Samsung Galaxy S4 ‘Google Edition’ With ‘Stock’ Android Will Be US-Only Model
The Samsung Galaxy S4 will release with Samsung tweaked and “stock” Google-based Android operating systems when it arrives in the United States on June 26.
We have now learned that the June 26 date will include a $649 unlocked version of the device, which has been branded as the S4 “Google Edition.” Featuring a straight from the factory Google Android setup, the S4 Google Edition will only be sold to US customers through the US Google Play Store.
Instead of featuring Samsung TouchWiz technology over the Google Android OS, the smartphone offers an untouched version of Google Android.
Other than the difference in operating systems, the Samsung Galaxy S4 and Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition are the exact same smartphones in terms of hardware.
The biggest draw for US buyers may be the lack of TouchWiz and the ability to purchase an unlocked device right out of the box.
In comparing prices, the LG created Google Nexus 4 is $299 for the 8GB model and $349 for the 16GB model. Google is currently planning to release a white version of the Google Nexus 4. The new Nexus 4 color option is expected to ship with Google Android 4.3 pre-installed.
Recent rumors have suggested that Samsung would like to move away from the Google Android OS in the years ahead; therefore, Google attempting to capitalize on its own OS via Samsung’s popular hardware in many ways makes sense.
With the Apple iPhone 5S and potentially the iPhone 6 set to be announced in the coming months, it looks as if 2013 will shape up to be quite the battle on the mobile front.
Are you interesting in purchasing a Samsung smartphone with a stock version of Google Android, or do you prefer the Galaxy S4 with TouchWhiz technology pre-installed?
