One common gripe with the Samsung Galaxy S 4 is the fact that it contains an excessive amount of TouchWiz bloatware that the phone often suffers as a result.  Many were pleased with the previous Samsung Galaxy Nexus and hoped that Samsung would continue to be a part of the Nexus program.  While that prospect never seemed to materialize as LG stepped up with the Nexus 4, we heard a few days ago that Google will launch the Samsung Galaxy S 4 through the Play Store.

The special Google Play Store version of the S 4 will run stock Android 4.2 and receive updates straight from Google.  The benefits of such a stock phone is fast updates, a stable and clean Android build, and easy to unlock and run custom ROMs.  The only disappointing part of the announcement for me is the fact that Google will sell it for $649 through the Play Store, and not $299 or $349 as the Nexus 4 costs.

In any event, the off contract Galaxy S 4 that operates on AT&T and T-Mobile’s LTE network will be available on June 26 for $649 off contract.

[Engadget]

With the Samsung Galaxy S 4 having just launched across several American carriers in the United States, now is a good time to recap on its general availability as well as the hardware it is packing.

To begin, AT&T has the Samsung Galaxy S 4 16GB model available in both White Frost and Black Mist.  The remaining carriers (Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless) will each have the device available in the same two colors.  At this time, AT&T only has the 16GB model in stock for $199 on a two year contract.

Secondly, Sprint is selling the Galaxy S 4 at a slightly discounted price of $149 on a two year contract.  It is hard to figure out why the discrepancy in pricing exists, but I am sure current Sprint customers are completely satisfied with the $50 discount in price over its competition.

The third carrier being addressed today is T-Mobile who has the Galaxy S 4 for $149 as an upfront fee.  Since the carrier has done away with contracts, the pricing schematic is a bit different than other carriers.  After paying the initial $149 upfront fee, the user will be hit with recurring payments of $20 per month for 24 months.  The grand total, before applicable sales tax, becomes $629.  Keep in mind that T-Mobile offers competitive monthly rates, which allows it to remain competitive when it requires the full cost to be paid.

The last carrier is Verizon Wireless, who unfortunately, will not launch the device until May 30th.  At this time, the three other major carriers have each launched the Samsung Galaxy S 4.  However, Verizon Wireless is currently taking pre-orders for the Galaxy S 4 to tune of $199.  It is a bit surprising to see Verizon launch the device a month later than other carriers, but such is the situation.

In terms of a hardware recap, the Galaxy S 4 packs a 5 inch 1080p display, LTE connectivity, 2GB of RAM, 13MP rear facing camera, a 1.9GHz quad-core processor, 2MP front facing camera, and a 2600 mAh battery.  In terms of software, the device runs Android 4.2, but keep in mind it is heavily skinned with TouchWiz with many features.

Lastly, if you are interested in protecting your new Samsung Galaxy S 4 with a case, I recommend browsing Samsung Galaxy S 4 cases.

[AT&T] [Sprint] [T-Mobile] [Verizon]

Two of the chief complaints regarding the LG Nexus 4 is the fact that the largest amount of storage on the Nexus 4 is fixed at 16GB and that it lacks LTE connectivity.  According to a recent rumor, Google I/O may very well see the introduction of a slightly refreshed Nexus 4 smartphone.

By a slight refresh, we mean more onboard storage such as 32GB, and the presence of LTE connectivity.  With that being said, we do not anticipate seeing an upgrade to battery life or screen resolution.  However, the upgrade in storage and faster network speeds should be well-received by prospective Nexus 4 customers.

There is a strong chance that Google may drop the Nexus 4 8GB model if the rumor pans out.  If Google opts to drop the 8GB model, then I would imagine the 16GB would be sold at the base price of $299 and the 32GB LTE model would take command of the $349 price tag.  While some Android fans may be peeved at Google for not launching the X Phone, I believe a 32GB Nexus 4 with LTE makes a lot of sense given the recent development of T-Mobile’s LTE network.

[Phandroid]

Previous rumors indicate the LG Optimus G Pro might end up stateside in early May through AT&T.  Today, LG began issuing invitations for a special mobile event taking place in New York City on May 1st.  Without any explicit confirmations through the invitation, we believe the LG event will serve as the stage for the Optimus G Pro launch in the United States.

Specifically, the event includes captions such as “Share the Genius” and “Capture the Spotlight in True Brilliance.”  I imagine the captions are alluding to special software features that are possible by superior hardware.  On paper, the Optimus G Pro is rumored to be a strong contender, but we will know more following the event.

The Optimus G Pro serves as the follow-up to the Optimus G, but it includes a much larger screen making it a phablet competitor.  LG will likely compete with HTC and Samsung as the top three Android smartphones that will be available.  It will be an exciting battle between the One, Galaxy S 4, and the impending Optimus G Pro.  Stay tuned to Androinica for an event recap on May 1st.

[AndroidCentral]

Up for review today is the ArmourDillo Hybrid Protective Case for the Google Nexus 4.  The specific unit for review was sent to us by MobileFun, which is an online retailer for mobile accessories.

The Google Nexus 4, as you probably know, features a glass backing, which makes it very susceptible to scratches and cracks.  As a result, many Nexus 4 owners quickly protect it with a case, but there many Nexus 4 cases available, so it is important to find the one that satisfies your needs.

The ArmourDillo case is a rugged two piece case that offers stellar protection for the Nexus 4.  One unique feature specific to the case is the fact that it offers a kickstand, which can be popped out to prop up the Nexus 4 to view videos.  The kickstand can definitely come in handy if the device is charging, but you want it propped on your desk.  If you are watching a video from your desk, then the kickstand can be used to let it stand while you sit comfortably watching.  If you take out the last layer of protection, you are left with a simple black rubber skin.  Some owners may prefer this option since it is thinner than the complete case, but you lose some protection and the kickstand.

I personally enjoy the fact that it is easy to add and remove the second protective layer, depending if I want the extra protection and bulk or not.  It features many grooves (hence the ArmourDillo name), which offers a better grip than you would normally expect from handling the device without a case.

The one aspect of the ArmourDillo Hybrid case that bothers me is the fact that the buttons are harder to press.  The protective rubber of the case extends over the volume and power buttons, so you will have to press relatively hard to increase the volume or turn on the screen.  For some, this is a huge nuisance and others may hardly notice this lack of functionality.  I generally prefer cases that have cut-outs where the buttons reside, since this offers for easier access.

The black ArmourDillo Hybrid protective case through MobileFun costs $16.49, which is a fair price point for such a case.  If you are looking for excellent protection and something with a kickstand, the ArmourDillo option is something worth considering.  However, if you prefer a minimalist sleek case, then you will want to keep looking for something thinner.  Overall, I would rate the Nexus 4 ArmourDillo case 4 stars out of 5.

Special Thanks to MobileFun for providing Androinica with the AmourDillo Hybrid Protective Case for the Nexus 4!

Samsung and HTC will have each of their respective flagship smartphones available for purchase by May, but what about LG?  In the United States, LG’s main smartphone presence resides in the LG Optimus G and the Nexus 4 (two very similar handsets in terms of hardware).

However, according to a recent rumor, LG may be gearing up to launch the Optimus G Pro in the United States through AT&T.  While no price point has been mentioned, the tipster does reveal a May 10th launch date, but that is subject to change.

Notable hardware features of the Optimus G Pro includes a 1080p 5.5 inch display, Snapdragon 600 1.7GHz processor, 13MP rear facing camera, 2GB of RAM, and a 3,140 mAh battery.

Naturally, the Optimus G will compete head-to-head with the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S 4, but also the Galaxy Note II.  We’ll keep our eyes peeled for any further confirmation from AT&T.

[AndroidCentral]

Are you sick of the current Google Play Store appearance?  Do you desire a more simplistic design and user experience?  Well, fortunately, Google has spent the last several months redesigning the Google Play Store to make it even more user friendly and easier to find apps and products.

Google calls the new Play Store update a “fresh new look,” which will make tablet and smartphone users find content quicker.  For example, similar apps, music, movies, and magazines will be grouped together so that you can easily find the material that suits your interests.  The idea behind the Play Store is a unified marketplace to find apps and other content in an efficient manner.  Each subsequent Play Store update certainly adds to the usability.

The latest version of the Play Store is version 4.0.25 and is rolling out starting now to smartphones and tablets running Android 2.2 or higher.  Unfortunately, Google estimates it will take a few weeks before every single Froyo+ device has the Play Store update.

[Google Android Blog]

HTC has high hopes for the One in terms of global successor, but the company is going to need its hero smartphone to really come through.  According to its unaudited Q1 2013 earnings report, HTC performed tremendously worse than the same quarter last year.

Specifically, HTC’s net income for Q1 amounted to a paltry $2.8 million when last year’s amount totaled $173 million.  The total revenue for the quarter amounted to $1.4 billion, which also significantly dropped from last year.  The main reason HTC is performing much worse can be attributed to the botched launch of the HTC One.  It was initially slated to launch in March, but manufacturing delays pushed the launch back until April for most markets.

Hopefully, the One can help HTC turn around its past several dismal quarters and achieve success the company was once used to experiencing.

[Engadget] [HTC]

About a week ago, AT&T announced that the pre-order price for the Samsung Galaxy S 4 would be $249 on a two year contract.  The information provided by AT&T was slightly confusing and misleading since the carrier failed to provide the exact model.

Today, AT&T clarified the original pre-order statement by explaining the 16GB model will cost $199 on a two year contract, and the 32GB Galaxy S 4 will cost $249 on a two year contract.  The price points for the two Galaxy S 4 models matches up with what occurred for the Galaxy S III a year ago.  Pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S 4 are expected to begin April 16th.

It is interesting to compare the Galaxy S 4 models with the HTC One models purely on price.  The 32GB HTC One costs $199 on a two year contract, while the 64GB model costs $299 on a two year contract.  The Samsung Galaxy S 4 16GB costs $199 and the 32GB model costs $249.  However, it is important to keep in mind the Galaxy S 4 includes microSD memory expansion, whereas the HTC One does not.

[AT&T]

Earlier today, Sprint and AT&T each made announcements regarding pre-order availability of the HTC One.  Some common information mentioned between the two carriers is the same, such as final availability and pricing.  Specifically, the HTC One will launch on April 19th for $199 on a two year contract on both Sprint and AT&T.

Now, the initial pre-order date is where the two carriers differ.  On April 4th, AT&T will open pre-orders for the HTC One for $199 on a two year contract.  On April 5th, Sprint will begin HTC One pre-orders for $199 on contract as well.  It is interesting that AT&T decided to begin one day earlier, but such is life when carriers are trying to compete with one another on every level possible.

If you are interested in the HTC One, I would recommend placing a pre-order so you can guarantee a device when it becomes available on April 19th.

[Sprint] [AT&T]