Info: The Samsung Galaxy S4 vs the Samsung Galaxy Grand

For those of you that think the Samsung Galaxy S4 is way out of your budget there is a cheaper alternative. Have you heard of the Samsung Galaxy Grand. Yes, it is a little old but I had a chance to use one of them recently and the experience was pretty decent. It got me thinking, why can’t the Samsung Galaxy Grand be considered a good alternative for the Galaxy S4? This comparison is going to help you decide whether the Galaxy Grand is actually worth being called a cheaper alternative for the Galaxy S4. Can you get the same or at least a similar experience from the Galaxy Grand? Read on to find out...

Phone	Samsung Galaxy S4	Samsung Galaxy Grand
Image
Operating System	Android 4.2.2 (JellyBean)	Android 4.1.2 (JellyBean)
Processor	Quad Core, 1900 MHz, Krait 300	Dual Core, 1200 MHz, Cortex-A9
System Chip	Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 APQ8064T	Broadcom VideoCore IV
System Memory	2 GB	1 GB
Graphics Processor	Adreno 320	Yes
Display	5.0” Super AMOLED	5.0” TFT
Screen Resolution	1,920 x 1,080	800 x 480
Pixel Density	441 ppi	187 ppi
Storage	16 / 32 / 64 GB User memory + microSD / microSDHC / microSDXC slot (up to 64 GB)	8 GB User memory + microSD / microSDHC / microSDXC slot (up to 64 GB)
Primary Camera	13 MP	8 MP
Flash	LED	LED
Secondary Camera	2.0 MP	2.0 MP
WiFi	WiFi 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac / n 5GHz	WiFi 802.11 b / g / n
Bluetooth	4.0	4.0
Battery	2,600 mAh	2,100 mAh
Weight	130 g	162 g
Dimensions	136.6 x 69.8 x 7.90 mm	143.5 x 76.9 x 9.6 mm
Announced	14th March 2013	18th December 2012

Size and weight

Given how popular the Galaxy S4 has become because of its compact 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.90 mm measurements, it seems we forget how bulky smart phones used to be just a year ago. The Galaxy Grand measures 143.5 x 76.9 x 9.60 mm which, at the time of its announcement in December 2012, was considered quite alright to say the least. But today, these figures make the smart phone appear bulky. The story is exactly the same when it comes to weight with the Galaxy Grand weighing as much as the Nokia Lumia 928 at 162 g. This is 32 g more than the Galaxy S4 that weighs just 130 g. But then again, this is a comparison to see whether the Galaxy Grand is a suitable substitute for the Galaxy S4 and I’m sure no one will mind if it’s a little bulkier.

Still, this point should be awarded to the Galaxy S4.

(Samsung Galaxy S4 - One / Samsung Galaxy Grand - Zero)


Display

In terms of display again, the Galaxy Grand is clearly not up for a fight. We all know how good the Galaxy S4’s screen is with its 5.0” Super AMOLED screen with 441 ppi. The only think that the Galaxy Grand has going for itself is the size of its screen which is also 5.0”. But, it is only a TFT screen and has just 187 ppi. Usually, I would say that the Galaxy S4 should have far better display quality than the Galaxy Grand, but I got an opportunity to compare both these smart phones side by side recently and I must say I wasn’t too disappointed with the display of the Galaxy Grand. But then again, that is my personal opinion.

This point too will be awarded to the Galaxy S4 since it clearly has the superior display.

(Samsung Galaxy S4 - Two / Samsung Galaxy Grand - Zero)


Memory & Storage

This is one point where most Samsung smart phones will tie with each other. That is purely because Samsung believes in giving their users a lot of options as far as storage is concerned. Both smart phones allow memory expansion up to 64 GB and while the Galaxy S4 comes with 16, 32 or 64 GB of internal user memory the Galaxy Grand has just 8 GB of internal user memory. In terms of RAM the Galaxy S4 has 2 GB while the Galaxy Grand has 1.5 GB. I think this is the first point where it’s safe to say that you wouldn’t notice much of a difference whether you bought the Galaxy Grand or the Galaxy S4.

This is the first draw between the two.

(Samsung Galaxy S4 - Two / Samsung Galaxy Grand - Zero)


Camera

The picture quality of the 13 MP camera on the Galaxy S4 is better than most other smart phones and that is the case here as well. While the 8 MP camera on the Galaxy Grand is decent enough, it clearly can’t match up to the Galaxy S4’s camera and its wide range of features. The Galaxy Grand does support video recording at 1080 HD though. Both smart phones are equipped with 2 MP camera on the front as well.

Even though the 13 MP camera on the Galaxy S4 is far superior, I would still consider this point a draw as both smart phones allow users to take pretty decent pictures and if you substituted the Galaxy S4 with the Galaxy Grand, your most notable loss would be the additional features and not the picture quality.

(Samsung Galaxy S4 - Two / Samsung Galaxy Grand - Zero)


OS & Performance

The Galaxy S4 runs on the latest Android operating system 4.2.2 (JellyBean) while the Galaxy Grand runs on an older version of JellyBean 4.1.2. But apart from the fact that you can add widgets to the lock screen, I didn’t find much of a difference between both operating systems. The Galaxy S4 runs on a Quad core, 1900 MHz, Krait 300 processor with Adreno 320 graphics. The Galaxy Grand has a graphics processor too and runs on a Dual Core, 1200 MHz, Cortex-A9 processor. Yes the technology is a little old but I hardly noticed a difference in performance between both the smart phones. You might have to wait a couple of milliseconds more with the Galaxy Grand, but that isn’t much to crib about.

My best judgment would be to call this point a draw as well.

(Samsung Galaxy S4 - Two / Samsung Galaxy Grand - Zero)


Battery

The battery life on both these smart phones is quite spectacular, but considering they are both Samsung it was expected anyway. The Galaxy S4 comes with a large 2,600 mAh battery while the Galaxy Grand comes with a 2,100 mAh battery. But contrary to popular belief, bigger isn’t always better. The Galaxy Grand has a stand by time of 18+ days while the Galaxy S4 has a stand by time of just 15+ days. And 72 hours is a lot of time. I guess the poorer display quality of the Galaxy Grand makes this possible.

I can’t believe that the Galaxy Grand is not only cheaper than the Galaxy S4 but also has a longer battery life.

(Samsung Galaxy S4 - Two / Samsung Galaxy Grand - Two)


Price

This point is the main basis of this comparison. The Galaxy S4 can be purchased free of contract for $ 690 while the Galaxy Grand can be purchased for just $ 390. That’s $ 300 worth of reasons for substituting the Galaxy S4 with the Galaxy Grand. And from what I’ve seen so far, I don’t think too many people would be against saving $ 300 and picking up the Galaxy Grand instead of the Galaxy S4.

This point clearly goes to the Galaxy Grand.

(Samsung Galaxy S4 - Two / Samsung Galaxy Grand - Two)


Conclusion

So there you have it. The Galaxy Grand ties with the Galaxy S4 at 2 points each. The Galaxy S4 is more compact and has a better display while the Galaxy Grand provides a better battery life and is much cheaper. Both smart phones can’t be separated when it comes to the memory, storage, camera, operating system and performance. I hope this comparison brings you closer to owning a top end smart phone from the Samsung Galaxy series. And considering you can get one for under $ 400, it really is worth it.


Similar Posts:

Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini
Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini vs HTC One Mini
Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Nokia Lumia 1020

---

› See More: The Samsung Galaxy S4 vs the Samsung Galaxy Grand