Samsung Galaxy S4 review

Is the Samsung Galaxy S4 still a worthwhile buy?

Reviews
By published
Samsung Galaxy S4 review
Evolution, meet revolution

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Samsung Galaxy S4 review

Outside shots looks stunning

Click here to see the full-res image

Samsung Galaxy S4 review

Auto macro mode is swift and strong

Click here to see the full-res image

Samsung Galaxy S4 review

This cat is a tart - but the clarity of the tongue is impressive

Click here to see the full-res image

Samsung Galaxy S4 review

Overall tone tends to the darker

Click here to see the full-res image

Samsung Galaxy S4 review

Compared to the HTC One picture, the detail is less crisp but the brightness is higher here

Click here to see the full-res image

Samsung Galaxy S4

Simple pictures come out great

Click here to see the full-res image

Samsung Galaxy S4 review

Using the effects, you can take some great shots

Click here to see the full-res image

Galaxy S4 review

Using the cartoon effect on geometric scenes gives good results too

Click here to see the full-res image

Samsung Galaxy S4 review

Strong and direct light does tend to make the Galaxy S4 struggle

Click here to see the full-res image

Galaxy S4 review

Drama shot can take a few attempts, and the result is never in focus

Click here to see the full-res image

Galaxy S4 review

Why would you want to be in the shot too? Although you can move the face around.

Click here to see the full-res image

Samsung Galaxy S4 review

Compare these two photos, this S4 effort has more natural detail

Click here to see the full-res image

Samsung Galaxy S4 review

But the HTC One has a brighter overall tone

Click here to see the full-res image

Samsung Galaxy S4 review

In low light, the S4 is acceptable

Click here to see the full-res image

Samsung Galaxy S4 review

But it's not a patch on the UltraPixel power

Click here to see the full-res image

Samsung Galaxy S4 review

This is a GIF taken from the Galaxy S4 - it's a really easy mode to use, does offer some nice results.

Click here to see full-res GIF

Galaxy S4 review

This cat is not dancing - but with Animated Photo IT LOOKS LIKE IT IS!

Click here to see full-res GIF

TOPICS
Gareth Beavis
Gareth Beavis
Formerly Global Editor in Chief

Gareth has been part of the consumer technology world in a career spanning three decades. He started life as a staff writer on the fledgling TechRadar, and has grew with the site (primarily as phones, tablets and wearables editor) until becoming Global Editor in Chief in 2018. Gareth has written over 4,000 articles for TechRadar, has contributed expert insight to a number of other publications, chaired panels on zeitgeist technologies, presented at the Gadget Show Live as well as representing the brand on TV and radio for multiple channels including Sky, BBC, ITV and Al-Jazeera. Passionate about fitness, he can bore anyone rigid about stress management, sleep tracking, heart rate variance as well as bemoaning something about the latest iPhone, Galaxy or OLED TV.

Latest in Samsung Galaxy Phones
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 could be in line for a Galaxy S25 Ultra-level camera upgrade
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, close up on the dual camera system, against a marbled background
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is being tipped to come with a sweet Google Gemini deal
Samsung Galaxy A56 display
Samsung’s new budget handsets are getting One UI 7 before the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and I’m as confused as you are
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on display the January 22, 2025 Galaxy Unpacked event.
New Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge may have revealed some key details – including its price
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra HANDS ON
‘I don't see a space where the S Pen is not a key part of our portfolio’: Samsung executive defends the S Pen amid cancellation rumors
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with S Pen drawn, demonstrating Circle to Search
Samsung says ‘millions’ are using Galaxy AI regularly, despite surprising survey results
Latest in Reviews
Alienware 27 AW2725Q monitor on desk displaying a scene from Cyberpunk 2077
I played games with Alienware's new 27-inch 4K OLED monitor and now I don't want to see another LCD panel
MacBook Air 15-inch with M4 chip on a creative's desk with screen open
I've reviewed the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) - and it remains the best 15-inch laptop I'd recommend for most people
Samsung Music Frame on a table beside some books and a vase
I spent six weeks listening to the Samsung Music Frame and it kept missing the beat
GlocalMe KeyTracker
When I tested this global tracker, it trounced the Apple AirTag in so many ways
Groov-e Boston DAB radio on a wooden table
I tested this affordable DAB radio and, sadly, its tinny output made me think of every car garage I've ever been to
An AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on its retail packaging
I've reviewed three generations of 3D V-cache processors, and the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the best there is
The Toyota FT-Me Concept sitting in a car park

Toyota's self-charging concept EV could help you tackle the daily commute on solar power alone
A close up of The Daily podcast from Pocket Casts' web page

‘Podcasting shouldn’t be locked behind walled gardens’: Pocket Casts slams Spotify and makes its web player free to all
An American flag flying outside the US Capitol building against a blue sky

The FCC is creating a security council to bolster US defenses against cyberattacks
See more latest
Most Popular
Alienware 27 AW2725Q monitor on desk displaying a scene from Cyberpunk 2077
I played games with Alienware's new 27-inch 4K OLED monitor and now I don't want to see another LCD panel
Groov-e Boston DAB radio on a wooden table
I tested this affordable DAB radio and, sadly, its tinny output made me think of every car garage I've ever been to
MacBook Air 15-inch with M4 chip on a creative's desk with screen open
I've reviewed the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) - and it remains the best 15-inch laptop I'd recommend for most people
The Amazfit Helio smart ring pictured on a concrete surface.
Amazfit Helio Ring review: a cheaper Oura alternative if sleep is your top priority
Privacy Hero II
I tested this secure router and the bundled year of VPN service feels mostly like a marketing exercise
Samsung Music Frame on a table beside some books and a vase
I spent six weeks listening to the Samsung Music Frame and it kept missing the beat
GlocalMe KeyTracker
When I tested this global tracker, it trounced the Apple AirTag in so many ways
The Honor Pad V9 on a bronze table.
The Honor Pad V9 is the mid-range, Android-powered iPad rival you've been looking for
The Sennheiser HD 505 headphones held in a man's hand
I tested Sennheiser's HD 505 wired headphones, and they give you a taste of the high end at a real-world price
Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G lens indoors
Sony’s super wide-angle 16mm F1.8 prime shoots fast and travels light, but relies on distortion correction