Samsung Galaxy S4

Samsung Galaxy S4 Review (2013): Specs, Features, and Performance

Samsung Raises the Bar Again

After the record-breaking success of the Samsung Galaxy S III, all eyes were on Samsung’s next flagship. In 2013, the company delivered the Samsung Galaxy S4, promising not just better specs but a complete “life companion.”

With its 5-inch Full HD display, powerful octa-core or quad-core processor, and 13 MP camera, the Galaxy S4 redefined what a smartphone could do. It wasn’t just about power, Samsung added innovative features like Air Gesture, Smart Scroll, and Smart Pause that pushed the boundaries of user interaction.

But does the Galaxy S4 live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the full Samsung Galaxy S4 review.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Samsung Galaxy S4 design looks familiar, much like the Galaxy S III. However, closer inspection shows Samsung has refined the formula.

Dimensions: 136.6 × 69.8 × 7.9 mm

Weight: 130 grams

Despite having a larger display, the S4 is slimmer and lighter than its predecessor. The polycarbonate body may not feel as premium as metal designs from HTC or Apple, but it remains durable and lightweight.

The textured plastic back improves grip, and the removable rear cover allows access to the battery and microSD slot, features that Samsung users love. The S4 launched in White Frost and Black Mist, with more colors following later.

Display: Stunning 5-Inch Full HD Super AMOLED

The Samsung Galaxy S4 display is one of its standout features.

Size: 5.0 inches

Resolution: 1920 × 1080 pixels (Full HD)

Technology: Super AMOLED

Pixel Density: ~441 ppi

Compared to the Galaxy S III’s 720p screen, the jump to 1080p Full HD is significant. The display is sharp, colors are vibrant, and blacks are deep. Watching videos, browsing photos, or gaming feels incredibly immersive.

Samsung’s Adapt Display technology also adjusts sharpness, brightness, and contrast depending on what’s on screen, ensuring optimal viewing.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Specs

Here are the key specs of the Samsung Galaxy S4:

Display: 5.0-inch Full HD Super AMOLED

Processor: Exynos 5410 Octa-core (1.6 GHz Cortex-A15 + 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7) – international

Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 Quad-core 1.9 GHz – LTE versions

GPU: PowerVR SGX544MP3 (Exynos) / Adreno 320 (Snapdragon)

RAM: 2 GB

Storage: 16/32/64 GB, expandable via microSD (up to 64 GB)

Rear Camera: 13 MP, LED flash, 1080p@30fps video

Front Camera: 2 MP, 1080p video

Battery: 2600 mAh removable

OS at Launch: Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with TouchWiz Nature UX 2.0

Connectivity: 4G LTE, 3G HSPA+, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, IR Blaster, GPS

With these specs, the Samsung Galaxy S4 performance places it among the most powerful smartphones of 2013.

Performance and Software Experience

Samsung didn’t just rely on raw specs, the Galaxy S4 performance is backed by the new TouchWiz Nature UX 2.0, running on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. Every day use feels smooth, with apps loading quickly. Multitasking is seamless, thanks to 2 GB of RAM. Gaming performance is impressive, handling titles like Asphalt 7 and Dead Trigger 2 without lag. Samsung also added an IR blaster, allowing the Galaxy S4 to function as a universal TV remote, a clever addition in 2013.

Camera: 13 Megapixels of Innovation

The Samsung Galaxy S4 camera received a huge upgrade to 13 MP, making it one of the best mobile cameras of 2013. Daylight shots are sharp, detailed, and colorful. Low-light performance is improved compared to the Galaxy S III. Video recording supports Full HD at 30fps with smooth results. The 2 MP front camera also records Full HD video and supports Dual Shot, capturing images with both front and rear cameras simultaneously.

Other camera innovations include:

Drama Shot – Capture multiple action frames in one photo.

Sound & Shot – Add short audio clips to pictures.

Eraser Mode – Remove unwanted moving objects.

These features set the Galaxy S4 camera apart from rivals like the iPhone 5 and HTC One.

Software Features: Smarter Interaction

Samsung packed the S4 with unique software features to complement its hardware:

Air View: Hover your finger to preview content.

Air Gesture: Wave your hand to control calls, music, and scrolling.

Smart Scroll: Tilt your head to scroll through pages.

Smart Pause: Videos pause automatically when you look away.

Group Play: Share photos, music, and games with nearby Galaxy devices.

S Health: A fitness app for tracking steps, calories, and more. Some features feel like gimmicks, but they show Samsung’s drive to innovate and make smartphones more interactive.

Battery Life

Battery performance is critical, and the Samsung Galaxy S4 battery life delivers.

Capacity: 2600 mAh removable

Average Use: One full day on moderate usage

Heavy Use: High-end gaming, LTE browsing, and video may require a recharge by evening. Unlike many rivals, the removable battery allows users to swap in a spare, extending the phone’s life on the go. The Galaxy S4 also supports power-saving modes to stretch battery endurance.

Galaxy S4 vs. Galaxy S III

The Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Galaxy S3 comparison makes it clear: the S4 is an improvement in almost every area while being lighter and slimmer.

Pros and Cons of the Samsung Galaxy S4

Pros:

Gorgeous 5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display

Excellent Samsung Galaxy S4 camera with advanced shooting modes

Powerful performance for apps, games, and multitasking

Unique Galaxy S4 features like Air Gesture and Smart Scroll

Removable battery and expandable storage

Cons:

Plastic build feels less premium than rivals

TouchWiz UI can feel heavy at times

Some software features seem gimmicky

Conclusion: The Life Companion of 2013

The Samsung Galaxy S4 isn’t just another upgrade, it’s Samsung’s bold statement in 2013. By combining cutting-edge hardware, innovative software features, and a refined design, the Galaxy S4 cements its place as one of the year’s most advanced smartphones.

Whether you’re after a powerful Android device, a feature-packed camera phone, or a long-lasting daily driver, the Samsung Galaxy S4 review proves that this smartphone ticks all the right boxes.

For many users in 2013, the Galaxy S4 is truly the next big thing, and perhaps the ultimate “life companion.”

Specs