Samsung Galaxy S4 announced

What I would like to have heard at the launch was their plans to upgrade the S4 to Key Lime Pie (or whatever the next version of Android is called, which will probably be announced at Google I/O in May). For me, smartphones are all about the software, and Samsung have been slow to roll out the Android updates. If I was going to switch to Android, I think I would go for the Nexus 4.
 
BruceA said:
What I would like to have heard at the launch was their plans to upgrade the S4 to Key Lime Pie (or whatever the next version of Android is called, which will probably be announced at Google I/O in May). For me, smartphones are all about the software, and Samsung have been slow to roll out the Android updates. If I was going to switch to Android, I think I would go for the Nexus 4.
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Bad move. Samsung isn't bad with updates - it's our networks that are useless. Use a quality ROM like Omega and keep it up to date and you're guaranteed the latest in what's going on, with the best of stock and the best of the rooted scene rolled together.

The Nexus 4 is a mission if something goes wrong for SA owners who imported it, has a terrible camera and uses virtual navigation buttons. Many love it, but I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. It's also bit of a budget phone.
 
Gizmodo was one of several outlets that received hands-on time with the Galaxy S 4 before Samsung's event, and noted the prevailing sentiment that the device feels like more of the same as an evolution of the Galaxy S III rather than a major leap forward.
There has been a ton of hype and build-up to this device, and ultimately, it left us feeling cold. The S IV feels uninspired. There are small spec bumps from the previous generation and there's a ton of software which will largely sit unused. There's just no wow-factor here.
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Samsung running into the same problems Apple had with the iPhone 5?
 
BruceA said:
I think that's a bit harsh on Apple. The iPhone 5 is the most profitable (for Apple) and popular single device in the world. Apple are probably OK with that.
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The iphone 5 is an incredibly competent phone, the issue is it's also unexciting.

Apple aren't trying hard enough. I want a range of screen sizes and a major update to IOS, and i want it last week already.
 
I don't know how the air gestures and eye scroll will work in practice, but those features address some daily frustration I have with ANY device with a screen (obviously can't tell how well though.)

Anyone know of any existing software that I can use with a webcam to try these two features out?
 
I said it with the leaked images etc, not impressed by the design etc.

Happy though to see the much improved hardware and some new software features, even if i think they are useless.
 
Zyzzyva said:
The iphone 5 is an incredibly competent phone, the issue is it's also unexciting.

Apple aren't trying hard enough. I want a range of screen sizes and a major update to IOS, and i want it last week already.
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Are you saying the S4 is exciting? I see it as a minor spec improvement with some gimmicky new software. There are no must-have features that I can see. I don't think many S3 users will be rushing out to upgrade.
 
BruceA said:
I see it as a minor spec improvement with some gimmicky new software. There are no must-have features that I can see. I don't think many S3 users will be rushing out to upgrade.
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Cant argue with that. Nice summary of how i feel about this phone.
 
BruceA said:
Are you saying the S4 is exciting? I see it as a minor spec improvement with some gimmicky new software. There are no must-have features that I can see. I don't think many S3 users will be rushing out to upgrade.
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Minor spec bump?

I can't imagine from a hardware spec perspective they could do more really. 1080P screen, 8 cores, ir blaster, enormous battery, 5 inch screen squeezed into the same size body as the S3, etc. Seems like they threw the kitchen sink at it. The HTC One is far far prettier though; Samsung are rubbish at design.

From where i'm sitting if specs matter to you the phone will make you happy. Would i buy one? No. I refuse to buy any android phone that doesn't come with stock android and receive timely updates.

It would be nice if Apple released a second larger iphone, because 4inches is not ideal for everyone. A large update to IOS would also be nice.
 
So what must a new phone be able to do since this is not good enough? Give you a BJ?

I dont like the rounded corners of the latest Samsung phones. The S2 was pleasing to the eye but the new stuff is to round for my liking.

Ill keep my LG L9 with sharp corners that i can use as a weapon in a barfight.
 
kaaskop said:
So what must a new phone be able to do since this is not good enough? Give you a BJ?

I dont like the rounded corners of the latest Samsung phones. The S2 was pleasing to the eye but the new stuff is to round for my liking.

Ill keep my LG L9 with sharp corners that i can use as a weapon in a barfight.
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Agreed. BJ's would be a good selling feature. The same way as porn is going to save Top TV.

But in all seriousness, I think I'll stick to the HTC One if it gets released here. That's one sexy phone.
 
BruceA said:
The iPhone 5 is the most profitable (for Apple) and popular single device in the world. Apple are probably OK with that.
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Because it costs about R1500 to build and they sell it for R10 000+. Thats pretty profitable!
 
I would have liked to see a new design but I like the S3's design so it isn't really a problem. To me it seems like the same as the iPhone 5's launch, too much expectation. We wanted something groundbreaking and although the S4 is brilliant hardware and software wise it brings nothing exceptional to the table.

I am still getting one though :)
 
Did anyone else find Samsung's "presentation" very peculiar?
 
The S4 is just an amazing phone. Just, wow. The new air touch feature is a brilliant idea. This will be the death of BlackBerry for sure.
 
Easter Bunny said:
now to wait and see what motorola and google releases and then i'll make my choice.
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+1. I have an S2 and the S4 isn't worth the name. I'll probably give it a miss come upgrade time in July.

Asus is the only manufacturer who actually update their devices within a reasonable time. My next phone will probably be a Nexus.
 
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So Samsung have once again taken Apple's lead and are settling on the S3 form factor? Who would have guessed?
 
Zyzzyva said:
Minor spec bump?

I can't imagine from a hardware spec perspective they could do more really. 1080P screen, 8 cores, ir blaster, enormous battery, 5 inch screen squeezed into the same size body as the S3, etc. Seems like they threw the kitchen sink at it. The HTC One is far far prettier though; Samsung are rubbish at design.

From where i'm sitting if specs matter to you the phone will make you happy. Would i buy one? No. I refuse to buy any android phone that doesn't come with stock android and receive timely updates.

It would be nice if Apple released a second larger iphone, because 4inches is not ideal for everyone. A large update to IOS would also be nice.
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I agree with most people here, this phone doesn't get me excited to have it.

I also love the stock experience.
I have CM 10.1 on my SGS3.
Its amazing!

The HTC one looks fantastic, but I actually like the shape of the galaxy phones (one of the few) which is subjective. The plastic does make the phone slightly more durable, and replacing the cover and battery is one of the key features I look for in a phone. (Including the display and camera)

Now for some reviews!
 
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