Samsung Galaxy S4 Black Edition smartphone
Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S4 Black Edition

February 2014 6/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy S4 Black Edition is a distinctive variant of the original Galaxy S4, launched in February 2014. It features a premium faux-leather textured black back cover and bezel, inspired by the Galaxy Note 3, setting it apart aesthetically from the standard model. Internally, it maintains the same hardware specifications as the regular Galaxy S4, offering a Full HD Super AMOLED display and a 13MP camera.
Display5.0" Full HD Super AMOLED (441 ppi)
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 600
Main Camera13 MP with LED flash
BatteryRemovable 2600 mAh Li-Ion
Starting from $54

💰 Samsung Galaxy S4 Black Edition Price

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Black Edition lowest price is $54, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeSuper AMOLED
Size5.0 inches
Resolution1080 x 1920 pixels (Full HD)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3
Pixel Density~441 ppi

Platform

OSAndroid 4.2.2 Jelly Bean (upgradable to 4.4.2 KitKat, planned upgrade to 5.0 Lollipop)
ChipsetQualcomm APQ8064T Snapdragon 600
CPUQuad-core 1.9 GHz Krait 300
GPUAdreno 320

Memory

Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot), up to 64GB
Internal16GB/32GB/64GB, 2GB RAM

Main Camera

Single13 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDR
Video1080p@30fps, dual-video recording

Selfie Camera

Single2 MP, f/2.4, 22mm (wide)
Video1080p@30fps, dual video call

Battery

TypeRemovable Li-Ion 2600 mAh battery
Talk timeUp to 17 h (3G)
Music playUp to 62 h

Body

Dimensions136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm
Weight130 g
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back (faux leather), plastic frame
SIMMicro-SIM

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE
PositioningGPS, GLONASS
NFCYes
Infrared portYes
RadioNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out), OTG

Launch

AnnouncedJanuary 2014 (Black Edition)
StatusAvailable February 2014

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Unique and stylish faux-leather design
  • Excellent Full HD Super AMOLED display
  • Removable battery for easy replacement
  • Expandable storage via microSD card
  • Infrared blaster for universal remote functionality
  • Feature-rich software (at the time of release)

Cons

  • Plastic build, despite the faux-leather finish
  • Aging hardware by current standards
  • Limited software updates beyond Android 5.0 Lollipop
  • Battery life can be inconsistent with heavy use
  • No longer officially supported or sold new
★ Our Verdict

While a stylish and capable phone at its release, its age means it lacks modern performance, camera quality, and software support, making it primarily a collector's item or a very basic secondary device today.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Black Edition is a nostalgic piece of smartphone history, primarily appealing to collectors or those seeking a very basic, inexpensive secondary device. Do not expect modern performance, camera capabilities, or up-to-date software support. If purchasing, look for units in good cosmetic condition, as internal components are difficult to replace and battery degradation is common. Ensure the removable battery is in good health or budget for a replacement. Consider its limited app compatibility and security updates before relying on it as a daily driver. Its unique design remains its strongest selling point.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy S4 Black Edition Handset
  • Black Power Adapter
  • Black Data Cable (microUSB)
  • Black Headphones
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Warranty Card

Standard manufacturer's warranty typically covered one year from the date of purchase.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the Samsung Galaxy S4 Black Edition?

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Black Edition is a special version of the original Galaxy S4 smartphone, distinguished by its faux-leather textured black back cover and bezel, along with exclusive black accessories and unique digital content.

What are the main differences between the Black Edition and the standard Galaxy S4?

The primary differences are aesthetic: the Black Edition features a faux-leather black back, black bezel, black accessories, and exclusive wallpapers/ringtones. Internally, its specifications are identical to the standard Galaxy S4.

When was the Samsung Galaxy S4 Black Edition released?

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Black Edition was released in February 2014 in select markets.

Can the Samsung Galaxy S4 Black Edition still be used today?

Yes, it can still be used for basic tasks like calls, texts, and some older apps. However, its hardware is outdated, and it no longer receives official software updates, which can impact security and compatibility with newer applications.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S4 Black Edition have expandable storage?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Black Edition includes a microSDXC card slot, allowing users to expand its storage up to 64GB.

What operating system does the Samsung Galaxy S4 Black Edition run?

It originally launched with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and was upgradable to Android 4.4.2 KitKat, with a planned upgrade to Android 5.0 Lollipop.