Just read this article in CNN...
(CNN) -- A month after being released to mostly positive reviews, Samsung's flagship phone is getting some validation from Consumer Reports. The publication has run all its tests, kicked the phone's tires, and named the Android-powered Galaxy S4 its top rated smartphone.
The previous list-topper was the Optimus G, a solid $100 4.7-inch phone from LG that held Consumer Reports' No. 1 spot for several months. The Optimus G is now ranked as the No. 2 smartphone, followed by the HTC One, the Samsung Galaxy S3 and the Apple iPhone 5.
Consumer reports bases its ratings on a number of extensive tests and rates the devices in categories including ease of use, display and voice quality, portability and battery life. The $200 Galaxy S4's weakest scores were in video quality and portability. Like all the other smartphones on the list, it also had mediocre scores for voice quality, a sacrifice that seems common in the smartphone market. The publication also lamented the lack of one-button phone access.
Consumer Reports specifically called out the S4's 5-inch, 1080p touch-screen, multitasking in split view, and a built-in IR feature as some of the handset's standout features. The abundance of features were seen as appealing to more advanced users without complicating the phone for more entry-level users. The publication said the device's camera was "among the best phone cameras for photo quality."
The Galaxy S4 is an update to Samsung's wildly popular S3 phone, which was one of the best selling smartphones of the past year. Samsung was the leader in the smartphone market in in the first quarter of 2013, according to research firm IDC, and it looks like its latest offering will help it hang on to that top spot for the time being.
Last week, Google announced a new version of the Galaxy S4 that will run a pure form of the company's Android mobile operating system. That unlocked and uncluttered phone will cost $649 when it becomes available at the end of June.
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CNN article
Googled it further...
Google Releasing a Samsung Galaxy S4 with Stock Android OS
By Matthew O'Connell, Content WorksMay 16, 2013 10:28 AMprint
Exciting news for Android and Google lovers came out of the annual Google I/O developers conference yesterday. The keynote speech from CEO Larry Page, which lasted more than 3 hours, announced a new variant on the Samsung Galaxy S4. The new Google version of the popular smartphone will run on a stock Android operating system, a potentially appealing prospect for a lot of tech geeks.
The Samsung Galaxy series has built a huge following due to its impressive hardware. On the S4, a 1080p screen with 441 ppi, a 13 megapixel camera, and a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon processor are among its most impressive pieces of hardware.
The stock Android Jellybean 4.2 OS on the upcoming Google S4 eliminates the Nexus branding that other Galaxy devices have held and comes with a completely unlocked bootloader. The themes and skins that have identified Galaxy software will be replaced by a basic and direct Android interface, and it will have no preinstalled apps bogging it down. That will make for a cleaner and more customizable phone, ideal for developers who seek the capability to modify their devices (hence its announcement at the developers’ conference).
Perhaps because of Google’s backing or perhaps because of the lack of Nexus branding, the stripped-down, unlocked Google S4 will carry a lower price tag than other Galaxy iterations. When it hits the stores June 26, AT&T and T-Mobile members will be able to pick up this developer’s dream device for a relatively light $649.
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pcworld article
Will an official S4 Vanilla ROM be coming soon???!? :fingers-crossed:
Related
Recently, there's been a rumor going around saying that there will be a Galaxy SII Plus or Galaxy S3 that will be released with the iPhone 5 launch.
The new Galaxy SII plus would feature a 1.4 GHz dual core processor and possible upgrade on the screen resolution.
This one article kinda sums it all up.
Maybe the delay is because the phone needed some more upgrades to fight with the iPhone 5 (although I think the current Galaxy SII beats the speculated specs for the iPhone 5). Remember the SGSII passed FCC in April?
I would love an upgraded Galaxy SII on Sprint!
http://www.headlinesnews.net/15165/further-delays-suggest-samsung-galaxy-s2-‘plus’-for-us-market
The Samsung Galaxy S2 Plus or S3 is rumoured to boast a 1.4GHz processor and 1GB of RAM, along with the ever-popular Super AMOLED screen and TouchWiz user interface. The original S2 has already gained a massive following overseas, currently selling in volumes across the UK in excess of the iPhone 4.
As such, an upgrade to an already superb unit could be just what Samsung need to deliver the extra ‘wow’ factor required to give the iPhone 5 a run for its money. Of course, attempting to better the iPhone 5 is akin to grasping in the dark, but it certainly seems that Samsung have every intention of setting the bar for the market, and setting it rather high at that.
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pjy9394 said:
Recently, there's been a rumor going around saying that there will be a Galaxy SII Plus or Galaxy S3 that will be released with the iPhone 5 launch.
The new Galaxy SII plus would feature a 1.4 GHz dual core processor and possible upgrade on the screen resolution.
This one article kinda sums it all up.
Maybe the delay is because the phone needed some more upgrades to fight with the iPhone 5 (although I think the current Galaxy SII beats the speculated specs for the iPhone 5). Remember the SGSII passed FCC in April?
I would love an upgraded Galaxy SII on Sprint!
http://www.headlinesnews.net/15165/further-delays-suggest-samsung-galaxy-s2-‘plus’-for-us-market
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Please add any Samsung/Sprint related rumors to the One stop Information shop thread. I will then add them to the OP, thus reducing the number of threads to read through. And i did add this to my OP, thanks for sharing.
interesting ... we shall have to wait and see
So is he implying that Samsung will start new line of mobiles not called Galaxy S with the new ‘so much anticipated’ device by Samsung? Find out and judge reading whole article.
http://samsung-updates.com/1553-gal...ions-and-networks-for-samsung-uk-and-ireland/
discuss
IMHO that is what he is implying . new line of devices, maybe highest/exclusive/vip shelf - very expensive, superb design. strong metal casing like in wave not that plastic crap from galaxy s series, latest tech specs latest gorilla and so on. and ofc as leaks shows galaxy series will still be developed but as a mid class of mobiles with crappier plastic casing and not so high tech spec and design.
The Galaxy Note isn't the S3. And the Note is a bridge between the tablet and the smartphone.
I reckon this is a marketing ploy, bluff, to get Apple to introduce their new iPhone before Samsung drop the S3 bomb, if they decide to even call it the S3....
Ooops.... just gave away the strategy...
He's the VP of Samsung UK so I wouldn't put a lot of weight behind what he has to say. It sounds like little more than a marketing ploy to boost the popularity of the Note by piggybacking of the stigma of the Galaxy S III. There will still be an S III, and it will still be badged as such.
Since this forum is for the Galaxy S II, we've opened 1 thread for discussion of the GSII's successor and that thread is here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1401781
Thanks
Closed
http://www.embedded.com/electronics...Offers-Android-4-0-Ice-Cream-Sandwich-Upgrade
Samsung Canada Offers Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Upgrade
Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.
4/30/2012 11:33 AM EDT
Now available in Canada for Select Samsung GALAXY devices
MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 30, 2012 /CNW/ - Samsung Electronics Canada is pleased to announce the availability of Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) software upgrade for Samsung GALAXY devices. The upgrade will be available today on select devices in Canada and will continue rolling out to devices and carriers throughout the quarter.
Ice Cream Sandwich brings a fresh look and feel to Android. It has a new user interface with improved multi-tasking, notifications, Wi-Fi hotspot, a full Web browsing experience and innovations such as Face Unlock, which uses the front facing camera for facial recognition to unlock the smartphone.
"We are passionate about providing the best possible mobile experience to Canadians and the upgrade to Android 4.0 will offer an improved user experience for Samsung GALAXY devices," said Paul Brannen, Vice President, Mobile Communications at Samsung Canada. "We expect that our customers will enjoy an enhanced experience with their GALAXY device through this upgrade and we remain committed, alongside our carrier partners, to satisfy our customer needs".
Devices eligible for an ICS upgrade include:
GALAXY S II
GALAXY S II LTE
GALAXY S II LTE HD
GALAXY S II X
GALAXY Note
GALAXY Tab 7.0
GALAXY Tab 7.0 Plus
GALAXY Tab 8.9
GALAXY Tab 10.1
Recently introduced to the Canadian marketplace, Samsung GALAXY S II X and Samsung GALAXY S II LTE HD are NFC enabled, which enables consumers to utilize Android Beam™. Android Beam allows users to quickly share Web pages, apps and YouTube™ videos with friends by simply tapping two phones back-to-back. Users can even use fun effects while shooting video or video chatting with Google Talk™.
The availability and scheduling of the software upgrade and specific models upgradable to Android 4.0 will vary by market and wireless carriers' requirements. For carrier specific details, please visit your nearest carrier retailer. For more information on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, please visit www.samsung.com.
Android Beam, Google Talk and YouTube are trademarks of Google Inc.
About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Canada delivers unrivalled consumer experiences. Samsung enables Canadians to pursue their passions by offering a broad range of award-winning digital consumer electronics, IT, telecommunications and home appliance products. The Canadian arm upholds Samsung's global mission to provide consumers with innovative digital convergence products that possess exceptional technology, quality, features, performance and value. As a result of its commitment to innovation and unique design, Samsung has become one of the most decorated brands in the electronics industry. The company was ranked #17 in BusinessWeek/Interbrand "100 Best Global Brands" and was named as one of Fast Company's "50 Most Innovative Companies of 2011."
For more information, please visit www.samsung.ca.
You can also Like Samsung on facebook.com/SamsungCanada or follow Samsung on twitter @SamsungCanada. For customer service inquiries, please call 1-800-SAMSUNG (1-800-726-7864).
SOURCE Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.
Awesome!
This could get good. Please dont let it be a typo or mistake!
dont get your hopes up people, theres two big problems with the list (only included the list of tablets for this instance):
GALAXY Tab 7.0
GALAXY Tab 7.0 Plus
GALAXY Tab 8.9
GALAXY Tab 10.1
1. no mention of the GALAXY S, basically a phone version of the tablet. my view is, if they were going to officially release ICS for our tabs, why would they not for the Galaxy S.
2. no mention of the GALAXY Tab 7.7 - yet every other tablet in the range is listed. (minus the GALAXY Tab 2 range, which come with ICS).
in my opinion, someone over at Samsung Canada is probably getting a butt whooping for that typo, because im 80% sure im right in saying its a typo. (though i do hope that i am wrong!)
stimpz0r iz right, Galaxy Tab 7.0 is not GT-P1000, only new models will get ICS.
The Galaxy S already received a value pack that the Galaxy Tab didn't get. So, even though it is a phone-size version of the Tab, Samsung already has a history of not treating the two devices as siblings when it comes to software releases.
I don't think it's relevant that Galaxy S didn't make it in the list. In other news, who cares anymore? CM9 and AOKP are way more than any TouchWiz release will ever be. So why bother?
@OP: this was already posted, btw. Do a search next time or visit http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1628084
Peace,
C.
of course, it's not the P1000 Galaxy tab ...
http://m.pocketnow.com/2015/03/03/global-mobile-awards
"While we come to MWC every year to see the hot new phones, tablets, and wearables, the conference isn’t just about introducing new devices. The GSM Association, which hosts MWC, also uses the show as its opportunity to announce its Global Mobile Awards, recognizing the best of the best in mobile tech. This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the ceremony, and while some of the winners may seem obvious, others are sure to spark some controversy.
For best smartphone of the year, we’ve got a tie, with the GSMA giving top honors to both the Apple iPhone 6 and the LG G3. The iPhone 6 is hardly a controversial pick, but the G3 makes for a little more interesting of a winner. While we gave the phone high marks, it hasn’t really enjoyed the same fanbase as models like the One M8, or even flagship Samsung handsets.
The award for best low-cost smartphone goes to the (first-gen) Moto E. While certainly affordable, we were a little let down by the software experience, and it’s interesting that a budget-priced Lumia didn’t pose more competition.
Microsoft’s Surface Pro 3 wins for best tablet – a worthy recipient of the honor, by most accounts – and Motorola gets the nod for best wearable with its Moto 360.
Think the GSMA seriously overlooked some model? Are you happy with these results as they are? Let us know down in the comments.
Source: GSMA
Via: Android Central"
I can agree with the G3 First place this phone is awesome!
Let's here what you guys think.
Explain yourself for the iPhone 6 the problem
Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk
just seen something similar to yota phone the oukitel u6 dual screen - dont think its as good but its cheaper
take a look
Oukitel U6 dual-screen smartphone up for pre-order for $270
kam1962 said:
just seen something similar to yota phone the oukitel u6 dual screen - dont think its as good but its cheaper
take a look
Oukitel U6 dual-screen smartphone up for pre-order for $270
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Ah, China is at it again.
Quality-wise their EPD looks similar, but the software side seems to be severely lacking when compared to Yotaphone 2. Not to say that Yotaphone 2's current software was something out of this world. Anyways, competition is always welcome.
The price is also much more in line with what they are offering.
OUKITEL U6 - worth it
Jeopardy said:
Ah, China is at it again.
Quality-wise their EPD looks similar, but the software side seems to be severely lacking when compared to Yotaphone 2. Not to say that Yotaphone 2's current software was something out of this world. Anyways, competition is always welcome.
The price is also much more in line with what they are offering.
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It is said that OUKITEL U6 pre-sell online, and it starts shipping from September 15, 2015.
but the shipping date of Yota has not announced to the public. Because all I've seen so far is CGI renders, concepts, and pre-orders with no definite release date. I even don't know if it exists.
Any updates?
Last year I've researched the dual screen phones before I purchased YP2, as of January there were 4 manufacturers in China in various stages with one manufacturer saying they release the phone in January but didn't. There is another startup in U.S. with plans to release similar phone as YP, but as of January not available yet.
I decided to go with SISWOO R9 DARKROOM simply because it had the best specs, a relatively active user forum (the company SISWOO was even actively looking for ideas) and they already build a good reputation for high quality phones in Europe. SISWOO is higher quality than say XIAOMI and price is a bit higher. They have distributor network in Europe compared to XIAOMI which only sells online.
So I put down money in Aliexpress waiting waiting for the R9 ..and nothing. Wasn't ready to ship by the date it was originally announced (Jan 18). I cancelled order, got money back eventually.
I decided to purchase YP not only because it was the only dual- screen phone commercially available to me but also had best software for dual screen.
However, as OP saying hardware-wise they are similar to YP - with exception to screen (better scree), internal memory and processor - plus DUAL SIM card (every Chinese phone) and SD card. The Chinese phones have no software, so it's just mirroring you can do and running aps - but no native apps for ink screen. The design of YP is so much better and it's a quite a looker, the only other area would be shape - it's easy to slip. The Chinese phones appear to be safer to hold.
Price - YP costs about double but you get pretty good hardware for it.
If somebody looking for value phone with dual screen ink, it's best advice to wait for a few months, there will be more choice.
Honestly, Oukitel and Siswoo are just copying Yotaphone... Specs may be higher, but implementation and software are poor and I don't trust much in updates in next 2 years... even one year... IMHO
TKPL said:
Honestly, Oukitel and Siswoo are just copying Yotaphone... Specs may be higher, but implementation and software are poor and I don't trust much in updates in next 2 years... even one year... IMHO
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Though haven't Yota basically given up support for the YP2 already? I mean they stated no more version updates, just some EPD apps is to come. It's a great phone, but in light of the stagefright metaphor it feels a bit irresponsible of them not to patch it asap seeing as if I recall correct they made the first YP after the news about NSA snooping on everyone. It at least gave me the idea that security as main focus with their phones.
Now I can't think of any brand that has patched the metaphor exploit yet except for the Nexus line of phones so they are not alone in sharing the irresponsibility, just not as security concerned as would be expected.
I am wondering if it's a question of market viability or copyrights for the dual screen feature. I am surprised there is no major phone manufacturer that would come with dual screens. It's the only way to go to differentiate phones since the screen is the biggest energy consumer and there are plenty of people who use ebook readers. Not sure why is YP and only handful of Chinese manufacturers jumping on the bandwagon and nobody else.