I was a little slow to get on the smartphone bandwagon, but after getting a Samsung Galaxy S3 phone at the end of 2012, I was hooked. I am an Android girl through-and-through and proud of it, though after over a year with my S3, I couldn’t help but think about upgrading. So when Telus gave me the chance to review the new Samsung Galaxy S4, I was eager to it a try.
In all honesty, I didn’t expect much of a difference. I had seen the S4 and aside from being slightly larger and thinner, the basic layout and features seemed to be pretty similar to my current phone. So essentially, I expected I would be reviewing a slightly larger version of the same phone I already used with maybe a few minor tweaks to the interface and features.
I was wrong. The Samsung Galaxy S4 actually had quite a few significant improvements over its predecessor and I had a blast testing them out. From an upgraded camera to a more vibrant display to an upgraded version of Samsung’s TouchWiz interface, it was easier to use, sleeker and more intuitive.
As a social media lover, my personal favourite feature was the voice activation that was added to the camera. If there is one thing that drives me absolutely nuts about the reverse camera on the Galaxy S3, it’s fumbling around trying to hit the shutter button as I’m holding the camera away from myself and posing. Add in a few friends and it’s even more awkward! Now all I have to do is hold out the camera, say, “Shoot!” and the camera takes a picture! I’ve even used a phone stand to set the camera up and take group photos from afar.
I also loved the upgrade from a 720p screen to a full, high-definition 1080p screen. It may seem strange that the higher resolution can create such a noticeable difference when the screen is so small, but it really does. The text is crisp and clear, the colours are vibrant and the high-definition display is perfect for watching movies or playing games.
The camera itself was upgraded on the S4, boasting a 13MP main camera and a 2MP front-facing camera, but I have to be honest and say that I really didn’t notice an improvement in picture quality with the upgrade. The low-light performance is pretty weak and the daytime pictures were nice, but not noticeably better than the ones I took with my S3.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S4 was a significant upgrade from the S3 in a few noticeable ways. I still love the features on my S3, but there are a few changes such as the improved display, the extra GB of RAM and the upgraded TouchWiz interface that just make this phone easier and more fun to use. The phone is available from Telus for $99 on a two-year term or $700 with no term, so give it a try and see if you’re ready for an upgrade!
Brandy says
My brother just recently switched from the iPhone to the Galaxy S4 and is loving it. I gave up my smartphone just two weeks ago but have been looking at the S4 myself. Love your review. You are tempting me to cave and get back into the smartphone world. LOL!
Kathryn says
Lol it’s hard to resist once you’ve embraced it! The S4 definitely has some nice upgrades; I think I would have paid for the upgrade for that voice activated camera alone! 😉
natasha severson says
i want one of these phones very badly!
Janet W. says
Looks like a really good phone! Too bad they didn’t upgrade the quality any more on the camera to make it noticeable.
Kathryn says
You know it’s funny, Janet, it went from 9 to 13MP, so it should be a noticeable difference, and I’ve read other reviews that mentioned an improvement. So maybe it’s just my imperfect photography skills messing things up! Lol
Julie says
My phone is ancient and I would really love one of these!
Soozle says
This is a pretty amazing phone, indeed 🙂
Marianne says
Very cool, I personally just use a work phone, which happens to be windows based. It’s pretty new and I’m completely not adjusted yet 😛
Veronica S. says
This phone looks great. I’ll keep it in mind when I’m ready for an upgrade!
kelly young says
i am ready to upgrade from my bb this might be an option thank you.
Miriam Wilton says
My husband has this phone but i am an iPhone girl through and through. I just can’t do it! it’s so large! lol I am glad you are enjoying it’s new features though 🙂
caryn s says
MY HUSBAND just upgraded to a samsung and loves it! He especially loves the bigger screen and camera too!
Shan says
Hmm always been curious about these phones. may have to switch 🙂
Judy C (Judy Cowan) says
Thanks for the review, it sounds like a great phone. I have an older Samsung Galaxy and will probably upgrade this year!
Annika Paterson says
I need to renew my contract with Telus and my husband was talking about this phone. Thanks for the review! I think I will go have a look at this!
kristen visser says
awesome review! my phone can definitely use an upgrade!!!
kathy downey says
i love the review and wish i owned one
Nena Sinclair says
I would love to have this phone, I don’t have a smartphone and I love the look and features offered on this one!
Lori Jackson says
I love my samsung…hubby has iphone…not fan
Robyn L says
thanks for reviewing this and letting us know the new/better features
Erika B says
Looks like a great phone. Maybe after I finish my current iPhone contract I will look into this.
ELK. K. says
With this review, my old samsung will look like a garbage (^^)
Lindsay Cyr says
I’ve heard nothing but great things about Samsung phones, I think I will look into one when my current contract is up.
john hutchens says
this phone has some very nice features , I have been thinking about getting this phone and leaving the iphone behind
Jeannie says
I love how phones are constantly upgrading and making it better, but it makes me want to switch phones every few months!
Anna W says
My partner is probably the only one left that does not have a smart phone, he’s a flip phone guy still and people in stores have actually commented on it saying they didn’t realize those phones still existed! He is due for one in the future and he likes that I am always reading reviews to make his choice easier when the time comes! Great phone it’s on the list!
Paula H says
OMG my teen is begging for this phone and now i see why!
I may just have to upgrade myself and give him my iphone!!
Christy Martin says
I love the voice activated camera feature. I would be so “selfie” lol!