Galaxy S4 review: Samsung makes a smarter smartphone

"Revolution or evolution?"

Samsung Electronics unveiled its latest smartphone Galaxy S4 in the U.S. on March 14. Smartphone analysts called the new model "innovative," but customers will decide whether it means "evolution (gradual improvement)" or a "revolution" from existing phones.

A Dong-A Ilbo reporter tested the S4 ahead of its Korean release, slated for the end of this month.

The 4.99-inch AMOLED screen and polka dots embedded on the bezel provided more vividness and vigor. As Samsung`s first smartphone with a full high-definition screen, the phone offered a far better view of smaller letters in PC mode, with most functions upgraded from the S3.

The built-in app "S Health" checks temperature and humidity to show air quality and also has a step counter function. By inputting weight, height and birth year, a user can see his or her walking distance and calorie burning. Calorie expenditure and heart rate are checked, and their weekly and monthly records can be tracked. The app records calorie intake as well. Samsung will sell related accessories including a fitness bracelet and anklet to enable users to manage blood pressure, pulse, blood sugar and weight.

The S4 also supports many new functions for user convenience, including eye movement, audio and motion recognition functions. The video player has the "Smart Pose" function and stops when the user looks away, and continues to play when he or she looks at the screen. The "Smart Scroll" function enables screen movement through eye gestures. Playing on the screen is a bit delayed probably because it takes time to recognize eye movements.

The "Sound and Shot" function records audio on a photo with surrounding noise when a picture is taken. Additional functions include "Dual Camera" and "Watch On" that enable the use of Samsung TVs and air conditioners with smartphones. All of these functions show that the S4 is an "evolution for revolution."

In Korea, Samsung will reveal the Galaxy S4 on April 25 and will release the same day or the following day. The price will range between 950,000 (847 U.S. dollars) and 1,000,000 won (897 dollars) for a 16GB model. Both 3G and LTE versions will be available.