Hey sorry to post this up but I needed a opinion. My friend wants a new andfoid phone on verizon. Ehats the best choice for him... I told him get a droid x cause the fascinate has slow updates...
Input is appreciated!!
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Wait for dual core phones to hit verizon.
If he's new to android and wants a stock phone with google that works fairly well,i say get the dx. If he wants to get into rooting and likes a slighty smaller phone that is faster get the fascinate.
I had both and even with the gps problems i still would choose the fascinate.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
BigBonkers said:
Hey sorry to post this up but I needed a opinion. My friend wants a new andfoid phone on verizon. Ehats the best choice for him... I told him get a droid x cause the fascinate has slow updates...
Input is appreciated!!
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a pretty crappy reason to suggest a device.
I got the Fascinate because IMO, the screen is superior, and I like the overall look/feel of the device better than the X.
Froyo is just gravy when it lands.
There's no way for us to know what's best for him.
I had an x. The fascinate is smoother, better screen but feels cheap. Forget about real modding for a few years till froyo comes out.
X is awaiting gingerbread while were still awaiting Froyo!
- posted via the fascinating phone Verizon forgot about already.
Thanks guys i appreciate the input!! Think ill tell hgim to hold off for another month or two.
I feel like we'll have Froyo by the end of the year, and if the news about Samsung devices getting Gingerbread first holds true, we'd have that before The Droid X gets the update.
The changelog for dj05 said its an update before next years Froyo release so a month at least would be a good call
- posted via the fascinating phone Verizon forgot about already.
Honestly, I'd base it largely on device size preference, because fanboy-ism aside the Droid Incredible (3.7" screen), the Fascinate (4") and the Droid X (4.3") are all excellent devices with similar specs. And each have their own advantages and disadvantages.
The Incredible has a subpar GPU but uses the near-universally acclaimed Sense UI.
The Fascinate gets bloated with Bing and TouchWiz and Samsung isn't the best at updating software but it has (overall) the best hardware specs.
The Droid X also comes bloated with the less-than-ideal Motoblur UI, plus the phone itself is shaped a bit oddly for most peoples' pockets.
But quirks aside, chances are someone new to Android would be perfectly happy with any of the three devices.
Or, of course, you can wait for new devices. It certainly looks like Tegra 2 (dual core) devices will dramatically outperform anything on the market today. But, and this is a big but, you may be stuck waiting until mid-2011 when Verizon starts rolling out LTE phones. It's hard to say at this point whether or not they'll put out more high-end 3G Android phones when LTE's on the horizon. Logically they'd want super-high-end launch devices for a super-high-end network, and there are only so many phones that they can release. That's not to say we definitely couldn't see a dual-core 3G device all of a sudden, but it seems increasingly unlikely.
joe3681 said:
The changelog for dj05 said its an update before next years Froyo release so a month at least would be a good call
- posted via the fascinating phone Verizon forgot about already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Latest word is that DJ05 was scrapped due to to many issues. Also, the best way to pick a phone would be to find a store and go in and play around with the devices you're looking at. I didn't like the physical buttons on the front of the DX, and the hump at the back was odd when holding the phone.
Sent from my Voodoo Fascinate
I get a phone, use it heavily for a day or two. If it annoys me more than I like it, I keep it. If not it goes back. The fascinate annoys me but its the lesser of all evils.
- posted via the fascinating phone Verizon forgot about already.
joe3681 said:
I get a phone, use it heavily for a day or two. If it annoys me more than I like it, I keep it. If not it goes back. The fascinate annoys me but its the lesser of all evils.
- posted via the fascinating phone Verizon forgot about already.
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Click to collapse
If you don't plan on unrooting it, the samsung fascinate is a piece of crap...
However, if you do, samsung's phone is probably the most flexible. But it's not necessarily a good thing for everyone. So for regular users, I don't recommend the fascinate for purple enjoy don't plan on unrooting or froyo.
I would argue the opposite, that the Fascinate would be perfect for mainstream users. Most people -- especially those new to Android -- won't notice (and therefore, be bothered by) the non-standard stuff that we power users hate (like Bing).
Even TouchWiz is good for most people -- while it isn't as polished as Sense, it definitely is simpler than stock Android. So, those same things that we love to hate -- like how TouchWiz just so happens to closely resemble iOS -- are actually pros for less technically-inclined folks.
I think CNet's review put it well:
It is certainly always good to have variety, but we also think the Fascinate is well suited for the consumer who is just getting into Android and smartphones. Samsung's custom TouchWiz interface offers an easy-to-understand presentation of menus that makes the transition from feature phone to smartphone a little easier. By the same token, we know TouchWiz isn't going to appeal to everyone, particularly Android purists and business users who might want something a little more polished and less bubbly, and for them, we'd recommend the Motorola Droid X or the HTC Droid Incredible. Still, if it's more a general all-purpose smartphone you're after, the Samsung Fascinate is a fun one to use.
Read more: http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones...rizon/4505-6452_7-34129372.html#ixzz184PC4V93
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Click to collapse
Lots of people really like Touchwiz. My mom thinks it's the best thing since sliced bread, although even she hates Bing.
As for what I'd recommend... the Droid X is a nice phone, but I didn't like it. It's lumpy, ugly, feels funny in my hand... and let's not forget that it's slower than the Incredible or Fascinate.
I like the Incredible... a lot. But in the end I went with the Fascinate... nicer screen won the day for me. Also Swype is GODLIKE.
Related
I will be switching carriers shortly from T-mobile to Verizon and need some input from experienced users. I currently have a Cliq XT it is my is my first and only Android phone and even though it is a nice phone it is severely limited. I want to get something more powerful and up to date. I have decided to either buy a Samsung Fascinate or a Droid X. Can you guys give me some pros and cons from your points of view. I have seen multiple comparisons online but I wanted the opinion of XDA forum members. Thanks! (pardon if this is in the wrong section or has already been asked, its my first post)
JMTS80 said:
I will be switching carriers shortly from T-mobile to Verizon and need some input from experienced users. I currently have a Cliq XT it is my is my first and only Android phone and even though it is a nice phone it is severely limited. I want to get something more powerful and up to date. I have decided to either buy a Samsung Fascinate or a Droid X. Can you guys give me some pros and cons from your points of view. I have seen multiple comparisons online but I wanted the opinion of XDA forum members. Thanks! (pardon if this is in the wrong section or has already been asked, its my first post)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just left T-mo, and I miss my Nexus terribly.
I went with the Fascinate hands down. Better processor, better GPU, better display, easier root, better camera.
I was on the horns of the same dilemma, Droid X or Fascinate.
Background: I figured out that, except for a brief flirtation with a BlackBerry Storm, the last six phones I've had were all made by Motorola. The term "Motorola Fanboy" sounds really, really strange, but I guess that's what I was... I pre-ordered the Droid 1, and got it on release day, had it rooted the day the root process broke. There's more, but you see where this is going.
When the Droid X was announced, I asked "Where do I put my money?" Then I heard a frightening term: "E-fuse". Of course, that turned out to be something of an exaggeration, but the idea was troubling. This was followed by "Locked Bootloader".
With all this, I still wanted one, but I wanted to actually hold one before I plunked down my cash. I'm still waiting. My local VZW store, Best Buy, Costco, you name it, gets a couple in once or twice a month, and they're gone by lunchtime. I just looked at the VZW site, and right now they're saying the estimated ship date if you order today is the 24th.
So between being locked up and unavailable (okay, I'm being impatient here), I decided to go a different direction.
I pre-ordered my Fascinate, got it on release day, and had it rooted within 90 minutes (20 of which were confirming that the root was persistent). Less than two weeks later, we're on the verge of a custom recovery
This thing is SUPER light, and WAFER thin! It doesn't have that bulge on the back like the DX does. I also agree with the description that the SF is "Just the right size". My neighbor has an EVO, and I think phones of that size are actually a little too bulky.
Don't listen to much about the things people are complaining about with the Fascinate. Every new handset gets some of that, and it all gets worked out in the first few weeks.
The ideal thing, of course, would be to hold them both, one after the other, and see which one gives you the bigger smile. I tried to do that, but wasn't able to. It's hard to imagine the DX would make me happier than the Fascinate though...
And, of course, the universal disclaimer, YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY!
You're not going to go wrong either way, btw...
-Z
watch this: http://vodpod.com/watch/4468715-episode-18-samsung-fascinate-galaxy-s-vs-motorola-droid-x
yes, its 14 or 15 min but worth the watch if your considering the fascinate or the X.
Fascinate. End of discussion.
-Via Fascinate Courtesy Of Tapatalk
Thanks guys
Thanx for all of your responses! From what I have seen and what you guys are saying the Fascinate sounds like the better device. I just have a few doubts... Mainly the GPS issues, Bing, and the fact that I don't trust Samsung when it comes to updates.
This thread has also helped push me towards the fascinate... I always thought the droid x was too big anyway.
But now I'm mostly concerned about the GPS just like the OP... The update thing is unsettling too... I would hope they plan on putting gingerbread on these phones :O
Sent from my Droid Incredible running SkyRaider Vanilla 3.0
Dude get the Fascinate. I went from a Nexus, to the Evo and just came from a D2. I'm completely impressed. The battery has barely moved 1.5 hrs into my 1st day of use. The Evo gave me HELL had every ROM and could never get the out of box comfort and ease I've had so far.
Only things are the bottom buttons, I have 1 bar less of service in my house..haven't tested gps yet but these are all things I can live with and we're only on 2.1. Get it.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App & yes I'm a chick.
from what i have read it seems the GPS issue is hit or miss. thats not going to stop me from getting one. if the GPS doesnt work i will just keep exchanging them till i get one that does. of course it could just be a software issue but i think its to early to tell just yet.
Motorola + eFuse is the only issue you need to think about
Currently it hasn't been cracked, so if you want to install custom kernels, bootloaders, etc, I suggest you run far away from anything with the name Motorola
Not to mention the Hummingbird cpu/gpu blows TI's OMAP out of the water, as well as the SAMOLED screen
The only plus you get out of the X is .3" larger screen and HDMI out, which I'm sure we will get in a few months
"& yes I'm a chick"
LMAO, I love it!
My only qualm with the Fascinate is the bloat-ware. It's chocked full of it. I think it's to differentiate it from their Droid line.
You can easily circumvent it by starting with a launcher like ADW or LauncherPro and starting there.
Once you root, there's many more options. I would recommend staying away from the lagfix. You'll read more about it, but stay away from that one. It makes your phone act a little jerky which my phone actually has yet to recover from.
Other than that, it's awesome. You'll prefer it over the Droid X when the custom roms start coming out for it!
And it's super light, slim, and pretty sleek for a 4" screen phone.
Well, I was going to buy one of the new 4G phones because as it was rumored the Thunderbolt was supposed to be available this weekend.. but it is not to be I suppose SOOO..
I'm looking to buy a Fascinate off contract in order to save my upgrade.
Just wondering if there is anything I should know? I have an Incredible and I know depending on your model number it's either AMOLED or SLCD. Now I know all Fascinates are SAMOLED, but I was just using that as an example of something I would need to know if I was buying an Incredible.. if that makes any sense at all.
Thanks for your time
As far as I know there are no differences in the fascinates out here beyond best buys unique white model.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Honestly wait for the iphone. Android is garbage in my opinion. I had the fascinate and well without the applications to spruce up a phone......well its just a phone. And i think we all want more!!!
BigBonkers said:
Honestly wait for the iphone. Android is garbage in my opinion. I had the fascinate and well without the applications to spruce up a phone......well its just a phone. And i think we all want more!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And I guess the iPhone is so much more than a phone without applications to spruce it up Once again, stop trolling here. You have 20 posts and none of them have something besides bashing the Fascinate or Android.
Just another jealous Icrap fanboy who has nothing better to do than hang out in here...Get a life and a real PHONE!
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Hands down, better than the Incredible.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
If you're going to end up upgrading to a 4G phone soon after you buy the Fascinate, then why get it at all? It's just a waste of money when you already have an Incredible. Just wait for a good phone to come out.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Yeah, if I hadn't just gotten the Fascinate I would probably prefer to wait for the i520. The new SAMOLED+ looks even more amazing than SAMOLED, and I'm probably one of the few who wishes the Fascinate had a bigger screen.
I have a fascinate and an incredible right now. The fascinate is better hardware wise. The only thing keeping me on the incredible is cyanogen.
The fascinate is STILL stuck on 2.1 and while it performs well it still feels like it's missing something. I also miss the track ball and the camera of the incredible. And the name is much better IMO
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Just wait for the new 4.3 inch beast phones coming out for Verizon right now.
Rockin' DJ05, Minimal Icognito, Clocked at 1.3Ghz
Dizfunky said:
If you're going to end up upgrading to a 4G phone soon after you buy the Fascinate, then why get it at all? It's just a waste of money when you already have an Incredible. Just wait for a good phone to come out.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I can get a Fascinate for cheap without wasting my upgrade since a friend has it, and we need another phone in the family since my sister broke her original droid (it held up admirably for a good while).
TheSonicEmerald said:
Just wait for the new 4.3 inch beast phones coming out for Verizon right now.
Rockin' DJ05, Minimal Icognito, Clocked at 1.3Ghz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None of the new phones introduced at CES will be released for several months...
Last I heard, the HTC Thunderbolt, an LTE phone, was going to be released later this month. I could be wrong though.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
BigBonkers said:
Honestly wait for the iphone. Android is garbage in my opinion. I had the fascinate and well without the applications to spruce up a phone......well its just a phone. And i think we all want more!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you even come to these forums?
ivorycruncher said:
Last I heard, the HTC Thunderbolt, an LTE phone, was going to be released later this month. I could be wrong though.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At the press conference today they mentioned that all of the ten new devices they showed will be available the first half of the year, and "some as early as March"... So we are probably looking at April-May-June for most LTE devices
Guys no need to get angry. The guy asked for an opinion on the fascinate. And I think he needs one from someone who came from an Iphone on ATT to Samsung Fascinate on Verizon. What can he learn about a phone from ONLY people who are stuck with it........... Nothing. I think a negative review helps alot.
The fascinate has good hardware. But ive always said that android lacks in the applications department. Plain and simple.
Be smart the IPHONE is getting released on February 3rd. Wait try them both out....Then decide for yourself. Whats good for one person isnt good for another.
Another negative point SAMSUNG has the worst reputation with updating there android phones. Just a thought.
Your opinion does not make fact.
BigBonkers said:
Guys no need to get angry. The guy asked for an opinion on the fascinate. And I think he needs one from someone who came from an Iphone on ATT to Samsung Fascinate on Verizon. What can he learn about a phone from ONLY people who are stuck with it........... Nothing. I think a negative review helps alot.
The fascinate has good hardware. But ive always said that android lacks in the applications department. Plain and simple.
Be smart the IPHONE is getting released on February 3rd. Wait try them both out....Then decide for yourself. Whats good for one person isnt good for another.
Another negative point SAMSUNG has the worst reputation with updating there android phones. Just a thought.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
However, his question was not about which overall phone he should get. Just if there were anything specific to know about within the Fascinate family.
As for your opinion, its just that, you're personal opinion that only fits you. You were used to an iPhone and the apps you had. You got a completely different product that you are less happy with because you probably can't find the same apps or ones that worked comparably to what you had. Does that mean its automatically inferior, no, we as humans are just habitual and dislike change.
As for hardware, yeah, the iPhone's front camera and Apple's specific image software to tip the scales for the iPhone4 over the Fascinate. However, the EVO 4G easily bests the iPhone4.
If he were to wait on a different phone, he should do as others said and keep the Incredible and wait until later this year when a slew of LTE phones drop that ALL destroy iPhone4 and probably 5 as it will not be 4G.
As for iOS vs Android, meh, personal opinion. I like Android better as a techy guy and love the better inclusion of Google products. Again, we humans are habitual and my short stints with friends iPhones really don't do much.
For me, I'll stick with a far more open option that is rapidly surpassing anything iDevice has offered. Plus, I can create my own apps for free and without having to buy a Mac.
BigBonkers said:
Guys no need to get angry. The guy asked for an opinion on the fascinate. And I think he needs one from someone who came from an Iphone on ATT to Samsung Fascinate on Verizon. What can he learn about a phone from ONLY people who are stuck with it........... Nothing. I think a negative review helps alot.
The fascinate has good hardware. But ive always said that android lacks in the applications department. Plain and simple.
Be smart the IPHONE is getting released on February 3rd. Wait try them both out....Then decide for yourself. Whats good for one person isnt good for another.
Another negative point SAMSUNG has the worst reputation with updating there android phones. Just a thought.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not about anger or hostility.
If you don't like this phone, why don't you go bug those people on the iphone forums. It just makes very little sense for you to come here and talk trash.
Didnt mean to talk trash guys. Wasnt my intention.
I'm thinking about returning my Fascinate in light of the Verizon iPhone. Would it be worth it? Being stuck on 2.1 waiting till 2013 for Gingerbread forever sucks!
1.4hitachi said:
I'm thinking about returning my Fascinate in light of the Verizon iPhone. Would it be worth it? Being stuck on 2.2 forever sucks!
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Click to collapse
I wouldn't get this iteration of the iPhone. You'll be stuck on it for the next two years, missing out completely on the next gen device that will come out in the summer.
there isn't a phone that you can walk into the VZW store and buy right now that is better than the Fascinate. You can argue that the Droid inc, Droid X and droid 2 are all superior in some way, but in terms of hardware, speed, and form-factor there isn't a better all around device today. In a month or two, that could very well change, but if you take it back today, what are you going to get?
nmyeti said:
there isn't a phone that you can walk into the VZW store and buy right now that is better than the Fascinate. You can argue that the Droid inc, Droid X and droid 2 are all superior in some way, but in terms of hardware, speed, and form-factor there isn't a better all around device today. In a month or two, that could very well change, but if you take it back today, what are you going to get?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I owned the Droid inc and returned it for the Fascinate, that was a good decision I think. The X is too big and has a tumor, and the Droid 2 is just a faster version of the OG Droid.
Very Good points. Thanks.
nmyeti said:
there isn't a phone that you can walk into the VZW store and buy right now that is better than the Fascinate. You can argue that the Droid inc, Droid X and droid 2 are all superior in some way, but in terms of hardware, speed, and form-factor there isn't a better all around device today. In a month or two, that could very well change, but if you take it back today, what are you going to get?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I kind of agree with you on the VZW part. The Fascinate IMO is the best Android handset on Verizon, for the the reasons that you also listed above. However, having been using an iPhone 3GS until recently, there are also some benefits to switching over to iOS. Personally, I find a lot more that I like about the Android platform compared to iOS. I also have a problem with having to use a device where a CEO is determining what I want from a phone, but it does have its upsides.
However as a Fascinate owner, there seems to be this feeling of being left behind and inadequate. Samsung is more focused on releasing new devices with Froyo already installed, than actually releasing the damn update on our current phones. What's the point in buying the Fascinate today if in not even half of a year there will be a better version of it running wild? At least with the iPhone you know that you will get timely updates and a new version won't hit stores until at least a year later.
Now, one could argue that rooting your SCH-I500 and flashing a custom ROM can make you feel less concerned with having to have the 2.2 update on the phone, but even the mod development on this phone feels somewhat weak (No offense to the Fascinate devs, I know you guys are awesome and doing all you can to save this phone). I'm just calling it how I see it. I've used, rooted, and modded an Epic 4G and that device has a way more active community with more variety in mod selections.
Personally, if I was told that I could exchange my Fascinate for the iPhone 4 when it releases I would jump on that. However, If I was told that I could exchange my Fascinate for the Droid Bionic when that launches, I would be much more excited.
As noted, the Fascinate even with 2.1 is still a fantastic phone. If you are smart, you'll keep what you have (or trade/ebay) to keep your upgrade for later this year when all the LTE dual core Androids come out that will blow away anything out currently and even the next iPhone coming in June/July (as it won't have LTE).
I would return it and just get a cheap feature phone off craig's list and use that sans contract until the Motorola Bionic comes out, and then sign your contract with the phone discount. Wish I still had this option. May try to sell my Fascinate on craig's list and see if I can get 50% of the cost of a Bionic to just buy it out right. Im tired of Samsung and their bull ****. I can deal with updates no coming out. But when you code your phone so poorly that even the dev community can't work with it to fix your laziness and inability to release updates, well that is just too much for me.
Yes, most definitely. Return it, and get a Razr.
superchunkwii said:
As noted, the Fascinate even with 2.1 is still a fantastic phone. If you are smart, you'll keep what you have (or trade/ebay) to keep your upgrade for later this year when all the LTE dual core Androids come out that will blow away anything out currently and even the next iPhone coming in June/July (as it won't have LTE).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i can't wait to see the battery life on a dual core :/
Z an B son!
zachsx said:
Yeah i can't wait to see the battery life on a dual core :/
Z an B son!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Considering all the current smart phones have about 1500mah batteries and the specs released for the upcoming dual core have 2000mah batteries along with better/more efficient OSs etc, I'm thinking the battery life will be about the same.
Battery life may even be better on the targa2 based phones as they probably will have a lot more time "at rest" since they are capable of doing a lot more work per clock cycle.
Personally i am holding out till a dual core, lte phone comes along in the form factor i want.
Wait for dual core. Iphone 4 is outdated by the time March hits.
Rockin' DJ05, Minimal Icognito, Clocked at 1.3Ghz
spotmark said:
Yes, most definitely. Return it, and get a Razr.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Razor FTW! I had one of those back in 07', I thought it was bad a$$.
Yeah, being on the latest version of android would be nice. But, honestly, I don't know that having a newer version of android would impact how I use my phone. Flash support will be nice but I rarely find my self on websites that require flash while browsing on my phone. certain apps require 2.2, but I don't use those. The speed bump might be the biggest difference (for me, at least).
I'm sure we'll get updates either from the devs or from samsung that will bring us to the newer versions of android. But, Before you got making a drastic change in phone hardware just ask yourself if that is really going to change your phone activities or how you use it. For me, it really won't.
my 2 cents.
I'm in the same boat. I just got my Fascinate 3 weeks ago (leaving a little over 1 more week to return it under the 30 day guarantee), and I love it; it's the first smart phone I've owned. However, I can't help but feel the iPhone might be a better choice.
For me, the selling points for Android were Google Voice integration and free wifi hotspot capability. After researching these, I believe they are both now possible on the iPhone. I didn't even consider an iPhone before because I didn't want to deal with AT&T's network, but on Verizon, it is pretty tempting.
I also hate Steve Jobs and the general iPhone mindset--that everything is perfect as-is without allowing for any changes. With jailbreaking, however, I feel like most things on the Android become possible. I'm under the impression that the iPhone can do essentially everything that Android can, with a better/larger selection of apps and games. Maybe I'm wrong...it'd be great if someone who has previously owned an iPhone could point out its flaws to change my mind.
In the end, I'm sure I'd be happy with either device, regardless of my decision. But with 2 years to go, I want the best experience possible. The Fascinate has been great, but Samsung's apathy toward updates is a big turn-off. If it weren't for jt/birdman/etc. and their work on Gingerbread, I might have switched already.
theBNich said:
I'm in the same boat. I just got my Fascinate 3 weeks ago (leaving a little over 1 more week to return it under the 30 day guarantee), and I love it; it's the first smart phone I've owned. However, I can't help but feel the iPhone might be a better choice.
For me, the selling points for Android were Google Voice integration and free wifi hotspot capability. After researching these, I believe they are both now possible on the iPhone. I didn't even consider an iPhone before because I didn't want to deal with AT&T's network, but on Verizon, it is pretty tempting.
I also hate Steve Jobs and the general iPhone mindset--that everything is perfect as-is without allowing for any changes. With jailbreaking, however, I feel like most things on the Android become possible. I'm under the impression that the iPhone can do essentially everything that Android can, with a better/larger selection of apps and games. Maybe I'm wrong...it'd be great if someone who has previously owned an iPhone could point out its flaws to change my mind.
In the end, I'm sure I'd be happy with either device, regardless of my decision. But with 2 years to go, I want the best experience possible. The Fascinate has been great, but Samsung's apathy toward updates is a big turn-off. If it weren't for jt/birdman/etc. and their work on Gingerbread, I might have switched already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I'd stick with what you got so you don't get trapped into iOS apps and iTunes (which I loathe). GB will be out soonish from this community and Samsung will eventually get 2.2 out if you want to stay unrooted.
The phone is a great phone and the only feature you'll really be lacking is the front camera/video calls. If that is really important to you, then maybe get the HTC Thunderbolt as it comes out soon.
Also, don't worry about your return period as you can easily sell the phone for upwards of $400 on Ebay/Craigslist and simply buy someones phone you want out right down the road when they launch. Such as in 6mos or so when all the far better dual core LTE devices launch.
superchunkwii said:
Personally, I'd stick with what you got so you don't get trapped into iOS apps and iTunes (which I loathe). GB will be out soonish from this community and Samsung will eventually get 2.2 out if you want to stay unrooted.
The phone is a great phone and the only feature you'll really be lacking is the front camera/video calls. If that is really important to you, then maybe get the HTC Thunderbolt as it comes out soon.
Also, don't worry about your return period as you can easily sell the phone for upwards of $400 on Ebay/Craigslist and simply buy someones phone you want out right down the road when they launch. Such as in 6mos or so when all the far better dual core LTE devices launch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't care at all about a front camera; until it is much more common and the people that I talk to have one, it is on the bottom of my priority list. What do you hate about iOS apps? I have an iPod, and I personally think iTunes is a decent interface for music syncs. It certainly beats what I use to transfer media to my Fascinate right now, which is manual file copying. Maybe I'll give MediaMonkey a try soon.
theBNich said:
I don't care at all about a front camera; until it is much more common and the people that I talk to have one, it is on the bottom of my priority list. What do you hate about iOS apps? I have an iPod, and I personally think iTunes is a decent interface for music syncs. It certainly beats what I use to transfer media to my Fascinate right now, which is manual file copying. Maybe I'll give MediaMonkey a try soon.
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iOS apps are fine, except I do believe there are far more free versions on the Android market.
I loathe iTunes as its a resource hog. I refuse to allow it on my machines.
Android allows you to use whatever software you want and you simply copy paste the media over to your phone. May not be automatic (yet I'm sure Google is working on this) but, that is not a concern to me and I am good with copy/paste.
superchunkwii said:
iOS apps are fine, except I do believe there are far more free versions on the Android market.
I loathe iTunes as its a resource hog. I refuse to allow it on my machines.
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I hate itunes and it's probably the #1 reason that I don't use an iphone. There is nothing specifically wrong with the iphone 4, but honestly who wants to sign a 2 year contract on something that is already about a year old when a new version will be out soon?
I bought my Droid inc back in April when it launched. VZW was kind enough to replace it with a SF after I had some issues with my 3rd DINC. I've got an upgrade i'm saving for when something really compelling comes out and i can tell you, the iphone 4 isn't compelling.
I have 2 different people I know that own iPhone 4s and I have had to use them at one point or another (to look something up and my phone was at my desk). I can say that I will definitely NEVER EVER go back to a 3.5 inch screen. They seem soooo small now. I don't think I would even consider a 3.7 inch screen at this point. I think 4 inches is the smallest I will ever go, and the 4.3 on the Droid X and Evo are probably pushing the upper region.
I'm still in the market for a new phone, and had my heart set on the Epic from the start. However, when I started delving deeper into the different phones, I started feeling apprehensive toward the Epic.
Why I want it:
Video/picture quality seems better than the other phones I was looking at
5row QWERTY
Non-smudgy back plate
Good stock SD card
Super AMOLED
Why I'm apprehensive toward it:
It's running 2.1 and people think Samsung is abandoning the phone
Ideally, I wanted a 4 or 4.3in display
To get 2.2 and faster speeds, I'd have to use a ROM -- I have no idea how to do it, and I also don't like the themes most of the community ROMs have.
The other phones I was interested in were the EVO 4g, the Nexus S, the Droid X, and maybe another Galaxy S phone.
So, my question to the Epic 4g community: How do you like the phone? Have you tried any of the other phones I've listed? Am I going to get shafted by Samsung and never get a 2.2 update, or is it just as easy to flash the leaked 2.2?
I lovemy epic. Greatest phone I've had. It does everything I want. I got the epic to future proof myself.
Itsvery easy to flash the leaked froyo. You don't even gotta be rooted! Also, theleaked froyo is bascally a release candidate, being almost complete but still lacking little things like bluetooth audio out.
If those are the phones on our short list, get the epic. When samsung finally releases official final froyo,those phones will have nothing on the epic.
If you can't wait for froyo, then a5least get a new dualcore phone so you can be sure you won't be left behind
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Agreed. The epic is absolutely fantastic. Even on 2.1 it's vastly better than the evo, which my girlfriend has. The nexus s however looks great and if that was on sprint it'd be a toss up for me. Don't listen to all the nay saying going on right now. Samsung easily had the best camera, screens and processor combo available for the current gen. Once you go oled it'd be hard to go back. I just recently flashed the new trulyepic 1.2 rom and imo, that's the way to go right now if want froyo. Runs fantastic.
Sent from my Epic 4g using XDA App
Well the first question I'd have for you is what carrier are you looking at? Because you just listed a bunch of phones in the OP that are on different carriers. As far as the Epic is concerned, I love it ... it has a LOT of issues, including Samsung's Froyo delay that you mentioned, but it's still one of the fastest phones out there (with a kick ass GPU mind you). Again, it depends on what you need. If you don't need QWERTY, then you might want to look at the Evo as that is one of the best supported phones on the market (in terms of the dev community).
NecroNetics said:
I'm still in the market for a new phone, and had my heart set on the Epic from the start. However, when I started delving deeper into the different phones, I started feeling apprehensive toward the Epic.
Why I want it:
Video/picture quality seems better than the other phones I was looking at
5row QWERTY
Non-smudgy back plate
Good stock SD card
Super AMOLED
Why I'm apprehensive toward it:
It's running 2.1 and people think Samsung is abandoning the phone
Ideally, I wanted a 4 or 4.3in display
To get 2.2 and faster speeds, I'd have to use a ROM -- I have no idea how to do it, and I also don't like the themes most of the community ROMs have.
The other phones I was interested in were the EVO 4g, the Nexus S, the Droid X, and maybe another Galaxy S phone.
So, my question to the Epic 4g community: How do you like the phone? Have you tried any of the other phones I've listed? Am I going to get shafted by Samsung and never get a 2.2 update, or is it just as easy to flash the leaked 2.2?
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Click to collapse
yes
the keyboard is convenient but i dont like it. my roommate has a g2 and it feels alot better..
yes
yes
yes!!
4 inch is fine. 2.2 might be out soon but the roms out leave very little to be desired anyway... then again u cant really go wrong with any of the phones on your list haha.
Thanks for the replies, guys.
nimaim said:
Well the first question I'd have for you is what carrier are you looking at? Because you just listed a bunch of phones in the OP that are on different carriers. As far as the Epic is concerned, I love it ... it has a LOT of issues, including Samsung's Froyo delay that you mentioned, but it's still one of the fastest phones out there (with a kick ass GPU mind you). Again, it depends on what you need. If you don't need QWERTY, then you might want to look at the Evo as that is one of the best supported phones on the market (in terms of the dev community).
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The carrier isn't important to me. It relies solely on the phone -- although, I think Sprint has one of the cheapest plans.
If trade my epic for a nexus s any day... The screen on both if my epics became loose after weeks and I harshly use the keyboard anyway
Sent from my Nexus S with a keyboard
I guess it really depends on what you are coming from. I was a die hard blackberry user.... *throws up a bit* came directly to and specifically waited for the epic after seeing several inferior android phones but knew it was where I wanted to settle once I was able to dig deeper helping a few friends mod.
Point being if it will be the first phone of this caliber, I think you will love the epic and there is no reason not to in most cases as the phone is blazing, couple it with some of the mods from the devs here.... it will be sweet. That being said, the same would likely apply to most of the other phones in your list.
Sent from my Twin Jets EPIC using XDA App
Only if you want a keyboard. I think that's all the Epic has over the Evo at this point. Yes it's faster, yes the screen is better, but.. Samsung support is terrible, while 2.1 runs fine and there are 2.2 leaks its still a sorry state to be in for a "flagship" phone.
IF you're interested in Roms.. go with an HTC. While the Evo is running a 98% functional CM7 and MIUI, and (Insert popular rom name here), the Epic's (while the developers are all awesome! This is NOT a knock) are more or less just customizations and ported applications with a breakthrough here and there such as EXT4.
Samsung is absolutely ridiculous "#neveragain". The keyboard skips letters, the GPS is moody and only works when it wants to, updates are pretty much MIA. Yes the epic is a little bit faster, with a more colorful screen, but at what cost.
Thanks to the Skippy keyboard I've become a professional on the onscreen keyboards and am highly considering a Evo off of Ebay while I can still sell the Epic for more. Maybe that gives you an idea of what it's like to own a Samsung.
</endrant> All rants aside... it's not a bad phone by any stretch of the imagination. Samsung is just better at products that don't need much support after release... like TV's...
The epic (galaxy s phone) has the best diplay and fastest GPU on the market as of posting this.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-GALAXY S-CAPTIVATE ASSONANCE 5.2 @1.2ghz
im just wondering if any of you fascinate users have had a chance to use the htc thunderbolt yet? im running DarkREVENGE v3.0 eb01 on my fascinate and i really like it... is it worth the switch?
i was sorta hoping for a dual core phone but it looks like the bionic is the next one up on LTE... and thats moto with their locked bootloader, so it makes it really unappealing. i read that there should be a samsung galaxy lte phone coming down the road.. but after the level of support.. im not sure if id buy another samsung (even though the dev community is amazing!)..
constructive replies welcome.
thanks,
dave
Its not worth the upgrade, but it certainly is a better phone.
I concur. I'm going to take an early upgrade option in September. 4G and dual core should have more established options by then. I wouldn't jump now.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA Premium App
I don't know about it being a better phone because lots of factors play into a phone being a better phone than another. Yes, it is a more powerful phone but not really worth the upgrade right now since other more powerful phones are coming out later. Personally, I don't think I would ever want to own a phone that gets worse battery life than an EVO. I wouldn't even say the Thunderbolt is much better than the EVO at all. It's basically an EVO with 256 more RAM and terrible battery life (give or take some specs). In some instances I'd prefer it because of the support that HTC devices receive but my Fascinate is perfectly fine for me now.
Zacisblack said:
I don't know about it being a better phone because lots of factors play into a phone being a better phone than another. Yes, it is a more powerful phone but not really worth the upgrade right now since other more powerful phones are coming out later. Personally, I don't think I would ever want to own a phone that gets worse battery life than an EVO. I wouldn't even say the Thunderbolt is much better than the EVO at all. It's basically an EVO with 256 more RAM and terrible battery life (give or take some specs). In some instances I'd prefer it because of the support that HTC devices receive but my Fascinate is perfectly fine for me now.
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with a next generation processor, gpu, more ram, I think the screen and the camera are slightly better as well, the body is much nicer looking too. Its much better than the evo, that's not up to debate. Its just not worth the upgrade at this moment in time.
FDro said:
with a next generation processor, gpu, more ram, I think the screen and the camera are slightly better as well, the body is much nicer looking too. Its much better than the evo, that's not up to debate. Its just not worth the upgrade at this moment in time.
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Next generation does not always mean better. AFAIK, the next gen Snapdragon processors are on par with the current Hummingbird. The screen is also probably better on the Fascinate, same with battery life. About the only thing the Thunderbolt would have to offer is 4G and probably better source code and software to work from.
Well, I upgraded to a TBolt from a Fascinate and I have to say, it beats the Fascinate in almost every way. Sense is 20 times better than touchwiz. The TBolt does 1700 quadrant out of the box. The battery usage is better than that on the fascinate. It's just smoother all the way around. plus you get 4g plan now, it's unlimited for $30 and you get grandfathered in. And a word on dual core. The TBolt has been shown in tests to be as fast or faster than the droid bionic so that's that. Plus HTC supports their product. I am very very happy I upgraded.
My buddy just got one, and I'm jumpin ship once I have my upgrade. Battery isn't an issue for me. Plus, I am tired of Samsung and want to get rid of it asap. Think how sweet that thing will be once Cyanogen Mod is running on it.
The phone is nice. Plain and simple. Dual Core seems cool, but i'll wait another year before i jump ship. I think HTC makes a nice phone. They always have and will.
Hey Samsung... I hate your cell products and will never buy one again. EVER!
Hey Devs... Thank you for your hard work and all the love you have shown us.
I'm considering the Tbolt. I'm about 10-15 miles away from 4G right now, so it's really tempting. I'm hoping vzw will flip the switch around here soon.
I wouldn't even be thinking about the Thunderbolt if the Bionic was made by HTC or LG. As it stands, I will not support Motorola as long as they continue to lockdown their bootloaders, and unfortunately, the LG Revolution isn't dual core.
I'm tempted to pick up the Thunderbolt used on craigslist and then truly upgrade to the first dual core, 4g phone that isn't made by Motorola (would be nice if it's a Google Experience phone too).
I got my Fascinate one week after launch, 99% new for $350 (including a case and screen protectors!), so maybe I can get that lucky with the Thunderbolt.
thanks
thanks everyone for your thoughtful replies... i went ahead and ordered one.. guess i'll see. ill use my 15 days to decide... though i normally figure it out within about 2... ill post my results.
I recommended the Thunderbolt to my sister as her first Android phone, hope the battery life isn't too bad for what she uses her phone for.
I might see if I can get one since my Fascinate's earspeaker has been very staticy recently, or I'll wait until a non-Motorola dual-core phone comes to Verizon, then see if I can make the switch.
Soon as I get paid, this Fascinate is going in the garbage and I'm getting a Tbolt too. I don't care, I'll pay the entire $600 for it. I've always liked the Evo and, being on Verizon, couldn't get one.
I still, to this day, miss my HTC Droid Eris.
I'm sick of Samsung. HTC is the way to go.
Ill get any 4G verizon phone when 4G is more widespread. I travel a lot so if im getting a 4G phone, I want 4G speeds anywhere I go.
Glad that 4G will cover 2/3 of us population by the time I get my next upgrade. (October 2012)
ataranine said:
Soon as I get paid, this Fascinate is going in the garbage and I'm getting a Tbolt too. I don't care, I'll pay the entire $600 for it. I've always liked the Evo and, being on Verizon, couldn't get one.
I still, to this day, miss my HTC Droid Eris.
I'm sick of Samsung. HTC is the way to go.
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I kinda feel the same way.
Those that got the Thunderbolt, how is the SVDO? That is one of the main reasons I may get one, other then the sheer lack of software support from Samsung. I am done with Samsung.
I bought a tb two days ago, and from the time I've had with it all I can say to a fellow fascinate user is definitely buy the tb. The best way I can describe this phone is....it just works...everything I ever wanted my fassy to do, this phone does, and it does it fast, and without being rooted and Rom'd....admittedly, the screen isn't as vibrant, but overall this is a great phone. I've had two motorolas one Sammy and now I'm wondering why I haven't been buying HTC the whole time...everyone waiting for dual core should probably wait another year before its really worth it...plus I can't wait to have this thing overclocked to 1.6 or 1.8. Bottom line....make the switch....sorry for the rant.
Ps. Thank you fascinate devs for all the amazing work you have done
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
HTC makes great phones. Samsung could learn a thing or two from them. They also support the software which is another plus.
A few things that would stop me from buying are things like the CPU and the screen. Those two would be a step down or maybe a lateral move. Plus the charger port being on the bottom when using the kickstand.. they should have thought that one thru a bit more. That could save us $$ on a dock but no.
I only like to buy new phones when there's a significant processor or some other hardware upgrade. I'll most likely go HTC next time especially if their screens can be on par with SAMOLED, but I think I'm gonna wait.
Sent from my MIUI Fascinate using XDA app
madcow706 said:
Those that got the Thunderbolt, how is the SVDO? That is one of the main reasons I may get one, other then the sheer lack of software support from Samsung. I am done with Samsung.
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I drove using google maps and talking on my BT headset without any issues, it even transitioned from LTE to 3g without dropping my call.
I also have the fascinate, I dont regret getting the TB at all. Faster, better build, love sense (why does everyone hate it?) no more plastic toy feel, and better battery life.
Also my quadrant score is at 1890, much better the fascinated with lag fix and this is on a stock rom, and not that much lower then my xoom with dual core.
What's the hype about dualcore anyway, not like there are apps that require that much processing power anyway.
I've just started the first level of angry birds seasons to compare the colors between the devices, they look exactly the same with the exception of the Thunderbolt screen being sharper. You do not see the pixels like you do on the fascinate.
I think Thunderbolt is a great phone (I love Sense UI) however, I just don't see myself buying a man-purse just to carry that huge sucker around. I think its big and heavy enough to pull your pants down. My friend has an Evo and with a case on it, its as thick as a Bible.
andersonrt said:
plus you get 4g plan now, it's unlimited for $30 and you get grandfathered in.
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I wouldn't count on being grandfathered in to anything. It would be naive to think they won't charge anyone more for 4g just because they signed up early. Once the tiered plans hit market they will force an upgrade on data by placing everyone that is"grandfathered" in the lowest tier. Just my thoughts of course, but I like to think realistically.
Samsung Fascinate
Frankenclean 2.8
EB16-ish Voodoo Kernel
Mob87's Honeycomb theme
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