One of Samsung's most beloved technologies is the one that powers its most admired displays: AMOLED technology. This technology has defined each of its flagship models of each generation, which is why its S series has featured an AMOLED display since the first Galaxy S hit the market. In this iteration, its flagship smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S4, uses the same technology again but also improved, because according to the South Korean firm, the new terminal arrives with a strong screen resolution never seen before in any Samsung terminal, a display with FullHD 1920×1080 pixels and a depth of 440 ppi. This is the SuperAMOLED screen what did you see Samsung Galaxy S4, and that today we want to compare with the rest of the screens of the most powerful competition: those of the iPhone 5, Nexus 4, HTC One and the already outdated Galaxy S3.
Definition of the subpixel pattern PenTile, RGBG
It's worth highlighting a number of aspects that define the technology used by Samsung for its displays before starting to compare the displays of the major reference handsets. The Samsung Galaxy S4 has a screen with technology SuperAMOLED 1080p with about 440-441 pixels per inch, and the subpixel pattern PenTile in the matrix. The PenTile pattern, which already appeared in the Galaxy S3, brings a series of advantages, since it replaces the traditional RGB pattern of subpixel arrangement with one known as RGBG, so that it allows save one subpixel for each pixel leaving more space to fit more pixels and optimize consumption.
But we also find disadvantages: the fact that a subpixel is missing means that a pixel is unable to display the entire color palette it should on its own. In these cases, it has to resort to the subpixels of the surrounding pixels, causing local definition to be lost to the resulting image if the density is not high enough. On lower resolution panels this could result in contours with irregular edges or bands of color in very fine texts.
We see below a example how this type of PenTile technology works, which characterizes Samsung screens and which dresses its Samsung Galaxy S3, compared to an LCD screen like the one on the HTC One X.
But this will no longer happen with the Samsung Galaxy S4, as the subpixel pattern PenTile of its matrix gets rid of the disadvantage that we did experience in the previous S3 and in previous PenTile panels to only have the advantage of saving subpixels per pixel. Thanks to the very high density of the S4 and its "diamond" type matrix, the possible artifacts are practically imperceptible at normal operating distances, maintaining the benefits of panel consumption and lifespan.
In addition, the S4's AMOLED technology provides deep blacks (the pixels are completely turned off), a very high perceived contrast and color modes that allow you to adjust the saturation. On the other hand, traditional LCDs with a matrix RGB complete usually offer a more neutral color reproduction factory settings and a higher peak brightness, which affects exterior visibility.
Large, high-resolution screens: where the Galaxy S4 stands
In the high range, the consolidated trend has been to approach or exceed the 5 inches with resolution 1080p, taking the density above 350 dpi. The Galaxy S4 fits this profile with its 4,99-inch SuperAMOLED panel. It competes head-to-head with benchmark LCD offerings such as the HTC One (3″ Super LCD4,7 at 1080p and ~469 dpi) And the Sony Xperia Z (5″ 1080p with ~441 dpi under the name Reality Display). In contrast to these, the Nexus 4 (4,7″ True HD IPS+ at 1280×768 and ~318 dpi) And the iPhone 5 (4,0″ IPS Retina at 1136×640 and 326 dpi) are below in pure resolution.
- Panels and DPI: Galaxy S4 (SuperAMOLED ~441 dpi), HTC One (Super LCD3 ~469 dpi),356 dpi) and Nokia Lumia 920 (IPS PureMotion HD+ 4,5″ 1280×768 ~332 dpi).
- Aspect ratio: : 1080p provides a more standard 16:9; the 1280x768 of the Nexus 4 and Lumia 920 are 15:9, which affects the video viewing and the interface spacing.
- Technology: AMOLED offers perfect blacks and adjustable saturation; LCD provides highest peak brightness, very clean white tones and full subpixels.
Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Samsung Galaxy S3
At first glance the screen of the Samsung Galaxy S4 is as vivid as previous Samsung AMOLEDs, but we experienced a much higher amount of shine at maximum brightness levels. We also see a considerable increase in the pixel density per inch, so we will no longer notice any type of irregular border around the text on the screen, something that we did observe in the lower resolution PenTile patterns.
Samsung Galaxy S4 screen
We see this by comparing it to the 720p SuperAMOLED HD display that the previous Galaxy S3 featured. We can verify that the Galaxy S4 is much more bright and does not show any discoloration in the white areas, probably due to the new pattern on the matrix. Galaxy S3 uses an RGBG pattern, as we have indicated above, so it presents some images more prone to discoloration from grey and white to more greenish tones. In addition, the S3 image is less sharp, as we can see in the image below.
Samsung Galaxy S3 screen
In figures, going from approximately 306 dpi in S3 to ~441 dpi in the S4 it represents a leap that is clearly perceived in reading fine text, iconography and borders of interface elements. It also improves the uniformity of whites and the grayscale, reducing the greenish tint that could be seen in the S3.
Samsung Galaxy S4 Vs HTC One
On the subject of the sharpness, we should mention that while the Galaxy S4 has a pixel density of 440 ppi, the fact that it uses a PenTile subpixel arrangement means that, as we explained above, it has only two subpixels for each pixel, instead of three subpixels per pixel as in standard LCD displays. This is something that should theoretically give points to the competition that uses LCD panels; however, in reality the Galaxy S4 display is strong enough against an LCD, presenting a definition of 1920 × 1080 and dimensions of five inches.
HTC screen
Still, we should give points to the LCD screen as well. HTC One, one of the direct rivals. The terminal packs the same number of pixels per inch on a screen SuperLCD3 4,7 inches. Same definition, in fewer inches, and also more subpixels per pixel due to LCD technology, should give the HTC One a clear advantage over the Galaxy S4 in extremely small texts. In addition, according to the opinions it seems that the HTC One has better visibility in daylight due to higher brightness levels and better adaptation of automatic brightness indoors, which apparently does not work as it should on the Galaxy S4.
In contrast, the Galaxy S4 offers genuine blacks and visual impact in multimedia content, something highly appreciated when watching movies or dark scenes. Both perform at a great level in viewing angles, with the HTC One's LCD maintaining more neutral whites and the S4's AMOLED maintaining absolute contrast.
Samsung Galaxy S4 Vs Nexus 4
Nexus 4 display
El Nexus 4 It also offers better visibility in daylight with a 4,7-inch LCD screen and a resolution of 1280×768 pixels. 320 pixels per inch deep, but its colors are less alive than those of the Samsung Galaxy S4 or the HTC One. It also loses in resolution, although this is a more difficult aspect to differentiate for the human eye. Its 15:9 aspect ratio introduces slight banding in certain 16:9 videos, although in the interface it provides a little more width helpful.
Regarding sharpness, the difference is noticeable in small letters and vector graphics. In terms of contrast, the S4's AMOLED once again stands out; in terms of color reproduction, the Nexus 4's LCD tends towards a shade of white somewhat warmer, with good uniformity.
Samsung Galaxy S4 vs iPhone5
IPhone5 screen
As for the Apple terminal, presenting a resolution of 1136×640 pixels, with a pixel density of 326 ppi, on a four-inch screen, remains, at least in the theory, far below the competitors mentioned here. The fact that it has a four-inch screen makes the resolution drop less notable In any case, the Samsung Galaxy S4 has a definition, quality and pixel depth far superior to a screen like the iPhone 5's LCD, even though it boasts of high levels of clarity and color quality.
Where the iPhone can excel is in the color calibration factory, very close to sRGB, and in its white uniformity. However, in perceived contrast and visual impact of content, the SuperAMOLED of the S4 generally offers a more cinematographic thanks to its perfect blacks.
And compared to other notable displays: Xperia Z, Lumia 920 and BlackBerry Z10
In addition to its classic rivals, it's worth comparing the Galaxy S4 to other highly rated displays. Sony Xperia Z It features a 5-inch 1080p Reality Display with ~441 ppi: it provides a very defined panel with good reflex management and a color reproduction tending towards the cold in certain profiles. The Nokia Lumia 920 It mounts 4,5″ IPS PureMotion HD+ at 1280×768 (~332 ppi) with a high refresh rate and excellent tactile feedback, as well as good outdoor visibility. For its part, the BlackBerry Z10 It integrates a 4,2″ LCD at 1280×768 (~356 ppi) that balances sharpness and color, with a pleasant white and competent brightness.
Overall, the Galaxy S4 maintains its lead in infinite contrast and configurable saturation, while these LCDs usually win in peak brightness sharp and, in some cases, in direct color fidelity without the need to adjust profiles.
Exterior visibility, angles, and calibration: what you'll really notice
Beyond the numbers, there are factors that define the experience. Outdoors, the maximum brightness and the glass's reflectance index make a difference: the HTC One and some IPS (like the Nexus 4) tend to perform better under direct sunlight, while the Galaxy S4, despite having improved, may require increase the brightness more to achieve the same readability. The S4's advantage comes at night or in dark scenes, where the real black reduces eye strain.
In viewing angles, all three strong contenders (S4, HTC One, Xperia Z) perform well, with the S4's AMOLED holding its own. contrast and the LCD maintaining more stable whites. In calibration, the S4 offers display modes that allow adjust saturation and temperature; in LCD, neutral calibration is usually factory-set with less variation per profile.
Another point you will notice is the automatic brightness algorithmSome S4 ​​units adjust brightness conservatively indoors; the HTC One generally reacts more quickly and accurately to changes in light. These are software details that can be refined with updates, but they impact the day-to-day experience.
Useful notes on general comparisons (range context)
While this review focuses on the display, some of the information surrounding the Galaxy S4 in comprehensive comparisons helps to understand its competitive landscape:
- Two hardware variants: The Galaxy S4 was marketed in versions with 5 Exynos Octa and with Snapdragon 600, depending on the market. This difference does not affect to the quality of the panel, but also to connectivity (such as LTE) and energy management.
- Sizes, weights and designs: All high-end models move similar dimensions, with the S4 opting for a light body and very good use around its 5 ″ screenFactors such as water resistance (e.g. Xperia Z) or finish determine preferences, but the panel remains the most important factor.
- Systems and layers: TouchWiz, Sense or pure Android (in the version Google Edition of the S4) influence color profiles, animations, and how fonts are presented. A stock Android tends toward color profiles more content, which may slightly alter the perception of saturation.
- Off-screen extras: These comparisons also include details such as: chargers included by manufacturer or the dual LED flash In certain models, improvements that do not directly affect the panel but rather the entire product.
- Unlimited: Although the benchmarks are cold, they place the S4 at the top end of the spectrum in terms of power. For the display, this translates into fluid animations, fast upscaling and smooth video playback at 1080p.
For better or worse, Samsung looks like it's going to continue using SuperAMOLED panels on their high-end smartphones. In the case of the Samsung Galaxy S4, has managed to optimize it with a large screen of intense colors and deep blacks, sacrificing in return the aspects of visibility in daylight and a lower subpixel density, barely perceptible to the human eye. Adding in the context of its LCD rivals and the software variations between layers, it's clear how the playing field stacks up: the S4 is the choice for those who prioritize adjustable contrast and saturation, while the reference LCDs offer outstanding outdoor brightness and neutral calibration.
