We are expecting the Samsung Galaxy S 4 in a few weeks, a couple of weeks after the HTC One and most likely a month or so before the announcement of the next lines of fall smartphones such as the iPhone 5S or 6. Then even further down the line the Nexus 5 and or Motorola X.
Galaxy S4 vs HTC One
Currently, the Samsung Galaxy S4 has the highest specs possible with current manufacturing standards which include 5" Full HD Super AMOLED touchscreen, 2GB RAM, 12MP camera, microSD slot, Wi-Fi and Temperature/Humidity sensors.
When we compare the Samsung Galaxy S 4 to the HTC One, the two are very close, except that the HTC One has a slightly smaller screen, .2GHz lower speed processor and a different style camera.
Both will work as a TV remote. The HTC One has a higher pixel per inch ratio due to the smaller screen it is 468ppi vs the Samsung Galaxy S4's 441ppi screen. The HTC One lacks a removable battery, expandable microSD card slot and temperature/humidity sensors. The main differences between the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S 4 are the software, HTC uses HTC Sense to its UI while Samsung uses it own add-ons with S Beam, S Share, S Play, Smart Pause, eye-scrolling, S Heath monitoring, Home Sync, Dual Video Call, Air View/Gesture, Sound/Shot, Group Play and S Translate.
Other phones that you may consider that don't match the specs as closely are the iPhone 5 and BlackBerry Z10 (see comparison) or even the Nexus 4 or Droid DNA.
Early adopters will rush to buy the Samsung Galaxy S 4 the day it is available. While others will want to wait for the following reasons:
Wait for Other Buyers to Beta Testers
Even with a launch of great magnitude, there can be glitches with software, networks and security. In fact, contacts on the Samsung Galaxy S III can be accessed by cleaver hackers. There are many new software programs running on the SG S4 which may foul up at first release.
Wait for Latest Android
At the launch, the Samsung Galaxy S 4 will come with Android Jelly Bean 4.2 and will be updated later. Android fans who like only the latest software will have to wait for an upgrade. When Google announces updates to Android, Nexus devices get the updates first while other lines of Android smartphones have to wait for the maker such as Samsung to test it as well as the carrier. The Samsung Galaxy S II from two years ago is just recently being updated to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
Wait for Cheapest Price
The highest price you pay for any smartphone is at launch, the price gets reduced over time with major promotions starting on Black Friday through the holidays. You will most likely be able to save $100 to $150 and possibly free activation fees over the holidays.
Wait for More Accessories
At launch it may be hard to find the latest accessories such as wireless charging dock, Heart Rate Monitor, Bluetooth Body Scale, S Band, extra battery or S View flip cover and other compatible accessories.
Wait for More Colors
If you love colorful phones, the Samsung Galaxy S 4 only comes in black or white. Recently Samsung announced a Amethyst Purple. Samsung Galaxy S III while the AT&T model came in garnet red. More colorful options of the Samsung Galaxy S 4 will be dependent upon carrier and promotions. During the 2012 Olympics Samsung released an Olympic-styled Samsung Galaxy S III.
Wait for More Competition or Unlocked Options: Nexus 5, iPhone 6 & Motorola X
New models expected this fall and into the holidays will mostly likely be a Nexus 5, new iPhone 5S/6 and possibility the dream-designed customized Motorola X. Since the Nexus 4 has proven so successful due to its great pricing for high specs, if you need an unlocked model and always the latest version of Android, you may want to wait for the Nexus 5.
iPhone 6 Therefore I Wait?
iPhone lovers who like lots of apps, ease of use and other iPhone features may be better off at least waiting until we know how big the next iPhone screen will be. If you are video viewer and need a huge screen, Samsung does a great job of screens and video viewing. Currently the major difference between the Samsung Galaxy S 4 and iPhone 5 is the screen size the iPhone 5 has a 4" retina screen. Last year the iPhone 5 was released in September, the next new model may arrive about the same time of year.
The Motorola X is a very mysteriously rumored smartphone that supposedly can be preconfigured when you order it and has been postponed. We don't have enough information about it to compare it to Samsung Galaxy S 4. Motorola is now owned by Google therefore, we expect some more Google-like styling and innovations.
Wait for Contract or Stay with What You Have
If you contract is not over, you will have to pay an early termination fee and full price for the Samsung Galaxy S 4, next year will bring a newer better Samsung Galaxy S 5. Since upgrades are incremental, if you current smartphone does everything you need, you can wait until next year. Some owners with small pockets or purses who don't use data services often or watch video may be satisfied keep your present smartphone.