The Samsung Galaxy S4 is packed with new features -- but you don't need to buy the new phone to benefit, as many new features are headed for the Samsung Galaxy S3.
Speaking to PCMag, Samsung promised that the S3 and other phones and tablets will get new software features announced on the S4 last week.
"Anything that we can do that's not dependent on hardware like infrared," says Samsung, "we'll definitely bring to all the flagship devices."
Samsung boss Nick DiCarlo highlights the camera interface and WatchNow TV remote. While the camera interface doesn't rely on hardware only found in the S4, and should therefore trickle down to other devices, the remote control uses the S4's built-in infrared blaster and so can't come to the S3.
New features on the S4 that could translate to the S3 -- or the Galaxy Note 2 and other current devices -- include real-time lingo-decoder S Translator, and an array of pointless camera features, such as Dual Camera pictures.
Some features look like they could make the switch but might rely on hardware in the S4's camera. I'm talking about the various hands-off features that let you control the phone without touching the screen, as the camera detects your hand waving in front of the screen to scroll and swipe, your eyes straying from the display to pause a video with Smart Stay, and your hand tilting the phone to Smart Scroll.
The S4 has drawn some stick for not marking enough of a change over the S3. Check out our guide to the best and worst bits of the S4 and CNET readers' reactions to the new phone. And hit play on the video below to see the S4 compared to the S3.
There's no word yet on when the S4's software features will come to existing phones, but I'm guessing Samsung will keep them to the S4 for a while to entice you to buy its newest blower. Will you be forking out for an S4, or sticking with your S3? What S4 features would you like to put in your pocket? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.
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anonymous 18 March, 2013 10:45
Why buy it if the same things will be on the cheaper earlier model? Makes no sense!
anonymous 18 March, 2013 11:29
I know there are a lot of people slating Samsung for mediocre upgrade. For me there are quite a few features that I could see myself using quite regularly.
My contracts up in May and very much considering an S4. I wont be buying the S3 because they wont get the new features (some say meaningless) for a few months at least. Call me impatient but I'll buy the new S4 (If I decide to go for it).
anonymous 18 March, 2013 11:45
Id say the big bonus is the 2GB of RAM, my S3 is pretty quick most of the time but it can still get bogged down.
The S3 is still a good phone, if you're happy with a phone that will probably be pretty slow 2 years down the line then go for it. If you want a phone that will be slow but not to bad in 2 years it has to be the S4 doesn't it.
anonymous 18 March, 2013 12:01
Samsung are gaining the same committed fans as Apple these days so mediocre upgrades aren't that big a deal. And Samsung know it. Even bringing the same features to existing phones won't deter too many people forking out for a knew handset. Apple have been doing it since day dot (including bringing the software features to older handsets) and it hasn't affected them. Now Sammy are in the same boat. They just needed the fans before they could deploy such a tactic. I don't think either company are going to gain or lose many fans now so they are going to continue these practices for a long while to come.
anonymous 18 March, 2013 13:28
To be honest, I think the S4 is really just about Samsung flexing some R&D muscle.
The S3 & Note 2 could easily have carried them through most of the rest of the year but with the S4, they're saying, "Look, we can squeeze 8 cores into a mobile phone processor and give you a bigger screen without making the phone size ridiculous. We can even show that we don't follow Apple with gestures by going further and giving you 'Air Swipe'."
Basically, they're saying to Apple, the consumer public and that judge who said otherwise that "Yes, our devices are as cool as Apple's and even cooler." :-)
anonymous 18 March, 2013 15:12
This is great news, and if Samsung update the S3 as quickly as they promised they'd update the Note to Jellybean, then it'll be in time for the S5 launch!
Yes, I know some countries got the update a month ago (not here in Turkey though), but it was promised in a Samsung unpacked event in August 2012.
anonymous 30 April, 2013 19:05
well poo
anonymous 30 April, 2013 19:06
smell my fart
anonymous 6 May, 2013 21:28
The gadget man inside of me really wants to upgrade to the S4, but taking a step back and looking at what you get with the S4 - especially since most of the new software features will trickle down to the S3 makes me conclude it is not really worth it. If this were an Apple product it would be more of an S3 "S". rather than an S4.
anonymous 4 June, 2013 05:27
I own the s3 but my device is Go smart! Its related from T-mobile company too so will I still get the new up date?!?! Now my version is 4.1.2. Plz answer and help me guysbecause I'm very curious about this. Thanks :)