BlackBerry Z30 vs Samsung Galaxy S4 specs compared
Today we’re considering two flagship devices that will be competing on the market. The first is the just-announced BlackBerry Z30 that will be released soon, and the other is the Samsung Galaxy S4 that released back in spring. We’re looking at the BlackBerry Z30 vs. Samsung Galaxy S4 and comparing the specs.
By doing so we hope to give an idea of what they each have to offer in this respect, and we’re highlighting some of the major specs for the BlackBerry Z30 and Galaxy S4 below so you can see how they line up against each other.
Processor
The BlackBerry Z30 is powered by a 1.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro dual-core processor while the Samsung Galaxy S4 has either a 1.6GHz Exynos Octa-core processor or a 1.9GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 quad-core processor (dependent on region).
Display
You’ll find a 5-inch Super AMOLED display with 1280 x 720 resolution and 295 ppi on the Z30. Meanwhile the Galaxy S4 has a 5-inch Super AMOLED display with 1920 x 1080 resolution and 441 ppi.
RAM and Storage
The Z30 has 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD to 64GB. The Galaxy S4 has 2GB of RAM but this phone comes in 16, 32 or 64GB internal storage options, also expandable via microSD to 64GB.
Camera Set-Up
There’s an 8-megapixel rear camera with autofocus, LED flash, image stabilization and 1080p video capture for the Z30, along with a 2-megapixel front-facing shooter. On the other hand the Galaxy S4 has a 13-megapixel rear camera with autofocus LED flash, simultaneous HD video and image recording, image stabilization, HDR, and features such as Dual Shot, with a 2-megapixel front-facing camera.
Battery
A 2880 mAh non-removable battery features for the Z3 while the Galaxy S4 has a removable 2600 mAh battery.
Operating Systems
The BlackBerry Z30 runs the BB10 operating system version 10.2. Meantime, the Galaxy S4 runs Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean overlaid with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI.
Other Data
The BlackBerry Z30 has Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC and microUSB v2.0. The Galaxy S4 has Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, DLNA, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, infrared port, microUSB v2.0, USB On-the-go, and USB Host.
Dimensions and Weight
The Z30 measures 140.7mm x 72mm x 9.4mm but the weight hasn’t been specified yet. The Galaxy S4 measures 136.6m x 69.8mm x 7.9mm and weighs 130g.
As we can see by purely looking at the specs, the Samsung Galaxy S4 clearly wins on virtually every aspect. Although the BlackBerry Z30 does have a slightly higher capacity battery, it is not removable as the Galaxy S4’s is. We should point out that both phones have plenty of features that we haven’t detailed here due to the sheer amount involved, but specs-wise you can see how they compare.
Obviously with operating systems this is very much a personal choice. BlackBerry recently revived the BlackBerry operating system with BB10 and hasn’t met the success it needs with new handsets so far. It’s hoped that the new flagship Z30 will turn things around. On the other hand there are many Android device enthusiasts out there who won’t even think about moving away from an Android smartphone.
Another aspect that should be taken into account is the design of both phones. This is also very much a case of personal preference, but we have to say on looks alone we prefer the BlackBerry Z30. You’ll have your own ideas about that however.
Are you considering purchasing the BlackBerry Z30 or Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone? Are you already a BlackBerry or Android device owner, and if so could you be tempted to jump ship from your existing platform for a new device? Send your comments to let us know.
Comments
20 thoughts on “BlackBerry Z30 vs Samsung Galaxy S4 specs compared”
Z30 has DNLA, it has a Quad Core GPU and it has USB host capability, wireless charging etc….you missed a bunch of important specs.
Kurt – where you been “hiding”… rough go for BlackBerry, of late. Prem is going to “steal BlackBerry” and the company will continue to gain value, starting with, the Z30….
Peace.
Sold my BlackBerry shares. Love the phone but CEO is a moron.
lol,
The reason for POOR BB10 sales in the USA are due to the FACT Carriers signed multi-year rip-off contracts with Apple to push as much iPhones into peoples hands as possible.
Well it failed, and now the Carriers such as Verizon for instance owns Apple $14+ Billion. AT&T and Sprint are among the others. Thanks to this pathetic contract, it messed up BB10 sales.
Fully Agree. A Quad-GPU paired with a Dual-Core CPU spells high performance and lower power draw. The Z30 is an amazing high quality phone. BB10 easily blows away Android, bar none.
I’m dropping the Samsung s4 and getting the z30 I have notice that androids have full of malware so I’m getting the z30 goodbye android!
Awesome decision. You won’t be disappointed! 🙂
Blackberry z30 q10 and z10 are all sexy! Hahaha!
Clearly written by a Samsung fan! Where are all the other features that you get with Z30? Priority hub? natural sound? The new generation antenna technology that dynamically tunes reception to give users better connectivity in low signal areas? The ability to multi task? Best Email? Best keyboard? Security? Should I keep going?
People who’ve even used the BB10 platform once will never compare it to Sambug or itoy!
My sentiments, there was mention of the signal issues. I have never heard of any signal issues with BlackBerry. Samsung on the other hand does not do well in low signal areas BlackBerry had it good ever since. As it is said messaging, email and productivity are the key points for BlackBerry. I had a presentation and it was all done on my z10 via the hdmi using presentation to go. The s4 is a good phone but BlackBerry is different and that’s what I like. Trends are easy to follow but not easy to set, go bb!!!!
@proud bb fan: Priority hub is a very fine detail which can be mimicked to a higher standard in android devices. Natural sound is a speaker feature. Many android phones have had awesome sounds quality for 3 years or so. New generation antenna technology (this is because their previous generation was buggy). Multi tasking had been an android straple for around three years at least.
Android is far superior on this regard. Best email is very subjective and again I believe that the standards are not much different across so the platforms. Best keyboard? Certainly one of the best this is BlackBerrys beat feature it is what identifies a BlackBerry. However android has a host of fantastic keyboards available for free, namely the keyboard I am using to swype type this comment.
Security is blackberrys second strong point, they are the best hands down. Not to mention that their are three things to consider when buying a phone. 1.hardware 2.software 3.platform. BlackBerry currently lacks a competitive platform.
However BlackBerry still had it’s place in the market. If my dad were to buy a pine I would make him but a BB. As consumers we must learn to set aside the fanboyism and focus on the reality. BB does not hold a fight with apple or android, it simply can’t compete. However I’d it does what it does best it will survive and maybe one day branch out. That is after all what this phone aims to achieve…Survival of BB!
Glad u acknowledged that Samsung is basically mimicking stuff from other platforms. They need to try mimicking the signal technology so that can work in low signal areas I have a z10 and my friend has a s4 and certain places where his fone don’t work mine does (same network) keyboard is self explanatory one perfect keyboard so no need for any variations. Messing is a BlackBerry thing from day one and its better now. The cam also boasts hdr and multi face recognition. Sound was great but now it’s greater with 3d sound. I must admit hardwarewise the s4 has a little more but the user won’t notice the difference seeing that the QNX technology negates the need for a power consuming hardware. In the long run it boils down to preferences BlackBerry is different from the rest and I’m always up for that new experiences the bb10 is only 8 months old and showing promise. Trends easy to follow but not easy to set.
if Blackberry wants to survive they need to make a phone with a better specs that the S4. better ppi, better camera, octa core or quad core AT LEAST, should be available in 16, 32 or 64GB like the S4 and the iPhone. The OS is way better than the iOS or the Android OS but the specs aren’t that good i mean with the lack of major apps blackberry should gain new customers by making the phone more powerful so there will be at least one reason to make them switch from their phones to the BB10 Devices, trust me with better marketing for an Upgraded device like the Z30 for example a Z35? with same or bigger screen like 5′ or 5’2? idk 13+ Mega pixels as i said Quad core would be very good , octa core isn’t necessarily but having the best specs will make them switch phones umm 2880mAh is really really good but with the Quad/Octa core make it bigger.. battery is very important and with the right marketing people would see how powerful the Blackberry devices are and will switch and many people switched from Apple & android, Major app devs will choose to develop an app for the BB10 device. this is not easy but its the only way.
Specs are old news. Don’t understand why people still rely on mobile phone specs. Just look at the iPhones, its specs are terrible, yet the OS runs efficient.
The same is said for BB10, its bloody efficient, where as Android is not. The screen looks great on the Z30, and compare it to the S4, you won’t see a difference.
I can’t wait to get a Z30, just can’t choose whether I want Black or White.
Does the z30 also have the usual BB hdmi and separate power plugs?
If so, then streaming 1050p to your hdtv will be best quality and power independent.
Lack of netflix on playBook restricted its powerful media Centre capability. I hope netflix is now on the z series. Head to head with Apple tv on iTunes home made hd movies on a Mac, a hardwired hdmi BB is clearly superior in picture and sound.
I had an Galaxy S3 – upgraded to Z10 – great move… Will be going to Z30 for larger screen.
Z30 will be the only, worthwhile, “near phablet phone” to go head to head with Android.. iHoles will be jealous as they squint to play games on their iPhone 5s I mean 5Ss…
i am having samsung galaxy note 2 and i bought blackberry z30.
android is useless and does nothing but some games and apps. apps and games similar to android is also avaliable in blackberry z30
Hi There, after testing the iPhone and Galaxy Note i got a Z10 which is great device. For sure IOS (and Android) has more app but some how what i need is also available on the BB also! Lower Price, Higher Security Great MultiTasking OS Larger Screen and the Priority Hub are awesome! I will go for the Z30 this week.
I have a Z10. It has a very fast browser and feels less of a toy. Samsung S4 is the best but i’d say the Z30 is the second best on the market. The only problem is the public view of the company. Oh and did I mention there is no better keyboard than the BB10 on average consumer phones IMO.
FYI … the soon to be available os update to the Z30 will render Android apps compatible with the device. Big move forward so if apps is your thing, rest assured the Z30 will improve greatly with the addition of Android app capability