PROS
- Stunning 5-inch Full HD screen
- Vast array of features
- Powerful quad-core processor
CONS
- Plastic design
- A little bit expensive
- Limited storage space
KEY FEATURES
- Full HD Super AMOLED 5-inch screen
- 1.9GHz Quad-core Qualcomm Processor
- 2GB RAM
- Air View and Gesture
- Smart Pause and Scroll
- Infra Red remote
- Temperature and humidity sensors
- 13 megapixel camera
- Manufacturer: Samsung
- Review Price: £579.99
Samsung Galaxy S4 Update - Living with the Galaxy S4.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 was released as a high-end powerhouse back in 2013, but has since been superseded by the superb Galaxy S5, which was followed itself by the Galaxy S6. While it hasn’t been the runaway success that Samsung anticipated, it’s still one of the best-selling flagship phones of all time and a worthy successor to the outstanding Galaxy S3.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 was one of the best phones of its day, but the mobile market is fast-moving and unforgiving. Two years since the S4 was released, it’s looking a little long in the tooth.
The competition at the top end of the market has been fierce. Apple’s steamrollered on with the iPhone 5S and subsequently the iPhone 6, and the likes of the LG G3 and HTC One M8 and their successors have put up a worthy fight for Android. Other manufacturers have also pitched in with surprisingly great flagship phones, most notably the Sony Xperia Z2 and the great-value Nexus 5.
Since the Galaxy S6 has taken up the mantle as Samsung’s flagship model, the S4 has been further reduced in price. It cost around £579 SIM-free at launch, but since dropping down the Galaxy pecking order it can now be picked up for just £250/$300.
So with stiff competition out there can the Samsung Galaxy S4 still hold its head high and be called the best of the best? And how does it cope with the rigors of day-to-day life?
We discuss some of the best and worst aspects of living with the Samsung Galaxy S4.
While the 1.9GHz quad-core processor is no longer one of the fastest on the market it still gives the Galaxy S4 plenty of pep. It doesn't matter what you throw at the S4, it will guzzle it down and asked for seconds.
Watching full HD video or intensive 3D gaming is a doddle, and browsing the internet or multi-tasking a breeze. Scrolling through menus is quick and smooth, with the only very occasional stutter occurring when something is updating while you’re trying to open an app at the same time.
Unfortunately there's one issue with the Samsung interface and it's that there is a split-second pause between pressing a icon, to make a call for example, and it actually initiating the process. It's not a deal-breaker but many will find it a little clunkier than stock Android phones or iPhones, which seem to register actions quicker. In addition once you've used it for a while and added a host of apps the S4 does tend to suffer from some inconsistencies such as occasional jittery performance. The Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 roll-out has improved some of these issue, however.
Samsung has made a number of tweaks and additions to the Galaxy S4 TouchWiz interface, the software layer that sits on top of Android. If you’re being very kind you could call Smart Scroll, Smart Pause, Air View and Air Gesture innovative. If you’re being cruel you could call them gimmicky bloatware.
We found that we quickly grew tired of trying to get Smart Scroll, or any of the other apps mentioned, to work effectively enough to be worth the hassle and battery drain. They’re not quite intuitive enough and sometimes actually make using the phone trickier than when they’re turned off. Within a few weeks we had disabled them all and we’re much happier with the experience the Galaxy S4 provides.
One of the best things we found about the S4 is that you stop thinking about it. It’s a 5-inch phone that fits easily in a pocket and can be used one-handed without too much trouble. It’s dependable; the screen is one of the best in class and the performance great, other than issues we've already described. The camera is impressive but has been surpassed by the Xperia Z2, Nokia Lumia 1020 and iPhone 5S.
It does the basics well though, and the call quality is solid. When the Galaxy S4 was released it had the best stamina of any phone in its class. Yes some newcomers have come along that challenge that, but it's still more than good enough. Unfortunately some battery problems have become apparent. We broke the story about Samsung offering S4 battery replacements to affected users, but it does appear that it depends on the country you live in.
The vast majority don't suffer from this issue, however, and the battery life and quick charging alone have saved our skin on many occasions. It’s the first top-of-the-range phone we’ve used in a while that we can forget to charge the night before and still scrape a full day’s use out of. Even a dead battery shouldn’t hold you back for too long. A 15 minute charge from empty gives you up to 20% of your battery back.
If all the aspects we’ve just spoken about are what’s really important to you then the Galaxy S4 is at least as good as most of the competition and has had a price drop, significantly so since the launch of the Galaxy S5. You should probably stop reading and just go away and buy it right now.
For the rest of you let’s cover what the Galaxy S4 struggles with. It plain and simply lacks desirability and build quality. It’s like a pair of slippers. You’d just about venture to the local sweetshop with them on, but you wouldn’t want to go out to a nice restaurant. By contrast the iPhone 5S is a pair of loafers, the HTC One shiny dress shoes and the Sony Xperia Z21, to really put this simile out of its misery, flippers. All serve a purpose, but you’ll probably be as comfortable using the S4 on a daily basis as any other phone. The plastic is not quite as robust as we'd like though and you should invest in a case for it. If waterproofing is a requirement then you could opt for the Galaxy S5 which has a water-resistant rating that's a little lower than that on the Xperia Z2.
It’s mightily impressive that Samsung has managed to cram the Galaxy S4’s 5-inch screen into a body smaller, in all important aspects, than the S3’s. Let's not kid ourselves though, it's still a big phone and some will struggle with it if they're used to smaller phones.
For many this will be a minor point, however. As we’ve already mentioned on a day to day basis the Galaxy S4 just keeps doing what you need it to with aplomb. It’s solid, dependable and powerful – it just won’t make you feel sexy.
Now read on as we delve deeper into the Samsung Galaxy S4.
INTRODUCTION
The Samsung Galaxy S4 has a lot to live up to. Follow-on to the Samsung Galaxy S3, the most successful Android handset to date, the Galaxy S4 pits itself against renewed efforts from old rivals as well as the ever-present threat of Apple.
Given the hype surrounding the handset’s launch, however, a period that has seen months of build-up paired with countless rumours that would be the envy of any Apple launch, Samsung’s latest flagship phone looks set to face no issues in once again storming to the top of smartphone sales charts.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 VS SAMSUNG GALAXY S3 AND RIVALS
Off the bat, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is a truly impressive powerhouse smartphone. On paper, it’s Samsung’s most impressive handset to date, not least as it jumps from the 4.8-inch S3 to a 5-inch screen without any added bulk.
At 7.9mm thick, 136.6mm tall and 69.8mm wide, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is actually 0.8mm narrower and 0.7mm slimmer than the S3. It tips the scales at just 130g – 3g less than the S3 and a genuine featherweight. Unlike past models, however, it doesn’t feel unnervingly light, instead, balancing its weight evenly and reassuringly across the handset’s full length.
Samsung hasn’t just made the screen larger. The stunning 1,920 x 1,080p Super AMOLED Samsung Galaxy S4 screen is a serious boost from the S3’s 720p screen that creates an instant wow factor. It’s arguably the best screen ever seen on a smartphone and proves the Samsung Galaxy S4 is more than a spec baiting feature fest – it’s a quality product.
But it’s far from the first phone to have a 1080p full HD display, and the Samsung Galaxy S4 faces stiffer competition than its most recent predecessor. It goes head-to-head with a reinvigorated collection of high-end Android handsets, with both the HTC One and Sony Xperia Z lining up as the best smartphones ever produced by their respective manufacturers. There’s always the looming presence of Apple and the iPhone 5, too, though if anticipation is anything to go by then Samsung’s execs won’t be losing any sleep.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 – KEY FEATURES EXPLAINED
What might be an issue, however, is the Samsung Galaxy S4’s less than ideal start to life. Less than a week after it was announced, Samsung backtracked on its promise to deliver the much-touted 1.6GHz Exynos 5 eight-core powered version of the phone originally pegged to hit the UK, instead sending the 1.9GHz quad-core option to British shores.
Although this revised British spec lacks the battery saving prowess promised by its eight-core sibling, it certainly has the grunt – the Samsung Galaxy S4 suffers virtually no lag, even when tackling all the heavy-duty tasks, power-hungry apps, games and multimedia content we could throw at it.
Other hardware upgrades on the Samsung Galaxy S4 follow recent Android trends. Its 13-megapixel rear-mounted camera is akin to that of the Sony Xperia Z, while 1080p Full HD video recording and an integrated flash ensure it’s equipped for any occasion.
Combined with a second, 2-megapixel snapper upfront – again with 1080p Full HD video recording at 30 frames-per-second – the S4 cameras are excellent and the new Dual Shot feature lets you make use of both cameras simultaneously.
Dual Shot lets you take a photo or shoot a video with both cameras, with the front camera view appearing as a small ‘picture-in-picture’ thumbnail. It’s largely a gimmick that won’t appeal to everyone, but for those interested, Dual Shot gives the option for more personalised tourist snaps and party shots. It’s joined by Panorama, Eraser and Animated photo options that are quick and easy to set up and use, adding a new realm of possibilities.
At its core, Samsung has paired Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with the most recent iteration of its TouchWiz UI, creating an experience that is equal measures intuitive and brimmed with high-end features and options. Indeed, it’s the Samsung Galaxy S4’s software where Samsung has innovated over the S3, and how it distinguishes itself from the competition.
See the following pages of the review for a more detailed look the numerous unique software features, such as the S Health fitness app, Smart Pause, Smart Scroll and Air Gesture
There’s a raft of premium add-ons, like NFC, 4G LTE and even IR remote control, too, and unlike the HTC One it has a built-in microSD card slot to expand the standard 16GB, 32GB and 64GB capacities – although actual available storage is considerably less than advertised, more on which later.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 – PRICE & DEALS
All this muscle and a hearty collection of headline grabbing features come at a price, however, and in terms of the Samsung Galaxy S4 price, it’s a considerable one.
Indeed, the Samsung Galaxy S4 price exceeds Apple and the iPhone, usually the benchmark for costly smartphones, as the entry-level 16GB Samsung Galaxy S4 SIM-free price is around £580 – £50 more than the iPhone 5. It’s pricey on 24-month contracts, too – a little more expensive than its closest rivals, with some retailers offering the handsets for free when taken on a £37 per month two-year deal.
If you’re looking to buy, we suggest you look at our round-up the best Samsung Galaxy S4 deals.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 – QUICK VERDICT
There is no getting away from the fact that this phone has more hype surrounding it than any Android device that has preceded it. Fortunately, Samsung has backed up much of this anticipation with action, offering a well-rounded, extremely powerful device that, although lacking something on the aesthetical front, is sure to impress the masses.
Given the Samsung Galaxy S4’s near identical looks to the S3 and the somewhat run of the mill hardware updates, some will argue that the handset is more of a Samsung Galaxy S3S in the vein of Apple’s incremental updates than a true S3 successor. In truth and practice, however, the handset is a whole new beast and one which far outstrips what has been, until now at least, the world’s most successful Android smartphone.
To compare the S4 against rivals, take a look at our best mobile phones 2013 round-up.
For a more detailed look at all the new features, hit the next page button below to delve deeper into our in-depth review.
OVERALL SCORE
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 DESIGN.
On first glance, the Samsung Galaxy S4 design appears little more than a carbon copy of its predecessor. On closer inspection, however, it quickly becomes clear that Samsung has made a number of small, subtle improvements over the S3 that, when combined together, make a considerable difference.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 design shuns the option of a premium, brushed metal or unibody design in favour of a largely plastic body. It doesn’t look or feel like a £600 phone, but it doesn’t feel offensively cheap as some have suggested or feared, either.
Build quality is reassuring, too. The Samsung Galaxy S4 feels less rigid and unforgiving than its predecessor, with just a little flex in its body when faced with large amounts of pressure, but not so much as to cause concern. The Gorilla Glass 3 protective screen, meanwhile, does its job, with no visible marks left on the screen having let the handset rock about our pockets in company with keys and coins, two things we do not recommend you do on a regular basis. Fine, so it’s not waterproof like the Sony Xperia Z, but the Sony unusual in that respect.
Compared to the S3 it replaces, it has a slightly squarer, flatter finish, while the faux-metal trim on the outer edge is a simple alteration that gives the S4 a visual one-up on the S3. More striking is incredibly slim bezel – the reason the S4 is no larger than the S3 despite its extra 0.2-inches of screen real estate. It looks fantastic and is a welcome improvement, even if it results in accidental presses from time-to-time.
Having faced manufacturing issues with last year’s ‘Pebble Blue’ Galaxy S3 colour scheme, Samsung with the S4 has opted for new White Frost and Black Mist hues. In a further effort to aid the S4’s premium appeal, it’s adorned with a fine checkerboard effect that, surprisingly, does look considerably nicer than the bland plastic approach of the S3.
So far the Samsung Galaxy S4’s design is a marked improvement over the S4, but despite these improvements, removing the handset’s rear plastic panel in order to insert a SIM or microSD card is still an unpleasant, nerve-wrenching experience that is best avoided whenever possible.
It may be more resilient to knocks and drops than the glass backing found on the likes of the iPhone 4S and Google Nexus 4, and less likely to show scratches than the brushed metal of the iPhone 5 and HTC One, but the plastic back panel of the Samsung Galaxy S4 feels unnecessarily fragile, flexible and a likely snap hazard.
The saving grace, of course, is the removable battery and customisation the removable rear case allows. It’s down to you decide which you’d rather have.
BUTTON ARRANGEMENT & CONNECTIONS
Contrary to a number of pre-release rumours, the Samsung Galaxy S4 has retained its physical home button as just one of three physical controls on the whole phone, lining up alongside the power/sleep button and the customary volume toggle.
The S4’s power/sleep button is handily located towards the top of the handset’s right hand side; within easy reach no matter you hold the phone. But the S4’s volume toggle is slightly less accessible. Pitched on the left side, higher than the parallel power button, the volume control is a bit of a stretch to use when holding the S4 in your right hand – a small irk, but one you’ll notice.
With a microUSB port, used for charging, at the base, a 3.5mm audio jack sitting comfortably on the handset’s upper edge, and microSD and SIM card slots residing under the plastic rear, the Samsung Galaxy S4 connections are pretty much standard fare, all unobtrusive and accessible when required. Likewise, the speaker in the lower left corner of the phone’s rear is safely out of reach of stray fingers.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 DESIGN – FINAL THOUGHTS
The Samsung Galaxy S4 design is arguably the easiest area in which to criticise the phone, but doing so feels like a cheap shot. Sure, the handset is not as visually appealing or nice in the hand as some of its rivals, but this has never been Samsung’s speciality and S4 is more than good enough. What’s more, the S4 design is definitely a step up from that of the S3 and the predecessor’s less than appealing construction hardly held it back from dominating the smartphone market.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 SCREEN
From first viewing, the Samsung Galaxy S4 screen marks itself out as one of the best on the market. With a stunning 1,920 x 1,080p Full HD resolution, the S4’s 5-inch Super AMOLED display benefits further from an eye-popping 441 pixels-per-inch image density. In fact, we’d go so far to say the S4’s screen is a masterpiece and the best of any smartphone currently available.
Although not the first phone to have a 1080p display, it is Samsung’s first Full HD phone and the most obvious difference between it and the S3. It instantly makes the Samsung Galaxy S3 look dated, diluted and dull, and it’s another reminder that screen quality is one of the key differences between this year’s phones and the last.
It’s crisp and sharp, with not even a trace of pixelisation creeping in, even when viewing the detailed edging on application icons or text extremely close up. Samsung has even reigned in the over saturated, almost exaggerated colours of its phone displays. Colours still aren’t as faithful as on the HTC One’s screen, but Samsung has found a good balance between accuracy and richness.
The only noticeable problem with the Samsung Galaxy S4 screen is there’s a considerable amount of discolouration when viewing the Samsung Galaxy S4’s screen from anything but a front-on angle – a familiar problem that plagues most AMOLED screens.
It’s not a deal breaker, however, and the Samsung Galaxy S4 screen has one more trick up its sleeve – it now works when you wear gloves, just like the Nokia Lumia 920, which will save your freezing digits in winter months and performs exactly as suggested.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 INTERFACE AND USABILITY
On the face of things there is very little change between the S3 and the Samsung Galaxy S4 interface. Both run a TouchWiz skinned version of Google’s Android OS and, superficially, look the same. Delve beneath the surface, however, and it's clear that the Samsung Galaxy S4 is a world apart from the S3 with all manner of new features, functions and software additions thrown into the mix to help create a better-rounded, detailed user experience.
Skinned almost beyond recognition of its Android base, the Samsung Galaxy S4 TouchWiz UI sees Samsung stamp its seal on the phone, ridding it of Google’s traditional Android icons in favour of its own, bespoke and only marginally altered options.
Running Google’s Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean direct from the box, the Samsung Galaxy S4 has all the key features found on the likes of the Google Nexus 4, the handset that launched the latest Android OS. It’s widely expected that Google will launch Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie in the coming weeks, a release that will see the S4 quickly become dated and fall behind the crowd unless offered early updates. However, given the handset’s leading flagship status means peace of mind on this front is all but guaranteed for the foreseeable future, provided your network provider obliges.
In terms of usability, the Samsung Galaxy S4 couldn’t be more accommodating. Aside from the standard point and press touchscreen controls and simplistic naming system for pre-installed services and applications, the S4 lets less tech savvy users – or those not interested in tinkering too much – to opt for an ‘Easy Mode’ home screen setup.
It rids the phone of all superfluous bells and whistles and replaces them with large block buttons and oversized, strategically placed app icons. While this feature is not for everyone, it is a quick, hassle-free way to make the S4 more accessible to those who require a more streamlined service.
Outside of the Easy Mode, however, the Samsung Galaxy S4 has all manner of software and interface features that enhance it and set it apart from the Android masses.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 SMART SCROLL
One of the most publicised and talked about Samsung Galaxy S4 features ahead of the handset’s official launch, Smart Scroll is strangely one of its more irritating attributes and, in our opinion, one of its least useful.
In theory it combines eye tracking with tilting the S4 forwards or backwards to scroll through pages, saving you the ‘trouble’ of using the touchscreen. In reality, Smart Scroll struggles in low light, direct light and if you wear glasses, and the rest of the time it’s just confusing and annoying. We recommend you disable it.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 SMART PAUSE
Smart Scroll is more useful, albeit only just. Unlike Smart Scroll, it doesn’t clutter the display with all manner of pop-up icons, it simply tracks your eyes when watching video and pauses it when you look away.
Prompt, precise and at times a little eerie, Smart Pause is hard to fool, handling our tests with aplomb and ensuring that we didn’t miss more than a fraction of video when distracted or losing focus. It works fine and is well worth keeping.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 S VOICE
Samsung’s answer to Apple’s Siri service, S Voice on the Samsung Galaxy S4 is what we have come to expect from most voice command services – a slightly slow alternative to standard input options that just about struggles its way to the correct result after much deliberation.
S Voice is a strong rival to the better known Siri, but suffers from the same issues. We find it hard to see when users would utilise S Voice over simply carrying out an action themselves. Given the stuttering nature of the voice activated services we found few examples of searches, actions or tasks we couldn’t do quicker and more accurately ourselves instead of relying on sophisticated, albeit still issue ridden, voice recognition software.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 S TRANSLATOR
The Samsung Galaxy S4 S Translator app will change the lives of international business users, travellers and holiday makers alike, but will be redundant for many users and just another ‘extra’ to ignore.
In use, the Samsung Galaxy S4 S Translator software is endearingly intuitive to use, with both voice and text-based input methods available to further assist in the simple nature of making the world a smaller place and allowing users to overcome language barriers without struggle.
As a further benefit, having translated your desired phrases into one of many language options, the S Translator then lets you save the translation as a spoken word audio file, ideal for less stilted communications in foreign countries.
What’s more, the S Translator functionality ties in with other functions and applications, such as the mail app.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 S HEALTH
Jumping wholeheartedly on the recent trend of fitness gadgets, and health and wellbeing monitors, S Health is an integrated app that offers insight into personal activity and lifestyle.
On its own, the Samsung Galaxy S4 S Health app is a useful, welcome addition, but one that offers little more than a nicely packaged remodelling of long available third-party apps. Although the handset is set to receive the backing of a number of optional accessories, including a dedicated Samsung Wi-Fi scale and motion tracking wristband, on its own the S4 S Health app is somewhat limited.
With the Food Tracker offering little in terms of upfront assistance, requiring users to manually enter meals and their calorific content, the Walking Mate pedometer is likely to get more use. It gives you a, largely accurate, idea of how far you travel and how many steps you take. But it has to be activated and deactivated either side of every use, otherwise it’ll drain your battery needlessly and give you misleading data. It’s a poor substitute for a proper activity tracker, like the Fitbit One.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 AIR VIEW
Where Smart Scroll proved ineffective and more irritating than helpful, Air View is one of the Samsung Galaxy S4’s most impressive features. It provides pop-up previews of all manner of content just by hovering over items, so you don’t have to touch the screen when you have grubby paws.
It’s very accurate and responsive, it keeps track of swift and erratic movements and there’s little lag or stuttering. It’s great for zooming in out of web pages, and also lets you preview messages – so you can check you have the right thread rather than going in and then back again. Further highlights include the ability to preview images from a gallery, again saving considerable time and hassle with repeated jumps back and forth.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 AIR GESTURE
A hit and miss addition not quite as well-integrated as Air View, Air Gesture lets you switch between tabs and images in a gallery simply by waving your hand above the display in the direction you wish content to move. Although perfect for when not wanting to smear the S4’s stunning 5-inch display with greasy food stained finger marks, the Air Gesture options are a little quick on the draw, repeatedly switching us between tabs in the web browser when doing little else other than scratching our face or talking in a somewhat animated fashion.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 CAMERA
The Samsung Galaxy S4 camera, takes solid, rather than ground-breaking, photos – it’s a match for most rival phones, but nothing more. But the camera app’s features, which we’ll cover in a moment, are a little more interesting.
First, however, image quality, and in less than ideal lighting the Samsung Galaxy S4 camera, like many smartphones before it, is far from an ideal option. It struggles to stay focussed and the results often lack detail.
Samsung’s claim of zero shutter lag is a bold one and one that, in practice, is just a little wide of the mark. While it is one of the faster smartphone snappers currently doing the rounds, there are still times when we felt it was holding out on us, pausing for just a fraction before capturing the scene.
Conversely, burst mode can be a bit quick on the draw, with the S4 camera appearing more eager to rattle off a selection of 20 mediocre, or in fact completely useless, shots instead of taking the time to focus and get the correct exposure.
Despite these slight gripes, on the whole the Samsung Galaxy S4 camera is a strong performer with detailed colours and contrast in good light. Some shots are a little dull and underexposed at times, but they can be edited direct from camera app, with a number of customisable shooting settings so you can tweak to get the best picture possible. As is usually the case with smartphone snappers, the S4 camera’s zoom function is best avoided.
There’s a 2-megapixel camera on the front, up from a 1.9-megapixel one on the S3. It’s not as good as the main camera, obviously, but it’s one of the stronger on the market for making video calls or taking shameless selfies.
In a similar vein, the S4 is not just adept at stills photography, it also shoots 1080p Full HD video from both its rear and forward facing cameras. With strong colour management and impressive image stabilisation, videos shot with the S4 are strong and unlike some handsets encourage continued use.
These standard photographic features are not where the Samsung Galaxy S4 camera shines, however. For that you need to dig a little deeper into the camera modes and utilise a selection of software options that really help give the S4 an edge.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 camera, takes solid, rather than ground-breaking, photos – it’s a match for most rival phones, but nothing more. But the camera app’s features, which we’ll cover in a moment, are a little more interesting.
First, however, image quality, and in less than ideal lighting the Samsung Galaxy S4 camera, like many smartphones before it, is far from an ideal option. It struggles to stay focussed and the results often lack detail.
Samsung’s claim of zero shutter lag is a bold one and one that, in practice, is just a little wide of the mark. While it is one of the faster smartphone snappers currently doing the rounds, there are still times when we felt it was holding out on us, pausing for just a fraction before capturing the scene.
Conversely, burst mode can be a bit quick on the draw, with the S4 camera appearing more eager to rattle off a selection of 20 mediocre, or in fact completely useless, shots instead of taking the time to focus and get the correct exposure.
Despite these slight gripes, on the whole the Samsung Galaxy S4 camera is a strong performer with detailed colours and contrast in good light. Some shots are a little dull and underexposed at times, but they can be edited direct from camera app, with a number of customisable shooting settings so you can tweak to get the best picture possible. As is usually the case with smartphone snappers, the S4 camera’s zoom function is best avoided.
There’s a 2-megapixel camera on the front, up from a 1.9-megapixel one on the S3. It’s not as good as the main camera, obviously, but it’s one of the stronger on the market for making video calls or taking shameless selfies.
In a similar vein, the S4 is not just adept at stills photography, it also shoots 1080p Full HD video from both its rear and forward facing cameras. With strong colour management and impressive image stabilisation, videos shot with the S4 are strong and unlike some handsets encourage continued use.
These standard photographic features are not where the Samsung Galaxy S4 camera shines, however. For that you need to dig a little deeper into the camera modes and utilise a selection of software options that really help give the S4 an edge.
DUAL SHOT
Again another of the Samsung Galaxy S4’s most publicised features is not one of its best, or most original for that matter. A feature that has appeared on recent LG handsets, Dual Shot allows for a picture to be taken with both cameras simultaneously, creating a picture-in-picture result.
You may struggle to find reasons to use it, but in testing it works well and as expected, with a number of framing options allowing for a considerable amount of customisation.
A feature that is sure to appeal more to the teenage market than older audiences, the Dual Shot mode is perfect for creating more personalised postcards and is sure to be seen popping up at gigs, sporting events and as a holiday must.
Again another of the Samsung Galaxy S4’s most publicised features is not one of its best, or most original for that matter. A feature that has appeared on recent LG handsets, Dual Shot allows for a picture to be taken with both cameras simultaneously, creating a picture-in-picture result.
You may struggle to find reasons to use it, but in testing it works well and as expected, with a number of framing options allowing for a considerable amount of customisation.
A feature that is sure to appeal more to the teenage market than older audiences, the Dual Shot mode is perfect for creating more personalised postcards and is sure to be seen popping up at gigs, sporting events and as a holiday must.
ERASER
A brilliant addition to the handset and one of our favourite Samsung Galaxy S4 features, the camera’s Eraser mode allows you to remove unwanted 'photobombers' and aimless walkers from what would have been good photos.
The Eraser mode captures a five frame burst and automatically highlights any moving content, providing you with the option of deleting it, or keeping it within the shot. This feature wowed us, repeatedly removing unwanted passers-by and leaving us with seamless shots untarnished by thoughtless wanderers.
It’s just a shame you have to activate it manually as that requires foresight few have.
A brilliant addition to the handset and one of our favourite Samsung Galaxy S4 features, the camera’s Eraser mode allows you to remove unwanted 'photobombers' and aimless walkers from what would have been good photos.
The Eraser mode captures a five frame burst and automatically highlights any moving content, providing you with the option of deleting it, or keeping it within the shot. This feature wowed us, repeatedly removing unwanted passers-by and leaving us with seamless shots untarnished by thoughtless wanderers.
It’s just a shame you have to activate it manually as that requires foresight few have.
DRAMA
Not quite as successful is the Drama mode. Supposedly able to capture multiple images of a moving subject while retaining a single image of a static background, in use this proved quite problematic and far from that one-off moment capturer we would hope for. It often flashes up error messages around subjects not moving enough or moving too much, and struggles to fully focus on moving targets, repeatedly leaving little more than blurred blobs dotted across an image.
Not quite as successful is the Drama mode. Supposedly able to capture multiple images of a moving subject while retaining a single image of a static background, in use this proved quite problematic and far from that one-off moment capturer we would hope for. It often flashes up error messages around subjects not moving enough or moving too much, and struggles to fully focus on moving targets, repeatedly leaving little more than blurred blobs dotted across an image.
SOUND & SHOT
Getting back on the right track, Sound & Shot is a simple yet appealing addition to the Samsung Galaxy S4’s already generous collection of camera features and shooting modes.
A great idea for sporting events, gigs, interactive postcards, and those wanting to capture the true essence of a moment, Sound & Shot abilities allow a still image to be paired with a nine second audio clip.
Although this feature capitalises on the S4’s strong base photographic capabilities and sound quality of captured clips is strong, sharp and clear, , it cannot be used in conjunction with Dual Shot, a combination that would have been sure to further enhance the overall experience.
Getting back on the right track, Sound & Shot is a simple yet appealing addition to the Samsung Galaxy S4’s already generous collection of camera features and shooting modes.
A great idea for sporting events, gigs, interactive postcards, and those wanting to capture the true essence of a moment, Sound & Shot abilities allow a still image to be paired with a nine second audio clip.
Although this feature capitalises on the S4’s strong base photographic capabilities and sound quality of captured clips is strong, sharp and clear, , it cannot be used in conjunction with Dual Shot, a combination that would have been sure to further enhance the overall experience.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 BATTERY
Despite lacking the power saving features of the previously promised eight-core processor, Samsung Galaxy S4 battery life is excellent as the 2,600mAh battery easily traverses the dreaded one day hump that has become the plague of many a high-end smartphone. It’s a small capacity upgrade from the S3, and a welcome one.
Samsung claims 17 hours of talk time, and this slightly lofty goal rings near enough true with a full day’s substantial use of web browsing, gaming, email checking and more leaving enough reserves to satisfy a bit of video playback on the evening commute.
image: http://static.trustedreviews.com/94/0000271bd/c192/IMG-0424-1.jpg
With little running in the background you can eek out 10 per cent of battery for much longer than expected – it's definitely better than the Sony Xperia Z in the battery life stakes.
One area where the Samsung Galaxy S4 battery hits a slight stumbling block, however, is in its recharge times. Quick plug and goes are out of the question as the S4 requires several hours connected to the mains to get a decent charge. Although wireless charging options have been promised, they are not currently available.
Setting this issues aside, however, the Samsung Galaxy S4 battery does outlast the HTC One and Sony Xperia Z in similar conditions – a serious plus if battery life, as it is for most people, is important to you.
image: http://static.trustedreviews.com/94/0000271c1/6f1e/IMG-0428-1.jpg
Despite lacking the power saving features of the previously promised eight-core processor, Samsung Galaxy S4 battery life is excellent as the 2,600mAh battery easily traverses the dreaded one day hump that has become the plague of many a high-end smartphone. It’s a small capacity upgrade from the S3, and a welcome one.
Samsung claims 17 hours of talk time, and this slightly lofty goal rings near enough true with a full day’s substantial use of web browsing, gaming, email checking and more leaving enough reserves to satisfy a bit of video playback on the evening commute.
image: http://static.trustedreviews.com/94/0000271bd/c192/IMG-0424-1.jpg
With little running in the background you can eek out 10 per cent of battery for much longer than expected – it's definitely better than the Sony Xperia Z in the battery life stakes.
One area where the Samsung Galaxy S4 battery hits a slight stumbling block, however, is in its recharge times. Quick plug and goes are out of the question as the S4 requires several hours connected to the mains to get a decent charge. Although wireless charging options have been promised, they are not currently available.
Setting this issues aside, however, the Samsung Galaxy S4 battery does outlast the HTC One and Sony Xperia Z in similar conditions – a serious plus if battery life, as it is for most people, is important to you.
image: http://static.trustedreviews.com/94/0000271c1/6f1e/IMG-0428-1.jpg
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 CONNECTIVITY
As well as the usual array of microUSB and microSD, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, the Samsung Galaxy S4 also has NFC and 4G – two options still relatively new to UK users.
With 4G currently on the verge of widespread availability in the UK, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is one of a number of premium handsets that, unlike the iPhone 5, will work on any 4G network in the UK once the likes of Three, O2 and Vodafone follow EE in launching 4G in the UK. Unlike on 3G, on 4G we streamed HD videos with no problems. Provided coverage is ok where you are, you’ll get to do the same.
Wi-Fi reception proved strong and reliable, with no issues with dropped connections or flagging speeds during our time with the phone. We haven't had the chance to test the NFC connectivity options, but we will update the review in the near future to address this area.
image: http://static.trustedreviews.com/94/0000271cf/7e0d/Samsung-Galaxy-S4-Camera.jpg
As well as the usual array of microUSB and microSD, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, the Samsung Galaxy S4 also has NFC and 4G – two options still relatively new to UK users.
With 4G currently on the verge of widespread availability in the UK, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is one of a number of premium handsets that, unlike the iPhone 5, will work on any 4G network in the UK once the likes of Three, O2 and Vodafone follow EE in launching 4G in the UK. Unlike on 3G, on 4G we streamed HD videos with no problems. Provided coverage is ok where you are, you’ll get to do the same.
Wi-Fi reception proved strong and reliable, with no issues with dropped connections or flagging speeds during our time with the phone. We haven't had the chance to test the NFC connectivity options, but we will update the review in the near future to address this area.
image: http://static.trustedreviews.com/94/0000271cf/7e0d/Samsung-Galaxy-S4-Camera.jpg
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 – FINAL VERDICT
The Samsung Galaxy S4 might not look that different or have that one killer feature that sinks the competition, but it’s a worthy successor to the Samsung Galaxy S3.
It’s a true high-end powerhouse and undeniably one of the best phones on the market right now, albeit one that will relies a little too heavily on brand appeal and past successes rather than innovation and eye-catching design. Yes, it might not be the most stylish handset on the market, but nor is it a dog.
Any issues with aesthetics are soon forgotten given the near endless array of engaging features. Some will be overlooked after a couple of uses, but others are here for the long-haul and with a display as stunning as the one on the S4, a plastic exterior can most certainly be overlooked.
At almost £600 SIM-free, price is another major drawback. Given the nature of subsidised contracts, however, it’s available for free on £37 per month contracts, which does not put it on a bad footing compared with its closest rivals.
Is it better than the Sony Xperia Z? Undoubtedly. Is it better than the iPhone 5? Yes. But is it better than the HTC One? Well, that’s tough to call and a case of personal preference based on design and exactly what features you value most. But it is, at the very least, on par with its closest rival. It's a damn good phone and one we recommend.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 might not look that different or have that one killer feature that sinks the competition, but it’s a worthy successor to the Samsung Galaxy S3.
It’s a true high-end powerhouse and undeniably one of the best phones on the market right now, albeit one that will relies a little too heavily on brand appeal and past successes rather than innovation and eye-catching design. Yes, it might not be the most stylish handset on the market, but nor is it a dog.
Any issues with aesthetics are soon forgotten given the near endless array of engaging features. Some will be overlooked after a couple of uses, but others are here for the long-haul and with a display as stunning as the one on the S4, a plastic exterior can most certainly be overlooked.
At almost £600 SIM-free, price is another major drawback. Given the nature of subsidised contracts, however, it’s available for free on £37 per month contracts, which does not put it on a bad footing compared with its closest rivals.
Is it better than the Sony Xperia Z? Undoubtedly. Is it better than the iPhone 5? Yes. But is it better than the HTC One? Well, that’s tough to call and a case of personal preference based on design and exactly what features you value most. But it is, at the very least, on par with its closest rival. It's a damn good phone and one we recommend.
SCORES IN DETAIL
- Camera9
- Design7
- Features9
- Performance10
- Screen Quality10
- Usability9
- Value8
Thanks for reading.
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