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AT&T Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Lollipop Review

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After spending roughly a month with the Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Lollipop update this is our AT&T Galaxy S5 Android Lollipop review that covers the performance of this major update for the AT&T model.

AT&T delivered the Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 update later than Verizon and other carriers, but this proved a good move and so far we are not experiencing the same Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 problems that hit other carrier versions.

Samsung still delivers a similar look on top of the visual changes of Android 5.0 Lollipop, but you will notice small changes to the design of many big apps and through some of the stock apps and updated features that come with Android Lollipop.

Here is our Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Lollipop review for AT&T.

Here is our Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Lollipop review for AT&T.

In early April I tested the Android 5.0 Lollipop update on the Galaxy S5 and did not discover any major issues and over the last several weeks I’ve worked use into my daily routine alongside other devices to see how well this upgrade performs.

I’m already enjoying the Smart Lock feature that lets me unlock the Galaxy S5 with a Bluetooth accessory or by the location so i don’t need to enter a password in the car or at home.

We are still waiting for the AT&T Galaxy S5 Android 5.1. update to arrive, but this is a good start and a welcome upgrade for most users.

Keep in mind the Verizon Galaxy S5 Android Lollipop update does not perform as well according to reports, so users on that carrier need to avoid making a decision based on this AT&T galaxy S5 Android 5.0 review.

Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Lollipop Review

The Samsung Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Lollipop review focuses on the AT&T model and while my experience is solid. Keep in mind that the apps and ways you use the Galaxy S6 can alter the overall experience.

Installation was smooth, but I did need to delete some apps and media files to free up enough space to install the update. I am not missing a significant amount of storage after the installation completed.

Enjoy a closer look at the Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Lollipop performance in key areas.

Apps

Apps and overall performance are solid for the Galaxy S5 on Android 5.0.

Apps and overall performance are solid for the Galaxy S5 on Android 5.0.

Apps are what make smartphones amazing, so if apps fail to work after installing an update this is a major problem. Fortunately I did not have any problems installing or using apps on the Galaxy S5 after installing Android 5.0 Lollipop.

This includes Facebook, Twitter, Android Wear, Gmail, Google Maps, Spotify, HBO Go, Netflix and Relay for Reddit.

If you do run into any problems, you should make sure you update Google Play Services and update your apps in Google Play.

Battery Life

The Galaxy S5 battery life on Android 5.0 Lollipop remains good. I continue to rotate this device into regular use and I am not experiencing the fast battery drain that hit some other carrier devices nor do I find myself with a dead phone before my day is over.

WiFi, LTE & Bluetooth

Connectivity is solid on this update at home and on the go. I don’t normally use this phone in my car, but it can connect to SYNC in my Ford Fusion without any issues. Bluetooth headphones also work well. I did not test as Bluetooth keyboard with the Galaxy S5 on Lollipop.

The AT&T LTE connection remains solid, but keep in mind this varies based on your location. Occasionally I travel to areas without AT&T LTE coverage and 4G kicks in which still delivers usable speeds.

WiFi connectivity is solid on Android 5.0 Lollipop, at home and on the go. The personal hotspot feature also works well on Android 5.0.

Bugs & Issues

I did not experience any noticeable Android 5.0 bugs on the AT&T Galaxy S5.

I did not experience any noticeable Android 5.0 bugs on the AT&T Galaxy S5.

While there are a lot of Android 5.0 problems, I am not experiencing problems on the AT&T Galaxy S5 in apps, in connectivity or in general.

If you do run into issues, you can use this list of common Galaxy S5 problems and fixes to solve many bugs and issues on your own without waiting for Android 5.1.

Speed

The Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Lollipop performance is smooth and fast for the AT&T model. The phone feels as good as it did when I bought it a year ago and it is definitely not slowed down in any way by the new Android 5.0 features and bug fixes.

This is a small change from the original impressions, where I noted that there was a small lag between tapping on an app and the app opening. That is no longer an issue.

Should You Install the AT&T Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Update?

Should you upgrade to Android 5.0?

Should you upgrade to Android 5.0?

At this point it is safe for most users to install the AT&T Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 update. There are not nearly as many problems as we saw on the Verizon update and overall the performance is solid.

If you are concerned, you can stay on Android 4.4 Kitkat and wait for an update to Android 5.1 that may be in the works, but this update feels like one that most users should install.

Android vs iPhone: 14 Reasons Android is Still Better

More Choice with Android

More Choice with Android

Apple offers more choice than we've seen from them before with the iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 7 and iPhone SE as well as older models -- but you still only have three screen sizes and two designs to pick from. 

Android delivers more options with waterproof phones, different screen sizes, more colors, different materials and other differentiating factors. 

With Android smartphones users can choose a waterproof option like the Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge or go with a modular design like the LG G5. 2017 brings newer designs and options.

There is also support for a huge screen with a built-in stylus with the Note 6. In addition to these big names, there are many other options from Motorola, Huawei and if you include last year's releases a number of other interesting options. 

There are also options to buy an Android phone with wireless charging or a replaceable battery, neither of which is available without adding a case to the iPhone.

Users can pick the phone size and design they want, and they can also pick a phone that offers a replaceable battery, a great camera or another feature without limiting to just two phones for the latest features and user experience.

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