July was an extremely interesting month for current Samsung Galaxy S5 users and prospective Galaxy S5 buyers. With that in mind, we want to take a look at a few things Galaxy S5 owners and buyers should know as we head into August.
Last year, Samsung replaced the Galaxy S4 with the new fifth-generation Galaxy S, dubbed the Samsung Galaxy S5. The Samsung Galaxy S5 was launched in April and during that time has received numerous software upgrades and a few price drops thanks to the arrival of the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge.
The Samsung Galaxy S5 may be getting old, but it’s still a solid smartphone that serves as a budget alternative to Samsung’s flagship devices. And while Samsung hasn’t announced anything yet, there’s a good chance it will improve in the future thanks to Google’s upcoming Android M release.
As we enter the year, we continue to see new and important details emerge for current Galaxy S5 users and those considering buying the phone right now. These details include details about software upgrades, price drops, and more.
July was full of important details for Galaxy S5 owners and buyers, and with that in mind, we want to take a look at some of the most important things we need to know as we head into August towards the release of new updates and the new Galaxy. phones.
Samsung Galaxy S5 Android 5.1.1 Version
The first thing to know is that the Samsung Galaxy S5 Android 5.1.1 update has stopped for whatever reason as it moves away from its initial release date.
A few weeks ago, the Samsung Galaxy S5 Android 5.1.1 update was released for T-Mobile in the United States. We thought this would be the catalyst for a much bigger launch but that still hasn’t happened.
We’ve seen a carrier (French carrier SFR) confirm an upcoming Galaxy S5 Android 5.1.1 update, but it’s the only update so far. Other carriers remain silent about their Galaxy S5 plans. That doesn’t mean updates won’t come, it just means we could be weeks away.
Samsung is clearly having issues with Android 5.1.1 behind the scenes, so our best guess at this point is that the company needs to put the software through additional testing before rolling it out to the masses.
Carrier Changes
If you’re looking to buy the Galaxy S5 in the United States, there are a few things you should know as we head into August.
Over the past few days, we’ve seen AT&T and Verizon make some big changes to the way you buy phones on their networks.
Verizon has switched to Device Payment Plans instead of offering the Verizon Edge program to customers. Under this new Device Payment plan, buyers can exchange upgrades to get a phone on a payment plan. As we pointed out, this is a sign that two-year contracts are about to expire at Verizon.
A reliable source recently said Must Be Mobile Verizon’s two-year contracts are about to expire, and we wouldn’t be surprised if Verizon got rid of them in time for the iPhone 6s release, which is expected to happen in the fall.
AT&T’s also made some changes. Carrier now requires you to pay $45 activation fee if you are buying on a two-year contract. That’s $5 more expensive than before August 1st, and slightly more than the Samsung Galaxy S5 costs.
The carrier is silent Added $15 upgrade fee For purchasers from AT&T Next. These won’t cost hundreds of dollars, but it’s still important to make a note of them before you buy your next phone.
Galaxy S6 Price Drop
If you’re thinking of buying the Galaxy S5, you should know that Samsung has started lowering the prices of the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge ahead of its Unpacked event on August 13.
Last month, Samsung announced that it will lower the prices of the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge to stimulate sales as we enter the fall. The company fulfilled its promise and We’re starting to see Galaxy S6 price drops unfold As we enter August.
US carriers have yet to act, but that could change as Samsung announces new flagship Galaxy smartphones later this month. With or without carrier, Galaxy S6 deals have also popped up at retailers in the United States.
The Galaxy S6 is an excellent phone and a solid alternative to the Galaxy S5, especially with its discounted price tag. Before you buy the Galaxy S5, be sure to review the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge and their deals.
Galaxy Note 5 Edition
On August 13, Samsung is expected to launch its new fifth-generation Galaxy Note device, which we call the Samsung Galaxy Note 5.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is expected to be a high-end flagship to replace the Galaxy Note 4. So, a new design, a big high-resolution screen, a new S Pen, a huge battery and excellent cameras.
The Galaxy Note 5’s release date is said to be August 21, which means prospective Galaxy S5 buyers and those looking to give up the Galaxy S5 for something new will only have to wait a few more days for another Galaxy S5 alternative.
Galaxy S6 Edge+
In addition to the Galaxy Note 5, Samsung is reportedly planning a larger version of the Galaxy S6 Edge. The device, currently known as the Galaxy S6 Edge+, is expected to have a 5.7-inch curved display, but not an S Pen like the Galaxy Note 5.
Galaxy S6 Edge+ rumors indicate that it will launch alongside the Galaxy Note 5 on August 13 and launch alongside the new Galaxy Note 5 on August 21. The Galaxy S6 Edge+ may be attractive to Galaxy S5 owners and buyers, especially if the price is affordable.
One more reason to wait until August 13 before buying a new device.