After spending nearly a month with the Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Lollipop update, this is our AT&T Galaxy S5 Android Lollipop review covering the performance of this major update for the AT&T model.
AT&T delivered the Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 update later than Verizon and other carriers, but it’s a good move and we’re not experiencing the Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 issues seen on other carrier versions so far.
Samsung continues to offer a similar look alongside the visual changes of Android 5.0 Lollipop, but you will notice minor changes in the design of many major apps and through some of the stock apps and updated features that come with Android Lollipop.
Here’s our review of the Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Lollipop for AT&T.
I tested the Android 5.0 Lollipop update on the Galaxy S5 in early April and did not discover any major issues and over the last few weeks I have tried using this update in my daily routine along with other devices to see how well this update is performing.
I’ve already started enjoying the Smart Lock feature, which lets me unlock the Galaxy S5 with a Bluetooth accessory or by location so I don’t have to enter a password in the car or at home.
We’re still waiting for the AT&T Galaxy S5 Android 5.1. The update is coming, but it’s a good start and a welcome upgrade for most users.
Note that the Verizon Galaxy S5 Android Lollipop update is not performing well as per reports, so users on this carrier should avoid making a decision based on this AT&T galaxy S5 Android 5.0 review.
Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Lollipop Review
The Samsung Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Lollipop review focuses on the AT&T model and my experience is solid. Keep in mind that apps and the way you use the Galaxy S6 can change the overall experience.
Installation was smooth, but I had to delete some apps and media files to free up enough space to install the update. I’m not missing a significant amount of storage after the installation is complete.
Enjoy a closer look at Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Lollipop performance in key areas.
Applications
Apps and overall performance for the Galaxy S5 on Android 5.0 are solid.
It’s the apps that make smartphones great, so if apps don’t work after installing an update, it’s a big problem. Fortunately, after installing Android 5.0 Lollipop, I had no problems installing or using apps on the Galaxy S5.
This includes Facebook, Twitter, Android Wear, Gmail, Google Maps, Spotify, HBO Go, Netflix and Relay for Reddit.
If you encounter any problems, you should make sure to update Google Play Services and update your apps in Google Play.
battery life
Galaxy S5 battery life is good on Android 5.0 Lollipop. I keep returning this device to normal use and I don’t experience rapid battery drain hitting some other carrier devices and I can’t find myself with a dead phone before my day is done.
Wi-Fi, LTE and Bluetooth
Connectivity is solid at home and on the go in this update. I normally don’t use this phone in my car but it can connect to SYNC on my Ford Fusion without any issues. Bluetooth headphones also work well. I haven’t tested it on Lollipop with the Galaxy S5 as a Bluetooth keyboard.
AT&T LTE connectivity remains intact, but note that this varies by location. I occasionally travel to regions without AT&T LTE coverage and 4G support that still provide usable speeds.
WiFi connectivity is solid on Android 5.0 Lollipop at home and on the go. The personal hotspot feature also works well on Android 5.0.
Bugs and Issues
I did not experience any glaring Android 5.0 bugs on the AT&T Galaxy S5.
Despite many Android 5.0 issues, I’m not having problems with apps, connectivity or in general on the AT&T Galaxy S5.
If you run into problems, you can use this list of common Galaxy S5 problems and fixes to fix many bugs and problems on your own without waiting for Android 5.1.
Speed
Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Lollipop performance is smooth and fast for AT&T model. The phone feels as good as I bought it a year ago, and it’s definitely not slowing down in any way with new Android 5.0 features and bug fixes.
This is a slight variation from the original impressions, where I noted a slight delay between tapping an app and opening the app. This is no longer a problem.
Should You Install the AT&T Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Update?
Should you upgrade to Android 5.0?
At this point it is safe for most users to install the AT&T Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 update. There aren’t as many issues as we’ve seen with the Verizon update, and overall performance is solid.
If you’re worried, you can stay on Android 4.4 Kitkat and wait for an Android 5.1 update that may be working on it, but this update feels like an update that most users should install.
