Curious to know what Google’s upcoming Android 5.0 L operating system will look like on the Galaxy S5? While it’s still months away from being officially released (we assume), the folks over at SamMobile.com recently published a video which shows Android L running on the Galaxy S5. How were they able to install Android L on the Galaxy S5? SamMobile claims that unnamed “sources” provided the Android L test build for Samsung’s flagship smartphone. Initially, their goal was to make the new firmware available for every Galaxy S5 user on the planet, but this vision was soon shot down once they released just how many bugs and quirks needed fixing. Nonetheless, the preview video gives us fans a sneak peak into the future of the Galaxy S5 and other Android L-compatible devices. Samsung typically drags its feet when it comes to rolling out new Android updates, but there’s a good reason for its procrastination: the Galaxy S5 uses its own TouchWiz UI on top of the standard Android OS. This often creates some compatibility problems which Samsung must fix before releasing new Android updates to the Galaxy S5. In the preview video showing the Galaxy S5 running Android L, however,…

You might have to wait a little while longer to get your hands on the Galaxy S5 Mini. According to a recent report published by SamMobile, Samsung is preparing to launch the new miniaturized version of its flagship smartphone in July. So if you’ve been patiently waiting to purchase the Galaxy S5 Mini, you may want to choose a different device. Assuming this information is correct, it could take nine months (or longer) before it’s even released. Why is Samsung waiting to release the Galaxy S5 Mini when the device is more than likely already finished? We can only speculate as to why Samsung is waiting to release the Galaxy S5, but one theory is that it’s hoping to capitalize on the Galaxy S5 brand name. Samsung has spent millions of dollars promoting the Galaxy S5, which is apparent if you watch the television or listen to the radio. With the Galaxy S5 brand already known to so many people — both in America and abroad — the Galaxy S5 Mini should sell with little effort. This will allow Samsung to continue selling devices well into 2015, even as demand for the original Galaxy S5 begins to subside. The Galaxy…

It looks like the Android L update may hit the Galaxy S5 sooner rather than later. We knew this update was coming ever since Google fist announced it earlier this summer. However, the Mountain View company failed to confirm an official date for its release, leaving Android users speculating as to when the update would be released. According to a recent article published by SamMobile, however, Galaxy S5 users may see the Android L update by the end of the year. Back in June, Google released two moderately sized Android updates: Android 4.4.3 and 4.4.4. The first introduced the highly anticipated Android “KitKat” version to smartphones and tablet computers, whereas 4.4.4 aimed to fix various bugs and vulnerabilities. In the months that followed, several smartphone manufacturers began to update users’ devices with both Android 4.4.3 and 4.4.4. Being that Samsung uses its own TouchWiz user interface on top of the Android OS, it failed to deliver these updates in a timely manner. The good news is that Samsung recently released the Android 4.4.4 update to Galaxy S5 users. With the latest version of Android now powering the Galaxy S5, many users are expecting the new Android L to be released…

The Galaxy S5 is arguably one of the best all-around smartphones currently on the market. Its quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor paired with 2 GB RAM offers blazing-fast speeds that trump similar-priced mobile devices. Of course, this is probably why Samsung has already sold 10 million units worldwide. But what if the current Galaxy S5 speeds aren’t enough to meet your particular needs? Thankfully, there are several steps owners can take to speed up their Galaxy S5 device, one of which is to disable the lock screen animation. Ever notice the rippling water that displays on the Galaxy S5 each time you unlock it? Although visually appealing, these animations consume both memory and processing power, which could be used for other more important tasks. To disable the lock screen animation, access Settings > Lock Screen > Unlock effect > and tap the button labeled “none.” You can also speed up your Galaxy S5 by disabling unwanted and/or unused apps. The truth is that most people have far more apps installed on their device than they actually use. Some of these apps will continue to hog valuable system resources even they aren’t being used.  To disable apps, tap the app drawer…

Given the fact that some 93 million selfies are taken each day (source), the camera is a key selling point with modern-day smartphones. Up until the last 5-10 years, cellphone cameras were sub-part when compared to standalone point-and-click cameras. This has since changed, however, with smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S5, Google Nexus 5, HTC One (M8), and now the Apple iPhone 6 paving the way with cutting-edge cameras integrated directly into the hardware. Now that Apple has unveiled the iPhone 6, many people are wondering how its camera will compare against the Galaxy S5’s. Samsung went the extra mile with the Galaxy S5’s camera, which is apparent from the first time you snap a photo with it. But Apple also improved its camera on the iPhone 6, opting for a higher megapixel resolution and better all-around technology than the previous iPhone 5. So, which one of these cameras comes out on top as the winner? The Galaxy S5 boasts a 16-megapixel ISOCELL camera with LED flash and 1080p video. The previous Galaxy S4 also had a powerful camera, but it was only a 13-megapixel model. Samsung wanted to build and improve on this foundation by using a 16-megapixel instead….

Android 5.0 (dubbed Android L) is expected to be largest and most complex update ever performed on the Google-owned mobile operating system. In fact, the Mountain View company even released a developer preview version of the upcoming OS to help smooth over the transition for developers. We still don’t know which devices will receive the Android 5.0 update, but several credible sources are saying Samsung is planning to roll out Android 5.0 to its Galaxy S5 flagship smartphone and Galaxy Note 4 “phablet.” There’s on major hurdle that Samsung most cross in order to use Android 5.0 L on the Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 4: creating an environment in which the new Android 5.0 L OS is compatible with its own signature TouchWiz user interface. Samsung’s TouchWiz UI is a skin that’s applied to the devices’ OS, which could trigger some compatibility problems with the new version of Android is released. Samsung is known for dragging its feet when it comes to providing updates; however, analysts are optimistic that it will provide a timely update to the Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 4 when Android 5.0 L is finally released. Assuming they are able to create a stable, compatible…

While most people are busy talking about the recently unveiled Apple iPhone 6, there are several other notable mobile devices being introduced into the market as well. Earlier this month, for instance, Samsung announced a new model of its flagship “phablet,” the Galaxy Note 4. The Galaxy Note 4 offers the best of both worlds, featuring a tablet-like design with all of the features and goodies of a traditional smartphone. So, how does the Galaxy Note 4 plablet compare against the Galaxy S5 smartphone? Size Let’s first talk about the size differences between these two devices, because this is arguably one of the most influential factors consumers use in determining which one is right for them. The Galaxy S5 features a 5.1″ display screen with 1080p resolution and 421 ppi, whereas the Note 4 boasts a larger 5.7″ display with an even higher resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. Both display screens feature Super AMOLED technology with the ultra-durable Corning Gorilla Glass 3 covering. Processor In terms of processing power, you really can’t go wrong with the Galaxy S5 or Note 4. However, the Note 4 is slightly faster with a quad-core Snapdragon 805 2.7 GHz CPU. The Galaxy S5,…

Samsung is known for releasing numerous versions, or variants, of its flagship smartphones, and the Galaxy S5 is no exception. According to leaked documents, the tech giant is preparing to release a Galaxy A variant (see image to the right). The upcoming Galaxy A will take a step away from Samsung’s traditional smartphone designs. While all of the previous Galaxy models have used a plastic body, this new variant will reportedly feature an all-metal body. Samsung has been criticized in the past for its use of a plastic body with the Galaxy S5, with some market analysts saying the company was cutting corners in an attempt to save money on production costs. Well, it looks like Samsung is taking the advice of these critics by releasing a metal body Galaxy variant. Unfortunately, we still know the complete details for Samsung’s new Galaxy variant. Tech Times reports that it feature a 13-megapixel primary camera, 5-megapixel secondary camera, 16GB storage, micro SD card,  2,330 mAh battery, and the same TouchWiz user interface from the Galaxy Note 4. Of course, the real beauty of the Galaxy A — if the reports are accurate — is its all-metal body. Samsung has been hesitant to produce…

Samsung today announced the release of the Galaxy S5 Active to Canadian markets. Up until now, none of the cell carriers in Canada have supported the Galaxy S5 Active. Starting today, however, it will launch on multiple cell carriers. It’s important to note that this isn’t Samsung’s launch-edition flagship smartphone. Instead, it’s the Active variant. The Galaxy S5 Active is designed specifically for active, on-the-go individuals, which is apparent from its rugged body. Both the launch-edition and Galaxy S5 Active feature a 5.1-inch 1080p Gorilla Glass display with Super AMOLED technology, but the Active contains a durable rubber body shell to protect it from damage. Another feature included in the Galaxy S5 Active is Locqus Field Service. This new feature is designed to streamline the jobs of contractors, electricians and general service providers by offering an all-in-one management platform. With Locqus Field Service, you can schedule jobs, dispatch technicians, track employee locations and more. Other than the rugged body design and a few new software tools like Locqus Field Service, however, the Galaxy S5 Active is pretty much the same as the launch-edition Galaxy S5. Both devices have identical under-the-hood specs, including a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, 2GB RAM and a…

On September 9, Apple unveiled its highly anticipated iPhone 6  at the Flint Performing Arts Center on the De Anza College campus. Technically, the company unveiled two versions of its new flagship smartphone, the standard iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus. So, how do these devices fare against the Samsung Galaxy S5? Display Apple has been criticized in the past for using such a small display screen on previous versions of the iPhone. The iPhone 5, for instance, featured a 4″ display. Well, the new iPhone 6 has a slightly larger display at 4.7″ for the standard version and 5.5″ for the Plus. The Galaxy S5 features a 5.1″ screen. Regarding resolution, the Galaxy S5 is the clear winner with its 1920 x 1080 at 432 ppi screen compared to the iPhone 6’s 1334 x 750 at 326ppi. Camera The Galaxy S5 is equipped with a 16-megapixel primary camera, which is capable of taking some truly remarkable photos. The iPhone 6, on the other hand, is equipped with a smaller and less powerful 8-megapixel camera. Granted, Apple included some goodies like f/2.2 aperture lens and image stabilization  software, but it ultimately falls short when compared to Samsung’s flagship smartphone. Processor Apple went with a…