Cases, docks and headphones
The Samsung Galaxy S4 is undoubtedly going to be the pride and joy of many a trouser pocket. Keeping that phone feeling fresh and scratch-free means investing in a decent case, but with Samsung such a hot topic at the moment, accessories extend way beyond that.
So then, what sort of toys should you be investing in to go alongside your Galaxy S4 when it arrives? Read on to find out everything you need for your Galaxy S4.
Cases
Let's start with the obvious: a case. The Samsung Galaxy S4 has a big 5-inch 1080p screen, which while being protected by Gorilla Glass 3, might not come off so well in a fight between screen and pavement.
Tech21 Impactology cases
Tech21 has put together a range of tough cases for the new Samsung phone. Starting with the Impact Snap Black and White, which retails for ?19.99. The Tech21 impact reduction technology inside basically pushes impact force away from the phone if you drop it, making it nice and safe in the case, without the need for a massive plastic wraparound.
The cases also include the Impact Snap with Cover for ?24.99 and the rather cool-looking Impact Mesh, which is clear around the edges with an orange band. They all will be going on sale from 26 April when the Galaxy S4 launches.
Case-Mate barely there
We already have the tough case box ticked with Griffin, so now on to something a bit more stylish. The Galaxy S4 is designed to be light and pocketable, so a good case shouldn’t add too much to the form factor of the phone.
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Case-Mate’s Barely There range includes two cases, one in aluminium, which fit as close as possible to the Galaxy S4 while providing a good amount of protection. Both will go on sale from the end of April. The conventional Barely There is ?14.99, the aluminium one ?19.99.
Belkin Micra Folio case
Making a decent alternative to Samsung’s own brand flip case, but throwing in a bit of wallet functionality for good measure is Belkin’s Micra Folio case.
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The whole thing is wrapped in soft-touch material, with a flip cover on the front that features a pocket in which to store cards and cash. A microfibre lining sits on the inside of the cover to keep your screen clean.
V-Moda Vamp Verza
This one is a bit of fun more than anything, although we can see it being a hugely useful accessory for the Ssmmer, especially if you intend to take your handset to the park to provide music.
You better get saving though, because V-Moda’s Vamp is $600 (?395). It includes a full amp and even a digital to analogue converter. It fits into V-Moda’s Vamp Metallo case, combining the two into an awesome portable hi-fi.
Headphones
Android phones are starting to get their own set of audio accessories, or at least increased compatibility with devices. This means you can enjoy best-in-class audio tech alongside your shiny new Galaxy S4.
Ultimate Ears 6000
One of the big draws of the UE 6000 is that they are fully compatible, microphone and all, with Android handsets. Being battery powered noise cancellers also means you get great sounding audio even on planes and trains.
The Ultimate Ears have a design scheme which is in keeping with that of Samung’s. Gloss white and black matches nicely with the new colourways on the Galaxy S4, making the headphones a bit of a complementary product for your new phone. The Ultimate Ears are ?140.
Bowers & Wilkins P3
Another colour matched set of headphones, the Bowers and Wilkins P3s come in black, white and a soon to be launched blue. They also sound fantastic and are nice and compact, coming with a great carry case to keep them protected in handbags or rucksacks.
B&Ws P3s cost around ?170, but for that you are getting some top sound quality and build. They even have removable headphone cables in case the set you have breaks.
SteelSeries Real Racing 3 Gaming headset
If there is one app that is really going to show off the graphical prowess of your Galaxy S4, then it's Real Racing 3. We are talking about near-console quality gaming, all wrapped up in an app that is free to download. Okay, so there is some freemium shenanigans going on, but hey, if you can afford a Galaxy S4 then in-app purchases should be the least of your worries.
The SteelSeries 3 headset is designed specifically with RR3 in mind. They ship with a mini jack on one headphone so you can connect another set and share audio with a friend. There is also an in-line microphone for hands-free calling. The RR3 headphones cost ?99 from the SteelSeries website.
Docks
For many, the Galaxy S4 is replacing an iPod or iPhone. This means some sort of speaker dock will come in particularly handy if you fancy taking your music further. The Galaxy S4 uses a micro USB connector, which should mean you need only a USB port on a dock for the phone to work.
Philips Fidelio AS851
Philips has taken proper care of Android users with its range of Fidelio audio docks. The AS851 has a clever Flexidock, which can adapt to allow you to place virtually any Android phone into it.
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This means your Galaxy S4 will fit snug in the Fidelio, rather than dangling off it attached with a cable. It’s a minor point, but with?something as premium as the SGS 4, you really want your dock to match its quality.
Idapt S2
How about a dock that works with both iOS and Android devices, so you can plug in your Galaxy S4, or visiting friends hook up their iPhones? That way everyone gets a chance to play their music at parties.
The Idapt S2’s thinking is that you can never have enough connectors. As such, it comes with a micro USB connector, as well as a 30-pin Apple adapter or Lightning, should you be so inclined. The S2's pricing starts at ?159.?
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Phones Mobile phones Samsung Samsung Galaxy S4 Features
Best Samsung Galaxy S4 accessories originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:33:00 +0000