Samsung Galaxy S5: Expected Key Features Ahead of Tomorrow's Launch

When Samsung debuted its Galaxy S3 in 2012, it was a hugely popular. It brought the South Korean company to prominence and moved ahead of Apple as the world's largest phonemaker later that year. In 2013, the Galaxy S4 had mixed responses, mostly due to similar design cues to the S3 and clunky features. The Galaxy S5, to be unveiled tomorrow, would be a crucial device for Samsung.

The Galaxy S4 was rather similar to the Galaxy S3

Here we breakdown the expected features of the Galaxy S5:

Display Size
Android devices have large screens, and they're still growing! Last year's Galaxy S4 had a 5-inch screen, so could we see a 5.2-incher this time round? If it increases to more than 5 inches, it would go into the "phablet" category. The Galaxy Note 3 has a 5.5-inch screen. Therefore, a 5.2-inch Galaxy S5 does not seem too likely, but cannot be ruled out.
Likelihood: 6/10

Screen Resolution
Expect to see at least a 1080x1920 full HD resolution. However, there are reports that it might spot a 2k display, which has 1440x2560 pixels.
Likelihood: 7.5/10

Confirmed: Fingerprint Sensor on Samsung's Galaxy S5

With the Samsung Galaxy S5 expected to be launched on 24th February in Barcelona, SamMobile reported that it will spot a fingerprint sensor.

The report claims that the fingerprint sensor will be implemented in the home button, dismissing earlier rumors that the sensor might be built into the display.

SamMobile explains the technology:

"The sensor itself works in a swipe manner, which means that you would need to swipe the entire pad of your finger, from base to tip, across the home key to register your fingerprint properly. Also, you would need to keep your finger flat against the home key and swipe at a moderate speed or else it won’t recognize your fingerprint. The fingerprint sensor is sensitive to moisture, as well."

Samsung's fingerprint technology is different from Apple's Touch ID.

As Apple's Touch ID fingerprint scanner could only be used to unlock and purchase apps, it is interesting to see what Samsung plans to do with its fingerprint sensor. SamMobile also added that the Galaxy S5 will show a real-time image of your fingerprint while you swipe it across the sensor.

Written by: Kheng Wei Ang