The Samsung Galaxy S4 was a flagship powerhouse in its time, but years later, budget options like the QMobile Noir S4 offer a compelling alternative. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices, focusing on how their specifications translate to real-world performance and value in 2024.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user in 2024, the Samsung Galaxy S4 remains the superior choice. Its Exynos 5410 Octa-core processor provides significantly more processing power than the QMobile Noir S4’s Mediatek MT6580, offering a smoother experience for demanding tasks, despite both phones sharing a similar battery endurance rating.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| EDGE | - | Yes |
| GPRS | - | Yes |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, June. Released 2016, June | 2013, March. Released 2013, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 144.4 x 72.5 x 8.7 mm (5.69 x 2.85 x 0.34 in) | 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm (5.38 x 2.75 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 150 g (5.29 oz) | 130 g (4.59 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~72.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A15 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A7) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) | Exynos 5410 Octa (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | PowerVR SGX544MP3 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 5.0.1 (Lollipop), TouchWiz UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | 2000 entries |
| | - | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.14µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual video call |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 2 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 (MHL 2 TV-out), OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | 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 | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, temperature, humidity, gesture |
| | - | 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 430 h (2G) / Up to 410 h (3G) | Up to 370 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 12 h (2G) / Up to 10 h (3G) | Up to 17 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2600 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gold | 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
|
QMobile Noir S4
- Significantly lower price point
- Acceptable battery life (65h endurance)
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Weak processor (Mediatek MT6580)
- Likely inferior display quality
- Limited software support
Samsung I9500 Galaxy S4
- Powerful processor (Exynos 5410 Octa)
- Wireless charging (market dependent)
- Potentially better camera and display
- Older device with limited software updates
- Battery may be degraded due to age
- Higher price compared to the QMobile Noir S4
Display Comparison
Both the QMobile Noir S4 and Samsung Galaxy S4 share an infinite (nominal) / 3.352:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar display quality in ideal conditions. However, the Galaxy S4’s original higher price point likely afforded a more accurate panel and potentially better viewing angles. Details regarding the Noir S4’s panel technology (IPS, TFT) are missing, but given its price bracket, it’s unlikely to match the S4’s color reproduction. Both devices lack modern features like high refresh rates or HDR support.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but specifics are lacking. The Galaxy S4 likely benefits from Samsung’s superior image processing algorithms and potentially a larger sensor. The QMobile Noir S4’s camera is likely a basic module suitable for casual snapshots. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison, but the S4’s higher original price suggests a more capable camera system.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant difference. The Samsung Galaxy S4’s Exynos 5410 Octa-core processor, with its combination of Cortex-A15 and Cortex-A7 cores, offers a substantial advantage over the QMobile Noir S4’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7. The Exynos chip’s architecture allows for more efficient multitasking and handling of demanding applications. While both chipsets are built on a 28nm process, the Exynos’s more complex design and higher clock speeds translate to a noticeably faster user experience. The Noir S4 will struggle with modern, resource-intensive apps.
Battery Life
Interestingly, both phones have an endurance rating of 65 hours. This suggests similar battery life despite the Galaxy S4’s more powerful processor. The Exynos 5410 likely incorporates power-saving features to compensate for its higher energy consumption. The Galaxy S4 also offers the convenience of wireless charging (Qi, market dependent), a feature absent on the QMobile Noir S4. While both will likely last a full day with moderate use, the S4’s wireless charging provides added flexibility.
Buying Guide
Buy the QMobile Noir S4 if you need a very affordable, basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a good option for first-time smartphone users or as a backup device. Buy the Samsung I9500 Galaxy S4 if you prioritize performance, a more refined user experience, and features like wireless charging (market dependent), even if it means paying a premium and dealing with an older device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Exynos 5410 in the Galaxy S4 prone to overheating during extended use?
While the Exynos 5410 is a powerful chip, it was known to generate some heat under sustained load. However, Samsung implemented thermal management solutions to mitigate this. Modern usage patterns are also less demanding than when the phone was new, so overheating is less likely to be a significant issue for typical users.
❓ Can the QMobile Noir S4 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Mediatek MT6580 processor in the QMobile Noir S4 is not powerful enough to run PUBG Mobile smoothly, even at the lowest settings. Expect significant lag and frame rate drops, making the gaming experience unenjoyable. It's better suited for less demanding 2D games.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy S4 still receive software updates?
No, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is no longer officially supported with software updates. It’s running an older version of Android. While custom ROMs are available, installing them requires technical expertise and voids the warranty.
❓ Is the battery on a used Samsung Galaxy S4 likely to be in good condition?
Given the age of the Samsung Galaxy S4, the battery is likely degraded. Expect reduced capacity and shorter battery life compared to when the phone was new. Replacing the battery is possible, but requires some technical skill.
