Samsung has been outmaneuvered by local telecom companies in South Korea resulting in the early release of the Galaxy S5. Samsung's new powerhouse has also been launched in Australia with India following later today.
The Galaxy S5 is a bona fide powerhouse with impressive specs. Compared to its predecessor the Galaxy S4, the S5 comes with a bigger 5.1 inch screen. Moreover, it has a 2.5 GHz processor and improved camera and a new heart rate monitor. The S4 came with a 13 megapixel snapper, which Samsung bumped up to 16 megapixels for the S5. Additional camera improvements include a faster autofocus mechanism.
The S5 can also be used with Samsung's new smart watches. Moreover, the built in heart monitor can be used in tandem with the Galaxy gear for health and fitness purposes.
Specs aside, the S5 is also a looker. While the S4 shipped with a plastic back, the S5 comes equipped with a stylish polycarbonate back that is similar to the back found on the Note 3. The "leathery" back plates come in either black, gold, blue or white.
The Galaxy S5 will officially launch this coming April 11 in over 150 countries. While it has been launched in Australia and will be launched in India today, the phone will be available for purchase this coming April 11. In Australia, the S5 and the Galaxy Gear 2 smart watch can already be preordered for AUD$926 and AUD$369.95 respectively. For people with slightly smaller budgets, a more affordable version of the Gear 2 called the Gear 2 Neo is also available for preorder with a AUD$249 price tag.
The S5 launches in India today at a special Samsung event in Delhi. While Samsung's new flagship launches today, it is highly likely that the phone will not be available for purchase immediately after the launch. Likely the Australian launch, it is probable that the S5 will be made available for preordering during the day.
While the Australian and India launches are probably going according as planned, Samsung had to face a difficult battle in their home turf South Korea. Due to a state imposed suspension involving KT Corp. and SK Telecom during the planned April release date, the local telecom companies managed to outmaneuver Samsung forcing an early release. Samsung tried to stop the premature sales of the S5 but the telecom companies did not relent in order to avoid the suspensions next month.
Meanwhile, US carriers are also getting ready for the April 11 launch date and pre-order introductory deals are now being announced.
