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The world's fastest superphone...or at least that's how it's being billed as we see the LTE-Advanced equipped Galaxy S4 leaked above and below in two colors...Cobalt Blue and Crimson Red.  With next-generation wireless tech in tow, an 800 MHz Snapdragon 800 processor and 2GB of ram, the LTE-Advanced equipped G4 promises wireless speeds twice the typical LTE equipped version.  Of course there are no existing networks that actually run on this new protocol...but there soon will be and the LTE-Advanced G4 is the only phone as of yet that will be able to access it.  No word yet on an official release date or pricing but we're expecting an announcement anytime.  Here's some more specs of Samsung's latest.

“Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 800 2.3GHz Quad-Core
4.99 inches Full HD (1920 × 1080) Super AMOLED display
2GB RAM
32GB built-in memory
Size 136.6 × 69.8 × 7.9mm
Weight 131g

More pics at the link below.



Samsung  Mobile/Naver

The Galaxy S4 Active was officially announced today and will initially be available on AT&T's network for $199 on a two year contract.  Available in two colors, Dive Blue and Urban Gray, specs are Android 4.2, a 1.9GHz quad-core processor, a 5-inch 1080p TFT LCD panel, microSD slot with support for up to 64GB, 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage,  2600mAh battery and an 8MP rear camera with 2MP front. The S4 Active is IP67-certified for up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes.

PhoneArena spent some time with the S4 Active and shows the inside of the back cover containing a rubber insulation band that prevents moisture from entering the device.  The phone jack, buttons and Micro-USB are all sealed from moisture as well.  While we wouldn't take this phone white water rafting or diving it should be good poolside and for a few shots of the kids underwater.  Interestingly the bright orange shown in the video below is not immediately available from AT&T.  No word if it'll follow.

After months of leaks Samsung has officially announced the Galaxy S4 Zoom, a combination digital camera and phone that gives the best of both worlds including a 10x optical zoom and 16MP image sensor along with Android 4.2.2 on a fully functional Galaxy phone.  Other specs include a 1.5 GHz  dual core cpu, 1.5GB ram, 8GB internal storage expandable via Micro SD card slot, a 4.3 inch qHD display and 1.9mp front facing camera.  All in all it's remarkably like getting a Galaxy S4 Mini and camera in one.  Now the 'Zoom' is expected to be available in Russia first for a converted price of approximately $618.  There are plans to bring it to the U.S. and Europe as well but no official date as of yet. 


Full press release below:

Samsung Introduces the GALAXY S4 zoom - the first smartphone to offer 10x optical zoom, for perfect picture taking

June 12, 2013

A revolutionary new device that converges the best of a high performance smartphone and camera, the GALAXY S4 zoom delivers the best of both worlds

LONDON, UK - June 12, 2013 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the launch of the Samsung GALAXY S4 zoom, a powerful new device which combines the stylish heritage of the latest GALAXY S4 smartphone with advanced photographic capabilities.

Part of the GALAXY S4 family, the GALAXY S4 zoom is the realization of Samsung's mission to create a single device that can fulfill the role of both an industry leading smartphone and a high-end compact camera. Combining 10x Optical Zoom, 16 Mega Pixel CMOS Sensor, OIS and Xenon Flash with the very latest Samsung GALAXY S4 technology, the GALAXY S4 zoom sets new standards for perfect mobile photography. It is the ultimate smartphone and camera experience in one, and the only device you'll ever need.

"The Samsung GALAXY S4 zoom represents yet another step forward in the way Samsung is working to enhance the lives of our customers around the world," said JK Shin, President and CEO, Head of IT & Mobile Communications Division, Samsung Electronics. "As communication continues to become increasingly visual in nature, people wish to capture and share their moments in the highest quality possible, but often do not have the space or inclination to carry a dedicated camera for this purpose. The GALAXY S4 zoom changes this forever, combining the industry leading functionality and connectivity of the GALAXY S4 with the high quality photographic experience you'd expect from a compact camera. The result is truly the best of both worlds, without compromise."

Revolutionary new interface
Do it all and miss nothing thanks to the revolutionary new Zoom Ring, a simple and intuitive way to access the GALAXY S4 zoom's key features. When you're in the middle of a phone call and you see something you absolutely have to share, a quick twist of the Zoom Ring will activate the In-Call Photo Share feature, letting you capture and send an image directly via MMS to whoever you are talking to simply.

For easy camera navigation, the Zoom Ring can be used to activate the Quick Launch andShortcut features, giving you instant access to multiple camera modes including Auto, Gallery and Smart Mode with a simple twist.

The Zoom Ring also revolutionizes conventional camera zoom controls. Optical zoom control replaces traditional dials and buttons with smooth, easy-to-operate digital controls. Professional-quality accuracy and unprecedented ease of use are just a twist away, making it easy to compose a scene and capture wide-angle shots or tight close-ups.

Capture the best images
When it comes to high quality photography, bigger isn't always better. The compact GALAXY S4 zoom's best-in-class 10x Optical Zoom and 16MP BSI CMOS Sensor lets you capture beautiful images from far away or up close and personal, in all light conditions, without having to carry heavy camera gear around with you. Furthermore, the built-in Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) helps keep the camera perfectly still even when you're not, reducing blur and stabilizing the image while zoomed in for high-quality photos and video.

Photo Suggest instantly connects you to huge libraries of images taken by fellow photographers, to help you find and compose your best shots anywhere in the world. Photo Suggest can even direct you to the ideal nearby location which will give you the vantage point you need for that perfect photo.

The GALAXY S4 zoom also features Samsung's popular Smart Mode, so you can stop worrying about settings and start taking professional-quality artistic shots. Simply choose from a series of pre-set modes and the camera will automatically adjust to ensure you capture the best photo possible. Use Drama Shot to merge continuous shots of moving objects into a single composed image, or Action Freeze to instantly capture high-speed action. If you aren't sure which Smart Mode to select, the Smart Mode Suggest feature can assess the scene for you and provide a short list of the best options for your consideration based on surrounding factors such as light levels, focal length, or face detection, ensuring you always get the best shot you want.

Unlimited entertainment in the palm of your hand
The GALAXY S4 zoom's heritage is evident throughout, from its sleek and stylish design to the powerful, yet intuitive user interface. Running on Android Jelly Bean 4.2, the GALAXY S4 zoom boasts many of the same features as the recently launched GALAXY S4, includingTouchwiz, which lets you fully customize various aspects of your device including the lock screen and notification bar, for a truly personal mobile experience.

When you return from your travel adventures, Story Album lets you arrange all of your treasured images and videos into one timeline to share with friends and loved ones. You can also edit images and even order prints directly from the device through a partnership withblurb＊. If you'd rather transfer your images to your laptop or tablet for safe keeping, Samsung Link lets you do so quickly and easily with just the touch of a button. Alternatively, you can sync all of your data in your own personal cloud through HomeSync, providing the ultimate peace of mind and ensuring your images and videos are waiting for you whenever you need them.

The GALAXY S4 zoom features the new Samsung Hub, a one-stop destination for all of the latest music, videos, books and games. Search, download and enjoy all of your favorite entertainment at the touch of a button, all directly from your device. When you find that amazing new track or game that you can't wait to share with your friends, Group Play lets you connect directly with their Samsung devices so you can all listen and play together, without the need for a Wi-Fi AP or cellular signal.

Samsung plans to introduce a spruced up version of the Galaxy S4 called the Galaxy S4 LTE - Advanced according to Sammobile and other sources.  The 'advanced' version of Samsung's flagship will be introduced alongside the Galaxy S4 Mini as well as the Galaxy Zoom.   It will feature advanced LTE capabilities and be the first phone to run on Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 800 SOC running at 2.265GHz.   The Snapdragon 800


In other words this will be one monster of a phone performance-wize.  There's no word on pricing or if the phone will differ physically from the standard S4.  A benchmark shown above was detected showing the phone being tested.  Other specs leaked are that it will have an Adreno 330 GPU and a 2600mAh battery.

Want to make your already cool Galaxy S4 even cooler?  Well then you might want to snap up a couple of wireless charging accessories that have just been made available and you'll never have to plug in your phone again.  You have two accessor options...that work either separately or together, although most will probably pick up both.  The first is the Wireless Charging Pad which is compatible with all Qi compatible phones.  It runs $49.99 and has a LED light that turns green if your phone is property charging when placed on it or yellow if not. 

Now this pad will work with any Qi equipped phone and if you want that phone to be your Galaxy S4 then you'll want to pick up the second accessory just made available...the Galaxy S4 Wireless Battery Cover.  Costing $39.99 the cover replaces the one on your S4 and enables your phone to be charged on any Qi charing pad...tada...just like the one I just mentioned!  Now the cover comes in both black and white to match your S4 and of course you can pick up both accessories together for $90. 

Samsung just made their official announcement of the Galaxy S4 Active, the ruggedized version of their flagship.  Tech specs are surprisingly robust for an 'active' model with 'mostly' the same internals as the standard S4.  It features a 5 inch 1080p display, 1.9 GHz quad core processor (rumored to be the Snapdragon 600), 8mp back camera with flash and front 2mp camera.  The S4 Active features IP67 water resistance and dust protection which means you can take it underwater up to 3 feet for 30 minutes.  The camera features new modes for underwater photo shooting as well.  There's more in the official PR as well.  Pricing is still unknown but we should see it in stores (probably AT&T first) by the end of summer.

Samsung Introduces the GALAXY S4 Active : The Perfect Companion for Exploration, Activity and Adventure

GALAXY S4 Active lets users focus on living life to the fullest by providing a rich experience without the fear of damage from outdoor elements

SEOUL, Korea 17:00 KST - June 5, 2013 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in mobile technology and digital solutions, today announced the GALAXY S4 Active, designed to enhance life experiences of the active user who wants to stay connected while exploring environments from the most rugged mountain trails to the roughest rivers.

"The GALAXY S4 Active is the newest addition to the GALAXY series and is purposefully designed for active users who love the outdoors," said JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics. "Samsung has taken the innovative features of the GALAXY S4 and added breakthrough protective design elements to create a device that thrives in an active environment and is built for a lifestyle of travel and exploration."

Maximizing Durability

Recognizing the demands of a dynamic lifestyle, the GALAXY S4 Active was engineered to keep active users connected as they explore and experience the world around them.

The GALAXY S4 Active has qualified protection from dust and water (IP67＊), so you never have to leave the device at home during a long day at the beach or dusty hike. The fully sealed design keeps dust particles out and protects against water damage for up to 30 minutes of submergence at a depth of one meter. Equipped with a water-resistant earphone jack, the GALAXY S4 Active frees you to use earphones in more adventurous conditions, in the same way you've used them in normal ones. Whether capturing every moment of a wild rafting trip or taking a great underwater photo in the pool, the device's unique construction lets users capture amazing moments previously impossible using a normal smartphone.

(＊ IP stands for International Protection against ingress of solid foreign objects and harmful ingress of water. The highest level is IP68,)

Explore Longer with Powerful Performance

An active lifestyle requires plenty of energy, and the GALAXY S4 Active offers a long-lasting and powerful user experience.

Featuring a 1.9 GHZ Quad-Core processor and 2,600mAh battery, the GALAXY S4 Active can handle the most intensive tasks with ease and precision. Striking color and stunning resolution on the device's beautiful 5.0'' Full HD TFT LCD screen (443 PPI) makes playing the newest games or watching hours of video easy on the eyes. And with 'Glove Touch', cold weather is no longer a problem since the touchscreen can be fully operated while wearing gloves.

With an 8-megapixel rear camera, users can easily share their vivid experiences while on the go. Unique to the GALAXY S4 Active camera, 'Aqua Mode' can be used to increase visual quality and clarity for enhanced underwater images and video. The volume key located on the side of the device can be used as a camera key, allowing users to easily and quickly open the camera application to capture photo and video the moment it happens. Additionally, the camera transforms into a powerful LED flash light to assist in low-light and nighttime activities with a simple long press of the volume key.

Richer & Fuller Life Experience

The GALAXY S4 Active is designed with a seamless interface that incorporates popular features of the GALAXY S4.

'S Travel (Trip Advisor)' offers travel assistance, local information, and recommendations to provide a more seamless experience in an unfamiliar environment. 'S Translator' makes international travel easy by providing instant text or voice translation for emails and text messages.

The camera interface is designed to make capturing and sharing meaningful moments intuitive and more engaging with multiple shooting modes including 'Drama Shot', which allows users to see all the action in one continuous time-lapse, and 'Sound & Shot', which uniquely stores sound and voice together with the image to capture the moment in an immersive visual/audio format. With 'Story Album', photos taken with the GALAXY S4 Active are collected and sorted according to a user's timeline, geo-tagging information or a specific event to instantly create an organized photo album. To help facilitate sharing, users can also use the 'Group Play' function to enjoy music, photos, documents and games together and across various devices including GALAXY S4, GALAXY S4 mini, GALAXY Mega 6.3 and GALAXY Mega 5.8.

'Samsung Smart Pause' enables users to control of the screen using optical cues. While watching a video, the video pauses when you look away and starts right up again when returning to view, saving vital battery life and time spent rewinding. 'Air View' lets you preview the content of an email by simply hovering your fingers over the screen, which saves time and data. With 'Air Gesture', you can change the music track, scroll up and down on a web page, or accept a call with a simple wave of the hand. Additionally, 'S Health' helps you keep track of your personal health statistics. When paired with the S Health Accessory, you can monitor your heart rate, weight, sleep pattern and other personal measurements to assist in a healthy lifestyle.

Enhanced Content and Services

The GALAXY S4 Active also offers competitive content and services to provide a seamless mobile experience anytime and anywhere.

Using the 'Samsung Hub', users can access music, videos, books, games and engaging educational content. With a beautiful magazine-style interface, users can browse a variety of content across services, as well as purchase and manage their content easily with a single Samsung Account. Users can also control their TV through Samsung WatchON's IR remote, which transforms the GALAXY S4 Active into a remote control for TVs, set-top boxes, and DVD players. Through 'Samsung WatchON', the GALAXY S4 Active also offers a broad selection of entertainment content including live TV, cable TV and video on demand, facilitated by the rich digital context provided by Samsung's EPG (Electronic Program Guide) system. 'ChatON', another unique feature, connects and facilitates group chats, media sharing and interacting in creative new ways using pictures, hand drawings or figures across mobile devices. Further enhancing the device's sharing capabilities, users can use 'Samsung Link' to share and sync content across multiple Samsung digital devices.

The GALAXY S4 Active will be available for purchase beginning this summer, with initial retail in the U.S. and Europe. It will be offered in three different color options: Urban Grey, Dive Blue and Orange Flare. Specific availability will vary depending on the market.

Media requests and invited partners will be offered hands-on demonstrations with the GALAXY S4 Active at the Samsung Premiere 2013 GALAXY & ATIV in London on Thursday, June 20th.

So you want an unlocked international version of the Galaxy S4 GSM model so you can use it with your choice of carrier but you don't want to plunk down between $700-$800 dollars to get one?  Well this deal might be for you.  There's a limited quantity of Galaxy S4 unlocked GSM phones with 16GB of ram and your choice of white or black for sale on ebay right now...at the link below.  They only have a limited quantity and once they're gone...that's it.  Keep in mind though that this is the international version so make sure it works on your carrier before purchasing.  It won't work on standard US carriers that require LTE like Verizon or Sprint.  But if you do your homework and you have a carrier that works with it...this is a heck of a deal. 

While the official announcement of the Galaxy S4 Mini just came out last night, UK retailer '3' has already gotten their hands on one and have made the above video promo showing some good close up shots of the Mini as well as going through most of the main features.  '3' spokesperson Brandon points out that the S4 Mini takes most of the best features of the flagship S4 and puts them in a smaller, easier to hold package.   We also see the 'Mini' stacked up against both the S4 and the Galaxy Mega 6.3 to see how it fits in the Galaxy family. 


Three.co.uk