Problems for Samsung Galaxy S5 as cameraphones become… phones

 

 

No sooner had it started shipping than it seems that Samsung's new Galaxy S5 smartphone has a problem -- at least, for some customers. Early adopters are taking to social media to report problems with a "camera failure" message on their brand-new devices, after which the phone's camera hardware is disabled.

According to an article at The Verge, the problem seems particularly prevalent on Verizon Wireless-branded Galaxy S5 phones. Both companies are aware of -- and responding to -- the problem. Verizon Wireless tweeted: "Galaxy S5 customers who see 'Warning: Camera Failed' please contact @VZWsupport & we'll work to resolve it, including replacing the device." A Samsung spokesperson, meanwhile, told The Verge's Chris Welch that "a limited number" of phones are suffering the issue, and recommended customers phone 1-888-987-4357 for a warranty exchange, or contact their carrier for assistance.

Announced last February, the Samsung Galaxy S5 marks a change in strategy for the company. Instead of purchasing camera modules from the likes of Sony, Samsung is relying on its in-house expertise. The backside-illuminated, 1/2.3-inch, 16-megapixel Samsung ISOCELL image sensor used in the Galaxy S5's rear camera is notable for having the smallest phase-detection pixels ever seen by teardown company Chipworks, distributed across almost the entire active area of the sensor.

More details on the Samsung Galaxy S5 camera failure issue can be found at The Verge.