We knew that the Samsung Galaxy S4 would end up being one of the most popular smartphones of 2013, but Samsung has this week given us an indication just how well Galaxy S4 sales are going. In less than a month after first going on sale, the Korean electronics giant has announced that a record has been broken, with the Galaxy S4 now becoming the fastest selling Galaxy S device ever.

In a press release this week, Samsung has revealed that the Galaxy S4 has now passed 10 million units sold, in under a month since the device first went on sale commercially on April 27. To put this into context, the Galaxy S3 previously managed to shift 10 million units in 50 days and that was considered a massive success in its own right.

Samsung has added that Galaxy S4 units are currently selling at a rate of 4 units per second – staggering when you think about it. The question that is on our minds, is how are other Android manufacturers going to compete with this with their respective releases?

Also take into account that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is expected this year as well, which could even come close to matching this record given the high demand for the device already. To coincide with the sales record, Samsung has also announced that four new Galaxy S4 colors will arrive in time for Summer.

We’re pleased to say that one of them will be the Blue Arctic model, which was initially exclusive to the Japanese market. The other three colors will be Galaxy S4 in Red Aurora, Purple Mirage and Brown Autumn – hopefully Samsung will be showing off these new colors soon, especially the Red model which sounds the most desirable out of the four for us.

Going back to 10 million units sold though – are Samsung now becoming kings of the mobile industry? Four Galaxy S4 units sold every second, give us your thoughts on that statistic below.

It has been a long wait indeed, but we are now officially entering Samsung Galaxy S4 launch week. It appears in some cases though, that many consumers have already hit jackpot – with some Verizon Galaxy S4 pre-orders, already being shipped out with official notices from Big Red informing consumers of the good news.

Don’t forget this is on top of the fact that Verizon also recently confirmed that the official launch date of the device had been pushed forward, from May 30 to May 23. If you have already ordered a Galaxy S4 a while ago, it may be a good idea now to check your Verizon mail, as we have word that FedEx is already delivering units to some lucky consumers.

You can see evidence of this thanks to a shipping confirmation image obtained by CNET. It confirms that a consumer’s 16GB Black Mist Galaxy S4 is already on the way, meaning that actual deliveries may take place on Monday May 20, a full three days ahead of schedule.

It goes without saying that the wait for a release has been a painful one, especially with AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile already offering the device to their respective customers for some time. However, everybody loves an early release date and a surprise in the post, so hopefully you will be one of the lucky ones as you wake up on Monday morning.

If you have a Verizon Galaxy S4 on order, let us know if you have already received a shipping notification from the carrier yet, confirming a delivery by FedEx. Better yet – is there anyone out there who already has their device in-hand as of last week?

The stock version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 will be released on June 26 and will come with Android 4.2. The best part is that this will have none of the bloatware, which is currently a concern with the current version on sale.

Not a lot is known about the Galaxy S4 Stock Android model, but Engadget has had some hands-on time with the new model, which comes with 16GB of storage. The mobile OS version will be Android 4.2.2, just like you get on the latest Nexus handset. What users will like about this model is the lack of all that extra software Samsung loves to put on to not only slow the device, but take up valuable space.

From what Engadget can tell this version is also much faster without TouchWiz, which comes as no surprise. However, some users may not like the plain look, as the Galaxy S4 Stock Android model will seem a little bland to some of you, although this is a small price to pay for the advantages.

Samsung Galaxy S4 update to rectify storage issue – We recently reported that the Samsung Galaxy S4 has been suffering from the same storage issues as the Microsoft Surface Pro, and while the latter hasn’t done much to try and resolve the issue (apart from saying buy alternative storage) the former may consider dealing with the issue in a more traditional way, although they recently suggested the same as Microsoft.

For those of you who live in the UK, you may be familiar with the BBC show Watchdog, where they try to get to the bottom of viewer’s complaints. The latest episode saw consumers complain about the amount of space being taken up with pre-installed software on the Galaxy S4.

Take the Galaxy S4 16GB model; well there is only 8GB available for you to store your apps, music, photos and videos. Okay, so we know you can purchase a microSD card, but you shouldn’t have to. As a result of these and other complaints, we could see a Samsung Galaxy S4 update to help rectify the storage issue.

One of the main reasons why the S4 is storage hungry is because of TouchWiz, as some of its features loves to take up a huge amount of space. It’s not sure how Samsung will be able to resolve the issue on those who currently have the handset, but new models could come with less bloatware.

It makes you wonder where the 8GB goes, because it’s hard to believe that this is going on the OS and bloatware? To give you an idea of how much free space you get on a stock Android device, currently 2.7GB of storage space is being used on the Nexus 4 16GB model. We’ll be interested to know how much free space there will be in the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition.

Thanks to CNET UK.

If you bought the Samsung Galaxy S4 at launch, you may have suffered a state of shock when you checked your internal storage on the device. Samsung has made the 16GB Galaxy S4 their primary device at the moment, but only 8GB or so is available for the user to freely utilize after a significant portion of that 16GB memory is eaten up by system resources.

That shock may have even turned to despair when you then realized that you couldn’t freely transfer your apps over to the MicroSD card. As a result, it means that many Galaxy S4 users have a memory crisis on their hands, with most now starting to feel regret that they didn’t wait for the 32GB variant.

Fortunately, we’re hearing whispers on Samsung potentially coming up with a solution to solve the memory problems. When speaking to CNET UK, the company revealed that they are studying ways in which they can free up more usable internal memory for consumers, by making further use of software optimization.

The statement was in response to the company being investigated by the infamous BBC Watchdog programme, following complaints from angry consumers who discovered that they only have half of the advertised memory to play around with. We see system resources all the time with new smartphone launches, but perhaps 8GB out of 16GB is a little too much to take.

While music can be saved on a MicroSD card, the majority of apps cannot – especially memory intensive games which are now starting to appear on the Google Play Store with file sizes in excess of 1GB. A couple of these games, some media apps and perhaps a currency app will already leave you close to the limit on the Galaxy S4 16GB.

If you are suffering from these exact same problems on your 16GB model, let us know your thoughts on an advertised 16GB, turning out to be 8 or 9GB in reality. From buying the device at launch – how much memory do you currently have left?

[Image courtesy of CNET].

Earlier on this week we told you about the exclusive Samsung Galaxy S4 variant that the Japanese market would be receiving, in the form of a stylish Blue Arctic model. Now, we have the first video straight from Japan to show you, giving you an idea of how the Blue model looks when compared to the traditional black Galaxy S4.

To recap, Samsung’s flagship device is launching in Japan this week and it looks like they will have an exclusive color all to themselves. The Blue Arctic variant joins the Black Mist and White Frost colors, and arguably looks the best out of the three – especially for those that loved the Pebble Blue Galaxy S3.

Now you can see what the device looks like yourself, thanks to an early video from Japan. We see the device running on NTT DoCoMo which has the Blue Arctic color and what it looks like side-to-side with the black model. We can’t help but notice that the device also seems to be something of a fingerprint magnet, but this is obviously easily rectified with the right care and attention – or a case on the back.

Amid the interface browsing on the device, you can also spot what appears to be a cartoon character making its way across the display screen. It probably looks a bit bizarre to you and me, but no doubt it will provide a buzz for the Japanese audience. Watching the video makes us wonder if the device will ever be announced for a release in US and Europe – we would easily prefer an Blue Arctic model over Black Mist or White Frost.

Take a look for yourself and let us know what you think about the new color. Are some of you even thinking of importing one?

Google may have announced big new changes to their Maps and Hangout services at Google I/O just hours ago, but arguably the biggest announcement of the day was the unveiling of a Samsung Galaxy S4, with a stock Nexus user experience which Google will directly sell themselves through the Play Store.

It means that we didn’t get to see the announcement of the mysterious Google X phone from Motorola, but perhaps we don’t need to anymore. The Samsung Galaxy S4 unveiling by Google will be a stock device, running an untouched version of Android 4.2 which will be a major incentive for a lot of consumers who don’t like using Samsung’s Touchwiz custom skin.

Another major incentive is the fact that Google’s Samsung Galaxy S4 will come with an unlocked bootloader straight out of the box and will have LTE support, on T-Mobile and AT&T. While that is fantastic news for customers on those networks, it is going to be a painful blow for those on Verizon and Sprint who will just have to sit and watch while others enjoy the ultimate Galaxy S4 experience.

Google has confirmed that the device will go on sale on June 25, but the asking price may prove to be a stumbling block for some of you. Unlike the Nexus 4, Google are asking for $649 for their Galaxy S4 and that is only for a 16GB device. There has been no mention of a 32GB model from Google, which could prove to be another issue to contend with.

$649 for a device with impressive hardware features, but only around 12GB of storage to play around with – that surely isn’t enough for most consumers, right? Then again, this is a stock Nexus experience we are talking about, plus a device that is now going to be first in line for all future Android updates – including Android 4.3 which is coming next.

If you are on Verizon or Sprint, give us your reaction to the news. Are you tempted to switch carriers just for this phone? Let’s hope the Google Play Store can keep up with demand this time.

Samsung may have only launched their new flagship Galaxy S4 in Black Mist and White Frost, but it looks like other regions could be in line to receive some exclusive colors. Over the shores, Japan is gearing up for the launch of the handset this week and Samsung looks set to offer consumers a sexy new Galaxy S4 in Blue Arctic colors.

Some of you may be missing the shade of blue on the Galaxy S4, as you won’t need us to tell you that the Samsung Galaxy S3 launched with a Pebble Blue option. However, it is just black and white at the moment in Europe and the US, leaving Japan consumers with a brand new color all to themselves.

The Blue Arctic model looks fantastic as well and arguably the most visually appealing color as well compared to Black Mist and White Frost. Unfortunately, Samsung hasn’t revealed the slightest hint on whether the new color will be appearing outside of Japan, so for now it remains exclusive on the NTT DoCoMo network.

Now would be the perfect time to contact that distant friend in Japan and ask them to get hold of one for you, especially if they remain exclusive to the country – it could earn a fortune on places like Ebay. We just have to sit back, wait and hope that Samsung makes the announcement soon as no doubt many consumers will be feeling a little jealous at the moment.

Imagine the reaction if Verizon announces an exclusive on the Blue Arctic Galaxy S4, to make up for the fact that they were late on the official launch of the device compared to AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile? We wouldn’t rule it out from happening, since the carrier has been known to snap up official smartphone colors in the past.

Would you like to get your hands on a blue Galaxy S4, or are you happy with your black or white model?

While Verizon customers may be sick of waiting for the Samsung Galaxy S4 to arrive after seeing the device freely available on other US carriers, Big Red has attempted to alleviate some of that pain this week. The carrier has announced that they are officially bringing forward the release date for the highly sought after smartphone, allowing customers to now purchase the device one week ahead of schedule.

The Galaxy S4 initially had a Verizon launch date of May 30, but you’ll be pleased to hear that Verizon has now confirmed that the device will instead launch ‘earlier’ on May 23. That is a full week earlier than some of you were expecting, so it at least helps lighten the mood for those frustrated in seeing the device on sale at AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint.

The new launch date will apply for both online sales and throughout retail stores, so start making your preparations to visit your nearest store next week. Just to remind you, the device will be available for $199 on a two-year contract – the 16GB model in either Black Mist or White Frost.

There will also be a $50 mail-in rebate available, but unfortunately – there are no official details yet on when Verizon will plan to offer the more luxurious 32GB Galaxy S4 that most consumers would prefer over the 16GB model, with memory already taken up due to system resources.

We’re also guessing that those who have already ordered their Verizon Galaxy S4 will now receive their device on May 23, rather than May 30. If you are waiting for Verizon to release the device, let us know your thoughts on the positive news. Is it painful seeing the device available on AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile, weeks before you are able to get it?

So you’ve finally purchased your shiny new Galaxy S4, but as with most handsets, you wish to cover up all the hard work the designers have done. Having said that, you also want to protect your hard earned money and latest prized possession. Even before the handset was released we already had an idea of what cases there was to be made available, and we’ve already looked at some of them.

Now that the latest Samsung flagship handset is on the market we thought we would have a look at more Samsung Galaxy S4 cases, this time over 5 reviews.

First up we have a review of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Cygnett FlipFiber case. This is a two-part case, so you not only have a case, but also a flip cover to protect the screen as well. It’s pretty similar to the official flip cover case from Samsung, but there’s also a slot on the inside of the front cover, allowing you to place a card or a little case.

Second up is the Samsung Galaxy S4 iSkin Exo case, which as you will see is a rugged case, so should offer more protection than the previous case. It’s made of hard plastic and also has rubberized sides as well. Thankfully, the case doesn’t add much more bulk, but we have to admit, it is a bit ugly.

In the third video review we get to see the Spigen Neo Hybrid case for the S4, which is being compared to the S3 version. And you’ll see that the previous version had a better feel in the hand, but the newer model is a lot flatter and is more pleasing on the eye.

The Cushi Band Frame Case is more like a bumper than a case, but will not offer as much protection. The band is minimalist, and so only adds a little bulk to the edges. There’s always a fear of these things stretching, but with a mix of rubber and polycarbonate, this should not be an issue.

Finally, we have the Galaxy S4 Cygnett WorkMate Evolution case, and the first thing we noticed is how much cheaper it makes your S4 look. While it may be a little on the rugged side, when it comes to the design it will not win any awards.

There we have it, five Galaxy S4 case reviews, but what have you chosen to help protect your new S4 handset?

We have some more details to share with you now, on the elusive Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini. Samsung has yet to officially acknowledge a smaller version of their current flagship just yet, but frequent evidence and picture leaks suggests that it is on the way soon, just like the Galaxy S3 Mini before it.

We first heard about a smaller Galaxy S4 towards the end of March, when we told you that the device was apparently on schedule for a release sometime in June or July. A smaller model usually implies a reduction in hardware grunt and as we saw with the S3 Mini, it looks like the Galaxy S4 Mini will follow suit.

We could see a device with a 1.6Ghz dual-core processor and a 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED display – a significant change from the 5-inch display that ships with the normal Galaxy S4, as well as a quad-core processor in the US and an Octa core Exynos chip in Europe.

We now have some new pictures of the device to show you, courtesy of some whispers emerging out of China. The device has appeared on Sina Weibo, allegedly showing what the Galaxy S4 Mini will look like in black, compared to the Galaxy S3 side-by-side. Just to remind you, the G3 had a 4.8 display, so you can see the difference above with the 4.3-inch Galaxy S4 Mini next to it.

It certainly looks very compact in a smaller size, but a dual-core processor may be a bitter pill to swallow for consumers who were still expecting to see a quad-core chip. Then again, if the price is very reasonable then it could be overlooked for those that value price over hardware features.

It is twice that we have now seen notable leaks on a smaller Samsung Galaxy S4. Does it mean that an official announcement is just around the corner? Let’s hope so.