Samsung launches Galaxy S4 Black Edition with Note 3-like faux leather finish

Samsung Russia unveiled a new Galaxy S4 version that takes design cues from the Note 3.

Dubbed Black Edition, the new Galaxy S4 comes with the faux leather finish that Samsung introduced on the Galaxy Note 3 and Note 10.1 (2014) back at IFA and extended with the NotePRO and TabPRO line at CES this year. The look is complete with faux stitching going round the back cover’s edges and the speaker opening on the back. The all-black look extends to the front, giving the device a somber look that will surely contrast with the exuberance of TouchWiz.

Back at IFA, we asked a Samsung rep if the company planned to introduce Note 3-style back covers for the S4, and, while that’s probably a pipe dream, the next best thing is the Galaxy S4 Black Edition. Not everyone is sold on its leathery look, but we think it’s leaps ahead of the glossy look that the S4 launched with.

Besides the new black garbs, the Galaxy S4 Black Edition (GT-I9505) remains unchanged – you get a Snapdragon 600 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 13MP camera, a 5-inch Full HD screen, and a 2,600 mAh removable battery. Check out our review of the original model.

To go with the S4 Black Edition, Samsung announced an S4 Mini Black Edition, that sports the same look as its larger sibling. Everything’s packed in a smaller package, with mid-range specs, starting from the equivalent of $460.

The Galaxy S4 Black Edition will become available in Russia from next month for the equivalent of $660. No word of international availability or pricing yet, but with the Galaxy S5 coming and lots of impressive competitors on the market, Samsung may have a hard time selling it, unless the price is attractive enough.