Database Users

Galaxy SII or Sensation

My first android phone was Nexus One and after a year in December i bought Nexus S. Now i feel that i need a new phone or a tablet,right now i m little confused between samsung Galaxy s2 or Htc Sensation.
The reason i m posting is that many of you guys came from flavored to vanilla phone like Htc and galaxy. So i want to know which phone is devs favorite and has more roms and will be better for gaming and stuff.
Or
Should i go for Galaxy tablet or Asus EEEpad?

Go do your own research about Galaxy S2 vs. Sensation. People here at these forums prefer the Nexus S over anything. We get the Nexus series because manufacturers don't have any say in anything. They simply just provide the hardware.
Not being a jerk or anything, but we shouldn't have to babysit you one by one our opinions about what phone to get when we're already enjoying the one we already have.

Amritttt said:
My first android phone was Nexus One and after a year in December i bought Nexus S. Now i feel that i need a new phone or a tablet,right now i m little confused between samsung Galaxy s2 or Htc Sensation.
The reason i m posting is that many of you guys came from flavored to vanilla phone like Htc and galaxy. So i want to know which phone is devs favorite and has more roms and will be better for gaming and stuff.
Or
Should i go for Galaxy tablet or Asus EEEpad?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a tough question because everyone has different needs.
I have used MANY Android devices, I'm almost ashamed to admit.
I currently have the Nex S, HTC Glacier and a Motorola Xoom and I'll probably be getting the SGSII soon.
The Sensation is really nice. I have the ROM with Sense 3.0 running on my Glacier now and it's pretty sweet, but I still would prefer the SGSII without a doubt.
So it's really a YMMV situation, based entirely on your preferences, needs and wants
However, I've heard the new Samsung Galaxy 10.2 is currently regarded as the best Android tablet out now. So I hope that helps.

zephiK said:
Go do your own research about Galaxy S2 vs. Sensation. People here at these forums prefer the Nexus S over anything. We get the Nexus series because manufacturers don't have any say in anything. They simply just provide the hardware.
Not being a jerk or anything, but we shouldn't have to babysit you one by one our opinions about what phone to get when we're already enjoying the one we already have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
C'mon man.
Lighten up a bit.
It's a community.
We help each other out.
He asked a harmless question.
That's all.
He clearly lacks experience and is looking for guidance from those that do.
Is that really so bad?

phonepersonality said:
C'mon man.
Lighten up a bit.
It's a community.
We help each other out.
He asked a harmless question.
That's all.
He clearly lacks experience and is looking for guidance from those that do.
Is that really so bad?
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Click to collapse
It's really bad when you're coming to a respective forum and people are giving their own opinions about the phone when the REAL facts about the phone itself are on Engadget. These phones are made to fit a person's personality. One phone will please one person, whereas, another will knock it down because it's simply not what they're looking for.
Galaxy S2: http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/28/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-review/
Sensation: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/htc-sensation-review/
I'd go with the Galaxy S2. That's just me. Happy?
I just find it really rude to come here and start talking about two phones that have absolutely nothing to do with its respective forum. People here (especially Sprint) users just got the phone and it's making them have regrets in buying the NS4G because with this thread, it makes the NS seem like an obsolete device when development for the NS/NS4G is starting to boost.
Sensation XDA: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1109
Galaxy S2 XDA: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1055
Note: Going to one of those forums and asking the same thing, they will most likely side with their phone because its a biased post. Just like how I'm standing up for the Nexus S. However, it may be more informative since they ACTUALLY have the phone in their hand and can list their personal experiences with the phone rather than us providing our experiences based on our readings from tech blogs. Fair?
Quad-core phones are coming out later this year with the upcoming rumored Nexus device anyway, which will most likely be the flagship "Ice Cream Sandwich" device. The leaked roadmap for NVIDIA Tegra lists that Tegra 3 (Quad-Core 1.5GHz) will be released within this Fall.
And since the Nexus S is a Nexus device, it will be one of the first phones to get "Ice Cream Sandwich" (or whatever it will be called). Having that in mind KEEPS me on staying with Team Nexus. Because there's really no reason to go out of Team Nexus when Nexus devices are getting their updates directly from Google including a fully deoxed ROM being released in a short period of time. ESPECIALLY when these devices being released are not optimized for Dual-Core (or above) usage. It doesn't matter if it has a 8-core CPU, if the OS doesn't optimize those cores, then it really doesn't matter. That's the end of the story.
Anyway, enough of my ranting. I hope this makes you stay with Nexus devices because they are truly unique phones and people should learn to appreciate them more. We will get our updates faster than any other phone and to be honest, I don't trust any manufacturer that determines whether or not when I will get the OTA. Even still, CyanogenMod does a great job on keeping users at the highest Android OS version possible but a stock version of the latest will help. Especially when Nexus devices are un-bloated and built from AOSP for the most part.

GS II... hands down.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App

I would go for SGSII since it's a Galaxy S series phone, where almost everything is possiblility

man, you need to get both in hands to decide! since in real world specs means nothing! sensation has better resolution, buy s2 has mega hiper super amoled plus (or whatever samsung is calling it now)...
pick both phones and use it for a while, then decide!

http://androidandme.com/2011/06/new...ou-might-want-to-wait-for-the-nexus-3-part-1/

Does it make me a terrible person that I want to pay full retail for that phone despite only having my ns4g for ~2 months now?

Why not just get a tablet. If your that much of a power user and need a new phone after a couple of months. Give your eyes a rest and get something bigger
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA Premium App

I prefer the overall non-branded android phones hence the nexus S I currently have. Had an HTC before and got kinda fed up with the bugs/issues and SLOW response from HTC to provide firmware updates.
I've had the Nexus S since Dec 2010 and I've already had four firmware updates!
Friend at work has the SGS2 and its a nice phone.. though I'd prefer it without touchwiz naturally lol

sjtscott said:
I prefer the overall non-branded android phones hence the nexus S I currently have. Had an HTC before and got kinda fed up with the bugs/issues and SLOW response from HTC to provide firmware updates.
I've had the Nexus S since Dec 2010 and I've already had four firmware updates!
Friend at work has the SGS2 and its a nice phone.. though I'd prefer it without touchwiz naturally lol
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Well the fact that Samsung gave a CM7 developer a Galaxy S2 to dev CyanogenMod meant a lot. I give Samsung more credit than they deserve regardless of how people criticize Samsung.
Motorola is just a no no.
HTC would be my second choice. I respect them for their commitment to "unlocking bootloaders." But the fact that they wanted to lock the bootloaders in their first place is shady.
Samsung doesn't really lock their bootloaders, its just fully open. And no, I'm not referring to the NS. The Galaxy S series wasn't even hard to unlock, just rename to update.zip and flash it in stock recovery.

I dont think so nexus 3 will be tegra 3 1.5 quad core so now i am thinking galaxy s2 or lg optimus 2x(g2x)

Nexus 3
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

NYYFan325 said:
Does it make me a terrible person that I want to pay full retail for that phone despite only having my ns4g for ~2 months now?
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Click to collapse
yes, it makes, you are terrible! =oP
that was the main reason i came to nexus, i want to trade it only for a new nexus... this hardware race is insane! it reminds me the old times of PC: 166mhz, 233mhz, 300mhz... MMX, 3DNOW

just look for better battery life .. wichever provide u better battery..and i think almost all phone now days coming with dual core n higher ram..
if u dont really care about updates than just pick one, which looks n feel better
cuz there arent much higher upgraded features coming anymore soo 2.3 and above is all cool

SGS2 because:
Faster everything
Slimmer profile
internal storage plus micro sd
physical button on the front
not Sensation because:
Wifi Death Grip issue
Sense 3.0 = which is garbage and pure eye candy

nexus one was my first android as well, and coming from vanilla, sense > touchwiz for me. Actually, a lot of ppl prefer sense over touchwiz. thats what you should look into if youre coming from vanilla.
of course, you should look at the specs as well. i found that any hardware differences werent significant enough for me.
Even though i'm not a fan of touchwiz, i ordered the sgsii because its compatible with the network im heading to, and mainly bc it looks like samsung really brought their stuff together and put a lot of work into the phone...where as (while i'm not doubting the work put into it) the sensation comes off as merely a dual-core EVO 4g.
just my 2 cents.

I don't understand why people prefer Sense > TouchWiz.
Sense is ALL EYE CANDY.
TouchWiz, first thing that comes to mind is looking like iOS. This is true, but when you put TouchWiz launcher under the hood and use LauncherPro/ADW over it. It's actually a great skin. TouchWiz implemented new features such as the power widgets on notifications bar and added codecs to play 720p. The Camera App was amazing too.

thinking about exchanging for nexus S. thoughts?

i got my atrix from best buy 3 weeks ago and i am still within my 30 day exchange period. if you didn't already know, the Nexus S was released today for AT&T at best buy (subsized $99). i know the Nexus S is an mildly inferior spec wise, however, with the plethora of ROMs available (including CM7), switching to the Nexus S seems very enticing. i know the atrix will eventually get AOSP ROMS, but i miss the good ole days on my Nexus One with vanilla android, CM7, etc. Obviously there will be a bias here because I am posting in the atrix forum. but anyone have any thoughts on this? ive read all the phonedog, cnet, youtube, reviews/comparisons on the 2 devices, but I wanted to ask the XDA community.
couple of points:
- hspa+ doesn't seem to be a huge issue for where i live because the max speedtest i ever got on my atrix was 2.9mb/s DL and 1.8 UP (running samcripp's ninja 4.5 w/ faux kernel and latest radio). im assuming even the 3G Nexus S will achieve similar speeds as my buddys iPhone 4 gets 2.8-3.0MBps in our area.
- not a fan of the atrix's color accuracy. samoled looks better to my eyes, despite lower resolution.
anyone that has owned a Nexus S or knows anything about it, please give me your input. thanks fellas/ladies

arvindrao86 said:
i got my atrix from best buy 3 weeks ago and i am still within my 30 day exchange period. if you didn't already know, the Nexus S was released today for AT&T at best buy (subsized $99). i know the Nexus S is an mildly inferior spec wise, however, with the plethora of ROMs available (including CM7), switching to the Nexus S seems very enticing. i know the atrix will eventually get AOSP ROMS, but i miss the good ole days on my Nexus One with vanilla android, CM7, etc. Obviously there will be a bias here because I am posting in the atrix forum. but anyone have any thoughts on this? ive read all the phonedog, cnet, youtube, reviews/comparisons on the 2 devices, but I wanted to ask the XDA community.
couple of points:
- hspa+ doesn't seem to be a huge issue for where i live because the max speedtest i ever got on my atrix was 2.9mb/s DL and 1.8 UP (running samcripp's ninja 4.5 w/ faux kernel and latest radio). im assuming even the 3G Nexus S will achieve similar speeds as my buddys iPhone 4 gets 2.8-3.0MBps in our area.
- not a fan of the atrix's color accuracy. samoled looks better to my eyes, despite lower resolution.
anyone that has owned a Nexus S or knows anything about it, please give me your input. thanks fellas/ladies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A friend of mine owns the nexus S and I own the atrix.
It's a nice phone with AOSP gingerbread (and many roms) but I don't think it's very futureproof which puts me off of it.
The source code is being released for atrix gingerbread on 7/29 from the 4.5.91 build, and when that happens, there truly will be an AOSP/CM7 build for the atrix within a week or two.
If you want a better experience with your phone right now (or for the next 4-6 months) I would go with the nexus S, but from an investment point of view the atrix is a far better choice. I enjoy it.

Atrix has dual cores and is more recent. Though that curved screen on the Nexus S looks nice
Fasty Captivate

Magnetox said:
A friend of mine owns the nexus S and I own the atrix.
It's a nice phone with AOSP gingerbread (and many roms) but I don't think it's very futureproof which puts me off of it.
The source code is being released for atrix gingerbread on 7/29 from the 4.5.91 build, and when that happens, there truly will be an AOSP/CM7 build for the atrix within a week or two.
If you want a better experience with your phone right now (or for the next 4-6 months) I would go with the nexus S, but from an investment point of view the atrix is a far better choice. I enjoy it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 in a month when cm7 and other roms are available your going to be a little disappointed you hadnt waited out a little longer and got the same or similar ui exprience with more speed and a longer time line in terms of being future proof. soon the nexus s will be completely outdated while the atrix wont

I own both phones. The nexus s is a great phone. Im using launcherpro on both with the exact same homescreen setup and the atrix is noticeably faster. Web browsing is a LOT faster on the atrix as well. And my atrix is still on 2.2. What i like about the nexus s is the camera. It completely destroys the atrix cam especially on night shots. 2.3 is also a plus along with getting first the udates that google will release. I thought i could use the nexus s as my main phone but still ended up using my atrix a lot more.
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk

Honestly, i almost thought about buying the nexus S before the Atrix was released. But like they said, it's not future proof, single core(not the biggest deal breaker, but dual core does make a difference). The main reason i didn't get it was because it doesn't have an sdcard slot, if it had an sdcard slot then i would've got it, another thing is the Atrix's battery is the largest battery in a phone straight out of the box, sure there are extended batteries out there that u could get, but they're so big that they will pretty much double the thickness of your phone if not more which will most likely make your phone uncomfortable after a while.
But overall the Nexus S is a great device if your not too worried about mods/roms, but once these new firmwares/roms are released that require more advanced hardware or software that's not compatible with the nexus S, then you'll be looking for another phone, while a more future proof phone like the Atrix will be able to keep up
just something to think about

varem said:
Atrix has dual cores and is more recent. Though that curved screen on the Nexus S looks nice
Fasty Captivate
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The screen isn't curved, only the glass cover is.
TechnoNeto said:
+1 in a month when cm7 and other roms are available your going to be a little disappointed you hadnt waited out a little longer and got the same or similar ui exprience with more speed and a longer time line in terms of being future proof. soon the nexus s will be completely outdated while the atrix wont
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cyanogen replied to a question about Atrix CM7 on Jun 26 stating that they'd probably begin working on it soon. This was right after the unlock was released. You can be sure that with the GB source release they'll be jumping on it both feet first, as they have CM7 for both the T-Mobile G2X and LG Optimus already (other similar Tegra 2 devices).

phobos512 said:
The screen isn't curved, only the glass cover is.
Cyanogen replied to a question about Atrix CM7 on Jun 26 stating that they'd probably begin working on it soon. This was right after the unlock was released. You can be sure that with the GB source release they'll be jumping on it both feet first, as they have CM7 for both the T-Mobile G2X and LG Optimus already (other similar Tegra 2 devices).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh lol, nvm then. I just saw the pic in a review. Looked curved to me
Fasty Captivate

ANY phone lacking Micro SD, is an automatic deal breaker for me.
That's why I still have and rather use an SGS over the Nexus...

color accuracy on the super amoled displays is horrible imo. it looks like a tv in vivid mode

With an unlocked bootloader, the Atrix puts the Nexus S to shame. The screen on the Nexus S isn't my cup of tea either, the colors are sooooo exaggerated.
Not to mention, with rumors flying around of a Nexus 4G being released first for AT&T in October with Ice Cream Sandwich, the Nexus S will be a thing of the past. If you're getting the Nexus S in hopes of always getting the latest from Google first, remember how well (sarcasm) they treated Nexus One owners ;-)
Finally, honestly, pure Android experience is nice, but Moto does an awesome job (in my opinion) filling in for some key nice features. For example, the stock gallery app on Android is HORRID, it will make you want to stab yourself while you wait for it to load up new photos. Moto on the other hand, did an awesome job with their gallery app, more so especially with Gingerbread for the Atrix.

ccrows said:
ANY phone lacking Micro SD, is an automatic deal breaker for me.
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Click to collapse
Same for me. How do Google expect to showcase their platform with a neutered phone? Ridiculous.

thank you to everyone! i never expected so many helpful responses. unfortunately, this makes my decision even harder. i am the type of person that changes phone literally every 3 months. i will be getting the iPhone 5(4S or whatever) when it comes out. Don't get me wrong, I love android, but I also have a hidden passion for iOS devices. However, whichever android phone I decide upon, I will be keeping. If we really are going to be getting true AOSP ROMS on the atrix in the coming weeks, I think I am just going to stick with it. The Nexus S just look so sexy though. ugh. tough call here. but thanks again everyone

arvindrao86 said:
thank you to everyone! i never expected so many helpful responses. unfortunately, this makes my decision even harder. i am the type of person that changes phone literally every 3 months. i will be getting the iPhone 5(4S or whatever) when it comes out. Don't get me wrong, I love android, but I also have a hidden passion for iOS devices. However, whichever android phone I decide upon, I will be keeping. If we really are going to be getting true AOSP ROMS on the atrix in the coming weeks, I think I am just going to stick with it. The Nexus S just look so sexy though. ugh. tough call here. but thanks again everyone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe Samcripp is working on making Ninja SF into an AOSP ROM (already themed as such)
Plus, why get the Nexus S now, when the next one is rumored(?) to be coming out soon?

no point in getting nexus S now. it's been out too long and there are many phones now that are better than it spec wise.
like some have said, you should wait for the next nexus phone.
one thing great about nexus phones is that they get all the new updates faster than others. i held my nexus one for more than 1 year before selling it for something better. but while all the software updates are good, the phone eventually got too laggy for me even with launchers and other things running on it.

if you're getting an iphone 5.... i have no words for you

they are already working on a new nexus, too bad samsung is making it. ihope they change it.

TechnoNeto said:
+1 in a month when cm7 and other roms are available your going to be a little disappointed you hadnt waited out a little longer and got the same or similar ui exprience with more speed and a longer time line in terms of being future proof. soon the nexus s will be completely outdated while the atrix wont
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The atrix is going to be outdated before the nexus s because the nexus s will keep getting updates before any phone which will keep it up to date. Afterall it is a Google phone and Google is bound to release 2.4 fairly soon and by that time, nexus s would have the newest update while the atrix would remain on 2.3 for another 4-5 months.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App

ameedi600 said:
The atrix is going to be outdated before the nexus s because the nexus s will keep getting updates before any phone which will keep it up to date. Afterall it is a Google phone and Google is bound to release 2.4 fairly soon and by that time, nexus s would have the newest update while the atrix would remain on 2.3 for another 4-5 months.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PFFFF!. UNLOCKED BOOTLOADER Atrix. Custom Ice Cream roms...
think twice.

jmgg2k said:
PFFFF!. UNLOCKED BOOTLOADER Atrix. Custom Ice Cream roms...
think twice.
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Click to collapse
+1 //10char

Buy, or wait for next Nexus?

Looking for honest opinions. I know the GS3 is the best phone today, and there will always be a new thing coming out soon. But I feel like now is a time when in a few months, there might be a series of Nexus phones coming out, and these 2 will be the best Android devices for a while.
I've lived with my Evo for 2 years and a few more months is fine if there's a good chance the Nexus will be a big leap. On the other hand its so tempting to just get the GS3

ECrispy said:
Looking for honest opinions. I know the GS3 is the best phone today, and there will always be a new thing coming out soon. But I feel like now is a time when in a few months, there might be a series of Nexus phones coming out, and these 2 will be the best Android devices for a while.
I've lived with my Evo for 2 years and a few more months is fine if there's a good chance the Nexus will be a big leap. On the other hand its so tempting to just get the GS3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was in the same boat as you. I ended up buying the One X. Then I bought the Galaxy S3. Haha..
It will definitely be interesting to see what the new nexus devices come out with. I always say I'll wait for this or wait for that, but inevitably I cave. You can't go wrong with the Galaxy S3. The international model will always have a strong developer following. I worry that the legendary developer following will become very fragmented when 5 different nexus devices are released. That has always been a claim to fame for the nexus line.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

S3 for me hands down.
GNex was a pretty big disappointment for me. The only thing it had going for it was Vanilla Android 4.0 ICS. Everything else about the phone I really hated. If Samsung follows the same trend with the next Nexus, then the next Nexus will be another disappointment in my books.
However, rumors whisper the next Nexus may be a Motorola phone. We'll see.

yyhd said:
S3 for me hands down.
GNex was a pretty big disappointment for me. The only thing it had going for it was Vanilla Android 4.0 ICS. Everything else about the phone I really hated. If Samsung follows the same trend with the next Nexus, then the next Nexus will be another disappointment in my books.
However, rumors whisper the next Nexus may be a Motorola phone. We'll see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the next Nexus is a Motorola, then that will be a disappointment. Even though Google owns Motorola Mobility, If i see another "Droid" by Motorola I'm gonna projectile vomit...
Even though the GNex did not turn heads with its CPU/GPU/Cam, I think it was still a breakthrough device, it's still, to this day imho the best looking device out, front is literally flawless. LED notifier anyone? Even though I'm probably/most likely going to buy the SGS3, it's gonna be tough going back to a device that actually has buttons, that **** is old.....
ECrispy said:
Looking for honest opinions. I know the GS3 is the best phone today, and there will always be a new thing coming out soon. But I feel like now is a time when in a few months, there might be a series of Nexus phones coming out, and these 2 will be the best Android devices for a while.
I've lived with my Evo for 2 years and a few more months is fine if there's a good chance the Nexus will be a big leap. On the other hand its so tempting to just get the GS3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The next Nexus is not going to be launched until the end of the year, given how quickly devices/tech rolls over, 5 months for a device is already pushing it. The S3 is a beastly of a phone, but trust me, by October/November, there will be rumblings of the S4, the Nexus will be out, or multiple Nexuses, and while most are going to still be waiting for ICS, Nexus users will be rockin' Jelly Bean..

I quite want one, but doubt I'll find anyone to take my skyrocket + cash for this beast of a phone.
No upgrades on my account until september/October I forget. So I guess I'll have to see if anything is good then if nobody will trade me now.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium

I think it's pretty dumb to wait for vaporware. If this was a device that had specs that'd make sense, but it seems pretty silly to wait on something and not even know WTF you're waiting for.
edit: Oh, sorry it isn't even vaporware. That's something that's announced and doesn't come to fruition. This hasn't even been announced or hinted at as of yet... silly.

yyhd said:
S3 for me hands down.
GNex was a pretty big disappointment for me. The only thing it had going for it was Vanilla Android 4.0 ICS. Everything else about the phone I really hated. If Samsung follows the same trend with the next Nexus, then the next Nexus will be another disappointment in my books.
However, rumors whisper the next Nexus may be a Motorola phone. We'll see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read a little while back that Google will work with multiple manufacturers for the next line of Nexus phones, including HTC, Samsung, Motorolla, and LG.

mlin said:
I read a little while back that Google will work with multiple manufacturers for the next line of Nexus phones, including HTC, Samsung, Motorolla, and LG.
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Click to collapse
thats why I'm going to stick with gs3. This quad core version is really smooth!
Sent from Rooted debloated stock Galaxy S3 OG I9300

As you noted, there's always something new coming out. This means that the decision of when to jump in is entirely personal. I really think you should lay out your own minimum requirements and go from there. For me, the GS3 is a no go because one of my requirements is a next gen GPU, not a refreshed 2011 GPU. That's just one example of how I decide if I'm willing to upgrade yet. Until my desired specs are met I'm holding out with my sensation.
Sent from my Sensation 4G using XDA

The nexus has repeatedly represent the minimum standard for android and I emphasize the minimum standard. Starting with the nexus one, first 1ghz android. Nexus s with old galaxy s 1ghz and now current galaxy nexus with a dual core 1ghz. Samsung galaxy s series has been known for exceeding that standard and creating
Premium specs. Galaxy s had the best cup/gpu, s2 best cup/gpu and now s3 which has demonstrated it has the top dog cpu /gpu. Samsung has show again and again it s committed to the best.
Sent from my GT-I9300

if you wait long enough, you could buy google glass.
joking aside, i think the GS3 is a significant upgrade from the phones from the S2 era... and i believe that the new nexus phone will not present that much of an upgrade save for Jelly Bean.

yyhd said:
S3 for me hands down.
GNex was a pretty big disappointment for me. The only thing it had going for it was Vanilla Android 4.0 ICS. Everything else about the phone I really hated. If Samsung follows the same trend with the next Nexus, then the next Nexus will be another disappointment in my books.
However, rumors whisper the next Nexus may be a Motorola phone. We'll see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is so true, and many people share the same sentiment on the galaxy nexus.
vanilla android is great but the hardware is so lacking and gimp.
The promise of having the latest upgrade is not true anymore, it barely got 4.0.4.
I felt sorry for the people that kept their phone stocked and was stuck on the buggy 4.0.1...
but yeah it did look sexy..

I for one would like to hear more details on what the five Nexus devices really are. Are they going to be competing phones, phones with predetermined near-identical specs for dev compatibility, or not phones at all? The former is the ideal case, in terms of hardware at least.1 Combined with the customizable soft nav-bar (I can't help but find non-customizable, non-rotatable nav buttons lame as hell now) the choice would be a no-brainer for me.
But that's an ideal scenario. (Nope, ideal scenario is the Nexus Note )
1 The second would probably be ideal for homebrew deving, but without competition there's no guarantee of real hardware improvements.

There are already ample amount of posts regarding this, so it's not fair to ask the same thing again and again, instead searching would have given you all the answers you need
tapatalked from galaxy s3

copualt3 said:
The nexus has repeatedly represent the minimum standard for android and I emphasize the minimum standard. Starting with the nexus one, first 1ghz android. Nexus s with old galaxy s 1ghz and now current galaxy nexus with a dual core 1ghz. Samsung galaxy s series has been known for exceeding that standard and creating
Premium specs. Galaxy s had the best cup/gpu, s2 best cup/gpu and now s3 which has demonstrated it has the top dog cpu /gpu. Samsung has show again and again it s committed to the best.
Sent from my GT-I9300
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The gnexus is 1.2 ghz omap. 4460 not 1. Do the ghz really matter anymore? All. These damn processors are fast. I want quadcore A15. I'd be fine it was 1ghz

ECrispy said:
Looking for honest opinions. I know the GS3 is the best phone today, and there will always be a new thing coming out soon. But I feel like now is a time when in a few months, there might be a series of Nexus phones coming out, and these 2 will be the best Android devices for a while.
I've lived with my Evo for 2 years and a few more months is fine if there's a good chance the Nexus will be a big leap. On the other hand its so tempting to just get the GS3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're dead set on getting a Nexus, you should stick it out and wait for the next round because they're probably going to be awesome (word is 5 different manufacturers are gonna be making them). The SGS3 phone is a great device, but if you're looking at a Nexus then you're obviously wanting something vanilla and the SGS3 is very, very far from vanilla.

depends if you don't want to root then go nexus as that will be better in the update department but if you are rooting the sgs3 is definitely worth picking up now considering its the best smartphone of the summer and there will be a lot of dev support.
"All this knowledge is giving me a major brainer!"

look, the thing which is important is that can you wait with patience or not? if yes, then wait as long as you can to buy a better device than s3. there are no details out yet regarding next nexus, so no one can say how it will be. In this case you better buy s3 and enjoy ur present time.
Sent from s2

Next nexus will be co-produced with asus...
Sent from my GT-S5670 using XDA

Galaxy S III vs Jellybean GNex

I'm so tired of people with GNex's geeking out over JB. Few people in my Android G+ Circle claimed it's a waste of money to get anything other than a Nexus.
Jellybean is cool....but the hardware is just not up to par with the new Android heavy hitters. I'll wait for the new GNex and decide on keeping the GS3 or jumping ship.

brushrop03 said:
I'm so tired of people with GNex's geeking out over JB. Few people in my Android G+ Circle claimed it's a waste of money to get anything other than a Nexus.
Jellybean is cool....but the hardware is just not up to par with the new Android heavy hitters. I'll wait for the new GNex and decide on keeping the GS3 or jumping ship.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jelly Bean is way smoother and faster than ICS for sure BUTTTT GS3's will be even faster when we get CM10 so I am not really too upset. Source was released today so we should have some roms within a week or two(optimistically).
It's really at your discretion. Basically Nexus is software, it's the latest and greatest and most natural google experience. You get a non nexus device, it's all about the latest hardware, better Processor, more/faster ram, better gpu, better screen, stuff like that.
So you want software and wait another year for better hardware or you want hardware and wait a few weeks-months after source is released to get the latest (buggy somewhat to a certain point) software.

brushrop03 said:
I'm so tired of people with GNex's geeking out over JB. Few people in my Android G+ Circle claimed it's a waste of money to get anything other than a Nexus.
Jellybean is cool....but the hardware is just not up to par with the new Android heavy hitters. I'll wait for the new GNex and decide on keeping the GS3 or jumping ship.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you I had the GNex and it's a great phone, very fast for every thing. Except for gaming. Sure it runs 2D games good but when I got to the 3D games like Shadowgun and such the hardware starts showing its age.

Serious_Beans said:
Jelly Bean is way smoother and faster than ICS for sure BUTTTT GS3's will be even faster when we get CM10 so I am not really too upset. Source was released today so we should have some roms within a week or two(optimistically).
It's really at your discretion. Basically Nexus is software, it's the latest and greatest and most natural google experience. You get a non nexus device, it's all about the latest hardware, better Processor, more/faster ram, better gpu, better screen, stuff like that.
So you want software and wait another year for better hardware or you want hardware and wait a few weeks-months after source is released to get the latest (buggy somewhat to a certain point) software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I played with my friends GNex w/Jellybean for a hour or so this weekend and I didn't find it to be any faster than my GS3. Slower at doing intensive stuff. Mind you I running a tweaked Kernel, JB Transition Mod, and Nova Launcher (which is waaaayyy faster than Touchwiz launcher).
If the new GNex comes with Key Lime Pie this year, i'd probably jump all over that. I just don't think its worth buying a GNex now over the GS3 or One X.

I'm on the fence. My friend let me borrow a nexus running jb he got at Google io, and my s3 is powered off. I'm debating returning the s3. I really enjoy the vanilla experience. I'm not a very big phone gamer.
I can never make up my mind
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

outz said:
I'm on the fence. My friend let me borrow a nexus running jb he got at Google io, and my s3 is powered off. I'm debating returning the s3. I really enjoy the vanilla experience. I'm not a very big phone gamer.
I can never make up my mind
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, if you can wait and just run ICS for about a month to two months, we should be getting some stable JB roms by then.

I am sure the sgs3 is better then the gnex.
But I must say I love my gnex.
I use to have a sgs2 and thought it was great. Even after my gnex came I was a little disappointed. But now after a week of rocking the gnex i can say wow what a difference. I use to rom my sgs2, and run the latest buggy roms. But it always felt forced. The devs are great and without them android wouldn't be what it is today.
But the nexus experience is awesome. With jelly coming soon(offical ota) and the promise of klp I will rock this phone until next google I/o.
Granted my sgs2 was a cdma phone so it was a little behind the the gsm counterparts. And I love what Samsung does, but they are a little slow with updates or releases.
Another thing I would like to point out is the gnex(ics), in my hand, which is as smooth if not smoother then your sgs3 is old. I mean there has been 2 if not 3 new processors out since its release. I am proud it is still competing with the newest hardware.
There are some things I wish were better, camera to name one. But still this thing is smooth and sips battery compared to my sgs2 with a Rom of ics.
As far as 3d games go, I don't game on my phone, that's what tablets are for.
Oh and this thing was only $350 sans contact. Now I only pay $45 a month for unlimited everything.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

Just wait until the SIII gets Jelly Bean... the comparisons will stop
Sent from my Pebble Blue Samsung Galaxy S III on T-Mobile using XDA Premium HD

sure we'll have to wait, but since we all have top-tier phones, we should all get decent update support from samsung. I'm sure this was part of the reason to release one model in the us (and almost the same model overseas). I prefer better hardware over quicker updates. Besides once cm10 gets going on our devices, it won't matter much. CM10 gs3 vs cm10 gnex, the gs3 will win in a landslide.

brushrop03 said:
I'm so tired of people with GNex's geeking out over JB. Few people in my Android G+ Circle claimed it's a waste of money to get anything other than a Nexus.
Jellybean is cool....but the hardware is just not up to par with the new Android heavy hitters. I'll wait for the new GNex and decide on keeping the GS3 or jumping ship.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jelly Bean is that much better, you have to try it out. It is so great that it made me think / choose between the two phones for a while

After owning the nexus s I realized that I greatly prefer the vanilla android experience. However, the lack of quality in the gnex camera is what led me to choose the sgs3 instead.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

The S III will get JB or CM10 sooner than later with all the dev support for it. Once that happens, it won't even be a contest.
Even with the wait, lets look at these major advantages for the S III.
***Expandable memory*** (this is HUGE)
2gb of ram vs 1gb
Superior GPU
Bigger battery
Yes, since the S III isn't a Nexus device we won't always get the latest and greatest first. But given the hardware and dev support, I wouldn't hesitate to get the S III over the Nexus again.
It'll be a different story once the next Nexus comes out, but that won't be for awhile. I thought about waiting, but the current GSM Nexus didn't come out until April. I don't think the next unlocked GSM Nexus will come out until early 2013 which is a long time from now. I'd rather enjoy my S III and wait for CM10 and enjoy the phone here and now.

brushrop03 said:
I'm so tired of people with GNex's geeking out over JB. Few people in my Android G+ Circle claimed it's a waste of money to get anything other than a Nexus.
Jellybean is cool....but the hardware is just not up to par with the new Android heavy hitters. I'll wait for the new GNex and decide on keeping the GS3 or jumping ship.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
International sgs3 + official cm = win ... Nothing beats that combo.

I have yet to meet a 3D game that lags on my GNex. Come to think of it, I can't think of any apps an S3 can run that I can't. BTW, Jellybean is awesome
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Maverick777 said:
It'll be a different story once the next Nexus comes out, but that won't be for awhile. I thought about waiting, but the current GSM Nexus didn't come out until April. I don't think the next unlocked GSM Nexus will come out until early 2013 which is a long time from now. I'd rather enjoy my S III and wait for CM10 and enjoy the phone here and now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Galaxy Nexus was released November of last year (I bought the GSM unlocked when it came out). The next Nexus will most likely be released 4th quarter of this year. That said, I initially told myself I'd wait until the next Nexus to buy another phone, but the GS3 was a little too tempting so I made the leap. I still have my Nexus though, but I'll probably be selling it this week, and pre-ordering the Nexus 7.

mysterioustko said:
The Galaxy Nexus was released November of last year (I bought the GSM unlocked when it came out). The next Nexus will most likely be released 4th quarter of this year. That said, I initially told myself I'd wait until the next Nexus to buy another phone, but the GS3 was a little too tempting so I made the leap. I still have my Nexus though, but I'll probably be selling it this week, and pre-ordering the Nexus 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They're starting p're orders soon?! Will they release on T-MOBILE ?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

Screaming Ball Sweat said:
They're starting p're orders soon?! Will they release on T-MOBILE ?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The nexus 7 won't have carrier branded versions

outz said:
I'm on the fence. My friend let me borrow a nexus running jb he got at Google io, and my s3 is powered off. I'm debating returning the s3. I really enjoy the vanilla experience. I'm not a very big phone gamer.
I can never make up my mind
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. I don't know what to say.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

djricekcn said:
Jelly Bean is that much better, you have to try it out. It is so great that it made me think / choose between the two phones for a while
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used JB for a hour or two on my friend's GNex. It was nice. Huge improvement over Gnex with ICS. But with the custom kernels and JB Mods in these forums, I couldn't say it is worth buying over the GS3. THe next Gnex...different story.
outz said:
I'm on the fence. My friend let me borrow a nexus running jb he got at Google io, and my s3 is powered off. I'm debating returning the s3. I really enjoy the vanilla experience. I'm not a very big phone gamer.
I can never make up my mind
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd say just wait until the new one. You're wasting money buying the current GNex with the new one coming out this year. Wait for CM9 port.
mlin said:
After owning the nexus s I realized that I greatly prefer the vanilla android experience. However, the lack of quality in the gnex camera is what led me to choose the sgs3 instead.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah hardware is way better. Not just camera but screen also. Expandable storage
mysterioustko said:
The Galaxy Nexus was released November of last year (I bought the GSM unlocked when it came out). The next Nexus will most likely be released 4th quarter of this year. That said, I initially told myself I'd wait until the next Nexus to buy another phone, but the GS3 was a little too tempting so I made the leap. I still have my Nexus though, but I'll probably be selling it this week, and pre-ordering the Nexus 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. No point getting current GNex.

I've had the GNex for a while now and I wasn't expecting to be as impressed with the S3 as I have been, during the short period of time that I have had it.
Most everybody knows the strong and weak points of the GNex by now, so I'm just going list the areas where I think the s3 really outclasses it. First off battery life, battery life, battery life! Yeah I said that three times. The reason is because I literally get about three times the battery length that I got with the GNex, with essentially the same size battery. I don't get it at all but I am getting crazy battery life, even with the screen cranked up to about 75% brightness, when I used to leave the GNex on auto brightness. This alone is enough of an advantage to recommend the S3. On top of this the S3 also has a considerably better processor, an sd card slot, better build quality, much better camera, much better speakers, and seems to get a better signal as well.
I love the GNex for many reasons, I don't plan on selling it as I will probably still activate it from time to time, but I don't think that there is any question about which is a better everyday phone. I even like a lot of the features of touchwiz, the overall look of the UI is pretty much hideous in my opinion though. I hope to be able to run a touchwiz based rom that is themed like aosp, with on screen buttons some time in the near future. I think that I could be thoroughly satisfied with that for a long time.

[Q] Upgrade from Nexus 4 to GS4? Key Lime Pie?

I am considering buying the Samsung Galaxy S IV as I am eligible for an upgrade. I currently have the Nexus 4 which is still a very good phone. I am considering upgrading to the GS4 for a few reasons. The main reason is because of the amazing display on the GS4. I love to have a good display. The camera is also better and so is the processor. I also think the GS4 feels better in the hand and is more durable.
My main issue with the GS4 is Touchwiz. I am a purist and hate anything that changes Android from stock. I want to make sure if I buy this phone that eventually there will be stable stock ROMs available to flash on this phone. I also was wondering if you guys think the GS4 will ever get Key Lime pie when it finally comes out.
The GS4 looks like an amazing phone but if I can not get rid of touchwiz that is a deal breaker for me.
So what's the verdict?

If I were you, I'd wait a while, at least until Dan releases his bootloader unlock exploit. Until then, it's Touchwiz City!

why get a samsung if you like pure aosp? and this device will definitely be getting klp in addition to the 4.3 update that's rumored to be announced soon to unify all of google's chat apps. it was only just released, and supposedly both 4.3 and 5 are supposed to be out before the end of the year. if samsung can't keep up with updates for a phone within the first year of it being released they might as well give up on being a phone manufacturer.

Pixel size ≠ better picture quality. I wouldn't call the GS4 a significant upgrade from a LGN4. Same fab process at 28 nm, same L0, L1, and L2 caches, same GPU the minor cpu speed bump that the SGS4 has is definitely offset by touchwiz and it's ram hogging features.
Also you'll receive KLP no problem I guarantee.. the GS4 JUST came out man haha.. As far as getting rid of touchwiz Seeing as how there is already some for of early nightlies of CM10.1 for the T-Mobile GS4, you can bet your ass that once the bootloader is unlocked we'll receive it very quickly.
Seems like you should stick to the LGN4 for now.

mcmb03 said:
why get a samsung if you like pure aosp? and this device will definitely be getting klp in addition to the 4.3 update that's rumored to be announced soon to unify all of google's chat apps. it was only just released, and supposedly both 4.3 and 5 are supposed to be out before the end of the year. if samsung can't keep up with updates for a phone within the first year of it being released they might as well give up on being a phone manufacturer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why get a Samsung? Because the hardware is great and as long as I can flash an AOSP ROM what's the difference? The bigger screen and the Super AMOLED display are the key reasons for me. The better camera is a nice perk. I like my Nexus 4 it's just...I don't know there are a lot of little things that bug me. Maybe I should wait for the bootloader to officially be unlocked.
I can sell my Nexus 4 for at least $250 and buy the Galaxy S4 for $200. If I were to wait what phone should I wait for? I like the Nexus experience as far as software goes but Samsung has better hardware and a lot of benefits like a Polycarbonate design, Gorilla Glass 3, a removable battery, an SD Card, and that beautiful screen.
As long as I can flash an AOSP ROM I see no reason not to get the GS4. Am I wrong?

Samsung and AT&T are generally pretty bad about pushing out updates..
Key Lime Pie might hit the S4 6 months (probably longer than that) or so after it's on the Nexus.
If we get the bootloader unlocked then I am sure a dev will have it available pretty quick after it's released..

jedinegotiator said:
Why get a Samsung? Because the hardware is great and as long as I can flash an AOSP ROM what's the difference? The bigger screen and the Super AMOLED display are the key reasons for me. The better camera is a nice perk. I like my Nexus 4 it's just...I don't know there are a lot of little things that bug me. Maybe I should wait for the bootloader to officially be unlocked.
I can sell my Nexus 4 for at least $250 and buy the Galaxy S4 for $200. If I were to wait what phone should I wait for? I like the Nexus experience as far as software goes but Samsung has better hardware and a lot of benefits like a Polycarbonate design, Gorilla Glass 3, a removable battery, an SD Card, and that beautiful screen.
As long as I can flash an AOSP ROM I see no reason not to get the GS4. Am I wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may consider waiting for the Nexus 5 which is rumored to be announced in October, just a suggestion?

USMC0341 said:
Pixel size ≠ better picture quality. I wouldn't call the GS4 a significant upgrade from a LGN4. Same fab process at 28 nm, same L0, L1, and L2 caches, same GPU the minor cpu speed bump that the SGS4 has is definitely offset by touchwiz and it's ram hogging features.
Also you'll receive KLP no problem I guarantee.. the GS4 JUST came out man haha.. As far as getting rid of touchwiz Seeing as how there is already some for of early nightlies of CM10.1 for the T-Mobile GS4, you can bet your ass that once the bootloader is unlocked we'll receive it very quickly.
Seems like you should stick to the LGN4 for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mcmb03 said:
You may consider waiting for the Nexus 5 which is rumored to be announced in October, just a suggestion?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I kind of want to be on a device officially supported by AT&T. My nexus 4 seems does not seem to get as good of coverage as my old Samsung Galaxy S II. Data speeds are for the most part good but sometimes data will just drop in places where my GSII would not. This is especially true when using it while moving in a vehicle. It would also be nice to have LTE.
Also when the Nexus 5 does come out it will probably be low price again from what I have heard. If it is $300 like the Nexus 4 I could easily sell the GS4 for that price and get the Nexus 5 if I really wanted it.

jedinegotiator said:
I kind of want to be on a device officially supported by AT&T. My nexus 4 seems does not seem to get as good of coverage as my old Samsung Galaxy S II. Data speeds are for the most part good but sometimes data will just drop in places where my GSII would not. This is especially true when using it while moving in a vehicle. It would also be nice to have LTE.
Also when the Nexus 5 does come out it will probably be low price again from what I have heard. If it is $300 like the Nexus 4 I could easily sell the GS4 for that price and get the Nexus 5 if I really wanted it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash different radios to see what if any better throughput you can get on your LGN4. That's what I would do. In addition to my GS4 I am using a Galaxy Nexus on ATT and at first the stock radio was awful poor service, bad reception slow download speeds, the works, yet when I would flash a different one, I've seen speeds of up to 10MBPS, and my GS4 is getting between 20-25, 10 is definitely enough for my needs. It is a pain in the ass figuring out the right one for your location but it's well worth it.
My advice to you is to hold of for a few months because one, you will definitely be able to get the GS4 cheaper and two, key lime pie will be hitting Nexus devices soon I'm sure you'll want to try it out. That's one of the reasons, if not THE main reason I haven't sold my Galaxy Nexus yet. The LGN4 is still a formidable device, don't write it off as obsolete just yet. It's a great phone, my only gripe with it was the non removable battery and the glass backing but who knows. Maybe LG will be making a LTE capable similar phone in the foreseeable future! Haha.

mcmb03 said:
You may consider waiting for the Nexus 5 which is rumored to be announced in October, just a suggestion?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or do what I'm doing. Used my upgrade to buy my S4 for $200. Then in a few months sell it used for more ~$400 and buy the next Nexus for ~$350.

USMC0341 said:
Flash different radios to see what if any better throughput you can get on your LGN4. That's what I would do. In addition to my GS4 I am using a Galaxy Nexus on ATT and at first the stock radio was awful poor service, bad reception slow download speeds, the works, yet when I would flash a different one, I've seen speeds of up to 10MBPS, and my GS4 is getting between 20-25, 10 is definitely enough for my needs. It is a pain in the ass figuring out the right one for your location but it's well worth it.
My advice to you is to hold of for a few months because one, you will definitely be able to get the GS4 cheaper and two, key lime pie will be hitting Nexus devices soon I'm sure you'll want to try it out. That's one of the reasons, if not THE main reason I haven't sold my Galaxy Nexus yet. The LGN4 is still a formidable device, don't write it off as obsolete just yet. It's a great phone, my only gripe with it was the non removable battery and the glass backing but who knows. Maybe LG will be making a LTE capable similar phone in the foreseeable future! Haha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't even know you could flash radios on the Nexus 4. That's not the same as a Kernel is it? I have updated my APNs which incresed data speed substantially but service is still spotty. Call quality doesn't seem to be the best on the Nexus 4 either. People complain that they can't hear me very clearly a lot. Could just be my low monotone voice, lol.
When is Key Lime Pie expected to come out? It should be a pretty large update right? Maybe Google I/O will shed light on this...

jedinegotiator said:
I didn't even know you could flash radios on the Nexus 4. That's not the same as a Kernel is it? I have updated my APNs which incresed data speed substantially but service is still spotty. Call quality doesn't seem to be the best on the Nexus 4 either. People complain that they can't hear me very clearly a lot. Could just be my low monotone voice, lol.
When is Key Lime Pie expected to come out? It should be a pretty large update right? Maybe Google I/O will shed light on this...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No sir, kernel is not the same as radio. There aren't many available yet. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2087227

and so is the processor. I also think the GS4 feels better in the hand and is more durable. lol nexus 4 fells a lot better than plastic and the prossesor u want feel diffenet! at least for now! nexus 4 is super fast! but ofc nexus 4 will get first updates and fast! and u can get the gs4 vanilla android version announced at google I/O and even if not u can flash cyanogen or paranoid or any other [email protected]