The LTE version of the Galaxy S4 (i9505) is now available from Maxis for as low as RM1,399 with contract or, for a limited time, for RM999 for Maxis One Club members (RRP RM2,499). Aside from a more battery efficient 1.9Ghz quad-core processor, the LTE Galaxy S4 is virtually identical to the non-LTE version in terms of looks and, arguably, in performance as well.
But where the octa-core, non-LTE S4 is a battery muncher, the LTE S4 offers a significant improvement in battery performance over the non-LTE version though we’re not sure if the RM300 premium is worth it considering LTE coverage in Malaysia is sporadic at best right now. So if you’re staying in outside of market centres like Klang Valley, Penang or JB, you won’t be able to benefit much from the speed offered by LTE.
Or you can just opt for our current favourite, the HTC One offering great build quality, awesome sound from the dual front speakers, a display that’s better than the one on the S4 and a fuss-free interface that’s free from gimmicky bloatware. And, at RM2,299 for the 32GB version, the HTC One is RM200 cheaper than the 32GB LTE Galaxy S4.
In any case, the Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE joins Apple’s iPhone 5, iPad mini and iPad 4; Blackberry Q10, HTC One, Nokia Lumia 920 and HTC One XL on the list of LTE devices currently available from Maxis.
Maxis’ position as the country’s leading 4G LTE operator is further strengthened with a claimed LTE subscriber base of over 130,000 customers since the service was available on January 1 this year. In addition, Maxis say that it has doubled its 4G LTE coverage in the Klang Valley to include areas such as Bukit Damansara, Kepong, Sungai Besi, Sentul and Subang Jaya, as well as expanded LTE to Penang and Johor Bahru in addition to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.
For the full list of Maxis’ 4G LTE coverage areas, data plans and devices, click here.
