Comparing the Samsung I9500 Galaxy S4 to the Orange Monte Carlo is akin to contrasting a modern automobile with a basic commuter vehicle. Released in 2013, the Galaxy S4 represented a significant leap forward in smartphone capabilities, while the Monte Carlo served a more fundamental connectivity role. This comparison dissects the vast differences in processing power, display technology, and overall user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the vast majority of users, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is the clear winner. Its octa-core Exynos 5410 processor, superior display, and feature set offer a dramatically improved experience compared to the Orange Monte Carlo's basic 800 MHz CPU. The Monte Carlo is only viable for users with extremely limited needs.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| EDGE | - | Yes |
| GPRS | - | Yes |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011 | 2013, March. Released 2013, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 125.9 x 67.8 x 10.4 mm (4.96 x 2.67 x 0.41 in) | 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm (5.38 x 2.75 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 120 g (4.23 oz) | 130 g (4.59 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~217 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.3 inches, 52.6 cm2 (~61.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~72.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 800 MHz | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A15 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A7) |
| Chipset | - | Exynos 5410 Octa (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR SGX544MP3 |
| OS | Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 5.0.1 (Lollipop), TouchWiz UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 512MB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | 2000 entries |
| | - | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.14µm, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual video call |
| Single | - | 2 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | - | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 (MHL 2 TV-out), OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, UMA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | - | Downloadable |
| Java | - | Yes |
| Messaging | - | SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, IM |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, temperature, humidity, gesture |
| | MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
Organizer
Voice memo/dial
Predictive text input | ANT+
S-Voice natural language commands and dictation
Air gestures |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless (Qi) (market dependent) |
| Music play | - | Up to 62 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 288 h | Up to 370 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 5 h | Up to 17 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1400 mAh battery | Li-Ion 2600 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | White Frost, Black Mist, Arctic Blue, Black Edition |
| Models | - | GT-I9500, SGH-I337M, SGH-M919, GT-I9507V, SHV-E330L, SPH-L720T, SHV-E300S, SHV-E300L, SHV-E300K, GT-I9507, SGH-M919N |
| Price | - | About 320 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.85 W/kg (head) 1.55 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.42 W/kg (head) 0.54 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -95.9dB / Crosstalk -96.4dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 65h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 3.352:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 70dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 77dB
|
Orange Monte Carlo
- Extremely affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Basic connectivity fulfilled
- Very limited processing power
- Outdated software and app compatibility
- Poor display quality (likely)
Samsung I9500 Galaxy S4
- Powerful octa-core processor
- High-quality display with good sunlight visibility
- Wireless charging (market dependent)
- More versatile camera system
- Battery is old and likely degraded
- Software is outdated
- May not support modern apps effectively
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy S4 boasts a significantly more advanced display. While both devices list an 'Infinite' contrast ratio (a marketing term common at the time), the S4’s 3.352:1 sunlight contrast ratio indicates a far superior ability to remain visible outdoors. The Monte Carlo’s display specifications are unavailable, but given its market positioning, it likely features a lower resolution and less vibrant panel. The S4’s display was a key selling point in 2013, offering a richer and more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but the Samsung Galaxy S4’s camera system is expected to be far more sophisticated. While specific sensor details are missing for both, the S4 likely features a higher resolution sensor and more advanced image processing algorithms. The Monte Carlo’s camera is likely a basic module suitable for casual snapshots. The S4’s camera would have offered features like HDR and potentially more advanced shooting modes.
Performance
The performance disparity is immense. The Orange Monte Carlo’s 800 MHz CPU is dwarfed by the Samsung Galaxy S4’s Exynos 5410 octa-core processor (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A15 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A7). The Exynos 5410, built on a 28nm process, utilizes ARM’s big.LITTLE architecture, dynamically switching between high-performance and energy-efficient cores. This allows for smooth multitasking and demanding applications, something the Monte Carlo simply cannot achieve. The S4’s processor provides a far more responsive and capable user experience.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy S4 achieves an endurance rating of 65 hours, indicating a well-optimized battery life despite its powerful processor. While the Monte Carlo’s battery capacity is unknown, its less demanding hardware likely results in comparable or slightly better endurance. However, the S4’s wireless charging (Qi, market dependent) provides a convenience factor the Monte Carlo lacks. The S4’s battery life is impressive considering its feature set and processing power.
Buying Guide
Buy the Orange Monte Carlo if you require a simple, functional device for basic calling and texting, and prioritize affordability above all else. Its limited capabilities are sufficient for minimal smartphone usage. Buy the Samsung I9500 Galaxy S4 if you demand a responsive user experience, a high-quality display for media consumption, and the ability to run modern applications – even if those applications are now dated. The S4 offers a far more versatile and enjoyable smartphone experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Exynos 5410 in the Galaxy S4 still capable of running modern apps?
While the Exynos 5410 was a powerful processor in 2013, it will struggle with many modern applications. Android updates have likely ceased, and app optimization has moved beyond the capabilities of this chipset. Expect slow performance and potential compatibility issues.
❓ Given the age of both devices, what is the biggest concern regarding battery health?
For both the Orange Monte Carlo and the Samsung Galaxy S4, battery degradation is a major concern. Lithium-ion batteries lose capacity over time, and a decade-old battery will likely offer significantly reduced runtime. Replacing the battery is recommended for either device if usability is a priority.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy S4 support 4G LTE?
Yes, the Samsung I9500 Galaxy S4 supports 4G LTE, providing significantly faster data speeds than the Monte Carlo, which likely only supports 2G or 3G. This is a crucial difference for modern internet usage.
