Internals
This handset has something more that what we've expected - a whole new set of features in a 130g weight and 7.9mm thick candy bar. Hardware contains addition sensors for infrared gesture, temperature and humidity, while software is treated with the latest Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) underneath the Samsung TouchWiz UI. And this promising hardware and software are reinforced with a caoable 2600mAh battery that could keep you on the road in an ample amount of time.
Screen
Since I'm a screen-person, I would love to check the display of a device far from any other specs there is first. Yes, 1080p is a standard for most of the Android flagships this year. Galaxy S 4 covers a 5-inch diameter with a stunning 441 ppi. One of the notable features that comes with the screen is the Adapt Display. This feature acts like a chameleon that adapts into its enviromnet. Similarly, your screen will auto-adjust its tone to the surroundings to make it less straining to the eyes. Apart form that, the Air Gesture allows you to scroll photos, pages, tracks, etc, using hand gestures; the Air View allows you to preview contents by hovering above a content.
You'll also have Smart Pause which lets you pause video when not looking on the screen; Smart Scroll that scroll through pages when you tilt the device and Screen Mirroring.
Design Philosophy
Admit it or not, the Galaxy S 4 is the best looking Galaxy handset so far. It's even thinner than the Galaxy S III itself. The design philosophy resembles that of S III's design but it's somewhat rectangular-ish with most of it's body brushed by a polycarbonate skin. If you are a Galaxy-lover then you'll be amazed with the design. Dimensions come with 69.8mm x 136.6mm x 7.9mm and as far as the colors go, it's available with White Frost and Black Mist.
Like the iPhone, there will be three configurations (16GB, 32GB and 64GB), the only difference is that S4 is expandable up to a whooping 64GB. Wireless-ly, it'll have both 3G and 4G models with global LTE roaming that supports up to 100Mbps download speed and 50Mbps upload speed. A whole new set of WiFi connectivity includes a/b/g/n/ac. Ofcourse, Bluetooh 4.0, NFC and GPS will always be present.
Camera
Samsung shades HTC One's Ultrapixel with its 13MP camera reinforced with a lot of bows and frills - the 2MP front-facing camera can be used simultaneously with the rear shooter, the Sound and Shot allows you to record 5-second audio before taking pictures, the Drama Shot allows you to take 100 shots every 4 seconds.
You can also erase unwanted person in the picture if you use the Eraser feature. The conventional HDR, Panorama, Face Detection and Autofocus will always be a standard feature.
Other Features
Samsung Optical Reader – This feature automatically recognize text, a business card or QR code information, and providing useful functions such as translation, call, text message and search.
Samsung WatchON – Just like the HTC One, the GALAXY S 4 will transform into an IR remote to control your home entertainment system including TV, set-top box, DVD player and even air conditioner. In addition, you can enjoy various content including live TV, cable TV and VOD based on the rich information provided by EPG (Electronic Program Guide).
Group Play - Users can now enjoy music, photos, documents and games with those around them without even requiring a Wi-Fi AP or cellular signal. This innovative feature enables users to connect directly with others to share, play and co-create content and entertainment instantly.
Share Music – This feature lets users to have the same song playing on multiple phones in sync to create the best party atmosphere.
S Translator – This provides instant translation to different languages using text or voice translation on applications including email, text message and ChatON.
S Voice Drive – This feature gave shade to Siri. With S Voice Drive, you can activate commands via voice control for optimization when driving. Once connected with a car Bluetooth, the phone automatically turns into driving mode converting text to speech so you can easily and safely check messages with no need to look at the screen.
Just like any other Android royalty, the Galaxy S 4 is capable of Wireless Charging using Qi wireless standard. Price is pegged to start in USD 800 and it'll be available 327 carriers in 155 countries starting in the last week of April. So wil the Galaxy S 4 be your next phone?
Samsung GALAXY S 4 Specifications
5 inch Full HD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080) display, 441 ppi
1.9 GHz Quad-Core Processor / 1.6 GHz Octa-Core Processor
Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean)
13 Mega pixel Auto Focus camera with Flash & Zero Shutter Lag, BIS
2 Mega pixel camera, Full HD recording @30fps with Zero Shutter Lag, BIS
Recording & Playback: Full HD (1080p)
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (HT80)
2.5G (GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE): 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz
3G (HSPA+ 42Mbps): 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz
4G (LTE Cat 3 100/50Mbps)
GPS / GLONASS
NFC, Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)
IR LED (Remote Control), MHL 2.0
Accelerometer, RGB light, Geomagnetic, Proximity, Gyro, Barometer
Temperature & Humidity, Gesture
16/ 32/ 64 GB User memory + microSD slot (up to 64GB)
2GB RAM
136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm, 130g
2,600 mAh