So whats next.... - Touch HD General

My poor touch HD is starting to feel the strain, being patched up with countless ROM updates has kept it going but shortly my Contract will be up with O2 and i feel it may be time to part ways with the old girl
Soo, my question to everyone is, where do we go from here?
HD2? im not so sure, its a fraction too big and apart from being a wee bit snapier its not much difference, and its been out a while now so will there be a new one on the horizon, maybe?
Acer F1, ive heard some good things about this but i hear the build quality is pretty shoddy
an thats my pretty much out of ideas, basicly i want the Touch HD with a faster CPU, faster graphics, same size screen thats not going to be out of date in a couple of months. With all this Windows phone 7 business and android getting new devices left right an centre ive stopped hearing about decent new Windows mobile devices.
has anyone got any ideas, we must all be starting to think the same, the Old girl has been out for years!

I'm in the same boat
Also with the Touch HD - been eyeballing the HTC Desire - wanna go Android now - looks like a great choice!

HD2 for me, no question. The way I see it, this phone will remain the main WinMob legacy phone for all developments in the future due to its spec/availability. I foresee WinMob7 will be fully ported for it, as will a fully working version of Android, it's only a matter of time. Imagine a phone that could boot into Win6.5, Win7 & Android!
In the mean time I'm more than happy with the functionality of my HD (i only ever use Coreplayer, Opera 10, RSSHub, TomTom/GoogleMaps & a couple others), so an updated version that does the same, but better, will do me fine.

dazza9075 said:
basicly i want the Touch HD with a faster CPU, faster graphics, same size screen thats not going to be out of date in a couple of months.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like the look of the performance of the F1, size, battery life, resistive screen and built in stylus, I had an F900 at the same time as my HD and it was close enough build quality wise that I would try the F1, pocketnow has a review on it and mentions build quality, but without going into specifics, check out the HD2 v F1 benchmarks and comments from the guy that has owned both the HD2 and neotouch as to which one has considerably better performance [read both reviews and comment sections] Brandon miniman tends to have a bit of a sour opinion of anything quality wise with acer or e-ten and a bit of a rose tinted view of anything HTC, but definitely worth a read.

I've gone with the Desire, ordered 30 mins ago and should be with on Monday. This weekend is going to draaag!

vdude_1 said:
I've gone with the Desire, ordered 30 mins ago and should be with on Monday. This weekend is going to draaag!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So - how is it? Glad you made the switchover? Any thoughts you'd like to share?

When my Blackstone finally dies or my contract expires next winter, I will go for Android or iPhone. And while flashing new ROMs was quite amusing for the nerd in me, I'm really looking forward to a phone that just works
Windows Mobile is dead, just compare the application markets of Android/Apple to WinMo...

same here, although I just recently got my HD, once its worn or when I get the opportunity to change I'll go the desire or equivalent awesome phone at that period of time.

And...?
Come on guys, there are loads of us with HDs at the end of contract facing exactly the same predicament - what to go for next!
If you've already made the switch to a Desire or HD2 or something else, how are you getting on? Why are you happy with your new choice (if you are)?
Like Dazza9075 I want more of the same - HD with faster CPU and graphics and no less in screen size. Liked the Desire in my local Orange shop but somehow not happy dropping that tiny bit in screen size. If you are procrastinating because of what is around the corner, tell us what you are more likely to go for and why!

Related

Sprint HTC Hero vs Samsung Moment

Hey all,
I know everyone here is a Hero user probably. I'm a current HTC Touch Pro user and wanted to switch to the HTC Hero. However, today the Samsung Moment was announced and hardware wise it seems to be everything I wanted from the Hero...but without the software (HTC Sense). I'm very familiar with the HTC interface through Touch Pro rom hacks/upgrades and would want the Sense UI on the Moment (and am assuming it may be possible but only through Rom flashes not just an apk install). Anyway, what other reasons would you all say its worth just getting the Hero? Or should I just wait the extra 3 weeks and get the Moment? Ugh, so frustrating...thanks!
Always have faith in the people here at XDA
That said you have 30 days to exchange......
jman069 said:
Always have faith in the people here at XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except that the Samsung phone might never "feature" here as it's not an HTC device!
Regards,
Dave
I also reached this dilemma, but have decided to purchase the Hero when it comes out on sunday, and if I dislike it, I'll have the 30 days to use it then trade it for the Moment. I too would desire the sense UI on the Moment, and also I haven't read anywhere if the Moment's screen is capacitive or not.
I'm pretty sure both the Hero and the Moment have capacitive screens.
I'm in the same boat as you -- currently using a Touch Pro and extremely sick of Windows Mobile. Is Sense UI a bigger improvement over the standard Android interface than, say TouchFlo is over Titanium? Because I'm fine with Titanium. I actually prefer that it's so much snappier than TF3D.
Also, does XDA ever support non-HTC phones? Will there ever be roms for the Moment? It just seems like a far better choice than the Hero, hardware-wise.
Awesome, if it's capacitive, I am definitely getting it.
I like the Sense UI because of the widgets and customizing aspect of it, easy access to twitter, facebook, contacts, etc...
But I will sacrifice it for better hardware
Capactive yes, but I have yet to read if it supports multi touch. Thats the screen factor I'm most interested in. This makes for much better on screen typing. The on screen keyboard is pretty good in landscape, so I'll live without the qwerty. It's one more mechanical system to fail as well.
From what I've seen the HTC interface on Andoid does not cause much lag as opposed to TF3D does to winmo. I came from a touch diamond to the touch to run the android port and it's sick, even stripped down android is better than winmo imo.
I pre-ordered the hero from Best Buy and am a rewards zone member, so I get to pick mine up tomorrow (they have them in tonight ) Reading that post on the Moment introduction gave me second thoughts, but the phone prior to the Diamond was an Instinct, leaving a bad taste in my mouth.
So which phone does everybody think they will mod the most...?..The Hero since its HTC or the Moment...I do like the physical keyboard on the Moment, but I will be picking my Hero up tomorrow..I am so confused...I hate it..LoL..
Although I'm HTC all the way, I have to say, Samsung has them beat in every category really in my playbook. Yes the 5MP on the Hero is better and the device is more pocketable (plus of course Sense which brought up this original dillemma) but I have to wonder, aren't most of the sense widgets (except say the dialer and the contact interface) just simple .APK files that I can put on the Moment if I go that route? I must say though, I think a phone's software is what makes the hardware shine. That being said, a lot of great hardware implemented the wrong way could lead to a fast but not so useful device. The dillemma is killing me but gladly I do have a Touch Pro, so I can live with a custom rom until Nov comes around and maybe even Dec so I can see the progress of porting the Hero's sw.
for me the question is 800 mhz and qwerty....oorrrr.....htc sense...i reallllly love sense...like alot alot it works great on my magic..but man 800mhz cpu is gonna be really great for flash content and emulators and hopefully somebody starts making a psx emulator for android
...but then again im pretty sure someone is going to port sense to the samsung if the brilliant developers here are able to port moto blur to g1s and magic
I'm in the same boat. I've been planning on getting the Hero since hearing it would be available on Sprint, but just saw the details of the Moment today and it gave me reason to reevaluate.
I prefer the Hero in every way except for the faster processor and the camera flash of the Moment. The OLED screen is a wash because although the picture is better, I've heard the transflective LCD screens are easier to read in direct sun, which is an important feature for me. I don't have an opinion on the trackpad vs trackball. And I think I'm in the minority because I'd rather not have the physical keyboard if it means any additional bulk. I also like what I've heard in the Hero reviews of the build quality and solid feel, while the first hands-on reports of the Moment comment that it feels "plastic-y" and a little cheaper. I've been pleased with the quality of the HTC phones I've had in the past and I think their support is pretty good too as far as getting updates out for their devices. Never dealt with Samsung before.
So, I'm still planning on sticking with the Hero and hopefully will have it in the next few days.
Ehh, if I was a keyboard junkie I'd go for the Moment. But I'm not; haven't had a hardware keyboard since 2007. I will be picking my Hero up tomorrow though.
It's good to see I'm not the only perturbed by this. Until yesterday, I was ready to wait until December for something bigger and better to come along. To prepare, I decided to figure out how much something like the TP2 would cost me. Even with full upgrade credit, I'd have to dish out $350 to get it.
The problem for me is that I'm waiting for something even higher-end (Android, i.e. 1Ghz + VGA+ resolution) than the TP2, so now I'm considering lowering my expectations and going for either the Hero or the Moment.
My problem with both phones is that the resolution (320x480). Why couldn't they have at least VGA like the TP!?
I have the hero and prefer SenseUI over standard Android (gf has the g1). The faster processor on the moment is a nice touch but I find the Hero's speed to suffice for my needs. Plus I love all the HTC widgets that don't come with standard Android..e.g. Peep, weather, etc. I think the next worthy upgrade is the HTC Dragon and the release date on that one is anyone's guess.
I have the same dilemma myself. I prefer the smaller size and virtual keyboard of the Hero as well as the sense ui.
The Moment's 800MHz processor will probably help with future Android enhancements which is important, since I will be with either the Hero or Moment for the next 2 years.
The Moment's camera is also most likely superior to the Hero's given Samsung's track record of decent optics. The Hero may have 5 MP, but every review says that its quality is only mediocre. Samsung phones have generally been very good despite lower resolutions. Since most of the time all my pictures are scaled down anyway, and neither of these are digital camera replacements, I would call the 5 MP/3 MP difference moot.
Also, it appears that the Moment may have better battery life judging purely from estimated talk time.
The camera and battery performance need to be verified though, so it looks like we will have to wait for a proper review.
It's a tough choice. While I would prefer HTC's sense ui, I really don't mind Android's vanilla interface either so it's more of a virtual keyboard/size/battery life issue for me.
If I know XDA well enough they'll be able to extract the Sense UI pretty quickly. Further, I could see rom cooks build this into future custom roms on the Samsung Moment.
Call me advantageous coming from a Touch Pro scene. I have complete faith in custom roms as they have provided real value to the TP with innovation pushing the scene.
After living with a slide out keyboard I find it much more reliable than a touch screen. So I'll be going with the Moment (unless another awesome device is released!)
I too am in the same boat as the others. With the announcement of the moment I am now puzzled at what route to go. I really would like SenseUI and have it natively built for my device like on the hero but im certainly a keyboard junkie. I will have to get both in my hand for a bit to be able to decide. If the build quality of the moment feels anything like the pre ill be off to the hero in a heartbeat.
Buy the Hero now, it'll be that much quicker till your contract expires and you can buy the Dragon in a year (18 months if not a premier customer)...
$.02
MetroKnight said:
It's good to see I'm not the only perturbed by this. Until yesterday, I was ready to wait until December for something bigger and better to come along. To prepare, I decided to figure out how much something like the TP2 would cost me. Even with full upgrade credit, I'd have to dish out $350 to get it.
The problem for me is that I'm waiting for something even higher-end (Android, i.e. 1Ghz + VGA+ resolution) than the TP2, so now I'm considering lowering my expectations and going for either the Hero or the Moment.
My problem with both phones is that the resolution (320x480). Why couldn't they have at least VGA like the TP!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The res may be smaller than the Touch Pro, ( which I just switched from ) but the screen is bigger, and it really looks just fine. I have an easier time reading the web with the Hero than I did with my TP. I wasn't really sure I could deal with a non-hardware keyboard, but am finding myself doing just fine with it. That said, November 1st and the Moment are less than 30 days away, and I don't think we've seen all the specs on the Moment, I'm looking forward to some of the Phone review websites getting their hands on one to see what they think. I imagine that someone somewhere will find a way to pull Sense out of the Hero, so it can be installed on other Android phones.
Doesn't the Samsung only have 256mb of RAM to the Hero's 288? That could be a dealbreaker.

HD2 (leo) or TD2 (Topaz)? I need your opinon!

My Touch Pro is nearing it's 1.5 year birthday, and although it has served me well I feel it it is time to retire it. I am in the market for a new phone, and two phones have caught my eye. I wanted to get the opinon of current TD2 owners and see what you thought on the matter
Now I am fully aware people would be sat there saying "why would you get the TD2 over the HD2?!", but the TD2 has a few redeaming features that make me think it would like it better. For my money, the TD2 has the following reedeaming features:
Sits better in palm (due to smaller form factor)
Looks much better
£200 cheaper (!)
Bigger battery
It also shares many features, like the ability to run WinMo 6.5 and HTC Sense, same resolution, 5mp camera, SD slot... e.t.c.
I know the HD2 has a much faster 1GHz processor, and the huge screen would be great for GPS. but I am not sure it would be comfertable to use (I think my iPod touch is quite large). That said the screen would be alot nicer to use, and the HD2 will probably run WinMo7 when it finally surfaces (since I will have the phone for at least 12 months, probably 18)...
You can see why I'm stuck right?
What would you do? If you had the oppertunity, would stay with what you have, or upgrade to the latest and greatest?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the TD2 battery 1100 mAh while the HD2 is 1350?
EDIT: To give my opinion, I'm totally satisfied with my TD2 at the moment but I wouldn't mind getting the HD2 instead of it. I watch ALOT of movies on my TD2 and the screen is really good (16:9 in CorePlayer looks beautiful, widescreen ftw!). But I just bought it so I will have to wait some months and see what's coming.
ooops... I actually wanted to vote for the Leo - sorry
Take the HD2 - it has the dual LED flash, 3.5mm headphone jack and capacitive touchscreen - and, most importantly, it's incredibly fast!
I would say get neither if you plan on having them for 12months+
But really I love My TD2. Had it since release day in April. So like 6 months now. If it weren't for the price I'd get an HD2. But then again it's nearly the same phone I have minus the Flash, Big Screen, and SnapDragon. I upgraded from a touch and skipped out on the Original Diamond. And thank god I did, cause a few months later the announcement of the TD2 came.
Wait till Feb for the World Mobile Congress (or Mobile World Congress) I'm sure there will be smaller sized devices than the HD2 that have the same specs. I mean look what happend last year. The HD was announced then along cam the TD2 which is the same yet different. Plus the TD2 was like $200 USD less.
If you can wait wait. If not get the TD2. It looks nicer. and say in6 Months when the D3 is out you can trade up. Cut that 12month wait in half.
I like the HD2.. it's looks good and has a nice big capacitive screen..
If i didn't have the TD2 i would buy the HD2.
But the TD2 is a nice phone, not too big and it's fast enough for me.
The thinks i hate off the TD2:
Bad camera and no flash
My wifi sucks (broken) and HTC won't repair it They tried to repair it 2 times but they failed
But i can't say what phone you should buy, it depends on what you want to do with it..
Fast, big screen, camera flash, good for movies? then go for the HD2
not too big, easy too use with one thumb, cool design? then go for the TD2
I was goign to get the HD1 over the TD2, but as soon as i held the TD2, i love it. Feels better in my hand than somthign the size of an ipod touch.
Go to the store and try both out. You can't beat first-hand experience. Personally, I think the HD2 is too big to carry in your pocket and uncomfortable to use with one hand. HD was already just short of too big for me.
I really hope HTC puts these snapdragons into something smaller than the HD2 eventually. I'd love something the size of TD2 yet with bigger screen. Who decided to sacrifice screen estate to have a frickin' "zoombar" anyway?
I was at a carphone warehouse earlier, and the TD2 dos feel really nice sitting in the hand. How does HTC sense perform on the older hardware?
The leo will be the first of the snapdragon processors things will only get better from there. I'd save the money and go with the TD2/TP2
thsnx for the opinions...very helpful......I am in the same predicament...I've been in the market for a phone for almost a 9 months. I was gonna settle on the TD2, then came the Magic, then the Hero, and I fell out of love with the magic pretty fast. I still like the Hero but Im not sure about the NO BT transfer and poor cam. I am not sure about Android either. But I handled the Hero @ a HTC Store and I have to say that I was impressed by the build quality....the fone is firm..feels like luxury. (at least the brown one)
The Leo will not be in my price range once it comes out. I could buy a whole new laptop once the price it.
Anyways.....I like the HD2..Seems like the safe choice now...The moto STD is making want to be a bit more patient....need to get a phone now...cant wait till the mobile congress....So many choices ...what to do.... Hero, TD2,HD2 ??,STD by Moto,...uhm.....a little still after all......
I have the Topaz running a Leo based ROM (currently from Dutty) and it (Topaz) is an awesome phone, but the Leo has got me drooling- I gotta have one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111
as much as i would love the 1ghz cpu of the leo it just too big for me, thus i vote topaz.
Size does matter
Its way too big, i gave up on the TP2 due to its sheer size and bulk, yes the bigger screen was awesome, but back to the TD2, its the best balance.
Thanks for the oversight guys, it's mbeen really helpful. I will take a look at the HD2, but I think I will end up with a TD2 and get a new phone 10 months down the line. The hero is pretty nice, but I'm worried the novelty of android will wear off. I does feel really good in the hand, and the build quality is damn good.
Decisions, decisions...
Leo is very big in size, small battery, no 3g calling.
the only thing it has better then the TD2 is the processor.
i agree about the leo being to big. i just got the htc pure yesterday and starting to really love it. feels great in hand. its taking a little to get used to it coming from the fuze. the leo is just the first step. there will be more like it im pretty sure in the future. hopefully with a smaller screen.
Just buy your TD2 with a 1-year contract, by end of next year there will likely be a few snapdragon based phones to choose from. I'm sure you'll have different screen sizes to choose from at that point. Personally I would have gone that way but my company buys my phone so I got stuck with a 2 year on my new Imagio.

~~Legend vs Xperia X10? Should I get the legend?

I am in debate between these two phones. No Desire, for it looks effing ugly.
Why do you guys like the Legend, are there any complaints?
OH.
How much did you pay to get your HTC Legend!?
I found a deal for $490 for the HTC legend!
Any good place where I can find it cheaper?
Legend was my first smartphone. I had a long hesitation between it and the desire but I can't regret my choice... my sister has the i3gs and the legend is really better although more difficult to use because I had some problems with album arts and wifi... don't worry I have resolved both by an app... what I love the most with my legend is holding a hard piece of beautiful metal.. the finish is the best I ve ever seen! Now concerning the x10: I don't really like the blue ui and the phone is too big and blocked to an old android for the rest of the year: legend is beautiful, extremely fast, compact and have a better autonomy due too its screen: smaller but definitively comfortable
-------------------------------------
Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App
logoo said:
Legend was my first smartphone. I had a long hesitation between it and the desire but I can't regret my choice... my sister has the i3gs and the legend is really better although more difficult to use because I had some problems with album arts and wifi... don't worry I have resolved both by an app... what I love the most with my legend is holding a hard piece of beautiful metal.. the finish is the best I ve ever seen! Now concerning the x10: I don't really like the blue ui and the phone is too big and blocked to an old android for the rest of the year: legend is beautiful, extremely fast, compact and have a better autonomy due too its screen: smaller but definitively comfortable
-------------------------------------
Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks that really helps!! How much and where did you get it? Anyone else?
Legend FTW
Got it from ashop.tv for 335 € (~$425).
But you wouldn't expect any other answer from user of a forum dedicated to the Legend? I like the design more
Do you had both phones in your hands at a local store already? That's imho very important.
Besides, X10 has still Android 1.6, and will officially updated to 2.1 not sooner than Q4/2010. I also like the Sense UI.
Legend! get the Legend
Legend is quietly briliant
The construction of the phone is next to perfect with 3 exceptions : first, sometimes in long conversation the edge of the device might inflict some discomfort to the ear (maybe i press it too much to the ear) and second, the removable part where you insert the sim card does not close up perfectly...must be around half milimiter. Last exception is the laudspeaker ... if u put the phone on a flat surface with the display facing the cealing...when the phone rings you probably miss around half of the ringing volume.
Software wise...the phone is pretty stable and fast, ocasionally there are some minor gliches with the wigits...i found that sometimes the HTC Calendar wigit does not show me my meetings on the month view unless i enter a particular day. This is resolved easy...just removing the wigit and installing it back.
I also found some problems with the bluetooth transfers. I own an HP 8710W mobile workstation and an Lenovo Thinkpad T500 and with both of em the trasfers often are a pain...i guess it must be the Android here, prolly on 2.2 version it will be improved.
Conclusion: coming back to the topic, these are just some minor problems regarding the headset...things i observed in about 2 weeks of usage....but compairing this peace of art with the ugly plastic Xperia X10 is just wrong. I troully belive SE has dropped the ball on their smarthphone producs begining with Xperia X1. Word of advice : just stay away from SE !
Hope this helps.
with the ongoing android updates scene & the developer community also moving away from the legend , i suggest you get a nexus one instead .... atleast if you are going to keep your phone for a longer time you will always have the latest android build (either from google or XDA).... but if you choose to stay away , then i suggest you skip the x10 & go for the legend
i went for the legend, however now i kinda wish i got the desire.
i went for the legend because it looks so nice however after playing with a desire in my local telstra store i think i probably should've gotten the desire as in real life its not that ugly at all.
a friend of mine got the x10 its not bad but i do miss the pinch zooming that i get on the legend but the bigger screen is very very nice. really it comes down to personally preference as they are both very good android handsets however the legend is a fair bit cheaper
Indeed....Desire/Nexus have the big screen and fast processor but it all comes down to how much you use the web browsing experience everyday...i mean i check some websites from time to time but only around 30 minutes a day. I gladly exchange that big screen of the Desire with the way more pocket friendliness and build quality of the Legend. Not to mention i pulled out 3 days of battery juice recently with moderated usage. It just fits great in my pocket !
sfara said:
Indeed....Desire/Nexus have the big screen and fast processor but it all comes down to how much you use the web browsing experience everyday...i mean i check some websites from time to time but only around 30 minutes a day. I gladly exchange that big screen of the Desire with the way more pocket friendliness and build quality of the Legend. Not to mention i pulled out 3 days of battery juice recently with moderated usage. It just fits great in my pocket !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
brother same results for me only i am not using only 2g; my battery gives me 2d 18hrs thats after 2nd recharge from the time i bought phone. i also do negligible web browsing. only thing is all developers have got these big & fast phones so they wont pay attention to legend. but said that, even legend is not at all slow, so i think its only matter of time that some good developer like paul pay attention to legend; we will get super fast legend.
Ive been having this problem too. So many smartphones out there and I have been wanting to abandon WinMo and take the Android plunge.
What I have learned is the following: Go out and try the phones in a shop. I wasnt sure either. I was considering an X10 or HTC phone and 1 thing that made up my mind was the Sense interface. I didnt like the X10 navigation and feel. HTC is spot on.
Now my only issue is trying to decide between the Desire and Legend. I hit some small road blocks trying to order the Desire and now it becomes a real war in my brain (Legend or Desire).
But go and try it. Play with the devices. I think in the end it will come down to what feels better for you.
Cpt_Chaos said:
Ive been having this problem too. So many smartphones out there and I have been wanting to abandon WinMo and take the Android plunge.
What I have learned is the following: Go out and try the phones in a shop. I wasnt sure either. I was considering an X10 or HTC phone and 1 thing that made up my mind was the Sense interface. I didnt like the X10 navigation and feel. HTC is spot on.
Now my only issue is trying to decide between the Desire and Legend. I hit some small road blocks trying to order the Desire and now it becomes a real war in my brain (Legend or Desire).
But go and try it. Play with the devices. I think in the end it will come down to what feels better for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as an owner of the legend the only reason to get it over the desire is because it looks so damn nice
if looks dont matter then go for the desire its not that ugly and can be found for only a little more than the legend. its also not much bigger than the legend
personally as soon as htc come out with a phone that looks as good as the legend with the power of the desire or more then insta buy for me
i am sucker for sense, i purchased motorola milestone but had to return it within 10 days & bought legend; as i am old fan of hero. I have seen nexus but not in action. i dont think i can stand stock vanilla eclair, i love sense. so might as well try to get DESIRE in my opinion, but try to find out battery life as its a big screen
Thanks noobdeagle and everyone for the comments.
For me I find it all helpful. I will definitely be getting either a legend or Desire in the next week or so. I think it will now come down to who will give me the best deal locally for a contract renewal.
But one thing I can say for sure. HTC seems to be going the right direction with its newer phones. Plus I agree with you all out there the Sense definitely beats out SE take on Android. I am someone who knows nothing about Droid (being an Palm OS and then WinMo user his whole Smartphone life) and When I picked up the Legend or Desire, I have to say that HTC made it very user friendly and almost intuitive to use. When I picked up the X10 and played with it, I didnt have that feeling. Actually, I felt the opposite. It felt awkward and strange.
Definitely dont want to have that feeling when using a new OS.
So thanks all of you experienced Droid users out there for also helping us newbies.

Calling all XDA Galaxy S owners! I need your opinion!

I am a Xperia X1 user and am looking for a good android phone, which I have narrowed down to a Desire or a SGS.
I really like the added benefits of the SGS (Better Screen, 8GB internal memory, HD Video), but cannot deny the fact that the UI on the Desire (Sense) is much better than the Samsung setup….
What are your opinions on the standard system?
The reason why I am asking here is that you all will generally have experience with Sense, which all of the custom ROMs for my xperia has been brilliant over the past 18months (kept it alive).
I notice that the SGS XDA portal, has a lot less posts than the HTC Desire forum, but I am hoping that this is due to the fact that the Desire has been out longer than the Samsung.
I am due to upgrade my phone in 10 days so need to figure out which way to go.
All opinions are welcome!
When I purchase this phone my thought was:
1. UI and software can be update and modified, hardwares are fixed.
2. Communities and 3rd party supports for this phone, which are great right now.
These are enough for me.
djglenn1337 said:
I am a Xperia X1 user and am looking for a good android phone, which I have narrowed down to a Desire or a SGS.
I really like the added benefits of the SGS (Better Screen, 8GB internal memory, HD Video), but cannot deny the fact that the UI on the Desire (Sense) is much better than the Samsung setup….
What are your opinions on the standard system?
The reason why I am asking here is that you all will generally have experience with Sense, which all of the custom ROMs for my xperia has been brilliant over the past 18months (kept it alive).
I notice that the SGS XDA portal, has a lot less posts than the HTC Desire forum, but I am hoping that this is due to the fact that the Desire has been out longer than the Samsung.
I am due to upgrade my phone in 10 days so need to figure out which way to go.
All opinions are welcome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had an iPhone 3G and a 3GS. Sold the 3GS a month ago to buy the iPhone 4. Due to every shop being out of stock on these babys, I decided to give Android a chance.
I nearly bought the Xperia X10 but in some shop they had a Galaxy S Demo Unit. I grabbed it and fell in love with it. It's so light-weight compared to other smartphones!
When I went home with it, I read some footage about it on engadget, gizmodo, etc. I didn't know it was the strongest Android phone at this time. I was very surprised and even more in love!
The screen is a blast.
I was in the same situation, though I was coming from a WinMo handset. I'm so happy with my choice, I know a few nexus one and desire owners who are now wanting a SCS - which says a lot.
My last phone was an HD2 with WinMo 6.5.5 wich have a wunderful community (Android development very fast).
But the Samsung i9000 is a nice Phone, with a wunderful screen, and 720p videoplayback and recording. And of corse, Android.
(Faster than HD2 [thanks Android], more Apps, 720p rec/play, etc...)
Thanks very much for the feedback guys... its good to get opionions of Win Mo users switching, as most reviews I have read on the internet is based on prev Iphone users (who's opinions I do not value).
Are you guys mostly using the stock SGS software, or running custom roms?
laxtor said:
My last phone was an HD2 with WinMo 6.5.5 wich have a wunderful community (Android development very fast).
But the Samsung i9000 is a nice Phone, with a wunderful screen, and 720p videoplayback and recording. And of corse, Android.
(Faster than HD2 [thanks Android], more Apps, 720p rec/play, etc...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you prefer this phone to your HD2? The HD2 was a great phone (as was the TyTn II)!
I am using factory's rom with a little bit of addition: rooting + auto killer to manage memories.
From an Omnia i900 winmo. 6.5.5 user, I have no lags problem on this phone.
Well, how about the opinion of a user switching between iPhone 3GS, Symbian s60v3 and v5, WinMo6, 6.1, and 6.5 and Android 1.5, 1.6, and 2.1 phones, in order to find my perfect suite?!? Actually my last/previous phone was Vivaz PRO
It is really the best phone that i laid my hands on up to now.
Hardware-wise, unbelievable super AMOLED multi-touch screen, fantastic HD video camera, super-fast CPU, a lot of RAM, 8GB internal memory and VERY VERY light! (OK, I miss the LED flash, but I can live with that).
Software-wise, I believe, after a lot of experience with multiple OSs, that Android is the future (at least for the next couple of years). Very smooth OS, open to do everything you wish (root, custom firmware, install pirate soft, etc) easily, and VERY FAST GROWING/UPDATING (compared with WinMo and symbian, that feel a bit ancient by now).
Go for it bro! You wont regret!
Just sold mine galaxy s on ebay.. and for a very good price  I am so happy now
If you are like me and use gps navigation a lot, simply run away from this phone.
I am now back to my HD2 (so happy I did not sell it). No navigation software can compare with tom tom.
All in all galaxy s has:
Superb screen:
HD video recording
And that is about it….
The gps is rubbish, don’t listen to the people telling you that they fixed it…
All “fixes” are just to provide fast network location fix (which in most cases is inaccurate)
With my HD2 it does not matter how cloudy it is, and how tall are the buildings around me,
I have GPS fix in 3-5sec and I MEAN GPS FIX, not network location fix.
SO I KNOW EXACTLY WHERE I AM.
2 days ago I was in central London and tried to find the closest tesco with google maps…
After 5min I just gave up… galaxy s simply could not do it
With HD2 things like that takes 10 to 20 sec (including typing tesco in the search bar)
I am also very disappointed with the android OS,
This thing does not even support external gps… we had that in winmo 10 years ago…
It has all sorts of problems, for example application starting on the background (consuming data) and there is simply no way for the user to control that.
One more thing the internal memory card is very very very slow and this slows down the devise a lot. Sure people will tell you about the sd card fix but REALLYYYY… should I start fixing the Samsung rubbish? No thanks, will stay away from Samsung and android for another 2 years (at least)
same here i always purchase my smartphones by the hardware spec, and the amount of Forums/groups available for it.
unfortunately the HTC Athena was flawed, the device itself is amazingly great, howerver support for it was low.
SGS i9000 on the other hand has a very lively group just like HTC Desire
kcharng said:
When I purchase this phone my thought was:
1. UI and software can be update and modified, hardwares are fixed.
2. Communities and 3rd party supports for this phone, which are great right now.
These are enough for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mitko76 Good luck doing anything with GPS in central London...Buildings have this horrible side effect on ALL GPS systems.
Google maps is easily the best Search for phone, but not the greatest GPS, since is need a Connection to work if you deviate from the rout too much.
I've had this phone for w eek now and it is a great phone, there are a few niggles in the software, but believe me way less than stock windows mobile 6.5.
The screen isn;t as crisp as people would have you believe, White text on a dark background gives you a red effect around text and text Isn;t smooth, no where near the Iphone 4 IMO, however the contrast and colours are superb.
Give it a go if your on contract you have 7 days to return it.
Logicalstep
As a x1 user who has just upgraded to a Galaxy S a week past i can say that it is definetly worth it.
I did own a Desire for a day when i got it on contract but i didn't get coverage for the network in my area.
I find the Galaxy S to be a nicer looking phone, screen looks a lot brighter and better. Sound quality from the speaker is better and the UI also seems much faster.
It's a great phone, no questions asked, but you have to realize that it needs some work (like the fixes and all) and customization.
I'm using the imfamous JF3 stock rom and i do notice some lags and battery drain (but I use it very heavily, frequent syncs and updates, tons of widgets and all that) so i'm gonna switch over to the better ones.
I come from the Omnia II wich was a great phone but very poorly supported by samsung and the community. This isn't the case at all for the SGS. I used to have sense on my device, big fan of sense, but i like the SGS homescreen as well with the different pannels, really like it. Touchwizz is sort of a love/hate relationship
I'm loving android so far, even though i don't understand everything, i'm sure i could enhance my phone a lot.
hope this helps
Logicalstep said:
mitko76 Good luck doing anything with GPS in central London...Buildings have this horrible side effect on ALL GPS systems.
Google maps is easily the best Search for phone, but not the greatest GPS, since is need a Connection to work if you deviate from the rout too much.
I've had this phone for w eek now and it is a great phone, there are a few niggles in the software, but believe me way less than stock windows mobile 6.5.
The screen isn;t as crisp as people would have you believe, White text on a dark background gives you a red effect around text and text Isn;t smooth, no where near the Iphone 4 IMO, however the contrast and colours are superb.
Give it a go if your on contract you have 7 days to return it.
Logicalstep
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Logicalstep, that is what I am trying to explain .. I DO NOT NEED “Good Luck” when using my hd2’s gps in central London, it simply work. I work in central London so trust me, I know what I am talking about.
If you are coming from a phone with poor gps I can understand your point, but hd2 simply has a proper gps unit in it and it is working no matter where I am. With HD2 I can even get gps lock in the train (10 sec), tried this with galaxy s and guess what... it FAILED (after 10min).
You can keep convincing yourself that the buildings are high, the sky is cloudy or God knows what ..
But the simple truth is the gps is rubbish.
Keep waiting for the NEXT firmware to fix the issues, and when it failed keep waiting for the next one and so on....
Mitko please do us a favour and leave the forum, we know that you sold your Galaxy S, and frankly its quite boring to see you posting on every thread and preaching slander. The GPS does take a short while to position (about 30-40 secs) but after that it works perfectly for me. I have used it on several occasions when lost in central London.
Since last December I've owned the following handsets: N900, HD2, Desire, X10, Galaxy S.
Of all of these the Galaxy S is my favorite, followed very closely by the HD2.
NZtechfreak said:
Since last December I've owned the following handsets: N900, HD2, Desire, X10, Galaxy S.
Of all of these the Galaxy S is my favorite, followed very closely by the HD2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Coming from you that is high praise indeed.
Loving my SGS, no way am I going back to Symbian.
On my side I am coming from winmo6.5 and then iphone3GS
if i had an advice to give you in order to choose between the desire and the samsung it would be to know that :
* you won't have HTC sense on samsung ... I mean really nothing comparable.
* there is almost no button on the samsung .No trackball ( painfull for selection) no LED ... and it's quite annoying some time
Yes when I compare both with my colleague , mine has a better screen ( bigger , brighter) but it will worth it if you watch a lot of video or look at a lot of picture. If it's just to have more beautifull icon ... you will forget it looks better after few weeks
I am still a little bit uncertain about the GPS ... I need to do more tests and to check the settings I could enhance but it can't be compared to my TomTom ( on both winmo and iphone)
Hopefully there will be soon a real fix for the slowness of the SD card ... hopefully ...
Thanks guys, this is brilliant information!
I used the phone briefly in a phone shop yesterday, and I have to say that it looks very impressive! Especially compared to my x1 running Windows 6.5.3. The only first negative impression that I had was how cheap and flimsy the back cover was...but I hey, I know no phone will be perfect.
When my contract is up next week, and I am going to go for the SGS and as Logicalstep has commented I have 7 days to return it if unhappy.
I really appreciate the feedback, as it has made me allot more comfortable with going for the SGS.
djglenn1337 said:
Thanks guys, this is brilliant information!
I used the phone briefly in a phone shop yesterday, and I have to say that it looks very impressive! Especially compared to my x1 running Windows 6.5.3. The only first negative impression that I had was how cheap and flimsy the back cover was...but I hey, I know no phone will be perfect.
When my contract is up next week, and I am going to go for the SGS and as Logicalstep has commented I have 7 days to return it if unhappy.
I really appreciate the feedback, as it has made me allot more comfortable with going for the SGS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure you will enjoy it
And honestly i agree about the cheap looking back but honestly that's why it is so light and you forget about this quickly.
Especially if you add a case ( you have some very thin one)

Just got my HD2. Little late to the party, but... woooow...

Just posting this in case anybody is tossing up purchasing a 1 year + old phone - I certainly was, and don't regret the decision at all.
Just received my HD2 I bought last week. New definition of frustration - having your SD card arrive a few days after your handset so you can't install Android yet. Anyway, just on hardware alone... woooow...
Even in WinMo 6.5, the screen appears to be relatively clean and crisp. The handset itself feels incredibly good to hold, is amazingly thin (everybody I've shown it to remarks about that) and somehow manages to feel slight despite packing a screen large enough to have your breakfast on.
I've handled every phone HTC has put out for the past two years, and this by far feels the most solid and premium. One of my biggest bugbears about the Android stable is I haven't found build quality to match Apple's iphone efforts, but the HD2 does - I was especially impressed with the rear battery hinge mechanism and just the general feel in your hand. The thing is gorgeous.
Why did HTC abandon this minimalistic design direction? The Desire HD looks like it has several growths coming off of it, the Desire looks like some kind of quasi-purple alien sex toy, and the Legend - which I currently own - is far too blingy for my tastes. This is understated, space-defying and restrained. Even the HTC logo on the back is a reasonable, unflashy size, as if they recognise that not everybody likes feeling like a giant billboard.
As I say, I can't flash Android for a few more days yet, but based on hardware alone this thing is a real winner. Very impressed. To me, it feels better made than any handset on the market that I've played with: more solid than an iPhone 4, more expensive than a Galaxy S, more restrained than a Desire HD and thin enough to make Tom Brady's wife want to go and have a vomit.
If you're tossing up whether to buy an HD2, do it. I'll let you know how I get along with flashing Rafdroid HD (I'm a total noob, so it'll be interesting to see if I manage it).
Cheers,
Zuka
zukа said:
Just posting this in case anybody is tossing up purchasing a 1 year + old phone - I certainly was, and don't regret the decision at all.
Just received my HD2 I bought last week. New definition of frustration - having your SD card arrive a few days after your handset so you can't install Android yet. Anyway, just on hardware alone... woooow...
Even in WinMo 6.5, the screen appears to be relatively clean and crisp. The handset itself feels incredibly good to hold, is amazingly thin (everybody I've shown it to remarks about that) and somehow manages to feel slight despite packing a screen large enough to have your breakfast on.
I've handled every phone HTC has put out for the past two years, and this by far feels the most solid and premium. One of my biggest bugbears about the Android stable is I haven't found build quality to match Apple's iphone efforts, but the HD2 does - I was especially impressed with the rear battery hinge mechanism and just the general feel in your hand. The thing is gorgeous.
Why did HTC abandon this minimalistic design direction? The Desire HD looks like it has several growths coming off of it, the Desire looks like some kind of quasi-purple alien sex toy, and the Legend - which I currently own - is far too blingy for my tastes. This is understated, space-defying and restrained. Even the HTC logo on the back is a reasonable, unflashy size, as if they recognise that not everybody likes feeling like a giant billboard.
As I say, I can't flash Android for a few more days yet, but based on hardware alone this thing is a real winner. Very impressed. To me, it feels better made than any handset on the market that I've played with: more solid than an iPhone 4, more expensive than a Galaxy S, more restrained than a Desire HD and thin enough to make Tom Brady's wife want to go and have a vomit.
If you're tossing up whether to buy an HD2, do it. I'll let you know how I get along with flashing Rafdroid HD (I'm a total noob, so it'll be interesting to see if I manage it).
Cheers,
Zuka
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congrats on your new phone/pda.
as for me ive had it with HTC anymore. yes the hardware is awesome but HD2 software freezes just annoys me. I hope you will not encounter such problems but i doubt it.
Regards.
i too purchased an hd2 last week...i got the touch pro2 when i came out and deliberately put off purchasing the hd2 untill i got bored with the tp2...also i wanted a winmo device as opposed to the wp7
as far as the freezing issues goes...once i updated the software at http://www.t-mobile.com/wmupgrade/ that reduced the freezes on the device nearly 95%...the only "mini freeze" i get is when listening to music when a text message comes through...prior to the update it froze approx 5 sec and about half a sec post update...
i went to tmo yesterday and all their hd2 accessories were 30% off and and they took off and additional 35% i got a data cable, screen protectors and the clear case w/ kickstand for 8 bucks n change...
da9th_one said:
i went to tmo yesterday and all their hd2 accessories were 30% off and and they took off and additional 35% i got a data cable, screen protectors and the clear case w/ kickstand for 8 bucks n change...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off I am glad you got yourself an HD2, I hope you find it as great a device as I do. The HD2 is one sweet HTC device that will be talked about in the history books and looked at as a one of a kind device forever more. I also feel like it might be something of a pioneering device as it has shown what can be acomplished if one puts their mind to something.
Secound you wreak sooooooooo lucky. I bought my body glove cover in like Oct. for $20.00 USDA, and the last screen protectors I bought like four mounths ago I payed $15.00 USDA. Your lucky #@$&?#@$&?. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha ..........just playin man
zukа said:
Just posting this in case anybody is tossing up purchasing a 1 year + old phone - I certainly was, and don't regret the decision at all.
Just received my HD2 I bought last week. New definition of frustration - having your SD card arrive a few days after your handset so you can't install Android yet. Anyway, just on hardware alone... woooow...
Even in WinMo 6.5, the screen appears to be relatively clean and crisp. The handset itself feels incredibly good to hold, is amazingly thin (everybody I've shown it to remarks about that) and somehow manages to feel slight despite packing a screen large enough to have your breakfast on.
I've handled every phone HTC has put out for the past two years, and this by far feels the most solid and premium. One of my biggest bugbears about the Android stable is I haven't found build quality to match Apple's iphone efforts, but the HD2 does - I was especially impressed with the rear battery hinge mechanism and just the general feel in your hand. The thing is gorgeous.
Why did HTC abandon this minimalistic design direction? The Desire HD looks like it has several growths coming off of it, the Desire looks like some kind of quasi-purple alien sex toy, and the Legend - which I currently own - is far too blingy for my tastes. This is understated, space-defying and restrained. Even the HTC logo on the back is a reasonable, unflashy size, as if they recognise that not everybody likes feeling like a giant billboard.
As I say, I can't flash Android for a few more days yet, but based on hardware alone this thing is a real winner. Very impressed. To me, it feels better made than any handset on the market that I've played with: more solid than an iPhone 4, more expensive than a Galaxy S, more restrained than a Desire HD and thin enough to make Tom Brady's wife want to go and have a vomit.
If you're tossing up whether to buy an HD2, do it. I'll let you know how I get along with flashing Rafdroid HD (I'm a total noob, so it'll be interesting to see if I manage it).
Cheers,
Zuka
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The HD2 its a great phone. I hope you get to enjoy it as mush as I do. Its truly amazing
Just to report back after the laborious process of installing Android...
I had a few problems flashing HSPL and MAGLDR, but people in the community helped me quickly and without judgement, which I really appreciate. HD2 owners seem to be committed to the cause of helping other people out with hacking, and it's a nice change to not be called dumb for asking a question
Anyway, I installed Rafdroid HD 4.0.2 and it's amazing. I've used a stock Desire HD extensively and there's no doubt in my mind that this is a) quicker day to day, b) smoother in animations/reflows, c) better in benchmarks (for what they're worth) and d) kinder to battery life.
This phone is actually amazing. Somehow, a 4.3 inch screen manages to feel smaller in the hand than an iPhone 3G/S, and a hell of a lot better built as well. I've already talked about how great the hardware is, but I'm really, really impressed with how well Android runs from NAND. The people that say it's better than a stock android device aren't lying - it's the bomb.
The best thing is, if I get sick of it, I can flash WP7, which is also in my opinion a great OS. If in doubt, buy an HD2 - it's half as expensive as a Desire HD, runs five times as many OSes and is twice as good.
da9th_one said:
as far as the freezing issues goes...once i updated the software at <t-mobile> that reduced the freezes on the device nearly 95%...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had my Leo for 6 months now, and for the past 2 I had been dealing with the constant freezing. It was to the point where it wouldn't even make calls, it would just freeze, then go into a loop of rebooting.
Earlier today I snagged the upgrade from t-mobile, and although my phone almost melted from overheating in the process, it instantly fixed all of my problems.
Granted, I had spent 2 hours trolling around these here forums looking for a solution, so after I finally got my phone working again, I was so excited to try out all these new exciting things I had been reading about, so I flashed Cruzer-5th WWE, and updated my radio to 2.14.50.04.
After several hours, I got everything working, and suddenly my phone is fast, stable, and I get an HSDPA signal! No more overheating, and try as I might, I can't crash it.
Long story short, the t-mobile upgraded ROM works like a charm, and I went from wanting to drill a hole through the middle of my Leo to loving it all over again.

Categories

Resources