Samsung Galaxy S4 – One Year Later

No, this is not about a new gadget. Technologies move so fast that most gadgets have rather short product cycle. By the first month of a product launch (sometime even before the launch), the craze would be over, and everyone moved on to the next shiny new toy.

This is my take of the one-year old Samsung Galaxy S4.

S4 with Sugru corner bumper

I have not used a Samsung phone prior to the S4. For some reason, I am not a Samsung fan – I don’t associate Samsung as cool, and they are definitely not value for money judging from their recent price list. While my view hasn't changed after using the S4, I get to understand why people buy it. In fact, it has just become my longest serving smartphone.

The evolution and lack of

Not long ago before the S4, the Galaxy lines were still in the shade of iPhone. It started off as little knockoff, there is no two ways about it. But that i-mould has certainly faded away since the S3 came about. More importantly, should you care? Unless you are an iFan or Apple shareholder, there is really no reason to be upset about competitors stealing the good and useful features from one another. In fact, the competition is only good for us as the consumers. Although you could, you don’t reinvent the wheels to build a car. That’s how technology evolves at a faster speed.

The pebble shaped S3 is the big leap of the Galaxy lines in terms of design language. It found its own style with little shadow from the iPhone-ish S2. I would actually rate S3 as the best design among S1 – S5. Perhaps because of the success, Samsung became overly cautious in the subsequent releases in S4 and even S5. There was no significant change to the design, other than it getting bigger and more angular. The continuation of material choice also left little to be desired of. S3 was a breakthrough, S4 was sleek, and S5 was just pure boring and arguably a step back. Responses from the recent launch events were evident of that disappointment. Hopefully the departure of the Galaxy’s Chief Designer represented a new chapter of the Samsung flagship.


Why is it a keeper?

Although it does not stand out in its look, S4 is a well-built device. The thin bezels still look as sleek next to the freshly baked S5. I am happy to report that my S4 withstood a full year of daily use, and aged gracefully. Admittedly, I am very careful with all my gadgets. The plastic made body is not as flimsy as it sounded. There is no loose, or deformed parts because of normal wear and tear. Buttons remain responsive, and the battery continues to serve me for about a day.

Samsung produce hardware components, and keep the best and the latest for themselves. A prime example is its AMOLED screen, which is arguably the killer feature of Samsung phones. The AMOLED screen is known for its vibrant and saturated colors, with deep black, and great power efficiency. Some people may find the popping colors unnatural, but they are undeniably beautiful screens. I actually know a few friends who are reluctant to switch just because of the screen.

Another popular feature is its expandability. S4, like the other Galaxy devices, has a removable back. When unveiled, you can find options to add more storage (sd card), more battery life (extended battery), better NFC detection, wireless charging extension, or simply change the look of the phone. It is this “option” that many of us really appreciate. In many ways “option” is also the essence of Android.

with wireless charging receiver

There is almost no major flaw (less the design yes) with the S4. It has one of the best camera, great battery life, descent speakers and what not. The phone is still running smooth and strong after one year, during which different versions of Jellybean and KitKat have been rolled out.

Using a mass popular phone model also means that there is vast range of accessories available. Ask a Nokia user and you will know the pain of being special. There is also more resources and support e.g. in the form of forums like XDA.

I find it strange that there is no urge for me to change the phone. Considering I am not exactly a Samsung fan, and I used to upgrade every 6 months in average. Perhaps it is the overall usability of S4, or perhaps it is the maturity of the smartphone industry. The latest range of smartphones no longer beat the last generation by miles.

Samsung, and in fact all manufacturers, needs a breakthrough. Something that is truly special AND useful. Or risk becoming the next Nokia and Blackberry.

For now I am still enjoying the old S4...... wait, is that a LG G3?!