In terms of photographic features, the default camera app also allows you to choose the ISO speed (100-800), metering (centre-weighted, matrix and spot), white balance, exposure compensation, turn burst shot, face detection and anti-shake on or off, set the photo and video sizes, configure the self-timer, and set the flash to on, off or auto. There's also a range of 11 different clever scene modes, including the useful HDR and Panorama modes, and 13 creative filters which are accessed by pressing the arrow icon at the bottom of the touchscreen, useful for previewing and adding a not-too-cliched effect. The subject recognizing Auto setting is point and shoot all the way, the camera getting it mostly right, although - typically - busier scenes can confuse the auto-focus and the shutter will still fire even if the image is noticeably soft, so you can occasionally come away with blurred results. The Samsung Galaxy S4 has an array of beginner and more advanced shooting modes. Voice control can also be used to zoom the lens, fire the flash, set the timer options, and change the shooting mode, amongst other settings. You can even take a picture using the power of your own voice, with 'capture', 'shoot', 'smile' and 'cheese' commands all available. A full-sized 13 megapixel image is committed to either the built-in memory (16/32/64Mb) or an optional micro-SD card in one to two seconds, which is impressive. To focus, simply tap anywhere on the screen and the AF point appears in green along with the customary confirmation 'bleep', then tap the shutter button to take the shot. There's no physical shutter-release button on the Galaxy S4, replaced instead by a soft key on the touchscreen. The startup time from Standby is thankfully much quicker at just under 2 seconds, roughly what we'd expect from a point-and-shoot camera, although no speed demon. Hold this down for the first time and the Galaxy S4 stutters into life, taking quite a while to display a series of graphical screens, with the rear screen switches to camera mode a couple of seconds later. Located on the top-plate is a thin power button. Other than the lens, the only other features on the sparse front of the Galaxy S4 are two slots for the microphones and the LED flash unit, positioned directly below the lens.

The plastic back cover aside, with what feels like a higher proportion of metal in the build than plastic, the Galaxy S4's sleek and stylish exterior certainly looks the part. On the back is a very impressive 5-inch, 1920 x 1080 pixel Full HD touchscreen AMOLED display, and the S4 zoom runs the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean operating system. There's 13-megapixel effective resolution from the standard sized 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensor. The Galaxy S4 has a fixed lens with a focal length the 35mm equivalent of 31mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.2.

Build quality is fine, but not class-leading, and having to remove the plastic cover off the back to insert a microSD card is more than a little disconcerting! It's undoubtedly a large but very slim device that will definitely get you noticed, especially in the attractive white finish of our review sample. The Samsung Galaxy S4 measures 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9mm, which means that it can be easily stored inside a trouser pocket, and weighs a mere 130g without battery and card. The Samsung Galaxy S4 costs around £499 / $599 without a contract and is available in a wide range of colours. The Galaxy S4 has a 31mm fixed lens with an aperture of f/2.2, a 5-inch Full HD AMOLED touchscreen which boasts a resolution of 441ppi, a built-in LED flash, Wi-Fi, GPS and 3G/4G connectivity, and Full 1080p HD movies at 30fps with slow- and fast-motion options. The Samsung Galaxy S4 is a 13 megapixel smartphone that runs on the Android operating system.

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