Samsung Galaxy S 4G Android Smartphone Review


Introduction & Specifications

When it comes to smartphones and wireless data services, 4G is definitely one of the hottest features today. And while various wireless service providers are touting their 4G networks and upcoming plans for 4G, there are still a relatively small number of smartphones that actually support 4G technology and can take full advantage of the speed boost and other advantages 4G provides.

The latest 4G device from T-Mobile is the Samsung Galaxy S 4G. This phone works on T-Mobile's HSPA+ 4G network, which uses a different technical standard than Sprint or Verizon Wireless' 4G networks. According to T-Mobile, the Samsung Galaxy S 4G is the wireless carrier's first smartphone that is capable of delivering theoretical peak download speeds of up to 21 Mbps while in one of T-Mobile's 4G coverage areas. With these speeds, T-Mobile says you'll be able to enjoy mobile HDTV through T-Mobile TV as well as video chat via Qik.


In addition to fast speeds, the Galaxy S 4G offers many of the specifications we like to see in a high-end smartphone—it has a large, 4-inch display, a Samsung 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird processor, and a preinstalled 16GB microSD memory card. Like other phones in the Galaxy S line, this phone also has Samsung's Super AMOLED touchscreen display. As we've mentioned in previous reviews, this gorgeous display technology really does deliver an enjoyable viewing experience.

The Galaxy S 4G has a price tag that's right in line with other high-end smartphones today; it is available for $199.99 after a two-year contract and mail-in rebate. You'll be required to have a data plan with this phone, but that's standard fare for a smartphone today as well. 

Read on in the coming pages as we take an in-depth, hands-on look at what the Samsung Galaxy S 4G has to offer.

Samsung Galaxy S 4G
Specifications & Features

Processor and memory
1 GHz Hummingbird processor
1GB internal ROM, 512MB internal RAM
16 GB memory card included (expandable to 32 GB)
Operating System
Android 2.2 (Froyo)
Connectivity
GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz
UMTS: Band IV(1700), I(2100), II(1900)
HSDPA 21 Mbps HSUPA 5.76 Mbps
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi & mobile calling
Wi-Fi sharing (Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 5 other devices)
GPS with navigation capability
microUSB
Display
4-inch Super AMOLED Screen (480x800)
Size and weight
4.8 x 2.5 x 0.4 inches
4.2 ounces
Cameras and multimedia
5 megapixel rear-facing camera with HD camcorder
VGA front-facing camera
Full Web browsing with Adobe Flash Player 10.1 support
Mobile Video Chat powered by Qik
3.5mm headset jack
Battery
 Talk time:  up to 6.5 hours
 Standby time: up to 12.5 days
Availability
T-Mobile
In-Box Content
Battery
Charger
USB Cable
Stereo Headset

 


Related content