By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla
Samsung brings back 2014's Samsung Galaxy S5 but with updated specs, a better display and a return to the dust and water resistant flagship of its time.
The Galaxy S5 neo has a lot going for it. Sure, it feels a little retro now that Samsung has moved on to curved glass and aluminum bodies, but it does offer a removable battery as well as a 5.1-inch display that is a comfortable size for many users out there.
While it looks identical to its namesake, the Samsung Galaxy Neo boasts improved an improved super AMOLED display that's brighter and has better contrast. It has a 1920 x 1080 (FHD) resolution and is very, very bright.
Decidedly a mid-range smartphone in terms of specs and features, the Samsung Galaxy S5 Neo has a 64-bit Exynos 7580 1.6GHz octa-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of onboard storage (with expansion via microSD card), a 16MP rear camera and 5MP front facing camera. You also get a heart rate sensor that's peculiarly placed below the camera in the rear and not much else.
The Samsung Galaxy S5 Neo, which is being sold for $549.99 on a no-term contract or $199 from carriers like Virgin Mobile.
While it lacks the excitement and style points that set apart Samsung's newer and larger smartphone designs, the Galaxy S5 Neo is a well-rounded, practical and well-equipped smartphone that sized and priced right for a number of users. More importantly, this model is likely more durable than some of the more expensive S6 and Note devices in the market right now.
Credit goes to Samsung for revisiting what was actually an evolved and intelligent design and bringing it down to the mid-range for users who simply need a good Android device with specs and performance that can match many flagships today even if the design is safer and more practical.
The Samsung Galaxy S5 Neo is a great option for anyone considering a contract-free midrange device that has dust and water resistance, microSD expansion and a removeable, user-replaceable battery.
Rating: 4 out of 5