Samsung unveils Galaxy S5;packs in finger scanner, health apps

Upping its ante in the smartphone battle, Samsung today unveiled the fifth generation of its flagship Galaxy S handset -- the S5 -- equipped with finger scanner, faster camera and dust and water-resistant features.
The Android 4.4.2 KitKat OS powered Galaxy S5, unveiled at the Mobile World Congress here, will be available globally, including India, from April.
However, price of the new smartphone was not disclosed.
"With the Galaxy S5, Samsung is going back to basics to focus on delivering the capabilities that matter most to our consumers," Samsung President and Head of IT and Mobile Communications Division J K Shin said.

Consumers are looking for mobile tools that inspire and support them as they improve their everyday lives, he added.
"The Galaxy S5 represents an iconic design with essential and useful features to focus on delivering the ultimate smartphone on the market today through people inspired innovation," Shin said.

The Galaxy S5 sports a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED (1080 X 1920p) display, similar to that of its predecessor Galaxy S4, and is powered by a 2.5GHz quad-core processor and 2GB RAM.
The device will come in 16GB and 32GB internal storage variants, expandable up to 64GB. It also features a 16 MP rear camera and 2.1MP front-facing camera as well as 2800mAh battery.

Like the Apple iPhone 5S, Galaxy S5 also features a finger scanner to offer users a secure, biometric screen locking feature and a safe mobile payment experience.
The device will also offer 'S Health' -- a tool to help people stay fit and well.
Reports suggest that the US-based Apple is looking at equipping the successor of its current iPhone 5S with health and fitness-related features.
"It provides a comprehensive personal fitness tracker to help users monitor and manage their behavior, along with additional tools including a pedometer, diet and exercise records, and a new, built-in heart rate monitor," Samsung said.

Galaxy S4, which was launched with much fanfare in New York in March last year, has received lukewarm response as it faced tough competition from other smartphone makers like Apple, HTC and Sony as well as players like Lenovo and Huawei.
Usually, Samsung launches new flagship Galaxy devices after World Mobile Congress (MWC).