Samsung has unveiled its fifth generation Galaxy S5 smartphone at MWC in Barcelona, which will start rolling-out in 150 markets simultaneously from 11th April. Samsung has not revealed the price of this flagship device and the same will be announced close on the heels of its availability.
The key features of Galaxy S5 is its fingerprint scanner, dust and water-resistance capabilities, 16-megapixel rear camera, and also comes with lifestyle improved S Health 3.0 application, which offers more tools to help people stay fit and well. 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. The new smartphone features a perforated pattern on the back cover creating a modern glam look. But there is no change in the frontal design of this smartphone, which may disappoint many Samsung followers. This new sleek, contoured shaped smartphone will be available in charcoal Black, shimmery White, electric Blue and copper Gold colors.
The Galaxy S5 features a 5.1-inch FHD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080) display, and is powered by a 2.5GHz quad-core processor, coupled with 2GB of RAM plus 16GB/ 32GB internal memory, which can be expanded upto 64GB via microSD card. It runs on latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat, and is fuelled by a 2800mAh battery, which according to the company, will have standby time of 390 hrs and talk time of 21 hrs. This smartphone comes with the Ultra Power Saving Mode feature, which turns the display to black and white, and shuts down all unnecessary features to minimize the battery consumption.
Now comes the relevant question of its pricing. The Galaxy S5 has good hardware features and its other capabilites especially health-focussed application will attract customers to possess this device PROVIDED it is priced reasonably. When Samsung launched Galaxy S4 for about Rs. 41K in India, last year then the scenario of smartphone market was entirely different. At that time, many smartphones makers like LG,Sony and of late Chinese companies like Lenovo,Huawei,ZTE and Gionee etc., were not as active as they are today. Since the launch of Galaxy S4, they have come out many smartphones with competitive features and at attractive prices. Now, we hear that Motorola is also getting aggressive in India after the huge success of Moto G in India. They are planning to launch their Moto X in the coming weeks in India.
Although Samsung is still the dominating leader in smartphones world-wide and also in India, yet the companies like LG and Sony are also getting a pie of the cake with their highly successful devices like LG G and Xperia series, respectively. As far as Chinese companies are concerned, they are also able to sell their products and making inroads into highly competitive and price-conscious Indian market.
One should also not forget the contribution of Indian hansets vendors like Micromax,Karbonn,Lava etc., which have got good traction in the Indian market, of late.
In the changed circumstances, it may be slightly difficult for Samsung to sell the Galaxy S5 at a very high price of say Rs. 40K upwards. In order to maintain its leading position in India, the Galaxy S5 should be affordable to the masses so that the prospective customers do not have to look for other options. In our opinion, it should be priced in the region of Rs. 35 to 38K in India. With this price range, it can sell like hot cakes in India.
Do you agree with our point of view? Post your comment.
