Samsung has just taken the wraps off the Galaxy S5 flagship with a bundle of features, although not a lot was different compared to last year’s S4 in terms of core hardware. Here are the most notable changes and novelties of the device.

The Galaxy S5 retains the same 1080p resolution display as the S4, although the screen size is bumped up to 5.1 inches. The Snapdragon 801 chipset is an upgrade from last year’s Snapdragon 600. Samsung has also attached a 2,800 mAh battery on the smartphone to keep it running for prolonged intervals. The battery is reportedly capable of lasting through 12 hours of video playback and 10 hours of continuous web browsing.

Display

The Galaxy S5 sports a 5.1 inch Super AMOLED 1080p display which is not different from last year’s display, but there are some key differences in terms of software. For starters, the smartphone can now adjust the brightness and contrast settings depending on the content being displayed to provide an enhanced viewing experience.

Users can also set the display to be extremely dim, which is ideal for reading eBooks or browsing in the dark. Samsung calls this feature the Super Dim display.

Camera

The 16 megapixel sensor on the smartphone comes with the ability to record 4K UHD videos along with increased auto focus capabilities. It also sports the company’s new enhanced HDR capabilities and focusing options which provide better looking images with improved depth of field.

Other Features

• By far the most hyped feature of the smartphone is the fingerprint scanner which can be used for authentication as well as mobile payments. Samsung has struck a deal with PayPal to support this new technology for its payments as well. Users can also use the sensor to hide and unhide apps or folders.
• The Galaxy S5 comes with IP67 certification for being water and dust resistant. Samsung has provided protective coverings for the micro USB slot so as to not get it water clogged. Expectedly, water damages are not covered in Samsung’s warranty.
• The smartphone also comes with a heart rate monitor embedded on the back, right next to the LED flash. Users can manually check their pulse by holding their finger on the sensor. As users do this more often, the smartphone will remember their history and provide data analysis accordingly. Samsung’s S Health application will help users keep a track of their pulse rate, food habits and give out fitness related information as well.
• The Ultra power saving mode on the Galaxy S5 will allow the smartphone to get a standby of over 24 hours, even when the battery is at 10%.
• The new Kids Mode feature allows parents to designate certain apps and content for their kids to view, with complete control over what their kids get to see. This is an extension of the multi-user feature seen on Nexus tablets.
• And for the fashion junkies out there, the smartphone will also sell with designer covers much like the Galaxy Note 3.

Are you excited about this new Samsung flagship? Will you be buying one when it hits the stores on April 11?