S
Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G

September 19, 2012 6/10 Rating
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G was a T-Mobile exclusive smartphone released in 2012, notable for its physical slide-out QWERTY keyboard. It offered 4G HSPA+ connectivity and ran on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, aiming to provide a balance between a modern smartphone experience and tactile typing.
Display4.0-inch Super AMOLED (480x800)
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus
Main Camera5 MP with LED flash
Battery1800 mAh removable Li-Ion
Starting from $3,499 in International

💰 Pricing

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent physical QWERTY keyboard for fast and accurate typing
  • Good performance for its time with the Snapdragon S4 Plus processor
  • Fast 4G HSPA+ data speeds
  • Vibrant Super AMOLED display
  • Removable battery allows for easy replacement

Cons

  • Bulky and thick design due to the keyboard
  • Average camera performance compared to contemporary flagships
  • Mediocre call quality reported by some users
  • Plastic build quality doesn't feel premium
  • Limited software updates beyond Jelly Bean
★ Our Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G was a solid choice for users prioritizing a physical keyboard and decent performance for its era, but its bulky design and average camera held it back from being a top-tier device.

The Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G is a vintage smartphone, primarily of interest to collectors, enthusiasts of physical keyboards, or those seeking a nostalgic experience. It is not suitable for modern daily use due to its outdated operating system, limited app compatibility, and lack of support for current network technologies like 5G or even modern LTE bands. If you're considering purchasing one, expect to find it used, likely without official support or warranty. Ensure the battery is in good condition or replaceable, as original batteries will be old. Its value lies in its unique form factor and historical significance rather than its practical utility in today's smartphone landscape. It's best viewed as a piece of mobile history.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G Handset
  • 1800 mAh Li-Ion Battery
  • Wall Charger
  • USB Cable
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Safety Information

The Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G typically came with a standard one-year manufacturer's limited warranty.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the main distinguishing feature of the Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G?

The main distinguishing feature of the Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G is its physical slide-out QWERTY keyboard, which was a significant draw for users who preferred tactile typing over touchscreen keyboards.

When was the Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G released?

The Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G was released on September 19, 2012, exclusively through T-Mobile.

What operating system did the Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G run?

The Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G launched with Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich and was upgradable to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G support modern 4G LTE networks?

No, the '4G' in its name refers to HSPA+ (42 Mbps), which was considered 4G at the time. It does not support modern 4G LTE or 5G networks.

Is the Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G still a good phone for daily use?

No, the Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G is not recommended for daily use in the current era due to its outdated operating system, limited app compatibility, and lack of support for modern network standards. It is primarily a collector's item.

What kind of processor did the Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G have?

The Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G was powered by a dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait processor, part of the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus (MSM8960A) chipset.