Galaxy S4 Super Screen

February 2013 will see the release of the much debated and anticipated Samsung Galaxy s4. One of the most exciting feature is the Samsung super screen, the 5 inch full HD AMOLED panel.

The Galaxy range has given Samsung a commanding role in the smartphone market across all markets. From the entry level Galaxy Pocket to all conquering Galaxy S3 that was the market’s hit of 2012, which may just be my opinion.

With 2013 fast approaching there have been rumors about the Galaxy S4. This is a highly anticipated release and looking at some of the rumored features it is easy to see why. The most exciting of such rumors is the 5 inch full HD AMOLED panels that Samsung is rumored to be unveiling at CES in January 2013.

The Samsung super screen is said to have a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and a staggering pixel density of 441 PPI or pixels per inch. To put this in contrast, the iPhone retina’s specs only boasts of 326 PPI. This is a very exciting development and I for one am very excited to see the clarity that this screen is going feature.

Although this is the feature I am most looking forward to it’s not the only feature that has made its way into the rumor mill. Other features include the device coming in a 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and a massive 128GB variation. As well as 3GB RAM, 3,200 mAh battery as well as a Skype-ready 1.9 megapixel front facing camera.

Rumor has it that the device will be release in February of next year.

Exclusive Pictures and Hands-On with the "Stunning" Sony Xperia Z

Our own Klaus Wedekind is at CES 2013 this week, and brings you an exclusive hands-on with the Xperia Z: Sony's brand-new flagship device:

After a few solid but unspectacular devices, Sony has managed to create a real masterpiece: the Xpiera Z. I was almost tempted not to return the device after spending some time with it at CES. The design, hardware and software create a near-perfect package which could rocket Sony to the top yet again.

Holding the Xperia Z in your hand, it feel like the perfect combination of a Nexus 4 and iPhone 5. You get the feeling that Sony has strained to build a top-class smartphone. The workmanship is 

stunning, the display fits the casing like a glove and the all glass exterior gives it an elegant touch.

You won't see too many buttons on this device; just a volume rocker on the right and a pronounced on / off switch. Both elements have been crafted from aluminum. The phone creates the magical illusion of appearing smaller than it actually is; as you can see below, the display is significantly larger than that of the One X, but the device isn't:

 _{Comparing the Sony Xperia Z's 5" display to the One X's 4.7" display. Can you see the difference?}

The Sony employee who let me play around with the unit said that the firmware is as-yet not final. But the device I held in my hands did not in any way feel like a pre-production unit. One almost felt the device responded before you touched it, so on-the-ball is Sony's new showpiece. No matter what I was doing, there was no sense of lag.

Having tested the Xperia T, I wondered what kind of images I'd be able to shoot with the Xperia Z. I only had a chance to take a few photos under the Nevada sun, but I can say the camera is at LEAST as good as the Xperia T – presumably they're equivalent on paper as well. One feature I particularly liked was that the camera automatically shifted scene modes based on the environment. If someone held still, the camera would shift to portrait mode. If the person moved, it would shift to action mode. It is a pity, though, that Sony didn't give this phone an independent shutter button. I don't think it would have hurt the design one bit.

Finally, a few more sentences about the display. It is one of the sharpest and sexiest screens I've ever seen on a smartphone. It was even bright enough to operate beautifully in direct sunlight. The color balance, too, seemed just right.

I certainly look forward to giving this phone an even more detailed review in February.