Tech
What's right (and wrong) with the Samsung Galaxy S4
Does this new Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone have what it takes to stand out in a sea of other handsets? Yes it does, but there are some downsides potential buyers should be aware of.
(Source: Samsung)
Samsung has recently updated its flagship Android-powered Galaxy 3S handset with the updated with the Galaxy S4. But does this new premium smartphone have what it takes to stand out in a sea of other handsets?
Does it have what it takes to be the king of the Android handsets?
What's right with the Galaxy S4?
- Solid device – The Galaxy S4 is a solid, well-made handset.
- Great performance – Thanks to the 1.9GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor.
- Awesome screen – The 5-inch Super AMOLED display with 441 pixels-per-inch is incredible.
- Customization – TouchWiz offers a way to heavily customize the Android UI.
- User-replaceable battery – Just pop the back off, pop the battery out, pop a new one in, and you're ready to rock.
- Great storage space – 32GB is the storage starting point.
- More storage – If the built-in storage isn't enough, there's a microSD card slot.
- Excellent camera – The camera on the Galaxy S4 is incredible, and there are a myriad of awesome features.
- Flip covers – You're either going to love or hate the screen-protecting flip covers.
- Gimmicks – Control your TV with a handset? No problem with the Galaxy S4!
What's wrong with the Galaxy S4?
- Too much Android skinning – If this isn't for you, then you might prefer the Nexus 4 or the Google Play-edition of the Galaxy S4.
- Swimming through treacle – The UI can be slow in places, such as when displaying photos.
- Mediocre call quality – Who calls anyone on a smartphone these days?
- Flip covers – You're either going to love or hate the screen-protecting flip covers.
- Price – The Galaxy S4 is not a cheap handset even with a contract, and if you want the unlocked Google Play-edition, that's going to cost you a lot more.
Bottom line
The Galaxy S4 is a solid upgrade compared to the Galaxy S3, and it is certainly a handset that those who like bells and whistles should look at. However, for those looking for an unadulterated Android experience, then the more expensive Google Play-edition of the Galaxy S4 might be worth a look at.
Personally, I still prefer the Nexus 4. It's a simpler handset, but it's also a more rounded, balanced handset.