With the release date of the Samsung Galaxy S5 looming close, the question still remains: why won't Samsung put a metal case on the S5?

The S5 ships with Android 4.4.2 KitKat and Samsung's TouchWiz software. Unlike TouchWiz on the S4, the S5's TouchWiz has been given a more refined interface, although certain aspects of the changes were influenced by a recent patent licensing deal with Google, which requires that Samsung's TouchWiz interface follow the design of "stock" Android closer. The S5 adds the Galaxy Note 3's "My Magazine" feature to the leftmost page on the home screen, the Settings menu was updated with a new grid-based layout, a Kids' Mode was added, the "Download Booster" tool allows large downloads to be split across LTE and Wi-Fi to improve speed, while the S Health app was given expanded functionality, integrating with the new heart rate sensor on the device, along with the new Gear 2 smartwatch and Gear Fit activity tracker.

The S5 contains a number of new security features. The fingerprint scanner can be used to unlock the phone, while an SDK is available so third-party developers may offer fingerprint-oriented functionality in their apps; PayPal will integrate support for the fingerprint sensor to authenticate online purchases. The S5 also adds "Private Mode", which allows users to maintain hidden apps and file folders that cannot be accessed without additional authentication. The camera app was updated with a new "Shot & More" menu allows users to make edits to photos after they are taken, and also adds a new selective focus mode.

The design of the S5 evolves upon the design of the S4, with a rounded, polycarbonate chassis carrying a "modern glam" look, faux metal trim, and a removable rear cover. Unlike past models, the S5's rear cover uses a higher quality soft plastic, and is dimpled to improve grip. The S5 is IP67 certified for dust resistance, and for water resistance in up to 1 metre (3.3 ft) of water for up to 30 minutes; as such, the S5's Micro-USB 3.0 port now uses a removable cover. The S5 will be available in black, blue, gold, and white color finishes. The S5's screen is a 5.1-inch (130 mm) 1080p Super AMOLED panel, which is slightly larger than that of the S4, and allows for automatic brightness and gamut adjustments.