As the phone is intended for athletic minded people, it contains the MapMyFitness app which records the user's exercising progress via the built in GPS capability. Other health related programs include S Health which assists with the scheduling of workouts, healthy meal suggestions, and heart rate monitoring. Sprint Fit Live provides access to health information and related apps directly though a live wallpaper. Activity Zone is another included app which has a flashlight, compass, stopwatch and barometer in a single screen setting.

In line with the model's focus on the active lifestyle, the phone's exterior is both dust and water resistant. It is also manufactured with coarser surface to increase grip during physical activities. Furthermore, the phone has 3 physical control buttons to provide ease of use while active.This Samsung device runs on Android 4.4.2, otherwise known as KitKat. It has a Multi Window feature which allows the user to move between apps without closing them out, or having to restart another app. As an Android device, it contains all the necessary Google apps such as Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Search. Users can also use other personal email accounts through the standard Google email app, and perform instant messaging with the Google Hangouts app.

Samsung Knox can be used with in the Galaxy S5 Sport to secure private data on a virtual drive partition. The phone also has Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities to interact with NFC integrated documents, and to make purchases using Google Wallet.

The device has a Wi-Fi 802.11 connection, and can act as a personal hotspot allowing for up to 10 other devices to utilize the phone's data connection. Users in HD Voice areas will be able to use the function on this device to have enhanced call quality with other HD Voice users.

There are two cameras on the device, both a full resolution rear camera, and a self-shot one located above the screen area. The rear camera has 16 megapixel resolution, and employs auto-focus and absolutely no shutter lag. The rear camera may be used for both photos and HD video at 30 fps. The front camera has a resolution of 2 MP for video chat and self taken photos.

This phone also has a feature called AirView which allows the user to preview photos by hovering a finger over the screen. This function also works with documents and hyperlinks. It also uses Stereo Bluetooth 4.0 to connect to wireless headsets and other devices.

When the user is not active, they can always use the phone as a remote control for a home media system. The phone can send infrared signals like a normal remote. The Samsung Smart Remote software can also provide suggestions for TV shows and films, and can be adjusted to reflect the user's preferences.