This is designed to be used in conjunction with Samsung's popular S Health 3.0 app, which measures your daily activity and produces reams of data pertaining to your level of fitness. The device's accurate heart rate monitor can also be used in conjunction with third-party apps such as My Calorie Counter, which helps you manage your intake and make the most of any daily exercise regime that you undertake!

Revel in a battery that packs a punch

Despite the S5's status as a value smartphone, it boasts the type of battery performance that you would expect from a premium handset. The reasons for this are two-fold: firstly, the handset has been integrated with a 2,800mAh power pack, which allows for almost 24 hours of consecutive use on a single charge (unless you're binge-watching Netflix box sets on a daily basis, of course). Secondly, the S5 also features the snappy and almost Chihuahua-like Snapdragon 801 processor, which creates a genuinely efficient level of performance and stops your battery life from draining throughout the course of the day.

Enjoy the impressive Ultra-Power Saving Mode

On a similar note, you can make further battery life savings with the S5's unique 'Ultra-power Saving Mode' (UPSM), which can be triggered manually at any time through your settings page. This will make a number of noticeable changes to the function of the handset, turning the screen to black and white, closing down those draining background apps and ramping down power consumption in a truly dramatic fashion. In total, you can only keep six apps running at any one time when in UPSM, while the handset will automatically keep data consumption to a minimum while the screen is unlocked and fired up.

The camera is one of the best on the market

Last, but by no means least, we come to the camera app on the S5, which has remained one of the best and most competitive on the market since its launch on April 11th, 2014. The main rear camera features a superb Isocell unit that provides 16MP snaps, for example, whilst it's also equipped with a real-time, HDR mode that lets you see how your photo can be enhanced prior to shooting. We're also huge fans of Samsung's rapid autofocus technology, which intuitively calculates the requisite image sharpness in 0.3 seconds or less. This is great when capturing those all-important selfies, which as we know can make or break even the most popular Instagram profiles.

A refurbished Samsung Galaxy S5 continues to stand tall and holds its own in an increasingly competitive marketplace, with its deceptively impressive specification providing everything that you'd expect and more from a mid-range smartphone.

5 real-life highlights

1. The heart rate monitor on the rear of the handset is compatible with the S Health app
2. The S5's 16MP rear camera was truly ahead of its time at launch
3. The combination of a larger, 2,800mAh power pack with the Snapdragon 801 chip allows for exceptional battery performance
4. This phone was one of the first to feature an Ultra Power Saving Mode
5. Samsung's innovative Touchwiz interface really improves the functionality of the home screen