Sprint announces Samsung Galaxy S4 with ‘Spark’ 4G LTE compatibility
We often make fun of Sprint at the Mobile Roar podcast, but we can’t deny the company is moving in the right direction. Slowly, but surely. The Now Network is expanding it’s 4G LTE reach and is currently also working on improving it with the “Spark” 4G LTE project. Only some devices are compatible with Spark, and now you can add the Galaxy S4 to the list.
What is Sprint Spark
Spark is Sprint’s initiative to make their 4G LTE network more reliable. This is done by creating a tri-band network that will support the 800MHz, 1.9GHz and 2.5GHz bands. Devices will be actively switching between said frequencies to make a much more reliable connection.
“Sprint Spark provides the capacity to greatly improve the performance of video and other bandwidth-intensive applications while opening the way for futuristic applications. Sprint Spark is designed to support a new generation of online gaming, virtual reality, advanced cloud services and other applications requiring very high bandwidth.” -Sprint
Where is Sprint Spark available?
Sprint Spark is said to be coming to 100 of the largest markets in the USA, but so far it is only available in 5 markets:
- New York
- Los Angeles
- Chicago
- Tampa
- Miami
Samsung Galaxy S4 with Sprint Spark: price and availability
The Samsung Galaxy S4 with Sprint Spark will not come as the cheapest high-end smartphone out there. Sprint is pricing this bad boy at $200 after a $50 rebate and a 2-year contract signature. You can also go the off-contract route and get the device for $25 a month with Sprint’s One Up program.
The Galaxy S4 continues to be a great phone, but it’s not alone anymore. The LG G2 and the HTC One Max also support Sprint Spark. Which of the 3 would you get?
