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The Best Samsung Galaxy S5 accessories
When it comes to Android smartphones, Samsung’s Galaxy S line is about as ubiquitous as it gets. With the launch of the Galaxy S5 earlier this year, the market has become swamped with accessories and add-ons. It’s enough to make your head spin. We’ve waded through the mire to track down the best Galaxy S5 accessories out there — the ones that will help you get the most out of your smartphone. Let’s jump in.
Best Galaxy S5 smartwatch
Samsung Gear Live
Samsung’s Gear family of smartwatches were designed as companion devices for the popular Galaxy line of Android smartphones, so they are a no-brainer for our list of best accessories for the GS5. We’re particularly fond of the Gear Live, which runs on Google’s recently released Android Wear platform. A highlight of the device is its deft handling of voice commands. Also worth consideration are the Android Wear-powered LG G Watch and upcoming Moto 360. [Samsung Gear Live ($199.00), LG G Watch ($229.00) Motorola Moto 360 (coming soon)]
Other options:
- Samsung Gear Fit ($199.99)
- Samsung Gear 2 Neo ($199.99)
- Samsung Gear 2 ($299.00)
Best Galaxy S5 expandable memory
64GB SanDisk MicroSDXC Class 10 memory card with SD adapter
You can’t got wrong with a bit of extra storage. We’re recommending a 64GB microSD card for its combination of storage space and pricing, but the Galaxy S5 can support cards with up to 128GB of storage. Use the extra space to store music and other media, apps and games, or whatever else you can think of. The bonus? Because the card is removable and includes a standard SD adapter your data is even more portable. [SanDisk 64GB Mobile Ultra MicroSDXC Class 10 Memory Card with SD Adapter ($39.99)]
Other options:
- 32GB Samsung EVO MicroSDHC Class 10 Memory Card with Adapter ($19.99)
- 128GB SanDisk Ultra MicroSDXC Class 10 UHS Memory Card ($115)
Best Galaxy S5 replacement battery
Galaxy S5 Spare Battery Charging System
The Samsung Galaxy S5 already boasts some impressive battery life, but it never hurts to have a little bit of extra juice. A replaceable power cell makes an extra battery pack a must-have accessory for those times when getting a charge just isn’t convenient. You can snag the spare 2800mAh battery alone for $29.99. [Galaxy S5 Spare Battery Charging System ($49.99)]
Other options:
- Mugen Power 2950mAh Slim Extended Battery for Samsung Galaxy S5 ($44.50)
- ZeroLemon Galaxy S5 8500mAh extended battery with rugged case ($59.99)
- Mugen Power 5900mAh Extended Life Battery for Samsung Galaxy S5 with Black Door ($89.50)
Best Galaxy S5 charging system
Galaxy S5 Wireless Charging Cover and Charging Pad
You can buy an extended battery to delay the need for connecting your Galaxy S5 to a charger, but you can’t avoid the issue forever. When it does come time to re-up on power, what’s more convenient than wireless charging? With Samsung’s wireless charging accessories you get everything you need to make powering up as simple as placing your phone on the provided charging matt. [Wireless Charging Cover ($29.99), Wireless Charging Pad mini ($49.99)]
Other options:
- Samsung Galaxy S5 Wireless Charging S-View Flip Cover ($69.99)
- Samsung Wireless Charging Pad ($59.99)
- Tylt Band Car Charger ($39.99)
- Energi Sliding Power Case for Galaxy S5 ($79.99)
Best Galaxy S5 case
Galaxy S5 S-View Flip Cover case
The S-View Flip Cover is the rare combination of protective case with added functionality, namely the S-View window that highlights a small portion of the Galaxy S5’s display to give users quick access to the date and time, notifications, as well as the ability to accept or reject incoming calls. Also available in a wireless charging-compatible version. [Galaxy S5 S-View Flip Cover ($49.99)]
Other options:
- Belkin Air Protect Grip Bumper Case for Galaxy S5 ($29.99)
- Incipio Stowaway Credit Card Case with Integrated Stand ($34.99)
- OtterBox Defender Series Case for Galaxy S5 ($49.95)
Best Galaxy S5 Bluetooth wireless speaker
Braven BRV-X Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
When it comes to pumping up the jams, the Braven BRV-X is one of the best on the market. Pair it with your Galaxy S5 and you have a portable party in your pocket. The BRV-X has great sound performance both indoors and out and features a ruggedized construction that is resistant to water, dust and dirt, and shock. Check out our full review for the lowdown. [Braven BRV-X Bluetooth Speaker ($189.00)]
Other options:
- Jabra Soulmate ($99.00)
- Jawbone Jambox ($149.99)
- Samsung Level Box ($169.99)
Best Galaxy S5 headphones
Audio Technica AX5iS SonicFuel over-ear headphones
If you’re looking for a killer set of headphones you might consider the over-ear AX5iS from Audio Technica. From their SonicFuel line, you’ll get great sound reproduction from these headphones designed specifically for smartphones. Bonus features include playback controls as well as an in-line mic for taking calls [Audio Technica AX5iS SonicFuel headphones ($89.95)]
Other options:
- Klipsch Image S4A in-ear headphones ($45)
- Audio Technica ATH-CKX9iS SonicFuel In-ear Headphones with In-line Mic & Control ($99.95)
- Samsung Level-Over Bluetooth headphones ($349.99)
Best Galaxy S5 vehicle dock
Universal Car Mount for Galaxy Devices
Samsung’s universal car mount for Galaxy devices makes it easy to go hands-free while driving or to use your GS5 as a powerful navigation device. The dock can be positioned both horizontally and vertically and will fit all Android devices with screen sizes ranging from 4 to 6.3 inches. [Galaxy Universal Vehicle Navigation Mount ($49.99)]
Other option:
- Koomus Air Vent universal mount ($18.99)
- Osomont 360 Grip Mount ($21.49)
Want to get even more out of your Galaxy S5? Become the master of your own Galaxy with our extensive list of tips and tricks. If that’s still not enough, join the countless others debating and dissecting the GS5 over at Android Forums now.
7 cool tricks every Android phone user should know [VIDEO]
Android is pretty cool. There are things you can do with an Android phone that iOS and Windows Phone users can only dream about. With a little imagination the possibilities are nearly infinite. Since there are so many different things you can do with an Android phone it’s inevitable to be unaware of some basic tricks. We’ve compiled a list of seven cool tricks that every Android user should know.
1. Do a Google search from anywhere
One of the best things about having an Android device is the tight integration of Google services. In the latest versions of the Google Search app for Android they have enabled users to do searches from anywhere. All you have to do is turn on your phone and say “Ok, Google.” It’s fast and super handy when you want to quickly find something. Here’s how to do it.
- Open the Google Search app
- Go to Settings > Voice
- Go to “Ok Google Detection”
- Enable “From any screen”
- Train the app to recognize your voice
2. Make your phone snappy with faster animations
One of the most common complaints about Android is “lagginess.” For whatever reason Google has never been able to get Android on the same buttery smooth level as iOS or even Windows Phone. In the last few versions they have made some serious improvements, but if you still feel like your phone is a little laggy there is a trick for speeding things up. Google has hidden some secret developer options inside the Settings. Inside the secret developer options is settings for animation and transition speed. Here’s how to speed things up.
- Open Settings > About phone
- Scroll down and tap on “Build number” 7 times
- Now go back to Settings and you should see new “Developer options”
- Adjust the window and transition animation scales to .5x or turn them off completely
3. Locate and wipe your lost phone
Losing your phone is one of the worst things that can happen. These devices contain sensitive information and private data. If your phone falls into the wrong hands it could put you in a world of trouble. There are apps you can download to help in the event of a lost phone, but in order for them to work you need to have them installed before something bad happens. Luckily there is a built-in way to find your lost phone and even wipe all of your personal data.
- Double-check to make sure Android Device Manager is installed
- Go to google.com/android/devicemanager
- Select your phone from the menu
- Now you can see the location, ring it, lock it, or erase it
Check out our in-depth guide on how to find lost or stolen phones.
4. Scrub through songs on lockscreen
When you’re playing music on your phone the lockscreen gets taken over with beautiful album art and media controls. These controls allow you to go back, play/pause, or skip to the next song without having to fully unlock the device. However, that’s not all you can do with those buttons. A little known feature is the ability to scrub through a song from the lockscreen. It’s stupidly easy to do, but not an obvious feature.
- With music playing, long-press on the media control buttons
- Scrub through the song with the newly present bar
5. Put widgets on the lockscreen
Widgets have long been a selling point of Android, and remain to be a unique feature of the OS. Most people love to deck out their homescreen with widgets, but you don’t have to stop there. Ever since Android 4.—— the lockscreen can also be a place for widgets. This gives users quick access to pertinent information without even unlocking the device. Lockscreen widgets are not turned on by default. Here’s how to do it.
- Go to Settings > Security
- Tap “Enable widgets”
- Go to the lockscreen and swipe to the left screen
- Tap the [+] button and choose a widget
6. Save battery in the GPS settings
If you don’t rely on location data a lot you could be saving some precious battery life. Android has a built-in setting that allows you to determine how you want your phone to find your location. There are three different modes: high accuracy, battery saving, and device only. This trick isn’t for everyone, but if you don’t care about location it’s a nice way to save some juice.
- Go to Settings > Location
- Tap on “Mode”
- Select your desired location mode
7. Change what app launches with the home button shortcut
On devices with software buttons you can launch Google Search by swiping up on the home button. Some devices with hardware buttons allow you to do this with a long-press on the home button. An app called Home Button Launcher allows you to use this gesture to launch any app you would like. This gives you quick access to your favorite apps from anywhere on the phone. Here’s how to do it.
- Download Home Button Launcher from Google Play
- Swipe up or long press the home button
- Tap Home Button Launcher and make it default
- Tap the menu icon and select “Add”
- Choose all the app you wish to appear in the shortcut
What are your tricks?
We’re sure some of you veteran Android users are aware of all these tricks. Be sure to show them to all your Android-toting friends. Which tricks do you use that are not well-known? Have you discovered any tricks of your own? Share your favorites with us in the comments below!
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