![]() ![]() Even when strong pressure is applied on the rear panel, no changes can be discerned on the screen itself and there are basically no clearances anywhere on the phone. Although it is crafted from plastics, the case is extremely sturdy and stable. Talking about facts instead of taste: The Galaxy S4's build quality is excellent. Despite the ongoing patent war between Apple and Samsung, the Galaxy S4 appears more chiseled than its predecessor, taking a step closer towards the industrial design of the iPhone 5 its curves remain more pronounced than its edges. However, the rear panel can be removed completely and swapped for a different one, should this be desired. We do not really appreciate the dominance of this effect on the backside of the Galaxy S4, particularly so since the glossy surface is not fingerprint-resistant at all. Here, the dots on the rear are rather dominant due to a highly reflective surface while they appear to be less pronounced (almost like small dents) on the white version. The same holds true for the new design choices that include numerous tiny dots on both the front and back sides of the smartphone. Whether this is to be liked or not remains a matter of taste. ![]() Still, the material remains what it is: Plain polycarbonate. Samsung tries to appease its critics (as it did with the Galaxy S III) by implementing a chrome-colored frame running around the sides. Still, critics dismiss the haptic of such devices as inferior since they lack a first-class feel when compared to the likes of the iPhone 5 or the HTC One. This is not all bad, though: Next to keeping the costs down for Samsung, it also allows for more lightweight smartphones. Nothing but plastics - Samsung sticks true to the same material choice for all of its smartphones, including its high-end devices. ![]() But is this enough to keep its top spot in the market? Our detailed analysis will show. Samsung appears to have done its homework. Last, but not least, the Samsung Galaxy S III remains on the market so that the new flagship model is condemned to offer a significant improvement in order to prevent potential customers from just choosing the more affordable predecessor. Some competitors stem from within Samsung, for example, the very well equipped Samsung Ativ S, a Windows Phone 8 device that has come to sell for less than 300 Euros (~$385). And then there is always Blackberry with its new Blackberry Z10 and a revamped OS fighting for a chance to get back to the top. The HTC 8X is another Windows Phone 8 top-tier device. Then there is Nokia with its Windows Phone 8 flagship, the Lumia 920, a smartphone with its very own colorful design language, wireless charging functionality and nifty little details such as a touchscreen, which can be controlled with gloves as well. The Google Nexus 4 is famous for its phenomenal value-for-money-ratio. Both the Sony Xperia Z and the Sony Xperia ZL are high-end smartphones with fast processors and Full HD displays. The LG Optimus G offers great performance while being distinguished by a backside made from glass. Apart from the eternal rival, Apple with its iPhone 5, a number of manufacturers have assembled very competitive high-quality devices as well: The HTC One has been extremely well received, not just in our review. However, the competition is not sleeping, either. By the middle of June, a variant with 64 GB of internal memory is supposed to be released, while Russia is rumored to be the first European country to get an octa-core variant by the end of May. In addition, a vast array of software novelties ranging from different display profiles (in order to generate even more brilliant imagery) to contact-free gesture controls, voice commands, eye tracking and much more have been implemented. Its specifications are remarkable: A Full HD display, which makes use of the Super AMOLED technology, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 quad-core processor, a fast Adreno 320 graphics board, 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of flash memory. Now a new top model is out, the Galaxy S4. For the last three years, Samsung's pride has been its flagship devices, the Galaxy S, Galaxy S II and Galaxy S III, technological pinnacles within the Android ecosystem. South Korea - ever since the first Galaxy S hit the shelves in 2010, the fight for the top spot in the smartphone business has been on. ![]() For the original German review, see here. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |