Skip to main content

Samsung: Camera failure bug only in “limited number” of Galaxy S5 phones

Samsung Galaxy S5 camera
Image used with permission by copyright holder

In our previous article on the common problems users have with the Galaxy S5, we mentioned that some people complained of a camera failure bug that displays a “Warning: Camera failed” message whenever they try to start their camera.

In an interview with the Verge, a Samsung representative said: “We have learned that a limited number of Galaxy S5 devices may have an issue that causes ‘Camera Failure’ pop-up error message.” The key words there are “limited number.” So if you’re planning on buying a Galaxy S5, you shouldn’t be too worried. 

The cause for the bug is still unknown and once the warning message shows up, the camera gets disabled. To deal with the problem, Samsung has asked Galaxy S5 owners to call 1-888-897-4357 to get a replacement device. People can also arrange to swap out their phones with a different model by visiting their carrier.

Verizon Wireless has also offered a helping hand. In a tweet, the company said:  Galaxy S5 customers who see “Warning: Camera Failed” please contact @VZWsupport & we’ll work to resolve it, including replacing the device.”

If you need help deciding on whether the Galaxy S5 is worth the risk, you can check out our review full Galaxy S5 review.

Editors' Recommendations

Christian Brazil Bautista
Christian Brazil Bautista is an experienced journalist who has been writing about technology and music for the past decade…
A surprise phone just beat the Galaxy S24 Ultra in a big way
Digital render of a silver Realme GT Neo 6 SE held in bionic hand.

The global Android phone market is expansive beyond comprehension, and brands continually jockey to establish supremacy. Today, it's Realme's turn to lead one such race as it has unveiled the brightest smartphone display that has ever been launched to the general public.

Realme, a spinoff of the Chinese phone brand Oppo (which also birthed OnePlus), announced the GT Neo 6 SE earlier today in China. The phone boasts an impressive juxtaposition of internal hardware, but one that instantly stands tall is the new display. The Realme GT Neo 6 SE features a 6.78-inch OLED display with a spectacular 6,000 nits of brightness -- brighter than the displays on any other phone or consumer device with a screen built into it.

Read more
Having Galaxy S24 Ultra camera issues? A fix may be coming soon
The back of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, resting against a post.

It looks like Samsung is finally heeding the concerns about camera woes from Galaxy S24 Ultra users and will patch things up with a software update. According to a reliable leak, a software update will take stock of the “telephoto image quality, inaccurate white balance ,and abnormal red color” issues that are currently being reported by users on public forums.

“Too much optimization on 50 MP and 200 MP sensors even when everything is set to minimum,” says one Galaxy S24 Ultra buyer. “I feel like photos taken are always very washed-out and grainy,” notes another owner. “50mp and 200mp is simply useless because of the Intelligent optimization. It's downgrading the pics,” reads a complaint on the official Samsung community forum.

Read more
Samsung’s newest Android tablet is a perfect iPad alternative
A render of the front of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024.

Samsung has just launched a refreshed Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) for the U.S. exclusively through Amazon. This comes after Samsung recently launched the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) internationally.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) is the latest entry in Samsung’s midrange tablet lineup that made its debut in 2020. This newest iteration has the same overall design, S Pen integration, screen, and just 4GB RAM. However, it now has a new Exynos processor and comes with Android 14 right out of the box.

Read more