Skip to main content

Galaxy S4 launch dates for AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon teased in leaked Staples memo

Galaxy S4 unlock balloons
Image used with permission by copyright holder

A leaked Staples memo, of questionable origin, points to a release date as early as April 26 for the Samsung Galaxy S4 on AT&T, with T-Mobile and Verizon trailing behind. 

The document, received by Phone Arena, includes “tentative” release dates for the big carriers in the U.S. ahead of an official announcement. Assuming the document is accurate, AT&T customers will get the Galaxy S4 first on April 26, with T-Mobile joining the party on May 1 and Verizon catching up over a month later on May 30.

Leaked Staples memoThe April 26 date matches the UK launch date and T-Mobile’s own announcement at its Uncarrier Event pegged the S4 for a May 1 release, both coincidences that bode well for the document’s authenticity. The memo also teases that Staples could start pre-orders on April 16.

There is some evidence to back this date up. Walmart is also reportedly accepting pre-orders on April 16. AT&T and U.S. Cellular have already officially confirmed they will open up pre-orders that day as well. Verizon has yet to make the Galaxy S4 official so it’s hard to say whether the May 30 date is correct, but a late launch date certainly fits Verizon’s reputation.

It’s also worth nothing that the memo calls for new GS4 signage to be installed on April 15, which is a day before the official pre-orders are set to kick off. A different shot of the same document has appeared on Engadget as well, further validating its authenticity. 

Keep in mind, rumors are rumors and take it with a grain of salt and all that, but with so many sources pointing to similar dates, it is pretty hard not to look at this latest leak as authentic. At this point in the game, any information is good information, especially if you’re waiting in anticipation to upgrade from an older device. The Galaxy S4 has whipped up a lot of excitement, even if its launch was, well, odd, and we’ll be sure to update you as release dates become official. 

Editors' Recommendations

Andrew Kalinchuk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Andrew covers news and opinions pertaining to smartphones, tablets, and all else mobile for Digital Trends. He recently…
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 vs. Galaxy S22
The back of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4.

In many ways, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is the best foldable phone for most people interested in foldable technology. It utilizes its folding screen to create a more compact device, reminiscent of classic flip phones, and is almost half the price of its big brother, the Z Fold 4. However, before flipping for the Flip 4, it’s worth taking a look at how it stacks up to Samsung’s more mainstream mobile phone, the Samsung Galaxy S22. After all, why pay more for the Z Flip 4 if you can get as good an experience out of the Galaxy S22? We took a look at the two phones to see how they stack up.
Specs

Samsung Galaxy S22

Read more
OnePlus 10T vs. Samsung Galaxy S22: Should you spend an extra $150?
OnePlus 10T screen.

OnePlus has revealed the OnePlus 10T, a companion smartphone to the OnePlus 10 Pro. The first entry in its "T" series since the OnePlus 8T from 2020, it combines the powerful 4nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip with a sharp 6.7-inch AMOLED display, implausibly fast 125W charging, and a triple-lens camera setup. And at $650, it's a great price too.

But the OnePlus 10T isn't the only Android flagship on the market. One of its biggest direct competitors is the Samsung Galaxy S22. It too is competitively priced, retailing for $799 and often available for even less. Despite the great price, it has a number of premium features — such as a beautiful design, a richly detailed screen, and a similarly muscular 4nm chip.

Read more
The Galaxy Watch 4’s best charging trick is also Samsung’s worst ecosystem problem
Charging Galaxy Watch 4 with Galaxy S22 Ultra

For all the slick Wear OS tricks and comprehensive fitness features that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic offers, battery life is somewhat of a letdown. Even with an average day of usage involving continuous heart rate monitoring and GPS tracking for outdoor workouts, you will find yourself looking for the charging puck at the end of the day.

Samsung ships a wireless charging puck in the retail package. But this one takes about two hours to fully juice up the 46mm variant of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. That’s a bit too slow, considering the fact that smartwatches half its asking price — such as the divisive OnePlus Watch — take just about an hour to go from empty to 100%.

Read more