Galaxy Grand Duos is getting an upgrade called Group Play that will allow for the smooth file sharing with compatible handsets using Wi-Fi channels.

The additional feature gives hopes to existing Grand users that the mid-range handset will be shortlisted with the recent pledge by Samsung that new smartphone functions showcased during the Galaxy S4 unveiling will be delivered too other Galaxy units.

Samsung, however, has clarified that the new Premium Suite and Smart features will only come to Samsung devices with compatible hardware capabilities. No specifics were provided with the declaration but it is assumed that the deployment will cover handsets that are relatively new.

When issued December last year, the Galaxy Grand was packed with a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage with expansion options of up to 64GB and JellyBean 4.1.2.

Experts immediately dubbed the Grand as a cheaper alternative for the Galaxy S3 and the Galaxy Note 2 because the device is able to deliver the meaty features that the Samsung flagships were known for.

But it would be a mediocre one, according to TechRadar, pointing to the handset's anaemic capabilities when pitted with the stable of high-end Galaxy smartphones. The Grand, the tech site added, is not even a scaled down version of the S3 and the Note 2.

Yet for users looking to enjoy best that Samsung can offer, the Grand is a fit. It assumes the stripped-down flavour of a top-notch Galaxy environment while not causing too much of a cash setback.

The phone is currently offered unlocked by MobiCity for roughly $400. It is unlikely that major Australian telcos will pick up the handset because it is dual-SIM capable and service would not want to share their subscribers with competing firms.

Some reviews, especially in India, gave the Grand decent scores as the handset displayed the ability to accommodate the demands of Samsung users pampered by the combined prowess of S3 and Note 2.

The Galaxy Grand, the reviewers said, provides an option for users wanting to try out Multi Window and Smart Stay that the S3 and Note 2 have popularised without spending too much.

And if indeed Samsung will bring most of the S4 features to the Galaxy Grand in the near future, it will be a compelling buy for the budget-conscious and young buyers - coming as both a sleek and affordable gadget.