The Samsung Galaxy S5 was one of the most anticipated smartphones of its time, boasting a host of innovative features and improvements over its predecessors. While it garnered praise for its design and capabilities, users encountered some significant issues. Here’s a breakdown of the five most common problems with the Galaxy S5, along with tips to address them.
Table of Contents
1. Security and Privacy Concerns
The Galaxy S5 introduced a fingerprint sensor, similar to the one found in Apple devices, promising added security and convenience. However, Samsung allowed third-party apps to interface with this sensor, raising concerns about potential vulnerabilities to malware and hacking.
- Key Concern: Unlike Apple, which stores fingerprint data securely within a vault on the phone, the Galaxy S5 integrates its fingerprint sensor with PayPal and other services. If hacked, this could lead to costly breaches of sensitive financial information.
- Tip: Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for services linked to your Galaxy S5. Consider disabling fingerprint authentication for high-risk activities, like payments, until you’re confident in the security of your device.
2. Camera Performance Issues
The Galaxy S5 boasts a 16-megapixel ISOCELL camera, designed for vibrant and detailed photography. However, early models encountered issues due to the manufacturing of the 6-element lens.
- Common Complaints: Users reported problems with the camera’s steadiness and inconsistent performance under certain lighting conditions. In some cases, the coating on the lens module caused additional complications.
- Tip: If you own an early model, check for software updates that may improve camera functionality. For persistent issues, contact Samsung support, as hardware defects might be covered under warranty.
3. Heart Rate Monitor Inconsistencies
The heart rate monitor was a unique addition to the Galaxy S5, seamlessly integrated into the S Health app. It measures your heart rate and provides detailed insights into your activity levels, including resting, exercising, and standing times.
- Problem: Users reported inconsistency in measurements, with repeated readings showing significant variance.
- Tip: For the most accurate results, ensure your finger is clean and dry when using the heart rate monitor. Place your finger gently on the sensor without applying excessive pressure, as this can affect readings.
4. Design Flaws
Samsung sought to distinguish the Galaxy S5 from the S4 with an updated design. The phone featured a matte back and ribbed sides for a better grip, but there were notable drawbacks.
- Key Issues: The Galaxy S5’s plastic build disappointed users expecting a more premium feel. While the matte finish improved grip, the overall aesthetic failed to match the sleekness of its competitors.
- Tip: Use a quality case to enhance both the phone’s look and durability. Cases designed to mimic metal or leather finishes can add a premium feel to your device.
5. Internal Speaker Problems
The internal speaker on the Galaxy S5 left much to be desired, with users complaining about poor sound quality.
- Common Complaints: The sound lacked bass and clarity, and the speaker caused noticeable vibrations on the rear of the phone during use.
- Tip: For better audio quality, use external Bluetooth speakers or headphones. If you rely on the phone’s speaker, try adjusting the equalizer settings in the audio menu for improved sound balance.
Final Thoughts
Despite its innovative features, the Samsung Galaxy S5 faced several challenges that affected its reputation. While some issues were resolved in later iterations, these problems serve as a reminder that even flagship devices can have flaws.
If you’re still using the Galaxy S5, addressing these concerns with simple fixes or workarounds can significantly enhance your experience. Keep your device updated, take advantage of Samsung’s support services, and invest in accessories to get the most out of your phone.
I too purchased my samsung galaxy s5 on thanksgiving weekend and having trouble with people hearing me through the speaker phone. they say it echos, they can hear themselves talking back and often the phone cuts in and out or I loose the call. people bugged me that I needed a smartphone but my flip phone worked better in this respect
Purchased a new galaxy s5 from ar&t, with volume at maximum i have to put my ear on the speaker ehe i select speaker becaus i can barely hear ir.
this is pathetic and i see that everyone is having the sane issue.
what to do?
My back speakers won’t work what do I do
Okay. I have been a true Galaxy owner and supporter. But I am extremely disadisappointed in the 5. I feel they were to busy focusing on some of the small features (that I will never use any way)instead f focusing on the much more important things like a person being able to hear me. I have reset it back to factory settings twice ,they have sent me a replacement and still the same problem. I was just told from another person because the phone is larger most people put there pinky finger at the bottom to the left of the USB port bto hold the phone to there ear. I’m almost positive that’s what the problem is . Not the mic/ speaker is in a really horrible place. I now take double the time to type anything from text to email. Because the keyboard is far to small. And the sound adjustment is a joke.
Okay. I have been a true Galaxy owner and supporter. But I am extremely disadisappointed in the 5. I feel they were to busy focusing on some of the small features (that I will never use any way)instead f focusing on the much more important things like a person being able to hear me. I have reset it back to factory settings twice ,they have sent me a replacement and still the same problem. I was just told from another person because the phone is larger most people put there pinky finger at the bottom to the left of the USB port bto hold the phone to there ear. I’m almost positive that’s what the problem is . Not the mic/ speaker is in a really horrible place. I now take double the time to type anything from text to email. Because the keyboard is far to small. the sound adjustment is a joke. I am do tempted to pull my Galaxy 4 out of the closet and go back to using it. Most expensive price of garbage ever.
The sound and speaker volume on the Galaxy S5 is horrible. If I could trade mine in for better sound, I would. Hearing people on the phone is a joke and them hearing me is non existent … it sounds like I’m talking with my mouth covered. The features on them are taking over what phones are meant to do, talk and communicate. Now they get so busy perfecting them with play and apps. I want my old phone back.
I agree with Stephanie; I want my old phone back! There are features of this phone I like, of course, but as someone aptly stated, it ceases to do what the phone was really designed to do – to let us communicate by phone! Samsung, wise up and give us what we REALLY need – not all the bells and whistles that most of us don’t care about anyway.
Can anyone else confirm this problem. When I use the speaker during a call… I have to literally glue my mouth to the mic because people can’t hear me. This totally defeats the purpose of the speaker feature. I HATE this phone, worst electronic purchase mistake I’ve ever done!
w nwww, fffff_______k.
no one can hear me when I use the speakerphone as well. it really defeats the purpose of havingsuch a smart phoneand I’m not happy about it. I don’t ever get on these blogs or whatever cuz everybody seems to be asking the same thing what to do, what do I do about it aswhat can I do about it etc etc. Does anybody have an answer what can we yes capital WEdo about it as an organized dissenting unit. those of you with some legal / law enforcement background get cooking on the facts and figures and ultimately our demands and I will be the PR guy. I’m KELLYand I’m not intimidated. Or bashful.
Got my galaxy 5 this past Friday and the speaker for the phone ducks big time. It sounds like there is a constant echo. I hate this phone because of that.
Got my galaxy 5 this past Friday and the speaker for the phone sucks big time. It sounds like there is a constant echo. I hate this phone because of that.
I’m Feeling ripped Off,
#1 the Camera is Broken by DESIGN
there many issues with this gimmick ridden camera
from experience the lens is Garbage its defective not clear so the sensor is like seeing through scratched up plastic plexiglass
a camera & or Sensor is only as clean & clear as its weakest link
also 16MP is pushing the limits to much for its camera sensor
making it sluggish and half the time the camera thinks its in focus
when its not =going past its focus point firing the shutter to late & to early other times, never spot on unless by luck
& either way theres still that funky unclear cheap lens
so it realy doesn”t matter, and all those little other gimmick features don’t mean a dam thing if you Don’t have Crisp Sharp images with colors that Pop,
I’v already called Samsung Twice
it was a Joke, having enough sense to work my way through the low level worker
and even the 2nd level Support had no skill of understanding
especially where cameras were concerned
asking me if i ever view my Galaxy photos on my PC Screen? WTH?
I just told him Prior that i did & that owned pro camera grear as well,
anyway enough SAID for NOW
I’d Realy Love to see a MASS GALAXY S5 RECALL & Or a Fixed Exchange Solution to the Customers Satisfaction,
One thing i want to explain
as to my comment above about the S5 Lens,
ok one thing is for Sure, all galaxy Screens are whats called
Super Amoled displays and the Galaxy S5 is no exception
So you agree that when you are looking at the Screen
it is unmistakable beautiful
and So when you Open up your Camera App Your Screen becomes somewhat of a Camera Viewfinder
and when your Camera app is Open
You are seeing what your Cameras Lens and Sensor is Seeing
Now look through your Screen out into the distance to take a wide screen landscape shot..NOW TELL ME?
WHAT DO YOU SEE?
Does the View to that sensor LOOK.. match the quality of your Super Amoled Screen? No it DOES NOT,
Does it look even look as good as a cheap $200 or $300 simple point n Shoot Camera View through a View finder? STILL NOT EVEN CLOSE,
and thats what the Camera sensor is seeing which is a big part of why 97.8 % of all the shots are fuzzy and hazy
and why its posable to work hard and many get a few close up shots, And even THAT IS ” hit and miss ”
but nothing beyond a few feet, it realy suxs beyond a few feet
and landscape is just out of the question
unless your satisfied by shots a 5 year took and is ok with,?
ITS RIDICULOUS
Obviously Samsung banking on the biggest number of teen S5 owners into this new selfie fad,
who likely wont notice beyond normal distant Shots,
and the rest of us adults just blows it off like we don’t mind bending over to flush $500 to $600 down the Toilet?? eh?
So what can we do?
well until that question gets answered
we can start out by not being lazy
Not being Quiet
Geting on the same page
geting the messege OUT
explaining that we all are hav’ing these same issues
” The Galaxy S5 Camera Is Broken by Design, ”
Tinny tin can under water sounding Receiver Speaker
and Just as $HITY SPEAKER PHONE SPEAKER TO MATCH
GETS HOT CHARGING AND
GOES DEAD FAST, =HUGE BATTERY HOG :/
This just may Catch TV AirTime if i have my wish
this is what happens when you sell sub par equipment is one thing
but when you ripp customers off at this level IS ANOTHER
All my Gallaxy Phone cameras before this blows this S5 Out of the Water I.Q. /=Image quality wise
and remember a higher megapixel count even if double
a Tru Pro will tell you that MP Does’nt mean a dam thing
there still 12Mp Cameras that costs several thousand Dollars today
Yet you can buy a 24Mp Cheap Canon Rebel DSLR Camera from Walmart at $500 that can’t equality 1/4 the image quality of that more expensive serious 12Mp
and im not compairing S5 to those
im saying it does’t even compair to their own older better quality S Vibrant
S2
S3
S4
and at this Point is this is what we are to asum with each new Galaxy model and Worse
then i don’t want it, and have to start questioning my Trust in Samsung now days, :/
@Greg check the lense of the camera and make sure the tiny film with the circle in it isn’t still on. I work at a phone retailer 90% of the time that’s the problem and it fixes it immediately. It’s a stupid little thing everyone forgets to remove
I have had the Galaxy S5 for 5 days. I am very disappointed in the speaker situation I am very upset that people say they can’t hear me this is just too weird this is my second Galaxy my other one was better but it did not last more than a year and a half. But someone not hearing me clearly is just really upsetting me I don’t know what to do send it back or ask for a better phone what has a better audio etc situation??? Help
I am having similar issues I do not want to go through this where people say I cannot hear you I was told there was two speaker systems on this phone where are they I only see one speaker next to the camera on the back of the Galaxy S5 can someone help me I’ve only had this phone 5 days and maybe it needs to go back for a better phone and if so can someone tell me a better Galaxy..HELP
my phone is messing up and i say that all samung users should get a new phone this is messed up just send us a new phone