Samsung Galaxy S4
Verdict
Key specs
Critic consensus
“While the Samsung Galaxy S4's exterior might be its Achilles' heel, we can't blame Samsung for sticking with the Galaxy S brand image it spent so much resources trying to build (that phone sold over 50 million units too, so being associated with it cannot be too bad).With the sheer number of excellent flagships to choose from, if you are looking for the best smartphone, you had it better than ever. There's no need for choice anxiety either, as the Samsung Galaxy S4 is a safe bet as long as you can get past its increasingly dated design or you need that IP57 certification.”
“So does the Google Play Edition S4 make sense? Well not really. It's availability is limited to the US and there it costs more than the equivalent hardware from every major carrier and it takes away much of the software perks of one of the best, if not the best, smartphone on the market today.”
“Verizon customers shopping for a new smartphone should give their highest consideration to the Galaxy S4, which combines an incredible set of custom software with an eye-poppingly colorful 5-inch screen and the most feature-rich camera ever on an Android device. If you want a Galaxy S4 but aren't sure which carrier to go with, Verizon's upcoming AWS network and reasonable data prices make it a strong option.”
“The Galaxy S4, as I said in the beginning of this review, is a great phone. It'll keep Samsung relevant, and probably keep it on top for the year to come. But it's also not the showstopper I think some people were hoping for, and it's not the sort of phone that leaves you walking away wowed or really excited about what's next. It's progressive, not disruptive. But sometimes that's just how technology is.”
Watch before you decide
What people say
Only a few ratings so far, not enough to show a trend yet.
2 ratings so far
good phone, worst battery life of all smart phone its a smart phone, i expect to be able to play with it during the day but if i dont plug it during lunch time the battery die even if i can change the battery do we call that a solution
In Depth
As the flagship in Samsung’s Galaxy smartphone lineup, the S4 is a leader in its bracket. With a 5-inch 1080p display, a 13-megapixel camera and a powerful Snapdragon chipset, the phone has the features and power to handle most anything mobile device users might ask for. However, case design and the TouchWiz interface could pose an issue for some.
Engadget’s Brad Molen sums up the device well when he says “In drawing our conclusion of the Samsung Galaxy S4, we find ourselves at an interesting junction: while our geek senses keep tingling at the thought of so many market-topping specs contained within the same chassis, we also aren’t overjoyed, per se, with excitement.”
One aspect of the S4 that truly shines is the display. The 5-inch AMOLED display features excellent contrast, great outdoor visibility and wide viewing angles. Gareth Beavis of TechRadar said “The screen is out of this world. Even at a lower PPI the 5-inch display dominates the competition. It’s clear, bright and vivid, and there’s very little it isn’t great for.” The Synaptics powered enhanced touch inputs allow users to take advantage of the Air Controls features on the Note series or use the device while wearing gloves. Support for MicroSXHD cards provides massive storage upgrade potential while the 13-megapixel camera and 4G LTE support provide plenty of ways to use the storage space.
The device runs Android Jelly Bean with the TouchWiz interface. This is where things get questionable for the S4. The TouchWiz interface is something that many users either love or hate. It offers enhanced features over the stock interface. Unfortunately, they are sometimes less than intuitive. Another concern is the materials used for the phone. Samsung has always been a fan of plastic cases. The S4 is no exception.
While the phone does not feel frail or flimsy, it certainly has a cheaper feel than many of the polycarbonate or aluminum devices available from competitors. David Pierce of The Verge says “I don’t like holding this phone, and I can’t overstate how much that informs the experience of using it. It makes an awful first impression, slippery and slimy and simply unpleasant in your hand.”
What people actually want to know
When was the Samsung Galaxy S4 released?
The Samsung Galaxy S4 was released on April 26, 2013.
How long does the battery last on the Samsung Galaxy S4?
The Samsung Galaxy S4 has a 2,600 mAh battery.
Does the Samsung Galaxy S4 have a headphone jack?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S4 has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Does the Samsung Galaxy S4 have NFC?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S4 has NFC. You can use Google Wallet, Apple Pay, and tap-to-pair with Bluetooth accessories.
Where can I get support for the Samsung Galaxy S4?
Visit Samsung's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Where can I download the Samsung Galaxy S4 manual?
You can view and download the Samsung Galaxy S4 manual on our dedicated manual page.
Questions & answers
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Are you trying to use with Gear VR? Cause it won't work, Gear VR works from Galaxy S6 upwards.