Samsung Galaxy S4 update allows to move the app to the microSD card

Summary: Galaxy S4 is a great smartphone, but I can not recommend the 16 GB version with such limited memory. Samsung is the determination of the situation by rolling out an update so that you can optimize your microSD card use.

(Photo: Matthew Miller/ZDNet)

Earlier, I pointed out that there were major limitations with 16 GB Samsung Galaxy S4 since less than 10 GB was available for apps and microSD was irrelevant for apps. Thankfully, Samsung took it upon themselves to fix anything Google broke and is reportedly to issue an update that enables to move apps to the microSD card.

Previous versions of Android had this ability, but it was changed in later versions (I think it started with Ice Cream Sandwich). People who root and personalize their phones can get this ability back, but most people do not do this, so that they could install apps was limited.

Some games run today 1 to 1.5 GB in size so players really feel the pinch on Galaxy S4. There are 32 GB versions of the S4, but they are limited by the airline.

In addition to the microSD card, Samsung makes it possible for HDR video recording and more corrections with update. It is rolling out now in Germany and there is no word when American variations will get the update. I would also like to see the update appears on my Galaxy note II.

Matthew Miller began using a Pilot 1000 in 1997 and has written news, reviews and opinion pieces since then.

Samsung launches largest Galaxy phone in India

Earlier this week, Samsung launched the Galaxy Mega 5.8 and Galaxy Mega 6.3 in India. To date, these are the largest smartphones to be launched by the South Korean electronics giant in India, as it feels there is a demand for oversized smartphones in developing nations.

As the names suggest, the screen size for the Galaxy Mega 5.8 and Mega 6.3 are 5.8 and 6.3 inches, respectively. According to TechGig.com, the former is priced at INR 25,100 (US$447.20) and the latter is priced at INR 31,490 rupees (US$561.10).

The bigger-screen handset will be available by the middle of June, while the smaller one will be available within one week.

Both are mid-range Samsung devices as the Mega 5.8 is powered by a dual-core processor running at 1.4GHz with 1.5GB of RAM. Internal storage is limited to just 8GB, but with the microSD expansion card slot, it can reach up to 64GB. The resolution is 540x960 pixels with a primary rear 8-megapixel (MP) camera and front 1.9-MP camera. It also runs Google Android 4.2 Jelly Bean OS and weights just 182 grams.

By comparison, the Mega 6.3 is powered by a dual-core processor running at 1.7GHz with 1.5GB of RAM. Internal storage is 16GB and, like the 5.8 variant, also has rear 8-MP and front 1.9-MP cameras. Screen resolution, however, is 720 pixels and is encased in a super LCD screen, while the 5.8 variant uses only a TFT display.

Now the time has come for Indian consumers to decide between the trade offs of having larger smartphones or tablets with slightly larger screens and more features. If anything, the trend of making device smaller and more compact for consumers appears to be reversing. The question is how will consumers embrace this new growth spurt?

After all, it's much easier to store your basic mobile phone in your pocket versus these new range of devices that have become larger because of their screen size.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini: Are smaller screen smartphones in demand?

Samsung announced the Galaxy S4 Mini with a 4.3-inch display. Its big brother — the S4 — sports a 5-inch display, but many people still find such devices too big for daily use.

(Image: Samsung)

The current trend in smartphones is to go big, with many new high-end models sporting 4.7-inch to 5.5-inch displays. That's fine if you are data-centric and have big hands and pockets. However, there are still many people who want a smaller phone.

Samsung officially announced the Galaxy S4 Mini and it will be interesting to see if this smaller brother enjoys the S4's level of success.

I can understand the desire for a smaller display device. I remember a time when people thought the limit for smartphones was going to be 4.3 inches. I am satisfied with my 4.7-inch HTC One and 4.5-inch Lumia 920, but the 5.5-inch Note II is definitely not that convenient to carry around for communications and doesn't go with me everywhere as the smaller devices do.

With the popularity and rise in 7- to 8-inch tablets, we may soon see a trend of people going back to these smaller display devices paired with small tablets. There are rumors of an HTC One Mini and a device with the HTC One build quality — and a 4-inch display could be a very attractive offering.

The Galaxy S4 Mini is not an S4 and has many reduced specifications, including the display quality, camera resolution, battery size, internal storage, and processor speed.

The Galaxy S4 Mini has very limited internal storage (5GB available); since Android doesn't let you install applications to the microSD card, you will be limited by how many applications you can have on the device. The S4 Mini also has a dual-core processor and — given that Android performance is related to processor speed — it is unlikely that you will see the kind of responsiveness you can find on optimized Windows Phone devices.

People may be willing to accept some reduction in performance with their desired smaller display, but I wonder where that lower limit is. I wrote about low-cost Lumia smartphones a couple days ago and how they offer more to the consumer than older generation iPhones and low-cost Android devices. The display of the Lumia 521 is 4 inches and the 82x series on carriers is 4.3 inches. If you want a smaller display device, I recommend you look at one of these Lumia devices.

Matthew Miller started using a Pilot 1000 in 1997 and has been writing news, reviews, and opinion pieces ever since.