We finally got our hands on a final retail unit!

When Samsung Philippines invited us to check out the Galaxy S5 when it was unveiled during MWC, we were only able to look at its internals, display and sensors due because of the black box unit version of the S5 that they had at the time. Today, we were able to get our hands on a live retail unit, and finally give our two cents about the overall design of the new device.

Galaxy S5 Specs

• 2.5GHz quad-core processor
• 2GB of RAM
• 5.1-inch FHD Super AMOLED, 1920 x 1080 resolution
• 16/32GB internal storage, expandable up to 64GB
• 16-megapixel camera
• 2.1-megapixel front camera
• WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac HT80, MIMO(2×2), Bluetooth 4,0, BLE / ANT+, NFC, IR Remote
• IP67 Dust and water resistance
• 2800mAh battery
• Android 4.4 KitKat

Looks the same, but is still different

Many people commented on how disappointed they were in the look of the S5 when it was initially unveiled. While we tried to reserve judgement until we actually got our hands on the device, the official renders and press photos made it look like the S5 was almost identical to the S4.

Worse still, some people said that the material of the plastic used in the S5 made it feel cheap and plasticky.Well, that’s not entirely true – the back of the S5 may be plastic, but it feels solid and premium, unlike the material that the company used for the S4.

The S5 is also more rectangular in shape compared to the S4, and has a metal band on the side. It actually feels much more like a Note than their S-series of devices, which is a testament to how much the design language of the Note has permeated into the S-series. The build quality is topnotch, which is what you’d expect from a flagship device.

Like the devices before it, Samsung will be offering attractive S-View Flip covers for the S5. The S-View covers replace the dimpled back of the S5 but retain the IP67 rating of the device, so you still don’t have to worry about it getting wet. The S-View covers allow you to check for messages and notifications without opening the cover itself, and you can even take photos while the cover is closed. There will also be S-View covers that allow the device to be charged wirelessly, with Samsung saying that their implementation of Wireless Charging can get the device to full power in just 3 hours.

So let’s talk pricing. Both Smart and Globe have already released their pricing plans for the S5, but if you’re not a fan of back reading, Globe is offering the S5 for Php 1699 a month under Plan 999, with a Php 700 cashout for 24 months. Smart on the other hand, is offering the S5 for at Php 1,799 a month under UnliSurf Plan 999, with a Php 800 monthly handset cash-out for 24 months. If you’re looking to buy the device unlocked, you will have to dole out Php 34,990 for the 16GB version of the device.