Honestly, it feels like a lifetime ago when JK Shin walked onto that stage in Barcelona to reveal a phone with a "modern glam" look that some people—okay, a lot of people—unceremoniously compared to a Band-Aid.
The year was 2014. We were all obsessed with the Ice Bucket Challenge, and the Samsung Galaxy S5 cost exactly $649.99 if you wanted it unlocked. If you were willing to sign your life away to a carrier for two years, you could snag it for $199.99.
Fast forward to 2026. Why are we still talking about it?
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Because the S5 was the last of its kind. It was the "everything but the kitchen sink" phone before smartphones became sealed glass sandwiches that you can't repair without a degree in engineering and a heat gun. It had a removable battery. It had a microSD slot. It was water-resistant.
If you're looking for the current Samsung Galaxy S5 cost, you're likely either a collector, a parent looking for a "distraction device" for a toddler, or a privacy enthusiast who wants a phone they can actually take the battery out of.
The Original Price: What We Paid Back Then
In 2014, Samsung didn't have the "Ultra" or "Plus" tiers. There was just the S5.
At launch, the $650 price point was the industry standard. T-Mobile was pushing it for about $27.50 a month over two years, while Verizon and AT&T kept that $200 on-contract price alive. It’s wild to think that $650 was considered a "premium flagship" price when today’s equivalents easily clear $1,200.
Back then, you weren't just paying for the hardware. Samsung bundled about $500 worth of "Galaxy Gifts," including premium subscriptions to Evernote, LinkedIn, and some fitness apps that most people probably never opened.
What Does a Samsung Galaxy S5 Cost Today?
If you go looking for one right now in 2026, the price is a total mixed bag. You aren't buying these at Best Buy anymore. You're diving into the secondary markets like eBay, Swappa, or Back Market.
On average, a used Samsung Galaxy S5 cost sits somewhere between $30 and $45.
Here is the breakdown of what determines that price:
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- Parts Only: If the screen is shattered or the motherboard is fried, you’ll find them for $10 to $15.
- Used/Fair: Expect to pay about $25 to $35 for a unit with heavy scuffing on that plastic chrome bezel (which peeled like crazy, let’s be real).
- Refurbished/Excellent: Some specialized sellers on Back Market still list "mint" versions for $80 to $105. These often come with a fresh battery, which is the main selling point.
- New In Box (NIB): This is where it gets weird. Collectors sometimes list unopened, plastic-wrapped S5s for $200 or more.
The "New" Cost: Hidden Expenses
Buying an S5 today isn't as simple as handing over $40.
Most original batteries from 2014 are now essentially spicy pillows or hold a charge for about twelve minutes. You’re going to need to factor in an extra $15 for a third-party replacement battery. Luckily, you just pop the back cover off and swap it—no tools required.
Then there's the network issue.
The S5 was a 4G LTE device. In 2026, many carriers have sunset their older bands. While it theoretically works on most GSM networks, your data speeds will feel like you're trying to download a movie through a straw.
Why Would Anyone Pay for One Now?
You might think an S5 is a paperweight, but it has a cult following for a few specific reasons:
- Dedicated Music Player: With a microSD card slot that supports up to 128GB (and often 256GB with the right formatting), it's a great "dumb" iPod.
- Universal Remote: It was one of the last flagship phones to feature an IR blaster. You can literally control your TV, AC, and cable box with it.
- Privacy/De-googling: Because the S5 is so old, there are dozens of custom ROMs (like LineageOS) that allow you to run a more modern version of Android without the bloatware.
- Hardware Buttons: Some people just hate gesture navigation and want that physical home button back.
Actionable Steps for Buyers
If you’re dead set on picking one up, don't just click "buy" on the first listing you see.
First, check the model number. The G900F is the international unlocked version and is generally the most flexible for custom software. The Verizon (G900V) and AT&T (G900A) models often have locked bootloaders, making them a pain if you want to update the software yourself.
Second, verify the charging port cover. The S5 used a weird, wide USB 3.0 Micro-B port with a plastic flap to maintain its IP67 water resistance. Those flaps broke off if you looked at them funny. If you want it to stay water-resistant, make sure that flap is still attached.
Lastly, don't expect it to run modern apps like TikTok or heavy games smoothly. It has 2GB of RAM. In 2026, that is barely enough to open a Chrome tab without the phone breaking a sweat. Use it for what it's good at: being a rugged, replaceable tool.
The Samsung Galaxy S5 cost is now a fraction of its original price, but its value as a piece of repairable tech history is only going up for those who miss the days of removable batteries.
Next Steps for You:
Compare the current listings on Swappa and eBay to see if the seller includes a new battery. If they don't, search for "Anker S5 replacement battery" to ensure you have a reliable power source. Check your carrier’s 4G LTE compatibility list to confirm the device will still register on their towers in your area before purchasing.