Samsung and Sprint Announce Health-Oriented Galaxy S5 Sport
GalaxyS5 , smart phones / July 1, 2014

John says check out SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 MINI GT-i9195 8GB-UNLOCKED International Version Black LTE 800 / 850 / 900 / 1800 / 2100 / 2600MHz. On June 23, Samsung and Sprint announced the Galaxy S5 Sport, stating a global release date for July 25th. The new device takes a page from the Galaxy S4 Active — offering helpful health and fitness apps and utilities. But there’s more to the Galaxy S5 Sport than its complimentary health and fitness tools. As you can see from the photo above, it features a rugged, more durable body. The company claims this body is designed for active people who are constantly running, jumping, exercising, or performing other activities. The hardware specs for the Galaxy S5 Sport are roughly the same as the launch-edition Galaxy S5. It will feature a 5.1″ 1920×1080 Super AMOLED display, 2.5 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, 2 GB RAM, a 16-megapixel rear-facing camera with SOCELL technology, and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera. In addition, the Galaxy S5 Sport will boast physical navigation buttons located at the bottom, which should prove useful for gym-goers with sweaty fingers. In terms of weight, the Galaxy S5 Sport tips the scales at 158 grams. Granted, this…

Comparing The Galaxy S5 vs The Galaxy S5 Prime
GalaxyS5 , smart phones / June 30, 2014

The Samsung Galaxy S5 Prime (dubbed the Galaxy F) is gearing up to be South Korean tech company’s biggest and baddest smartphone yet. Of course, this should come as no surprise considering it’s the “premium” variant of the Galaxy S5. But how exactly does it stand out from the launch-edition Galaxy S5? Samsung has kept their lips sealed regarding details and specs of the Galaxy S5 Prime. However, numerous websites have reported a launch date of mid-to-late June. With June wrapping up, though, it’s highly unlikely we’ll see Samsung’s new Prime variant on the market before July rolls around. Body According to leaked details, the upcoming Galaxy S5 Prime will sport an aluminum body instead of the launch-edition’s all-plastic body. This alone is a huge advantage that’s sure to attract some consumers to the new variant. While the Galaxy S5 remains one of the hottest smartphones to date, some users criticized Samsung for using plastic in its body. Opting for an aluminum body — featuring the same perforated rear design — will likely result in a smartphone that’s looks and feels like a higher quality device. Display Another key selling point of the Galaxy S5 Prime is its display. According…

Will The Samsung Galaxy S5 Prime Boast Faster Download Speeds?
GalaxyS5 , smart phones / June 25, 2014

While Samsung has yet to officially announce a premium, or Prime, variant of its flagship smartphone, the general consensus is that Samsung is edging closer to a release date. They’ve manufactured Prime variants for earlier Galaxy models, so it would only make sense for them to do the same with the Galaxy S5. But what kind of specs and features can you expect to find in the Galaxy S5 Prime? ZDNet Korea Reveals Galaxy S5 Prime Download Speeds According to a report by ZDNet Korea, the new Samsung Galaxy S5 Prime will boast blazing-fast download speeds of 225 megabits per second. The website claims to have received this knowledge from “unnamed sources” close to the project. Granted, this isn’t an official confirmation by any means, but it’s a promising sign that users may  see an entirely new spectrum of download speeds. At 225 Mbps, Galaxy S5 Prime users could download apps, movies, music and other files in a flash. If this information is correct, the new Galaxy S5 Prime will boast download speeds which are three times faster than current LTE speeds for the launch-edition Galaxy S5. Download speeds for the Galaxy S5 are currently capped at 75 Mbps. Truthfully,…

The Samsung Galaxy S5 Active: Is It Worth It?
GalaxyS5 , smart phones / June 24, 2014

Samsung’s rugged outdoor variant of its flagship smartphone is now available for sale. The Galaxy S5 Active offers all of the same features as the original Galaxy S5 while introducing several new ones in the process. So, how does in fare in comparison to the original Galaxy S5? Under the hard rugged body, the Galaxy S5 Active is strikingly  similar to the original. It’s powered by a 2.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon processor, 2GB of RAM, a 5.1-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, 16GB capacity, and a micro SD slot for additional storage. And you can go ahead take a deep sigh of relief, because the Active variant also has the same 16-megapixel rear-facing camera that’s attracted so many users to the Galaxy S5. But there’s an obvious visual difference between the Galaxy S5 Active and original Galaxy S5. The Galaxy S5 Active, as depicted in the image above, is larger, thicker, and more protected. Protection is always a plus, especially for users who take their device hiking, biking, or through other outdoor activities, but some people may argue that Samsung went overboard with the Galaxy S5 Active. The USB port is covered by a soft flap, which we assume is there to protect…

New Details Emerge On How To Root The Galaxy S5
GalaxyS5 , smart phones / June 23, 2014

Users of the Samsung Galaxy S5 can now gain root access to the device using a new method released by hacker George Hotz. What Is Rooting? Rooting is basically a method of gaining access to the core files of a device. Most smartphone manufacturers lock these files to prevent users from removing, adding, or otherwise editing certain functions. By locking the device’s core files, however, users are restricted to what they can modify and what they can’t. Rooting a device “unlocks” these restricts, granting the user full freedom to modify the device however they choose. Towelroot The Galaxy S5 rooting method released by hacker George Hotz uses a program known as Towelroot, which allows Android users to bypass Samsung’s software limitations on the Galaxy S5. Digital Trends reports that Hotz was able to create Towelroot using a software bug in Linux, and since Android is a variant of Linux, the tool is compatible with Android-powered smartphones. Towelroot.com states the following in regards to Hotz’s new rooting tool: “no warranty expressed or implied my second android root vuln thanks to disclosure by Pinkie Pie with love for my rap career if this doesn’t work on your phone e-mail my gmail geohot+towelroot with…

Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini Leaked Photos
GalaxyS5 , smart phones / June 18, 2014

Rumors have been circulating about Samsung releasing a smaller, more compact “Mini” variant of its flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S5, for some time. In keeping up with the company’s tradition, however, they’ve kept quiet about the specs and details surrounding this device. But we now have a first-hand look at the Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini thanks to several leaked photos. Body The photos of the Galaxy S5 Mini were reportedly sent to Sam Mobile from an anonymous tipster.  They show what appears to be a device with the same body style and back as the launch-edition Galaxy S5 — only on a smaller scale. As you can see in the photo above, it even possess the same dotted plastic back with rounded edges as the original Galaxy S5, further authenticating the belief that these are in fact real photos of the Galaxy S5 Mini. Heart Rate Monitor The device depicted in the leaked photos also show the heart rate monitor in the same spot — directly underneath the rear-facing camera. There was some doubt on whether or not Samsung would even include the heart rate monitor in the Galaxy S5 Mini, but these photos reveal the presence of this nifty…

Samsung Galaxy S5 vs Galaxy Note 3
Comparison , GalaxyS5 , smart phones / June 17, 2014

The Samsung Galaxy S5 has taken the world by storm, selling over 11 million units during the first month of its release. And with exciting new variants like the Prime, Mini and Active expected to be released, it will likely retain its title as the “King” of smartphones.; however, the Samsung Note 3 remains a top contender that’s still worth checking out if you’re in the market for a new smartphone. Here we’re going to do a side-by-side comparison of the Galaxy S5 and Note 3, revealing which one comes out on top. Body Design The first major difference you’ll likely notice between the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Note 3 is the body design. At 5.95 x 3.12 x 0.33 inches, the Note 3 is more of a tablet/smartphone hybrid, or a phablet. The Galaxy S5 is smaller and more compact at 5.3 x 2.9 x 0.25 inches. Display In keeping up with Samsung’s tradition of delivering only the highest quality picture displays to their devices, both the Galaxy S5 and Note 3 feature full 1080p HD technology. With that said, the Galaxy S5 looks sharper thanks to its 373 nits brightness rating. Processor The Samsung Galaxy S5 is powered by an impressive…

Android KitKat 4.4.3 Being Tested on Galaxy S5
GalaxyS5 , smart phones / June 12, 2014

Samsung typically doesn’t release new Android updates for its smartphones and tablet computers, but that could soon change with the release of Android KitKat 4.4.3. Several sources have reported that the South Korean electronics company has tested the upcoming Android build on a variety of Exynos and Snapdragon-powered devices, including their flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S5. Document Reveals Testing Is Underway According to a recent article published at SamMobile.com, Samsung is currently testing Android KitKat 4.4.3 (KTU70 build) on the Galaxy S5. The unnamed source didn’t reveal any details regarding the specifications and features of Android KitKat 4.4.3 — only that it’s currently being tested with Galaxy S5’s software and features. The report suggests that Android KitKat 4.4.3 is being tested on the Galaxy S5, as well as an LTW variant of the Galaxy S4 (model # GT-I9506A). Being that testing for Android KitKat 4.4.3 is limited strictly to Samsung’s own software, I wouldn’t get your hopes up about seeing a new update in the next few days. There’s been no official release date announced by Google, Samsung or any other major party in the mobile space, but analysts believe the most probable time for a release is later this…

Samsung Galaxy S5 Active Now Available Through AT&T
GalaxyS5 , News , smart phones / June 9, 2014

The ultra-durable Samsung Galaxy S5 Active is now available through AT&T. On June 29, the U.S. cell carrier silently added it to their lineup of devices available for purchase through their website. Before you go trading in your smartphone for an upgrade, however, you should read our review on the Galaxy S5 Active variant. Dust, Water and Shock Resistant Not to our surprise, the Samsung Galaxy S5 Active features a rugged dust, water and shock-resistant shell. It’s able to withstand drops from 4 feet on a flat surface, and it can be submerged in water 3-feet deep for 30 minutes (although I don’t recommend the latter). Granted, the launch-edition Galaxy S5 also boasts dust and water-resistant technology, but the variant looks and feels stronger and more durable. As you can see from the photo above, it’s beefier with four large bolts attached to the rear. We’re not sure if these bolts serve a purpose, but they are pretty cool looking nonetheless. Activity Zone Another major change in the Samsung Galaxy S5 Active is the addition of an all-in-one button that launches every health and fitness app.  The button, dubbed Activity Zone, is located on the side of the device. When…

Samsung Galaxy S5 vs LG G3: Who Wins?
Comparison , GalaxyS5 , smart phones / June 3, 2014

Watch out Samsung, Life’s Good (LG) recently unveiled a new version of its flagship smartphone, the “G” series, which is causing some commotion in the mobile industry. The new LG G3 is a high-end smartphone that rivals leading mobile brands like HTC, Apple and the Google Nexus series. But how does it compare to the Samsung Galaxy S5? Display The Samsung Galaxy S5 is often touted as the best all-around display among any smartphone currently on the market. It’s 5.1 inches in diameter and boasts 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. Surprisingly, however, the LG G3 has managed to trump the Galaxy S5’s display, as it features a 5.5-inch screen with quad-HD 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution. I’m a huge fan of the Samsung Galaxy S5, but I have to name the LG G3 as the winner for display. Processor Now let’s talk about what really matters in a smartphone: the processing power. Both the Samsung Galaxy S5 and LG G3 are powered by Qualcomm’s quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor running at 2.5GHz. There were rumors that LG would use an upgraded version of the Qualcomm processor — the 805 — but they ultimately chose the safe route by using the 801. So,…