Samsung Galaxy S4 Pro Reviews

The S4 offers a slick touch screen, lots of effects, fun shooting modes, and fast burst shooting. Its image quality is good for a smartphone camera, as is video quality. If a fixed lens and subpar image quality in low light won't deter you, the S4 is a good fit for basic snapshots and wireless sharing.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 is not a radical upgrade over last year’s Galaxy S4, but it brings gradual evolution in almost every aspect – starting with the fresh new design with added protection from the elements, to the more user-friendly TouchWiz interface, faster under the hood engine, and improved camera. The new Galaxy retains the unrealistic, eye-popping colors of its successor, though, and the flashy new features like fingerprint scanner and heart-rate monitor come with some caveats, and are a bit too fiddly. Another worrisome change in the S5 is its larger footprint – while the Galaxy S4 felt like a large, but yet compact for its size device, the same cannot be said about the new S5. Summing it all up, we'd say that Samsung has innovated mostly in areas that make a difference, rather than focusing on adding many ad-friendly, but rarely used features like Air Gestures. At the same time, it's hard to argue that the evolution that has happened is gradual rather than radical, and convincing Galaxy S4 users to upgrade to the S5 won't be an easy task.

HTC and Samsung have been in a heated battle for as long as we can remember. When one comes out with something, it instantly becomes the most talked about thing in the industry – for a short time of course, until the other chooses to out something newer. In our present moment, we have the new HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4, two devices that are currently available for pickup right now. Being the newcomer, there’s a natural inclination to expect better results from the newer device – and we do see some of that in the new HTC One. HTC pounds Sammy’s offering in the design department, where its all-metal aluminum body exudes the premium look we crave in any flagship smartphone. In fact, it’s leaps and bounds better than what the polycarbonate plastic body of the Samsung Galaxy S4. Regardless of that, good looks alone won’t drive any particular handset to stardom. Surprisingly enough, the older Samsung Galaxy S4 manages to beat out its significantly newer rival in certain categories, like the camera’s still image quality and its expansive set of software features. Just because it’s older, we can’t automatically count out the Galaxy S4 from potentially edging out the new HTC One. Even though it’s filled with several software features, some useful, some obnoxiously redundant, specific people will nonetheless appreciate those features at their disposal. If we’re to factor in current pricing for the two handsets, there’s an incentive to stick with the Galaxy S4, since it sees more discounts than the just outed new HTC One. Therefore, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t want to settle on some cheap-o smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is an enticing option that has few compromises. Conversely, if you’re all about the latest and greatest, not to mention taking pride in how your phone looks, the new HTC One will fill in that gap for you.

There are obvious benefits picking up the handset that’s the newer of the two, so in this particular case, it would be the Nokia Lumia Icon. For starters, it bears newer hardware that’s more befitting of a high-end smartphone – albeit, the Galaxy S4’s hardware is still widely regarded as top notch. Secondly, you get that sense of freshness too with Nokia’s latest Lumia, especially when its design is uncharacteristic of other Lumias. Now, if we’re to look at their current pricing through Verizon, we begin to see a big discrepancy between them. Almost a year old at this point, the 32GB Galaxy S4’s on-contract price of $149.99 seems out of character in comparison to the $200 price attached to the newer Lumia Icon. Moreover, there’s even a bigger disparity with their off-contract pricing, which is set for $550 for the Icon and $650 for the Galaxy S4. It’s mind boggling to see that the Galaxy S4 is priced higher than the Lumia Icon – so the decision will primarily hinge on whether or not you want to pick them up with or without a contract. Although there are secondary features offered by the Galaxy S4 that enhances the experience, like its IR blaster that turns it into a remote, some people wouldn’t place them highly on the list of being crucial to a smartphone’s likeability. As the dust settles, we’d give the Lumia Icon the benefit of the doubt at the moment of being the more prized device. Then again, the platform experience will greatly influence the choice of people.

With all this said, it’s time to answer the big question - which one should you buy, the Z1 Compact or the Galaxy S4? It’s clear that we’re talking about two great devices all around, but - if you are not scared of the smaller screen - the Z1 Compact seems to have the upper hand. After all, it’s not only newer, but it is built with premium materials, features better protection from the elements, a beefier processor, and a better camera - all of that makes it the logical choice. The Galaxy S4 is a nearly one-year old device, and its age starts to show, as it has older and less capable internals. At the same time, it's also true that it has dropped down in price, so that it's not a bad value for its money. If you're looking for the very best out there, though, it's hard to give the S4 a heart-felt recommendation right now. For that, between the two, the Xperia Z1 Compact wins our heart.

At the end of the day, my feelings are much the same. The Galaxy S4 has grown on me a tad more. It’s fun to use and is unquestionably one of the two best phones on the market. The larger screen size is very nice. But I don’t prefer the look or the plastic flimsy construction. Ultimately what I do, for work and play leave me looking to other suitors for my vices of both pleasure and productivity.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 is an excellent phone. Compared to the Nexus, it also offers a microSD slot, longer video playback, a tad more detailed photos, and IR blaster for universal remote control. However, you can add two Benjamins to the $350 price of the Nexus 5 if you want it off-contract. Apart from those the Nexus 5 offers very similar experience to the Galaxy S4 in all areas, and outshines it in several, such as low-light photos and steadier videos. Also, it will be a while before the Galaxy S4 gets the latest Android 4.4 KitKat features officially. If you are buying the Nexus 5 from the Play Store, that is, since carrier pricing differences with subsidies aren't as stark as the full retail price gap between the two handsets, amounting to about 50 USD or Euros. On Sprint, for instance, the Nexus 5 can be had for $150 if you aren't transferring your number from another carrier, while the S4 costs $200. Full retail price is listed by Sprint as $450 for the Nexus, and $600 for the S4. Moving over to Europe, France's Bouyuges Telecom, for instance, sells the Nexus 5 for EUR 130, while the S4 will run you EUR 180 on the same contract. One thing is for certain – if you want stock Android and the fastest updates to the latest iteration of Google's mobile OS, the Nexus 5 won't make you break the piggy bank for this to happen, provided that you can grab it off the Play Store, and you'll still flaunt flagship specs to boot.

There's quite a lot that sets the HTC One max and the Samsung Galaxy S4 apart. They're both great Android smartphones, there's no denying that, but they are clearly not meant to appeal to the same type of audience. That's why we can't label one of them as superior to the other – that would be like saying that a Ferrari is better than a Hummer, or vice versa. The HTC One max is for those few who can really put its extra screen real estate to good use and don't mind its extreme dimensions. These are folks who often find themselves using their phones for web browsing, watching videos, playing video games, and performing other activities that take advantage of a larger screen. The phone's metallic design is impressive as well and perhaps we won't be wrong if we say that the One max is the best-looking phablet money can buy right now. But above all, owning the HTC One max eliminates one's need to have both a smartphone and a small-sized tablet as it effectively combines the functionalities and advantages of both device classes. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S4 would be a worthy pick for a buyer demanding a high-end Android phone that can actually fit inside their pocket. With its compact size and 5-inch screen, it is sleek, light, and neither too big, nor too small. And if that is not enough of an advantage, the S4 packs a camera that can easily leave the One max's Ultrapixel cam trailing in the dust.

You simply cannot beat the Nexus 5's price. Sure, the Galaxy S4 has a nicer camera and features expandable memory, but that price, coupled with the new Android OS make the Nexus 5 hard to top.

Quickly taking a look at their base pricing, $100 on-contract for the iPhone 5c and $200 for the Galaxy S4, it’s easy to discern that we’re comparing a mid-ranger versus a supreme high-end smartphone here. Some will say that it isn’t a fair comparison at all, especially when we find the Galaxy S4 giving us the superior overall performance between the two. Despite that, the iPhone 5c has its own set of quality elements to make it an appealing option depending on your preference. If savings and simplicity is more to your liking, then the iPhone 5c is the no-brainer choice for you. Not only will you save a cool $100 picking it up over the Galaxy S4, but it’s still a pretty damn good performing smartphone. Add to the fact that iOS 7 refreshes the experience over previous iPhones, it’s naturally a pleasant thing to find in tow with the new smartphone. Conversely, if you’re all about having a plethora of software features and big specs, then the Galaxy S4 is more than ready to take you by storm. As we’ve seen in this comparison, it’s simmering with a ton of features to give its $200 price point plenty of justification. Therefore, there’s no wrong decision here as they both deliver top-notch qualities to please us.

As we said in the beginning, having in mind that both devices offer a very similar experience, it'll depend on the nuances to eventually make users want to side with one handset or the other. For starters, one of the most obvious differentiating factors in play here is the screen size. Not that the 5" screen of the Galaxy S4 is small or anything, but if you happen to want (need?) even more real estate, the Note 3 can give you just that. Of course, this means you should be ready to sacrifice some of your comfort, as the bigger size of the Note 3's body sure makes a difference. Apart from the screen size (and overall size), though, the only other significant differences between the Note 3 and Galaxy S4 are the better chipset of the phablet and the lack of an S Pen stylus in the GS4. Still, we wouldn't say that the performance difference is really that big, so in case the ability to draw and take notes using a stylus isn't a must-have for you, don't be afraid to go for the GS4, in case the bigger size of the Galaxy Note 3 worries you. In case it doesn't, you'll be treated to an equally good experience with both, with the Note 3 taking things just a step further.

There's absolutely no doubt that the Galaxy S 4 is a better handset with stock Android -- a powerhouse unleashed by superior software. While you give up some functionality (especially with the camera), you gain storage space (12GB free instead of 7GB on the skinned versions), a much-improved user experience and the satisfaction that you're taking part in something uniquely Google. Is that warm, fuzzy feeling enough to justify plunking down $649 for this Google Play edition when you can purchase a Nexus 4 for just $299? That really depends on your priorities. If you want the absolute best specs and can muster the cheap looks, choose this Galaxy S 4. If Google Wallet is essential, but your funds are limited, pick the Nexus 4. If you must have LTE, a better camera and stunning hardware, go with the HTC One running stock Android ($599). We're pretty sure the Samsung Galaxy S 4 Google Play edition is the most rewarding Android device we've ever used -- we'll just have to get over that uninspired design.

Android is in a strange place right now. Taken as a whole, it dominates the smartphone market. But as Apple CEO Tim Cook couldn’t help but point out earlier this month, the majority of those devices are running a version of the operating system created in 2010. Just as troubling, Google has watched Apple, Microsoft, and even BlackBerry release new operating systems that look and act just like the designers at those companies intended, no matter the manufacturer or the carrier. Google’s “openness” on Android has benefitted carriers and manufacturers at least as much it has consumers. As much as I’d like to see these new “Google Play edition” phones change this entire dynamic, I think it’s very unlikely given the history of the Nexus line. Luckily for you and for me, it’s not our job to fix the Android ecosystem. Instead, we just have to decide whether we want an Android phone and if so, which one is the best for us. It’s unfortunate that these phones aren’t available on all carriers and won’t be sold at subsidized prices. The HTC One Google Play edition retails for $599 and the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play edition sells for $649. There are carrier and price hurdles you have to jump over when choosing the stock Galaxy S4 or HTC One, but in my opinion they’re worth the leap.

As with the other versions of this phone, the Galaxy S 4 for Verizon is an amazing piece of hardware. It’s a solid performer that does what one would expect it to, and does so with style. It did, however, lose a couple points for the additional bloatware that cannot be removed, and a lost a couple more for having discarded various features available in other versions of the phone.

Contrary to what the extreme sides of the pro and con camps would have you believe, the Galaxy S 4 is neither an overachieving champion, nor crushing disappointment. But with its powerful feature set and lofty legacy, it’s also not by any means “average.” The Galaxy S 4 is, instead, exactly what it needs to be – and nothing more. It’s a device that offers just enough improvement over its immediate predecessor to justify its existence, just enough to give penny-pinching buyers the appropriate measure of pause before trying to save some dough by picking up last year’s model. Its conservative design lacks the degree of inspiration we love seeing in flagship smartphones, and its software is too weighed down with half-baked gimmicks for our taste – but ultimately it’s a solid instrument. There will come a day when Samsung can’t rely on iterative upgrades and dubious “features” to capture attention and sell smartphones. That day, however, is not today. While the company will no doubt feel a bit of pressure to innovate more extensively going forward, it will still sell millions upon millions of Galaxy S 4s in the meantime. And based on what we’ve seen during our time with the unit, that’s a pretty good thing.

If display size is not an issue, you might want to look at the Galaxy Note III for your next flagship purchase as well or wait to see if Samsung would eventually release internationally a Snapdragon 800 powered S4 refresh. A new Nexus 5 seems to be just around the corner too, not to mention we have yet to really put the just arrived Sony Xperia Z1 through its paces. It seems this holiday season the shopping choice won't be as clear-cut as last year's so make sure you grab a front-row seat at our homepage. The flagship reviews will keep on coming as soon as we get them ready for you.

What Google presented at its I/O 2013 conference was something few of us really expected to happen. Announcing a Galaxy S4 with stock Android is still a little baffling and goes against many of the principles of the Nexus lineup. The Galaxy S4 has expandable storage, it has physical buttons, it's a mass product lacking the air of exclusivity a Nexus usually manages to pull off. And it comes for a premium from the Google Play store. Sure it's the most capable device that comes with stock Android and runs circles around any Nexus you can think of and probably will still be a worthy contender, come the Nexus 5, or whatever the next Google Purebread is called. The caveat however is that you can possibly still get the same vanilla Android experience by getting yourself a subsidized Snapdragon-powered Galaxy S4 and installing a stock ROM on it with a little tweaking. This way you would essentially have the best of both worlds - an unlocked door to a stable stock experience without closing the door to the Samsung-tailored TouchWiz experience behind you. 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.

The Samsung Galaxy S 4 is the ultimate kitchen-sink smartphone with features you'll still be discovering months after you buy it. It's our top Android pick on Verizon.

Two high-end smartphone, two completely different takes in what makes them qualify as being high-end. At the very least, you’re going to spend $200 with your signature on a 2-year contract to pick either one, but it’s a matter of what’s most important to you that dictates the winner in this particular comparison. Being the new kid on the block, the iPhone 5s is a fantastic device that’s very well rounded in being a high performer in the categories that matter the most to people – such as taking photos/video, call quality, and having a snappy performance. Additionally, it’s packing along a cool Touch ID fingerprint sensor and a 64-bit based Apple A7 processor, which are two distinct things that we don’t find on other competing flagships. Sure, the Galaxy S4 continues to enthrall us with its imposing larger than life stature, as it’s packed to the roof with some splendid hardware, but it even makes the grade with the software experience too. Whereas the iOS 7 experience is refreshing and adheres to that notion of being simple, Samsung goes the complete opposite route by offering us a ton of neat/gimmicky (depending on who you talk to, of course) software features. As the dust settles, there’s no arguing that these two are wonderful smartphones that capture the essence of being high-end, so there’s no wrong decision here. If premium and simplicity is more of your forte, then it’s the iPhone 5s. And if hardware specs and diverse software features are more akin to your needs, it’s going to be the Galaxy S4 for you then.

It's undeniable that the Xperia Z1 sports some technological advantages due to coming out about half a year later than the Galaxy S4. With a faster chipset and a better camera, Sony's smartphone is arguably the better device of the two here. Still, we have to give credit where it's due, and in this case we'd give it to the Galaxy S4 for holding up so well after all these months. Samsung's handset doesn't lag too much behind in any area, and is still among the best smartphones money can buy right now. If you're currently rocking a GS4 and are wondering if you should "upgrade" to the Xperia Z1 mainly for its technological advantages, we'd say that it's not worth it, because the differences really aren't so big. If you happen to be choosing between the two, and have actually read all the pages of this comparison, then you probably already know that the Z1 is the overall better smartphone, though you should definitely take into account that it's bulkier than its rival, despite having the same screen size.

The Samsung Galaxy S 4 is the ultimate kitchen-sink smartphone with features you'll still be discovering months after you buy it. It's our top Android pick on AT&T.

With the iPhone 5S only bringing a handful of updates compared to the iPhone 5, it's a tough call between it and the Samsung Galaxy S4. We'll give you a decisive verdict once we've fully tested the iPhone 5S.

LG has used the extra time fully to its advantage with the G2 and comes up with an extremely well made device that impresses us in almost every way possible. The great ergonomics with very conveniently placed buttons on the back, the bright and vivid 5.2 inch display with almost no bezel, the newest powerful Snapdragon 800 chip, the impressive 13-megapixel OIS camera: those are huge advantages over the Samsung Galaxy S4. After nearly half a year, Samsung’s flagship has finally found its match. Ignoring price for a second, we see no reason why you’d get the Galaxy S4 over the LG G2. The latter is faster and better. The biggest question is which device should you buy right now, in a time when the Galaxy S4 has dropped in price? Good news is that LG is very aggressive with its pricing and has already announced pre-launch price cuts in some markets that put the G2 head-to-head with SGS4. If you’re in one of those markets, save your pennies for the G2. Even if not, though, the LG G2 is still worth the slight premium even without a replaceable battery and expandable storage.

This comparison goes to show us the beauty of Android, as devices offer unique experiences that cater to different individuals. As we’ve clearly seen here, these two are on the complete opposite sides of the spectrum with their experiences – so it merely comes down to personal preference. However, when we factor pricing into the mix, we can vouch that the Samsung Galaxy S4 undoubtedly offers the most bang for the buck. And it shows too with its overall performance, as it’s a top contender in many different categories. Surely, the insane amount of features found with the Galaxy S4 is astounding on its own, so as its mighty specs sheet, but that might not win over all consumers. Some people just prefer simplicity, which is what the Moto X focuses intently upon with its features and experience. In fact, it doesn’t try to impress people in how many things it can do, but rather, it draws people into the way it delivers a seamless experience in what matters most with what we want to do with our smartphones.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 is the ultimate kitchen-sink Android phone for 2013, and MetroPCS brings it with low monthly rates.