Samsung Galaxy S4 Versions: Black Edition Unveiled In Russia Featuring Galaxy Note 3 Faux-Leather Back

Just when you thought Samsung was done making new versions of the Galaxy S4, the manufacturer unveils a slightly new design, reminiscent of the Galaxy Note 3.

Samsung Russia recently announced the Samsung Galaxy S4 Black Edition, which features the same faux-leather back panel first introduced on the Galaxy Note 3. Other than the new back panel, the Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 model is the same as the original, featuring a 5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, a 1.9GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 chipset, 2GB mobile RAM and 16GB internal storage, a 13-megapixel main camera, connectivity and networking including Wi-Fi, LTE, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, DLNA, a 2,600 mAh battery and the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean operating system.

In addition, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini Black Edition has also been unveiled, featuring its usual 4.3-inch qHD display, 1.7Gz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chipset, 1.5GB mobile RAM and 8GB internal storage, 8-megapixel camera, 1,900 mAh battery and Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean as well as the faux-leather back panel.

Notably, the faux-leather back panel was Samsung’s attempt at putting some style into its polycarbonate casings -- to make the Galaxy Note 3 look more premium. Other devices including the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition and the upcoming Galaxy Note Pro and Galaxy Tab Pro tablets feature the same back panel. During the Galaxy Note 3 launch, Samsung made no indication of plans to release variants of older Galaxy models with the faux-leather. Even now, the Galaxy S4 Black Edition appears set for release only in Russia.

The Black Edition is not the only alternate design version of the Samsung Galaxy devices. In addition to several color variants, other design variants include the Galaxy S4 Crystal Edition released in Thailand. The limited edition model features a back panel encrusted in Swarovski crystals. Samsung’s La Fleur series includes the Galaxy S3, Galaxy S3 Mini, Galaxy Ace 2, Galaxy S DUOS, Galaxy Ace DUOS, Galaxy Fame Lite, Galaxy Trend and Galaxy Core, featuring floral designs on their back panels.

With the faux-leather panel now introduced on the Galaxy S4, perhaps there is a chance the Samsung Galaxy S5 may feature a similar design. Currently, some rumors suggest that the Galaxy S5 may release in a metal variant and plastic variant, while other rumors suggests ‘standard’ and “premium’ variants made of plastic. At this point however, most details about the Galaxy S5, including when it will be unveiled and released, remain unconfirmed.

You do think the Samsung Galaxy S4 Black Edition is a good idea? Let us know in the comments below.

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