Galaxy S4 Guides

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Galaxy S4 frequently asked questions (FAQs): official Samsung Guide

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Galaxy-S4-FAQsUpdate: Now you can read thsi Galaxy S4 FAQ guide (Galaxy S4 Customer Consultant Guide)  directly in this post. 

Galaxy S4 is packed with so many features, therefore it is not strange that a lot of owners have some sorts of problems or questions.

Although the S4 Owners Manual provides valuable guides and info, it is impossible to cover all aspects. Even some technicians in Samsung Service Centre may also have some doubts on some features and functions.  So, Samsung compiled 140 FAQs for Galaxy S4 owners. The documentation is intended for staff in service centres. Actually, almost all flagship Android models have the Customer Consultant Guide.

Anyway, in this guide, there are 140 questions and answers, which cover almost all S4 specific features. It is a good reading material if you are still struggling with your S4.

The PDF version is provided in this post for you to download and read offline.

We also put individual FAQ into each feature page. So, you will get detailed info of each feature in each feature page. The following feature pages were updated or will be updated in next 24 hours:

We are also trying to make an online page for these FAQs together with the User Guide. Once this is done by the end of this month, you can read all documentations online instead of downloading PDF files.

Here is link for download the PDF version of this Galaxy S4 FAQs (right click mouse button, choose save link as): Galaxy-S4-Customer-Consultant-Guide-FAQs

If you have any questions, or need help, … 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

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

Galaxy S4: A Life Companion—Official specifications and video

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galaxy-s4-photoRumors after rumors. Finally Samsung Galaxy S4 officially comes.

It is proven again that the rumors are correct. Most of the specifications are posted in our previous post on the rumored specifications of Galaxy S4. To summarize, Galaxy S4 comes with Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 (the latest version), 5″  full HD AMOLED display, Samsung Exynos Octa CPU (or Qualcomm Snapdragon 600  for US market, here is the comparison of these two processors). 2GB RAM, 13MP/2MP camera, 2600mAH battery.

The design is similar to S3 and Note 2. The weight is 130g. Plastic as usual.

In addition to upgrade in hardware specifications, Galaxy S4 also provides some innovative features including:

  • Smart pause
  • Smart scroll
  • Air view and Air gesture
  • WatchON
  • HomeSync
  • Group play
  • Dual shot, dual recording, and dual video call
  • Shot with sound
  • Drama shot
  • Story album
  • S translator
  • New ChatON
  • S Health
  • Adapt display
  • Adapt sound

We will introduce some of these features in coming posts. Stay tuned!

Of course, Samsung also released an official introduction  video for  Galaxy S4.

What do you think about this phone?… Read the rest