The Google Play store is accepting preorders for the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition as well as the HTC One Google Edition with an expected ship date of July 9. Both models come with the latest version of Android Jelly Bean and will updated directly from Google. The experience is called the Nexus user experience.
The Samsung Galaxy S 4 is priced $649.00 with free ground shipping, plus tax. The HTC One Google Edition is priced at $599.00 with free ground shipping, plus tax. The home screen has a red hue, like what is seen on the Nexus 4.
Spectrum Supported
These GSM models will work with AT&T and T-Mobile networks. The HTC One lacks support for AWS HSPA+ support for T-Mobile. The Google Edition Samsung Galaxy S 4 supports EDGE HSPA+ and LTE for T-Mobile and AT&T.
HTC One Changes
The pure Google HTC One lacks Zoe, HTC Sense software, and BlinkFeed while Beats Audio is still enabled. The HTC One will have the same 4.7" HD 1080p 468ppi touchscreen, 1.7 GHz quad-core processor,Ultra Pixel Camera, Dual-Front Facing Speakers,Dual Mics with Dual Membranes, 2300 mAh battery, 2GB RAM, Wi-Fi, DLNA, micro USB, HDMI(with MHL adapter) and Bluetooth. Since there is only one button, double tapping it shows recent apps and a long hold launches Google Now.
GS 4 without the TouchWiz Bloat
The Google Edition GS 4 lacks all the special Samsung "S" software features. Some on-screen menus have been replaced with use of the physical button in Android 4.2.2. Because the Samsung software is not loaded it has full 12GB of storage vs the 7GB found on carrier-branded Samsung-loaded models.
The Google Edition Samsung Galaxy S 4 specs include 1.9GHz quad-core processor, 5" HD (441ppi) screen, infared for TV remote, 2600mAh battery, adapting display, Gorilla Glass 3, temperature/weather sensors, 13MP camera, 2MP front camera, Wi-Fi, GPS and 2600mAh battery.
These may be the first of many special pure Google smartphones from the Google Play Store without carrier bloatware and subsidies.