The recently launched Samsung Galaxy S4 continues to be the most talked about smartphone on the market, following months of eager anticipation. The device has already got off to a great start, and is set to hit 10 million sales this week. Recently, it has been widely rumoured that a number of new versions of the Galaxy S4 will be launched. These include the more affordable Galaxy S4 Mini, as well as a camera orientated version called the Galaxy S4 Zoom, and a water proof version called the Galaxy S4 Active.
The latter has been rumoured for a few weeks now, and it appears that the phone is now official. GSM Arena has recently reported on photos of the device, after it was apparently showcased in Croatia. Of course, being a waterproof smartphone, the Galaxy S4 Active will be looking to take on devices like the Sony Xperia Z, which is well known for being one of most durable smartphones on the market, thanks to its IP55 and IP57 certifications, which make the it both dust proof and waterproof. In fact, it can be submerged in up to one metre of water for up to 30 minutes without sustaining any damage. Therefore, we can expect similar attributes from the Galaxy S4 Active.
The website reports that the majority as its key features will be identical to those of the standard version of the Galaxy S4. These include a 5 inch display with a resolution of 1080p, 1.9 GHz quad-core processor and Android Jellybean operating system. However, it appears that it may sport a downgraded 8 megapixel camera, from the 13 megapixel camera on the standard version of the Galaxy S4.
Additionally, it looks like the phone may have different appearance to the Galaxy S4. In the photos posted on the website, the device appears to have an additional metal casing which is bolted onto the handset. Additionally, it has three hardware buttons at the base of the screen.
GSM Arena reports that because the handset was recently showcased in Croatia, it points to an imminent announcement. We will be sure to report back when we hear of any more information regarding the features, pricing and availability of the Galaxy S4 Active.
In recent weeks, there have been plenty of rumours that a number of new versions of the Samsung Galaxy S4 will be released in the coming weeks. Joining the South Korean manufacturer’s latest flagship Android phone will be the water proof Galaxy S4 Active, the camera orientated Galaxy S4 Zoom, and the cheaper Galaxy S4 Mini. Additionally, it was recently revealed that a Google edition of the handset will also be released in the US with the stock Android interface.
According to Android Authority, signs point to yet another version of the Galaxy S4 being launched. The website reports that in the description of the recently updated Samsung WatchON app, it states that the application now comes with Samsung Galaxy S4 Mega support, along with compatibility with the Galaxy S4 Mini and Galaxy S4 Active.
The Galaxy S4 Mega is a device which has not been revealed by Samsung. Of course, the company recently launched its new mid range devices with large displays, the Galaxy Mega 5.8 and the Galaxy Mega 6.3. While it is possible that the description of the application may be a typo, it looks like another version of the flagship model is on the way.
Because Samsung has not announced the device, we can only assume that the Galaxy S4 Mega will be similar to the standard Galaxy S4, but with a larger touchscreen. Of course, Samsung offers plenty of Android smartphones with larger displays, like the aforementioned Galaxy Mega handsets, and of course its popular Galaxy Note phablet series. It was recently revealed that the Galaxy Mega series may not even be launched in Europe at all, so the Galaxy S4 Mega could be a replacement for these devices.
Of course, we will be sure to report back if we hear of any updates regarding this handset. Do you think the Galaxy S4 Mega will indeed be a larger version of the new flagship? Do you think there is a place for such a device in the market, or is Samsung over saturating the Galaxy S4 brand? Leave a comment to let us know what you think.
We have seen some superb smartphones released so far this year and it looks as though the next model to hit the shelves will be the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini, the miniature version of the super S4 handset that was released last month. Recently we have seen pictures leaked of this new handset and now it appears that benchmark test details for this phone have emerged online.
A newly leaked benchmark has revealed that the new Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini will be powered by a Qualcomm chipset much like the UK version of its big brother. Earlier reports had suggested that this new model would come complete with an Exynos setup but this does not look likely now in light of this latest information. According to the leak the phone will include a dual core processor which will be a 1.7Ghz Krait chip. This will be joined by a very capable graphics processing unit in the shape of the Adreno 305 GPU. It also looks as though there will be two versions of this new phone released. Most regions will see a single SIM handset launched while selected markets will also have the option of a dual SIM device.
The new benchmark confirms that the screen size of this new model will measure 4.3 inches meaning that the device is still larger than a number of rival handsets including the popular iPhone 5. As had been suggested in earlier reports the model will arrive sporting version 4.2.2 of the Android operating system and support Bluetooth and dual band WiFi. What this latest news does not reveal is how many of Samsung’s own features that appeared on the Galaxy S4 will filter down onto this model but as we edge closer to a release this information is sure to become more accessible. We are likely to see the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini released at some point during Q3 and the model is likely to hit shelves with a price tag somewhere around the £300 level.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is just one of several variants of the Galaxy S4 that we expect to see arrive over the coming months. This compact new device looks set to offer some great specification along with the stylish looks that we have come to expect from a Samsung handset.
Currently, there are two main operating systems which dominate the smartphone market. These are of course iOS, which is Apple’s own interface for its mobile touchscreen devices, and the Google owned Android operating system. While competitors such as Microsoft’s Windows Phone OS are becoming increasingly competitive, is still a long way off from matching up to iOS or Android.
Of course, Apple’s mobile devices such as iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches are extremely popular, so iOS is used by millions of people every day. However, Android is an open source software, so it can be used by virtually any manufacturer. Plenty of well-known smartphone brands utilise Android as their operating system, such as HTC, Sony and of course Samsung plus many others. Samsung is now well known for being the biggest mobile phone maker in the world, dominating the high-end smartphone market thanks to its flagship Galaxy S range, as well as the phablet niche with its Galaxy Note series and numerous entry level and mid range devices which sell in huge volumes, particularly in emerging markets.
Android Authority has recently reported that Samsung claimed 95% of the profits achieved by all manufacturers of Android smartphones combined, during the first three month period the year. This really demonstrates how much of a lead it has over its competitors. While Brands such as HTC and Sony offer a number of impressive and indeed popular Android smartphones, such as the HTC One and Sony Xperia Z, it clearly shows just how many Samsung phones there are in comparison.
Of course, the recently launched Samsung Galaxy S4 did not hit the market until last month, so its impressive sales do not count towards the figure. Of course, in this time the Samsung Galaxy S3 was one of the biggest selling devices on the market, while other successful devices include the Galaxy Note 2, plus many of Samsung’s more affordable Android devices.
With Samsung forecasting 80 million Galaxy S4 sales this year alone, it does not look like Samsung will be giving up its title any time soon.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 is continuing to sell huge volumes following its launch a few weeks ago. The device is on track to hit Samsung’s target of 10 million sales in its first month, and 80 million sales overall in 2013. There has recently been news of new variants including a water proof Galaxy S4 Active, a camera orientated Galaxy S4 Zoom and a more affordable Galaxy S4 Mini, so Samsung’s latest flagship is certainly the smartphone the moment.
With the aforementioned handsets lined up to the launch in a matter of weeks, it has recently been revealed that yet another version of the Galaxy S4 is on the way. However, this version is virtually identical to the standard Galaxy S4, but comes about Samsung’s Nature UX interface. The device is a Google Edition which runs the stock Android operating system without Samsung’s own spin on the interface. Of course, you may be asking why such a phone is being released, but Unwired View reports that the phone is not expected to be popular, but will mean that Samsung can get the latest Android updates as soon as they are made available. Additionally, it has recently been widely reported that the Google Nexus line of smartphones has not been doing too well lately, so the device may also appeal to those who want the stock Android interface but don’t want a the phone which is its of its main selling point and still enjoy the impressive features of the Galaxy S4.
Unwired View reports that this handset is likely to be available only in the US, and will come with a rather hefty price tag of $649 for the 16 GB version, which can only be purchased through the US Google Play store. Of course, the vast majority will simply opt for the standard version of the Galaxy S4, as it has all the same features with the added benefit of the Samsung’s Nature UX interface, as well as Samsung’s suite of software applications including S-Health, Smart Stay, Smart Scroll and Smart Pause etc.
If this version of the Galaxy S4 was available in the UK, would you consider buying it, or would you still choose the standard Galaxy S4? Leave a comment to let us know what you think.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 hit the market a few weeks ago, and is no doubt the most high profile mobile phone launch so far this year. The handset has been anticipated for months, of course following in the successful footsteps of its Galaxy S3 predecessor meaning Samsung has high hopes for the Galaxy S4.
Last year, Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S3 became the biggest selling smartphone of the year. It was the fastest selling mobile device to date from the South Korea based manufacturer. Following its launch back in May 2012, the Galaxy S3 took 50 days to sell its first 10 million units. At the time, this was the fastest selling smartphone to date from Samsung, but it was recently revealed that this record is soon to be broken by the Galaxy S4. Android Authority has recently reported that Samsung executives have stated that the Samsung Galaxy S4 will sell 10 million units by the end of next week. This means that the Galaxy S4 is selling much faster than the Galaxy S3 did last year, despite being a record breaking device.
After 100 days on the market, the Galaxy S3 had sold 10 million units, with the Galaxy S4 selling at its current rate, we can expect that this record will be broken within a matter of weeks. Overall in 2012, 30 million Galaxy S3 handsets were sold, with current sales estimated to be well over 40 million. Samsung clearly has high hopes for the Galaxy S4 in 2013 alone, with the company estimating sales of 80 million units this year.
With Apple yet to announce a new iPhone model for 2013, it looks like Samsung will face less competition than previous years with its new flagship device. Even if Apple does launch a new iPhone this year, the Galaxy S4 already has a massive head start over its biggest competitor.
We will be sure to report back regularly to keep you updated with sales of the Samsung Galaxy S4, and bring you news of upcoming Samsung devices like the Galaxy Note 3.
Having been on the market for a few weeks now, the Samsung Galaxy S4 remains one of the most talked about smartphone models available. As expected, the device has proven to be an instant hit, with six million sales reported after two weeks on the market.
Of course, the Galaxy S4 is Samsung’s most advanced smartphone to date, and one of the most high tech phones ever to be released. It packs plenty of impressive features like a 4.99 inch high definition display, quad-core processor (an octa-core version is available in some markets), 13 megapixel camera, Android Jellybean operating system and plenty of innovative software applications as standard.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 is offered in three storage variants. These are 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB, all of which come with microSD slot meaning an additional 64 GB of internal storage can be achieved by inserting and an appropriate memory card. However, it has recently been reported that some users have been complaining that the 16 GB model has less storage than advertised. This is due to a number of Samsung’s software features like S-Health, Smart Scroll, Smart Pause and Smart Stay taking up some of the phone’s storage. In the case of the 16 GB model, this leaved less than 9GB of free storage, which is of course much less than consumers had been expecting.
Originally, Samsung brushed aside the issue, claiming that it is not a problem and those who wish to achieve more storage should simply by a microSD card at their own expense. Of course, many owners of the device were not satisfied with this. Phones Review has recently reported that Samsung has looked into the issue further, and as a result it appears that a software update may be on the way. This will apparently resolve the issue by freeing up more internal storage. Unfortunately, no timeframe has been given for when we can expect the update to be released, but we will report back when we hear of any updates.
Have you had this problem with your Samsung Galaxy S4? If you have been planning to buy this phone, would you now consider a different model? Leave a comment to let us know what you think.
Samsung continues to hit headlines in the mobile phone business due to the recent launch of its latest flagship Android phone, the Galaxy S4. However, the South Korea based manufacturer has a number of other handsets in the pipeline to be released later in 2013.
Back in April, Samsung announced two new handsets as part it’s all new Galaxy Mega range. The devices are essentially mid range smartphones in terms of their features, but have the dimensions of phablet devices, with screens which are even larger than those of its current flagship phablet, the Galaxy Note 2. The two models are called the Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 and the Galaxy Mega 6.3, with their titles referring to the size of their displays.
It was originally planned for the phones to be released at some point in May, but Phones Review reports that the European release of the handsets has been delayed. The website reports that notable retailers in the UK such as Carphone Warehouse have now delayed their release of the Galaxy Mega until July.
Samsung has not commented on the reason for the delay, but given the huge demand for its new Galaxy S4 flagship, it is entirely possible that the majority of Samsung’s production and marketing resources have been dedicated to the launch of this device. After all, with 6 million sales recently announced after its first two weeks on the market, and an overall target of 80 million sales in 2013, it will certainly mean that Samsung has its work cut out with making and advertising the phone. With its higher price tag, the Galaxy S4 will also mean that Samsung will be able to achieve higher revenues, so it makes sense for the company to concentrate on the Galaxy S4 for the time being.
Of course, we will be sure to keep you posted when we hear of any developments regarding the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 and Galaxy Mega 6.3 in the UK.
Following in the footsteps of its 2011 predecessor, the original Galaxy Note, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 remains one of the most sought after smartphone models on the market, following its launch back in September 2012. The device is arguably one of the most versatile to have been released, and helped to cement Samsung’s position as a market leader in the phablet niche.
Phablet smartphones continue to rapidly grow in popularity, thanks to the versatility afforded by their large touch screens, ample processing power and powerful software. Key features of the Galaxy Note 2 include a 5.5 inch super AMOLED display, 1.6 GHz quad-core processor, 8 megapixel camera, Android Jellybean operating system and plenty of internal storage. The device quickly became a commercial success, selling several million units its first month on the market alone.
While Samsung continues to hit headlines due to the recent launch of its Galaxy S4, the South Korea based manufacturer is also tipped to release the next instalment of the Galaxy Note series later this year. Phones Review reports that Samsung executives have confirmed that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will come with a 5.9 inch OLED display, and will be unveiled at the IFA event in Berlin, Germany, which kicks off in the 2nd of September.
It has recently been widely rumoured that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 would be the first high-end device from the manufacturer with an aluminium casing, speculation which arose following the success of metal smartphones like the HTC One and Apple iPhone 5. Additionally, a number of Samsung Galaxy devices have faced some criticism on account of their plastic construction, despite their popularity. However, it appears that the Galaxy Note 3 will sport a similar design to the new Galaxy S4, although it will of course be slightly larger on account of its ample touchscreen.
Are you disappointed that the Galaxy Note 3 will be plastic, or do you think it is not an issue? Leave a comment to let us know what you think.
Samsung currently dominate the smartphone market and much of this success can be attributed to two hugely popular ranges of models. The Galaxy S range is the company’s best selling set of devices but the Galaxy Note devices have also proven incredibly popular since its launch in 2011. We are now hearing more news about the Samsung Galaxy note 3 and latest reports are suggesting that the model will feature a similar design to the new Galaxy S4.
A Korean source has revealed that the new Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will continue with the same plastic design as can be found on the recent Galaxy S4 handset. SaMobile revealed this latest news and it shows that Samsung are happy to roll out handsets boasting near identical designs but just offering different sizes. The Korean manufacturer are said to be happy with the design offered by existing models and they are reluctant to change, especially as existing devices are proving so popular with consumers. This latest story contradicts earlier rumours that the Note 3 would feature an all new design and some reports even suggested that the model would include a new flexible OLED display.
As time goes by we are seeing many of the earlier reports linked to the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 eradicated one by one. One of the earlier rumours which we do expect to see however is the inclusion of the S Pen interactive stylus. With a large screen set to be incorporated the S Pen offers some useful functionality although it remains to be seen as to whether Samsung will alter the design of this device. We are expecting to see the new Galaxy Note 3 officially unveiled at the IFA event which takes place in Berlin in September. Among the other features set to appear on this handset is a 13 mega pixel camera and a very powerful 1.9Ghz quad core processor.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is one of the most eagerly awaited handsets of the year and it looks as though this device will follow a similar design pattern to the recently released Galaxy S4.
