Galaxy S4 Guides

Galaxy S4 Buyer Guide

The ultimate guide of Galaxy S4 screen mirroring

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galaxy s4 screen mirroringUpdate 1: Please do not confuse Galaxy S4 screen mirroring  with Android screen mirroring through Chromecast. Android screen mirroring (screen cast) is also supported on Galaxy S4. 

Update 2: For detailed comparison of Chromecast and Miracast, please check this guide.

You may not know you can enjoy any contents in your Galaxy S4 in a bigger screen (e.g., TV).  You can simply share the Galaxy S4 screen with most TVs or even some projectors.

This is Galaxy S4 screen mirroring.

Some geeks may call it wireless display, which is used by some other vendors.

Galaxy S4 Screen Mirroring is one of the prominent features in the smartphone. But unfortunately, this feature is under-used, because there are no clear guides for Galaxy S4 owners on how to use screen mirroring in Galaxy S4

This ultimate guide of Galaxy S4 screen mirroring will solve the problem for you.

Everything you need to know about Galaxy S4 screen mirroring will be covered.  I will update this guide regularly. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave them in the comments section below.

What is Galaxy S4 screen mirroring?

Galaxy S4 screen mirroring (or wireless display) simply duplicates the display in your Galaxy S4 on TV or other bigger  screens (e.g., projectors). In other words, instead of staring at the 5″ screen, you can share Samsung Galaxy S4’s screen with TV of any size. The Samsung Galaxy S4 then works like a remote control for your TV.

This means you can consume any contents from your Galaxy S4 on a TV with a bigger screen with screen mirroring. For example, you can watch any videos  on the TV screen  from Galaxy S4. This usually gives better watching experience. You can easily share the video or the show with your family members … Read the rest

Top 5 problems after Android 4.3 update for Galaxy S4, and the solutions

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s4-jb-4-3-update-problemsIt is estimated that  about more than half of Galaxy S4 users now enjoy Android 4.3. As summarized in last post of  Top 10 new or improved features in Jelly Bean 4.3 update for your Samsung Galaxy S4, most of users feel happy with the upgrade.

Of course, some Galaxy S4 owners encounter some problems after the 4.3 upgrade. Some of these problems can be very disturbing, and therefore these  owners may get frustrated. In this post, I will share with you the  5 most common problems you may encounter after the Jelly Bean 4.3 update and the solutions. S Health problems, missing mobile data toggle, apps on lock screen, annoying security warning,  and lack of Outlook sync will be covered. If you have any other problems, you may post them in comment box below.

S Health Problems after Jelly Bean 4.3 update

The most widely reported problems is related to S Health. It seems this Android 4.3 update for S4 messed up the S Health app.

The problems include:  1). missing S Health after Jelly Bean 4.3 update; 2). S Health cannot start; 3). missing blood pressure and blood glucose related functions.  I already shared the solutions for these three problems in our Newsletter (you may subscribe to it in the subscription box below, or in the sidebar).

If you cannot find S Health in your S4 after the 4.3 upgrade, You can try to open Samsung Apps. Please note, you  need a Samsung account for Samsung Apps. Once in Samsung Apps, tap Menu button and select “purchased”. You should be able to find S Health app there. You can install it from there.

The second issue with S health App after the update is that S Health cannot start. It can be simply no response, or … Read the rest

Google Play Store Edition Galaxy S4: is it better or worse than the original S4?

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gogole-play-edition-galaxy-s4As announced in Google I/O 2013, Google edition of Galaxy S4 now is available  for order on Google Play Store (US only currently). You can get one at $649 with free shipping.

Google edition Galaxy S4 comes with stock Android 4.2.2. It means it is a vanilla version of Android like that in Nexus devices. The controversial TouchWiz skin  was stripped, and the stock UI was loaded. So, users will get the “pure” Android experience without bloatwares and hacks from manufactures. The 16GB Google Play version of Galaxy S4 has a usable storage of 12.65GB; while the original one you get from the carriers has only about 9GB.

Sizable Nexus users have been enjoyed such benefits for long time.  Nexus devices receive the update from Google directly. This means once the new version of Android is announced, the Nexus users will get it just in a couple of days.  However, for Samsung Galaxy S, S2 and S3 users, they have to wait at least 6 months to get such updates. In some regions, the update may be not available at all.

Another benefit enjoyed by  Nexus users is that there are no bloatwares from manufacturers and carriers. such bloatware not only eats the precious internal storage, but also may degrade the performance of the handset. Most of the bundled apps are not needed for most users.

Of course, some customizations from the manufactures  do add extra functions and features. For example, most of the prominent (useful or useless) features in Galaxy s4 as explained in the S4 features page are only available from Samsung.

Google edition of Galaxy S4 has no differences with  the original S4 when we talk about the hardware. Both comes  5″  full HD AMOLED display,  Qualcomm Snapdragon 600,  2GB RAM, 13MP/2MP … Read the rest

Galaxy S4 or Optimus G Pro? Here is the comparison

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s4-vs-optimus-g-proLG is not a new player in smartphone, but it never delivered a memorable products until Nexus 4, a collaboration with Google. Nexus 4 has been one of the most desired Android phones. But due to limited coverage on devices in Play Store, many potential buyers do not have the chance to order one.

Instead of bringing Nexus 4 to more markets, LG chose to release an own branded LG Optimius worldwide. It is a smart move to build own brand and this is probably also the purpose of Google to avoid the monopolization of Samsung in Android market.  Optimus G shares many similar design elements found in Nexus 4. The build quality is  incredible.

However, Optimus G is a bit outdated now, and its direct competitor is Galaxy S3. So, this year,  during the Mobile World Congress 2013, LG announced the Optimus G Pro. It seems LG is a bit confused on the positioning of this device. The 5.5-inch screen puts it in the phablet segment; however, lack of stylus obviously disadvantage itself against Galaxy Note 2. You may refer to  the comparison of Optimus G Pro and Galaxy Note 2.

Very likely, LG also expected this Optimus G Pro to be a rival to Galaxy S4. Will this one-stone-kill-two-birds product strategy work? At least, based on our review, it lost the battle against Galaxy Note 2. Now let’s compare it with Galaxy S4.

Design and build quality

Optimus G’s design and build quality is extrodinary, probably only HTC One can compete against it. But unfortunately, as design and build quality is concerned, Optimus G Pro has nothing to do with Optimus G. Optimus G Pro looks like a copycat of Galaxy Note 2!! Plastic was chosen to replace the glass. This is a serious joke if … Read the rest

Sony Xperia Z vs Samsung Galaxy S4, which one is for you?

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xperia-z-vs-galaxy-s4Sony Xperia Z was announced in January this year. In most regions, it is already available. So, it is possible to put your hands on it in local handphone shops.

Sony Xperia Z is the flagship smartphone from Sony in 2013, and it surely is Samsung Galaxy S4‘s close competitor. Many buyers are facing a difficult choice: S4 or Xperia Z? In this buyer’s guide, I will compare Samsung Galaxy S4 and Sony Xperia Z. Similar to the comparison between Galaxy S4 and HTC One, The comparison will be focused on 1).design and build quality; 2).battery; 3). software; 4). camera and video; and 5). display.

You may noticed, I seldom compare specifications, because most of flagship Android phones are overpowered. In other words, the hardware has more than sufficient power already, and therefore, it does not make sense to compare the specifications among such top-level phones.

 Round One: Design and build quality

No words needed. When you put your hands on them, you will immediately know Xperia Z wins. The design and build quality of Xperia Z is second to none. It looks beautiful and sleek. When you put it in your hands, it is well balanced and all buttons feel perfect. Apparently, all details are well considered in the design.

The material used for the back is high gloss glass, similar to that in  Nexus 4. It does give you premium feeling. But if you are going to use a case or cover, this may be not of your interest.

Another nice design feature of Xperia Z is water and dust resistant. Spilling of coffee is not an issue for Xperia Z. You can even use the phone when shower. You can even wash it  with water or soak it in water! Of course, you … Read the rest

Should I buy HTC One or Samsung Galaxy S4?

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galaxy-s4-vs-htc-one-photoWith the official announcement  of Galaxy S4, some buyers are considering between Galaxy S4 and HTC One.

Yes, this can be a difficult decision. The price difference of these two handsets should not be large in most regions. The hardware specifications are both top-notch based on today’s standard. So, it boils down to personal taste and features.

Now let me help you make the decision based on 5 aspects:  1) design and build quality; 2) battery; 3). software; 4). camera and video; 5). audio and speakers.

Round one: design and build quality

When talking about design and build quality, HTC One is surely the winner. HTC One’s aluminum body and sleek design makes it very attractive, and gives a premium feeling when holding it in hands. However, Samsung’s plastic (although it is named as polycarbonate)  design with rounded corners makes it simple and clean. Of course, it may not give you the premium feeling, but it is more durable.

The fact is that more than half of smartphone users will put the their phones into cases! So, if you are going to put your Galaxy S4 or HTC One into a case, the design and build quality does not matter.

Round two: Battery

Samsung Galaxy S4 packs a 2600mAh battery, while  HTC One comes with a 2300mAh battery. For a full HD screen, the battery is probably sufficient for one-day usage for  most users unless you are a heavy user. The battery life should be similar on these two phones.

However, the battery in Galaxy S4  is removable; while the one in HTC One is non-removable. As today’s Li-ion or Li- polymer battery can only sustain about 400-800 full cycles (charge–discharge), your battery will lose capacity significantly after one year or something. For phones … Read the rest