Samsung Galaxy S4 SPH-L720

Time for an upgrade!  There's a bunch of great new phones out there so after doing some research and getting some hands on at the store, I decided on a new toy. Released online on April 27th and in stores on May 1, 2013, the all new Samsung Galaxy S4!

I waited about a month to get this after it was released to make sure it was something I would be happy with.  I've been a fan of HTC products the past 2 years but Samsung has been producing some wonderful products.  So Samsung it is!

On to the unboxing:

The Samsung Galaxy S4 SPH-L720 (with the 1.9Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor):

Let's open it up and see what we have underneath the smartphone:

In the box are the instruction/warranty manual, battery, charger, micro USB cable, earphones, and extra earbuds:

Rechargeable battery:

Wall quick charger (USB cable installs on the side):

There is a spot on the side of the case that allows you to open the plastic back to expose the battery, SIM, and SD card slot:

The back is very slim and pops off with a bit of prying and pulling.  It's a world phone so you can unlock and activate the UICC and use it in various countries.

The battery is a 3.8V 2,600mAh Lithium -Ion with NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities:

13mp rear camera and built-in flash:

Takes the 64GB microSD cards:

On the right side of the phone, the Power Button:

AT the bottom of the device is the micro USB connector.  You can see the HOME button on the front just bellow the screen:




Speaker at the bottom left on the back of the S4:

They used a lot of stickers to protect the device from scratches during shipping.  Nice but it was kinda of a pain to remove them all as some are very tiny.  There's even one on the camera that a lot of people don't take off because they don't realize it's there.  Initial reports about the camera not taking good pics is because the clear plastic is still on the camera lens!  Default is also not set to the highest megapixel resolution so if you have the S4, make sure you go into settings and select 13mp to get the best results.

Top portion of the phone:  3.5mm earphone jack (pictured on the right) and the IR sensor (Left port).  On the top of the face is the phone speaker and LED light:

Include are a set of earphones for the Galaxy S4:

It also comes with 3 extra pairs of earbuds to accommodate different eat sizes.  These are soft and comfortable, no complaints.  A play/pause button and volume controls:

Definitely not as good as my Etymotics ( timeout.watchprosite.com ) or Monster iSport ( timeout.watchprosite.com )  but as a freebie included with the phone, it's fine for what it is.

Los Angeles has LTE coverage so let's see how much faster it is over 4G Wimax:

Wow, this thing is pretty fast!  I was getting good speeds with my old EVO 3D on Wimax but LTE blows it away.  Signal strength in the areas I travel to most have been consistent.  My carrier is still building out their network but it gets better each day.  Reception is also better on this phone than my previous one. 

One of the many cool and unique features found on the Samsung Galaxy S4. When the top left LED flashes blue, it indicates that you have a notification.  You can enable hand gestures over the phone to do certain functions. Here you can wave your hand over the phone and it opens the screen to display missed calls, emails, and texts. Battery power indicator, Time, and Date are also shown. Comes in real handy if your hands are dirty and you need to check your phone. You can also set it so that the phone vibrates when you pick up the phone and have a notification pending.




I've also set it to answer calls with a swipe over the phone using the air gesture.  I need to get used to air swiping while browsing the internet before I make that feature set on the phone. 

The display is a large 5" Super AMOLED screen, the colors are amazing and sharp while watching movies and videos. 

After spending a few hours getting accustomed to Touchwiz and figuring things out, I'm extremely happy with the Galaxy S4.  I did consider the HTC One but a little worried about being able to S-Off the device (Revolutionary that unlocked my EVO 3D and EVO View 4G has just announced they have a way to get into the ONE).  The HTC does have a better build, it's unibody construction and overall design aesthetics is gorgeous but the lack of removable battery and external memory card slot was a deal breaker for me.  Since I have Samsung tablet it was not that difficult to switch over to the Galaxy S4.  They've done some really cool things with this that works really well and smooth.  I'm liking the Multi-Window feature too.  For those of you who are upgrading or looking at having the latest and greatest, check out the S4!


-MW






This message has been edited by DRMW on 2013-06-13 00:04:51

On my version of the Galaxy S4, there are several ways to root: via ChainFire autoroot or Motochopper.  The newest update (MDL) had some improvements over the original shipped (MDC).  Motochopper worked great at getting root access on MDC but once you took the OTA to MDL, CF autoroot is the best option. Odin v1.85 works but there's a newer version that just came out:

Make sure and double then triple check that you have the right tar file for your device!  Uncheck the f reset time and hit Start.  CF autoroot is fast, took less than 10 seconds to pass.  Some have reported that it took a few tries to make it stick but I got lucky and got it on the first attempt.  It's set to auto reboot so I don't need to do a battery pull and restart.  SU Super User is included so I didn't need to install it.  Once back in I open a root checker to verify that I did everything correctly and have root access.

Grant super user access..

YES!  Root access confirmed!

This makes a great phone even more awesome.  I haz root! 
-MW

I have the S3, but I am going to save this thread as a reference for when I am ready to get my next phone. 

Is yours the new mini-S4 or is this the larger model?

 

Good luck with the new toy!

 

Best,

respo

Thanks for looking!  The S4 is not a huge improvement over the S3 so it's good if you upgrade the next time around.  I got the 5" full size (i9505) and I'm liking the large screen.  Interesting that screen size is just like watch sizes.  3 years ago the HTC EVO featured the 4.3" screen and was considered humongous!  Flash forward to the Samsung Note, when it was announced, critics bashed it but it did extremely well.  Now a 5" screen is normal!

They just announced the S4 Active on AT&T and will be available June 21st.  The S4 Mini has a 4.3" lower resolution 960x540 screen, 1.7Ghz dual core processor, and lower 8mp camera.  I believe they will release a Duo version of the S4 mini with dual SIM slots.

Have you rooted your phone?

-MW

I am afraid to and I am not sure I need to in any case. 

Samsung will be making some new product announcements at the Samsung Premier event on the 20th.  Will post when info comes around.

-MW

From the very first paragraph! 

Root acccess on Android is equivalent to Jailbreaking (RedSn0w, Green P0is0n, Evasi0n, etc) on iOS.  In the past, you couldn't do things like copy/paste and multi task with the Apple stuff so with jailbreaking you could've had that functionality.  Stock is fine for most as modifying a device isn't for everyone but I like to mess with my gadgets.  Plus it's getting easier and easier to do it once a developer figures it out.

-MW

A feature of Android OS that I like is that you can make a full Nandroid backup.  The usual recoveries:  CWM (ClockworkMod), TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), and 4EXT, which one shall I install?

While CWM is the standard for custom recovery, I chose to install TWRP v2.5.0.3 as the current version ( from 2.4.4.0 onwards) has the ability to recognize exFat with the 64gb micro SD cards.  4EXT has been great but they do not have a version for the Galaxy S4 yet.

TWRP has come a long way, they make it so easy to install ROMs and their own recovery.  The PLAY store has their app called GooManager.  Once you are rooted, you can install it.  From there it will download the recovery with a simple touch screen option.  Confirm you have the right recovery for your device and the magic happens:









Once it auto installs, it asks for permission to reboot straight into recovery.  You can also do it manually by the volume up and the power button, release when you see the blue text, let go and you are in recovery mode.

Awesome!  TWRP!

Great, the recovery is installed!  Let's test it out by running a zip mod...

What am I doing to the phone with this mod? 

Woohoooooo!  Successful!

-MW

As with my other devices, I picked up some accessories fo rthe Galaxy S4: TPU case (a Yellow trimmed one), class 10 Sandisk 64gb MicroSD, and a clear screen protector:

When it comes to screen protectors, they offer dry and wet application.  The problem with most installs is that air bubbles gets under the protector and makes the screen look like crap.  This is usually caused by dust or lint getting between the screen and the protector causing the irritating bubbles that show up.  IMO, the best way to get a clean install is with a dslr camera 'Rocket' blower and this:




When installing the protector, pre cut some strips of scotch tape (make sure you use 3M Magic type tape and not packaging tape, Magic tape will not leave any residue and comes on and off easily).  When you lay down the first side of the protector and see any bubbles due to dust just lift up and touch the Magic tape on the area and it removes the dust.  It also helps to be in a dust free environment, some will go so far as using a bathroom with the hot water running to humidify the room to decrease dust particles.  I find that using the tape method works fine. 

The S4 is currently sold with only 16GB.  Another carrier offers the 32 but the one that I am on does not.  Having a external memory card helps out if you have a lot of music, movies, pictures, files, or videos so I picked up a 64GB.  I've been using Sandisk for all my devices, the Ultra cards are the fastest ones for microSD size.  They do have the Pro versions but it's only offered in 16 or 8GB.

Current 2013 packaging:

A microSD that I picked up last year (2012):

A major change to the JB OS is that apps cannot be moved to the sd card.  With games getting larger and larger, it's easy to fill up your internal memory especially if it's limited to 8 or 16GB.  The current solution is to be rooted and create a 2nd partition on the card and use link2sd with foldermount.  The International variant of the S4 has a new update to JB 4.2 that allows apps to be moved so the rest of the phones should be getting this update soon.

Since the card is new, let's format it.  We'll change the exFAT to FAT32:

The advantage of exFAT is that it can have files go over 4gb.  The Galaxy S4 stock kernel and certain custom ones do recognize exFAT files as well as FAT32.  If you have older devices FAT32 is the way to go.

For those of you in the U.S., if you register your Samsung device on their official website, they will email you a 50% off code on up to 4 accessories that are priced under $50.00.  Great way to save on a S-View case, the OEM TPU, 11-pin MHL cable, or an extra battery.  Not sure if they offer this in other countries but give it a shot and hopefully the deal is available elsewhere.

-MW

i have the Galaxy S2 phone which i find really good, but the improvements are obvious on the S4.
i also have the Galaxy S2 tablet which beats an ipad hands down apart from a bit of screen quality. as i wear varifocal glasses that difference is not enough to worry me.

i hope Samsung continue to make great products for when i upgrade next year. we are one of the first areas in UK to have 4G and it just happens to be my service provider.

happy days.

G.

4G out here is fast!  I'm not a fan of the iPad but it's ok since I jailbroke it with Evasi0n.  Have to agree with you about the Samsung products, I like them.  A lot will happen in a year, so it'll be cool to see what they release in the near future.

-MW

Great Minds Think Alike , I also got the 64GB Sandisk and Glass Protector, but I think I need to reread your root file access post a couple of more times to get it, is it to create a backup for your data on the phone?

the only thing i really miss on my S2 is the 64gb card. i can only use 32gb and have 30gb of music on it so not a lot of space left.

G

No message body

oh yes i have very ecclectic tastes from blues to rock to modern female stuff, even classical. everything i own except classical goes on my microsd cards. 1 in my phone, 1 in my tablet, all on my laptop and all cds's.
i have a great bluetooth speaker that i got for xmas. only about 3 inches round, but fabulous sound. perfect for the bedroom while reading before sleep, picnics etc.

i learnt my lesson about only having 1 card as it corrupted when i changed it over too often so now i keep 1 in each device.

G

Those sd cards (regardless of brand) has a potential to corrupt so it's always good to be backed up.  The sound from a  bluetooth speaker makes a big difference, which one did you get?  I should post a review for one.

-MW

its a Liberty Sound WSB500. it was actually a xmas gift from a fellow purist who read good reviews about it on Amazon.

the reviews are fully justified as it sounds superb and i will review it for you when i have time.
i have a fellow purist coming to stay for a couple of days so will be busy busy. i'll review it soon after that.

best
Graham

Very generous of your PuristS friend!   Look forward to your report and have fun with your visiting pal, stay out of trouble you guys! 

-MW

i'm sure you'll see pics. surprisingly its not Bim :)

G

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Are you a fan of Lakers Magic Johnson?  He is the owner of the Fatburger chain here in L.A.  I like their burgers, you can order skinny or fat fries, or even add a fried egg on top!

Rooting for me is a must, it allows you to change all kinds of things that you might not like about stock.  Just make sure that you have the right tar file for your device as each carrier's phone is different.  Carriers here have added a lot of bloatware so it can be easily removed when modded.  Since I am rooted, I use Titanium backup for all my apps and TWRP for full backups.  With root access, I can add any and all apps to the multi-windows, stock will not allow you to do this.  Did you try the S-View flip cover?

-MW

Love the mushroom Swiss and skinny fries !

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I love it   Get the burger with a fried egg and be sure to order the fat fries!

- AT

PS.  Love the Samsung S4 too

Been really enjoying my Galaxy S4 ( timeout.watchprosite.com ), it's just an awesome smartphone!  When I first got it had MDL already update from MDC so I rooted it right away.  A few days a go, a new update (MF9) was release on my carrier. Since I have modded my S4, I couldn't take the OTA.

Fired up ODIN and installed the noobnl tar file firmware and modem.  Since the phone bootloader update was unchecked, you have to edit the ini file in the Odin 3.07 folder  Once done, the box is still greyed out but has a check.

Green light! 

Auto reboot is checked so once it fires up,

Now we have to update the ROM and Kernel, I'll install the zips with TWRP:

I already have a backup so let's start clean with a system, dalvik, cache, and data wipe:

The crawrj odexed MF9 ROM is a large file, installing it took a few minutes:

Woohoo, success!

Next the new Kernel...

Done!

Now we are fully updated to MF9 and rooted with Superuser!  So far I have noticed a few changes.  The biggest is the ability of moving apps to SD, HD Voice enhancements, and a new Adapt Display function.  I never had a problem with lag (some had reported a slight bit) so this was supposed to make things smoother.  For those that have the new S4, how are you liking it?  Are you stock or rooted?

-MW

For those of you who are rooted on their S4, here is a way to add the Wifi Hotspot toggle to the Notification Panel.  YOU MUST BE ROOTED in order to do this.  As always do a full backup just in case!

With a SQLite editor ( I used the sqlite Database Editor in the PLAY store)...

Go to Application Databases and scroll down to Settings storage:

At the bottom is System

Hit Query Editor

and type in: 'SELECT * FROM [system] [name] WHERE[name]=notification_panel_active_app_list'

This will pop up:

Click on the white box and hit Edit/View:

In the field, locate where you want to add the Wifi Hotspot toggle.  You can always move it later when it gets installed.

Hit UPDATE and then exit the app. SU permissions will pop up.





Reboot and once it powers up, check your Notification Panel, viola!    The Wifi Hotspot toggle is there! 

-MW

For Stock ROOTED S4's (and Note 2's)  check out this app!  It's a simplier alternative to something like Nottach Xposed.  As always, make sure you have a current Nandroid backup prior to modifying your device.  This is for TW based ROMs and cannot be used with AOSP ROMs as the options are not there.




***REQUIRES ROOT***
This app enables you to easily change hidden settings on your Note 2, such as:
• Adding a shutter sound on/off option to the camera
• Turning on Infinite Scroll mode on the launcher and app drawer
• Extending how many contacts you can join together
These modifications normally can only be made by manually editing a system file, which can be dangerous and very inconvenient. This app makes the process quick and painless.

Features:
• Shows which options have already been enabled, even by a different app or manually
• Creates an automatic backup in case something goes wrong
• Nice looking Holo interface
• Supports devices which implement feature.xml or an others.xml file