While we're on the actual launch date for the Malaysia launch of the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV, Samsung recently released a Dual-SIM version powered by an Exynos 5 Octa processor. Targeting the China market this previously unheard of Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV version goes by the model number of I9502 which is quite apt since the standard Exynos 5 Octa powered Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV goes by the model number of I9500.

That being said, the I9502 has practically the same tech specs as the I9500 such as the aforementioned Exynos 5 Octa processor, a 13MP camera, 5-inch Super AMOLED 1080P screen and so forth. It is 2g heavier but apart from that and the Dual-SIM capability it is identical.

Just like all the other telcos in Malaysia, Celcom have come out with a Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV offer for tomorrow's official launch of the smartphone. This offer is at a jaw dropping RM588 but there are a number of conditions that have to be met to get that price which include:

• You have to buy it during the launch
• You must sign up for the Celcom First Voice with a Data mPro bundle plan

There is no doubt about it, the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV has got to be one of the most popular and in-demand smartphones around. Users in the US are clamoring for it just as much as users over here in Malaysia. Unfortunately there is such a thing as demand outstripping supply, which has been blamed for the recent delays of the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV in the US.

Already, some US carriers such as T-Mobile are moving the pre-order campaign from 24 April 2013 to 29 April 2013. Sprint is also moving the sales start from 27 April 2013 to a later but still unnamed date. According to these carriers, online pre-orders will be filled first before other orders can be processed.

While the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV is probably the most feature-filled smartphone of its class it isn't able to match the Sony Xperia Z in one aspect, which is mainly its IP57 certification, or its ability to withstand water, dust and the elements. This may no longer be the case as Young Soo Kim, President of Samsung Gulf was recently quoted as saying that a tough, more rugged version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV is currently being developed.

This is good news for those of us with butterfingers who tend to drop our smartphones on a regular basis. Unfortunately he did not mention how this would be achieved, only that a water and dust resistant Samsung Galaxy S4 was already being developed and that it would be announced in a few more weeks. This also means that if you've been waiting for the official release of the Samsung Galaxy S4 (Tomorrow, 27 April 2013) and you have butterfingers as well, it may be good for you if you wait a while longer.

After a bit of registering interest and waiting, U Mobile have finally sent off their Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV bundle details. On top of offering the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV at just RM899, they've also included a new plan called the U Plus plan. This new U Plus plan is supposedly for only selected loyal U Mobile postpaid customers so if you're a prepaid user or have only just started with the U Mobile bandwagon you're out of luck. The other plans that go with the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV include the U58, U88 and the U Premium plans. For more details, check out the table below:

As we get closer and closer to the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV launch date, it was inevitable that prices for the previous version, the Samsung Galaxy S III would drop. However, we didn't think that it would drop this soon or this low as DiGi is now offering the Samsung Galaxy S III for RM399 under their DG Smart Plan 148 with a 24 month contract. In addition to dropping the S III's price, DiGi have also done the same for the HTC One X and the LG Nexus 4. Now all three of the devices are priced the same for the DG Smart Plan 58, DG Smart Plan 88 and DG Smart Plan 148. Check out all the details in the table below:

Earlier rumours that Malaysia would be getting both the Non-LTE Exynos 5 powered Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV or I9500 and the LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV or I9505 have turned out to be true. While the Non-LTE Exynos 5 powered Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV or I9500 has been in the SIRIM database for quite some time, a recent search has also revealed the LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV or I9505 as well. Now, if we could just get our hands on the rumoured LTE-enabled Exynos 5 Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV version supposedly only available in South Korea, our collection would be complete.

It's finally official. The Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV is going to be officially launched in Malaysia on 27 April 2013 at a still 'secret' location. Thankfully, Malaysia is one of the countries to get the first roll-out of Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV smartphones. Still no news on pricing but all things considered you should probably prepare around RM2200 as all of the Malaysian Telcos we've seen have the RRP for the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV at RM2199.

In an SMS broadcast, Maxis revealed that they will release the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV on 27 April 2013 (this Saturday) at Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre. So far, the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV is set to be offered at a subsidized price of RM1499 under an RM118 per month commitment plan. While we were rather expecting a bit more in terms of details or promotions (Maxis One Club offers for example), this wasn't made clear in the SMS.

Samsung's next rumour filled device, the Galaxy Note III now has a rumour about its screen. Rather than go for the almost-scratch-proof Corning Gorilla Glass 3 used on the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV, rumours have surfaced that say the Samsung Galaxy Note III will use a plastic OLED screen. If so, this wouldn't only be a world's first, it would mean a number of other things as well. First and foremost would be a screen that would not only be scratch resistant but tough to the point of being almost unbreakable which fits with earlier rumours stating that the screen would be unbreakable.