Just this year, Samsung released its latest flagship model, the Galaxy S5. The Galaxy S5 is the immediate successor to the 2013's Galaxy S4. Released in April 11, 2014 in over 150 countries, Samsung's latest smartphone model boasts of an improved built with a texturized rear cover and IP67 certification for water and dust resistance, as well as a more refined user experience and interesting security features.
Its specifications sound real good on paper. However, phone unit owners have been taking their technical issues over the use of the device online, and the Internet had been very useful in connecting hapless smartphone owners to experts and individuals who have discovered runarounds or hacks to address the issue. Below are five common Galaxy S5 problems that users encounter as well as its fixes that can be utilized in order to get over with them.
1. Problem: Water Damage. Most users think that water-resistant and waterproof means the same thing. Little did they know that there's a huge difference between the two. With this, there are a great number of reports about water-damaged Galaxy S5s. For the uneducated, smartphones or any other device has yet to withstand extremely high pressure water jets. Digital Trends said that the phone's IP67 rating indicate that the Galaxy S5 can withstand being submerged into depths of a meter for 30 minutes.
Solution. Don't try to turn it ON, the tech website cautioned. As in other phones that had gotten wet, you need to open the phone and dry it off. Users can place it in a deep bowl of uncooked rice grains as it is known as moisture-absorbent. Daredevils are also advised to not take the risk of deliberately dunking the phone into the water, as the phone is designed to safeguard the unit against toilet drop or sudden downpour of water.
2. Problem: Missing Menu button. For those who are wondering what happened to the Menu key that is often located on the bottom left on most Galaxy units, Digital Trends said it was changed into the Multitasking button now. However, one problem that they encounter is that some apps don't have menu options on the Home Screen that needs the Menu button to access the setting.
Solution. Press and hold the Multitasking button at the bottom left and it will function as the old menu key.
3. Problem: Phone Lags. Most users complain of phone lags when using the Galaxy S5. This is often experienced when unlocking the phone, loading an application, tapping the home button or when typing.
Solution. Animation might provide the lag, Digital Trends suggested. You can turn the animation off by tapping and hold the blank screen on the Home screen and select Home Screen Settings > Transition effect > None. Then, visit Settings > Lock Screen > Unlock effect > None. Also, users can turn off background data syncing that might be another cause of the lagby visiting Settings > Accounts.
A forum post on Android Central suggested that if you need a faster response from the Home button, you would need to deactivate the S Voice home button shortcut. This could be achieved by deselcting the "Open via the home key" option in the S Voice settings of your smartphone.
4. Problem: Slow Camera or Camera Failure. Some users complain that the camera take a little while to focus and take a picture. Galaxy S5 should normally be able to take a quick photo. According to Digital Trends, it might be due to the camera settings.
Solution. You would need to turn on the camera and tap the Settings icon at the bottom left corner and turn the Picture Stabilization off. This can enhance the quality of the low light photos by extending the camera's shutter speed.
Patrick Schroedl on Android Central said that when users encounter a Camera failure message, a complete camera hardware failure is most likely the reason. He suggests users to contact Samsung at 1-888-987-4357 or approach your carrier if you have purchased the phone through them. Before calling them however, you may want to do some simple troubleshooting steps like a simple restart, delete third-party apps, clearing the cache, or do a factory reset.
5. Problem: Screen won't turn on. Some users have issues with their unit's screen that refuses to turn on. Although the buttons may light up as expected, the screen remains off.
Solution. Digital Trends said that the issue might be of a Settings issue. You can press the Power button until the unit turns off, and then turn it on. Some have resorted to removing the battery from the unit, then return it and turn the phone on. Others suggested turning off the Additional Information and Dark Screen features. If all else fails and a Factory reset does not do things, you would need to contact Samsung or your retailer for a replacement.
Join the Conversation