Galaxy S4 Guides

UI

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

Galaxy S4: Samsung Unpacked 2013 Episode 1 in New York Time Square on March 14

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samsung-galaxy-s4-unpacked-2013-episode-1Rumors after rumors. Finally, it is certain the long-waited Galaxy S4 will be unveiled in the Time Square on March 14 (less than 2 weeks away).

Will Galaxy S4 be the best selling smartphone in 2013 as S3 did in 2012?  Will Galaxy S4 give us surprises? On March 14, we will probably know the answers!

The competition in high-end smartphone market is fierce. iPhone 5, HTC One, Sony Xperia Z, ASUS PadFone Infinity, LG Optimus G, HTC Butterfly, ….are all lined up to hold their feet in this most profitable, and also most crowded,  market.  The momentum of S3 dies down. Recent reports indicated Galaxy S3 was toppled  by iPhone 5 and iPhone 4s in Q4 2012, although it still tops Android phone sales.

So, it is a crucial release for Samsung. This market is so dynamic. Any errors may be a disaster. Black Berry is still struggling with Z10. HTC is trying to stop bleeding.

Galaxy S3’s success is mainly due to  better user experience; rather than the hardware specifications. Of course, Samsung’s marketing muscle also plays a role.

The importance of user experience (usually linked to software implementation) can never be overlooked. Spectacular hardware specification may attract some eyeballs. But it is the user experience that converts patrons to buyers. If we take iPhone as an example, you may notice the hardware specifications in iPhones are close to most middle range Android phones. But Apple is able to convince fruit fanbois to pay high premiums. It is not just because of marketing.

Samsung’s major problem is not the OS. Android Jelly Bean (4.1 and 4.2)  is better than (or  at least as good as ) iOS 6. This can be easily verified when you putting your hands on … Read the rest