Samsung Galaxy S4 thread - See Mod Warning in Post #1

SlickTalker

Kenno90 wrote: »

End of April i heard from Meteor, I'm still debating between this and the HTC One, decisions decisions

I'm the same but I already have a 64GB sd card and have the hdmi adaptor, also the removable battery is a big plus.

SlickTalker

SlickTalker wrote: »

I'm the same but I already have a 64GB sd card and have the hdmi adaptor, also the removable battery is a big plus.

I'm planning on getting the S4 around June/July, but regarding the sd card, a cool little micro USB sd card reader is being developed which will work really well with the One and other devices without a removable sd card (such as the Nexus 7).

Info can be found here

I never needed a spare battery with my Note 2, as battery life was so good. I'm finding the One isn't actually far off it. Am running in power save mode, as I don't game on my phone, and am getting 5-6+ hours screen on time. Finally it feels like battery life on these devices is getting closer to where it should be. The S4 should be at least as good I hope.

Kenno90

Basil3 wrote: »

I'm planning on getting the S4 around June/July, but regarding the sd card, a cool little micro USB sd card reader is being developed which will work really well with the One and other devices without a removable sd card (such as the Nexus 7).

Info can be found here

I never needed a spare battery with my Note 2, as battery life was so good. I'm finding the One isn't actually far off it. Am running in power save mode, as I don't game on my phone, and am getting 5-6+ hours screen on time. Finally it feels like battery life on these devices is getting closer to where it should be. The S4 should be at least as good I hope.

That little SD card dongle is a really good idea and i'm surprised no one came up with till now.

I bought a second battery for my GN as the battery life was getting bad. It cost me 12 Euro and is still fine months later. The idea of a removable battery really appeals to me.

I couldn't care less about SD cards and non removable storage. My GN has 16GB and I've never come close to it , all my music and pics are on the cloud.

My current thought process

HTC One
+ Metal Design (Phone looks beautiful)
+ Sense 5 ( Liking the minimalistic approach)
+ Best Speakers on any phone.
- No removable Battery
- Very Hard to Repair (Scored 1/10 on iFixit)
- Android 4.1.2 (I'm worried future support for the phone would be lacking)

Samsung S4
+ Same physical size as the S3
+ Android 4.2.2
+ Battery ( I've read good things about the battery)
- Plastic Design
- Touch Wiz ( Though flashing a custom ROM would solve this)

i can't decide, talk about first world problems :rolleyes:

beno619

Kenno90 wrote: »

HTC One
+ Metal Design (Phone looks beautiful)
+ Sense 5 ( Liking the minimalistic approach)
+ Best Speakers on any phone.
- No removable Battery
- Very Hard to Repair (Scored 1/10 on iFixit)
- Android 4.1.2 (I'm worried future support for the phone would be lacking)

+ So far reports on battery life has been great so unless you need to be able to swap batteries it shouldn't be a problem.

+ Without any proper documentation I dont things its repairability can be written off.

+ 4.2.2 is coming in June and its been "announced" for the One X along with Sense 5. The updates wont be as rapid as the S4's but from what I have read the S3's has regressed since its Jellybean update while my One X has been reborn since it got 4.1.

leemaree

Any one know where I could get this case? Not ebay. I googled the case but noone has the exact same. I wonder have u guys any idea ;

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/New-Stylish-Slim-Leather-Case-Cover-Flip-Pouch-for-Samsung-Galaxy-S4-S-IV-i9500-/321102224892?pt=UK_MobilePhones_MobilePhonesCasesPouches&var=&hash=item4ac32f1dfc

Nikond800

Try mobilefun.co.uk . They have an irish site too I think but have only bought off the UK one as for some reason it worked out cheaper

leemaree wrote: »

Any one know where I could get this case? Not ebay. I googled the case but noone has the exact same. I wonder have u guys any idea ;

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/New-Stylish-Slim-Leather-Case-Cover-Flip-Pouch-for-Samsung-Galaxy-S4-S-IV-i9500-/321102224892?pt=UK_MobilePhones_MobilePhonesCasesPouches&var=&hash=item4ac32f1dfc

Crann na Beatha

This post has been deleted.

threein99

Phoenix wrote: »

Is the S4 worth waiting for compared to the S3?

The jump forward from S3 to S4 is not a big as it was from the S2. I have the S3 since it came out last year and I wont be upgrading. If you want to save a few quid I would go for the S3

Kenno90

If i had an S3 i wouldn't be buying it.

Though i think its a nice step up from the Galaxy Nexus

Yelnahs

I handle phone upgrades like the latest copy of fifa, I buy every second release

Alpha Dog 1

It will be one of the most powerful and fastest phones on the market, depends really how important that is to you.

Il probably end up getting it at some stage as I'm on a 12 month upgrade cycle.

Cienciano

Yelnahs wrote: »

I handle phone upgrades like the latest copy of fifa, I buy every second release

I used to do that with Tiger Woods, now it's every 4th release they're all so similar!
But definitely every second for phones, unless you're loaded and bored

Sabre0001

Been playing around with the S4 the last few days. Amazing display, some interesting features and very quick: http://clickonline.com/tech/review--samsung-galaxy-s-iv/17397/

leemaree

Sabre0001 wrote: »

Been playing around with the S4 the last few days. Amazing display, some interesting features and very quick: http://clickonline.com/tech/review--samsung-galaxy-s-iv/17397/[/QUOTE]

Where have u been playing around with it? It hasn't been released yet

Mc Love

Will definitely be getting it as I have S2 at the moment

SuprSi

I'm on an S2 as well though I really can't decide between this, the HTC One and the Xperia Z. They're all great phones and I've been happy with Samsung though both the One and Xperia look class.

Sabre0001

Sabre0001 wrote: »

Been playing around with the S4 the last few days. Amazing display, some interesting features and very quick: http://clickonline.com/tech/review--samsung-galaxy-s-iv/17397/

No offence, but that's not really a review....more an overview. I could have written that without even having used one.

internelligent

I'm getting it. I have the Galaxy S so I've a feeling the step up will be noticeable.

Cienciano

internelligent wrote: »

I'm getting it. I have the Galaxy S so I've a feeling the step up will be noticeable.

It'll be big and feel like a tablet, but after a month and you look back at your GS and wonder how you ever used a screen that small

Kenno90

Sabre0001 wrote: »

Been playing around with the S4 the last few days. Amazing display, some interesting features and very quick: http://clickonline.com/tech/review--samsung-galaxy-s-iv/17397/

If you have been playing with it , can you comment on the battery life, people are comparing it with the Note II which gives about 2 days battery

Zascar

If that's true I'm sold!

How can the note 2 with the biggest screen around have the best battery? It it like an ipad with multiple batteries or something?

AlmightyCushion

Zascar wrote: »

If that's true I'm sold!

How can the note 2 with the biggest screen around have the best battery? It it like an ipad with multiple batteries or something?

The Note 2 has a huge battery (I think it's about 3000Mah) the S3 only has a 2000Mah battery and the S4 has a 2300Mah battery.

Alpha Dog 1

Zascar wrote: »

If that's true I'm sold!

How can the note 2 with the biggest screen around have the best battery? It it like an ipad with multiple batteries or something?

Because it's so big it's takes a much bigger battery. 3100 mah compared to 2100 mah in the s3.

The s4 has a 2600 mah. Bigger battery than the s3 but bigger screen aswel.

I had a htc one for the day and I reckon it's about the same battery life as my s3, plus it's non removable.

Batteries are selling points for phones these days!

Sabre0001

Kenno90 wrote: »

If you have been playing with it , can you comment on the battery life, people are comparing it with the Note II which gives about 2 days battery

It's about a day with default settings (I've found - naturally varies with use and the screen is the main drainer). Can adjust brightness (which is very bright by default), and there are a few different power saving options - CPU power saving, screen power saving and haptic feedback.

Got it through work for review. Can put up a pic if you need convincing.

Not overly gone on the smart screen stuff though. Scrolling down is fine. Maybe it was because of where I looked on the screen initially, but it meant that to scroll up I had to lift my head well over the screen (couldn't even see where I was scrolling to out of peripheral vision).

gerire

SuprSi wrote: »

I'm on an S2 as well though I really can't decide between this, the HTC One and the Xperia Z. They're all great phones and I've been happy with Samsung though both the One and Xperia look class.

Im in the exact same boat as you. Have no idea which wway im leaning. Initially before research it was Samsung, then One now im going toward the xperia just for asthetics as they are all so powerful for the apps ill be using I wont notice the difference. Battery is my biggie as I seem to have my sensation constantly plugged in to keep it on charge.

So whichever I do go with itll be a big jump from the sensation

Kenno90

gerire wrote: »

Im in the exact same boat as you. Have no idea which wway im leaning. Initially before research it was Samsung, then One now im going toward the xperia just for asthetics as they are all so powerful for the apps ill be using I wont notice the difference. Battery is my biggie as I seem to have my sensation constantly plugged in to keep it on charge.

So whichever I do go with itll be a big jump from the sensation

I'm also on the same boat, getting crowded. Any way ,based looks its the HTC One hands down. I'm not totally convinced with the One's build quality. It seems to be hit and miss and although the battery life is good, i hear the S4 will be better.

I was never a fan of Sony Phones, but having it waterproof is a great step that will hopefully catch on.

I also plan to root the phone and get as close to the stock ROM as possible. I love my Galaxy Nexus but even buying a second battery didn't do much.

Nikond800

HI folks. I was in a vodafone shop yesterday and they stated they expect the phone next week. Has anyone heard anything to that effect?

Nikond800

Nikond800 wrote: »

HI folks. I was in a vodafone shop yesterday and they stated they expect the phone next week. Has anyone heard anything to that effect?

That cracks me up. I went in to Vodafone a day or two before the One was released, and they knew absolutely nothing.

Nikond800

Basil3 wrote: »

That cracks me up. I went in to Vodafone a day or two before the One was released, and they knew absolutely nothing.

I'd take my nugget of info there with a pinch of salt. Was just wondering what others had heard around the country so as to get an idea of when we may expect it.

Ivefoundgod

Nikond800 wrote: »

HI folks. I was in a vodafone shop yesterday and they stated they expect the phone next week. Has anyone heard anything to that effect?

I asked about availability a page or 2 back. 26th in most stores seemed to be the consensus if I remember right.

Mc Love

Basil3 wrote: »

That cracks me up. I went in to Vodafone a day or two before the One was released, and they knew absolutely nothing.

All they told me in 3 was end of the month and they havent worked out packages yet?! which I took for prices as their packages are all the same!

Corkfeen

Any guesses on what the contract prices will be starting at? Due an upgrade but I guess i'll hold off a week or so.

deckie27

Corkfeen wrote: »

Any guesses on what the contract prices will be starting at? Due an upgrade but I guess i'll hold off a week or so.

I'd guess from 100 to about 300

rafi bomb

O2 prices start at 200 I think

Cosle

It seems like the UK release is now the 27th of April, I say we will probably get it the same day.

ROVER

I was disappointed to see the S4 does not have a FM tuner.

Banjo String

ROVER wrote: »

I was disappointed to see the S4 does not have a FM tuner.

Plenty of apps will do the job.

ROVER

SamHall wrote: »

Plenty of apps will do the job.

Not the same. They are going down the iPhone route. FM signal is more wide spread than 3g. This is supposed to be a top end phone it should not lose functions.

rafi bomb

ROVER wrote: »

Not the same. They are going down the iPhone route. FM signal is more wide spread than 3g. This is supposed to be a top end phone it should not lose functions.

I agree. This has actually put me off the phone somewhat. Not everyone has unlimited data and the 3g is ****e in places

Alpha Dog 1

It's a decent feature, but can't say I've ever used it as you need the plug-in. Tune in radio and a decent data bundle will do the trick.

leemaree

ROVER wrote: »

I was disappointed to see the S4 does not have a FM tuner.

So this means that u have to go on the internet to listen to the radio? That will cost money!!!! Pity u can't take the FM Radio tuner from the s3 and transfer to the S4

wotzgoingon

I personally never used the FM radio in any phone I had.(Except old nokias I had) and I'd say the people who listen to radio on smartphones are in the minority as Samsung would have put reseach into who listen to radio and who doesn't, so decided to remove it from phone.

ROVER

I accept it is a feature that some people don't use but why not leave it in for people that like live radio. At a guess I would say 3g streaming uses more battery power than FM radio. Data roaming is expensive. I like to listen to radio commentary at sporting events as sometimes you can't see why a decision was awarded. It is very difficult to get a data connection in a stadium because of congestion even if you do it will be streaming a minute behind what you are looking at on the pitch. The HTC one is now looking more attractive.

cosbloodymick

ROVER wrote: »

I accept it is a feature that some people don't use but why not leave it in for people that like live radio. At a guess I would say 3g streaming uses more battery power than FM radio. Data roaming is expensive. I like to listen to radio commentary at sporting events as sometimes you can't see why a decision was awarded. It is very difficult to get a data connection in a stadium because of congestion even if you do it will be streaming a minute behind what you are looking at on the pitch. The HTC one is now looking more attractive.

Very dissappointed with no radio on the forthcoming S4. I was all set to buy this phone but I will have to review my options and go for the HTC1 or an S3.

leemaree

It says on this webpage that it does have FM Radio ;

http://thetecnica.com/2013/03/samsung-galaxy-s4-specification-features-launch-date-and-price

leemaree

leemaree wrote: »

It says on this webpage that it does have FM Radio ;

http://thetecnica.com/2013/03/samsung-galaxy-s4-specification-features-launch-date-and-price

I'm sure you could find websites that say that the s4 is going to have lcd screen, and that it is only coming out in octo-core, or all kinds of misinformation.

It doesn't have an FM radio though.

This is from Samsung's Russian page:

Our studies show a trend shift of interest to digital broadcasting, specifically - focus on listening to music content in social networks or on the channel YouTube. The flagship model of our products are focused on customers who use digital content, which use modern formats and channels of information consumption.

Craigels

Can someone please confirm the release day is it Friday or Saturday?

Kenno90

I'm getting mine on Thursday thats when meteor are getting them in.

I've put on hold, the joys of having your father work for meteor

Alpha Dog 1

Kenno90 wrote: »

I'm getting mine on Thursday thats when meteor are getting them in.

I've put on hold, the joys of having your father work for meteor

Kenno, let us know how it is.!
I'm buying a phone the bank holiday weekend and it's the htc one so far, still not fully decided though.

rafi bomb

Wish meteor would announce their price plan for an upgrade to this and when we can actually buy it off them