[Experience] Galaxy Quantum 4, Half the Price of S23 with Performance and Quantum Security

Resembling the S Series with Flagship-Exclusive Features
Provides Strong Quantum Security for Safe Finance and Authentication
Reliable Basic Functions... High-End Gaming Is Challenging

A smartphone that offers satisfaction comparable to the Galaxy S23, which costs twice as much at around 600,000 won, has been released. SK Telecom's exclusive device, the 'Galaxy Quantum4,' is an entry-level model that provides design and features previously exclusive to flagship devices, enhancing its 'value for emotional satisfaction' (cost-performance ratio).

The Galaxy Quantum4 is an SK Telecom exclusive model based on Samsung Electronics' Galaxy A54. At first glance, its exterior resembles the S series. Samsung uses plastic materials on the back of the entry-level A series, but the Quantum4 applies glass material like the S series. It feels more premium than the plastic back of its predecessor. When placed side by side with the Galaxy S23, the main difference is that the S23 has a matte back while the Quantum4 has a glossy one.

Galaxy Quantum4

The camera arrangement has also changed to resemble the S series. The previous model had four camera lenses arranged in a square with a camera bump (contour cut), known as the 'katukttwi' (camera lens protruding) design, which received mixed reviews. The Quantum4 features three lenses aligned in a row in a 'waterdrop lens' layout. This rear design was previously exclusive to premium phones like the S22 Ultra and S23 series.

The rear main camera is 50 megapixels, with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera and a 5-megapixel macro camera. The front camera is 32 megapixels. It includes optical image stabilization (OIS) and a nightography (low-light night shooting) camera, a feature Samsung had only applied to flagship devices. It can take clear photos without light flare even in the evening, comparable to the S23.

Galaxy Quantum4 Nightography Shooting
Photo by Oh Su-yeon

The display is a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED. It is 0.1 inches smaller than its predecessor. Compared to the S23, the bezel is slightly thicker but not bothersome. The refresh rate is 120Hz, which makes screen transitions smooth.

The application processor (AP), the brain of the smartphone, is the Exynos 1380. It has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. There is also an external memory slot, and the battery capacity is a generous 5000mAh. It supports eSIM, allowing two phone numbers on one device, enhancing convenience. For the first time in the Quantum series, it supports IP67 water and dust resistance.

Additionally, it offers the Quantum series' unique strength: powerful quantum security. As the use of smartphones for various authentications and financial tasks increases, security has become crucial. The Quantum4 is equipped with a quantum random number generator (QRNG) chipset that generates unpredictable strong encryption keys, encrypting authentication information within apps and the device, as well as external memory. QRNG application is expanding to various service apps, including financial apps like banking, cards, and payment, as well as SNS and games. When in use, a notification saying 'Protecting your Galaxy Quantum device with QRNG' appears, providing a reassuring feeling.

Galaxy Quantum4 Quantum Security
Photo by Osuyeon

Of course, as an entry-level device, it does not support wireless charging, and its performance is not as smooth as the S series when running high-end games. However, considering the Galaxy S23 costs 1,150,000 won and the S23+ costs 1,350,000 won, the Quantum4 offers satisfaction comparable to the S series at half the price (retail price 618,200 won). With quantum security included, it is a noteworthy option if you mainly use basic functions like social networking services (SNS), video watching, and web surfing. The only downside is that it is an SKT exclusive device, so users of KT, LG Uplus, or MVNOs cannot purchase it.