Samsung has launched today its much-awaited flagship smartphone – Galaxy S IV in 16GB version – at a packed and gala event in Gurgaon. This smartphone will give tough challenge to HTC One, which was launched few weeks ago for Rs. 42,900 and Apple’s iPhone 5. The new Galaxy S 4, which has a screen slightly larger than the latest iPhone, weighs just 130g and is 7.9 mm thick. It is slimmer than it predecessor Galaxy S III.
The Galaxy S IV features 5″ inch Full HD Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels at 441 ppi. The phone will be powered by Octa-Core processor(1.6 ghz quad core processor + 1.2 ghz quad core processor) in India. The eight-core processor will actually have two quad-core CPUs that will not work simultaneously, rather, they will come in use when required. The selection of the processor will be different for different markets depending upon the utility and technology available in the markets. Running Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) OS, the Galaxy S4 has a 13 megapixel auto focus camera with flash. It has a 2 megapixel front camera with Full HD recording.
‘Dual Shot’ allows simultaneous picture-taking of both front and rear cameras. Users can choose from a variety of frame effects which blend the two pictures naturally as well as outstanding shooting modes. ‘Drama Shot’ enables users to see all the action in one continuous time-lapse image. ‘Sound & Shot’stores sound and voice in unison as the picture is taken so those special moments are captured in the truest form imaginable. While ‘Animated Photo’ allows the user to take a series of shots, and pick one part of the photo to move while the others stay still.
The Galaxy S IV launched in India comes with 16 GB internal memory, which can be expanded up to 64GB via a microSD card. Samsung has no plans to launch 32GB and 64GB variants of Galaxy S 4 in India. The Galaxy S4 has 2 GB RAM. It is powered by a 2600 mAh battery, which is 20 percent larger than of its predecessor. The phone will come in two color options – Black Mist and White Frost.
The connectivity suite of Samsung Galaxy S4 consists of features like 2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, microUSB 2.0 and Infrared.
The Galaxy S 4 has some unique features :
‘Group Play’ enables users to enjoy music, photos, documents and games with those around them without requiring a Wi-Fi AP or cellular signal. Users can connect directly with others to share, play and co-create content and entertainment instantly. With ‘Share Music’ they can have the same song playing on multiple phones in sync to create the best party atmosphere.
‘Air Gesture’ allows users to, for example, change the music track they are listening to with a wave of their hand. ‘Air View’ will preview photos and emails by hovering over the screen with your finger.
‘Samsung Smart Pause’ enables you to control the screen by where you look. When you are watching a video, the video pauses when you look away then it starts right up again when you are back.
The GALAXY S4 empowers your life by keeping you up-to-date with health and well being information using the new ‘S Health’ application. The combination of sensors built within the device systematically and automatically monitors your health, food, exercise, sleep and so much more to help improve your quality of life and help you stay fit and healthy.
Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Vineet Taneja, Country Head – Samsung Mobile and Digital Imaging, said “The Galaxy S4 is a device that enables us to do more, it’s a companion that helps us experience life to the fullest and makes our life simpler and richer… That’s the promise of the Samsung Galaxy S4.”
The Samsung GALAXY S4 is priced at Rs 41,500/- and goes on sale tomorrow, April 27th. It will be available at the Samsung Premium Brand Stores in Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Mumbai tomorrow and pan India thereafter. Like other select Galaxy devices, Galaxy S4 will also be available under interest free EMI scheme, but not under cash back offers of ICICI & Standard Chartered Banks.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 is being launched with a special ‘All-In-One’ tariff plan from Vodafone, for both its post-paid and pre-paid customers. Under this plan, for a single rental, customers will get unlimited Internet(with fair usage policy), up to 3000 local and STD voice minutes and up to 750 local and national SMS. Vodafone is also running exclusive contests on the purchase of Samsung Galaxy S4 from the Vodafone stores. Four winners will get hospitality tickets for the IPL match and four other customers stand a chance to win high-end Samsung phones.
