Samsung Galaxy Ace 4 review
Review: January 2015 | ||
![]() Rating: In a nutshell: The Samsung Ace 4 is a competent, compact Android phone that doesn't cost too much. It comes with a 4.3 inch display, a quad-core processor and 4G. But it's outperformed by rivals that offer better screens, superior cameras and longer battery life. |
Design & looks
The Galaxy Ace 4 is the latest cut-price Samsung to hit the shops. It's a smaller, cheaper version of the Galaxy S5 Mini and it's hard to spot much of a difference in design. It's a compact and lightweight phone with a solid, but plastic build, and classic Samsung looks.
Having a smaller size means that the screen is smaller too. At 4.3 inches, it's only a fraction smaller than the S5 Mini, but the number of pixels is around two thirds less, and that means that the screen isn't as sharp as most other phones at this price. It's a nice bright screen however, with saturated colours from the AMOLED display.
Quad-core speed
The Ace 4 has a quad-core processor running at 1.2GHz, which is typical for phones at this price. 1GB of RAM is standard too. This set-up is sufficient for running the user interface and powering everyday apps, but it isn't a great platform for demanding 3D games.
The onboard memory is just 8GB, but with a microSD card slot you can add an additional 64GB of storage for apps, music and video.
The Ace 4 comes with Android KitKat 4.4 installed, plus Samsung's TouchWiz user interface modifications.
5 megapixel camera
The rear camera on the Ace 4 hasn't been updated since the Ace 3. It's a 5 megapixel camera with autofocus and flash and it can record HD 720p video. This is a weakness of this phone model, as almost every other phone at this price offers a better camera.
A second front-facing 1.3 megapixel camera can record video and take selfies.
4G connectivity
The Ace 4 is a 4G phone, as well as supporting 3G and GSM bands. It also has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB and NFC, and has a standard headphone jack.
Battery life
The Ace 4 is supplied with a 1900mAh battery, which is enough for up to 11 hours of use. It will be sufficient for lighter users, but we wouldn't recommend this phone for very heavy users.
Conclusion - so so
The Galaxy Ace 4 is an upgrade to the Ace 3, and it brings some welcome new features. But technology is filtering down rapidly from flagship phones to this price range, and the Ace range isn't really keeping up. We're not impressed by the screen quality, nor the camera, nor the battery life of the Ace 4.
For the same money you could choose the Motorola Moto G with its HD screen and stronger battery life. You could opt for the superior Sony Xperia M2, with a bigger screen and a much better camera. And you could even push the boat out for the stunning LG G3 S with its designer looks, large HD display, excellent camera and outstanding battery life.
There's really too much choice on offer to settle for the Ace 4.
Samsung Galaxy Ace 4 features include:
- Android 4.4
- 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, autofocus, 4x digital zoom, HD video recording
- 1.3 megapixel front video camera
- Display: Super AMOLED, 16 million colours, 480 x 800 pixels (4.3 inches) capacitive touchscreen
- Music player
- Integrated handsfree speaker
- AGPS and GLONASS with Google Maps
- Messaging: SMS, MMS, instant messaging, email, chat
- Processor: Quad-core 1.2GHz
- Memory: 8GB plus microSD memory card slot (up to 64GB), 1GB RAM
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0, 3.5mm audio jack, NFC
- LTE 4G support (bands 1, 3, 7, 8, 20), triband 3G (850/900/2100MHz) HSPA+, quadband GSM (850/900/1800/1900MHz)
- Size: 129 x 66 x 9.1 mm
- Weight: 126g
- Battery: 1900mAh battery
- Talk time: 11 hours
- Internet use: 12 hours
User questions
Sorry - questions and comments on this page are now closed.
Where does the sim card go?
Asked by Rose
from Usa
on 24th Aug 2018
How do you download photos to microsoft 8 computer?
Asked by bernie
from england
on 27th Apr 2016
My phone is asking for a pin for my voicemails. I have never been asked for one before,can anyone help?
Asked by Jenny
from England
on 29th Mar 2016
Samsung Galaxy Ace 4 user reviews
Sorry - reviews and comments on this page are now closed.
Average rating from 43 reviews:
Reviewed by Jack
from UK
on 2nd Feb 2017
The only nightmare I have about this phone is the doubletap problem
during a phonecall.
Rating:
Reviewed by jim
from UK hi only bad
on 16th Jul 2016
Only bad thing is the lock it's a pain when you need to use keypad
having to tap lock. One part of software should be removed but you can
not.
Rating:
Reviewed by jim
from UK hi only bad
on 16th Jul 2016
Only bad thing is the lock it's a pain when you need to use keypad
having to tap lock. One part of software should be removed but you can
not.
Rating:
Reviewed by Isobel
from Scotland
on 11th Jun 2016
The screen darkens and requests double tap to unlock. It is
flustrating. A poor choice for me I am afraid.
Rating:
Reviewed by keith
from uk
on 1st Jun 2016
Hate having to keep tapping screen to listen to a phone call. This is
from a previous world.
Rating:
Reviewed by horatio birdbath 3rd
from england
on 16th May 2016
If I had one leg longer than the other I would recommend this phone to
stand on to correct your posture.. this is the only useful asset this
phone has, crashes, Facebook says no, android says no, had four of
them as replacements.. just crashed writing this!! Ace 4.. money back
pls.
Rating:
Reviewed by Mitchell
from Uk
on 24th Apr 2016
Totally honest pile of junk slow as anything dont stop crashing
allways turns off and mines in perfect condition hate it had nothing
but trouble dont buy this product wish i could get my money back
scamming companys.
Rating:
Reviewed by Charley
from Scotland
on 27th Feb 2016
Honestly? This phone has been nothing but a pain. I have repeatedly
had to send it away for repairs because it becomes extremely hot to
the touch, continually crashes what ever I'm looking at, and is
generally more trouble than it's worth. Every time it's been repaired
I've been promised that this would be the last time; the plug in port
was broken, the battery needed replacing etc. I wish I had never taken
the recommendation of the shop to get this phone. Last time I took it
in I told them that I wanted the phone replaced as the handset was
obviously faulty but they told me that I could only have it repaired.
Low and behold, it's once again glowing hot and the battery life is
draining rapidly.
Rating:
Reviewed by annoyed and upset
from Great Britain
on 22nd Feb 2016
Awful pile of junk, cant even keep an app open for more than 20
seconds before it crashes. I cant even post a 10 second snapchat video
before the app decides to close, and half of the time the keyboard
just doesnt show up, only giving 1 star as giving 0 stars is not an
option.
Rating:
Reviewed by acs
from England
on 18th Feb 2016
A truly awful phone have had it as a loan phone it drives me
completely mad and as for the double tap who ever thought of that sack
them and as for predictive txt what a joke come on Samsung fix this
piece of junk
Rating:
Reviewed by Geraint Bevan
from UK
on 9th Feb 2016
I approached EE seeking a low-cost tariff and phone. They recommended
this useless piece of scrap as being an ideal choice. Trusting their
judgement and liking the price, I went for it. Something I now
bitterly regret. I complained to EE about the performance of the phone
(glowing hot, slow performance, crashing applications, having to
restart the device approx. 3 times a day). They scratched their heads
and silently pondered before suggesting I take it to a Samsung shop.
Wonderful.
Rating:
Reviewed by Jennifer Moffett
from UK
on 5th Feb 2016
I like my phone very much. Predictive text is so much better than my
PC or my iPad so I use it most of the time. It takes excellent photos
too.
Rating:
Reviewed by Jake
from Ireland
on 4th Feb 2016
I hate this phone the lock keeps coming on when you make a call and
the sound quality is rubbish and the camera is rubbish and its so slow
and the battery is useless but apart from that its marvelous.
Rating:
Reviewed by Daveena Daley
from UK
on 24th Jan 2016
Well, EE certainly saw me coming when they off-loaded this pile of
junk on me. It's the worst phone that I've ever had. It's slow, drops
calls, the screen goes black when I try to load stuff and I can only
use it on speaker phone when making and answering calls otherwise it
cuts the call off. I have complained to EE on numerous occasions but
to no avail. The earliest I can have an upgrade is January 2017. This
is unacceptable to me and I will not be staying with EE once my
contract is up. The best I can hope for is to find a second hand phone
to use until then. I previously had an S3 which was a brilliant little
phone. Deeply dissatisfied with this phone and EE.
Rating:
Reviewed by Dan B
from UK
on 22nd Dec 2015
Terrible phone. Very slow when running everyday apps such as
Facebook.
Rating:
Reviewed by Jeff Rothner
from U>K.
on 17th Dec 2015
The "Double Tap" Nightmare makes this phone the worst model on the
market.
Rating:
Reviewed by Alisha
from U.S.A.
on 9th Dec 2015
Terrible memory. So slow. Can only do things after lagging for a full
minute.
Rating:
Reviewed by Audders
from scotland
on 4th Dec 2015
Absolutely useless Phone!
Rating:
Reviewed by jo.d
from uk
on 13th Nov 2015
Worst phone ever! Have read and agree with all the issues below.
Disappointingly EE whos sold me this phone as a contract deal will
not take any ownership and refer every issue to Samsung including the
lack of signal!
Rating:
Reviewed by Arthur
from UK
on 6th Nov 2015
The phone is fine for me. I haven't had the double tap unlock problem,
so can't comment. Battery life is useable, I get 2 days + standby with
50% remaining. Repeatedly get a com.security.android.agent failure
message - to do with Samsung anti-theft security program - annoying
but doesn't affect performance.
Phone stays cool, doesn't crash;
reasonably quick.
EE support is a different issue.
Does what it says on the packet.
Rating:
Reviewed by wendy
from england
on 28th Oct 2015
Worked fine for a year, although I agree with others about the double
phone lock being awful. Generally I thought it was a nice little
phone. As of yesterday, the battery is not lasting a few hours even
with battery saving mode, and I have 6 months left on my contract. In
my opinion, the phone should last the length of a contract, or its not
fit for purpose. Can't even use my sim in my old handset as it is a
micro sim and my old handset is a normal sim. Won't be getting another
one of these.
Rating:
Reviewed by Annie A
from England
on 27th Oct 2015
I like many others detest this phone. Good on sale but aftercare
service is diabolical, not what I would expect from EE. The phone gets
really hot and I'm afraid that it could cause a fire. Also the battery
runs out after 2hours of non use. Being disabled I need to have a
reliable on me all the time and it certainly isn't this one.
After three visits I was told by EE to sell it on eBay and buy a new
phone, this is after only 6 months. My contract is for 2years and I
certainly cannot afford to wait this length of time. When using the
internet the phone suddenly crashes on me.
I am really
fraustrared with EE and this Samsung phone. Only wish I'd gone to
carphone warehouse.
Rating:
Reviewed by Patricia Davis
from England
on 16th Oct 2015
Bought this phone 3 weeks ago a big mistake the phone drives me mad
what a stupid idea been back to the EEshop they say u can't remove it
didn't tell me about this when purchased waste of time its going in
the bin argh.
Rating:
Reviewed by Pat
from England
on 7th Oct 2015
Wish I had never bought it. The phone itself is ok,but the double tap
security lock is just horrendous. They don't even mention this in the
specs.
Rating:
Reviewed by Doreen
from Uk
on 21st Sep 2015
I have had the Ace4 phone since may this year. The double security
lock is a nightmare I wish I had got an iPhone.
Rating:
Reviewed by Bethany
from Australia
on 3rd Sep 2015
I HATE IT.
Get an iPhone.
Rating:
Reviewed by Toni Howells-Rogers
from Uk
on 30th Aug 2015
I got my galaxy ace 4 in march and it's been in for repair 4 times and
is still not right I wish I never got it worst ever and Samsung won't
do anything but attempt repairs it doesn't rate any stars bring back
my iPhone that's all I can say.
Rating:
Reviewed by brian curtis
from uk
on 30th Aug 2015
This has the worst battery life I have ever experienced. We have them
as our work phones so Outlook is constantly required and some long
calls. I have constantly recharge through the day which is also very
slow. Not fit for purpose. I have lots of battery saving apps on and
it still doesnt make it through 2/3 of the work day when hatdly used.
Would not recommend purely because of the battery life. Pointless!
Rating:
Reviewed by Kay
from Wales
on 16th Aug 2015
I like this phone but it drives me mad the stupid lock keeps coming on
when you are making calls .I have never had this with any other phone
it is so annoying .I have been back to the shop and also tried other
phone shops to no help lastly I wrote to Samsung and still waiting for
a reply.they don,t seem to care once they have your money come on
Samsung it,s time dealt with this problem.
Rating:
Reviewed by _______
from _______
on 27th Jul 2015
I really reccomend this phone if you are a getting tile first phone as
it is simple, not to expensive and on the whole great. The main 2
problems though are it costs money to send emojis which can make a big
bill and to turn on Wi-Fi you have to restart but apart from that it
is a fab phone!!
Rating:
Reviewed by mathew
from kuwait
on 16th Jul 2015
Phone is very good, good performance. but recently found a
verification white line on the screen.
Please advice
whether its software issue or phone complaint. Is it issue with all
ACE4 phones.
regards
Rating:
Reviewed by Ms London
from United Kingdom
on 16th Jul 2015
Love Samsung for durability but damn is this the worst phone I have
EVER had!! Omg it I so slow, freezes, battery as bad as Apple's
battery! I really don't even know how to describe this phone other
than rubbish total waste of money I would even bother getting it for
my blind grand mother its that awful!!!
Rating:
Reviewed by John Steiert
from uk
on 7th Jul 2015
This phone works reasonably well for light use but is very badly let
down by its very poor battery life which makes it useless for heavy
users.
Rating:
Reviewed by yubraj
from nepal
on 2nd Jul 2015
nice
Rating:
Reviewed by ange
from london
on 24th Jun 2015
I bought these phone on 14/6/15.I had horrible experience I didn't
have good signal form the network I went to complain they treat me
like like stupid they send me back home and they gave me a mobile
number to call to customer service so I need to pay the bill for this
call I did try they cut me off the line. I went back to Uxbridge again
so they change for 3g when my contract is 4g so I spend all morning
and afternoon in the shop so I mention to them I would like to cancel
my contract they said they are not aloud but is not even 14 days so I
need to go back again to see what happen and get back the 4g the
horrible thing is they didin't tell me they are going to change 3g I
felt so desappointed and upset.
Rating:
Reviewed by Steve Betts
from UK
on 23rd Jun 2015
I bought this phone to replace my Sony Xperia E1 in June 2015. I use
my phone mainly for texts and the occasional phone call. I bought it
just before going on holidays to Florida. So far it's been great. The
battery is lasting about 4 days on a single charge if I don't use it a
lot and it's just in my pocket for the odd text etc. But, with regular
use for texts and a couple of phone calls it still lasts 2 days no
problem at all. I used it on holidays and took 260 photos and some
videos which I also uploaded to dropbox from the states using Wi-Fi in
the villa where I stayed. Since coming home I have downloaded them and
printed them and they are great. I paid around £80.00 for the
phone on a pay as you go basis from EE shop and so far I'm really
happy. I'm sure there are more expensive phones that do more, but for
me it's ideal. I'd like to know if I can use it for wireless charging
as I quite fancy that idea to reduce the draw full of chargers we have
a home, but I'll have to check that out to see if it's possible.
Rating:
Reviewed by hammed
from UAE
on 22nd Jun 2015
simply it is a good phone
Rating:
Reviewed by debs shipkey
from uk
on 22nd Jun 2015
Don't do it. Great phone ruined by a stupid lock feature which can't
be turned off! Can't use automated features when dialling as this
stupid lock keeps coming back on and every time you double tap to
remove it thinks that's the number your pressing.
Rating:
Reviewed by alex
from uk
on 18th Jun 2015
i hate this phone, the sound works for 2 minutes then stops working.
no ring tones, no music, nothing.
you have to pull the battery
out then restart it, then it works for a while.
basically its
as useful as a telephone that doesnt make sound. also the battery life
sucks.
Rating:
Reviewed by Lorna
from uk
on 1st Jun 2015
I hate this phone. It was supposed to have been an 'upgrade' from the
galaxy s3 but clearly is nowhere near as good. The memory is low
(unless you use a memory card which doesn't come as standard with
phone). Cannot store many videos. The camera is very poor, not only is
it poor in the picture quality but because there is a delay in
pressing the button and the picture actually being taken its difficult
to get a good pic. The touchscreen generally seems less responsive
when answering calls etc. Would not recommend and if my current phone
provider had been more customer friendly I wouldn't be stuck with this
for 2years! I would of stuck with my old phone!
Editor's reply: Lorna, it sounds like you were mis-sold this phone. It is not an upgrade from the S3 - the S3 is a much higher-spec phone than the Ace 4, which is a budget model.
Rating:
Reviewed by stephen
from denmark
on 29th May 2015
This phone is perfect for me because I me not a phone freak and it's
easy to work... love it..
Rating:
Reviewed by Shaun
from UK
on 18th Apr 2015
I absolutely love this phone! It is by far the best phone I have ever
had. While the 5MP camera may be rated as low-res, it takes truly
fantastic photographs with amazing clarity. It is amazingly fast and
almost never lags, making it perfect for people like me who use their
phone for pretty much everything. It copes extremely well with running
multiple apps at a time as well. It has a very good speaker, with good
volume without compromising sound quality. I have no problem with the
8GB of storage, especially when my previous phone only offered me a
measly 1GB, and if you do have storage problems, there is a microSD
slot which supports cards for up to 64GB. I have only a couple of
niggles. 1) The phone does lack a proximity sensor, which means that
the screen has to "lock" while in a call, although I find that your
ear can sometimes unlock the screen. However, it has a very good ear
speaker, so you can hold it slightly away from your ear to get around
this while still being able to hear what the other person is saying.
2) Sometimes while loading particularly consuming webpages through the
stock browser it will end up closing the browser and taking you back
to the home screen. I have noticed this happening with Tumblr and XDA,
but I believe there are apps for both on the play store.
Rating:
Reviewed by G W
from UK
on 16th Feb 2015
I am disappointed with the ace 4. When using the phone for calls the
supposedly locked screen seems to unlock and your ear is able to press
the keypad. This leads to the call disconnecting or the person being
called can hear the sound of the keypad keys being pressed.this is
very frustrating as first and foremost I need a phone that works as a
phone!
Rating:
Reply by Keith
from England
on 24th Mar 2016
This phone is utterly useless!
I got it on contract from
EE and have had nothing but trouble with it. It started acting up
after only a couple of weeks; battery draining completely after 3
hours, people phoning me; I can hear them but they can't hear me,
calls being dropped, no service in some areas, yet my daughter's
Iphone works perfectly well in the same location.
I took
it back to EE who repaired it, and after 3 days some of the issues
return. I then took it to the Samsung Service shop in Manchester. They
repaired it and again after two days the same problems!!
I
have no decided to replace it with an Iphone.
I'm no
expert but it seems to be a problem with the hardware; lots of people
on this forum and others have posted scathing reviews.
Stay away from this pile of junk!!