Dual-SIM Samsung Galaxy S5 makes debut as China Telecom exclusive

Denoted as model number G9009D, Samsung’s latest flagship, the Galaxy S5, has landed in dual-SIM fashion as an exclusive with state-owned China Telecom.  China Telecom is “only” China’s third largest carrier with roughly 185 million subscribers. That still puts the carrier in the top ten in the world for whatever that is worth.

The dual-SIM Galaxy S5 shares the bulk of its specifications with the rest of the world, but does not have an LTE antenna. The main radio supports CDMA/EV-DO at 800MHz in China, 2G GSM at 850MHz and 900MHz for roaming and 3G UMTS for international roaming on the same frequencies.

There are no differences visually with this model, it is still dust and water resistant, packs the same 16MP camera and fingerprint sensor to unlock the device. The only obvious trade-off for the dual-SIM model is lack of LTE connectivity which is understandable since China Telecom does not have a commercially available LTE network yet.

The dual-SIM Samsung Galaxy S5 is available to pre-order for ¥5,299 ($853). Shipments coincide with the launch date of April 11th.

sources: Samsung via SamMobile