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Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Samsung Galaxy S III

posted by Ray S.

Apr 09, 2013, 5:27 AM

Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Samsung Galaxy S III

Introduction

The Samsung Galaxy S III was an absolute smash-hit in 2012. Few were the Android smartphones that dared to challenge it, and even fewer were those that stood any chance at all. However, time has once again proved that nothing lasts forever, as we're now 2013, and the good old GS III is now much less impressive than it was a year ago. But that doesn't mean that another company is to steal the crown from Samsung. Nope. Sammy has been refining and improving its billion-dollar formula, and the results of its efforts are evident in the Galaxy S4 – a handset that seems absolutely worthy of succeeding the wonderful Galaxy S III.

OK, so the Galaxy S4 is an amazing smartphone worth every penny, but there certainly are a lot of folks out there who are still rocking the GS III. Should those guys think about upgrading to the GS 4, or are they OK with their GS IIIs for another year? Enough questions! Let's go get ourselves some answers!

Design

We've all heard people say that the GS III and GS4 are almost identical in terms of external design. Well, this is so not true! OK, the Galaxy S4 is certainly in the same style as the Galaxy S III, but it is significantly better. Not only does it look better, but it is actually a bit narrower and a bit thinner than its predecessor, while sporting a bigger screen at the same time! This alone is an extraordinary achievement by Samsung. And as we said, it actually looks way better with its thinner bezel, more symetric design and better key layout.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 (left) and the Samsung Galaxy S III (right) - Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Samsung Galaxy S III

The Samsung Galaxy S4 (left) and the Samsung Galaxy S III (right)

Other than that, both devices are made of pretty much the same plastic material, which should be polycarbonate, though whatever it is, it sure isn't very tough, so you'll have to be extra careful with both of these guys.

Front view
Side view

Samsung Galaxy S4

Dimensions

5.38 x 2.75 x 0.31 inches

136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm

Weight

4.59 oz (130 g)

Samsung Galaxy S III

Dimensions

5.38 x 2.78 x 0.34 inches

136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6 mm

Weight

4.69 oz (133 g)

Samsung Galaxy S4

Dimensions

5.38 x 2.75 x 0.31 inches

136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm

Weight

4.59 oz (130 g)

Samsung Galaxy S III

Dimensions

5.38 x 2.78 x 0.34 inches

136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6 mm

Weight

4.69 oz (133 g)

To see the phones in real size or compare them with other models, visit our Visual Phone Size Comparison page

Both handsets have the same key layout, and unfortunately, the Galaxy S4's keys do not feel any better than those of its predecessor, so no major construction upgrades here. Samsung has also decided to keep its favorite touch-sensitive Menu and Back keys, positioned to the left and right of the Home button below the screen. We actually tend to like this configuration, as it doesn't take up precious screen space.

Left sides

Right

Top

Bottom

Backs

Rear cameras

The sides of the Samsung Galaxy S4 (bottom, left) and the Samsung Galaxy S III (top, right)

Display

Even though the Galaxy S III's display looked amazing last year, it's now somewhat weird compared to the 1080p panels that start to overtake the market this year. That includes the screen of the Galaxy S4, which is so much better than the one of its predecessor. Not only is it higher-res, but it also boasts more natural colors that are still vibrant, but not to the point of being artificial and unpleasant.

It's not like the GS III's display is bad, even by today's standards, but the one of the GS4 is better in every aspect.

View more + 4 images

Display measurements and quality

	Maximum brightness Higher is better	Minimum brightness (nits) Lower is better	Contrast Higher is better	Color temperature (Kelvins)	Gamma	Delta E rgbcmy Lower is better	Delta E grayscale Lower is better
Samsung Galaxy S4	289 (Poor)	9 (Average)	unmeasurable (Excellent)	7316 (Good)	2.16	5.52 (Average)	7.31 (Average)
Samsung Galaxy S III	294 (Poor)	20 (Poor)	unmeasurable (Excellent)	7990 (Average)	2.14	7.67 (Average)	6.11 (Average)

View all

The numbers below represent the amount of deviation in the respective property, observed when a display is viewed from a 45-degree angle as opposed to direct viewing.

	Maximum brightness Lower is better	Minimum brightness Lower is better	Contrast Lower is better	Color temperature Lower is better	Gamma Lower is better	Delta E rgbcmy Lower is better	Delta E grayscale Lower is better
Samsung Galaxy S4	58.5%	55.6%	unmeasurable	19.9%	0.9%	63.8%	74.4%
Samsung Galaxy S III	No data	No data	unmeasurable	26.9%	0%	31.2%	89.5%

View all

The CIE 1931 xy color gamut chart represents the set (area) of colors that a display can reproduce, with the sRGB colorspace (the highlighted triangle) serving as reference. The chart also provides a visual representation of a display's color accuracy. The small squares across the boundaries of the triangle are the reference points for the various colors, while the small dots are the actual measurements. Ideally, each dot should be positioned on top of its respective square. The 'x: CIE31' and 'y: CIE31' values in the table below the chart indicate the position of each measurement on the chart. 'Y' shows the luminance (in nits) of each measured color, while 'Target Y' is the desired luminance level for that color. Finally, 'ΔE 2000' is the Delta E value of the measured color. Delta E values of below 2 are ideal.

These measurements are made using Portrait Displays' CalMAN calibration software.

View all

Samsung Galaxy S4 360-Degrees View:

Samsung Galaxy S III 360-Degrees View:

FEATURED VIDEO

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65 Comments

1. thethird

Posts: 72; Member since: Mar 28, 2013

Two awesome devices. Built to last. :) [+]

posted on Apr 09, 2013, 5:31 AM 26

9. samballik

Posts: 3; Member since: Apr 09, 2013

Sony and HTC and Samsung are the phones with most features, apps and games.

posted on Apr 09, 2013, 6:07 AM 15

41. BackHandLegend

Posts: 80; Member since: Dec 15, 2012

Except any HTC root user will tell you that we really HATE sense.

posted on Apr 09, 2013, 8:53 PM 7

44. cezarepc

Posts: 718; Member since: Nov 23, 2012

True story.

posted on Apr 09, 2013, 11:29 PM 2

47. deacz

Posts: 162; Member since: Nov 02, 2011

sense is great!

posted on Apr 10, 2013, 2:29 AM 3

18. KParks23

Posts: 748; Member since: Oct 13, 2010

I've made my mind up I'm waiting for the Verizon htc incredible one or whatever they want to call it but incredible one sounds tight.. At this point I'm so fed up with Sammy they can put a I7 processor in there phone and I still won't buy another 1 my s3 has been nothing but a paper weight!

posted on Apr 09, 2013, 7:12 AM 4

42. LebronJamesFanboy

Posts: 671; Member since: Mar 23, 2013

Which one is the S4? Both are hideous...

posted on Apr 09, 2013, 10:09 PM 6

50. chocolaking

Posts: 495; Member since: May 22, 2012

Galaxy S3 and a Galaxy S3s ! LMAO!!!

posted on Apr 10, 2013, 4:14 PM 0

2. emadshiny

Posts: 1144; Member since: Dec 05, 2012

which one is S3 and which is S4?! LOL

posted on Apr 09, 2013, 5:34 AM 40

4. Rehankhan

Posts: 323; Member since: Oct 24, 2012

sony troll spotted :)

posted on Apr 09, 2013, 5:39 AM 27

7. darkskoliro

Posts: 1092; Member since: May 07, 2012

doesnt matter if its sony fan, anyone would crack this joke xD

posted on Apr 09, 2013, 5:46 AM 23

10. _Bone_

Posts: 2155; Member since: Oct 29, 2012

Most phones have a big screen and rounded corners, so it makes the S4 look like a lot of others too following that logic. But it's texture, screen dominance and more rectangular build makes it noticeably more elegant than it predecessor. http://i-cdn.phonearena.com/images/reviews/130431-image/Samsung-Galaxy-S4-vs-Samsung-Galaxy-S-III-06.jpg

posted on Apr 09, 2013, 6:08 AM 2

12. loken

Posts: 462; Member since: May 09, 2012

One is the note 2 mini and one is the s3

posted on Apr 09, 2013, 6:26 AM 14

43. LebronJamesFanboy

Posts: 671; Member since: Mar 23, 2013

On a real note, Samsung needs to start trying with their designs. The plastic is ok but we all know Samsung can do better.

posted on Apr 09, 2013, 10:11 PM 0

15. TROLL

Posts: 4851; Member since: Apr 13, 2012

No this isn't the iphone 4, 4s which you can never tell the diffrence unless looking at the top where it doesn't have a line on the left side® Why the Troll,,,,? It's still using Android, like Htc Sony Lg Samsung and all other oems. Why the hate? ™

posted on Apr 09, 2013, 6:47 AM 4

24. SleepingOz unregistered

'Coz Samsung haters(mostly Sony, HTC, Nokia fanboys) think that it's Samsung's fault why their fav oems are struggling to compete in the market.

posted on Apr 09, 2013, 9:15 AM 8

63. TMach unregistered

Typical fanboy speak! Did it occur to you that it is less about hate or market position but something as simple as customer satisfaction or different needs/desires about what people want to get out of their experiences with their handsets! I have no problem with the product but a mountain load with the manufacturer and its attitude to customers. That arrogance of Apple fanboys is seriously affecting Samsung fanboys. Our experiences inform our choices and I loathed my experience with Samsung and even if I bought its product, I will do so with eyes wide open and pray I do not have any problems as I would not want to deal with them! I do know this, HTC will listen, send out UPS to collect the product, examine the complaint/investigate and send you your phone back throuh UPS, no questions as will Sony. Samsung? Please take the product to an Independent Service Centre, authorised but not affiliated to Samsung. You get that way when your S3 cracks unexpectedly by the charger port and you end up paying £134 to fix it.

posted on Apr 24, 2013, 4:22 PM 0

64. TMach unregistered

p.s. a work colleague has a similar crack in the same position on her White S3 but thought it was part of the design........disavowed her of the notion and she is now one unhappy customer!

posted on Apr 24, 2013, 4:25 PM 0

25. amansingal14

Posts: 309; Member since: Sep 08, 2012

"Why the Troll,,,,?" Exactly, Why the TROLL?

posted on Apr 09, 2013, 9:36 AM 1

33. amats69

Posts: 1527; Member since: Nov 12, 2012

Why the Troll? Why the Hate? oh i think that question is applicable to you after trolling to HTC Sony Nokia etc.LOL

posted on Apr 09, 2013, 4:08 PM 0

23. SleepingOz unregistered

Oh, you're finally back?! I thought you went back to your cave after losing too many arguments about your beloved XZ. lol

posted on Apr 09, 2013, 9:12 AM 5

45. emadshiny

Posts: 1144; Member since: Dec 05, 2012

im always here bro maybe you need to check your eyes.

posted on Apr 10, 2013, 12:08 AM 2

51. urth_key

Posts: 14; Member since: Dec 25, 2011

Hahahaha LOL. which one is 4 and which is 4S?! LOL

posted on Apr 11, 2013, 2:04 AM 0

3. iluvsmartphonexpdx

Posts: 48; Member since: Mar 26, 2013

Galaxy S4 FTW!!

posted on Apr 09, 2013, 5:38 AM 16

5. dexter_jdr

Posts: 1163; Member since: Jun 28, 2012

damn thats very identical...

posted on Apr 09, 2013, 5:41 AM 15

13. jo_Ny

Posts: 27; Member since: Sep 05, 2012

"The S4 excels in exterior design" LMAO

posted on Apr 09, 2013, 6:31 AM 14

14. Diego!

Posts: 880; Member since: Jun 15, 2009

The pictures on the Samsung Galaxy S 4 look amazing! Amazing level of detail. Good job Sammy!

posted on Apr 09, 2013, 6:39 AM 9

16. TROLL

Posts: 4851; Member since: Apr 13, 2012

S3 looks ugly, S3 and S2 looks much better™ S3 with those ugly curves™ Rectangular Candbar sharp edges look way much better, look stylish and contemporary©

posted on Apr 09, 2013, 6:49 AM 3

17. GadgetsMcGoo

Posts: 168; Member since: Mar 15, 2013

GS3 users will realize how laggy the GS3 is when they try out the GS4. Android OS really do need the 4 cores running at full bore +2.00Ghz to feel right and run normal.