Arguably the two hottest cell phones on the market currently is Samsung’s Galaxy S4 and the iPhone5 by Apple. For the vast majority of people the choice in the phones comes down to a simple preference – Apple vs. Non-Apple. However, for those of you out there who actually want to compare the two phones, we have put together a small guide to help you decide on which cell you should choose.
Size Matters
Sorry, but it does. On its head the first thing consumers notice about bout phones is the noticeably larger size of Samsung’s Galaxy S4. The S4 clocks in at 137x70x7.9 mm. The iPhone 5 measures 124x59x7.6 mm. Due to the larger screen size, as you might imagine, the S4 is a bit heavier than the iPhone 5 – 130g vs. 112g.
The physical sizes and weights aside, both feel different resting in the palm of your hand. The S4, although being bigger in size and heavier, contours to the palm more by way of curved outer surfaces. In your hand the phone feels smooth. It feels nice. On the other side, the iPhone 5, while smaller and lighter, is a bit rougher on the palm as it maintains a more drastic cornered outer surface. Both are comfortable to hold however if you ask us, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is a bit easier to handle.
It’s About the Display Baby
Alright, so size and weight go to the Galaxy S4. But what about the display difference. First, the iPhone 5. It has to be noted, the iPhone 5 is an older phone than the S4. Thus, the display quality, 1136×640 Retina 326ppi, is a bit out of date as compared to the Galaxy S4. This isn’t to say the iPhone 5 has terrible display. It’s actually beautiful. However the Galaxy S4 utilizes its larger size to house a full 5 inch HD 1920×1080 441 pp display. The display is technically classified as Super Amoled or, err, wicked good.
The truth is, while the Galaxy’s display is technically better, technically crisper, technically sharper than the iPhone 5, both displays are kick ass. For the average consumer, both displays get the job done just fine. For the more technically inclined, the stats tell the story.
OS (Operating Systems)
For the majority of people out there, the performance of both phones will be overtaken by the operating system of both phones. As we previously mentioned, if you’re an Apple fan, you’re going to instinctively move to the iPhone 5 with Apple’s iOS 6 operating system. If you’re not and you have been using an Linux based Android device, you’re going to enjoy Google’s Android 4.2.2 OS – Jelly Bean.
The main difference between both OS’s can be found in the open vs. closed nature of the OS in question. As Apple fans know, Apple produces closed operating systems. They do this so their product stays intact and their product stays more secure. Anyone with a Mac can testify to the safety and security of their operating system. The same holds true for the iPhone 5. On the other end, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is based on the values of open source. On purpose, Google made Jelly Bean as open sourced as possible to allow consumers to add their own apps and tricks to the system.
While one isn’t better than the other, it comes down to preference. Are you an Apple fan or are you an Android fan? This will determine your phone of choice.
Performance
We won’t beat around the bush here. The iPhone 5 utilizes an A6 dual-quad core processor clocking in at 1.02GHz. We’re not going to lie, it’s fast. It’s very very fast. The Samsung Galaxy S4 utilizes a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor clocking in at 1.9Ghz. Like the iPhone 5, the S4 is fast. It’s wicked fast.
But here’s the thing, both are so quick, both are so adept at loading apps, scrolling, playing video, steaming music and generally taking care of other vital operations that you, the consumer really won’t notice the difference. Why? Well, you’re not going to have both phones next to one another at all times comparing speed specs. And even if you did, the difference is the batting of an eye.
Both are fast. End of story.
So, What Cell Phone Should I Pick? Galaxy S4 or the iPhone 5?
The stats are all out there for you to find. But in our estimation the stats don’t matter because your choice is going to come down to your brand loyalty. If you love Apple, go with the iPhone 5. If you love Google, go with the Galaxy S4.
If you want to change, go with the opposite. You won’t be disappointed.