AT&T announced the first smartphone with HD Voice support, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini, which will be available in stores and online starting May 23, 2014.
AT&T, the second largest wireless carrier in the U.S., has announced the first HD Voice smartphone on its network that will offer better voice clarity and reduced background noise among other features. The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini with HD Voice from AT&T is listed on the carrier's official online store page and will be available this week.
The Galaxy S4 Mini debuts the HD Voice technology from AT&T, which is only available in select markets but will roll out nationwide in the coming months. The new technology offers rich user experience with "crystal clear conversations, reduced background noise, and the ability to talk while surfing the Web - all on the nation's most reliable 4G LTE network," the carrier said in an official consumer blog, Monday.
The technical specifications of the miniature version of the Galaxy S4 remain unchanged, which features a 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED display, 1.7GHz dual core processor, 8-megapixel rear-facing camera, 1.9-megapixel front shooter, 16GB onboard storage and a 1900mAh battery for up to 180 hours of talk time and little more than 10 days of standby.
AT&T also listed some of the top features that the Galaxy S4 boasts alongside a video explaining HD Voice. The video shows how the new feature can kill the background noise in a busy airport, crowded coffee shop or even while driving. HD Voice uses a new technology called wideband audio to deliver the high quality voice. But for users to take advantage of HD Voice, both smartphones on the calling end and on the receiving end must be HD Voice-compatible, which in this case should be equipped with the new Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini.
The smartphone also features some new apps such as Smart Remote IR that controls the television, video recorder and other devices right from the Galaxy S4 Mini. It also features camera with different shooting modes to make photography simple and Easy Mode allows users to access useful apps readily.
The AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini with HD Voice will be available in two colors, Black Mist or Valentine Pink for $49.99 with a two year contract. Customers can also buy the handset without being tied to a contract under AT&T's Next program. Under the 12 month payment plan, customers will have to pay $18.50 per month and for 18 months the monthly bill reduces to $14.25.
