Samsung Galaxy S4 is here!

Hi Huneybees,

On 18th April, Samsung Electronics announced that GALAXY S4 With LTE will be available in Singapore from 27 April 2013, at $998, without contract, in Black Mist and White Frost. In celebration of this launch and for the perfect combination of style and technology, Samsung is also bringing exciting activities to consumers, as Presenting Sponsor of this year’s Samsung Fashion Steps Out (FSO) 2013.

At the trade and media launch event (held at Gardens By The Bay), I got to preview the capsule collections of renowned fashion designers – Ashley Isham and Joe Chia, a sneak peek to what you will be able to catch at the iconic Orchard Fashion Runway on 4 May 2013.

After a quick introduction as well as the announcement of Samsung GALAXY S4 With LTE by Mr Harry Lee, Managing Director, Samsung Asia Pte Ltd, I finally got the chance to get up close and personal with the smart phone.

Samsung GALAXY S4 in White Frost

 Samsung GALAXY S4 in Black Mist

Key highlights of the GALAXY S4 With LTE

• Comes in a slimmer yet stronger design featuring the world’s first Full HD SUPER AMOLED display with an ultra sharp pixel density of 441 PPI, to present the best viewing experience for users, making it an ideal device for videos and images
  
  
  
  
  

  

  My favourite about the phone is that you can create a 'Dual Shot' picture, it's like creating a postcard on the go!

• Capture meaningful moments with a series of enriched and intuitive camera features including the ‘Dual Shot’ function, which allows simultaneous use of both front and rear cameras for photo-taking.
  
  
  
  
  
  ‘Drama Shot’ which allows you to see all the action in one continuous time-lapse (creating a beautifully stitched photo without Photoshopping!), and ‘Sound & Shot’which uniquely stores sound and voice together as the picture is taken
  
  
  
  
• Comes with ‘Smart Pause’ which enables users to control the screen by where they look, especially useful when one is watching a video while on the go
  
  
  
  
  
• Enjoy music, play games, share pictures and documents with friends with the ‘Group Play’ function without a Wi-Fi AP or cellular signal. This function also allows users to have the same song playing on multiple phones in sync to create the best party atmosphere. Connect directly to another device for ‘Group Play (Play Games)’ to immerse in competitive or collaborative gaming
  
  
  
• ‘Air Gesture’ helps to bring more convenience to users who can wave their hand to change a music track, scroll up and down a web page, or accept a call.

In comparison with my Samsung GALAXY Note 2, the Samsung GALAXY S4 is smaller in size, easier to grip with 1 hand. It's a little bit more boxy and thicker, pretty much similar to the iPhone 4.

The Samsung GALAXY S4 also enables connection through the Samsung HomeSync, a home hub solution with a shared storage fit for a family. Sync to multiple devices, provide shared or private storage for 8 seperate accounts within your family, stream content from your GALAXY device wirelessly to the TV.

The 'S Translator' provides instant translation, using text or voice translation on applications including email, text message and ChatON. This instant translation is possible both from speech to text and text to speech, ensuring that you can rely on the correct information whilst abroad.

And talking about being abroad, you know there are times when you would be in cold countries and taking off your gloves can be such an unwanted gesture right? Now with the screen being Glove Friendly. You can enjoy using your phone without taking the gloves off!

Another function that I love and I think has to go into every single mobile phone is the 'S Voice Drive'. It allows you to activate commands via voice control for greater convenience when driving.  Once connected with a car Bluetooth  the phone can automatically turn into driving mode converting text to speech so you can easily and safely check messages without having to get distracted and look at the screen.

Some other hidden innovations that go into that little smart phone... Now you kn0ow why they are called smart!

Exclusive GALAXY S4 With LTE accessories which was available at launch include the S-View Cover ($98 in black and white) and Flip Cover ($68 in black and white).

The S-View Cover  identical in a lot of ways to the popular Flip Covers for the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2, but it has a window at the top of the cover that can provide you with basic information. Without having to flip open your cover, you get to view the time or if you have notifications, a simple press on the lock switch will show you a special preview with clock, date, and notification bar. The S View Flip Cover sleeps and wakes the phone upon opening and shutting and the window also allows you to answer or decline calls without having to open the cover!

From 17 April, consumers can register their interest online with the mobile operators or visit Samsung Experience Stores to place a pre-order with a $50 deposit. Upon collection, consumers will receive a GALAXY S4 With LTE Limited Edition Accessory Pack (worth $160) consisting of a car charger, desktop dock and HDTV adapter, while stocks last.

Designs come to life on the Samsung GALAXY S4 With LTE

One of the featured designs of “Fashion Prints - A Trunk Show”, created by fashion design student, Cassie Jiang Bo Yang, and a specially-designed version by renowned Singaporean street artist, Mazlan Ahmad, will be incorporated into protective cover designs for the Samsung GALAXY S4 With LTE. These limited edition protective covers will be unveiled at the Orchard Fashion Runway, and will be available for sale at Samsung Experience Stores from 4 May 2013.

For more information, head on over to the Samsung Mobile Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/SamsungMobileSingapore).