Can’t decide between the new Apple iPhone 4 or the Samsung Galaxy S? Samsung’s new Galaxy S i9000 smartphone looks like it could be a winner, but how will it fair up against the stiff competition from the iPhone 4 and Apple’s loyal following?

Samsung Galaxy S vs iPhone 4g

Samsung Galaxy S vs iPhone 4g - Which will you choose?


I have been fortunate enough to play with both phones extensively, here are my thoughts:

Similarities between iPhone 4 & Galaxy S

The Samsung Galaxy S i9000 and the Apple iPhone 4 both have large touch screens, 5 Mega Pixel cameras, GPS navigation, 3rd party app support and 802.11b/g/n WiFi connectivity.

Android OS LogoEach phone offers different, yet very competitive operating systems and processors. The Galaxy S i9000 uses the Android 2.1 (soon to be 2.2 in September with the Froyo update) and the iPhone 4 uses Apple’s iOS4.

The iPhone 4 has the 1GHz Apple A4 processor and the Galaxy comes equipped with the 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird processor – Both very fast clock speeds for handled devices.

Both phones have large screens however the Galaxy S i9000 uses a 4 Inch Capacitive Super AMOLED display at 800×480 pixel resoltuion and the iPhone 4 comes with the 3.2 inch Capacitive Retina IPS display with a 960×640 pixel resolution.

They both also have 5 megapixel cameras with 720p video recording functionality – Something no other GSM phone on the market supports at this time.

It comes as no surprise that both phones support music and video players with 3.2mm headphone jack support – a must for any smartphone today.

Differences between the Samsung Galaxy S & iPhone 4

Memory - Internal flash memory is either 16GB or 32GB on the iPhone 4, and a smaller 8GB or 16GB on the Galaxy, however the Galaxy can be expanded another 32GB through an SDHC microSD card slot.

Size & weight - As far as size and weight it’s a tough one. The iPhone’s dimensions are 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3mm, compared to the Galaxy’s 122.4 x 64.2 x 9.9mm. But, the Galaxy weighs less at 118 grams, while the iPhone is 137 grams. For bigger hands the Galaxy seems suitable with its larger screen making it easier to input text, but the iPhone does feel more solid with its additional weight.

Connectivity - The Galaxy S supports Bluetooth 3.0, while the iPhone uses 2.0. Both phones use Wifi b/g/n, support HSPDA 7.2mbps connectivity & GPS. However there is the off putting antenna issue on the iPhone 4, where if users hold the phone a certain way, their short circuit the antenna on iPhones chassis and they subsequently lose the signal.

Battery life - Samsung claims 6.5 hours of talk time and 576 standby hours whilst Apple claim talk time is up to seven hours with 300 hours of standby time.

Video Playback – The Samsung Galaxy S brings a larger screen with much better contrast, making it perfect for watching videos and with native DivX and XviD support, chances are you won’t need to do any video conversion. The iPhone 4 uses a similar interface to the 3Gs and appears to have slightly better battery performance over the Galaxy.

Camera – Although the Galaxy appears to be able to capture colour like no other, but the sharpness of the image does not appear any better than the iPhone 4, oh, and it does lack the LED flash – Something apple have only just decided to bring out. However, the Galaxy does feature 9 frame panoramic images, scene modes & manual focus – features the iPhone lacks. Both feature 720p video recording.

Other bits – The Samsung Galaxy S also has an FM radio and Adobe Flash 10.1 support with the 2.2 Froyo update; the iPhone lacks both. The iPhone is also dependent on iTunes in order to add new content, the Galaxy supports USB mass storage and has the removal SD card.

Choose the Samsung Galaxy S over Apple iPhone 4

• Android 2.1 Éclair, 2.2 Froyo update just around the corner with Flash support
• 4” Super AMOLED display with a 15:9 widescreen aspect ratio
• Regular SIM card support
• DivX video support
• FM radio with RDS
• Notably cheaper
• Expandable memory, up to 48gb via MicroSD card.
• Wifi router & Bluetooh 3.0

Choose the Apple iPhone 4 over Samsung Galaxy S

• Apple iOS 4
• 640 x 960 pixel Retina display
• Scratch-resistant, high-quality glass panels
• LED flash
• Precise movement tracking via a gyro sensor
• Twin microphones & speakers
• Fashion accessory?

Conclusion for me – The Samsung Galaxy S got my bucks!

It’s a tough decision, both phones are fantastic pieces of technology. But I choose the Galaxy, why? Even though I’ve never had a Samsung, I thought the Galaxy felt right for me, its large screen means I can text input easily (big hands), I wasn’t looking for a fashion accessory & most of all I wanted a phone that does not rely on desktop software in order to add media. Although the iPhone is very attractive, I just simply couldn’t justify buying a phone that has not been recalled due to a major hardware fault like signal issues.

 

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  • http://twitter.com/jyesmith Jye Smith

    Some really great thoughts here, mate. Very comprehensive. As a big Apple user – integration will be key for me. I've tested the signal thing, and so far, no dramas, so I think I'll still go ahead with the purchase.

  • http://phill.co Phill

    Indeed many people have several other Apple products in their household, which will further encourage them to continue monopolising themselves. I think the Samsung is more appealing to those who are not already captivated by Apple products.

    Nice response Jye, Thanks.

  • Morgs25

    I am really glad I read this article! I was really undecided as to which phone to purchase but you have given some brilliant positives and negatives for both phones.

    With this it has really helped me with my decision to purchase the Samsung Galaxy S.

    • http://phill.co Phill

      Glad you liked it :)

  • http://www.debatemovies.com Lomantik

    I think owning the 3G iPhone played a big part in the decision making. It's like if your grandad drove a Holden, ur Dad drove a Holden and you would probably drive a Holden; unless something super major life-changing thing happens, chances are your son will drive a Holden.

    Anyway, I've always been against Apple products just because of the tunnel-vision Apple fans get when they're talking about Apple products. I am not against the Samsung or HTC or whatever phone's out there; I'm just saying the iPhone 4 just seems a natural progression from the iPhone 3G. I didn't need to export my contacts, SMSes, apps, etc. I think that's how Apple “captures” you – you sorta build your life around Apple “stuff” after a while.

    I've had bad experiences with HTC and although I must say they've seemed to improve, the lacking factor in HTCs and even the Samsung is ultimately the styling, the way things work (usability?) and the general “nice-ness” and beauty of the phone.

    Even since the iPhone 3G, Apple has continuously been the leader in this area, aesthetics. I've used a Blackberry for 2 weeks earlier this week and it was the most monotonous two weeks of my life. Sure it had a million GB, sure it was fast and sure it amazing battery life. But at the end of those two weeks I nearly wanted to kill myself out of monotony, boredom and a symptom of B&W-ness.

    Anyway, I think with the iPhone 4, Apple has nailed it by improving things which its target audience put utmost value on, the 'impression' of modern-ness and functionality – like you said, a “fashion accessory”. I do digress with that label though – its much much more than JUST a “fashion accessory”.

    :)

    • http://phill.co Phill

      Mate you raised some really good points there. Your quite right about how apple captures you in the sense that you begin building your life around it’s products. It’s a very good strategy.

      Do you think it will be hard for you to leave apple in the future?

      Thanks for your comments,

      Phil

  • Jamie

    Bought the galaxy today an am loving it. It takes a little while to get used to but I am sure it will be cool in a few days.

    Very annoying fact…..there is no Skype app for it yet!

  • http://phill.co Phill

    Skype app will be out soon though I hear. Make sure you update your phone! Back it up first.

  • 31colm

    Thanks, great review to the important points. Does the Galaxy S have a scratch resistant screen glass? I had 2 Sony Xperia 10′s and sent them both back because the screens scratch so easily. Also can the platform support 2 cell numbers in one phone as does my current Blackberry Bold? No one seems to know! Also, how long before Samsung will update the minor glitches such as no LED camera flash etc….do you have any knowledge of such? And finally, is there an external link/cable available to another power supply / battery in your pocket?

    • http://phill.co Phill

      Thanks for your comments. No led flash, which is a bit pants, but still its not exactly amazing on the iphone 4, if I recall correctly the sony erricsion k800 had a true xenon flash 5 years ago, no smartphone has that…. Leds aren’t all that lol