Skip to main content

Galaxy S4 vs. iPhone 5: Spec Comparison

comparison-iphone-s4
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Galaxy S4 has been announced by Samsung, and with it comes a slimmer and lighter design alongside powerful hardware including an impressive eight-core processor. Samsung is certainly basking in the glory of its highly anticipated launch, and is already probably doing a victory dance against Apple, but the question remains to see just how the Galaxy S4 stacks up to Apple’s own heavyweight, the iPhone 5. The Galaxy S4 is certainly the newest player on the block, and the iPhone 5 is already beginning to seem a tad dusty with six months under its belt, but let’s let the numbers do the talking for this one.

(Be sure to check out our other GS4 spec comparisons including the Galaxy S4 vs. Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S4 vs HTC One. We’ve also got a full Galaxy S4 hands on with videos and pics galore. Finally, if you want a full rundown of features and information, check out our GS4: Everything You Need To Know.)

 

Galaxy S4

galaxys4
Image used with permission by copyright holder

iPhone 5

iphone
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Price
TBA $200
Availability

TBA

AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, Cricket
OS Android 4.2.2 Touchwiz UX/US iSO 6.1.2
Processor Exynos 5 (Eight-core) Dual-core A6X
RAM 2GB 1GB
Display 5-inch Super AMOLED 4.0-inch Retina Display
Resolution 1920×1080 pixels 1136×640 pixels
Dimensions (WxDxH) 5.38″ x 2.78″ x 0.34″ 4.87″ x 2.3″ x 0.3″
Weight 4.60 oz 3.95 oz
4G LTE Yes Yes
NFC Yes No
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n  802.11 b/g/n 
Rear-facing camera 13 megapixels 8 megapixels
Front-facing camera 2 megapixels 1.2 megapixels
Video capabilities 1080p recording 1080p recording
Internal storage 16/32/64GB 16/32/64GB
SD card slot Yes (up to 64GB) No
Max. battery life 2600 mAh 1440 mAh

The bottom line: Let’s face it, unless you’re a really big fan of iOS, or you hate big screens, the iPhone 5 and its hardware just doesn’t hold a candle to the hardware pumped into the new Samsung Galaxy S4. With an eight-core processor, bigger battery, and bigger screen, you almost feel like the Samsung Galaxy S4 is cheating in comparison to the mere 4-inch screen and dual-core processor in the iPhone 5. While Apple may, at the very least, catch up with a quad-core processor come July or August with its iPhone 5S, it’s still not going to cut it for the Apple handheld. While a bit heavier than the iPhone 5 and with a inch more of real estate, the Galaxy S4 just wins in every category, hands down.

Editors' Recommendations

Joshua Sherman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Joshua Sherman is a contributor for Digital Trends who writes about all things mobile from Apple to Zynga. Josh pulls his…
Best Samsung Galaxy S24 deals: Save up to $800 on the phone
Samsung Galaxy S24 in Marble Gray showing Google Maps.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is Samsung’s newest flagship smartphone. It’s a great phone to shop if you’re looking for the newest tech and software you can get in a smartphone, but it’s also a great phone to shop if you’re looking for some of the best phone deals currently taking place. You might not expect to find substantial savings on such a new phone, but there’s a lot of ways out there to save big on a new Samsung Galaxy S24.
Today's best Galaxy S24 deals
When it comes to landing the best Samsung Galaxy S24 deals, purchasing from your favorite carrier may be your best option. Massive discounts are available if you’re willing to sign a new contract or add a new line. Most carriers are currently offering major discounts with an eligible trade-in device as well, but you can also save on an unlocked version of the Galaxy S24 by purchasing directly from Samsung.

-- Get up to $550 instant trade-in credit with exclusive colors available and discounts on other Samsung devices.

Read more
Nomad sale: Up to 85% off cases for iPhone, AirPods, Apple Watch
Nomad leather case for iPhone.

If you just got yourself a new device from iPhone deals or AirPods deals, your next purchase should be on protection for your smartphone or wireless earbuds. Nomad's cases will not only prevent physical damage, but they will also provide a unique sense of style so that your iPhone or AirPods will stand out anywhere you go. There's an ongoing Nomad Overstock sale with discounts of up to 85% covering cases for the iPhone 14, AirPods 3, and more -- check out everything that's available, and hopefully there's something that will be compatible with your current device.

What to buy in Nomad's Overstock sale
Nomad's Overstock sale includes cases for the iPhone 14 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 12 series, and iPhone XS series. For the largest discounts, the Modern Leather Case - Horween for the iPhone 14 Plus is 85% off,

Read more
Best refurbished iPhone deals: Get an iPhone 14 for $507
An iPhone 13 in white color option.

Apple started the whole idea of a smartphone, so it's probably no surprise that it makes some of the best on the market. Of course, they are known for being quite expensive, especially if you want to grab the best iPhones, which will easily run you close to or over $1,000. Luckily, there are some great iPhone deals you can take advantage of, whether unlocked or through a carrier. There are also some other alternatives in the form of refurbished phones. Now, a lot of folks do sometimes shy away from refurbished gear, but it's important to note that many, if not all, refurbished phones come with a guarantee and extended return windows, so you shouldn't worry about getting something defunct. Also, refurbished phones tend to be substantially cheaper than new ones; plus, they do cut down a lot on e-waste, so you are helping the environment.

Either way, we've gone out and found some of the best refurbished iPhone deals out there to save you a little bit extra. We've found a pretty wide range too, so be sure to checkout all the deals available below.
iPhone XR -- from $166
iPhone XR Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends / Digital Trends

Read more