The Samsung Galaxy S4 was a flagship device that captivated the world. But did you know there were two versions? The I9500, powered by Samsung's Exynos chipset, and the I9505, featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon. This article dives deep into the differences to help you understand which model was truly superior.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The I9505 (Snapdragon) generally edges out the I9500 (Exynos) due to its superior performance and slightly better battery efficiency. While both offer a fantastic experience, the Snapdragon variant provides a smoother, more responsive feel, especially in demanding tasks. However, availability and price are key considerations.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 |
| EDGE | Yes | - |
| GPRS | Yes | - |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 17 - SGH-i337 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, March. Released 2013, April | 2013, March. Released 2013, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm (5.38 x 2.75 x 0.31 in) | 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm (5.38 x 2.75 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 130 g (4.59 oz) | 130 g (4.59 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~72.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~72.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A15 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A7) | Quad-core 1.9 GHz Krait 300 |
| Chipset | Exynos 5410 Octa (28 nm) | Qualcomm APQ8064T Snapdragon 600 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX544MP3 | Adreno 320 |
| OS | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 5.0.1 (Lollipop), TouchWiz UI | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 5.0 (Lollipop), TouchWiz UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| Phonebook | 2000 entries | - |
| | eMMC 5.0 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.14µm, 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 | Dual video call |
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard) | 2 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (MHL 2 TV-out), OTG | microUSB 2.0 (MHL 2 TV-out), OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, 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, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, temperature, humidity, gesture | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, temperature, humidity, gesture |
| | ANT+
S-Voice natural language commands and dictation
Air gestures | ANT+
S-Voice natural language commands and dictation
Air gestures |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless (Qi) (market dependent) | Wireless (Qi) (market dependent) |
| Music play | Up to 62 h | Up to 62 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 370 h (3G) | Up to 350 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 17 h (3G) | Up to 17 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2600 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2600 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White Frost, Black Mist, Arctic Blue, Black Edition | White Frost, Black Mist, Aurora Red (AT&T only), Arctic Blue, Purple Mirage, Brown Autumn, Pink Twilight, 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 | GT-I9505, GT-I9515, SGH-I337, SC-04E, GT-I9515L |
| Price | About 320 EUR | About 330 EUR |
| SAR | 0.85 W/kg (head) 1.55 W/kg (body) | 0.77 W/kg (head) 1.17 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.42 W/kg (head) 0.54 W/kg (body) | 0.28 W/kg (head) 0.40 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -95.9dB / Crosstalk -96.4dB |
Noise -95.9dB / Crosstalk -96.4dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 65h
|
Endurance rating 69h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 3.352:1 (sunlight) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 3.352:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 70dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 77dB
|
Voice 70dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 77dB
|
Samsung I9500 Galaxy S4
- Potentially more affordable
- Wireless charging (market dependent)
- Excellent Super AMOLED display
- Slightly lower performance than I9505
- Potential for throttling under heavy load
- Slightly shorter battery life
Samsung I9505 Galaxy S4
- Superior performance (Snapdragon)
- Better sustained performance
- Slightly longer battery life
- Wireless charging (market dependent)
- Potentially more expensive
- Wireless charging availability varies by market
Display Comparison
Both the I9500 and I9505 share the same impressive 5.0-inch Super AMOLED display with a 1080 x 1920 resolution and a reported infinite contrast ratio (nominal) and 3.352:1 (sunlight). Visually, there's little to differentiate them. Color accuracy and viewing angles are excellent on both.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature a 13MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions. However, the Snapdragon variant (I9505) often exhibits slightly better color reproduction and dynamic range. Low-light performance is similar on both, but can be noisy.
Performance
This is where the biggest difference lies. The I9505's Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 chipset and Krait 300 CPU generally outperform the I9500's Exynos 5410 Octa. The Snapdragon offers better sustained performance under load, resulting in less throttling and smoother gameplay. The Exynos, while powerful, could sometimes struggle with heat management and performance consistency.
Battery Life
The I9505 boasts a slightly higher endurance rating (69h) compared to the I9500 (65h). This is likely due to the Snapdragon's more efficient power management. While both offer decent battery life for their time, the I9505 provides a bit more peace of mind.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung I9500 Galaxy S4? Those seeking a potentially more affordable option, or who already own one and are satisfied with its performance. Who should buy the Samsung I9505 Galaxy S4? Users prioritizing smoother performance, especially for gaming or multitasking, and are willing to pay a slight premium (if available).
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Exynos or Snapdragon version of the Galaxy S4 better?
Generally, the Snapdragon (I9505) is considered better due to its superior performance and slightly better battery efficiency. However, the Exynos (I9500) can be a good value option if found at a lower price.
❓ What does the 'Infinite' contrast ratio mean on the Galaxy S4?
The 'Infinite' contrast ratio is a marketing term used by Samsung to highlight the deep blacks achievable with their Super AMOLED displays. The 3.352:1 ratio is a more measurable value representing the contrast in sunlight conditions.
