The Samsung Galaxy S5 is expected to be the South Korean company's new flagship phone, launching next year. While details about it are still scarce, we're starting to learn about its processor, and we have a wealth of information. It will be a 64-bit Exynos processor with ARM's Cortex-A50 architecture.
Exynos processor
To begin, it's worth noting that the new processor would be manufactured by Samsung under the Exynos brand , the same brand they currently use for their high-end processors. This SoC is already in the final stages of development, so Samsung could be ready to start manufacturing it very soon, and it wouldn't be surprising if they unveiled it at CES , just as they did with the eight-core Exynos at a previous edition of the event.
64-bit processor
One of the most notable features of this processor is that it will be 64-bit . This means it will operate with 64 bits of computing power, just like the new Apple A7 found in the iPhone 5s. While this won't bring significant improvements in the short term, it will be very important for the future of smartphones, as it will allow for much greater processing capacity than 32-bit processors. Thus, it is confirmed that the Samsung Galaxy S5 will have a 64-bit processor, as had been rumored in recent weeks since the announcement of the new smartphone from the Cupertino company. This is not surprising, since Samsung is the company that manufactures chips for third parties and dominates large-scale production.
This processor will allow the operating system to be 64-bit, but 32-bit and 64-bit applications will also function without any problems. This is obvious and necessary, but it needed to be confirmed.
Cortex-A50
Another of the most notable features of this new Exynos is that it will have an ARM architecture, and it won't be a Cortex-A5, Cortex-A7, Cortex-A9, or Cortex-A15. We're talking about a Cortex-A50 architecture , making it a processor with a very new ARM architecture. Furthermore, it will have two processors within it, just like the previous Exynos.
Big.LITTLE technology
These two processors will operate thanks to big.LITTLE technology , which allows a SoC to be composed of two processors that function alternately. Each of the smartphone's processors will have distinct characteristics. One of the processors, the most powerful of all, uses the Cortex-A57 architecture , within the Cortex-A50 series. This processor is theoretically capable of delivering three times the performance of current high-end smartphones with the same energy consumption. The other processor will use the Cortex-A53 architecture , also within the Cortex-A50 series. This processor offers slightly higher performance than current processors, but stands out for its four times more efficient energy consumption, resulting in less heat generation and lower battery usage. It is the most efficient processor ARM has ever created.
Could be six core
The biggest news is that the processor could be a six-core , instead of an eight-core. This is because the performance of these processors would be much higher than that of current processors, and the new Cortex-A57 processor doesn't require a large number of cores to operate individually. The Cortex-A57 would be dual-core, while the Cortex-A53 would be quad-core. However, we can't rule out an eight-core configuration either , as this is the model they would use for tablets, and it wouldn't be surprising if Samsung opted for this for its flagship phone, provided they can resolve all the space and heat generation issues . Regarding this, the best thing about the Cortex-A53 processor compared to the Cortex-A9 (the low-power processors in the Galaxy S5 and Galaxy S4, respectively) is that it is four times smaller . Four Cortex-A53 cores fit in the space of one Cortex-A9, thanks to their 20-nanometer manufacturing process . This, of course, solves many heat-related problems. Smaller size means less heat generated. Furthermore, this processor allows for various core configurations, as its size enables numerous design possibilities.
The Samsung Galaxy S5 is expected to launch in the spring , so we'll have to wait a little while, but we can certainly expect it to be a great smartphone if it has this processor.
Real-life SoC variants in the Galaxy S5
Although the roadmap indicated a jump to 64-bit architecture, the commercially available Galaxy S5 units combined two platforms depending on the market: a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 (Krait 400, 32-bit, up to 2,5 GHz) with an Adreno 330 GPU, and a Samsung Exynos 5422 variant (big.LITTLE A15/A7, 32-bit) with a Mali-T628 MP6 GPU . Both versions featured 2 GB of dual-channel LPDDR3 RAM and 16/32 GB of expandable storage via microSD. This combination prioritized the stability of the Android ecosystem at the time, maintaining full app compatibility and low power consumption.
The performance approach was pragmatic: the everyday experience was smooth , with capable multitasking and powerful graphics for demanding games. The 28nm SoCs, along with Samsung's software optimizations, offered a very solid balance between power and battery life, even against direct competitors.
SuperAMOLED display and energy efficiency
The Galaxy S5 featured a 5,1-inch Super AMOLED panel with 1080p resolution and a pixel density of 432 ppi . Thanks to its Diamond matrix , color reproduction was better controlled, resulting in vibrant colors without excessive oversaturation and outstanding contrast . Outdoor visibility was noticeably improved thanks to high peak auto-brightness and an exceptionally low minimum brightness, ideal for nighttime use.
According to the manufacturer, the organic materials in this generation reduce power consumption by around 30% compared to its predecessor. In practice, the panel clearly helped extend battery life, especially with dark backgrounds that take advantage of the inherent benefits of OLED.
Camera: ISOCELL sensor, PDAF and UHD video
One of the most noticeable leaps forward came in photography. The S5 debuted its own 16MP ISOCELL sensor (1/2,6″, 1,12µm pixels) with an f/2.2 lens, very fast phase detection autofocus (PDAF), and 4K UHD recording . The response is snappy, especially in well-lit scenes, and the HDR mode with real-time preview makes high dynamic range compositions easy without trial and error.
Features like Selective Focus allow you to simulate background blur with convincing results in close-ups. In low-light situations, performance is adequate for its generation, with improvements over the previous model and the option to use dedicated night modes . For video, in addition to 4K, it offers slow motion and effective digital stabilization.
Connectivity, autonomy and saving modes
The device comes well-equipped: LTE Cat.4 , NFC, WiFi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, USB 3.0 , infrared for controlling TVs, and ANT+ compatibility for sports accessories. The Download Booster feature combines WiFi and LTE to accelerate downloads when the network allows, a clear nod to mobile productivity.
With a 2.800 mAh battery, daily battery life is ample, even for heavy users. The Power Saving and Ultra Power Saving modes reduce consumption by switching the screen to grayscale, limiting background processes, and restricting connectivity when not in use. This approach, combined with the panel's efficiency, significantly extends the time you can stay away from the power outlet.
Design, IP67 resistance and sensors
Samsung opted for a polycarbonate chassis with a removable back cover, allowing for easy battery replacement . IP67 certification provides dust resistance and protection against accidental water splashes (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes), provided the covers are properly sealed. All of this is achieved without compromising weight, which remains manageable.
In terms of biometrics, the fingerprint reader is integrated into the home button with swipe-to-read functionality and support for payment authentication (like PayPal at the time). The heart rate monitor integrates with S Health to track basic activity metrics, supported by software features such as Toolbox and Multi-window for working with two apps simultaneously.
What 64-bit architecture brings to the ecosystem
Beyond its final implementation in the S5, the transition to 64-bit ARMv8-A with Cortex-A57/A53 cores lays the foundation for mobile evolution. It enables wider memory addressing, security and instruction enhancements (e.g., cryptography and multimedia), and a significant leap in long-term efficiency. Support for 32-bit apps is guaranteed, ensuring a smooth, gradual adoption for users.
Thermal management and integration density
The leap to processes like 20 nm allows for increased density (more nuclei in less space) and reduced heat. The fact that four Cortex-A53s fit in the space of one Cortex-A9 illustrates how miniaturization opens up flexible big.LITTLE combinations (2+4, 4+4…) with thermal headroom to maintain sustained frequencies without throttling.
In everyday use, this translates into greater stability under load (gaming, 4K recording, intensive browsing) and lower perceived temperature, also extending battery life by avoiding unnecessary consumption spikes.
The Galaxy S5 remains a benchmark for its combination of solid performance , efficient screen , versatile camera and a very complete set of connectivity and sensors, while the path to 64 bits described here marked the technological direction that would consolidate the next generation of mobile platforms.
