Samsung Galaxy S5: Age, Specs, Updates & Is It Still Good?
You might still have a Samsung Galaxy S5 tucked away in a drawer, or perhaps you’re considering one as a cheap secondary phone; in 2025, that 11‑year‑old device from April 2014 still has a few tricks left, but there are serious limitations to weigh before relying on it daily. This guide lays out exactly what the S5 can and cannot do today — no nostalgia, just the facts.
Release date: April 11, 2014 ·
Display: 5.1-inch Super AMOLED 1080p ·
Processor: Snapdragon 801 quad‑core 2.5 GHz ·
RAM: 2 GB ·
Storage: 16/32 GB, expandable via microSD ·
Original OS: Android 4.4.2 KitKat (upgradable to 6.0.1 Marshmallow)
Quick snapshot
- Released April 2014 (Samsung official specs)
- 4G LTE (Cat 4) – no 5G (Android Central teardown)
- Removable 2800 mAh battery (Ubergizmo specs)
- IP67 water & dust resistance (GSMArena review)
- Exact 4G band support varies by model (SM‑G900F vs SM‑G900T) – see Wikipedia model variants
- VoLTE compatibility – not supported on most carriers, affecting calls after 3G shutdown (Android Police editorial)
- Used price ranges from $40 to $80 depending on condition (Amazon UK listings)
- 2015 – Discontinued (Wikipedia)
- 2016 – Final official OS update (Android 6.0.1) (Samsung Mobile Press)
- 2019 – Security updates ceased (Wikipedia)
- 2022‑2025 – 3G shutdowns affect voice calls on some carriers (Wikipedia)
- Phone usable as a music player, camera, or Wi‑Fi device
- Not reliable as a primary daily driver in 2025
- Battery replacement keeps it alive for another year or two
Key facts at a glance
Here are the key specifications at a glance:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Release date | April 11, 2014 |
| Original price (2014) | $199 on contract / ~$600 unlocked |
| Current used price (2025) | $50–$80 depending on condition |
| Battery capacity | 2800 mAh (removable) |
| Camera | 16 MP rear, 2 MP front |
| Operating system | Android 4.4.2 (upgradable to 6.0.1) |
The implication: the S5 was a premium device at launch, but its value has dropped to a fraction of its original price, reflecting the age and limited support.
How old is a Galaxy S5?
When was the Samsung Galaxy S5 released?
The Galaxy S5 launched on April 11, 2014, according to Samsung’s official product page. That makes the phone over 11 years old as of early 2025.
It originally shipped with Android 4.4.2 KitKat, as confirmed by Samsung Mobile Press. Subsequent updates took it to Android 5.0 Lollipop and finally Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow in 2016.
How to calculate the age of a Galaxy S5
Any Galaxy S5 you buy secondhand today was produced no later than 2015, when Samsung discontinued the model. The device has not received a security patch since 2019.
The pattern: the age directly limits modern usability, especially for security‑sensitive tasks.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S5 4G or 5G?
What network bands does the Galaxy S5 support?
The Galaxy S5 is a 4G LTE device only. It supports LTE Category 4, which delivers download speeds up to 150 Mbps, according to Android Central’s specification breakdown. The phone also includes Wi‑Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, NFC, and an IR blaster.
Does the Galaxy S5 support 5G?
No. The S5 lacks 5G hardware entirely, which is expected for a 2014 handset. In 2025, this means it cannot access 5G networks — a growing limitation as carriers refarm spectrum.
The catch: the network gap is the most pressing practical barrier for daily use.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S5 discontinued?
When was the Galaxy S5 discontinued?
Samsung stopped production of the Galaxy S5 in 2015, roughly a year after launch. As noted by Wikipedia, the S5 was succeeded by the Galaxy S6 in early 2015 and was quickly phased out.
Can you still buy a new Galaxy S5?
No. You will only find used or refurbished units. Typical prices on Amazon UK for the SM‑G900F model range from $50 to $80, though condition varies widely. (See Amazon UK product listings for current stock.)
For under $100 you get a phone with a great 5.1‑inch Super AMOLED screen and a decent 16 MP camera. But you trade away modern security, app compatibility, and network reliability.
What this means: the low price reflects the device’s limited future‑proofing.
Can a Samsung S5 be updated?
What is the latest Android version for the Galaxy S5?
The highest officially supported Android version is Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, delivered via OTA update in 2016. Samsung has confirmed no further updates. (Samsung Mobile Press lists the original OS as 4.4.2 KitKat, with 6.0.1 as the final update.)
How to update the Galaxy S5 software
- Connect your S5 to Wi‑Fi.
- Go to Settings → About device → Software update → Update.
- If an update to Android 6.0.1 is available, follow the on‑screen prompts.
- If no update appears, the phone already has the latest official version. No further security patches exist.
Note: Custom ROMs (e.g., LineageOS) can bring newer Android versions but are outside the scope of this official guide.
The implication: without updates, the S5 is stuck in 2016 from a security standpoint.
Is the Samsung S5 good?
What were the strengths of the Galaxy S5 in its time?
When launched, the S5 was praised for its Snapdragon 801 processor, its 16 MP camera with 4K video recording, and its IP67 water resistance — a rarity in 2014. Android Central highlighted the removable battery, expandable storage, and the inclusion of a fingerprint scanner and heart‑rate sensor. Additional commentary from Android Police notes that these features are still rare today.
Is the Galaxy S5 still worth buying in 2025?
As a secondary device (music player, camera, emergency phone) the S5 can still serve basic roles. However, for a primary daily driver the limitations are severe: no 5G, an outdated Android version, no security patches, and a Snapdragon 801 that struggles with modern apps. The 2 GB of RAM is often the bottleneck.
The catch: the phone’s once‑impressive hardware now limits it to niche roles.
Full specifications table
Six key areas, one pattern: the S5 was a flagship in 2014, but today only the display and camera hold up against budget phones.
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 5.1‑inch Super AMOLED, 1920×1080 (432 ppi) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad‑core 2.5 GHz |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Internal storage | 16 GB / 32 GB (microSD up to 128 GB) |
| Rear camera | 16 MP, f/2.2, 4K video at 30 fps |
| Front camera | 2 MP |
| Battery | 2800 mAh Li‑Ion, removable |
| Network | 4G LTE (Cat 4), no 5G |
| Wireless | Wi‑Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, IR blaster |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, heart rate, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Water resistance | IP67 (1 m depth for 30 min) |
| Dimensions | 142.0 × 72.5 × 8.1 mm, 145 g |
| Operating system | Android 4.4.2 (upgradable to 6.0.1) |
The pattern: the display and camera are still competitive, but the processor and RAM are the clear weak points for modern apps.
Pros and cons of the Galaxy S5 in 2025
Upsides
- Beautiful 5.1‑inch Super AMOLED display
- Removable battery & microSD slot (rare today)
- Headphone jack (3.5 mm)
- IP67 water & dust resistance
- Very cheap on the used market ($50–$80)
Downsides
- No 5G and no VoLTE on most carriers
- Android 6.0.1 – no security patches since 2019
- Only 2 GB RAM – major apps lag
- Slow charging (micro‑USB, max 2 A)
- Fingerprint scanner is slow and hard to use
The trade‑off: the upsides appeal to enthusiasts, but the downsides make it impractical for everyday reliability.
Step by step: How to replace the Galaxy S5 battery
The S5’s removable battery is one of its biggest advantages. Replacing it takes less than a minute.
- Power off the phone.
- Remove the back cover (it snaps off).
- Lift out the old battery.
- Insert a new OEM‑compatible 2800 mAh battery (available online for ~$15).
- Snap the back cover back on and power up.
The implication: this simple repair extends the device’s life without technical skill.
Timeline: Galaxy S5 lifecycle
- April 2014 – Galaxy S5 released
- 2015 – Discontinued
- Late 2014 – Android 5.0 Lollipop update released
- 2016 – Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow final official update (Samsung Mobile Press)
- 2019 – Security updates cease
- 2022–2025 – 3G network shutdowns in many countries affect voice calling on some variants
The pattern: each milestone marks a step away from modern usability, with the network shutdowns being the final blow for many users.
What we know for sure – and what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Release date: April 11, 2014 (Samsung)
- Discontinued: 2015 (Wikipedia)
- Supports 4G LTE, not 5G (Android Central)
- Official OS: up to Android 6.0.1 (Samsung Mobile Press)
- Removable 2800 mAh battery (Ubergizmo)
- IP67 water resistance (Android Central)
What’s unclear
- Exact 4G band support varies by model (SM‑G900F vs SM‑G900T)
- VoLTE support – the S5 does not support VoLTE on most carriers, making calls impossible after 3G shutdown
- Used price varies widely ($40–$80 depending on condition)
The implication: the confirmed facts give a clear picture, but the unclear points highlight the risk of assuming universal compatibility.
What the experts say
The Galaxy S5 was a solid all‑rounder for its time, but the lack of VoLTE and the age of its processor make it a poor daily driver in 2025.
With a 5.1‑inch Super AMOLED display and a 16 MP camera that records 4K video, the S5 can still function as a decent media player or backup camera.
The Samsung Galaxy S5 was great for its time, thanks to a removable battery, water resistance, and expandable storage. Those features are still rare today.
The pattern across expert opinions: the S5’s strengths are nostalgic, but its weaknesses are deal‑breakers for modern daily use.
Summary
The Samsung Galaxy S5 is a 11‑year‑old phone that still excels at basic tasks: music playback, navigation offline, and casual photography. But its outdated Android 6.0.1, lack of security patches, and inability to work on VoLTE‑dependent networks mean it can no longer serve as a reliable primary phone. For anyone in 2025 shopping for a cheap used device, the trade‑off is clear: spend $50–$80 on a backup media player, or save a bit more for a modern budget phone that will actually make calls.
Frequently asked questions
What are common Galaxy S5 problems?
Users often report battery drain, slow performance with modern apps, and screen burn‑in on the AMOLED panel. The microphone and charging port can also fail after years of use.
Which Samsung will stop working in 2026?
Any phone that relies on 3G for voice calls and does not support VoLTE may stop working once 3G is fully shut down in your region. The Galaxy S5 falls into this category on most carriers.
How do I replace the Galaxy S5 battery?
Simply snap off the back cover and lift out the old battery. Insert a new OEM‑compatible 2800 mAh battery (available online for ~$15) and snap the cover back on.
Does the Galaxy S5 support USB‑C?
No, it uses a micro‑USB 2.0 port (USB‑B).
Is the Galaxy S5 waterproof?
It has an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive immersion in up to 1 m of water for 30 minutes. However, seals degrade over time, so older units may not be water‑resistant anymore.
Can I use the Galaxy S5 on a prepaid carrier in 2025?
It depends on the carrier’s network. If the carrier still offers 4G LTE with fallback to 3G (and VoLTE is not required), the S5 will work for data and texts. Voice calling may fail if 3G is shut off. Check with the specific carrier before buying.
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