Samsung Galaxy S3 vs. Samsung Galaxy S4

Attribute	Samsung Galaxy S3	Samsung Galaxy S4
Display	4.8 inches	5.0 inches
Resolution	720 x 1280 pixels	1080 x 1920 pixels
Processor	Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A9	Quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A15
RAM	1 GB	2 GB
Internal Storage	16/32/64 GB	16/32/64 GB
Expandable Storage	Yes (up to 64 GB)	Yes (up to 64 GB)
Camera	8 MP (rear), 1.9 MP (front)	13 MP (rear), 2 MP (front)
Battery	2100 mAh	2600 mAh
Operating System	Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich), upgradable to 4.4.4 (KitKat)	Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 5.0.1 (Lollipop)
Weight	133 g	130 g

Introduction

The Samsung Galaxy S3 and Samsung Galaxy S4 are two popular smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy series. While the Galaxy S3 was released in 2012, the Galaxy S4 followed in 2013, offering several improvements and new features. In this article, we will compare the attributes of these two devices to help you understand the differences and decide which one suits your needs better.

Design and Display

Both the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S4 feature a sleek and modern design, with a plastic body and a large touchscreen display. However, the Galaxy S4 introduced a more refined design with a thinner bezel and a slightly larger screen. The Galaxy S3 sports a 4.8-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels, while the Galaxy S4 boasts a 5-inch Super AMOLED display with a higher resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. This higher resolution on the Galaxy S4 results in a crisper and more vibrant display, making it a better choice for multimedia consumption and gaming.

Performance and Hardware

When it comes to performance, the Galaxy S4 outshines its predecessor. The Galaxy S3 is powered by a quad-core Exynos 4412 processor clocked at 1.4 GHz, coupled with 1GB of RAM. On the other hand, the Galaxy S4 features a more powerful quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor clocked at 1.9 GHz (or an octa-core Exynos 5410 processor in some variants), along with 2GB of RAM. This hardware upgrade in the Galaxy S4 results in smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and improved overall performance compared to the Galaxy S3.

Additionally, the Galaxy S4 offers more storage options compared to the Galaxy S3. While the Galaxy S3 comes with 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, the Galaxy S4 provides options of 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB. Both devices also support expandable storage via a microSD card slot, allowing you to add more storage space for your photos, videos, and apps.

Camera

The camera capabilities of the Galaxy S4 received a significant upgrade compared to the Galaxy S3. The Galaxy S3 features an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera. On the other hand, the Galaxy S4 boasts a 13-megapixel rear camera and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera. The improved camera on the Galaxy S4 captures more detail, produces better low-light photos, and offers additional features like Dual Shot, which allows you to capture photos and videos simultaneously using both the front and rear cameras. If photography is important to you, the Galaxy S4's camera is a clear winner.

Software and Features

Both the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S4 run on Android, but the Galaxy S4 comes with a newer version of the operating system. The Galaxy S3 initially launched with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and received updates up to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. On the other hand, the Galaxy S4 launched with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and received updates up to Android 5.0 Lollipop. The newer software on the Galaxy S4 brings improved performance, enhanced security features, and access to newer apps and services.

Furthermore, the Galaxy S4 introduced several new features that were not present in the Galaxy S3. One notable feature is Air Gesture, which allows you to control the device by waving your hand over the screen without touching it. The Galaxy S4 also introduced Smart Scroll, which enables you to scroll through web pages or emails by tilting the device. These additional features make the Galaxy S4 more intuitive and convenient to use.

Battery Life

Battery life is an essential aspect to consider when choosing a smartphone. The Galaxy S4 comes with a larger battery compared to the Galaxy S3, offering a capacity of 2600mAh versus the 2100mAh battery in the Galaxy S3. This increase in battery capacity, combined with the more power-efficient hardware of the Galaxy S4, results in improved battery life. However, it's important to note that battery performance can vary depending on individual usage patterns and settings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S4 offers several significant improvements over its predecessor, the Galaxy S3. With a larger and higher-resolution display, more powerful hardware, an enhanced camera, and additional software features, the Galaxy S4 provides a better overall user experience. However, if budget is a concern or if you prefer a more compact device, the Galaxy S3 still remains a capable option. Ultimately, the choice between the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S4 depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.