If bigger is better, Samsung’s Galaxy S4 dwarfs arch-rival the iPhone 5.
But when deciding which smartphone is worth the price, consider more than size. Personality counts, too.
Do you prefer an overload of options, or is a simpler experience more your speed?
While Tech Guru founder Daniel Moshe says the iPhone 5 continues Apple’s tradition of an easy-to-use device that “you can’t screw up,” Samsung’s flagship smartphone is all about stirring the senses.
“It’s striking. It’s really impressive,” said Moshe, who runs a Minneapolis-based IT support company. “They’ve come a long way from making these ugly plastic things to a sharper-looking phone.”
The Galaxy S4, which Samsung announced last week is the fastest-selling Android phone in history, bills itself as a “life companion.” As an evolved version of its predecessor, the Galaxy S III, this upgrade has Google’s latest Android OS, a thinner design with a larger 5-inch screen and a 13-megapixel rear camera.
Compared to the iPhone 5’s 8 megapixels, pics on the Galaxy S4 appear more vibrant and with a better zoom function. There’s also a 2-megapixel front camera that allows you to simultaneoulsy snap a picture of yourself.
You can also take pics with a voice command or employ an “eraser” mode to wipe out blurry parts of an image.
Other unique features include a sensor software that reads your eye movement — web pages scroll automatically and videos pause when you look away from the screen.
And as another add-on, the phone has an “air gesture” option. If you hover your finger over a part of the screen, it magnifies that area, or you can wave your hand above the device to answer a call or swipe through the phone’s picture gallery.
But indulging your inner Jedi takes some getting used to, and only seems practical if you’re in the middle of eating.
Overall, the phone takes into consideration that you’re probably a multitasker. A “multi window” option allows you to toggle between your Gmail, web browser and other apps without exiting those programs.
And if you’re a fan of accessories, the phone is compatible with Samsung’s TecTiles 2, which uses the NFC (Near Field Communications) technology. The TecTiles are square stickers used to auto launch an app or change the phone’s settings whenever you hold the Galaxy S4 over it.
For instance, you can stick a TecTile tag in your car and program it to open Google Maps.
Or simply, open apps with your voice.
Not to be outsmarted by the iPhone’s voice-activated personal assistant, Siri, the Galaxy S4 has its own worthy nemesis — Google Now.
The feature automatically alerts you to real-time traffic, weather updates and news stories you might want to share based on your preferences.
With so many bells ‘n whistles to sort out, the phone provides a lot of flash, which is good — as long as it suits your personality.
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Smartphone Face-off
Retail price (without carrier contract)
Galaxy S4: $579
iPhone 5: $649
Screen size
Galaxy S4: 5 inches
iPhone 5: 4 inches
Fun app
Galaxy S4: WatchON lets you use the phone as a universal TV remote
iPhone 5: Vine lets you make six-second videos for social media sites
Battery life while using Wi-Fi
Galaxy S4: 5 hours, 49 min.
iPhone 5: 7 hours, 15 min.
Sales milestone
Galaxy S4: 10 million units in 27 days
iPhone 5: 5 million units in three days
Celebrity fans
Galaxy S4: Pro tennis player David Ferrer
iPhone 5: Pop star Justin Bieber
