Samsung's Galaxy S 4: Introduction & Hands On
by Anand Lal Shimpi on March 14, 2013 7:30 PM EST- Posted in
- Smartphones
- Samsung
- Mobile
- Galaxy S 4
Final Words
With a release scheduled for sometime in Q2 of this year, today’s announcement is more of a preview. We’re sure to have more details on hardware and software in the coming months. For now, the Galaxy S 4 seems like a logical evolution of the Galaxy S lineup. Faster hardware and a larger higher-resolution display were both expected and delivered upon.
Power users will be pleased by the modern SoC integration, and I’m sure there are some that will still be happy with the removable battery and micro SD card slot.
Samsung has continued to increase its focus on delivering enhancements through software, which is very obvious based on the list of launch features for the Galaxy S 4. Although I’m sure power users will still prefer unmodified Android, it’s important to note that many of the features Samsung is introducing with the Galaxy S 4 will be very easy to market to mainstream consumers. The ability to control your smartphone without ever touching it or pause/unpause video with a glance are marketing messages that are very clear and easy to deliver.
The same is true for the enhancements to the camera app. While Samsung continued down the path of the megapixel race, truth be told it will have an easier time selling the Galaxy S 4 to mainstream consumers based on specs and the added features enabled by the new camera app.
Round it all up with S Translate and S Health, two more features that aren’t really new but definitely speak directly to consumers. It’s Apple’s Siri strategy, but coming from many different angles. Samsung’s consumer focused strategy is one that has done very well and I see the Galaxy S 4 continuing that. The real question is how well all of these features will perform/work in final software. Conceptually the Galaxy S 4’s software suite makes a lot of sense, the proof as always will be in the execution and how long it takes Samsung to get to the appropriate level of polish.
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WaltC - Saturday, March 16, 2013 - link
Why list the PPI of every phone except the iPhone? Don't want to embarrass Apple?CeriseCogburn - Saturday, March 16, 2013 - link
Sounds right, you know how that internal fanboyism filter works.Science and stats becomes the drooling monkey as soon as the perceived Politically Correct winner is about.
WaltC - Wednesday, March 20, 2013 - link
Well, it's at least wonderful that we don't have to struggle through "Retina Display" comments as though the phrase meant something profound...;) I always preferred "Retsina Display" anyway.akdj - Wednesday, March 20, 2013 - link
Why such hatred for Apple/iPhone in these comments? Seems to become more and MORE ubiquitous....regardless of Anand's reviews. I'm a fan of both--I'm an owner of a Galaxy Note and iPhone 5. This would make a helluva 'thesis' for a graduate student in Psychology/Psychiatry!!! LOL. Too many of you folks spend WAY too much time beating up iPhone users, Apple's design philosophy and/or the silly 'benchmarks' that truly mean nothing when compared to 'real world' experience. I'm excited for the GS4. I can't get rid of my OG GNote fast enough. It's buggy and slow as hell---but dicking around with the Note 2, I've noticed a significant improvement in UI 'speed' and overall usability. I suppose this is to be expected from a gen 1 device (My Note 1)---but Good Lord!!! It seems not a single page in these 18 of comments lack a bash or poke to the eye of the iPhone or their owners. Words like 'retarded' are pretty lame...and definitely reveal the intelligence of said posters. Plenty of folks are asking valid questions and add interesting information to the discussion---but again, Where is this 'hate' coming from? Is it envy? As an iOS and Android developer...as well as Windows and OSx everyday user...it kicks my ass that so many people HERE, on one of the MOST respected 'geek' sites on Al Gore's inter-webs are so damned insecure when it comes to Apple products. I just don't get it. There really, truly is absolutely NO need to even bring the iPhone into the discussion. Anand didn't---other than a single mention or two when it comes to design aesthetics. Along with HTC and the use of aluminum vs. plastics. I don't mind the plastic on my note--and I definitely appreciate the easy access to my SD storage and battery---but when it comes down to the nit 'n grit, I do prefer the solidity of aluminum/metal construction. As well---the MOST complained about 'feature' if you will of Sammy phones IS the construction (use of plastic). Again, I don't necessarily agree that being the most detrimental issue on Samsung mobile devices. I just find it ridiculous the extent some will go to in order to slam what Apple is doing! Quite over the top---especially considering Apple's contribution to Smart Phone technology (along with Samsung/Google) back in '07.**Rant Over**
WaltC - Wednesday, March 20, 2013 - link
Feeling better?...;) Now, calm yourself and take a look at the table above entitled: "Smartphone Spec Comparison." If there's not an iPhone in there I'll eat my hat...;)frombauer - Sunday, March 17, 2013 - link
I would really like to see Samsung (or HTC) release a smaller version of these flagships. 5" is too big for me, give us the option to have a 4-4.3", quad-core, 2GB RAM, 720p phones!kascollet - Sunday, March 17, 2013 - link
+1000A small high end phone pleeeeaaaase !
ATBTCT - Sunday, March 17, 2013 - link
Despite the 5 inch screen this phone is the same size as S3 and HTC ONE.Mugur - Monday, March 18, 2013 - link
Yes, most people failed to noticed that... :-). It's not the size of the screen, but the size of the phone, people. Also it is 11 mm wider and 13 mm taller than an iPhone 5. It's not the size of a ping-pong pallet...kascollet - Monday, March 18, 2013 - link
Yes, that's too big for me.