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Google's Android Lollipop update improves the Samsung Galaxy S5 look and functionality

Samsung is rolling out its Android Lollipop update for existing Galaxy S5 owners. The update integrates Material Design with Samsung TouchWiz and things look great.
By Matthew Miller, Contributing Writer
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1 of 7 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Samsung Galaxy S5 gets Android Lollipop

Android manufacturers are doing a better job at updating older devices, as seen with the recent HTC One M8 and Galaxy S5 releases. I was very curious to see how Samsung's implementation of Lollipop would work with its TouchWiz UI so I updated my wife's S5 last week and took it for a spin.

As you can see in the next six screenshots, Samsung did a nice job with the Lollipop update. Material Design is integrated throughout the Galaxy S5 while all of the Samsung extras are still fully supported. My wife is impressed with the look, feel, and performance of her updated S5 so far.

I think Galaxy S5 owners will appreciate the fresh look of their one year old phone. I haven't heard of any major issues with the update so when your carrier releases it you should consider the update.

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2 of 7 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Recent apps update

The flip carousel replaces the card view from TouchWiz. I personally find the Lollipop implementation much better and faster than the TouchWiz design.

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3 of 7 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Lock screen notifications

Notifications on the lock screen now have the standard Lollipop look and functionality.

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4 of 7 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Messaging gets a make over

The new Samsung messaging app looks very similar to the Google Messenger app, but still maintains the slick Samsung most recent bar for quick access to your favorite people.

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5 of 7 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Notifications area is updated

The notifications drop down has improved fonts and the Lollipop notifications, but still maintains the Samsung TouchWiz quick controls.

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6 of 7 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Settings area improvements

The settings on the Galaxy S5 have slightly different fonts and colors, but the same overwhelming number of settings are present.

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7 of 7 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Updated dialer

The phone dialer has a Material Design look and feel where white backgrounds are used more often than the black ones you may be used to.

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