Samsung - Galaxy S4 SCH-I545 Smartphone - Verizon Wireless - 16GB - Pre-Unlocked

Name: Samsung - Galaxy S4 SCH-I545 Smartphone - Verizon Wireless - 16GB - Pre-Unlocked
Brand: Samsung
SKU: 8818506
Rating: 4.6 (1251 reviews)

Model: SCH-I545

SKU: 8818506

This item is no longer available in new condition. See similar items below

Key Specs
- Screen Size: 5 inches (Size of the screen, measured diagonally from corner to corner.)
- Built-in Storage: 16 gigabytes
- Phone Memory (RAM): 2 gigabytes (Random-access memory (RAM) temporarily stores data so that it can be accessed quickly. The size of the RAM determines how efficiently the phone can handle large amounts of information at once, such as switching between several open apps.)
General
- Product Name: Galaxy S4 SCH-I545 Smartphone - Verizon Wireless - 16GB - Pre-Unlocked
- Brand: Samsung
- Model Number: SCH-I545
Display
- Screen Size: 5 inches (Size of the screen, measured diagonally from corner to corner.)
- Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Screens come in a range of resolutions (measured in pixels, horizontal x vertical). The higher the resolution, the greater the picture quality.)
Network
- Carrier: Verizon
- Unlocked: false (Can be used with any carrier, typically by exchanging the phone's SIM card with another one compatible for the intended area of service. Can be used with a new or existing cellular service plan.)
- No-Contract: false (Can be purchased without committing to a contract with a cellular service provider. No-contract phones are only compatible with a specific carrier.)
- Mobile Hotspot Capability: true (A hotspot-enabled device is able to connect wirelessly to a cellular network and share the connection via Wi-Fi with nearby compatible devices.)
Features
- Model Family: Samsung Galaxy S 4
- Sensors: Accelerometer, Barometer, Compass, Gesture sensor, Gyro sensor, Humidity Sensor, Proximity sensor, Temperature sensor (Detects stimuli such as heat, light, sound, motion, or pressure and responds accordingly by operating a control or initiating a function of the device.)
- Built-in Storage: 16 gigabytes
Performance
- Operating System: Android 4.3 Jelly Bean (The operating system manages all software and hardware, including files, memory and connected devices. Most importantly, it lets you interact with your device and your programs in a visual way; otherwise, you'd be typing computer code to get anything done.)
- Processor Speed: 1.9 gigahertz (Actual central processing unit (CPU) speed may vary by device configuration and design. Also referred to as clock speed, this is how quickly the central processing unit (CPU) can receive and interpret instructions. The higher the number, the more operations per second that can be completed. Working in combination with system memory, the power of the processor determines the complexity of software you can run.)
- Phone Memory (RAM): 2 gigabytes (Random-access memory (RAM) temporarily stores data so that it can be accessed quickly. The size of the RAM determines how efficiently the phone can handle large amounts of information at once, such as switching between several open apps.)
Storage
- Media Card Slot: microSD
Other
- UPC: 887276956497

The Next Big Thing is Here

It takes a lot of things to be The Next Big Thing ─ 5" Full HD Super AMOLED™ display, 13MP camera, touch-free way to navigate, and Easy Mode for simplified use.

Slow and Fast Motion

Capture every moment with Slow Motion video recording - no video editing tools necessary. Slow down or speed up all the action using the Galaxy S 4 Slow Motion and Fast Motion camera modes. Simply choose your mode, select your speed and start recording.

Q: what's the advantage of getting phones at bestbuys?

A: I'm not sure who your carrier is but I have had Verizon for about 10 years. I dreaded going into the Verizon stores but didn't know I had another choice. Stumbled on the phone section at Best Buy and have not set foot in a Verizon store since!!! They can do everything that the carrier store can do...change your plan, upgrade the phone...you name it. AND sometimes their phones are cheaper! The people at Best Buy have been far more helpful and getting accessories is much easier and cheaper. Also, their "geek squad" protection plan is MUCH better than the Verizon insurance plan for your phone. Overall, yeah, sometimes you have to wait to be helped but the same applies at a Verizon store. It's just a more complete experience and the people at Best Buy have, over all, seemed to know more about the phones than Verizon. Just my opinion...

Q: How does the phone I order off of Bestbuy.com get activated?

A: You can call Verizon Customer Service. Phones can be activated online provided you are a current account holder and you can read identification details on the telephone, and follow simple instructions.

Q: Can you read the screen in bright sun?

A: From experience, the Samsung Galaxy S 4 can be a little harder to read in direct sunlight, but it is not impossible. That can be fairly common with most mobile phones though. A screen protector could potentially help limit the amount of glare while outside, especially a protector with anti-glare. I hope that helps!

Q: does this phone really require a data plan?

A: There was a time that you could activate any phone without all the features, but those days are long over. If you want to activate a "Smart Phone" you will be required to activate a smart phone data plan that starts at $30/mo. Sorry

Q: Can this phone work in other carriers like AT&T or even abroad?

A: Verizon vs. AT&T Unfortunately, Verizon and AT&T phones and networks don't really like each other. Verizon uses a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) network where each cell phone (or wireless device) is permitted access to their network individually. With CDMA you cannot move from the intended service provider to another with the same device. AT&T (as well as most of the rest of the world) on the other hand use GSM (Global System for Mobiles) networks. With GSM networks rather than authorizing a single phone to be used on the network they authorize a SIM card to be used. The SIM card can easily be taken out of one phone and put into another and that's all you have to do to change phones or with an unlocked phone, change networks (more on that later). Due to the different types of networks you cannot go from one to the other though. U.S. Phone vs. Overseas As I said above, AT&T and most other countries use GSM networks, where switching your SIM card can easily be done to change the phone you use or the network you're on. That would bee optimal if you plan on doing a lot of international travel, but there's a catch. You have to make sure you get an "unlocked" GSM cell phone, because most of the phones you buy in the U.S. are locked to a single carrier (see oligopoly) which prevents the owner of that phone from using it on any other network despite the fact that is how the technology was designed to work. This is mostly because carriers pay for most of the phone (typically around $800 for "top of the line") and require the buyer to pay a smaller portion and sign a 2 year contract. If you get an unlocked GSM phone you will pay significantly more for the phone, but you won't have a contract and you can switch from AT&T to Europe Mobile (I just assume that's the name of a company) with the switch of a SIM card and you will no longer be roaming internationally. You will have to use prepaid SIM cards for whatever country you're in at the time, so also keep that in mind. Then when you come back to America, replace your AT&T SIM card, re-enable your account (unless you want to pay for AT&T while you're gone and not using it) and continue using the same phone. NOTE: Right now Best Buy (online) has an unlocked AT&T S4 (refurbished) for $690. So you can get the same phone, but also if you're paying that much out of pocket I strongly recommend getting the Best Buy protection (it's the best insurance I've found) unless you're willing to pay the original cost again if something happens to your phone. Other tips and tricks Constantly using prepaid SIM cards can get expensive even if it is significantly cheaper than international roaming. If you have a good internet connection consider using Google Voice when you're at wherever you're staying so you can call any number in America for free from anywhere in the world, and calling a number in any other country is usually less than ¢3 per minute.

Q: Upgrade to Android 4.4 KitKat ?

A: The Galaxy S4 Verizon from Bestbuy will now upgrade to Android 5.0 Lolipop. I just updated mine that I just purchased from bestbuy.com

Q: what is the largest screen and the best camera

A: The Samsung Galaxy Note 2. Best Buy Mobile and Connectivity Specialist, Kraig

Q: texting with Iphone users

A: Sounds like you are not getting a good signal for sending MMS (group texts are sent via MMS). Try connecting to Wi-fi or waiting until you are within a reliable 3 or 4G signal.

Customers are saying

Customers are delighted by the camera quality, screen size, ease of use, and battery life of this phone. Many appreciate the additional features and light weight design. However, some users express concerns regarding limited storage space and occasional software issues. A few also mention challenges with phone reception in certain areas.

This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.

Customer Images

The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Fast, Vibrant, Thin, Awesome Accessories
I was torn between getting the GS4 and getting the HTC One. In my experience, Samsung and HTC phones are quite comparable - and with these two having such similar specs, it was hard to decide. I've had my share of phones from both brands; the Samsung phones may fain the appearance of "cheap-ness" but they have outlasted all the HTC phones that I have had. You can really beat up a Samsung (and I have). For some reason the HTC phones have been just dying on me for no reason after just over a year. The Samsung can get tossed across a parking lot and you wouldn't even notice. I did eventually decide on the S4, and here's why: It's faster, not by much - they both have the same processor - but the S4 is clocked at 1.9 GHz It's thinner - I like thinner, it's also lighter . I've had my share of bulky phones. It's got a nicer screen - well, it's bigger and has less bezel. It has a nicer camera - 13 Mega Pixels on the S4 beat out the 4 "ultra pixels" on the HTC One any day. Features - it has a lot of 'fun to mess around with' features. Accessories - I like the flip view case and the wireless charging and the health conscious accessories. Build Quality - In my experience, Samsung phones have ALWAYS outlasted HTC phones.
This review is from Samsung - Galaxy S 4 4G LTE Cell Phone (Verizon)
Posted 12 years ago by InformedBestBuyer
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Best beast out there
When you have a good thing going, why not start with that as your baseline. Samsung has done just that with the S4. The S3 and the S4 are very similar on many levels and very different in key areas. Their size is essentially the same at 5.38" x 2.75" x .31". This actually makes the S4 .7mm thinner than the S3. Its weight is 4.6 ounces, .7 ounces lighter than the S3. Comparing the two, Samsung has increased the size of the screen to a 5" display that offers full HD resolution at 1920 x 1080 pixels. While other phones offer similar resolutions, none have the same quality image that comes from the Super AMOLED screen offered on the S4. Side-by-side comparisons with phones such as the HTC One find the S4 shines with more prominent resolution and richer color tones. The screen also has improved capacitance over the S3 and previous Samsung offerings. This improved capacitance supports phone use while gloves are worn. Those who live in cold climates or those who are fashion conscious and wear gloves will find this enhanced capability helpful. While this capability is a nice addition, it takes some getting used to. Because it is more sensitive, it's easy to falsely register a finger press if you hover your hand over the screen in the just the right way. Hopefully Samsung can correct this performance flaw with future software upgrades. The S4 houses a whopping 13-megapixel, rear-facing camera and a 2-megapixel, front facing camera. The rear-facing, 13-megapixel camera image is excellent. The imaging capabilities of both cameras extend past the raw hardware with added features built into their associated software. There is software to do most anything you can think of with the images taken. Software even uses both the front and back camera to offer all kinds of imaging effects from panoramic images to slow motion videos. Samsung has integrated a 1.9GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor to help keep things purring along smoothly. At the time of this review, this makes the S4 one of the fastest smartphones on the market.4 pl The front of the phone contains a number of additional sensors that monitor eye movement and proximity so the phone knows how far it is from your ear. An infra red blaster is integrated into the top of the phone to enable it to act as a remote, with the appropriate app installed to function as a remote. These sensors and the infra red blaster offer many new features not available with the S3. The phone can act as a remote control for your television, CD/DVD player, A/V receiver, and even home appliances that support remote control. The eye sensor offers additional features that control screen dimming and auto pausing when you look away from the screen. Likewise, when you look at the screen, dimming and auto pausing resume their normal operation. Applications available to support the additional sensors include Air View, Air Gesture, and Smart Scroll. While these features are futuristic and helpful in theory, they aren't flawless in practice. They are also rather complex to learn and use, which detracts from the concept of simplicity when it comes to operating the device. Take this into consideration when adopting the phone for your use. Not all the features have to be used at once. You may find some features helpful while others are an annoyance. They are all highly configurable and it will take some time and practice to set them up to your liking. As for battery life, the S4 stock battery is 2,600mAh compared to the 2,100mAh S3 battery. This is a 20% increase in battery size with no added thickness to the phone's form factor. In fact--as stated earlier--the S4 is .7mm thinner than the S3. This added battery storage is required due to the increased screen size and additional features and applications. Each person's use is highly personalized, so it's difficult to gauge how this battery will perform with your personal use, but, in general, it seems to be an adequate amount of power storage for moderate use. Still, it will more than likely require daily charging. If this is a concern to you, you might consider an extended-life battery. These batteries are freely sold on Amazon and other locations, but most of them require an aftermarket back to the case that will replace your stock rear cover. Extended batteries mean heftier weight and added thickness to the phone. Another option is to purchase an additional battery as a backup for when your primary battery discharges. Overall, the S4 is a brilliant device. It's not without its flaws and there is always room for improvement. While Apple performed wonders defining the modern smartphone, Samsung has helped take the concept one step further. If you're looking to upgrade your older smartphone and break into the Samsung Galaxy world for the first time, the S4 is a fantastic selection. It is, arguably, the best Android phone on the market, at present. Some may say it's the best smartphone, period. Each person's decision and opinion is highly individualistic. One thing is for sure, Samsung has pulled out all the stops to ensure consumers get the most for their money, and they have set the bar even higher for newcomers to take the mantle of achievement to a new level.
This review is from Samsung - Galaxy S 4 4G LTE Cell Phone (Verizon)
Posted 12 years ago by taylormcc
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Excellent overall with a few annoyances
Incredible screen! Video, images & text are razor sharp. easy to read an ebook on its large screen. Get a case ASAP to protect that gorgeous glass! Fast processor, microSD slot, very friendly user interface. Extremely customizable: you can adjust almost ever possible feature on the phone! Dual screen mode is a plus! Some features are impractical in the real world and do work...kind of. Yes. You can scroll the screen just by moving your eyes...but only with some programs and your eyes have to be in the right position. Yes. Hand gestures work without touching the phone but, unless your hands are really dirty, you might as well, you know, touch it!. So, for bragging rights its impressive. I wish they hadn't changed the camera software available in the S3 which was more user adjustable and yielded rich, crisp images. If you want the camera to think for you, you may be happy. If you want to adjust ISO, white balance, anti-shake, yourself you're out of luck. These are often crippled in the available preset shooting "Modes". By the way, the 13 MP isn't available in every mode either! The lens is recessed and protected by glass which could get scratched easily. Video is excellent and playback will leave you breathless! Nevertheless, pictures look good but the S3 images win here by a nose. Battery life is impressive with 3 days of moderate use typical. Heavy users can get 2 days maybe. Calls are crisp & clear. Sound quality is outstanding. So, a few personal annoyances aside, its a great phone that works well in spite of all its gimmickry. Well done, Samsung.
This review is from Samsung - Galaxy S 4 4G LTE Cell Phone (Verizon)
Posted 12 years ago by GM370