From tomorrow, customers will be able to purchase the device at Vodacom World, and certain other participating stores, with payment plans starting at a cost of ZAR469 (US$51), while the device has a recommended prepaid retail price of ZAR8,999 (US$984).
“Our customers have been looking forward to Samsung’s flagship smartphone and now they can experience this iconic phone which is available on a range of Smart plans that is best suited to meet their needs,” said Phil Patel, chief officer of Vodacom’s consumer business unit, announcing the new offering.
The cheapest price plan, named “S”, will cost ZAR469 (US$51) per month, and includes 75 Anytime minutes, 75 MB Mobile Internet and 150 Anytime Texts, as well as double the data on mobile internet for the first two months of the contract, and free Voicemail 2 SMS for three months.
“M”, “L”, and “XL” plans are also available, priced at ZAR499 (US$55), ZAR649 (US$71) and ZAR799 (US$87) respectively, while a number of high-end “Red” payment packages also exist.
“These plans offer customers loads of data to browse the Internet and will ensure that they enjoy the ultimate mobile experience,” said Patel.
The S4 has been the topic of much discussion, as Samsung claims the device will be controllable with the user’s eyes.
The Samsung Smart Pause feature will apparently pause any content when a user looks away, and will automatically restart when the user looks back at the screen.
The device also boasts the first ever Full HD Super AMOLED display, with the screen measuring five inches - the S4 being primed for viewing quality.
Other features include a 13 megapixel rear camera; Dual Shot technology allowing pictures and videos to be taken using the front and rear cameras simultaneously; Group Play which allows the sharing of content with other users nearby without the need for Wi-Fi or cellular signal; and as S-Translator which will instantaneously translate text and speech.
“We believe that the Samsung Galaxy S4’s innovation will set a benchmark for smartphone devices in the local market. It is a best-in-class smartphone designed to make life richer, simpler and fuller and developed to redefine the way we live,” said Craige Fleischer, Director of Mobile Communications at Samsung South Africa.
“The S4 boasts premium hardware technology and sophisticated software – and this, coupled with Samsung’s value added services and holistic lifestyle eco-system, is sure to see the brand meet yet another milestone in local smartphone success.”
