Manage updates with the Download AppSamsung Galaxy Player 5.0
Manufacturer: Samsung Part number: P-G70CWY/XAA
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Samsung delivers Android's answer to the iPod Touch at a time when you can spend less for Android's answer to the iPad.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/14/2013 |
CNET editors' review
Samsung Galaxy Player 5.0 price range: $193.00
- Reviewed by: Donald Bell
- Reviewed on: 12/01/2011
- Released on: 11/01/2011
The good: The Galaxy Player 5 offers most of the capabilities of Samsung's popular Android smartphones on a large, 5-inch screen.
The bad: Either a 7-inch tablet or an on-contract Android smartphone would be more useful and potentially less expensive. Parents should know there are no safeguards included to restrict access to age-inappropriate content.
The bottom line: Samsung delivers Android's answer to the iPod Touch at a time when you can spend less for Android's answer to the iPad.
User reviews
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This review should be red flagged
by realness2011 on December 2, 2011
Pros: See below.
Cons: See below.
Summary: Donald Bell should be let go after this horrible overview of an mp3 player. Comparisons made to tablet or smartphones should not belong. And if you want to argue that ...
Summary: Donald Bell should be let go after this horrible overview of an mp3 player. Comparisons made to tablet or smartphones should not belong. And if you want to argue that point, the same can be said for an ipod touch. I'll admit parental controls would have been a great addition, but that would be one of few oversights. An ipod touch in my opinion has a few cons than the player including a Chrome backing prone to scratches and finger prints, no removable battery, no memory expansion, and mediocre still image quality. Yet it gets an outstanding rating, while this galaxy player manages only a "good" rating? honest shopper beware. Try not to be brainwashed by this sad excuse of a review.
42 out of 54 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Apples to Apples? I think not!!
by sithead66 on December 2, 2011
Pros: Bigger screen, replaceable battery,(in the GP4) expandable memory,(up to 32G) and better camera than the itouch
Cons: Itouch has a slightly better screen (though the difference is very small), at least to my eyes. Itouch shoots 1080p video, GP4 shoots 720p.
Summary: I'm greatly disappointed with this review. I purchased the Galaxy Player 4 about a month ago and i Love it! I'm a 45 year old father of 2 ...
Summary: I'm greatly disappointed with this review. I purchased the Galaxy Player 4 about a month ago and i Love it! I'm a 45 year old father of 2 who was in need of a new mp3 player(I had a old Sansa Fuze). When it started to show some wear and tear I decided to look for a new player. Both my kids own itouch 4g's so my first instinct was to get an itouch too. Then I saw the SGP 4 online and thought I would check it out. After comparing the specs of the SGP 4 and the itouch 5G it was obvious to me that the Galaxy Player was at least on par, if not better(in some areas) to the itouch. The tipping points for me at least were the expandable memory, better rear camera, replaceable battery (on the 4 inch version) and bigger screen. Reviewers keep comparing this device to phones and tablets and I just don't get it. This device is a mp3/media player, NOT a phone or tablet!! As a mp3/media player this device is GREAT! Streams video like a champ,and after a trip to the andriod market the music player beats my kids itouch hands down.(Power Amp app) Mr.Bell, I just don't think you gave this player a fair review, so I felt compelled to respond with my own comments. Anyone looking for a mp3/pmp should check this device out. Compare it to a similar device (i/e the itouch, NOT a phone or tablet) and make your own decision about what is right for YOU. I did and I'm very happy with the choice I made. I should also mention that after seeing this device my 15 year old son now wants one too!! He's lucky Christmas is near.:-)
28 out of 31 users found this user opinion helpful.
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How about firing Donald Duck? Or at least Re-review.
by dvdlinehan on December 3, 2011
Pros: See Bellow
Cons: See Bellow
Summary: I won't be talking about the product, just the clear bias of the Reviewer. http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-players/apple-ipod-touch-2011/4505-6490_7-34167378.html?tag=subnav I simply ask watch the ...
Summary: I won't be talking about the product, just the clear bias of the Reviewer. http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-players/apple-ipod-touch-2011/4505-6490_7-34167378.html?tag=subnav I simply ask watch the iTouch video review, and at around 42 seconds, you'll see his fanboy slip out of his pants. His clear attack of anyone who didn't worship Apple was further offensive. "First off, let's take the iPod Touch out of the equation and assume that you've found your way to this review because of some deep-seeded repulsion to Apple products that acts as a cornerstone of your identity" Yes... Because we're the cult...
29 out of 34 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A Puzzling Review
by geekandnerd on December 4, 2011
Pros: Screen size
Android Market
GPS
FM radio
micro SD expansion
reputable manufacturer for supportCons: Price (but see below)
excellent Android Market still doesn't compare to iStoreSummary: I have been in the market for a mini tablet that will fit in my pocket yet has a fairly large screen. I have a pre-paid phone and did not ...
Summary: I have been in the market for a mini tablet that will fit in my pocket yet has a fairly large screen. I have a pre-paid phone and did not want or need that feature. I basically narrowed my choice down to the iPod Touch, Archos 43, or the Galaxy Player 5.0. I was not considering any 7" device. I read your review, and find several puzzling comments:
Update:
"Putting aside the fact that this device is arriving about four years too late to be a meaningful competitor to the iPod Touch." I really don't care what the situation was 4 years ago - I'm looking to buy something NOW and need to compare my current choices - when Ford comes out with a contender to the Chevy Volt, should we berate them for being late or welcome the diversity?
"The Galaxy Player 5.0 may not be my cup of tea." Your personal preferences are irrelevant - you need to evaluate products from the potential user's point of view.
"let's take the iPod Touch out of the equation and assume that you've found your way to this review because of some deep-seeded aversion to Apple products." HUH??? The Apple is the most logical competition for the Player 5.0 and I need to know how they compare directly. I am leaning toward the Samsung because of the larger but still pocket-able screen size and the Pros noted above, but the Apple has a larger selection of apps and software.
The over-all tone of your review comes off as very biased and unprofessional. There are very excellent reviews of the Galaxy Player 5.0 at Slashgear, Theverge, Gadgetreview, IGN, and Liliputing (all ending in .com)and I really did expect better from CNET. Most of your readers, if they are like me, want honest, fair appraisals and do not have a preconceived bias toward or against any particular product. Also, when you were commenting about the Samsung's price, you seem to have missed that all sellers lowered the price to $229 for several days around Black Friday weekend, so a permanent price drop is probably coming after Samsung assesses the sales data.
Updated on Dec 9, 2011
On Friday, 12/09/11, the price at Amazon is $209.99. At this price point, and given all the advantages that it has over the iPod (the larger - but still pocketable - screen size, the built-in GPS, the FM radio - with stereo speakers!, and the microSD expansion,) the deal now becomes, to quote Donald Bell, a "slam dunk!" I was hesitant at not being able to access the iTunes store, but the Android Market is growing by leaps and bounds. Times change, and I do not understand Donald Bell's reluctance to acknowledge changing market forces. Understanding those changes - mostly positive for us all - should be the reason why people turn to CNET for enlightenment.25 out of 29 users found this user opinion helpful.
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WOW! Whatta shame!
by chuvak_in_NY on December 2, 2011
Pros: see below............
Cons: see below.............
Summary: Whatta shame!! It was embarrassing to read. Now, when cnet is on Apple payroll, you cannot go to cnet for honest review or information. How disappointed! First sentence should be " ...
Summary: Whatta shame!! It was embarrassing to read. Now, when cnet is on Apple payroll, you cannot go to cnet for honest review or information. How disappointed! First sentence should be " My boss told me he will fire me if i won't praise Apple and will say anything nice about Samsung , so don't read any further"
You should be ashamed of yourself!
BTW, I don't have anything android or samsung.22 out of 24 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Well, that's a surprise. Another Apple advertisement
by disturbedcitizen99 on December 2, 2011
Pros: The good, what else?
Cons: The bad? Read on.
Summary: Seriously Cnet? You point out the price and the fact that it's more of the same as the Galaxy line? Something tells me you guys don't really bother ...
Summary: Seriously Cnet? You point out the price and the fact that it's more of the same as the Galaxy line? Something tells me you guys don't really bother to test your non-Apple devices. You guys have lost your journalistic integrity over the past 3-5 years since I started following your reviews. I'm disappointed.
16 out of 18 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A good device that offers some nice bells and whistles.
by madmofo on December 3, 2011
Pros: GPS, Camera with flash, FM radio, size
Cons: Learning curve, lack of accessories
Summary: I have to disagree with the professional review here. I have an iPod touch 4th gen that I love, but purchased one of these on sale and have found that ...
Summary: I have to disagree with the professional review here. I have an iPod touch 4th gen that I love, but purchased one of these on sale and have found that overall, I find it to be the more enjoyable device. I will attempt to address why and where I think the main review is off.
Price:
First of all the price can be an issue, but if you don't want to spend $269 you can also purchase a 4" model which offers all the same advantages over the iPod touch (the GPS, FM tuner, better camera, expandable memory), except with a slightly smaller screen. Personally I would have probably preferred the 4" as the 5" is small enough to pocket, but is still a bit bulky. The 5" was the only option I had for the price though, and I still enjoy it. The 4" model is available for $229, which is just $29 more then the equivalent iPod touch, and that is really the best comparison to make. Is it as cheap as a Kindle Fire? No, but I can't stick that in my pocket, and this is primarily a music player for me. The touch is the main competition on the market, and the galaxy player line is priced to be competitive vs those products.
Features:
The main selling point of the device is what you get in it that you don't in an iPod touch. The GPS and compass work fine, although I don't use them that much. With the proper app the device can be used as a stand alone GPS unit, although all maps must be downloaded to the device for that to work given the lack of 3G, but there is no monthly data charge to do so, which is a plus. The FM radio is somewhat basic, but it is functional and it is the main reason I wanted the device. I was tired of listening to a story on the radio in the car, then not being able to finish it while my girl friend would simply bust out her iPod nano and finish the story on that. I never understood why Apple would withhold that feature from the touch, and while I don't use it every day, it's very nice to have on occasion. The camera is far nicer then what I have on my iPod. While not perfect, it takes a reasonable shot, reasonably fast, and that's all I need it for. The flash is more helpful though, as it doubles as a nice little flashlight with the right app, and I've been surprised by how often it gets used. The larger screen though is a double edged sword. Yes, when I'm actually surfing the web or using an app, it's great, but for music playing, which is it's primary function, it doesn't add much, while it ensures that nothing else can fit in the same pocket as my player. Although this is really more design related. The inclusion of a micro-SD card slot is very important as these are only sold in an 8GB size, and without external storage this just wouldn't work for my purpose. The only real negative in features is the lack of a good iTunes alternative for Android. Yes I eventually got media monkey to work, but that was the 3rd package I tried, and even that lacked that certain seamless integration seen in Apples offerings. Oh, and the lack of parental controls just don't bother me. I always had to show my parents how to use a devises feature as a kid, and if I wanted to, I could always get around them.
Design:
This is the main problem area for the device. The simple fact of the matter is that the device is much thicker then the iPod touch, and is not exactly gorgeous to behold. I don't mind as I keep my iPod touch in a thick OtterBox case, having broke my first gen touch, but to some this will be a killer flaw. If you want a svelt sexy device, this probably isn't for you, but if you don't mind trading in svelt-ness for a couple nice features, then the device may be right up your ally.
Audio:
Not perfect, but neither is my iPod touches. Sadly audio quality could be better, and the Sony Walkman Z series will likely be the champion in audio quality among this class of devices, if impressions are to be believed, but overall quality isn't bad, and some 3rd party apps can be used instead of the Galaxy music app to make things sound better. Still a turn off though for something that is primarily a music player, but it gets the job done, and at least it has that FM tuner I've been looking for.
Video:
Fine for what it is. I generally use a computer or television to watch most videos, but to show off a quick YouTube video the device works great. At my standard viewing distance it works just as well as my iPod touch, although closer up the iPod wins out, at least it does when I take it out of it's case.
Battery and Performance:
The battery of the Galaxy Player outlast my iPod touch in active use situations, but seems to have a shorter overall standby time. Performance is very comparable, and I haven't noticed much of a difference in internet surfing speeds, or app performance. Generally I find that I prefer the longer single sitting battery life of the galaxy player, as it means I can surf the web, play a game, or something else like that for longer away from an outlet. If you can't charge up often and are only using the device for low power activities like playing music, the iPods longer standby time would probably be the more important factor.
Final Thoughts:
While I do enjoy the device a lot, it is not going to be for everyone. The android system does have a bit of a learning curve, although once mastered, can be slightly more efficient to use then iOS. (The WiFi and Bluetooth widgets are so much nicer then having to open the settings menu every-time you want to turn one on or off) The lack of accessories is annoying, especially the lack of a good durable case, which is why my iPod is still my primary player for some occasions. Overall though it's a nice device, and all things considered, if I has to choose one or the other, I'd stick with the galaxy player. Personally I'd like to see devices like these do well, not because of any hatred towards Apple, but simply because competition is good for the market. Apple rested on their laurels this year when they decided to not update the Touch at all except to add a new color, and having a couple good android alternatives is good for everyone. If Apple offered a touch with GPS, an iPhone 4 equivalent camera with a flash, and an FM radio, then I'd buy it right now and the galaxy player would rarely see the light of day, but until they do, there is a real niche to be filled by devices like the Galaxy player.14 out of 14 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great multimedia device
by bebopcola77 on December 3, 2011
Pros: Good screen size and display
Built-in STEREO speakers
FM radio
expandable memory (microSD card slot)
good battery life
supports most audio/video codecs
gps
bluetooth
web browsing (flash support)
large market of apps and gamesCons: 5.0 does not have a removable battery
4.0 does not have a flash for the cameraSummary: The Galaxy player is a great multimedia device. The screen is bright and clear with rich colors and deep blacks. Despite being 800x480, the large screen size makes for easy ...
Summary: The Galaxy player is a great multimedia device. The screen is bright and clear with rich colors and deep blacks. Despite being 800x480, the large screen size makes for easy movie viewing and text reading. Web browsing is fast and flash is always a welcome plus.
These are frequently on sale at various locations like amazon and best buy for $30 off which brings the Galaxy player 4.0 $199 and the 5.0 $239. However, the Galaxy 5.0 is discounted even more at best buy and is currently(12/07/11) listed as $209! I'm not sure how long this price will last, but the larger 5" screen size, longer battery life and flash for the camera at this price makes for an interesting argument if you are comparing the 5.0 to the 4.0, or any other device for that matter.
The built-in STEREO speakers and fm radio (not mentioned at all in the cnet review) are surprisingly good and a nice feature to go with your music collection and internet radio apps.
This player can play almost anything you can throw at it: MP3,M4A(AAC,AAC+,eAAC+),AMR,WMA,Ogg,WAV and FLAC music files; AVI(divx,xvid),MP4,3GP,WMV,ASF,FLV and MKV video files. I was able to play all my videos and music without any problems or conversions.
I generally listen to the galaxy player with a pair of klipsch s4 headphones (awesome headphones btw), but I stream my music in my car through the bluetooth a2dp and use google maps with the gps. Everything sounds great as long as you are listening to high quality or lossless files. The native equalizer is handy if you want to tweak the levels.
Thanks to the microSD card slot, I was able to bump up the storage to 40gb (8gb on board + 32gb microSD) for an extra $35. So, even though $229 for the 8gb 4.0 Galaxy player is more than the $199 8gb ipod touch, the expandable memory makes the Galaxy player 4.0($229 +$35=$264) more comparable to the $299 32gb ipod touch. The Galaxy player 5.0 is $269, add the card and it's $304 for a beautiful 5in 40gb full-featured multimedia device.
Updated on Dec 7, 201113 out of 13 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The official review is an hatchet job
by kchoze on December 5, 2011
Pros: Large screen, GPS, expandable data storage. A decent smartphone without the phone and monthly bill.
"The Galaxy Player is the best Android player yet, offering all the fun of the Android experience without a carrier contract or monthly bill."Cons: It is true that it is a bit expensive, but the price is justifiable
Summary: The official review is just plain unacceptable for a respectable website. This device goes toe-to-toe against the iPod Touch and should be compared with it, NOT with tablets, especially not ...
Summary: The official review is just plain unacceptable for a respectable website. This device goes toe-to-toe against the iPod Touch and should be compared with it, NOT with tablets, especially not the Kindle Fire, which occupy a different market because they are used differently. Presuming that anyone who wishes to consider a different player than the iPod must be an Apple hater is insulting. As if consumers don't like having choices and being able to compare similar devices.
Not only that, by the same criteria, the iPod Touch also would be a stupid product, because not only does it cost almost the same, a 8 GB version costing 199$ and the 32 GB costing 299$ whereas the Samsung Galaxy 4.0 starts at 230$ (frequently discounted to 199$) and the 5.0 costing 260$ (again often discounted), but it offers less features for the price. Expandable storage? Forget it for the iPod Touch, for the Galaxy players, buy a cheap 32 GB microSD card and you get a 40 GB player. GPS? Not on the iPod Touch, present on the Galaxy player. Screen size? 3,5 inch for the iPod Touch, your choice of 4 or 5 inch for the Galaxy players.
Considering that, and that all the critics against the Galaxy Player apply also against the iPod Touch, surely that means that the iPod Touch must have been similarly trashed in its own review, right? I mean, its price also doesn't differentiate much from sub-300$ tablets and it can be easily replaced with an iPhone, right? Let me check... 4,5 stars for the iPod Touch versus 3 for the Galaxy Player. Hmm, Surely then this must be another reviewer, the only way to explain such discrepancy, so Donald Bell reviewed the Galaxy Player and the guy reviewing the most recent iPod Touch was some dude called... Donald Bell. What a coincidence, and the two guys look almost the same.
Weird though. For the iPod Touch, not being a phone or needing a contract and monthly bill was considered a great advantage... for the Galaxy Player, it was considered a great disadvantage.12 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Why is this person reviewing this product?
by legendale on December 2, 2011
Pros: See below...
Cons: See below...
Summary: "First off, let's take the iPod Touch out of the equation and assume that you've found your way to this review because of some deep-seeded repulsion to Apple ...
Summary: "First off, let's take the iPod Touch out of the equation and assume that you've found your way to this review because of some deep-seeded repulsion to Apple products that acts as a cornerstone of your identity"
Really?
Do you realize with that one sentence you have invalidated your entire review? You are basically stating that you are so biased toward Apple products that you have no business reviewing any non-apple products. And why do I have to explain that to you? Are you so unprofessional that you can't see that?
"acts as a cornerstone of your identity"
How is that not a personal attack against everyone who is not an isheep? and CNETS terms of use do not allow personal attacks - so not only are you unprofessional you are a hypocrite.13 out of 15 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Samsung
- Part number: P-G70CWY/XAA
- Description: Playtime just got fun with the Samsung Galaxy Player. Easily connect to Wi-Fi hotspots anywhere to get instant access to all of your games, music, videos, and more. It's time to play.
General
- Product type Flash player
- PC interface(s) supported Bluetooth 3.0,
Wi-Fi,
Hi-Speed USB - Amplifier total output power 20 mW
- Signal-to-noise ratio 90 dB
- Flash memory installed 8 GB
- Weight 6.4 oz
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 3.07 in x 0.45 in x 5.56 in
- Color White
- Voice recording capable Yes
- Software type Qik,
ThinkFree,
Drivers & Utilities,
Google Search Appliance,
Maps,
Calendar,
Calculator,
E-mail,
Samsung Kies,
Google Play,
Google Gmail,
Samsung Apps,
Mini Diary,
My Files,
Task Manager Digital Player / Recorder
- Supported digital audio standards MPEG 2.5 Audio ,
MPEG 2 Audio ,
MPEG 1 Audio ,
AC-3,
eAAC+,
AAC + ,
OGG ,
WAV ,
MP3 ,
WMA ,
FLAC ,
AAC ,
AAC-LC ,
AMR - Response bandwidth 20 - 20000 Hz
- Additional features A-B repeat,
Bookmark Built-in Display
- Audio system built-in display LCD
- Diagonal size 5 in
- Resolution 800 x 480
- Backlight display Yes
- Features Multi-touch,
Font setting,
Auto brightness control,
Touch screen Audio Features
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Built-in clock Alarm,
Digital clock - Addtional features AllShare,
Two built-in digital cameras ,
YouTube streaming,
Live Wallpaper,
Wallpaper Image Setting,
SoundAlive,
Super Clear LCD display,
Playback speed control ,
Text viewer,
GPS receiver ready,
TXT files support Video Playback Features
- Video playback support H.264,
MPEG-4,
DivX,
XviD CD System
- Digital audio standards supported MP3,
AAC,
AAC+,
eAAC+,
OGG,
WMA,
FLAC,
WAV Speaker System
- Speaker(s) 1 x Speaker Built-in
Radio
- Tuner type Digital Radio tuner
- Tuner bands FM
- Tuner frequency range FM: 87.5 - 108 MHz
- Tuning display LCD display
Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
Headphones
- Headphones type Binaural In-ear ear-bud
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Connectivity technology Wired
Connectivity
- Cable(s) included 1 x USB cable -
- Connector type 1 x Hi-Speed USB,
1 x Headphones Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
IEEE 802.11b/g/n (Wi-Fi),
Bluetooth - Slot(s) provided 1 x microSD Memory card
Battery / Power
- Battery 1 x Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player battery
- Mfr estimated battery life 60 hour(s)
- Battery capacity 2500 mAh
- Power device type [Feb 24, 2011 from CDS: Power Device] Power adapter
System Requirements
- Peripheral / Interface devices [Dec 3, 2010 from CDS: System Requirements] USB port
- Operating system Microsoft Windows XP SP2,
Microsoft Windows Vista / 7
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Samsung products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Samsung
- Address:
105 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 - Phone: 1-800-726-7864
- Fax: 1-973-601-6001
