El Samsung Galaxy S4 It's going to be one of the great devices of its generation. It will undoubtedly rival other flagships both in terms of characteristics as for price; as well as with Apple's new smartphone and Sony's possible flagship Xperia. Whatever the case, it's one of the most anticipated. Let's review what we know so far about him, and what we can see in terms of his design, screen, processor, storage y camera, as well as possible release datesWe've also integrated confirmed data on variants, connectivity, sensors, software, and official accessories to provide a truly comprehensive spec sheet.
Galaxy S4 - Design
We start by talking about the most striking thing, which is, in reality, 50% of a mobile device, its design and exterior appearance. And here we find two different aspects: the appearance itself, which would include its shape, dimensions, etc.; and its construction, which would include the comfort of the device, the resistance to the blows, and the materials used. Getting into the nitty-gritty, we can't say much in this regard, given that we're so many months away from its launch, it's easy to make a mistake. Looking back, we can only expect a lot of plastic.
However, Samsung seems to be clear about changing its image for next year, a complete change in its corporate image, which could also mean a significant change in the design of its flagship smartphone, and should in fact. Therefore, it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect an aluminum unibody. If Sony and Apple are doing it, why not the world's largest mobile phone manufacturer? What seems clear is that it will be thinner, lighter, and bigger, due to the larger screen size.
What's coming? Thinner, lighter, and bigger. Probably. plastic, although we could see a major change.
Update confirmed: The Galaxy S4 maintains polycarbonate back cover removable with access to the battery and slots, a bet that Samsung defends for durability and for allowing change battery. Their dimensions They are 136,6 x 69,8 x 7,9 mm and their weight 130g (approx.), with a front protected by Gorilla Glass 3. It includes perimeter band metallic finish and is sold in multiple colors depending on the market (among them White frost y Black mist).
Galaxy S4 - Display
Here we do have very clear indications. The screen would be five inches, because if it weren't, it would be going against what the market dictates at this time, and that wouldn't be very smart. This panel would be Full HD and would have a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels, which would take its pixel density per inch at 441 PPI. At the moment, the doubts are about the technology and the type of screen. There are indications that it could be a Flexible OLED, given that Samsung will begin mass-producing them by then. However, it's unclear whether it will opt for it in its flagship. Furthermore, if the smartphone isn't curved, it wouldn't make much sense either. It's true that it would be more resistant, but that increased resistance is useless. Screens are already truly resistant with glass like Gorilla Glass. The stresses a smartphone would have to endure for the flexible screen to function would crack the body of the device, so unless the device is curved, it doesn't make much sense.
What's coming? Five inches, AMOLED, Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixels, 441 PPI. Probably. not flexible.
Update confirmed: The Galaxy S4 has a panel Super AMOLED de 5 inches, Full HD (1920 x 1080) and 441 dpi, with multi-touch 10-point and protection Corning Gorilla Glass 3. It offers color profiles (such as AdaptDisplay or mode Photos with Adobe RGB type calibration) that allow you to adjust the saturation and temperature color. The maximum brightness is correct and visibility in sunlight improves compared to previous generations, although it still lags behind some reference LCDs. It does not incorporate a flexible panel: it prioritizes sharpness, infinite contrast of the AMOLED and lower consumption on dark backgrounds.
Galaxy S4 - Processor
This is where the innovation begins. Samsung has prepared the big.LITTLE processor to be presented in February of next year. This processor is actually a mix of two chips quad-core. On the one hand, it would have a processor with a quad-core Cortex A15 architecture, and on the other, one with a Cortex A7 architecture. The latter would be like the Exynos 4, and would have a clock speed of 1,2 GHz, while the former would be like the Nexus 10, but even better, with four cores instead of two, and a clock speed of 1,8 GHz. The A7 would be used to perform conventional tasks, saving battery life, while the A15 would only be used in specific moments where more performance is required, such as video games, high-quality movies, or applications that consume a lot of resources. Normally, Samsung would introduce this beast in its flagship, the Galaxy S4, and that would be something unique.
What's coming? Processor eight cores divided into two: one with four cores with A15 architecture at 1,8 GHz and another with four cores with A7 architecture at 1,2 GHz.
Update confirmed: There are two main platforms depending on the connectivity. The international 3G model (GT-I9500) integrates Octa 5 Exynos 5410 with design big.LITTLE (4x Cortex-A15 up to ~1,6 GHz + 4x Cortex-A7 up to ~1,2 GHz) and PowerVR SGX544MP3 GPU. The LTE model (GT-I9505) mounts Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 (Quad-core Krait 300 at 1,9 GHz) with Adreno GPU 320. Both have 2 GB of RAM LPDDR3. A revision will be released later. GT-I9506 Snapdragon 800 (Krait 400 at 2,3 GHz) and LTE Cat.4, which improves graphics performance (Adreno 330) and connectivity.
Galaxy S4 - Storage
Samsung has just presented its new units memory cards manufactured with technology 10 nanometers 64GB eMMC. The new Black Galaxy S3, due out in Spain at the end of the month, already includes this memory unit. It's only logical that the Galaxy S4 will also come with it. MicroSD is a question mark, given the trend some manufacturers are taking, such as Google, which hasn't included a microSD in its Nexus 4 for ease of use.
What's coming? Galaxy S4 with 64GB of storage. We doubt of the microSD, and that there will be units with less memory.
Update confirmed: The Galaxy S4 is offered in 16 / 32 / 64 GB of internal storage (with availability varying by market). The 16 GB version leaves around 9,2 GB free due to the presence of the system and apps. Includes slot microSD dedicated up to 64 GB additional (microSD/SDHC/SDXC), a key solution for expanding photo, video, and music storage. Memory is eMMC 4.5.
Galaxy S4 - Camera
What's coming? We can almost guarantee that it will have one of the new Exmor RS sensors from Sony, from 13 megapixels, with the ability to record Full HD 1080p video. That, along with all the camera apps the South Koreans add.
Update confirmed: The main camera is 13 SM with opening f / 2.2, focal length ~31 mm (equivalent), sensor BSI ~1/3,1″ and pixel ~1,14 µm, autofocus y Flash LED. Record 1080p video at 30 fps and supports HDR photo/video. The front reaches 2 SM 1080p video. Between the modes highlights Dual shot (simultaneous shooting with both cameras), Shot Drama (sequence of movement in a photo), Sound & Shot (several seconds of audio attached to the image), Best face y Best Photo (choose the best face/photo from a burst), Erase (erases moving elements), panorama and night mode. There are zero delay when shooting and touch control of focus.
Galaxy S4 - LTE
As you might expect, it's easy to carry LTE, the new mobile connectivity standard in the United States, Japan, and other countries that are more advanced than ours. Furthermore, if O2 and Vodafone launch their LTE networks, we might even start to see the benefits of having 4G in our country.
What's coming? It'll have 3G, Of course, and also LTE.
Update confirmed: the model GT-I9505 Incorporates LTE (Cat.3/Cat.4 depending on the version) with bands that vary by region, in addition to HSPA + 42 Mbps in 3G. The Wi ‑ Fi It is dual band 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac MIMO, integrate Bluetooth 4.0 LE, NFC, GPS + GLONASS, IR Blaster (infrared) for remote control and output MHL 2.0 via microUSB. Supports USB OTG and connector TRRS 3,5 mm.
Galaxy S4 - Operating System
Google will be preparing the big launch of those dates Android Key Lime Pie 5.0Depending on how long it takes for the Galaxy S4 to arrive, we'll either see it launched with this version or have to wait for a later update. South Koreans will undoubtedly be closely monitoring Google's moves so as not to be left behind as soon as it's released.
What will come? 4.2 Android Jelly Bean, although it could arrive with Android 5.0 if it is already available before the launch of the Samsung smartphone.
Update confirmed: arrives from the factory with 4.2.2 Android Jelly Bean y TouchWiz (Nature UX), with official update to 4.4.2 Android KitKat and then to Android Lollipop 5.0.1. It includes numerous functions: Smart Stay, Smart Pause, Smart scroll, SmartRotation, Air View (untouched preview), Air Gesture (gestures in the air), Multi Window (two apps on screen), WatchON (guide + IR remote control), S Health (activity, calories; accessory support), S Translator (text/voice translation), S (safe environment), AdaptDisplay y Adapt Sound. The layer allows extensive customization from the lock screen and quick access in the notification curtain.
Galaxy S4 - Release Date
Rumors suggest that the launch of the device would come in the Mobile World Congress from Barcelona, ​​while its arrival in stores is expected sometime in May or June. The latter is fitting, given that it would arrive a year after its predecessor. However, it doesn't fit in well with Samsung's approach to presenting it at Mobile World Congress, competing with other companies, sharing the spotlight, and breaking away from what they did last year. We can expect a big event, in a big city, and it could happen sometime in April. At Mobile World Congress, they would show off their new brand image, and that would attract enough attention, as well as some tablets.
When will it arrive? It could be presented at a big Unpacked event in a big city around the month of AprilIt would land in stores around May or June.
Update confirmed: The Galaxy S4 is presented in March at an Unpacked event in New York, with marketing at the end of April in the main markets and subsequent deployment by countries. The starting price of the 16 GB free model was around 699 Euros (variable by region and operator).
Connectivity and ports
In addition to 4G in its LTE variant, the S4 includes microUSB 2.0 MHL 2.0 for video output, USB OTG to connect memories and peripherals, and 3,5 mm jack. The infrared allows you to control TVs, players and more with the app WatchON. Offers Wi ‑ Fi Direct, DLNA y Screen Mirroring to share content. In telephony it supports GSM / EDGE, UMTS/HSPA+ (up to 42 Mbps) and, depending on the model, LTE Cat.3/Cat.4.
Standard
The Galaxy S4 is especially complete in sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, proximity, RGB light, barometerAnd including temperature and humidity for S Health. It also integrates ANT + for compatible sports accessories, and double microphone for noise cancellation.
Performance and battery
With 2 GB of RAM and latest generation CPUs of its time, the Galaxy S4 offers fluency in everyday tasks, multitask and demanding games. The GPU varies (PowerVR SGX544MP3 on Exynos and Adreno 320/330 on Qualcomm), but in both cases the graphics performance allows it to run titles in Full HD with solvency. The battery of 2.600 mAh and Samsung's good optimization work allows us to reach the complete day with standard use; advanced users may get through the day. Being removable, it is possible to carry a spare battery. Supports 5V/2A cable charging and official accessories for additional loading.
Audio and multimedia
It has a speaker mono Well-designed for its size, although with limited volume compared to dual-speaker systems. The codec supports FLAC, MP3, AAC, WMA o OGG, and in video it plays H.264, H.263, MP4, DivX/XviD, VP8, VC-1 and even HEVC in some profiles. It does not incorporate FM radio in many commercial variants.
Variants, colors and network compatibility
Main models: GT‑I9500 (3G, Exynos 5410), GT‑I9505 (LTE, Snapdragon 600) and GT‑I9506 (LTE, Snapdragon 800). Depending on the country, there are specific models (e.g., variants for China or Canada) with adapted bands. Initial colors Black mist y White frost, expanded with additional editions depending on operators and regions.
Software and Feature Highlights
In addition to those already mentioned Smart features and the Multi Window, TouchWiz adds Group Play (share music/photos/group presentations), Air Browse (change content with gestures), WatchON TV guide and recommendations, and easy mode to simplify the home screen. SamsungHub y Samsung Apps added content and promotions. The quick settings in the notification curtain provide access to a large number of switches customizable.
Official accessories
The brand accompanied the S4 with cases type S View Cover (notification window), Flip Cover y Protective Cover +, plus wireless charger (according to kit), game controller, headphones, MHL 2.0 adapter, additional drum kit, and health accessories (belt HRM, band and scale compatible with S Health).
With all the above, the Galaxy S4 consolidates itself as a smartphone that combined reference screen, performance pointer, a versatile camera and a catalog of features unique for its time, while maintaining practical virtues such as removable battery and the expandable storageIts software offering is very comprehensive and, although extensive, provides useful tools such as Multi Window, S Health, WatchON, and the suite of smart gestures and functions.
