Samsung Galaxy S5 debuts in Kenya

Samsung has launched its latest smartphone, Galaxy S5, in Kenya. In a first time since the beginning of its S series, the Korean-based handset maker, wowed consumers with a smartphone that improves body fitness and a long battery life.

Samsung East Africa chief operating officer Robert Ngeru said that unlike the much celebrated S4; the new model is dust and water resistant and has a finger scanner embedded in the home key.

Customers can buy the smartphone at Sh74,999 from Safaricom and Airtel outlets. The device comes with Free 3GB Internet Bundle and a Galaxy fit gear worth Sh21,999.

“The finger scanner is quite protective, it provides automatic screen locking and safe mobile payment to consumers,” said Mr Ngeru on Thursday night during the launch.

He added that with the current sales of high-end smartphones, Samsung was keen to keep ahead of its rivals, Nokia and Apple, who are constantly releasing unique smartphones.

“The S5 combines an advanced camera, fast network connectivity, dedicated fitness tools with enhanced device protection features as consumers stay fit and connected in style,” said Mr Ngeru of a gadget that had seen 300 units pre-sold by Thursday.

Wearable gear

Unlike the S4 and other S-series, the Galaxy S5 boasts of a perforated pattern on the back cover. It comes in Charcoal black, Shimmery white, Electric blue and Copper gold to complement the style of the consumer.

Elaborating on some of its new features, Mr Ngeru said that the wearable gear provides fitness coaching in accordance with consumer’s preferences, “if on a morning jog, it shows the rate at which one is jogging, how healthy it is for the heart and when to stop or reduce the pace.”

The S5 features 2800 mAh battery, with talk time of about 21 hours compared to S4’s 2600mAh battery that allows for 17 hours talk time.