Samsung Galaxy Player 4.0
Manufacturer: Samsung Part number: GALAXYPLAYER4.0
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Samsung delivers Android's answer to the iPod Touch at a time when you can spend less for Android's answer to the iPad.
Read more
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CNET editors' review
Samsung Galaxy Player 4.0 price range: $169.99 - $249.00
- Reviewed by: Donald Bell
- Reviewed on: 12/05/2011
- Released on: 11/01/2011
The good: The Samsung Galaxy Player 4.0 offers most of the capabilities of Samsung's popular Android smartphones, minus the phone and monthly fees.
The bad: Either a 7-inch tablet or an on-contract Android smartphone would be more useful and potentially less expensive. Parents should know there are no safeguards included to restrict access to age-inappropriate content.
The bottom line: Samsung delivers Android's answer to the iPod Touch at a time when you can spend less for Android's answer to the iPad.
Editors' note: The majority of this review is repurposed from CNET's review of the Samsung Galaxy Player 5.0, which offers a larger, 5-inch screen and many of the same features as the Galaxy Player 4.0.
The logic behind Samsung's Galaxy Player 4.0 seems fairly straightforward. You take Samsung's tailored version of the Android 2.3 smartphone software, put it on a pocket-size device with a 4-inch screen, and you should have an appealing alternative to Apple's popular iPod Touch.
Setting aside the fact that this device is arriving about four years too late if it intends to catch up to the iPod Touch, the first glaring flaw in Samsung's plan is the Galaxy Player 4.0's $230 price tag. Any device like this priced over $199 has to compete not only with the iPod Touch, but with the Amazon Kindle Fire, the Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet, and a slew of discounted 7-inch tablets.
Does Samsung offer some killer feature or an eye-catching design to help the Galaxy Player 4.0 stand out from the growing crowd of sub-$300 Android devices? Frankly, no. It's not a bad product, though, and if you still suspect that it might be the perfect match for your particular needs, please read on.
Features
The Galaxy Player 4.0 may not be my cup of tea, but it does offer a few features that you won't find on most of its competition.
First off, let's take the iPod Touch out of the equation and assume that you've found your way to this review because of some deep-seeded aversion to Apple products that acts as a cornerstone of your identity. I get it. With the growing rate of Android phone users out there, clearly you're not alone.
So let's look at the rest of the competition. Compared with a Kindle Fire or a Nook Tablet, the Galaxy Player offers additional features such as front and rear cameras, GPS, Bluetooth, and support for Google's suite of official mobile applications, including Gmail, Google Talk, and the Android Market. If you're someone who's already invested heavily in Android Market apps, it makes sense that you'd want a compatible device that can run them. The Kindle and the Nook won't (easily) run apps downloaded from Android Market.
That said, the kind of user who's already heavily invested in Android Market is bound to already have an Android phone with the same (or better) photo and navigation capabilities and a persistent connection to the Internet. I can think of no reason why you would throw $230 at a Galaxy Player 4.0 if you already had an Android smartphone. The possible gain in screen real estate is negligible compared with the payoff of spending the same or less on a 7-inch tablet.
If you're thinking of picking one up to entertain a kid or placate a teenager who'd rather have a proper smartphone, the Galaxy Player will get the job done, but it may provide more than you bargained for.
As a parent myself, I get a little uneasy about the idea of apps potentially tracking the whereabouts of my kid using a mobile device's built-in GPS. You can decline to use these features, but with no way to lock them out, there's no stopping your child from enabling location services when you're not around. I'm also concerned about my kid having an unfiltered connection to the Internet. I think we can all admit that the World Wide Web is the greatest repository of pornography mankind has ever invented. Call me naive, call me prudish, but I think Apple got it right with the parental controls and feature lockouts that have been included in iOS from its inception.
Design
OK, so the Samsung Galaxy Player probably isn't for Android smartphone fans and it's arguably an inappropriate gift for kids--so who's left? Well, you can count out the design snobs.
Rimmed in chromed plastic and backed with the kind of glossy white plastic used on the original Galaxy Tab 7, the Galaxy Player 4.0 lacks the fit and finish found on Samsung's modern smartphones and tablets. It feels like a 2010 Samsung design that was slow to make it on to the market--which makes sense considering the device was unveiled in January 2011 during CES.
Audio performance
Well, what about audio purists? Given the Galaxy Player's emphasis on media playback, surely Samsung has taken extra pains to make it sound great, right? Nope.
I remember the era when Samsung's portable media players would routinely dominate CNET's roundups of best-sounding music players. Unfortunately, the Galaxy Player seems to be descended from the company's Android phone division and not its legacy of high-quality music players. The end result sounds fine by most standards, but careful listening will uncover the kind of background hiss we're accustomed to hearing from mobile phones. Also, the volume doesn't get very loud if you're looking to power a proper pair of over-ear headphones. These issues with volume level and hiss aren't a big deal for casual listening, especially if you're just using the included in-ear headphones. But if you're a stickler for audio quality who would usually turn up your nose at the cell phone music experience, the Galaxy Player 4.0 is beneath you.
Video performance
The Galaxy Player's bright 4-inch screen offers excellent viewing angles and responds well to touch. Its resolution maxes out at 800x480 pixels, which is close to the more tightly packed 960x640-pixel resolution of an iPod Touch, but not quite there. On the plus side, the Galaxy Player handles a dizzying selection of video formats, including DivX, XVID, MPEG4, and WMV. Streaming video from Netflix and YouTube works well.
In terms of video-recording quality, the rear camera is capable of capturing footage at a standard-definition 720x480-pixel resolution. Still-photo resolution goes up to 2,048x1,536 pixels, or 3.2 megapixels. In either case, the results won't blow you away. Not to beat a dead horse, but the 720p camcorder on the iPod Touch runs rings around the Galaxy Player.
Battery and system performance
Samsung rates the Galaxy Player 4.0 at 5 hours of video playback and 36 hours of audio playback. Here are our official CNET Labs-tested battery life results. More tablet testing results can be found here.
| Video battery life (in hours) | |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy 4.0 | 5.5 |
In terms of system performance, Samsung is using a single-core 1GHz processor to get the job done, which isn't quite up to the standards Samsung has set with its dual-core smartphones. It works, though, and feels very much like a shrunken version of 2010's Galaxy Tab 7.
Onboard storage is listed as 8GB, but the storage available to the user is closer to 5GB. Expect to invest in a microSD card if you want to load up a substantial music and video collection.
Final thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy Player 4.0 is a tough sell. If you're looking for a fun, pocketable, kid-friendly media player with a glut of games and apps, the $199 iPod Touch is a slam dunk. If you have an axe to grind with Apple, 7-inch tablets like the Kindle Fire or the Nook Tablet offer more media bang for your buck.
Editors' note: This review was updated with CNET Labs' battery life test results.
User reviews
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Get a non-biaed reviewer!
by cwc24 on December 7, 2011
Pros: Don't know yet
Cons: Don't know yet
Summary: You can't be serious. This is the worst review I have read by Cnet. Cnet. Please remove this review and have someone who is not biased(appears to be ...
Summary: You can't be serious. This is the worst review I have read by Cnet. Cnet. Please remove this review and have someone who is not biased(appears to be an "I hate everything not apple" fanatic) review this product. He left out so many things like the FM radio, ability to use it like a phone over wifi, ability to use it as a navigation system, expandable memory, etc.
Donald just wrote a preview for The new android walkman and guess what? None of his complaints about this device moved to that preview, yet they have the exact same things that he would consider faults. It costs more than the Galaxy, yet he doesn't say to get a phone instead. He doesn't say that it has no place in a world of tablet or phone. He is so inconsistent.
Also, just because a device can record in 720p, doesn't mean it is good quality 720p. Huge difference between capability and quality.
I own many apple products and love them. I do not yet own the galaxy player but I intend to(can't find another way to comment without leaving a rating). This device has the things I would like without having to pay for a data plan or skimping on features.
Updated on Jan 10, 20127 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome! Better than Expected.
by jcil_rkg on December 7, 2011
Pros: Fast, Clear Screen, Vivid Colors, To much to Stuff list!
Cons: Not much accessories yet, but I sure they will come very soon.
Summary: I've had the ipod touch ever since they were released back in 2007 and over the years upgraded all the way up to the latest 4th gen. I have ...
Summary: I've had the ipod touch ever since they were released back in 2007 and over the years upgraded all the way up to the latest 4th gen. I have been a apple fan for many years but I finally decided to try out Samsung with Android. All I can say is that I am glad I made that move. I have not missed my ipod touch since. This device works so much better than what I had anticipated. It is definitely faster than the ipod touch and that was one of the selling points for me. It seems like the ipod touch got really buggy and slower after the IOS5 update. The screen is actually brighter and the colors are more vivid compared to the ipod touch. I know the resolution is higher on the touch but to me the screen looks better on the Samsung and the small jump up to the 4" screen made a big difference. If you are worried about the apps selection don't be, I have been able to find about 90 percent of the apps I used for the touch on the android market place and was able to eliminate some because android already performed some of the features on it that required third party apps to perform on the touch. Its also the little things that count sometimes like being able to turn the wifi on or off directly from the notifications bar or being able to close all running apps with one button in the task manager instead of having to close each individual app at a time. I know some of this can be done by jailbreaking the touch, but I crashed my iPod the last time i tried that and decided it wasn't worth the headache. Downloading from the android market is extremely fast compared to itunes and one cool feature is you can go to the android market place on a computer and find an app you want and tell it to download and it will automatically download to you device whenever you hit a wifi spot. I definitely recommend the device.
6 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The Samsung player outdoes iPod Touch.
by mikekoz1 on December 23, 2011
Pros: 1. Screen size and color. It is also super responsive.
2. A GPS that actually works.
3. Great sound quality with good headphones
4. Upgradable storage
5. Decent camera
6. User replaceable battery
7. Can easily copy and paste media to it.Cons: None really. I would start making these devices with a minimun of 16GB internal storage. This type of memory has got real cheap, and 8GB does not store a whole lot. This will ,of course, depend on how you use it,but storage space is important.
Summary: For the same price as an iPod Touch 8GB, you can get a device that does everything the touch does, but gives you more for your money. You can upgrade ...
Summary: For the same price as an iPod Touch 8GB, you can get a device that does everything the touch does, but gives you more for your money. You can upgrade this player to 40GB for about $35.00 to $40.00. The Touch has a higher resolution screen, but the Samsung has better color. You can only really see the difference in resolution on both screens buy looking at them real closely. It also gives you a nice GPS. This CNET review is not very good and does not give good information. Getting a phone instead of the player was a terrible recommendation, unless you are in the market for a phone. It is also not a cheaper solution since you pay every month for a phone. I have also found that since I use my phone (EVO 4G) for so many other things, there is not a whole lot of left over space for media files. I own both players, the Samsung and the latest Touch. They are both great pieces of technology, but I will be using the Samsung player as my primary music device.
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Seriously?
by ultravisitor2000 on December 6, 2011
Pros: Is this journalism?
Cons: No, really.
Summary: "First off, let's take the iPod Touch out of the equation and assume that you've found your way to this review because of some deep-seeded aversion to Apple ...
Summary: "First off, let's take the iPod Touch out of the equation and assume that you've found your way to this review because of some deep-seeded aversion to Apple products that acts as a cornerstone of your identity."
Very unprofessional.5 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome player. would recommend to all my friends
by stewdogg47 on December 31, 2011
Pros: stunning screen, easy to use espiciaaly if you are already an android user, excellent sound quality, good battery life, expandable memory
Cons: Dont like the white cover on the back, charging port is on the top,
prefer it on the side or bottom of playerSummary: I usually take to heart what the CNET reviewers state in their reviews and base the majority of my purchases on what they have to say. But in this case ...
Summary: I usually take to heart what the CNET reviewers state in their reviews and base the majority of my purchases on what they have to say. But in this case I think the reviewer has it wrong. I have an IPOD, Zune and now the galaxy player, The Ipod is not a slam dunk over the galaxy player, He mentioned why pay over 200.00 dollars for a player when you can get a 7 inch tablet for the same price. But if you are using this primarily as a music player etc. gym/casual listening/physical activities why would you want to carry around a 7 inch tablet. Granted the 5 inch player is 239.00, but the 4 inch is only 179.00, and with my headphones the sound is incredible, better than or similar to the sound on my Ipod and zune. No hiss what so ever. So maybe the reviewer needs to invest in a better set of headphones, because as most people know that own mp3 players, the sound is usually only as good as the headphones you use.
4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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There are many reasons to buy this.
by ktejas30 on December 18, 2011
Pros: The player supports almost anything, it runs android really well, and its screen is absolutely amazing and is only a little worse then the iPod Touch's screen. However, the Player has a bigger screen than the iPod Touch has better. Amazing speakers.
Cons: I wish it was thinner.
Sound quality is ok, I was expecting better from Samsung.
Few accessories
Battery lifeSummary: This is an amazing device and the only alternative to the iPod Touch that makes sense. Why would you get this? I got it because I wanted an Android experience ...
Summary: This is an amazing device and the only alternative to the iPod Touch that makes sense. Why would you get this? I got it because I wanted an Android experience without having to pay for a stupid data plan. I do not agree with the CNET review for this mainly because Donald Bell claims there is no point to this device, but I beg to differ. This device offers all the same things as an iPod Touch except with a bigger screen, amazing speakers, Android, amazing customization (but that's a given with Android), a better camera, Google services, and amazing file support. So yes, there are many reasons to buy it.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A counter opinion based on my experience with the 5.0
by madmofo on December 5, 2011
Pros: GPS, Camera with flash, FM radio, size
Cons: Learning curve, lack of accessories
Summary: Like the cnet review I will base my views mainly on my experience with the 5.0, the main reason being that the cnet review seems to have a huge ...
Summary: Like the cnet review I will base my views mainly on my experience with the 5.0, the main reason being that the cnet review seems to have a huge bias and simply does not make a fair comparison with similar devices, and there needed to be some review to counter this one. When the inclusion of a GPS is seen as a negative because of possible privacy issues for your child, and features like the inclusion of an FM radio are not even mentioned, then there is something seriously wrong with the review.
First off, I am not some Apple hater that purchased my device because it simply wasn't an Apple product, in fact I still actively use my 4th generation iPod touch, and enjoy it a lot. The reason I purchased my device is because it had the following features that the similarly priced iPod touch doesn't:
An FM radio, a feature I very much missed from my non iPod mp3 players.
A GPS chip, which is nice for those apps which use location services that I could never use on my iPod.
A Larger screen, which is great for someone with larger hands and fingers.
A better camera with flash, which is nice for those times I don't have my point and shoot, but would like to take more then a VGA resolution photo with whatever I have handy, plus the flash makes a great flashlight with the right app.
Expandable memory, as someone with a lot of music I own the 32GB iPod touch, which cost me $299, I bought by galaxy player on sale for $180, and then popped in a 32gb Micro-SD card that I purchased for $35, which gave me a 40gb device with more features then my iPod touch for $215, or $85 less then my iPod. Even without the sale price, expandable memory makes this device fair nicely with the iPod in price.
This device simply can't be compared to a tablet as it fulfills a different need. It is exactly like the iPod touch in function, in that it is a pocket-able personal media player with access to smartphone like features and Apps without the need for a smartphone. I still have a messaging phone as I am usually in an area with WiFi, and I just never saw the need to get an expensive Smartphone plan if I'd spend most of the time using it on WiFi anyways. I also prefer to keep my media use separate from my cell phone, as having my phone available is necessary for those times when my boss or family need to contact me in an emergency. A dedicated media player can be used to listen to music, play games, etc, until the battery is completely dead without negative repercussions, and again, can be stored in your pocket unlike a tablet. As such I think the only thing this should be compared to is devices like the iPod touch, and on that front, the device compares pretty well.
The galaxy player wins in additional features, which can be seen above, the iPod touch wins in compatibility with accessories, better screen resolution, and in overall ease of use, although once mastered widgets have made mt galaxy player easier to use then my iPod. The galaxy is a bit clunky in size though, taking up more pocket space then my iPod touch with it's Otter Box case, and the lack of a good iTunes like software to interface with can be annoying. Overall though it's a great device, as is the iPod touch, and your choice in devices should be based on what are the most important features to you.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Works great, Not Itunes oriented.
by Rancher5 on March 1, 2012
Pros: Android, Not Apple, syncs with my Android phone, Lots of different music organization since it depends on what service, did I say not Apple, yes I have had an I touch since day one, now have 4th generation, bricked on update
Cons: White, not much I will write back when I figure one out.
Summary: A must have for a advanced MP3 player at a decent price, with a reputable Company Samsung, A I touch without the I tunes,I also have the Galaxy Phone , ...
Summary: A must have for a advanced MP3 player at a decent price, with a reputable Company Samsung, A I touch without the I tunes,I also have the Galaxy Phone , you might ask why buy the player , well its a player with 4 x the battery life than the phone, Sometimes I go days without power source and now I have a player and a phone Glaxay I can duplicate my contacts , well every thing. After 8 years using Apple products and their tight control on everything I really enjoy Android.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Better than my 4th Gen iPod Touch!
by Stormycj on February 18, 2012
Pros: Expandable memory
Bigger screen on the 4.0 than the iPod Touch
Drag and drop functionality
Good camera
Stereo Speakers sound better than the single speaker on the iPod
Android Software/Market
GPSCons: None so far and we've had these for almost 2 months.
Summary: I am not anti-Apple. I have an iPod Touch and an iPad 2. I bought one of these for each of my kids instead of an iPod because of the ...
Summary: I am not anti-Apple. I have an iPod Touch and an iPad 2. I bought one of these for each of my kids instead of an iPod because of the expandable memory, stereo speakers, and the fact they don't have to use iTunes. Once they got them I was so impressed, I tried to trade them my iPod Touch for their Galaxy players. No deal. They love these things! Movies look great and can be in almost any format. Music sounds great as well. They really like that they can download the same games that I can get on my Android phone. The GPS works great and unlike the CNET reviewer, I like that I can track the device if it gets lost or stolen. Or for that matter, if my kid went missing I could track them with this device.
The only difficulty I've had was finding accessories, but it looks like some companies are finally making screen protectors and cases for it. I have recommended this product to everyone I know.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Love the Galaxy so much - got them for entire family
by JoyousMN on December 29, 2011
Pros: Non-sealed replaceable battery
Add 30g extra storage for $30
Bright screen, good colors
Android apps
Wifi phone with no data plan
FM radio with good reception
easy to use touch screen typing OR
Speech recognition for text, email or navigationCons: Sometimes response is a bit slow, but this is my first smart device, so I'd guess they all sometimes lag.
Summary: To call these MP3 players is a dis-service, they are so much more.
I bought two of these for my kids for Christmas because the price $199 wasn't that ...Summary: To call these MP3 players is a dis-service, they are so much more.
I bought two of these for my kids for Christmas because the price $199 wasn't that much more than for an Apple MP3 player. Got them home and started using them and realized I wasn't going to be able to give them up, so we bought two more for hus and I.
I WON'T pay for a data plan, we use prepay cell phones, so now we have 4 phones (using GrooveIP app + google voice phone number) or Skype.
I had a 160g iPod classic that barely lasted 2 years and I hated iTunes. Much better choice.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Samsung
- Part number: GALAXYPLAYER4.0
- Description: Playtime just got more fun with the Samsung Galaxy Player. Easily connect to Wi-Fi hotspots anywhere to get instant access to all of your games, music, videos, and more. And with the Galaxy Player Android open platform, the world of apps is a touch away. It's time to play. Easily connect via Wi-Fi without any monthly service fees. The Samsung Galaxy Player can access the Internet and apps anywhere there is an available hotspot. The sleek, lightweight design fits in any pocket and the brilliant 4" super clear LCD delivers incredible viewing quality.
General
- Product type Flash player
- PC interface(s) supported Bluetooth 3.0,
Wi-Fi,
Hi-Speed USB - Amplifier total output power 20 mW
- Signal-to-noise ratio 90 dB
- Flash memory installed 8 GB
- Weight 4.3 oz
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 2.53 in x 4.87 in x 0.38 in
- Color White
- Voice recording capable Yes
- Software type Qik,
ThinkFree,
Drivers & Utilities,
Google Search Appliance,
Maps,
Calendar,
Calculator,
E-mail,
Samsung Kies,
Google Play,
Google Gmail,
Samsung Apps,
Mini Diary,
My Files,
Task Manager Digital Player / Recorder
- Supported digital audio standards MPEG 2.5 Audio ,
MPEG 2 Audio ,
MPEG 1 Audio ,
AC-3 ,
eAAC+ ,
AAC + ,
OGG ,
WAV ,
MP3 ,
WMA ,
FLAC ,
AAC ,
AAC-LC ,
AMR - Response bandwidth 20 - 20000 Hz
- Additional features A-B repeat,
Bookmark Built-in Display
- Audio system built-in display LCD
- Diagonal size 4 in
- Resolution 800 x 480
- Backlight display Yes
- Features Multi-touch,
Font setting,
Auto brightness control,
Touch screen Audio Features
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Built-in clock Alarm,
Digital clock - Additional features AllShare ,
Two built-in digital cameras ,
YouTube streaming ,
Live Wallpaper ,
Wallpaper Image Setting ,
SoundAlive ,
Super Clear LCD display ,
Playback speed control ,
Text viewer,
GPS receiver ready ,
TXT files support Video Playback Features
- Video playback support H.264,
MPEG-4,
DivX,
XviD CD System
- Digital audio standards supported MP3,
AAC,
AAC+,
eAAC+,
OGG,
WMA,
FLAC,
WAV Speaker System
- Speaker(s) 1 x Speaker Built-in
Radio
- Tuner type Digital Radio tuner
- Tuner bands FM
- Tuner frequency range FM: 87.5 - 108 MHz
- Tuning display LCD display
Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
Headphones
- Headphones type Binaural In-ear ear-bud
- Sound output mode [Sep 14, 2011 from CDS: Audio Output] Stereo
- Connectivity technology Wired
Connectivity
- Cable(s) included 1 x USB cable -
- Connector type 1 x Hi-Speed USB,
1 x Headphones Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
IEEE 802.11b/g/n (Wi-Fi),
Bluetooth - Slot(s) provided 1 x microSD Memory card
Battery / Power
- Battery 1 x Lithium ion Rechargeable Player battery
- Mfr estimated battery life 36 hour(s)
- Battery capacity 1200 mAh
- Power device type Power adapter
System Requirements
- Peripheral / Interface devices [Jul 2, 2008 from CDS: System Requirements] USB port
- Operating system Microsoft Windows XP SP2,
Microsoft Windows Vista / 7
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Samsung products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Samsung
- Address:
105 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 - Phone: 1-800-726-7864
- Fax: 1-973-601-6001
