HTC One Vs. Samsung Galaxy S4 - Galaxy S 4 General

I have seen SO many threads about the pro's and con's of both handsets and most are based on bias because people just want to justify their purchase one way or another or are comparing 5 minutes of use in a shop with their every day phone. I have now got both phones and here is my "opinion" of the pros and cons for both....
Screen:
The One's screen is stunning but feels small compared to the S4 and while I am one of those people who prefers the unnatural oversaturated colours offered by the S4 the sharpness seems way better on the one. Icons on the S4 have a slight fuzzy look to them compare to the One like a JPG being stretched. Could all be down to the screen size which as I said I much prefer the S4's larger screen.
Design:
This is a lot of preference but anyone who says the S4 is better looking than the One is on crack or like I said justifying their own purchase. The Samsung's plastic obviously has benefits like being able to change the back cover when it is scratched and removable to access the battery or SD card (which I don't care about the battery as I don't keep phones for longer than 12 months usually and as long as the phone has ample storage for me I am fine). Also the plastic on the S4 feels greasy and gets dirty with fingerprints very easily. One thing that a lot of people don't like that Samsung keeps doing but I love is the physical home button. The fact I can with one hand turn the phone on with the home button is WAY better than the two handed approach with the One which the power can only be turned on by the power button on the top left. On a funny note I left my old S3 on the S4 box in my office and someone walked in and picked it up and said "wow how amazing is the new S4 it looks so much better than the S3", might be a good thing because people obviously like the look but it shows that the 4 isn't that big of a difference from the 3.
Camera:
This has been done to death but believe me that both are great. If the HTC had a 8mp camera it would be the definitive Android phone but it doesn't. Both has a lot of tricks and features and both do a great job. The HTC does a better job with low light and with moving objects and the S4 has way more details.
Sound:
HTC wins this hands down. Not only with the built in speaks but with headphones too. Samsungs audio player also pales in comparison to HTC's which is as with everything on the HTC beautiful and consistent with the resat of the OS but also correctly downloads album art and lyrics to play in a Karaoke mode.
Software:
This one I am really in two minds about and my comparison is purely on stock.. The HTC's new Sense is pretty amazing. Its fast and has a consistency in its look that Samsung should take note of. I have owned a S2 and S3 and Touchwiz has barely changed. Why is the SMS app black but the mail app is white and the calendar app is a wooden brown? It seriously feels like Samsung has way too many programmers working on Android and gave them all one app or part of the interface to work on and didn't allow them to communicate to the other people to get a consistent look. Its ugly and isn't customisable in many situations. I have shown people the S4 and they marvel at how smooth it is but until you actually run it along side the One for a period its hard to describe how much smoother the One is. Never stutters never and little pauses or skipping of animations like the S4 does. On the other hand all the things the S4 can do are cool, if not gimmicky and useless. Samsung have better support from developers and as such things like my Fitbit sync wirelessly with the S4 but not my One, Grindr crashes constantly on the One and more. Support for the one is pretty amazing already and its still brand new. I also love the fact I can download a ROM and easily install it which you can not do easily on the HTC. I only every use stock but I will use the Stock UK or American or German or what ever version is the newest as here in Australia new ROM are usually released pretty slowly. It becomes an addiction every day looking if a new Android version or ROM has been released to install and try on your Samsung. 90% of the S4's new features I have turned off, they aren't guaranteed to work 100% of the time and can be more trouble than they are worth. Example Smart stay... this rarely happens but it does happen and did happen with my S3 too is that I will put the phone down on my desk at work and it will never turn the screen off, some how it thinks my office's ceiling is a face and stays on. The one feature I do love of the S4 is the one where you wave your hand over it and it lights up for a few seconds to show the clock and alerts then turns back off. Also something simple that the S4 does that the HTC doesn't which I didn't realise until I had both was when you get a message or alert the Samsung turns the screen on and displays it (admittedly in an ugly pastel coloured but for SMS's) but the HTC will never turn the screen on unless you press the power button. I will also mention that Samsung's Touchwiz also seems unpolished and incomplete, little things like the MP3 player on the lock screen not correctly fitting and cutting the bottom off just makes me think again that Samsung's developers didn't work together to produce a single OS but instead a mish mash of individual bits to make one up (maybe they rushed it out to steal some of HTC's thunder).
Hardware:
Obviously Samsung wins this hands down but once again with Touchwiz slowing down the S4 the One just feels faster. Benchmarks are great but you don't live your life in a benchmark how the phone functions in every day use is what counts. All the sensors and support that Samsung has is way better than HTC. Just simple things like putting a magnet in the phone so covers know when they are closed and turn the phone off. Simple yet awesome. The fact that Samsung continues to make a flagship phone with only 16gb and then used up over half of it with is ugly bloated OS is just beyond forgiveness. So many people say well use the SD card but always remember that you can not install apps to the SD card and a few big games and your phone can be full. HTC has a 32 and 64gb model readily available here in Australia and I guarantee that the 32 and 64gb models of the S4 NEVER get launched here just like they did with the S3. SO many promises broken, no size over 16gb and no wireless charger released even though they showed them off at the launch.
Battery:
Both easily got me through a days use. The HTC didn't last as long in standby and the S4 didn't last as long in use so they pretty much evened each other out. The fact the S4 supports wireless charging is a huge plus for me. People ***** about its useless and not as fast as a cable but they obviously don't get it. With wireless Qi charging you can still use the cable when your in a hurry and need a fast charge but the convenience of just sitting the phone on my desk charger at work and its charging is priceless. I work 9-5 so if it sits on the charger for 8 hours then its never going to go flat on me. I don't have to worry about one of the staff stealing my Micro USB cable (which happens all the time) or even looking for a cable its just amazingly convenient to sit it down and its charging. I have ordered one of those Chinese Wireless Qi inserts for the S4 and cant wit to use it. You cant add that to the One and the One is very slow charging. VERY SLOW.
Conclusion:
Both phones are the pinnacle of Android technology right now for mobile phones and both deserve to be hugely successful. In the end I stuck with the S4 as my every day phone simply because the support it has from app developers like fitbit like I mentioned before, optional wireless charging, the home button, the screen size and the fact I can flash ROMs when ever I feel like it. Every now and then I think I have made a mistake and should keep using the One, mainly when I look at how ugly Touchwiz is and when I get stutters in the OS which is unforgiveable for a phone with this kind of power. All the flaws in the S4 can be fixed with software and I one day hope Samsung wakes up and makes Touchwiz have the same beautiful look and constancy of Sense, till then I will download other apps to replace Samsung's and hope the speed issues are resolved in updates in the future which I can flash so easily when ever I want to.

thanks for the recap on every other review out there. you are in the s4 forum, therefore s4 > htc one to all users here who arent trolls.

bnathan said:
Sound:
HTC wins .....
with headphones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are not talking about exynos variant right?

HTC One Cons:
- CID based roms
- Locked Bootloader, unlocking it will cost you a part of you warranty and a lot of anger if turned in for repair
- Slow updates
- Hboot versions determines wether you can flash/update a rom
This for me is enough not to buy any HTC even if it would be made of gold

iphone!

I was using the S600 9505 variant. And my post may have gone over things that reviews and such may have mentioned but no review covers it all and I have not seen a single review mention things like the fact the HTC screen doesn't turn on to show notifications.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda premium

Wow, yet another biased review that makes out its unbiased.....Jesus.
Couple of points:
With TW, you can change the background of the SMS app, if that annoys you? So what if its a different colour to the mail app.
Sense, unlike touchwiz doesn't have the quick settings it the notification bar. Sooooo convenient to be able to toggle things quickly without having to add widgets to the home screen.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (how ironic is that eh)

What do you mean bias? Seems like your here to defend your decision to buy the S4. I have used both phones for weeks and I gave my observations. Simple. Not biased. I still love my S4 and that's what I am using today so I am hardly here to bash it.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda premium

Do we really need another useless thread?
You should carry on here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=40865558

I've seen so many threads about the pros and cons of the S4 I decided to make another one.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2

Tomo1971 said:
Wow, yet another biased review that makes out its unbiased.....Jesus.
Couple of points:
With TW, you can change the background of the SMS app, if that annoys you? So what if its a different colour to the mail app.
Sense, unlike touchwiz doesn't have the quick settings it the notification bar. Sooooo convenient to be able to toggle things quickly without having to add widgets to the home screen.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (how ironic is that eh)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, another bias review and he says its unbiased. SMH....
---------- Post added at 09:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:48 AM ----------
marcadam said:
I've seen so many threads about the pros and cons of the S4 I decided to make another one.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LMAO

Finally a comparison between the two. I couldn't find any.

WTF guys?! This is the general thread. OP had both devices and felt like posting his thoughts. You dont like? Move the #$^#$^ along and keep your opinions to yourself.

I dont get cretins that like Unibody design phones with no storage expansion.
Ok, on built 32 GB of space is ok, its just that when you already have a nice and good microSD card, you would need to throw that thing away and you would need to tediously copy the data from the sd card to the phone.
What about the battery? After 2 years, if you intend to keep the phone, your battery is going to be much weaker than when you bought it. Batteries get weaker with time and lose their performancel.
Sure you can keep going on, but good luck using that thing with 50% or less battery performance after 2 years.

bnathan said:
I have seen SO many threads and most are based on bias
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here is my "opinion"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Conclusion
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These types of threads are funny and fairly frequent. OP, this is what you're essentially saying - "everyone else's opinion isn't as good as mine so let me tell you what's really going on." And there's bias throughout your post and that's OK; but call it that. Everyone wants different things so their view is always going to take that in to account no matter how objective they try to be. I like Samsung's s/w features and Sense doesn't even have Awake Stay. So if I were to review TW vs. Sense which do you think I'd like best? But that's just me and I know I'm in the minority; at least on XDA. When expressing an individual opinion the best approach is to state your position, describe how you use your device, share your findings and then let others draw a conclusion based on their needs as to which phone or feature is "best."

Iphones?
As if we really need threads like this
Enviado desde un Samsung Galaxia S Cuatro LTE

HDR video from my S4

Dear god who gives a ****
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

If i had to choose between the Galaxy S4 and the HTC One, it would be the Galaxy S4 by a long mile. Or not really since i already have the Samsung Galaxy S4 now
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There are many reasons why i did choose the Galaxy S4 over the HTC One. And maybe some of my reasons are the same reasons for you to choose the Galaxy S4 over the HTC One. I'm gonna write down all of my reasons to buy the Galaxy S4 here, so this post might get pretty long.
1. Polycarbonate body. Since this Polycarbonate body is made out of some kind of plastic, it doesn't spread the heat around your whole hand when the phone gets hot. Yes, alumininum looks and feels great, but it have a negative side because aluminum spreads the heat way more out than plastic does. Therefor, the HTC One will spread the heat to your whole hand instead of having the heat on one place only when it gets hot, like it is on the Galaxy S4.
This article shows how hot the Galaxy S4 gets under heavy usage and where the heat is and how the heat spreads out: http://blog.gsmarena.com/thermal-im...rfaces-shows-that-the-device-rarely-gets-hot/
2. HTC One gets alot hotter than the Galaxy S4 according to NordicHardware's test of the Galaxy S4. And therefor my reason number 1 is pretty valid. The article is in Swedish though, so if you want it translated, then use Google Translate.
I see some complaints that the Galaxy S4 gets pretty hot for someone. And if the Galaxy S4 gets that hot, then the HTC One for sure gets even hotter and even more bad to hold.
3. It have a microSD card slot. So yeah, i'm currently using a Samsung MicroSDXC Pro UHS-1 64 GB Class 10 card in my Galaxy S4 witch is great. Taking tons if pictures and recoring alot of videos when you are on a vacation is going to take up a HUUUUUGE amount of space. And not to mention that 1080p movies are needed when you have a 1080p screen. And those 1080p movies can take huge amount of space to. Same goes to alot of mp3 files / musics.
4. It have a removable battery witch means you can change out to a fully charged battery when you are out of battery on your main battery in 10 seconds. This allows you to keep doing what you are doing without having a big massive brick of a battery pack with you witch will be in your way when you are using the phone.
Or you can even buy a bigger battery that gives you over 3000 mAh (an example) witch will last you for ages.
5. It have a cleaner and better design than the HTC One. This is my opinion after holding and looking at the HTC One.
6. 5 inch screen is better than 4.7 inch screen. Specially when the Galaxy S4 are smaller in size than the HTC One.
7. The Super AMOLED screen on the Galaxy S4 is way better than the IPS LCD screen on the HTC One, because you can choose if you want the colors to really pop or if you just want to have perfect color accuracy (thanks to the Adobe RGB / Professional Photo mode) on the phone.
8. It have Android 4.2.2 witch is better than Android 4.1.2 that the HTC One have.
9. Samsung releases Android updates way faster than HTC.
10. It have alot of sensors witch i find great. No other smartphones have this many sensor inside a phone.
11. It have tons of cool and handy features witch i mean is there to bring the development of the current smartphones forward rather than just updating something you already have or something existing on your phone or just stand still like iOS have done since 2009. Some of the features the Galaxy S4 have doesn't really works optimal yet, but i still think it's pretty nice to have those features and they will also get better in future updates. It's always handy to have WHEN you need it and when you want to use them.
12. It's lighter and thinner witch makes it more pocket friendly. Not only that, but the backside of the phone is more flatter witch makes it better to use on a flat surface.
13. The camera on the Galaxy S4 are WAY WAY better than the HTC One in light situations. Here are some pictures i have been taking with my Samsung Galaxy S4. Remember that those pictures under are BIG.
Here is a picture of the same flower with HDR effect on.
As you can see, the true power of the Galaxy S4's camera makes the HTC One's camera to looks horrible in light situations.
14. The sound quality when you are recording videos are also better than the HTC One's sound quality. The proof is here:
15. The HTC One wasn't available when i had to buy a new phone. So since the Galaxy S4 was available when i needed a new phone, then i bought the Galaxy S4.
So there you have it. This is 15 of my reasons why i bought the Galaxy S4 over the HTC One.

Here is a little help, if you can't decide whether to take the one or s4:

Related

Galaxy S3 or One S ?

I've been searching everywhere for a comparison thread or video or anything between the T-Mobile One S and Galaxy S3 . I right now have the One S and I am torn between this and the S3, so simple question, what phone do you think is better and why? T-mobile One S or T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S3 ( we pretty much know the specs)
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using XDA
As always, this is a question of tastes, likes and dislikes.
Looking only at the specs, the S3 is better.
But looking at practicability I think the One S is better.
If you don't care for the money go for the S3.
The benefits of the one s over the s3 are better price, better haptic due to the smaller screen and better touch due to the aluminium body.
On the other side the s3 comes with bigger battery, sd card support, better screen (hd), better cpu and probably the bigger fanbase in the future... Therefore more developers.
I don't use touchwiz or sense so this wouldnt matter for me.
Gesendet von meinem HTC One S mit Tapatalk 2
this is what ive been wondering. i have till the 18th to return my htc one s if i dont like it (since i get 30 days to return it here in california). ive had reboots, signal going in and out which has been driving me nuts and wifi calling dropping calls for no reason when i have full wifi signal. also i think the gs3 looks like crap to me and cheap and the htc one s looks way better, but the GS3 does have better features (IMO) then the htc one s.
Galaxy S3:
Bigger screen
HD screen
Expandable micro sd card
Bigger battery and also can be replaced
More ram 1gb vs 2gb which might not even matter
I think the cpu and gpu is the same as the htc one s
NFC
HTC One S:
Much better design and sexier
Camera software is better (i think it is)
Htc sense 4.0 (which i think is much better then touchwiz)
I figure for the money im better off with the gs3 since i paid 250 plus taxes for my one s. but i will see.
Firstly the GS 3 does NOT have a better processor, just because it is "quad" does not mean that it is better
The S/XL/X AT&T/Evo 4G LTE uses the latest snapdragon chip, the S4 dual core krait. Have a look at the benchmarks comparing the GS 3 and the HTC One S and the HTC One X (Snapdragon S4)
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9300_galaxy_s_iii-review-761p5.php
Unless you are looking at the version that the USA is getting in which case the GS 3 will then have the s4 as well.
Also just because the GS 3 has a bigger battery does not mean that it is also going to be better
Many factors affect battery life:
- screen size/type/res.
- driver/software optimization for battery
- the hardware that is used especially the CPU
etc.
So due to the bigger screen/higher res, the bigger battery is needed.
From what I have seen (from people who know what to post for screenshots regarding battery life and the required info. ) and heard from a friend (who owns the GS 3), the battery life does not sound that good, seems very average and only slightly better than the X.
Also just look at the atrix, it had a big battery, yet its battery life was terrible.
However, due to the s4 being very power efficient, the battery life could be a fair bit better than the exynos quad gs3,
version.
At least you will be able to get an extended battery though
The GS 3 only has 1GB of RAM as well (USA version has 2GB). There really is no need for any more RAM.
The GPU in the GS 3 is better (the GPU in the GS3 USA version is the same as the HTC one s [adreno 225])
So to sum up, if you want a bigger/better screen, more storage for dropbox, internal and the choice of using an SD card, NFC, better 1080P video recording (camera/photos seems good, but not a huge difference from what I can see and the HTC one/Sense V4 has a lot more features and some of them are great along with a better UI IMO) and a larger developing community go for the GS 3.
Although play with the GS 3 first and see what you think of touchwiz as I personally don't like it one bit, hate the colour scheme, modded apps and feels like a big step down from sense V4 overall IMO. Although touchwiz is tweaked very well under the bonnet.
Also you may find the GS 3 to be too big.
I think the OP is talking about the T-Mobile Galaxy S3 which will have dual core not a quad. Sure it all comes down to preference, would you like to have "TAMPERED" written to your bootloader and documented by the same company that is supposed to honor your warranty ? How bout a VGA front camera ? Maybe the atrocious cut out for the ****ty front camera? How bout poorly designed antennae that struggle to get a signal inside a building ? What about a non expandable 16gb memory device of which only about 10 is free ?
Touchwiz and Sense both hog resources, but TW is much, much lighter. The One S restarts Sense every chance it gets, and has a serious multitasking problem.
KillaHurtz said:
Sure it all comes down to preference, would you like to have "TAMPERED" written to your bootloader and documented by the same company that is supposed to honor your warranty ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not an issue for a lot of people as some are happy with the stock ROM in its current state and see no reason to root and flash a custom ROM yet as the 1S is super fast and smooth out of the box with great battery life and features.
Also is that not only if you use their method via their website for unlocking or whatever it is?
KillaHurtz said:
How bout a VGA front camera ? Maybe the atrocious cut out for the ****ty front camera?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the front camera really that important? Out of all my friends and family that I know who also have a front camera on their android phones, no one actually uses it......
The quality isn't amazing, but it isn't terrible....
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That was taken with some light coming in through the window (however, it is very cloudy outside, so it would be much better when we have blue skies)
The "atrocious cut out" There is nothing wrong with it IMO.
On the other hand the notification LED is atrocious and probably the cheapest/tackiest way that HTC implemented it.
At least the entire design and looks of the S is far better than the white & pebble blue GS 3, which looks like a cheap fisher price toy IMO......
Might be built very well and durable (not as durable as the GS 2 by the looks of things though) but there is no denying that in terms of "perceived quality" the HTC handsets especially the S due to the aluminium unibody/MAO process are still leagues ahead of Samsung.
KillaHurtz said:
How bout poorly designed antennae that struggle to get a signal inside a building ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had my device since release day and have had no problems with the signal whatsoever no matter where I am, just took these SS when in a shopping centre in the car park level (bottom level out of three levels) and this is my signal with a H connection, which usually results in a weaker voice reception as opposed to a G/E connection:
KillaHurtz said:
What about a non expandable 16gb memory device of which only about 10 is free ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not an issue for some people otherwise we wouldn't have even laid eyes on the device just like the others....
Unless you plan on throwing your entire music collection (can use google music as well instead) on to your device along with films etc. then there won't be any problem with storage.
Over 500 photos including lots of 1080P recordings, along with emulator files, wallpapers etc. over 60 apps installed (including games) and I still have plenty of storage.
KillaHurtz said:
Touchwiz and Sense both hog resources, but TW is much, much lighter. The One S restarts Sense every chance it gets, and has a serious multitasking problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have only had 2 reloads of the sense launcher when I was just using pure stock and it was only after returning from a game whilst using the browser as well. I have disabled a lot of sense widgets/apps etc. and use apex launcher, ics browser +, snowstorm weather widget, smooth calendar, APW calendar 4x4 widget, switch pro, and tasks free widget, swiftkey beta 3 and I have no problems with the multi-tasking, or any reloads whatsoever now.
And for the people who are experiencing the "serious" problems with the multi-tasking I am sure HTC will eventually release an update tweaking it or they could just root the mobile and install this app and then set the multi-tasking to what you want:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...t=W251bGwsMSwxLDMsImNvbS5ycy5hdXRva2lsbGVyIl0
I have had the GS 2 (on stock ICS) right beside my 1S (complete stock sense) and the 1S was noticeably quicker and smoother in every area that I tried be it browsing, games, loading apps/menus, carrying tasks out etc.
The GS 3 seems to have just as many problems as well, seems to be some wifi problems, screen problems amongst other problems and I am sure as time goes on and more and more people get their GS 3 will see even more posts stating problems etc. just like what it was with the 1S.
No device is perfect out of the box, guaranteed that every single device will have problems, even the iphones, which are suppose "to just work out of the box" have problems with the screen, buzzing in ear piece, poor battery life for a lot of handsets and signal problems as well etc.
And just because people experience certain problems with their devices does not mean that it applies to every single handset there is in the world.....
When OP asks this question here, I assume you ask the same on s3 forum cos you will for sure have most of people recommend one s here and s3 there.
There is no definitely good or bad, or better or worse between these two. Even one s is not HTC's flagship, give it to other brands, it could enough take the crown.
We could only rationally compare the specs and provide personal preference which is so depending on individules. I wouldn't deny that s3 does have better specs in some areas but one s wins in others. And one s has a few issues such as the mao coating chipping off. But it does not stop us loving the phone, rather, it only makes us love it even more cos only when you care your device, you want it better, right? Just like me, I never know what problem s3 has and will have, simply because I don't really care, I am satisfied with my beloved one s and I am pretty sure I will keep loving it since it is almost almost perfect.
So, the best way to find out which one to get, is to see the specs first, then find out any issues with both, especially if there is any deal breaking one, if you still cannot decide, go play with both in your local shops and feel them yourselves. However, I do recommend avoiding black one s cos it has hardware issue, but grey one is fine.
In the end I would say, I lovey my one s! Hope lots of people do the same (of course, try love your one s, not mine )
Sent from my HTC One S using XDA
if you're mad about the reboots and random issues it has when it first came out don't think the s3 is going to be perfect and bug free either cause you're going to be dissapointed if you gave up ur one S for a rebooting brick
icecicle said:
if you're mad about the reboots and random issues it has when it first came out don't think the s3 is going to be perfect and bug free either cause you're going to be dissapointed if you gave up ur one S for a rebooting brick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only problem I have is the multi tasking on it, and also this weird screen flickering
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using XDA
s10shane said:
this is what ive been wondering. i have till the 18th to return my htc one s if i dont like it (since i get 30 days to return it here in california). ive had reboots, signal going in and out which has been driving me nuts and wifi calling dropping calls for no reason when i have full wifi signal. also i think the gs3 looks like crap to me and cheap and the htc one s looks way better, but the GS3 does have better features (IMO) then the htc one s.
Galaxy S3:
Bigger screen
HD screen
Expandable micro sd card
Bigger battery and also can be replaced
More ram 1gb vs 2gb which might not even matter
I think the cpu and gpu is the same as the htc one s
NFC
HTC One S:
Much better design and sexier
Camera software is better (i think it is)
Htc sense 4.0 (which i think is much better then touchwiz)
I figure for the money im better off with the gs3 since i paid 250 plus taxes for my one s. but i will see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im in the EXACT same boat as you. I got my One S for 290 on Tmo with upgrade and am looking to sell back my One S for the GSiii. The only thing is I have til the end of this week to decide! Haha. If I sell back to T-Mo, will I be able to upgrade again?
Regarding reboots, since release day pretty much, I have only had 2 reboots and they both happened when I was using swiftkey beta 3, so it may have been related to that app due to it being in "beta" stages.....
Haven't had any more reboots since the latest beta version and update for the 1S *touch wood*
Closed Source Project said:
Im in the EXACT same boat as you. I got my One S for 290 on Tmo with upgrade and am looking to sell back my One S for the GSiii. The only thing is I have til the end of this week to decide! Haha. If I sell back to T-Mo, will I be able to upgrade again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah u can still upgrade if u return it within the 30 days or whatever days u have. i probably will trade mine back in right before it ends. it just depends on how much the gs3 cost me. i cant stand no micro sd card expansion. i know we get drop box but what good is drop box when ur out and u get crappy 2g? its pretty much useless and so is google music. this is why i would much rather have expandable memory so i dont have to rely on my internet connection. it just sucks to give up such a sexy ass device plus i normally hate samsung and love htc but i feel like im getting more for my money if the gs3 cost me the same as the htc one s cost me. if it cost more then i will stick with the one s.
s10shane said:
yeah u can still upgrade if u return it within the 30 days or whatever days u have. i probably will trade mine back in right before it ends. it just depends on how much the gs3 cost me. i cant stand no micro sd card expansion. i know we get drop box but what good is drop box when ur out and u get crappy 2g? its pretty much useless and so is google music. this is why i would much rather have expandable memory so i dont have to rely on my internet connection.
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Click to collapse
That is the exact same reason I am considering switching over for. Thanks for the reply, nice to know I get my upgrade privilege back. If you find out how much the GSiii will cost on upgrade, please let me know. I will do the same for you
EDIT: I read Samsung states that the newest device should be 199 with contract (upgrade I assume as well if TMo is good). So same price if not cheaper if TMo does or doesn't have the 50 mail in rebate like with the One S (at least for me in Chicago). I found that on THIS article.
Closed Source Project said:
That is the exact same reason I am considering switching over for. Thanks for the reply, nice to know I get my upgrade privilege back. If you find out how much the GSiii will cost on upgrade, please let me know. I will do the same for you
EDIT: I read Samsung states that the newest device should be 199 with contract (upgrade I assume as well if TMo is good). So same price if not cheaper if TMo does or doesn't have the 50 mail in rebate like with the One S (at least for me in Chicago). I found that on THIS article.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet if its 199 with no rebates then I will get it asap. I paid 250 plus tax and over night shipping which cost me 340 which is kinda to much money for this phone. I sent the rebate in but it can take up to 8 weeks to get my 50
Sent From My HTC One S Using XDA Premium App
As I see it the main reason to choose the one s over sgs3 is the size. And that was a good enough reason for me
Sent from my HTC One S using XDA
Habarug said:
As I see it the main reason to choose the one s over sgs3 is the size. And that was a good enough reason for me
Sent from my HTC One S using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah the size is nice and its 720p which is also nice. I like the expandable micro sd and the removable battery is nice as well and NFC support.
Sent From My HTC One S Using XDA Premium App
Terminator19 said:
Not an issue for a lot of people as some are happy with the stock ROM in its current state and see no reason to root and flash a custom ROM yet as the 1S is super fast and smooth out of the box with great battery life and features.
Also is that not only if you use their method via their website for unlocking or whatever it is?
Is the front camera really that important? Out of all my friends and family that I know who also have a front camera on their android phones, no one actually uses it......
The quality isn't amazing, but it isn't terrible....
That was taken with some light coming in through the window (however, it is very cloudy outside, so it would be much better when we have blue skies)
The "atrocious cut out" There is nothing wrong with it IMO.
On the other hand the notification LED is atrocious and probably the cheapest/tackiest way that HTC implemented it.
At least the entire design and looks of the S is far better than the white & pebble blue GS 3, which looks like a cheap fisher price toy IMO......
Might be built very well and durable (not as durable as the GS 2 by the looks of things though) but there is no denying that in terms of "perceived quality" the HTC handsets especially the S due to the aluminium unibody/MAO process are still leagues ahead of Samsung.
I have had my device since release day and have had no problems with the signal whatsoever no matter where I am, just took these SS when in a shopping centre in the car park level (bottom level out of three levels) and this is my signal with a H connection, which usually results in a weaker voice reception as opposed to a G/E connection:
Not an issue for some people otherwise we wouldn't have even laid eyes on the device just like the others....
Unless you plan on throwing your entire music collection (can use google music as well instead) on to your device along with films etc. then there won't be any problem with storage.
Over 500 photos including lots of 1080P recordings, along with emulator files, wallpapers etc. over 60 apps installed (including games) and I still have plenty of storage.
I have only had 2 reloads of the sense launcher when I was just using pure stock and it was only after returning from a game whilst using the browser as well. I have disabled a lot of sense widgets/apps etc. and use apex launcher, ics browser +, snowstorm weather widget, smooth calendar, APW calendar 4x4 widget, switch pro, and tasks free widget, swiftkey beta 3 and I have no problems with the multi-tasking, or any reloads whatsoever now.
And for the people who are experiencing the "serious" problems with the multi-tasking I am sure HTC will eventually release an update tweaking it or they could just root the mobile and install this app and then set the multi-tasking to what you want:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...t=W251bGwsMSwxLDMsImNvbS5ycy5hdXRva2lsbGVyIl0
I have had the GS 2 (on stock ICS) right beside my 1S (complete stock sense) and the 1S was noticeably quicker and smoother in every area that I tried be it browsing, games, loading apps/menus, carrying tasks out etc.
The GS 3 seems to have just as many problems as well, seems to be some wifi problems, screen problems amongst other problems and I am sure as time goes on and more and more people get their GS 3 will see even more posts stating problems etc. just like what it was with the 1S.
No device is perfect out of the box, guaranteed that every single device will have problems, even the iphones, which are suppose "to just work out of the box" have problems with the screen, buzzing in ear piece, poor battery life for a lot of handsets and signal problems as well etc.
And just because people experience certain problems with their devices does not mean that it applies to every single handset there is in the world.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with this post almost completely.....except that I am definately having the data issue. I am hoping against hope that the ghost firmware update will correct this.
I returned mine yesterday and am having the same problem with this second one.
Edit-I think I'm in a fringe/low lieing area. I never get a real good signal, but the indicator fluctuates wildly. Mostly at 1-2 bars or less.
I myself would choose the One S over the SIII. Which I did.
I was a little concerned about the battery but it has turned out to be a non issue. Battery life is superb!
Changed my mind. I am sticking with the One S. Build quality is wayyyy better plus I would have to shoot myself in the groin if I had to deal with TouchWiz, even for one day. It's nice that you can have much more memory, but that's about it.
Closed Source Project said:
Changed my mind. I am sticking with the One S. Build quality is wayyyy better plus I would have to shoot myself in the groin if I had to deal with TouchWiz, even for one day. It's nice that you can have much more memory, but that's about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah it does suck but at least there is apex launcher which makes any phone nicer lol. plus im sure there will be a cm9 rom for it somewhere along the way. lol im still thinking about it. i probably wont make up my mind till i see the pricing official from tmobile

Why is the One S underestimated??

Guys I have seen lots of reviews of our phone.I own it for two months and I am very pleased with it.In fact in most reviews is faster than other premium phones and except for the screen resolution in terms of characteristics is great.Also its size is great and all these made me choose it between hox and gs3.In fact I had it side by side with hox and in swapping hox fealt heavy and laggy compared to hos.S4 is really great.But, it is not considered to be top range and has lost value pretty easily.Its retail price is close to the others but it is considered cheaper.These facts had made me to reconsider my buy and thinking of changing device.What you guys think?
Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2
boulek said:
Guys I have seen lots of reviews of our phone.I own it for two months and I am very pleased with it.In fact in most reviews is faster than other premium phones and except for the screen resolution in terms of characteristics is great.Also its size is great and all these made me choose it between hox and gs3.In fact I had it side by side with hox and in swapping hox fealt heavy and laggy compared to hos.S4 is really great.But, it is not considered to be top range and has lost value pretty easily.Its retail price is close to the others but it is considered cheaper.These facts had made me to reconsider my buy and thinking of changing device.What you guys think?
Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You only want a new phone because your old one lost value, although you consider your phone better then the higher priced ones? What I think is that you are a moron, lolz.
Are you happy with it? Don´t change it...
I dont think its better, but I think its equal .But I don't understand why it is so underestimated...That's all
Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2
Get the s3 its way better
Best battery life 6-7hrs screen time
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Most probably it's because it has flaws, that are unacceptable in a top-notch high end device?
Like the premium extra-durable cover, that needs to be handled with extra care, and it still does not guarantee, that there will be no chipping?
Or the light leaks below the front glass?
Or the squeaking top cover?
Or the ridiculously small storage capacity?
Or the far from perfect video support (I need to have two extra players installed, and I still am not sure if the movie I have just downloaded will play or not)?
The only reason I am still keeping it is the perfect form factor, but every time I notice a new scratch, that appears out from nowhere, I just want to get rid of this expensive piece of crap.
Thats y u need to root. I have the rom i ported from HTC ONE S with new kernel..runs just as fast, obviously rooted, overclocked, v6 supercharged and swap enabled minus bloat...u should stay with it. Root it and get the energized from NRGZ8..themed and tweaks..He is one of the best developers
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium
Look at it from a customers point of view, who aren't phone/tech geeks like us. Lets say 60/70% did some homework ad looked around. They decided on andriod over ios. They seen whats on the market and might even watched some youtube clips.
What most people will likely see:
Quadcore > Dualcore (Most people wont know what or S4 can do)
Bigger screen > better form factor. I think most people won't take the time to pick the phone up and hold it. and see how it feels in their hands.
And the one S got a pretty crappy screen regarding resolution/density.
This plus the fact our phone is just about 100 euro's? cheaper than the one X or SIII which excel in all these points.
Most people wont see the elegance of this device. You have to stand still and hold it will you fall in love with the seize, form factor, build quality and design of this device. And I think most wont/will do this when they walk in the phone store, because there are so many choices.
And this is if they disregarded htc completely because their friend, bother, uncle had a htc once and they didn't like that one.
Diaze said:
Get the s3 its way better
Best battery life 6-7hrs screen time
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What a load of BS
I have yet to see anyone get 6-7 hours on screen time on the GS 3 from one charge out of the box (unless you're someone who keeps airplane mode on, screen brightness to like 0% etc.). Going by proper usage as in wifi on all the time or 3G/H data and auto brightness with some browsing, phone calls/texts, quick game, some videos etc. the one S battery life is better, (maybe not by much) due to the S4 chip and smaller screen with a lower res. At best the GS 3 seems to get about 5 hours on screen time and at best the one S gets 6 hours on screen time, however, the majority of people seem to be getting only about 3-4 hours on screen time spread across a 1-2 days with the GS 3 where as the majority of people are getting 4-5 hours on screen time spread across 1-3 days.
Also the only areas where the GS 3 is better by a lot are:
- screen in terms of res. and size
- storage
- 1080P recording
- NFC
- NLED
The S is better in:
- IMO sense largely the camera overall, way more features, much better UI (camera quality is more or less the same, wins some, looses some), gallery, calendar app etc. only good thing about touchwiz are the tweaks/features like smart stay, smart status bar, which can be had on pretty much every mobile now through apps
- build and perceived quality and IMO looks
- better CPU for performance per core (more important than having an extra 2 cores as hardly any apps utilise dual fully let alone quad), power efficiency, heat
- cheaper
Everything else is more or less the same, audio, camera quality etc.
The words, which you should be using is a more "complete package"
viator said:
Most probably it's because it has flaws, that are unacceptable in a top-notch high end device?
Like the premium extra-durable cover, that needs to be handled with extra care, and it still does not guarantee, that there will be no chipping?
Or the light leaks below the front glass?
Or the squeaking top cover?
Or the ridiculously small storage capacity?
Or the far from perfect video support (I need to have to extra players installed, and I still am not sure if the movie I have just downloaded will play or not)?
The only reason I am still keeping it is the perfect form factor, but every time I notice a new scratch, that appears out from nowhere, I just want to get rid of this expensive piece of crap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have had my one S since April and have no chipping at all apart from the inside of the USB port, not exactly the most careful either, I just keep it in a pocket of its own, set it down on a clean surface, I only use a case every now and again.
Is that really an issue? I only notice it in pitch black whenever I have a black wallpaper showing. Besides the buttons are far better than the GS 3 buttons especially since the Gs3 has a hard home button, which just ruins the look of the front and better than many other devices IMO, only way it can be topped is with on screen buttons like the GN). Oh and btw so does the GS 3 and a lot of other phones:
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PB model isn't as bad but it still does as well.
EDIT:
Oh wait you mean, the way the light actually goes on to the bottom of the screen? Again is that really an issue? As I said, only time I notice it is in pitch black with a completely black wallpaper. You will also probably notice black spots on the screen with a black wallpaper but again, this is normal on every AMOLED based screen.
Have had no problems with squeaking on mine. Even if there was a problem, it still has far better build quality than any other phone and the ceramic back would make up for it IMO.
Storage is a problem for a lot of people, however, if it is, then the people just won't bother looking at this phone then and get the GS 3 or something with an SD slot, I have no problems with mine, over 80 apps installed, this includes a number of games including games like dead trigger and I still have 1.53GB available, I have 876 photos including 1080P/slow motion videos, loads of emulator ROM files, wallpapers/icons etc. and I still have 4.81GB left, could easily free up the majority of that space as all my photos are backed up each day to my PC and I imagine that "average joes" wouldn't be overly fussed about it either. After all the Galaxy nexus etc. have no SD slots and limited storage yet they do very well still, just not as well as the like of the GS 3 and GS 2 etc. For me and a lot of other people storage isn't a problem therefore we don't really consider it a con for ourselves.
What problems are there with video support, any file I have thrown at it plays flawlessly on BS player, this includes 720/1080P MKV's (size is 10GB+, split up into parts), AVI, MP4 etc.
Vauix said:
Bigger screen > better form factor. I think most people won't take the time to pick the phone up and hold it. and see how it feels in their hands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really true, why do you think the iphone 4/4s is so popular Many "average joes" can't stand the size of a lot of these phones today or the plastic used and is why they largely go for the iphone as it is small and feels great and looks great (not keen on the looks myself but I can see why people like it so much) They even consider the one S and GS 2 to be too big
It is simply due to the lack of advertising, I still have not seen one ad on TV for the one S, always the one X and have lost count of how many ads there have been for the GS 3 now......... and HTC don't seem to be too popular here (UK), a lot of people look down on them, even the majority of average joes seem to think that they are an awful company, no idea why though, granted their support isn't the best when it comes to sending mobiles of for repair etc. and some of their phones have been rather crap but the one S and one X (now that the issues have been sorted out) are their best phones they have released to date and sense V4 is much better than previous versions.
The only real problem that people (the ones who know know a bit more about phones than the average joes) have with the one S is:
- storage
- pentile matrix used instead of RGB
I don't really have any problem with those, the pentile is noticeable in some areas, however, I only notice it when I concentrate on the edges of icons and have my face really close to the screen, the rest of the screen is great, colours, viewing angles, blacks and best of all, how easy it is to see the screen in sunlight, don't have to be above 70% brightness to easily make out what is on the screen, no need to cover the screen with your hand etc. Plus apparently pentile matrix is better for battery life and so I personally rather have it due to that reason.
Anandtech sum my views up pretty much spot on regarding the screen quality:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5868/htc-one-s-review-international-and-tmobile/6
PS sorry for the wall of text
I'm ready to go back to my S2. Scratches appear out of no where. I have never used a screen protector on any of my phones and never got a single scratch. This phone is great but now my screen has scratches and its bothering so bad.
Sent from my HTC One S using xda app-developers app
Mine has some drops and dont even one scratch anywhere
Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2
Get an iphone, it still has it's value here retailing for €749 xD
Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2
I came from a GS2 to One S (S4) - but only for a week. Reasons are, the OLED display is not good enough for me, sorry but it is not up to much in terms of resolution and light output. The black case chips on its own, it seems. I've had and sold several smartphones over the recent years and NEVER had any marks on the case or screen. I'm careful but not anal about it. This phone just made me weep! Finally, the so-called notification LED is a freakin sick joke. Pointless engineering faux-pas.
Now happy with my Sony XS...
Here are the reasons that tipped my clicker finger to buy the One S...
T-Mobile now has unlimited data and that's switchable between 5G
The One S has 42 Mbps (so does the Samsung S2/3)
Those 2 above provide backed up data at an avg of 18 Mbps in my house. So, AT&T's LTE was eliminated.
One S is a better device for my needs... size and interface
One S has a very bright display that's easier to read
That's only a few. The S3 is a nice plastic phone with a lot of stuff.
The stuff I need and the functionality of using it is on the One S.
I debated long and hard and did a lot of research on the One S and the SIII before buying and finally decided on the One S. Couldn't be happier with my decision. The quality and performance of the One S is great. The SIII feels cheap and is so hyped up. I get 6 hours screen on time overclocked at 1.72GHhz and score over 6000 on quadrent. I also like that I can choose between sense and pure android.
My gf got the S3 and I got the one S, I'm happy with my choice.
The S3 was too big for my liking and had TouchWiz. I also thought the One S would have better ROM options once I decide to root the phone.
Either way I ended up with a nice upgrade from my MT4G
Sent from HTC One S

Samsung Galaxy S4 review: Decent, but full of gimmicks

Samsung Galaxy S4 review: Decent, but full of gimmicks
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I've seen Android phones get better and more powerful over the years, as Google and phone manufacturers pack devices with more and more features. There comes a time, though, when less is more. I'm afraid we've reached that time.Samsung's new Galaxy S4 smartphone is an excellent device from a hardware standpoint. Measuring 5 inches diagonally, the screen is slightly larger than that on its predecessor, the Galaxy S III. Yet the S4 is a tad lighter and smaller overall. The S4's display is also much sharper, at 441 pixels per inch compared with 272 on the S III. The S4 has one of the sharpest screens out there.
The Android operating system it runs is excellent, too, and in recent years the Google-made system has become a healthy competitor to Apple's iOS system for iPhones. Like most Android phones, the S4 comes with a suite of useful Google apps, including Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps and the voice assistant Google Now. Because Google lets device makers customize Android to suit their needs, Samsung and others have been adding their own distinguishing features.
And that's the source of the problem. Packed with bags of tricks, phones have become way too complicated for many people to use. In some cases it's because these custom features work only some of the time. In other cases, you're confronted with too many ways to do similar things.
As much as Apple can be criticized for exerting control over what goes on its iPhones, it wins on simplicity. There are no competing agendas - just Apple's.
By contrast, Android has turned into a free-for-all. For instance, the Sprint version of the S4 phone has at least four different ways to watch video - one that comes standard with Android, one added by Sprint and two added by Samsung. Some content works with one but not the others.
And to watch video on one of the Samsung apps, the one called Samsung Hub, you have to navigate through two screens trying to sell you video that I couldn't get to work on the other apps. As much as it adds to the clutter, Samsung would rather you use its service and not the standard Android one. That way, Samsung rather than Google gets revenue from video sales. Samsung Electronics Co. has its own app store, too, to rival Google's own Play store on the same device.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't consider buying the S4.
Another highly praised phone, HTC One(Review I Pictures), has a lot of clutter as well. The display on the One is slightly smaller than S4's, but it has a higher resolution. The One sounds better, too, with front-facing speakers, while the S4 has a speaker on the back. The One might be the one for you if you watch a lot of video and listen to a lot of music. But the One feels heavier and bulkier, and its battery holds less charge than the S4.
The four national wireless carriers, plus U.S. Cellular, Leap Wireless' Cricket and C Spire, will sell the S4 in the United States. Release dates vary, and some will start this week. Expect to pay $150 to $250 up front with two-year contracts (T-Mobile calls them installment plans as it markets contract-free service).
Despite my complaints with all the add-ons on the S4, a number of them show promise
Easy Mode
It's not entirely new, as the S III and the Galaxy Note 2 have it, too. But Samsung makes that option more prominent when people set up the S4 for the first time. Icons in Easy Mode are larger, so you are less likely to hit the wrong one and have to figure out how to go back. You also get fewer choices for customizing the phone and using its camera, so there's less confusion about which to pick. Easy Mode isn't as easy to use as I would have liked, though, because features and settings from the regular mode creep in now and then.
Multi Window
Again, this feature isn't entirely new, but it's the first time I noticed it. It allows you to run two apps side by side, the way you've long been able to on traditional computers. That means I can keep up with Facebook on the top half of the screen, as I send email from the bottom half about all the dumb things my friends are saying on Facebook. Unfortunately, it works with a limited number of apps. Foursquare and Instagram aren't among them. And I needed an online video tutorial to figure it out.
Air View
When you point to an email or calendar entry with your finger, you see contents pop up in a bubble. That way, you don't have to open the entry and find the back button to return to what you were doing. Samsung has this feature on the Galaxy Note 2 phone, but that's designed for use with a stylus. On the S4, you simply hover over the entry with your finger. I wish it would work with more apps. For instance, you can use it with Android's generic email app, but you can't on the one made specifically for Gmail.
All of these would benefit from being part of Android rather than an add-on from Samsung. Easy Mode would truly be easy if it were designed from the start that way rather than as something that couldn't fully separate itself from the main Android. More apps would work with Multi Window and Air View if they were standard features, not ones app makers have to adapt for one by one.
And then there are some features that got in the way
I mentioned the competing ways to watch video and buy apps.
Another is Smart Pause, which automatically pauses video when your look away from the screen. The phone's front camera detects your eyes. Smart, but the feature also pauses the video when you cover your eyes, say, to avoid a gory scene in a horror movie. It's as if the phone is forcing you to look. And there are few times my eyes are glued to video. I typically multitask and watch video while doing other things.
Smart Scroll detects the tilt of your head or the phone to automatically scroll text, such as when you're reading a long article on a Web browser. Smart, but it sometimes scrolls past what I want to read. It's difficult to move the text back without touching the screen, something Smart Scroll is supposed to eliminate. And at times, I have to keep my neck up in an uncomfortable position to stop scrolling.
With Air Gesture, you wave your hand over a sensor for such tasks as browsing a photo album or scrolling through text. I can see it being useful when you need to answer a call while driving (not that you should), but I had difficulty getting the phone to respond properly with photos and Web pages. It reminds me of automated water faucets that won't let me wash my hands no matter how much motion I make.
Fortunately, the phone comes with many of these features already turned off, and you can turn off others you don't need or want. It took me a while to figure out that the Wi-Fi connection on my phone kept mysteriously turning on by itself because of some feature called Smart Mode. So Smart Mode is now off. Group Play is a feature that lets you share music and photos with other S4 users on the same Wi-Fi network. But I don't know of any S4 users, and it doesn't work with Group Play on the S III. I couldn't uninstall the app, so I buried that in a new folder called Junk.
The S4 has plenty of other features I could dismiss. Some might like the camera's ability to erase a stray individual out of photos or to combine several images of motion into a single shot. But I'm a purist, and I'm not a fan of manipulating images. And the feature for using the phone as a TV remote control? That's what remote controls are for.
I shouldn't have to spend a lot of time customizing the phone to turn off or hide what I don't want. Many people never change the default settings. I've been using the S III as my main phone since July, and I've rarely found a need to reach into its bag of tricks. I simply want a phone that is easy to use.
The S4 can be that, but first you must figure out how to hide all its gimmicks.
aukhan said:
[I simply want a phone that is easy to use. The S4 can be that, but first you must figure out how to hide all its gimmicks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a N2 and a lot of the "gimmicks" on it have been inherited by the SGS4. I like the gimmicks and wouldn't buy a phone in the future that didn't have some of the ones I use regularly. How everyone reacts to Samsung's features is YMMV. Like you said, they can be turned off or people can flash an alternate ROM.
BarryH_GEG said:
I have a N2 and a lot of the "gimmicks" on it have been inherited by the SGS4. I like the gimmicks and wouldn't buy a phone in the future that didn't have some of the ones I use regularly. How everyone reacts to Samsung's features is YMMV. Like you said, they can be turned off or people can flash an alternate ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well honestly i feel that Custom roms are much 10X times better then stock , But what i feel is Its better to wait for Note 3 , i would rather prefer Note 3 over s4 any day :good:
so.... you're an apple fanboy?
i'd rather choose 1 way of doing things out of 8 possible choices, or 4 like in your example of the video players, than being stuck with only one choice, that WORKS even though you might like one of the 8 choices better.
running gingerbread steeldroid. for my launcher... i use ADW on my droid 3. MX player for my videos. and handcent for my texting. i simply use them by default.
lastly, i feel like this is a review meant for phandroid or android central, not XDA haha.
aukhan said:
well honestly i feel that Custom roms are much 10X times better then stock , But what i feel is Its better to wait for Note 3 , i would rather prefer Note 3 over s4 any day :good:
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Note 3 would be awesome and guess what? The same features that you call gimmicky are one of the main reasons why people love the note in combination with the Spen and the fantastic battery life. The note 2 wouldn't have been as successful if it didn't have an S pen and multiwindow. Imagine if the Note 3 comes out without an S pen and the airview and all that (believe it or not some folks call the S pen gimmicky but those of use that use it for real will find a hard time to part ways with it). Would you still get it? Probably not cause then it becomes a big phone with great battery life but nothing that makes it special or stand out.
People love criticizing Samsung for many things, plasticky, gimmicky, cartooney touchwiz ect.... But those exact same things are what make people want more of Samsung and folks don't take a second to realise it. I actually applaud Samsung for trying to innovate and bring new features to the table, features that like you said, can be turned off anytime if you want.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
The One might be the one for you if you watch a lot of video and listen to a lot of music
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I disagree strongly here. I watch a lot of movies and listen to a lot of music on my phone, and by all accounts the Galaxy S4 is seeming that it will be the best for these.
-I may be wrong, but AMOLED seems better for darker backgrounds such as watching movies I believe due to it using less battery in such environments, and the saturation color options allow things to pop out even near the screen edge.
-The GS4 offers a slightly larger screen and thus more real estate to view videos/movies on. The HTC has better ppi, but I think it goes without saying that's not going to be as noticeable as the smaller screen, if it can be noticed at all.
-Ear/head phones, wired and wireless, are always better than speakers for listening to movies and music. The speakers from the HTC produce no bass, and as a simple matter of physics, sound traveling through the air isn't going to compare to sound going by wire straight into your ears. More importantly, you can listen to music and movies without bothering other people. As far as headphone quality goes, I recall that both phones were either equal or that the GS4 produced better quality, but I'm not sure.
Lastly, I plan on carrying around a lot of podcasts, music, and videos in storage for when my connection is bad or I have no connection at all, such as being out of network range or the towers being down/needing repair or upgrades. The Galaxy S4 offers expandable storage for all media needs, a perk not offered in the HTC One. I realize this is only one part of your review I'm picking at but I just felt it was worth noting that improved speakers don't necessitate a device is better for music/movies.
barondebxl;. I actually applaud Samsung for trying to innovate and bring new features to the table said:
I totally agree with you , Its a new innovation , let me tell this , I was a real big fan of Blackberry and when i went to purchase this BB9780 Bold the same store person asked me for the requirements what specifically you are looking for said productivity (office Use) , Multimedia , Social networking , he said we had a new launched device Samsung Galaxy note I was not a real big fan of Samsung , Checked the phone came back home said give me a weekend time ill get back , Checked reviews out of Box videos Tips tricks and was amazed everything was outstanding , and now being a proud owner with Custom Rom and hacks and Mods its really difficult to live without it epically the gigantic Display , i am sure the next update will have almost all the features what s4 has but my personal opinion is Note 3 will be worth a wait :good:
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fade2green514 said:
so.... you're an apple fanboy?
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Hard Core Hatter of Apple Iphone but huge fan Macbook Air
All I got from this nonsense post is that you're afraid of gory movies. You big baby.
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Bigjim1488 said:
All I got from this nonsense post is that you're afraid of gory movies. You big baby.
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Click to expand...
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Just trying to show Pros and Cons of those gimmicks
Sarcron said:
The One might be the one for you if you watch a lot of video and listen to a lot of music
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The One i was referring to HTC One
aukhan said:
Hard Core Hatter of Apple Iphone but huge fan Macbook Air
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Lol! Android is open source, fully customizable. Apple is not.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
jorv976 said:
Lol! Android is open source, fully customizable. Apple is not.
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Yes that is True
Apple is like an Old age phone which i would refer it as an Nokia 6600 with Touch LoL !
aukhan said:
The One i was referring to HTC One
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I know, I was addressing the HTC One vs the GS4 on video/music.
Sarcron said:
I know, I was addressing the HTC One vs the GS4 on video/music.
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hmm ... but still i feel the Stock Headphones needs to be improved a lot .
i love the loud speaker music but stock earplugs are real like dirty sound have to shell out more money and buy other brand earplugs (Beats:good.
aukhan said:
hmm ... but still i feel the Stock Headphones needs to be improved a lot .
i love the loud speaker music but stock earplugs are real like dirty sound have to shell out more money and buy other brand earplugs (Beats:good.
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I find Beats unbearable, especially the non high end ones. Have you been to any audiophile forums at all? Go on and check what most audiophiles have to say about beats audio. Probably you find it great, and lets agree to disagree there.
And the stock headphones aren't that great, but is surprisingly one of the better ones among the rest of the crappier ones. Haven't tried S4/One headphones, but I'm referring to the ones that came with the Note II, which I presume is the same that came with S4 too. Someone had compared all the headphones on head fi, let me see if I can dig that up.
tuxonhtc said:
I find Beats unbearable, especially the non high end ones. Have you been to any audiophile forums at all? Go on and check what most audiophiles have to say about beats audio. Probably you find it great, and lets agree to disagree there.
And the stock headphones aren't that great, but is surprisingly one of the better ones among the rest of the crappier ones. Haven't tried S4/One headphones, but I'm referring to the ones that came with the Note II, which I presume is the same that came with S4 too. Someone had compared all the headphones on head fi, let me see if I can dig that up.
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well the headphones i got with HTC rezound i've been using them quite some time they have started spoiling , will buy some new one in next few days , yes sure i've not been to any forums but this time will check and pick the best ,
What is your preference in earplugs which one do you use ?
aukhan said:
well the headphones i got with HTC rezound i've been using them quite some time they have started spoiling , will buy some new one in next few days , yes sure i've not been to any forums but this time will check and pick the best ,
What is your preference in earplugs which one do you use ?
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Oh I don't use stock at all, but if I'm stuck with stock, Samsung is decent. I use Koss KSC75, which is incredible sounding for it's price - for multimedia uses that is
tuxonhtc said:
Oh I don't use stock at all, but if I'm stuck with stock, Samsung is decent. I use Koss KSC75, which is incredible sounding for it's price - for multimedia uses that is
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i believe those are around 20$ the same in India are sold for 40$
aukhan said:
i believe those are around 20$ the same in India are sold for 40$
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Oh, that's a rip off, but for the quality, I'd pay even 80$ without any thoughts. It rivals many of the high end headphones, it's THAT good. I don't know any <50$ earphones that are even in the same ballpark as KOSS KSC75 anyways.

Why did you pick the S4 over the HTC One, Note II, or Optimus G Pro?

Just wondering why everyone chose the S4 over the main competition, the HTC One, and the phablet Note II and Optimus G Pro.
Myself, i was happy with my GS3, and my folks wanted new phones (still rockin iPhone 3Gs) and made us a deal for our GS3's and we got GS4's (they are on our plan).
My reasons are perhaps a bit different than most... I work in TV/film, and have very good eyesight; i could easily see the PenTile fuzz effect on the GS3 screen, and it was VERY obvious on the Atrix 4G. I always opted for the highest PPI monitors for equipment, and while the GS3 was GOOD, it wasn't great.
1080P - Full HD, even if its on a tiny screen, is great as i can zoom in to show client/etc detail on 2k/4k i've shot.
Color Modes - i use 'Movie' exclusively as it is basically sRGB
sRGB - standard Rec.709 gamut/colorspace - again for showing clients what their/my content looks like very close as on a proper monitor
IR Blaster - I have remotes everywhere; for HDSLR's, reciever/amp/DAC's, Windows Media PC's, stereo's, TV's, etc; i LOVE the IR blaster.
Sensors - Hygrometer/Thermometer/Magnetometer/Barometer, i actually use these a lot for dumb things, but they work and its a plus
Battery - removable/replaceable
NFC - I use NFC tags a lot (car mode, play a playlist while im cooking/cleaning WITHOUT mucking up phone screen
Wireless charging - Had it in the S3 with NFC working, looking forwards to it with the GS4. Even wired one in the misc tray in my car and GF's SUV
Color - Waited for white to come out as almost everything i own is white. Im a mobile nudist
SD expansion - I usually have 2 or 3 64GB MicroSD cards in my wallet with other stuff on them; pics/demo reel, movies, music, etc. I like having my content stored LOCALLY.
Devs - Also figured it would have strongest support of all 4 i had considered
Reasons i didn't go with the HTC One
Sealed unit, no Ext SD, and i think its really ugly aesthetically.
Reasons i didn't go with the LG Optimus Pro
too big (i can JUST reach across the S4 screen one-handed)
Reasons i didn't go with the Note II
Low PPI screen (lower than GS3 and actually lower than the 960x540 QHD, 4" Atrix 4G)
No IR blaster
too big
What are your reasons? I do miss the Atrix 4G fingerprint sensor. A LOT. That thing was *****in, and accurate; no need to look or fumble, just press power and swipe. One thing i wish the GS4 had.
For me, it came down to the HTC One and the S4. I know all about HTC nice build materials, and shoddy quality and that played into my decision. More importantly, the screen size sealed my decision. The screen and bezels are perfectly done on the S4 while the screen looks a lot smaller than it is on the HTC.
Also, the home button on top annoys me.
It's an impressive device, though and may eventually get one.
Edit: after the purchase, I'm really liking the removable battery too
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My girlfriend has the HTC One, and I had it too but returned it for a 32GB S4.
Resons for the S4:
Colors: you can adjust the colors to whatever you want, and soon perseus will be out of 'beta' for the i9500 and we can have 100% color gamut replication, literally changing all the colors around if you want. I personally always like Standard, I don't know why maybe because it just pops out. But today im going to try movie and see if I stay with that as my monitor is calibrated at adobeRGB spec. We'll see.
Bezel: It's like... not there. I have a nice slim case that doesnt protrude at all but im too worried about it at this point to use it haha.
Buttons: Coming from an iPhone 5... home button is the best.
Development: It'll be popular for years. I mean look at the S2 forum.
Reasons I liked the HTC one:
Speakers: self explanatory.
Screen: No color bleeding and such but the blacks weren't as nice.
Build: Aluminium is piece of mind, albeit a thick phone IMO.
Optimus G Pro: Used it in store, amazing screen; LG sucks with updates so I was like hell no... Also camera is mediocre at best.
I'm getting the s4 tomorrow for the following reasons: external sd storage, removable battery, and the screen size. I'm not really into phablets because it would feel too big in my pocket. My nexus 7 is fine if i need a bigger screen. Coming from the HTC One xl and i literally have no space left with the 16gb. Have to keep my titanium back up and movies on a usb. Getting the 32gb version as well as putting in a 32 gb mirco sd in it. Sense vs touchwiz? I would choose touchwiz over sense coming from a poor experience i had with sense on the htc one xl. Definitely AOSP over those two though
jetlitheone said:
My girlfriend has the HTC One, and I had it too but returned it for a 32GB S4.
Resons for the S4:
Colors: you can adjust the colors to whatever you want, and soon perseus will be out of 'beta' for the i9500 and we can have 100% color gamut replication, literally changing all the colors around if you want. I personally always like Standard, I don't know why maybe because it just pops out. But today im going to try movie and see if I stay with that as my monitor is calibrated at adobeRGB spec. We'll see.
Bezel: It's like... not there. I have a nice slim case that doesnt protrude at all but im too worried about it at this point to use it haha.
Buttons: Coming from an iPhone 5... home button is the best.
Development: It'll be popular for years. I mean look at the S2 forum.
Reasons I liked the HTC one:
Speakers: self explanatory.
Screen: No color bleeding and such but the blacks weren't as nice.
Build: Aluminium is piece of mind, albeit a thick phone IMO.
Optimus G Pro: Used it in store, amazing screen; LG sucks with updates so I was like hell no... Also camera is mediocre at best.
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Click to collapse
You will love movie mode. It takes a couple days to get used to come from other modes, but now even the standard mode looks like crap compared to movie. P.s. Movie mode has been highly rated by a couple of professional display reviewers.
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I am a simple man. I chose the S4 because I had the S2, and because it had a removable battery and sd card slot.
I went with the s4 after seeing that commercial where the lady's phone is ringing and she turned it over to ignore the call. I was like wow, I want that.
Reasons why I chose the S4 over the HTC One? Simple, it's more practical and more ideal for productivity and long road trips.
- I like the 1080p AMOLED screen to the SLCD 3 on the HTC One. Richer colors or more realistic ones on the former [choices]
- Better battery life
- Removable battery for further life
- SD Card, more potential capacity [you can root and mesh your internal and external storage for applications/games]
- More pleasant aesthetics
- Preferred UI
- More software offerings [some gimmicks, some useful, but at least they're offered to the consumer]
- Bigger display on the same sized body as the HTC One
- Faster RAM [LDDR3 vs LDDR2]
- Capacitive touch screen works with gloves [great for the winter]
- Won't damage as badly as the metal chassie on the One over time from wear and tear
I used a HTC One for a week, I end up exchanging it for a Galaxy S4 because the 4MP Camera couldn't get enough details for my needs & the battery life wasn't as good as GS4..
As small as it may seem I needed a physical button. Lol.
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I kinda miss the soft buttons from my old lg.
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I tried them all, and the S4 just feels better in the hand and I've just become accustomed to the perks of running with Samsung.
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Two words...that screen. I came from owning nothing but Nexus devices the last two years. I had the chance to fall in love with the Super AMOLED screens on the Nexus S, Galaxy Nexus, and the incredible PLS display on those Nexus 10. What do they all have in common? Samsung. The screen on the Nexus 4 is nice, but once you're used to Samsung's screens, nothing else quite compares.
After being on nothing but stock Android for two years, I have to say that Touchwiz has really impressed me as well. I feel like, I'm cheating on a girlfriend or something when I say that, but it's true. Touchwiz has a fair number of things that I wish Google would implement into the stock UI and UX.
Overall, I'm very happy with this phone. I just hope that AT&T actually allows Samsung to keep this phone up to date. AT&T and T-Mobile are both the worst when it comes to updates. With Verizon and Sprint, the updates may take time to go through approvals and testing, but they will eventually be released. AT&T and T-Mobile on the other hand are known to actually tell manufacturers that they're going to pass on an update made available to them. Cases in point:
1. T-Mobile passed on the Windows Phone 7.8 update for the Lumia 710 even though Nokia made it available.
2. T-Mobile passed on the Ice Cream Sandwich update for the LG G2X even though LG made it available.
3. AT&T still has not allowed Samsung to release Jelly Bean for the original Galaxy S2 I777 model, even though they allowed it for the Skyrocket.
4. AT&T still has not allowed Samsung to release the Galaxy S3 update that includes the premium suite of GS4 features. Now that Verizon approved the update this week, AT&T is the only major carrier left who hasn't allowed the update to happen.
5. AT&T's Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 is the only variant left worldwide (I believe) that has not received an update to Jelly Bean.
Don't even get me started on what AT&T did to block and hold off the Android 2.2 update for the Dell Streak 5. Anyway, you see my point. If Samsung keeps up their amazing sales momentum, you figure they will soon have enough clout to strongarm carriers into handling updates themselves like Apple does.
Pending update issues aside, this phone is simply amazing. For leaving stock Android for a skin, I couldn't be happier.
I had an HTC One, while I really enjoyed sense and everything the phone offered I could not help but feed my curiosity. I gave my wife the One and used her upgrade to get the 4. I would be lying if I said I got the 4 for anything other than running stock Android when the Galaxy S4 nexus edition comes out. So far I like the screen size and phone size more than the One, I cannot wait to see how this beast phone runs stock Android!!

Galaxy Note 3 vs HTC One Max

The way I see it, the Note II is the best smartphone available still. The combination of screen size, storage options, S Pen, and most important to me... True BATTERY LIFE!
Ever since I bought my FIRST and current smartphone, the HTC Evo 3D with sprint, I have been GREATLY disappointed with my battery life, screen size, and terrible camera! You guys here made the best choice... I have never seen a phone hold a crown and reign like the Note II has.
My contract is finally up (since April of this year) and I am poised and ready to pull the trigger once again. Although it's early...
Will it be the NOTE III or The HTC One Max for you guys based on the current news? Will the HTC max even peek your interest? Or are you set in your samsung ways?
I need your help because I don't wanna be unhappy for 2 years again.
It depends if Samsung opts for LCD or AMOLED.
I completely agree with your thoughts written in the first half of your message. I have Samsung Galaxy Note 2 since December 2012 and this SUPERPHONE is absolutely amazing. It's like a small computer in your hand with amazing screen, good battery, s-pen. Did not have any problems with this smartphone during these seven month. It's still the best smartphone in the market in term of browsing the Web, working with Office, playing games, reading e-books etc. By the way, I use this additional battery dock: http://www.mobili.lt/lt/aksesuarai/samsung/811205.html which allows me to be completely free and do not be tied to a power cord during the day.
So, I strongly recommend you to choose Samsung Galaxy Note 3 instead of HTC ONE Max because the absence of a removable battery is a big minus to HTC especially if you are a 'hard core' user.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Btw note 3 will have 2 sd card slot. If htc max miraculously have a 3500mah + removable batt + spen then i might consider getting htc Lol
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limitbreak09 said:
Btw note 3 will have 2 sd card slot. If htc max miraculously have a 3500mah + removable batt + spen then i might consider getting htc Lol
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Click to collapse
We're talking about two phones that no one has real details on yet. Here's some safe assumptions about the N3:
It'll have a more powerful Octa than the SGS4 or S-800
It'll have a 1080P (most likely) AMOLED display
It'll either be the same size as the N2 with a bigger display but thinner and lighter (à la the SGS4) or the display will increase a lot as will the size of the device
It'll have all the new features of the SGS4 plus some we don't know about yet
It'll most likely have a bigger battery and get better battery life than the N2
It'll have a 13MP camera and may have OIS and optical zoom if the rumors turn out to be correct
It'll most likely continue the current Samsung design language (EG: "evolutionary")
Here's some guesses about the One Max:
It may have expandable storage; the Butterfly S finally does
It won't have a removable battery because it's against HTC's religion and hampers their design creativity
It won't have an inductive display and will use N-trig (like the XZ Ultra) which offers no pen sensitivity and prohibits things like Air View and hover
It may have some inking apps (HTC Scribe 2.0?) but they won't be as comprehensive as S Note because HTC offers very few s/w features that Samsung does even on their flagship devices (they don't even have an Awake Stay equivalent)
It should look and feel great; just like the One does
This same "vs." conversation is going on in the XZ Ultra vs. Note comparison thread. The Note's designed for consumption. Samsung's tagline for it is "Be Creative" and half of the features listed on their website talk about creation. I doubt that other devices will offer that level of creation support. But it's obvious quite a few people don't care and buy the Note for its big-ass display. For those people, devices like the OG Pro, Ultra, Max, and Mega are possible considerations. For productivity users and creators it's hard to see anything coming close to the Note-series. Lovers of giant phones, you have a lot more choices.
artorelis said:
I completely agree with your thoughts written in the first half of your message. I have Samsung Galaxy Note 2 since December 2012 and this SUPERPHONE is absolutely amazing. It's like a small computer in your hand with amazing screen, good battery, s-pen. Did not have any problems with this smartphone during these seven month. It's still the best smartphone in the market in term of browsing the Web, working with Office, playing games, reading e-books etc. By the way, I use this additional battery dock: http://www.mobili.lt/lt/aksesuarai/samsung/811205.html which allows me to be completely free and do not be tied to a power cord during the day.
So, I strongly recommend you to choose Samsung Galaxy Note 3 instead of HTC ONE Max because the absence of a removable battery is a big minus to HTC especially if you are a 'hard core' user.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A couple questions I have regarding the note 2. Many people did a screen time test where they left their screen on "never sleep" and reported up to 10hours battery life!
Does this test include having 4g, bluetooth, and gps on? Honesty we all just want phones that do everything they SAY they can do without dying halfway through the day.
Also when the Note II originally came out on shelves what were the on contract prices for the 16/32/64gb versions. With all the apps and games not going to SD card I would love having a 32 or 64gb version to be safe. But I don't want to break the bank. Don't wanna pay more than 350.
Thanks for the help guys
Etheridge Gray said:
A couple questions I have regarding the note 2. Many people did a screen time test where they left their screen on "never sleep" and reported up to 10hours battery life! Does this test include having 4g, bluetooth, and gps on? Honesty we all just want phones that do everything they SAY they can do without dying halfway through the day.
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Click to collapse
A car rated at 25MPG on the highway can get 35MPG if it's going downhill, with a tailwind, with only the driver in it, with the tires over-inflated, and with the A/C off and windows up. Using the phone "normally" which is screen on auto-brightness and no power-saving tools active I can get 7.5 hours of screen-on time. And that's with some combination of Wi-Fi/HSPA on all the time and I have nine different syncs going constantly. I'm also a heavy BT user and haven't found that to be a big drain (EG: listening to music or making calls where the display is typically off). Based on the SGS3 vs. SGS4 I'd expect the N3 to do at least 25% better than the N2; maybe more.
Also when the Note II originally came out on shelves what were the on contract prices for the 16/32/64gb versions. With all the apps and games not going to SD card I would love having a 32 or 64gb version to be safe. But I don't want to break the bank. Don't wanna pay more than 350.
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Western markets have matured and high-end smartphone sales are slowing down. I'd highly doubt that the N3 will be any more than the N2 was price-wise at launch. I don't know where you are but the U.S. contract price was $299 for the 16GB and I don't think any of the U.S. carriers offered versions with more storage. It's $199 most of the time now and can be had for $99 during timed promotions. The N2 was €640/£546 off-contract in Europe at launch. The N3 will end up with more s/w on it than the SGS4 because of S Pen. Samsung may make 32GB the starting storage size to avoid the debacle they had with the SGS4.
BarryH_GEG said:
A car rated at 25MPG on the highway can get 35MPG if it's going downhill, with a tailwind, with only the driver in it, with the tires over-inflated, and with the A/C off and windows up. Using the phone "normally" which is screen on auto-brightness and no power-saving tools active I can get 7.5 hours of screen-on time. And that's with some combination of Wi-Fi/HSPA on all the time and I have nine different syncs going constantly. I'm also a heavy BT user and haven't found that to be a big drain (EG: listening to music or making calls where the display is typically off). Based on the SGS3 vs. SGS4 I'd expect the N3 to do at least 25% better than the N2; maybe more.
Western markets have matured and high-end smartphone sales are slowing down. I'd highly doubt that the N3 will be any more than the N2 was price-wise at launch. I don't know where you are but the U.S. contract price was $299 for the 16GB and I don't think any of the U.S. carriers offered versions with more storage. It's $199 most of the time now and can be had for $99 during timed promotions. The N2 was €640/£546 off-contract in Europe at launch. The N3 will end up with more s/w on it than the SGS4 because of S Pen. Samsung may make 32GB the starting storage size to avoid the debacle they had with the SGS4.
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Thanks for your honest and realistic response on the N2s battery life. 7.5 hours of SCREEN ON time is ridiculously good. Honestly I love everything about my current smartphone except for the few things I hate about it.
Battery life
Low internal storage
Terrible camera /camera flash/zoom especially in low light conditions.
I hate sprint where I live. Can't blame phone for that.
Small screen (4.3) only qHD.
I am hoping the N3 on Verizon's awesome network will fix my problems. It should be a upgrade on every front.
What are you guys thoughts on the galaxy s4s camera operating in the night? Do you think N3s camera will outshine the s4s? Camera and video recording will be HUGE for me!
Really appreciate the response guys. Now I know that it's not necessarily needed for those with N2s, but I thought I'd share this with yall.
Portable 12000 mAh battery. We all know it's not the most ground breaking news, but I would love to use this
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003ZBZ64Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1372698191&sr=8-1&pi=SL75
I'm just not seeing the sense in a comparison thread for 2 devices that don't exist yet.
Nice referral link btw.
I only one thing guys, after watching indeed criticism on s4 design, Samsung will have to do exceptional in note 3 to convince current note 2 users to upgrade. If the satisfaction level of s3 users was 7/10 then note 2 has 9/10 so its difficult to convince all 9 users to update their device. A lot of people are expecting that it will be shaped just like s4, if this is the way, it will a fail for most.
Note 3 IF it comes with SLCD or IPS. No more AMOLED for me, thank you.
I do believe that note 3 is just gonna look like the s4, but wait for S5 tho, i think thats the turning point where samsung will blow us away with a new design.
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sohebq said:
I only one thing guys, after watching indeed criticism on s4 design, Samsung will have to do exceptional in note 3 to convince current note 2 users to upgrade.
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Click to collapse
To be launched in the fall, the N3 was probably about half way through development when the SGS4 was launched in the spring. It takes 6-9 months to design a mobile device, identify specs for all the components needed, source all those components, set up assembly lines, and test it all (making adjustments where necessary) to make sure you've got it right. When Samsung evolved the SGS4's design they did so intentionally; following in the footsteps of Apple who evolves their designs too. There was more commentary about "plastic again" then there was about the design itself.
A removable battery requires access to it and Samsung's method is a removable back cover. Said back cover needs to be flexible and durable. Metal and glass are obviously neither. Since they have a removable back cover they also leverage that by putting the SIM cards and expandable storage underneath it eliminating the need for slots on the side of the phone. Those slots with ejection mechanisms cost more, are points of failure, and add weight. I guess they could seal the back and provide a battery door but that would mean relocating all the SIM and SD card slot to the side of the phone. That would require valuable space along the side of the phone which Samsung uses for antennas. Moving to a sealed design with external slots while retaining a removable battery would mean all Samsung's current design methods would have to be discarded. Their subsequent replacement would be no trivial exercise.
No phone ever built has been as thin as the SGS4 with a removable battery. The OG Pro offers a removable battery; the only recently released device to do so. It's 9.4MM thick and weighs 172g. The N2 is the same thickness and 11G heavier. So whatever magic Samsung worked to get the SGS4 thinner (7.9MM), lighter, with a bigger battery, and a larger display will most likely be worked again on the N3. Which also means its design will follow in the SGS4's footsteps. So for those expecting something "revolutionary" I think you'll be disappointed. Personally, I've never been bothered by Samsung's designs or use of plastic. My devices aren't fashion accessories; I view them as tools. The removable battery and the ability to replace the back cover for $20 if I damage it are more important to me than aesthetics. The HTC One isn't selling well and for Q2 HTC will be down 21% YOY in revenue. So while it's truly a beautiful device materials and design wise there's obviously more to sales success than just a pretty face. For those that design is really important to you should probably look at the One Max and XZ Ultra.
limitbreak09 said:
I do believe that note 3 is just gonna look like the s4, but wait for S5 tho, i think thats the turning point where samsung will blow us away with a new design.
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I totally agree. And they've already made a move in that direction. Last month they acquired 50% of SGL Group which is a leader in the use of carbon fiber. I'd expect that to factor in the SGS5's design. But it's way too late to impact the N3.
The South Korean company's materials arm, Samsung Petrochemical, has established the joint venture with carbon manufacturers SGL Group and will own 50 per cent of the joint company, Samsung SGL Carbon Composite Materials. In a joint statement, the two companies said they planned to develop new electronic applications built with carbon composite materials. The deal with SGL group will give Samsung access to an exclusive long-term supply of carbon materials​http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/10141157/Carbon-fibre-phones-coming-from-Samsung.html
@barry
I agree with everything you said. Honestly I already felt this way. Who cares if it "FEELS" cheap if it performs top of the line and outperforms what FEELS durable and premium??
Furthermore, ever since I held the Galaxy SIII, I loved how light it was! It's one of the strong selling points for me. People just wanna complain because they are spoiled. Simple as that. Back to the N3..
I reallllly really really am concerned about the camera on the N3! I really want a camera that takes amazing shots in ALL environments! Especially low light to night shots with AND without flash. Camera is definitely something of paramount concern since I am a All-in-one kind of guy. And I know the N3 has the potential... But will it reach it??
I definitely have battery life concerns since we are increasing screen size and resolution, but at the same time trying to make the phone lighter and equal in size to the N2. Where will there be room for the 3500mah?? (that's the battery I'm hoping for!)
Etheridge Gray said:
[MENTION=307506]I reallllly really really am concerned about the camera on the N3! I really want a camera that takes amazing shots in ALL environments! Especially low light to night shots with AND without flash. Camera is definitely something of paramount concern since I am a All-in-one kind of guy. And I know the N3 has the potential... But will it reach it??
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Click to collapse
I'm looking forward to the camera and assuming it'll be the one in the SGS4. There are two sensors used in the SGS4; ExmorRS in Octa and ExmorR in S-600. The latter's an older version of Sony's sensor. My guess is that with the massive quantities of S-600 SGS4's produced (they are 2/3 of those built) they outpaced Sony's ability to supply the newer sensor so Samsung only used it in the i9500. Supply shouldn't be an issue with the N3 because it sells in lower volume than the SGS4.
The N3 should do significantly better in low light than the N2/SGS3; the SGS4 does. It won't do as well as HTC's new camera with its larger photosites. But with HTC's paltry 4MP resolution and just average daylight performance getting truly good low light performance is a trade-off. If the N3's camera has optical image stabilization and optical zoom it'll be a fantastic camera. I've seen some great shots taken with the SGS4. The best daylight shots I've seen from the One lack detail and have an "oil painting" look when viewed at full size. The One can capture shots in low light that the SGS4 can't touch but when all's said and done they aren't very good as most low light shots typically aren't because of focus issues and shutter delay caused by the lack of available lighting. So overall I think people will be happy but to those who low light performance means everything they may be disappointed and should consider the One Max which is using the same camera as the One.
This is what's capable with ExmorRS...
This is a great picture; social size.
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Here's a crop full size. 4MP doesn't give you a lot to work with when it comes to detail.
@barry
Thanks again for a very informative reply. Put my expectations into a realistic view, but it also lets me know that I shouldn't be disappointed either.
Looking back over 2 years ago when I got my android day 1 purchase.. I realize that waiting for a 2 year contract to expire makes alot of sense. If it was only a year we would not see the leap in technology like I soon will
Comparing my EVO 3D to my future Note 3..
4.3inch qHD vs. 5.7-6inch fullHD1080P
5MP Camera vs 13MP Camera
1GB internal storage vs 32GB
3G (no 4g w/sprint my area) vs. 4GLTE
1GB RAM vs. 3GB RAM
720p video vs 1080p at 30fps
Dual Core 1.2 vs up to 2.0 Quad-Core
1730mah battery vs. Maybe 3500mah
Need I mention software??
Truly an INSANE upgrade. I think everyone should wait 2 years. This way you will TRULY be IMPRESSED. No. Matter. What.
Thanks again Barry. You have really helped. I DEFINITELY think the I'll choose the N3 over the One Max. Time will tell for sure
Who knows what these 2 devices are going to be about. All I know is that the note 3 is my next phone A 1000% sure. The Note 2 was a smash hit, still is. Considering things are going to improve ( battery life, display, S pen features), IM SOLD. STFU AND TAKE MY MONEY NOW!
---------- Post added at 07:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:36 PM ----------
sohebq said:
I only one thing guys, after watching indeed criticism on s4 design, Samsung will have to do exceptional in note 3 to convince current note 2 users to upgrade. If the satisfaction level of s3 users was 7/10 then note 2 has 9/10 so its difficult to convince all 9 users to update their device. A lot of people are expecting that it will be shaped just like s4, if this is the way, it will a fail for most.
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I think that Samsung is facing is biggest challenge yet, even bigger than the S3 to S4 upgrade because the note 2 was such a game changer, I honestly believe that it is one of those devices that are legendary ( like the S2, HD2, nexus one). When the note 2 came out, it impressed EVERYBODY ( reviewers, geeks, general consumers), turned some HTC fanboys into note 2 lovers ect... When I ordered the note 2 from the UK, I didn't expect it to have a flawless performance, didn't expect it to have amazing battery life, didn't know about multi window and all the new S pen features. Now that we know all that, how can Samsung really impress us? Its going to be tough to best the note 2 software wise I believe, especially because the note 3 will also launch with jelly bean, the note 2 had the advantage to launch with a brand new OS version at the time. In terms of specs we can expect an upgrade in pretty much every way but what new features like multi window, pop up browser is Samsung going to introduce? How well will it be implemented? Will it be flawless like the note 2 or with lots of stutter and bugs like the S4? I cant wait to find out.
barondebxl said:
I think that Samsung is facing is biggest challenge yet, even bigger than the S3 to S4 upgrade because the note 2 was such a game changer.
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Here's what people said about the Note I when it came out. It's amazing how much perception changes with time.
GSMArena - The Galaxy Note is a monster compared to regular phones - but then again, it's not exactly a phone. It's thin (9.7mm), light (you wouldn't guess it weighs 178g) and the rounded edges help ergonomics. But still, one handed use is a problem - your thumb most likely can't reach every point on the screen (certainly not comfortably) and unless you have big hands, you can't easily wrap your fingers around the Note to hold it without fear of dropping. Two-hand thumb typing is absolutely spot on, however. Pocketability is an issue too - you can certainly slip in into your pocket (the thin frame helps a lot here), but a lot of people won't find that solution acceptable. Still, most coat pockets or purses will find enough room for the Galaxy Note, which is worth having around with all that screen real-estate.
Verge - Arriving in a white, smartphone-sized box, the Galaxy Note goes to great efforts to convince you that it really is as portable as a phone. It’s not. The bezel around the display is minimal and the 9.65mm thickness is practically the same as on the latest iPhone, but there’s just no way to shrink that 5.3-inch display. Pocketing the Note is an exercise in either frustration or denial. Oh, it will fit inside your pants pocket, but try walking around with it there and you’ll see that fitting inside a space is only half the battle. You’ll need to either take to wearing blazers every time you go out or accept that you won’t be able to comfortably transport the Note somewhere around your body. Like most smartphones, the Note warms up during a long call, heating half of your face in the process, and there’s the social aspect to consider. Human society has yet to evolve to the point where it can witness a person holding up a massive slate of technology to his ear without attempting to make a bad joke about it.
Engadget - If you were holding out for a device that bridges the gap between smartphone and tablet, you'll want to take Note. It's an absolutely massive Android handset and a high-res pocketable tablet rolled into one. If you have the hands to support it, it may just be the best thing to happen to mobile devices since the capacitive touchscreen. You can take notes, doodle between (or during) meetings and make phone calls. Those calls can be placed using the built-in earpiece and mic, or via a Bluetooth headset, which we would recommend. Holding something this large up to your ear can be rather unpleasant -- and unsightly.
BarryH_GEG said:
Here's what people said about the Note I when it came out. It's amazing how much perception changes with time.
GSMArena - The Galaxy Note is a monster compared to regular phones - but then again, it's not exactly a phone. It's thin (9.7mm), light (you wouldn't guess it weighs 178g) and the rounded edges help ergonomics. But still, one handed use is a problem - your thumb most likely can't reach every point on the screen (certainly not comfortably) and unless you have big hands, you can't easily wrap your fingers around the Note to hold it without fear of dropping. Two-hand thumb typing is absolutely spot on, however. Pocketability is an issue too - you can certainly slip in into your pocket (the thin frame helps a lot here), but a lot of people won't find that solution acceptable. Still, most coat pockets or purses will find enough room for the Galaxy Note, which is worth having around with all that screen real-estate.
Verge - Arriving in a white, smartphone-sized box, the Galaxy Note goes to great efforts to convince you that it really is as portable as a phone. It’s not. The bezel around the display is minimal and the 9.65mm thickness is practically the same as on the latest iPhone, but there’s just no way to shrink that 5.3-inch display. Pocketing the Note is an exercise in either frustration or denial. Oh, it will fit inside your pants pocket, but try walking around with it there and you’ll see that fitting inside a space is only half the battle. You’ll need to either take to wearing blazers every time you go out or accept that you won’t be able to comfortably transport the Note somewhere around your body. Like most smartphones, the Note warms up during a long call, heating half of your face in the process, and there’s the social aspect to consider. Human society has yet to evolve to the point where it can witness a person holding up a massive slate of technology to his ear without attempting to make a bad joke about it.
Engadget - If you were holding out for a device that bridges the gap between smartphone and tablet, you'll want to take Note. It's an absolutely massive Android handset and a high-res pocketable tablet rolled into one. If you have the hands to support it, it may just be the best thing to happen to mobile devices since the capacitive touchscreen. You can take notes, doodle between (or during) meetings and make phone calls. Those calls can be placed using the built-in earpiece and mic, or via a Bluetooth headset, which we would recommend. Holding something this large up to your ear can be rather unpleasant -- and unsightly.
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Click to collapse
Yep. I can understand them though. I remember when one of my co worker got the evo 4g back in 2010 and I had a nexus one with its 3.7 inch display and him with a 4.3 inch display, I held it and thought that it was gigantically ridiculous. Now I look at the evo 4 g as a tiny phone and cant believe that I thought it was a big device. Its just a getting used to thing. Same thing with folks who will use the galaxy mega for a while, going back to a 5.5 inch is going to be painful.

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