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Samsung Galaxy S4 I9500 The Ultimate Guide Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Release Date
2013, April
Camera
13MP
Battery
2600mAh
Battery Type
5W
Processor
Exynos 5410 Octa
Screen
5.0"
Storage
16GB/32GB/64GB , microSDXC
Ram
2GB RAM
Operating System
Android 4.2.2, up to 5.0.1, TouchWiz UI

Introduction to Samsung I9500 Galaxy S4

The Samsung I9500 Galaxy S4 was launched in March 2013 and quickly became one of the defining smartphones of its time. As a flagship model, it boasted numerous advanced features and specifications that set it apart from earlier models. Although it has been discontinued, its mark on the smartphone landscape remains significant.

Design and Build

The Galaxy S4 features an elegant and sleek design with dimensions of 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm and a weight of 130 grams, making it comfortable to hold and operate. The device sports a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, while the back and frame are constructed from durable plastic. This design choice balances aesthetics with practical durability.

Display Technology

The Galaxy S4 is equipped with a 5.0-inch Super AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and deep contrasts. With a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 441 ppi, the screen provides sharp and clear visuals that are a pleasure to view, whether indoors or under direct sunlight.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Galaxy S4 is powered by the Exynos 5410 Octa chipset, utilizing an octa-core CPU configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A15 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A7) and a PowerVR SGX544MP3 GPU. This combination delivers robust performance for multitasking and gaming. The device was initially available with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, upgradable to Android 5.0.1 Lollipop, bundled with Samsung's TouchWiz UI.

Memory and Storage Options

The smartphone offers various storage options: 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB, all paired with 2GB of RAM. Additionally, it features a dedicated microSDXC slot, allowing users to expand their storage further and store more apps, photos, and other media.

Camera Capabilities

The Galaxy S4 is equipped with a 13 MP main camera with an f/2.2 aperture and autofocus capabilities. It supports LED flash and HDR for enhanced photo quality, and can record videos at 1080p at 30fps. The front-facing camera is a 2 MP shooter, also capable of 1080p video recording and supports dual video calls, making it suitable for video conferencing and selfies.

Battery Life and Charging

The device comes with a removable Li-Ion 2600 mAh battery, supporting up to 17 hours of talk time on 3G, and up to 370 hours on standby. It can play music non-stop for up to 62 hours, providing adequate power for everyday use. Some models support wireless charging, providing added convenience for users.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Galaxy S4 supports a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and infrared. It also comes with GPS and GLONASS for precise location tracking. Although it lacks a built-in FM radio, its broad array of sensors—including accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, temperature, humidity, and gesture recognition—enhances the device's operability and user experience.

Audio and Multimedia

The phone includes a standard 3.5mm headphone jack and a loudspeaker that delivers clear audio quality. The device provides a satisfactory multimedia experience due to its high contrast display and powerful graphics processor.

Network and Connectivity

The Galaxy S4 supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, compatible with a wide range of 2G and 3G bands, ensuring reliable connectivity across different regions. Its data transfer speeds reach up to HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, providing a robust internet browsing and streaming experience.

Price and Market Impact

Priced initially at approximately 320 EUR, the Galaxy S4 represented a high-value offering in the smartphone market. Its mix of powerful specifications, innovative features, and premium design made it highly popular among consumers and a strong competitor against other brands in its segment.

Conclusion

The Samsung I9500 Galaxy S4 stands as a testament to the technological advancements of its time. With its high-quality display, impressive performance, and plethora of features, it set a benchmark for future smartphone designs. Although newer models have surpassed it in terms of technology, the Galaxy S4 remains a beloved model for its contributions to the smartphone landscape.

Key Features of Samsung I9500 Galaxy S4

  • Super AMOLED 5.0-inch display with 1080 x 1920 resolution, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
  • Powered by Exynos 5410 Octa-core processor (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A15 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A7).
  • Android OS, upgradable from 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) to 5.0.1 (Lollipop) with TouchWiz UI.
  • 13 MP main camera with LED flash and HDR, capable of 1080p video recording at 30fps.
  • 2 MP front-facing camera supporting dual video call.
  • Expandable storage via microSDXC card slot, with internal options of 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB paired with 2GB RAM.
  • Comprehensive connectivity options including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and Infrared port.
  • Supports microUSB 2.0 with MHL 2 TV-out and OTG functionality.
  • Equipped with multiple sensors: Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, temperature, humidity, and gesture.
  • 2600 mAh removable battery with optional wireless charging (market dependent).

Samsung I9500 Galaxy S4 Disadvantages

  • Discontinued model, which means no more updates or official support.
  • Plastic build may feel less premium compared to metal or glass constructions.
  • Limited to 3G connectivity; lacks 4G LTE support, impacting internet speed.
  • The original Android version is quite outdated; only upgradable to Android 5.0.1 (Lollipop).
  • No radio feature, which might be a drawback for users who rely on FM radio.
  • Despite having a removable battery, the 2600 mAh capacity may not meet modern usage needs.
  • Lacks advanced camera features and has relatively lower performance in low-light conditions.
  • MicroUSB 2.0 connection is outdated compared to modern USB-C standards.
  • The battery endurance rating is relatively low at 65 hours.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
Speed HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps
Launch
Announced 2013, March. Released 2013, April
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm (5.38 x 2.75 x 0.31 in)
Weight 130 g (4.59 oz)
Build Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame
SIM Micro-SIM
Display
Type Super AMOLED
Size 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~72.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density)
Protection Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Platform
OS Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 5.0.1 (Lollipop), TouchWiz UI
Chipset Exynos 5410 Octa (28 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A15 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A7)
GPU PowerVR SGX544MP3
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 13 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.14µm, AF
Features LED flash, HDR
Video 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single 2 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard)
Features Dual video call
Video 1080p@30fps
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX
Positioning GPS, GLONASS
NFC Yes
Infrared port Yes
Radio No
USB microUSB 2.0 (MHL 2 TV-out), OTG
Features
Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, temperature, humidity, gesture
Battery
Type Li-Ion 2600 mAh, removable
Charging Wireless (Qi) (market dependent)
Stand-by Up to 370 h (3G)
Talk time Up to 17 h (3G)
Music play Up to 62 h
Misc
Colors White Frost, Black Mist, Arctic Blue, Black Edition
Models GT-I9500, SGH-I337M, SGH-M919, GT-I9507V, SHV-E330L, SPH-L720T, SHV-E300S, SHV-E300L, SHV-E300K, GT-I9507, SGH-M919N
SAR 0.85 W/kg (head)     1.55 W/kg (body)
SAR EU 0.42 W/kg (head)     0.54 W/kg (body)
Price About 320 EUR
Tests
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 3.352:1 (sunlight)
Camera Photo / Video
Loudspeaker Voice 70dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 77dB
Audio quality Noise -95.9dB / Crosstalk -96.4dB
Battery (old) Endurance rating 65h

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