Samsung I9506 Galaxy S4 Comprehensive Review with Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Samsung I9506 Galaxy S4

The Samsung I9506 Galaxy S4 was part of the fourth generation of Samsung’s renowned Galaxy S series. Released in the third quarter of 2013, it was introduced as a high-end smartphone catering to users who demanded robust performance and a seamless user experience. Although it has been discontinued, the device remains a notable mention in Samsung’s history due to its innovative features and considerable popularity during its release period.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung I9506 Galaxy S4 boasts dimensions of 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm and weighs just 130 g. The lightweight design makes it quite portable, and its sleek, slim profile allows it to comfortably fit into the user's hand or pocket. The device features a Micro-SIM slot and was available in multiple colors, including White Frost and Black Mist. The design emphasizes a modern, minimalistic look with a plastic body, which was a common design approach in smartphones during its time.

Display

This model comes equipped with a 5.0-inch Super AMOLED display, offering users vibrant colors and deep contrasts that enhance the visual experience. With a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 441 ppi, the screen provides sharp and clear visuals, catering well to activities like video playback, gaming, and web browsing. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which adds a layer of durability against scratches and accidental drops.

Hardware and Performance

Under the hood, the Samsung I9506 Galaxy S4 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8974 Snapdragon 800 chipset, coupled with a quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 CPU and an Adreno 330 GPU. This configuration ensures smooth multitasking and handling of demanding applications and games. The device was available with either 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, complemented by 2GB of RAM. Additionally, it features a dedicated microSDXC slot for expandable storage, allowing users to add more space for apps, photos, and other media.

Software

At launch, the Samsung I9506 Galaxy S4 ran on Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) and was upgradable to Android 5.0.1 (Lollipop). It came with Samsung’s proprietary TouchWiz UI, which provided users with customizable options and features that enhanced the overall laid-back Android experience. TouchWiz UI was designed for ease of use, delivering a user-friendly interface whilst simultaneously offering extensive customization options.

Camera

Photography enthusiasts found an attractive proposition in the Galaxy S4 with its 13 MP primary camera. This camera comprises a f/2.2 aperture and features autofocus and an LED flash to improve low-light photography. The camera app includes various modes to augment shooting experiences, alongside an HDR feature that captures images with balanced exposure. On the front, there is a 2 MP selfie camera, which also supports dual video call functionality. Both the primary and selfie cameras are capable of recording Full HD 1080p videos at 30 frames per second.

Battery Life

The phone is powered by a removable 2600 mAh Li-Ion battery. It supports wireless charging (Qi), depending on the market, which was a pioneering feature at the time. The phone offers considerable battery life with up to 17 hours of talk time and up to 370 hours of standby time on a 3G network. For music enthusiasts, the device provides up to 62 hours of music playback time, ensuring ongoing entertainment on the go.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Samsung I9506 Galaxy S4 offers a range of connectivity options, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 4.0 supports activities such as wireless audio streaming and file transfers. For navigation, it features both GPS and GLONASS, ensuring precise and fast positioning. The device also supports NFC, allowing seamless data exchange with NFC-compatible devices, and houses an infrared port for controlling household appliances.

Sensors and Miscellaneous Features

In terms of sensors, the Galaxy S4 is equipped with an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, temperature & humidity sensor, and gesture sensor. These enhance the phone's versatility, making it suitable for various applications like fitness tracking, weather-based apps, and interactive gesture controls. While the phone does not include a radio, it comes with a microUSB 2.0 port and supports USB on-the-go for peripheral connectivity. Additionally, the phone includes a 3.5mm audio jack for conventional audio listening.

Conclusion

The Samsung I9506 Galaxy S4 was a standout release in the Galaxy series, known for its powerful hardware configurations and comprehensive feature set. Despite its discontinuation, the device remains a memorable piece within the tech community due to its offerings like a high-resolution display, respectable camera capabilities, and the performance-driven Snapdragon 800 chipset. It catered to a wide audience, balancing premium features with a user-friendly interface and solid performance, which collectively contributed to its success during its production period.