The world’s largest maker of mobile handsets, Samsung Electronics, on Wednesday, April 11, formally unveiled its new Galaxy S5 smartphone, alongside the latest in its industry-leading wearable device line, the Gear Fit and Gear 2, in Nigeria. The devices are already on sale at all Samsung Experience Stores and accredited dealers’ nationwide.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 is completely dust proof and can be submerged in up to one metre of water for about 30 minutes, a feature that was demonstrated by the company at an elaborate launch in Lagos. The device, which features a screen that is slightly larger than that of the Galaxy S4, has been described as having the “best smartphone display ever tested’ by highly-respected gadget display performance calibrators, DisplayMate. The Galaxy S5 offers 27 percent improvement in display power efficiency over its predecessor, the Galaxy S4, while using 18 percent less display power.

The highlight of the smartphone is a new fingerprint scanner, which is integrated with the device’s home button and provides consumers with a safe, biometric screen-locking feature. For fitness enthusiasts, the Galaxy S5 comes with a heart rate sensor that helps monitor heart rate during exercise and fitness routines using the S Health service. The new S health application boasts different fitness management applications that allow users to stay fit the smart way.

Other key features of the Galaxy S5 include an advanced camera system, improved battery capacity and a download booster that can fuse the device’s Wi-Fi and data connections together to provide smoother internet connectivity. Its unique ultra-power saving mode shuts down all of the device’s key functions to allow users make the most of their last bit of battery power. According to Samsung, the Galaxy S5 can run for up to 24 hours on a 10 percent battery charge when this mode is activated.

Speaking at the unveiling of the device, Managing Director of Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim, said the Galaxy S5 will redefine how technology innovation enhances quality of life. “With the Galaxy S5, Samsung is going back to basics to focus on delivering capabilities that matter most to our consumers. Consumers today are on the lookout for mobile tools that inspire and support them as they improve their everyday lives. The Galaxy S5 represents an iconic design with essential and useful features that focus on delivering the ultimate smartphone on the market today through people-inspired innovation.” he said.

Also on display at the event were brand new additions to Samsung’s wearable-technology line-up, the Gear 2 and Gear Fit, offering consumers enhanced connectivity alongside an integrated communication experience. The Gear 2, an upgrade of Samsung’s original Gear device, incorporates a 1.63-inch screen, a 2-megapixel camera that is now located on the device’s screen, a sensor that enables usage of the device as a television remote control and a personal fitness coaching guide. The device also comes with a range of changeable straps and interface themes that lets wearers create their own style, with a choice of colours including Charcoal Black, Mocha Grey and Wild Orange.

The Gear Fit is the industry’s first curved super AMOLED display and merges the convenience of Samsung Gear technology with comprehensive fitness tools that empower consumers to stay physically active without sacrificing personal style or mobile connectivity. The wrist-worn device incorporates a built-in heart rate monitor, a lightweight swappable strap and provides instant notification for incoming calls, e-mails, text messages and much more. Like the Galaxy S5 smartphone, both Gear devices are dust and water-resistant.

Speaking of the Gear Fit and Gear 2, Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas said: “At Samsung, we understand that the next generation of wearable mobile solutions must directly reflect the diverse interests and needs of consumers. Our Gear product portfolio continues to expand with unique devices for a wide range of lifestyles, including the Gear 2 and the new Gear Fit designed to help those consumers striving to live fit and active lives without sacrificing their own personal style or their ability to stay connected on the go.”

Revmatas added that the Gear 2 and Gear Fit can run for between two to six days before requiring a battery recharge, depending on usage levels and number of connected devices.

In further demonstration of its commitment to providing innovative, consumer-oriented service, Samsung announced that the new Galaxy S5 smartphone will feature Samsung Premium, an advanced version of the company’s original 24-month accidental damage from handling (ADH) warranty. Under the Samsung Premium package, consumers will receive a substitute device in the event of screen or liquid damage to their Galaxy S5, at no extra charge.

“With the original ADH warranty, our consumers got to take their Galaxy S4 for charge-free and no-questions asked repairs for screen and liquid damage, not once but twice during the first two years of the life of their device. For the Galaxy S5, we have upgraded the service. With the Samsung Premium warranty, instead of two repair claims, users of the device will now get two instant phone substitutions over the 24-month warranty period, at no extra charge. This value-add represents our commitment to anticipating the needs of our consumers and providing them with superior service towards making their lives worry-free,” Revmatas explained.

Samsung will also be offering a trade-in and upgrade programme for consumers who purchase the Galaxy S5, guaranteeing the future value and price of the device by up to 25%, to be used on the purchase of consumers’ next premium Samsung Galaxy device. Customers who purchase the Galaxy S5 will be able to get 25% back within 12 months, to be used as a discount on their next premium purchase.