Galaxy S4

[onthecouchagain]

People really need to watch this. When was the last time you saw a smartphone review like this?

When he starts showing off the extra features like Smart features and gesture features (around the 7 min mark), that's when the video really shines. Again, when was the last time you saw a video review of a smartphone like this? So many novel features.

The S4 is a really special phone. There doesn't seem to be any compromises.

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Post your thoughts, I think the htc one is toast, the software will entice many people.

I wouldn't buy the htc one at all.

Yeah. HTC and most other competitors are most likely in deep doodoo this year.

The S4 is a really special phone.

 

[tjl3]

People really need to watch this. When was the last time you saw a smartphone review like this?

When he starts showing off the extra features like Smart features and gesture features (around the 7 min mark), that's when the video really shines. Again, when was the last time you saw a video review of a smartphone like this? So many novel features.

The S4 is a really special phone. There doesn't seem to be any compromises.

YouTube: video

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Yeah. HTC and most other competitors are most likely in deep doodoo this year.

The S4 is a really special phone.

Completely agree with you that review was amazing and it has me completely curious!

But I liked the camera features and his glowing review of the image qualities. I personally don't have a use for most of the Smart features, but wow, Smart Scroll was very nifty!

 

[onthecouchagain]

Completely agree with you that review was amazing and it has me completely curious!

But I liked the camera features and his glowing review of the image qualities. I personally don't have a use for most of the Smart features, but wow, Smart Scroll was very nifty!

It really was.

And even if the Smart and Gesture features aren't used, just the fact that Samsung got them into a smartphone is novel.

The Quick Glance feature, I think, is pretty special. Wave at the device to get a quick glance at time and notifications? You can now literally interact with your phone without even touching it.

People who dismiss these features as too confusing or too much really have no clue what they're talking about. What an absurd position to take; that there are too many features. Essentially asking for less. What a bizarre position to take.

And the camera looks amazing. There are no compromises here. You really can't say the same about the HTC One. After owning the Galaxy Nexus and the N4, and now the iPHone 5 with it's awesome camera, I'm really sick of compromising with the camera. This may be the One's downfall for me.

 

[tjl3]

It really was.

And even if the Smart and Gesture features aren't used, just the fact that Samsung got them into a smartphone is novel.

The Quick Glance feature, I think, is pretty special. Wave at the device to get a quick glance at time and notifications? You can now literally interact with your phone without even touching it.

The S4 is really special. People who dismiss these features as too confusing or too much really have no clue what they're talking about. What an absurd position to take; that there are too many features. Essentially asking for less. What a bizarre position to take.

I've never disagreed with this. It's one thing to throw everything at a product and clutter it up, but it's another to give you options to use or disable, and this is a plus. It'll definitely be used, I don't doubt that, maybe widely or maybe not.

The other one I'd definitely use is Smart Stay to keep the screen off. But not necessarily to pause or turn off the screen when looking away. I would get so pissed if I looked away and the screen turned off =D

 

[onthecouchagain]

I've never disagreed with this. It's one thing to throw everything at a product and clutter it up, but it's another to give you options to use or disable, and this is a plus. It'll definitely be used, I don't doubt that, maybe widely or maybe not.

The other one I'd definitely use is Smart Stay to keep the screen off. But not necessarily to pause or turn off the screen when looking away. I would get so pissed if I looked away and the screen turned off =D

Or Smart Rotation.

I constantly find myself lying on my side using my smartphone and it's annoying that it thinks I'm in landscape. Now, it can read my eyes and see how I am.

I've said this many times before: Samsung is putting the smart in smartphone.

 

[Lindsford]

first review I found, I don't know if you care for the site or not.

http://www.androidauthority.com/galaxy-s4-review-194534/

Thanks for posting that. I enjoy AA reviews they usually check the ******** at the door and give great unbiased reviews. Definitely got me a bit more excited about mine delivered.

The guy doing the review was correct. Samsung hit the mark with this one to push many people considering it to dive in and get it. The wealth of software tweaks they've included wont appeal to everyone, but I have a feeling that everyone will be able to find one improvement they generally like.

Also the fact that they have a bigger screen and a somewhat smaller lighter form factor that is reviewed as "much easier to hold then any other 5" screen" makes me happy. It did look as though he had very little trouble navigating the screens.

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Or Smart Rotation.

I constantly find myself lying on my side using my smartphone and it's annoying that it thinks I'm in landscape. Now, it can read my eyes and see how I am.

I've said this many times before: Samsung is putting the smart in smartphone.

No more HTC one?

 

[Kashsystems]

I want to hold up for the Note3 but it is getting harder and harder to do so.

So basically it comes down to do I give my wife my iPhone 5 and use her 4s for the trade in for the s4. I have two lines with upgrades available this month and one in October.

 

[onthecouchagain]

No more HTC one?

I won't know until it gets into my hands. HTC is taking their time. In theory, I should've gotten it yesterday, per their own website. But not yet apparently. They're not helping themselves.

 

[DesertEagle]

Looks really tempting. This must be the first time in many years that I desire a non-iPhone phone.

 

[Lindsford]

I won't know until it gets into my hands. HTC is taking their time. In theory, I should've gotten it yesterday, per their own website. But not yet apparently. They're not helping themselves.

Agreed, late delivery is never a good first step. There was a HTC one on display already on Friday at my local store, I only got to play with it for a second but man did the aluminum feel nice, screen looked vibrant. Then wife rushed me out of store to meet dinner plans

Looks really tempting. This must be the first time in many years that I desire a non-iPhone phone.

This will be my first non iPhone phone since 2007

 

[onthecouchagain]

Is Samsung selling the devices unlocked from their own website, akin to what Apple/HTC are doing?

It would help. If it comes down to it, I would prefer a non carrier branded version...

 

[MRU]

Is Samsung selling the devices unlocked from their own website, akin to what Apple/HTC are doing?

It would help. If it comes down to it, I would prefer a non carrier branded version...

Coach, seriously do yourself a favour, cancel the HTC and get the S4. I know you are going to prefer it, it's a truly great phone and one that you already have convinced yourself it comes with no compromises (whereas the HTC One has some compromises for you)... Just save the hassle of returning products and go for the S4 as it is just a better fit for you.

The S4 is a really special phone. There doesn't seem to be any compromises.

When you have that already in the back of your mind, there isn't a chance your going to give the one a fair crack at the whip, you'll be looking for every reason why you should have got the s4. Its just human nature.

Go for the s4. Forget the HTC One whilst you have the opportunity to cancel it before it ships.

 

[Lindsford]

Is Samsung selling the devices unlocked from their own website, akin to what Apple/HTC are doing?

It would help. If it comes down to it, I would prefer a non carrier branded version...

Nope. Just forwards you to a 3rd party.

http://www.samsung.com/us/topic/our-galaxy-smartphones

 

[TheBigKing]

Whit that review i am going to buy the s4 not the one damm

 

[onthecouchagain]

Coach, seriously do yourself a favour, cancel the HTC and get the S4. I know you are going to prefer it, it's a truly great phone and one that you already have convinced yourself it comes with no compromises (whereas the HTC One has some compromises for you)... Just save the hassle of returning products and go for the S4 as it is just a better fit for you.



When you have that already in the back of your mind, there isn't a chance your going to give the one a fair crack at the whip, you'll be looking for every reason why you should have got the s4. Its just human nature.

Go for the s4. Forget the HTC One whilst you have the opportunity to cancel it before it ships.

As a consumer, why am I not allowed to give the HTC One a chance? I bet HTC would strongly disagree with your suggestion.

If you don't think I'm capable of being fair you don't have to read or take my opinions of the One (or any phone) seriously. It's not a big deal.

The best way to make a decision is to try both. I make my comments based on someone else's review, not my own. Maybe I'll discover compromises with the S4 that Android Authority didn't? How will I know? And I'll have regret not ever giving the One a chance.

Take it easy. You sound almost afraid of what I might say of your precious One...

 

[MRU]

As a consumer, why am I not allowed to give the HTC One a chance? I bet HTC would strongly disagree with your suggestion.

If you don't think I'm capable of being fair you don't have to read or take my opinions of the One (or any phone) seriously. It's not a big deal.

You sound almost afraid of what I might say of your precious One...

I'm not afraid of what you are going to say at all, I pretty much can guarantee everything your going to say - and your purchasing it a month after me isn't going to take away any pleasure I've had from the device the past month.

But I think your fooling yourself if you think you are going to give the one a real chance, just buying a device with the idea already in your mind for returning the device - one could say that isn't buying something with the right frame of mind.

I don't go into a shop, supermarket or clothes shop and buy goods based on the principal of well I might like it "even if I have already said I wasn't keen on aspects of them" simply because I am banking on the return policy.

When you have return policy in mind before parting with the cash, its arguable whether that's genuinely giving something a chance.

Likewise I honestly think the S4 is a better fit. You already say your wowed by it and its seemingly without compromises to you. Surely that more than anything says more than enough.

No one is attacking you, but to constantly claim impartiality and open mindedness, when it doesn't take a psychic to predict the inevitabe outcome utterly undermines that impartiality. If we can all see it, how come you can't ?

The S4 is seemingly genuinely a better product for you, but I don't pay your bills or care one way or the other. I just think your buying a product that you will hate, based on taking advantage of a return period window.

Answer me this, if that return window wasn't there would you even bother with the HTC One or would you just get the S4. I suspect the answer is of course you wouldn't get the HTC One in that case, and that says more than the pretence of being impartial.

 

[onthecouchagain]

I'm not afraid of what you are going to say at all, I pretty much can guarantee everything your going to say - and your purchasing it a month after me isn't going to take away any pleasure I've had from the device the past month.

But I think your fooling yourself if you think you are going to give the one a real chance, just buying a device with the idea already in your mind for returning the device - one could say that isn't buying something with the right frame of mind.

I don't go into a shop, supermarket or clothes shop and buy goods based on the principal of well I might like it "even if I have already said I wasn't keen on aspects of them" simply because I am banking on the return policy.

When you have return policy in mind before parting with the cash, its arguable whether that's genuinely giving something a chance.

Likewise I honestly think the S4 is a better fit. You already say your wowed by it and its seemingly without compromises to you. Surely that more than anything says more than enough.

No one is attacking you, but to constantly claim impartiality and open mindedness, when it doesn't take a psychic to predict the inevitabe outcome utterly undermines that impartiality. If we can all see it, how come you can't ?

The S4 is seemingly genuinely a better product for you, but I don't pay your bills or care one way or the other. I just think your buying a product that you will hate, based on taking advantage of a return period window.

Answer me this, if that return window wasn't there would you even bother with the HTC One or would you just get the S4. I suspect the answer is of course you wouldn't get the HTC One in that case, and that says more than the pretence of being impartial.

Many factors influenced my decision to get the One. 1) The value. $650 for 64GBs is an unbelievable price. The fact that it's unlocked and carrier free (without bloatware or carrier logos, too) is a bonus. 2) It's actually $550 if I trade in my old Blackberry so an even bigger win. Basically, HTC's offer did exactly what it was supposed to do. Get me to appreciate the value and get the device in my hands. 3) There is no restocking fee and they offer free return shipping within 14 days. What is wrong with taking this into consideration of a purchase? Return policies exist every where for many different reasons. You've never heard of a sales pitch by a person or in writing that goes something like, "if you're unhappy, you have so and so days to make a full return." This is part of the sale. A safety net for the consumer. Please get over this.

I completely understand if you don't find any value in my opinions of the One or any smartphone. I will not be heartbroken if you don't read it or you disagree with it. I'm not trying to devalue your own experience with the One. I completely understand if you don't think I'll be fair. I think I will be, but if you don't agree, you're welcomed to say so and/or ignore my posts. What can I do? If the HTC One has shortcomings, I'm going to mention them when I offer my opinions of the HTC One.

What I won't do is not even give it a chance. Again, I bet you HTC would tell me to ignore your wise suggestion. The fact that HTC is doing so much to get the device in my hands is telling. They also offered me a free case for the delay and free overnight shipping. What is wrong with accepting what they are offering me to give the HTC One a shot?

I'm not saying I won't end up with the S4, I'm not saying I will. I'm not saying anything at all until I try out both devices. It's amazing you think you've made up my mind for me when I'm not even sure. What if Samsung's unlocked price is $650 and up for just the 16GB? That will be a huge factor. Or what if there are shortcomings that are unforeseen that other reviews reveal, or that my own personally handling of the S4 reveal? How will I know which phone I truly want until I try it? What if more leaks for the Moto X Phone come out as the S4 is released (like leaks came out when the S4 was announced. Coincidence? Maybe.) and I find I want to keep the One because of its value to see what the X Phone brings?

'What if' many things.

All I did was watch one review, found it incredibly impressive, and said "it doesn't seem like there are any compromises with this phone." That, to you, sounds like I've made up my mind. Oh, if only it were that easy to convince me; one good review decides the smartphone that I will use for the next year or so for me. If only. Then by that same rationale, the Anandtech review o the One should have made up my mind too. Not quite so.

 

[nyc999]

Looking forward to getting rid of my droid charge and getting this bad boy! that video is how the samsung presentation should have been.

Initially I had thoughts about getting the HTC One but those thoughts seem so distant now. However I wish they would make the S4 in some more colors, such as an off white color which I think would look a lot better than the pasty white color they have now. I am glad they made it a little less round around the edges so it doesn't look like a bar of soap. In fact, I think they could have gone even more square to give it that nice sharp look.

Any one know how much this phone is gonna be if I buy full price?

 

[mattopotamus]

The camera and "s pen" type features look really good. The eye scroll looks like it may be a little weird to use since you probably have to make those dramatic head tilts. I can't wait to try one out and see the screen in person. I noticed they said wireless charging back covers. I'm assuming this is QI charging?

 

[onthecouchagain]

I am glad they made it a little less round around the edges so it doesn't look like a bar of soap.

Yeah, that one little subtle change really makes the phone dramatically nicer looking than its predecessor. Can't wait to see it in person.

 

[MRU]

Many factors influenced my decision to get the One. 1) The value. $650 for 64GBs is an unbelievable price. The fact that it's unlocked and carrier free (without bloatware or carrier logos, too) is a bonus. 2) It's actually $550 if I trade in my old Blackberry so an even bigger win. Basically, HTC's offer did exactly what it was supposed to do. Get me to appreciate the value and get the device in my hands. 3) There is no restocking fee and they offer free return shipping within 14 days. What is wrong with taking this into consideration of a purchase? Return policies exist every where for many different reasons. You've never heard of a sales pitch by a person or in writing that goes something like, "if you're unhappy, you have so and so days to make a full return." This is part of the sale. A safety net for the consumer. Please get over this.

I completely understand if you don't find any value in my opinions of the One or any smartphone. I will not be heartbroken if you don't read it or you disagree with it. I'm not trying to devalue your own experience with the One. I completely understand if you don't think I'll be fair. I think I will be, but if you don't agree, you're welcomed to say so and/or ignore my posts. What can I do? If the HTC One has shortcomings, I'm going to mention them when I offer my opinions of the HTC One.

What I won't do is not even give it a chance. Again, I bet you HTC would tell me to ignore your wise suggestion. The fact that HTC is doing so much to get the device in my hands is telling. They also offered me a free case for the delay and free overnight shipping. What is wrong with accepting what they are offering me to give the HTC One a shot?

I'm not saying I won't end up with the S4, I'm not saying I will. I'm not saying anything at all until I try out both devices. It's amazing you think you've made up my mind for me when I'm not even sure. What if Samsung's unlocked price is $650 and up for just the 16GB? That will be a huge factor. Or what if there are shortcomings that are unforeseen that other reviews reveal, or that my own personally handling of the S4 reveal? How will I know which phone I truly want until I try it? What if more leaks for the Moto X Phone come out as the S4 is released (like leaks came out when the S4 was announced. Coincidence? Maybe.) and I find I want to keep the One because of its value to see what the X Phone brings?

'What if' many things.

All I did was watch one review, found it incredibly impressive, and said "it doesn't seem like there are any compromises with this phone." That, to you, sounds like I've made up my mind. Oh, if only it were that easy to convince me; one good review decides the smartphone that I will use for the next year or so for me. If only. Then by that same rationale, the Anandtech review should have made up my mind too. Not quite so.

Of course I'll read your thoughts and opinions (even if I suspect I know what they will be) but like I say I just think there's an inevitability about it all.

Like I say there is no personal attack at you or any insecurity on my part, I know myself I likely will have a different phone in 6 months regardless (going on my past few years of phone ownership), I'm just saying If you were to ask me should I buy A or B, then based on everything we have learned about your from your posts - I would recommend the S4.

Its like watching a friend doing something you know they are going to hate or possibly regret, even when you have voiced such concern to them.

You buying the HTC one, to me is like someone buying a ticket for the maiden voyage of the titanic

Like I say no personal insult is intended to you, it just all seems inevitable (I could be wrong) but I'll give you something 'your as stubborn as an ox' and I'm sure you've been told that before

 

[onthecouchagain]

Of course I'll read your thoughts and opinions (even if I suspect I know what they will be) but like I say I just think there's an inevitability about it all.

Like I say there is no personal attack at you or any insecurity on my part, I know myself I likely will have a different phone in 6 months regardless (going on my past few years of phone ownership), I'm just saying If you were to ask me should I buy A or B, then based on everything we have learned about your from your posts - I would recommend the S4.

Its like watching a friend doing something you know they are going to hate or possibly regret, even when you have voiced such concern to them.

You buying the HTC one, to me is like someone buying a ticket for the maiden voyage of the titanic

Like I say no personal insult is intended to you, it just all seems inevitable (I could be wrong) but I'll give you something 'your as stubborn as an ox' and I'm sure you've been told that before

Fair enough.

No offense taken, and none at you from me neither.

Now... if HTC can actually get the phone in my hands...

 

[MRU]

Fair enough.

No offense taken, and none at you from me neither.

Now... if HTC can actually get the phone in my hands...

Have you ever seen Little Britain? Watch a couple of these sketches and read the script below...

Kind of reminds me of an Andy and Lou sketch

Andy & Lou go shopping.....


Scene setting narrator : Andy and Lou are outside a cellular phone shop in little plumpton. Lou is taking Andy to buy a mobile phone for his birthday.

Lou - well Andy here we are, now lets find the Samsung phones.

Lou pushes Andy to the direction of the S4

Lou - ok here we are, that's the phone you wanted wasn't it. (Pointing to the s4) it's very expensive, are you sure you want to spend all your birthday money on this?

Andy - yeh

Lou - now which colour do you want

Andy - I want that One ... (He points to the HTC one)

Lou - that one? But that's a HTC

Andy - yeh I know

Lou - but that's not even a Samung

Andy - yeh I know, I want that one

Lou - But you've always said you hated the way HTC have positioned the power button and have opted for a non standard button configuration. You were remised you told me once that poor battery life in previous devices have put you off from buying a HTC ever again........

Andy - yeh I know (nods in agreement)

Lou continues ..... that Sense software is often over bloated and you do not like the fact that Blinkfeed can not be disabled and that you see little use in it. You have always said you liked this one (points to the Samsung S4) a phone that you once described as without compromise.......

Andy - yeh, I know

Lou - So shall I just get you this then ? (holding the S4)


Andy - I want that 'One' .. (Points forcefully at the HTC one)

Lou - Im not sure, its a lot pf money, returning it is going be a real kerfuffle if you don't like it. Tell you what why don't I just get the S4.

Andy - I WANT THAT ONE...

Lou - Ok we'll take that 'one' (addressing the sales counter staff)...

At the counter, they bag up the device hand it to Lou who gives it to Andy whilst pushing him out of the shop. A few short paces out of the shop Andy looks at the bag just handed to him

Andy - I don't want that 'One', I want the S4 (dropping the bag to the ground)...........

 

[DeathChill]

Based on the pictures, I feel like couch should be offended. But also I am laughing.

 

[Djlild7hina]

I think i'm sold on the s4. I wasn't going to upgrade from my s3 and wait for the 5S but it's looking pretty beast. Only thing that's holding me back is there a version of the i9505 without all the bloatware from the providers? I was considering the i9500 but that doesn't have lte