Samsung Galaxy S 4 (Verizon / Sprint)
Phone Scoop Review
Review: Samsung Galaxy S 4 for Verizon Wireless
Jun 5, 2013 by Eric M. Zeman
The Galaxy S 4 performs very well on Verizon's network. Here is Phone Scoop's review of Samsung's 2013 flagship Android smartphone. read review ›
See also: Review: Samsung Galaxy S 4 for Sprint ›
User Reviews
Average Ratings
hide detailed ratings
Samsung Galaxy S4 review
Carrier: Verizon
I work in the Wireless industry and i wanted a Fast and reliable phone to go with, that had a beautiful screen and an awesome camera I did my research for a couple months and i finally desided to go with the Galaxy S4 i was not upset about my choice what so ever. the camera was amazing the screen was just so awesome! and the phone was very very fast.
the only bad things i didnt like about it was the battery life was not as reliable as i thought it would be i am a heavy phone user and it only last me almost a day where as the Note 2 with the same usage lasted me 3 days but the battery differance between both is significantly different. all in all it is a wonderful phone to have!!!!!!
hide detailed ratings
Best phone of all time (so far)
Carrier: Verizon
I have had my S4 for a little over a week. First of all, I don't understand giving this phone one star over one app when this phone does everything else to near perfection. The eye scrolling works all the time for me as does the air gestures. Combine that with a screen resolution that is better than most new television sets and this phone is a winner. Its lightweight and has a pretty fast processor to boot. At 1.9 gigs, I believe its the fastest processor out there. Do yourself a favor and check out this phone.
hide detailed ratings
going from s3 to s4
Carrier: Verizon
Should you make the switch?
Well I will give this review mostly to compare to the Verizon s3. First thing is that the GPS works a lot better then on the Verizon s3. I had problems with that one and did a suggestion of screwing all the screens on the back under the battery cover, which amazingly improved it a great deal, but still no where as good as the s4. The s4 catches a GPS signal inside my house. Also the wifi and internet seem a lot faster, they just do. I especially can tell when I download a TV show or movie from the google play, it seems way faster for that and also uploads too. The instant uploads of my photos to Google+ seem instantaneous. I also think the sound is better, the speaker is louder both on loud speaker and on the phone speaker. I also think battery life is a decent amount better. Now after having it for about a week I think it is? the batter last for a 16 hour day with I guess moderate use? I do use JuiceDefender but I also used it for the s3 so equal comparison.
Also I loved this time how switching to this phone that all settings and apps from s3 downloaded instantly. That is the first time that happened. The camera also seems better, sharper and the flash also seems better. I also like the shape of the phone better, you can get more square cases to fit it, looks nicer. Also the black looks better then the pebble blue.
PROS: tons of pros too many to mention
CONS: battery could be better? but I think it is on the good side of all smart phones out there so I will rate it 4, except the Motorola droid HD mxx or whatever it is called, the one with the one with the larger battery size.
I love the AMOLED screens a lot, they are awesome, the blacks are soo nice, the only downside is in the sun they are not as good I think as the superLCD or qLCD high quality screens.
hide detailed ratings
Outstanding Phone
Carrier: Verizon
This is a huge upgrade from the Galaxy S3 in every way.
PROS:
+Awesome 1080p screen
+Clear call quality
+Loud speaker for music
+Outstanding battery life
+Great accessories available
+Very fast overall
+Runs 4.2 out of the box
+Phone charges very quickly
CONS:
-Speakerphone is distorted at max volume
-Touchwiz is very bloated and a replacement launcher and keyboard sped up performance significantly.
-Gimmicky features such as gestures and eye detection aren't as useful as advertised and drain battery, might as well turn them off.
All in all, this is great hardware. You will need to customize it to get optimum performance though.
hide detailed ratings
Unbelievable Phone
Carrier: Verizon
My situation is just like the other review. Been with VZ for a long time went from the Razr Maxx to the S4. There are absolutely no negatives. Battery life is great and everything else. This is the greatest phone I ever had or saw. I would give it a six if I could!
hide detailed ratings
Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4
Carrier: Verizon
I have been with Verizon for a very long time and I find them to be the best company for me, as I am on the road a lot and they have the most extensive coverage. I have been using the Motorola Droid Maxx for the last 14 months because of it's battery life. I have had my eye on the S4 for awhile. The only thing I was concerned about was battery life, as I didn't want to give it up. I purchased the S4 at retail as I didn't want to give up my unlimited data. It only came out 3 days ago on Verizon and that's when I bought it. I enjoy it very much and although the battery is smaller--2600 whatevers to 3300 for the Maxx, I am finding that I can easily get through a day with it, and that's all that matters, as I can charge it at night. It's very fast and the screen is beautiful, and the camera has some very interesting modes. I especially like the panorama. I enjoy the large screen and everything works as it is supposed to. Of course, it is the most popular phone in the world currently, but that's no reason to buy it. Check it out first and see if it's for you.
hide detailed ratings
Update issues
Carrier: Sprint
Ever since my phone updated ststem it randomly restarts. Also have issues listening to Speaker, even on highest volume need to place near my ear to listen to online videos etc
hide detailed ratings
This phone has suspended the craving for the next best thing (for the time being)
Carrier: Verizon
This is, in total, my eighth smartphone; six with long term use (returned two within a week for dissatisfaction) which includes one iPhone (4S).
High points for the Galaxy S4
- Camera: unquestionably usurps the role of a point and shoot in nearly any situation
- Size: In a case and all else being equal, a 4.875 inch screen might be more perfect-er for my hands as there are those moments when I must perform a delicate finger ballet. And though no case does feel nearly perfect, it also becomes a real possibility of constantly living one swipe from launching an internet-connected projectile. So pop it in a conservative case, slap on a quality screen protector, and call it a day. (Unless you require it, forgo the screen defeating bulk of the supercases. Look at the drop tests of unadorned samples and you'll appreciate how much overkill they actually are.)
- Display: Like the preceding points, this is an exercise in well-executed compromise. As I said just above, I now have a glass screen protector. Fortunately, this achieved the goal of maintaining the lovely quality and the smooth touch (though the native surface is ever so slightly more buttery.)
Low point
- Sound: Whether the earpiece or the speaker, it's disappointment all around. Phone call audio is just tolerable but inescapably mediocre at all times. The speaker is interchangeably poor quality or 20% too quiet and the best that can be said is it manages to never be both at once. That applies to any audio source, but is painfully endured on video calls.
Yes, just one negative. There's nothing else in daily use that specifically makes me question choosing the Samsung Galaxy S4 over another model. Even newer, supposedly superior models.
To prove a point, I'm considering a move from Verizon to T-Mobile and weighing the options for continuing to use an S4.
hide detailed ratings
Really Wanted to LIKE GS4
Carrier: Sprint
The reception is spotty, unpredictable at best. Very disappointed! I've had Samsung phones since at least '08, I owned the first Black Jack. I had an Infuse which was great at first but had the same issue, connectivity, I am having with the GS4, everything is great EXCEPT the reception. I had AT&T until last year so I don't think it's the carrier per se, although I hear there are those who are controlling the internet that are trying to limit how and how much we are able to access the internet/data. Gotta love big brother and those who are power hungry , right? NOT! I did switch to an unlimited plan which I regret now, but it's sad I have to give up speed for quantity....
Upgrade that went suprisingly well.
Carrier: Verizon
I purchased this phone in the beginning of October of 2013. I have been due for an upgrade since 2012 but held off due to my unlimited data plan. I reviewed the new iPhone 5S, Note 2, Note 3, HTC One, and this phone. After some debate with a Samsung tech, and putting my hands on each of the above phones, I chose the Galaxy S4. After I got my phone home I immediately rooted the device. I started throwing apps and getting as close to overuse as I could. No matter what I did, my S4 kept up with me. I was suprised. Althought all my droid phones up to this one had a hardware keyboard, this was the first time I had just the screen keyboard. It is something to get use to, but it is not as clumsy as I thought it would be. Under normal usage, checking email and facebook a few times, the battery will last me from 0600 until 1700(that is 6AM until 5PM). I do still carry my charger with me, but I seem to not need it anymore. Heavy usage will drain my battery quickly, but the days of a four hour charge are over. I am use to my Motorola Droid 4 having a car mode, however the S4 does not. I had to purchase a separate app to use my phone in car dock mode. All in all, this phone was a great upgrade. No matter what I insall, the phone can handle it. I highly recommend you consider this phone as your next one.
You should be aware that I am comparing this to my old Motorola Droid 4.
Pros:
Battery life
Screen readability(is daylight readable)
Memory management (ability to clean RAM)
Responsiveness
Cons:
Speaker is still on the back
Sometimes bluetooth will not work with phone calls but media only, requires restart
No car mode(requires separate app)
Internall memory fills up fast with downloaded apps and app data.
