Could the Samsung Galaxy S4 be the Android smartphone that wipes the grin from the faces of Apple executives?

Romford Recorder: Survivor Skin, £14.99 at www.griffintechnology.com. Picture: PA Photo/Handout.Survivor Skin, £14.99 at www.griffintechnology.com. Picture: PA Photo/Handout. (Image: Archant)

The tech press seems very excited ahead of the release of this new handset next month, and accessory-makers are onside too.

Romford Recorder: Samsung Extra Battery Kit, £39.99 from www.mobilefun.co.uk. Picture: PA Photo/Handout.Samsung Extra Battery Kit, £39.99 from www.mobilefun.co.uk. Picture: PA Photo/Handout. (Image: Archant)

Check out the plethora of add-ons available to further enhance its desirability.

Romford Recorder: Breffo Spiderpodium, £11.40 at www.amazon.co.uk. Picture: PA Photo/Handout.Breffo Spiderpodium, £11.40 at www.amazon.co.uk. Picture: PA Photo/Handout. (Image: Archant)

Romford Recorder: Samsung Game Pad for Samsung Galaxy S4, £89.99 see www.expansys.com. Picture: PA Photo/Handout.Samsung Game Pad for Samsung Galaxy S4, £89.99 see www.expansys.com. Picture: PA Photo/Handout. (Image: Archant)

Main event - Samsung Galaxy S4 - from free on contract at www.carphonewarehouse.com. Expected launch date April 26

Romford Recorder: Samsung Smartphone Dock, £32.99 from www.expansys.com. Picture: PA Photo/Handout.Samsung Smartphone Dock, £32.99 from www.expansys.com. Picture: PA Photo/Handout. (Image: Archant)

Lighter and slimmer than its predecessor, the S3, this Samsung device packs a massive mobile punch as well as an impressive battery life. The 5in screen delivers a superb, and world first, full HD super AMOLED display, making it incredibly sharp and clear. It also comes with the latest Jelly Bean operating system and a 13-megapixel rear camera with dual-camera function, allowing simultaneous use of both front and rear cameras, as well as Air Gesture which allows you to scroll webpages or answer calls without touching the screen - the list goes on.

Play time - Samsung Game Pad for Galaxy S4 - £89.99 from www.expansys.com

This console-like controller will have gamers queuing in their masses to own one. It connects to the phone using near field communication (NFC) and Bluetooth, supporting the device in an adjustable dock. With a pair of analogue sticks, a D-pad, shoulder buttons and four regular control buttons, you’ll find it hard to put down.

Power up - Extra Battery Kit - £39.99 from www.mobilefun.co.uk

There isn’t anything more infuriating than running out of juice, so one of these back-up batteries is essential to make sure your S4 never runs flat. Setting it apart from the rest, this one is also a stand and dock, holding the phone in an ideal position for viewing websites, videos and emails, with an indicator to tell you when the battery is being charged.

Stand up - Breffo Spiderpodium - £11.40 from www.amazon.co.uk

To get the absolute maximum from your shiny new handset, you’ll be consuming media of all sorts and most likely using it as a satnav device too. So you’ll probably need an all-round cradle - and here it is. Once you’ve wrapped the strong, bendable legs around your phone and moulded it to the desired viewing angle, it makes the perfect partner for in-car entertainment and navigation.

Cover up - Survivor Skin - £14.99 from www.griffintechnology.com

Harder than a gang of nails, this tough, resilient silicone case is at top of its game for absorbing impact and vibration. For extreme events and butter fingers alike, it’s perfect to protect your phone from scrapes and bumps, yet slim enough to fit into a pocket.

Stay put - Samsung Smartphone Dock - £32.99 from www.expansys.com

Ideal as an overnight charging spot for your Galaxy S4, S III or Note II, this multimedia dock leaves your phone fully functional while charging and automatically puts your handset into desktop mode when docked, so your main features are still at your fingertips.