There have been many threads regarding the switch from the Samsung Galaxy S3 to Nexus 4, but are any of you considering the switch from the N4 to SGS3 (or back to SGS3) after using the N4?
I recently upgraded from a SGS2 Skyrocket so the N4 is much faster than what I’m used to. However, I have several friends who have the AT&T variant (i747) with dual core as opposed to quad core with similar “snappyness” in running daily tasks – does quad core really make all that much difference?
Some other gripes I have are:
- Lack of LTE (this was known but I didn’t realize it would be that big of an issue until I actually made the switch.. now I miss LTE),
- Camera is EXTREMELY grainy compared to that of the SGS3,
- Lack of storage space (I purposely ordered the 16gb and have yet to transfer any songs/videos from my old SD card to my N4 yet I already only have 9gb free),
- Although the resolution is definitely more crisp than the SGS3, the colors do seem a bit washed out when compared to AMOLED - AMOLED eyes?,
- My N4 gets noticeably warm after regular use.. far warmer than my Skyrocket got
So that’s about the end of my rant. Do any of you share the same views?
Quad Core vs Dual Core. Quad is obviously better in the long run especially when Android 5.0 (Key Lime Pie) is out. Not to mention, Galaxy S3 won't have 5.0 right away. Developer support for Nexus devices is a ++++++
LTE: Use the LTE hack. Use search, people have used LTE on their N4 on AT&T.
Camera: use the camera hack in development
Storage space: wont go there.
Resolution: Uh... no? IPS > AMOLED when it comes to reproducing colors. On AMOLED, blacks are better
If you're having buyer's remorse then something must be wrong with you thinking about going to a Galaxy S3. N4 is far more superior in specs especially when it comes to development in ROMs and Kernels. GS3 is outdated as GS4 is right around the corner, Summer time '13 probably.
zephiK said:
Quad Core vs Dual Core. Quad is obviously better in the long run especially when Android 5.0 (Key Lime Pie) is out. Not to mention, Galaxy S3 won't have 5.0 right away. Developer support for Nexus devices is a ++++++
LTE: Use the LTE hack. Use search, people have used LTE on their N4 on AT&T.
Camera: use the camera hack in development
Storage space: wont go there.
Resolution: Uh... no? IPS > AMOLED when it comes to reproducing colors. On AMOLED, blacks are better
If you're having buyer's remorse then something must be wrong with you thinking about going to a Galaxy S3. N4 is far more superior in specs especially when it comes to development in ROMs and Kernels. GS3 is outdated as GS4 is right around the corner, Summer time '13 probably.
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Click to collapse
The people using LTE on AT&T are few and far between. AT&T has such limited band 4 LTE deployment. As far as I know it only exists in Oklahoma and a few other test areas.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
zephiK said:
Quad Core vs Dual Core. Quad is obviously better in the long run especially when Android 5.0 (Key Lime Pie) is out. Not to mention, Galaxy S3 won't have 5.0 right away. Developer support for Nexus devices is a ++++++
LTE: Use the LTE hack. Use search, people have used LTE on their N4 on AT&T.
Camera: use the camera hack in development
Storage space: wont go there.
Resolution: Uh... no? IPS > AMOLED when it comes to reproducing colors. On AMOLED, blacks are better
If you're having buyer's remorse then something must be wrong with you thinking about going to a Galaxy S3. N4 is far more superior in specs especially when it comes to development in ROMs and Kernels. GS3 is outdated as GS4 is right around the corner, Summer time '13 probably.
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Click to collapse
Yes, in the long run when apps become more demanding a quad core phone today is like future-proofing.. however, I don't normally keep phones for longer than 6 months anyway (family plan upgrades conveniently spaced out lol). So I'll likely be getting an SGS4 or whatever anyway. But for now, is quad core not overkill?
LTE only works with AT&T in limited markets.
Which camera hack are you referring to? The only one I know of is the frame rate mod for videos.. a link would be much appreciated
Yeah, storage isn't much of a deal anyway.
IPS > AMOLED when it comes to producing more natural colors.. doesn't mean vivid/saturated colors on the AMOLED aren't visually appealing -- it's not just blacks, any color seems to "pop" more. I realize there's a color mod out there as well for the N4 which can adjust gamma to make it more AMOLED-like but that would involve me rooting the Nexus which I feel I shouldn't have to do. SGS3 gives you the option to select "normal" or "natural".
CPU/GPU are definitely much better than the SGS3 but only really needed for intense gaming. It's at the opportunity cost of a better camera, LTE, sd card, etc. Is it still worth it to keep the N4 if you're a dev or are not into modding?
stabadus said:
There have been many threads regarding the switch from the Samsung Galaxy S3 to Nexus 4, but are any of you considering the switch from the N4 to SGS3 (or back to SGS3) after using the N4?
I recently upgraded from a SGS2 Skyrocket so the N4 is much faster than what I’m used to. However, I have several friends who have the AT&T variant (i747) with dual core as opposed to quad core with similar “snappyness” in running daily tasks – does quad core really make all that much difference?
Some other gripes I have are:
- Lack of LTE (this was known but I didn’t realize it would be that big of an issue until I actually made the switch.. now I miss LTE),
- Camera is EXTREMELY grainy compared to that of the SGS3,
- Lack of storage space (I purposely ordered the 16gb and have yet to transfer any songs/videos from my old SD card to my N4 yet I already only have 9gb free),
- Although the resolution is definitely more crisp than the SGS3, the colors do seem a bit washed out when compared to AMOLED - AMOLED eyes?,
- My N4 gets noticeably warm after regular use.. far warmer than my Skyrocket got
So that’s about the end of my rant. Do any of you share the same views?
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Click to collapse
To answer your questions, I have to say first that it depends of the individual use.
I don't have LTE in my country so this isn't a issue to me.
Camera is awesome for my use, don't have to complain about it. Sure it can be better but I don't shoot with my phone, I do it with my DSLR.
Free space to me is enough, I have like 130 apps installed and still have two gigs free space.
The resolution is definitely awesome.
I agree with you that it gets really warm. But with UV that's actually fixed.
Another awful thing is the rattling and the current noise sound coming from the earpiece.
In my case, it isn't really noticeable, that's why I'm keeping it. However a friend of mine didn't have that much luck, he had to RMA his phone.
Last thing, I think that you don't buy a Nexus to keep it stock. They are the most hackable phones on the market, so why?
brom25 said:
To answer your questions, I have to say first that it depends of the individual use.
I don't have LTE in my country so this isn't a issue to me.
Camera is awesome for my use, don't have to complain about it. Sure it can be better but I don't shoot with my phone, I do it with my DSLR.
Free space to me is enough, I have like 130 apps installed and still have two gigs free space.
The resolution is definitely awesome.
I agree with you that it gets really warm. But with UV that's actually fixed.
Another awful thing is the rattling and the current noise sound coming from the earpiece.
In my case, it isn't really noticeable, that's why I'm keeping it. However a friend of mine didn't have that much luck, he had to RMA his phone.
Last thing, I think that you don't buy a Nexus to keep it stock. They are the most hackable phones on the market, so why?
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Click to collapse
I don't really see the need to root this device as I would normally do on an Android since it's already so fast and smooth -- I could care less about changing colors of the clock or w/e others use root for. To have to root your device to fix camera or color seems odd. I don't normally take pictures, but when I do; I'd like for them to be nice and not grainy like the ones from my Nexus. Also, I'm in Houston, TX where we have a decent LTE coverage and it just seems like I'm missing out.
What is "UV".. are you referring to under-volting?
I luckily don't have this rattling problem nor do I have any abnormal sounds coming from the earpiece.. I do however have 2 tiny dead pixels which are not that big of a deal but still irritating.
I originally jumped on the Nexus 4 since it was at a great value.. but since I can swap it out for a SGS3 at break even; I don't know if I should keep it
My wife has international SGS3 i-9300. It is much better phone than Nexus 4. in every aspect. I regret buying Nexus 4, should of pay $100 more and get SGS3.
I've compared the S3 and the N4 side by side many times, and honestly I'm not sure who in their right mind would go over to an S3. The N4 is quick and snappy and the way the glass curves slightly at the edges looks so good while the overly beveled/rounded corners of the S3 makes it look like a fisher price toy.
I'm in an LTE area and have experienced LTE speeds both on an S3 and an iPhone 5, yes it is blazing fast and yes it's awesome... but man why am I still on N4.. oh yeah because it's just that good.
Neverrrrrrr. N4 all the way. T-Mobile LTE, I can wait for it!
SGS3= Blah!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
LTE doesn't even matter. Especially when you're on verizon it just drains your battery. HSPA+ for me is more than sufficient. I get speed tests of 12 Mb/s I don't get why people make a big deal of LTE. It's not like you're going to download a Linux distro on your phone. Plus, data caps and LTE? No thanks. I'll stick with my HSPA and T Mobile.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
I came over from a T999 and haven't regretted it since. Even though I only have 8gb of storage, it's enough for me as my 7gb music collection is on the cloud, saving me enough space for 1-2 720p blu ray rips. The $30 T-Mobile Monthly plan is perfect, I kind of streamed too many episodes of Netflix at one point but I'm still at 3.7/5gb. The storage was't a big of an issue as I thought it would be since I can just work around it.
The S3 was already pretty fast but the N4 is even faster, the bigger apps open faster, and the new Adreno 320 should be pretty good.
Although I'm not a big fan of both phone's design, the N4 looks better and feels much nicer to me, however they both come up short in the design and quality department, but I was spoiled by Nokia's N9.
S3 battery seems way better than nexus 4 when watching Netflix over mobile data. I can watch one episode of TV show, with the same amount of battery i could watch probably 2-3 episodes.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Like any new phones, there will be flaws to fix. Battery for sure along with this data fluctuation. I see it in a area full blast on HSPA.. It fluctuates from zero to 4 bars every so often..
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
miyklusha said:
My wife has international SGS3 i-9300. It is much better phone than Nexus 4. in every aspect. I regret buying Nexus 4, should of pay $100 more and get SGS3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So sell it stop crying about it And as for your wife's sg3 being better than the Nexus 4 Well everybody is entitled to there own opinion
Well just gotta respect everyone's opinion.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
If you're not happy with the N4 why don't you just wait for the next gen SG? It supposed to be out in 3 months. You have a top of the line phone in your hands right now.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Catchpen said:
If you're not happy with the N4 why don't you just wait for the next gen SG? It supposed to be out in 3 months. You have a top of the line phone in your hands right now.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
For $299-$349 off contract!
Ultimately, it's your phone. Do what you want with it. To be harsh about it, I don't think anyone here is willing to beg for you to continue using the N4 if you don't like it. Who are you for us to beg to stay? Like really.
If you were morfic or some kernel developer, I might beg you but they wouldn't ask for attention like that.
I started with the International Galaxy SIII (I9300) and the Nexus 4 is better for my needs.
**** Touchwiz. It sucks balls compared to the pure Google experience. Even just the Keyboard works so much better on GN than SIII.
Also, if you're not running Franco Kernel and the EIZO sound mod, you are missing out...
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
zephiK said:
For $299-$349 off contract!
Ultimately, it's your phone. Do what you want with it. To be harsh about it, I don't think anyone here is willing to beg for you to continue using the N4 if you don't like it. Who are you for us to beg to stay? Like really.
If you were morfic or some kernel developer, I might beg you but they wouldn't ask for attention like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said my friend:highfive:
I'm coming from a galaxy s1 and I had a way better battery life!
I get 20% loss in battery life when reading emails and browsing the Internet for like 30mn, this is just ridiculous . It just feel so wrong... Reminds me of my old htc desire!
Do you think battery life will get improved over time? Or should I just trade my phone for a s3 (I always use aosp rooms anyway)
Related
Guys I need your help. I'm not sure what I should do but the galaxy nexus looks really good to me. Now I know the Galaxy s 2 that we have is pure BEAST, in fact as far as the internal go it's better than the galaxy nexus. But i do like the 720p screen on the nexus, the no capacitive buttons and the bigger screen and of course Ice Cream Sandwich bare naked. So should I get the nexus or should I wait for ICS on the S2 and get the s3 later?
Wait for those A15 cores.
$1 gets you a reply
The 720p screen is Pentile. While it has a lesser effect at higher pixel densities (I have seen the Galaxy Note and it's way better than my friend's SGS1), it's still noticeable. Like the guy above said, wait for the A15-equipped phones.
I would love to buy a pure Google phone but they always seem to be six months behind Samsung's Touchwiz devices. It seems that in order to stay bleeding edge you have to make do with Touchwiz. The Galaxy Nexus isn't of BAD spec; but the pentile screen tech and camera and lack of expandable memory makes it a no-go for me. The Galaxy S3 will completely destroy it. I just hope for a more solid construction that doesn't scuff and scratch so easily and that Touchwiz is redesigned to be more sexy than it currently is. I want Samsung to move away from their current garish design ethos and make something a bit more smart.
leoni1980 said:
I would love to buy a pure Google phone but they always seem to be six months behind Samsung's Touchwiz devices. It seems that in order to stay bleeding edge you have to make do with Touchwiz. The Galaxy Nexus isn't of BAD spec; but the pentile screen tech and camera and lack of expandable memory makes it a no-go for me. The Galaxy S3 will completely destroy it. I just hope for a more solid construction that doesn't scuff and scratch so easily and that Touchwiz is redesigned to be more sexy than it currently is. I want Samsung to move away from their current garish design ethos and make something a bit more smart.
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Click to collapse
What I'll like to see from SGS3:
Non-Pentile 720P SuperAMOLED
Camera with 1080p 60fps recording
Dual or quad core A15
Fully open source. That includes driver so that Team Hacksung can work their magic.
I just sold my GS2 and my Nexus is on its way. I did my research, I know that the GS2 has slightly better internals, but the Nexus phones were never about having bleeding edge hardware. The Nexus phones are about bleeding edge software... and when it comes down to it, you can have all the hardware in the world, but stay stuck with crappy software.
The only thing, IMO, that keeps the S2 going is Cyanogenmod. I have immense respect for their work, but when the developers have to hack around closed-source, ****ty code from Samsung, things mostly work. Emphasis on mostly. I'm sick and tired of being constrained by Samsung's unwillingness to cater to the Android dev community, and I decided to break free from their chains.
Is the Galaxy S2's GPU slightly better? Yes. Is the S2's camera slightly better? Yes. Does the S2 have a SD Card slot? Yes. But the GPU in the Nexus is better than the GPU in the iPhone 4, and that thing is super smooth & capable. The camera in the Nexus does what its supposed to - take good quality photos for Facebook, G+ etc. I've always had SD cards in my phones, and have never used them.
Go look at the Nexus's development forum... its like a beehive in there, and the honey looks crazy sweet
So yes, the S3 will probably destroy the Nexus in terms of hardware... but its simply not what counts - look at all the N1 users who are only upgrading now, because only now their phone feels like it needs upgrading. Software is where its at.
ppl should get a nexus and compare. I got both at the moment.
Hands down a better experience.
like soulcro said, the development there is amazing!!
doubt me, check these - all this over 2 weeks.
http://www.evernote.com/shard/s18/s...12690192d279/402eb97e626011c2b2a8d828ab90144c
http://www.evernote.com/shard/s18/s...24b19efbe36e/8aac1540cbe655c3c4199885ea92b509
http://www.evernote.com/shard/s18/s...470f65bbda91/b9945d9911d7c3934950bbd34776d1d4
ALL OPEN SOURCE! WINZIP KANG WARRIORS GETS SHUT DOWN IN < 8 HOURS
Does the Galaxy Nexus have a MicroSD card slot? No
'nuff said.
Ok
Gs2 has muuuch better GPU not only slightly, try 1080p on Nexus...
Nexus has no MicroSD slot, which means constantly moving files from ur phone to pc to free up space ( unless you dont make oics and videos at all, or dont watch any movies on it)
On Nexus u cant even watch 720p on youtube it's lagging like hell!!!! (Talking about flash from any browser)
Cant transfer bluetooth files TO Nexus! The only way is to ZIP them and then send them ( not rly convenient. Has no problems from Nexus to any device
The camera...oh god, pics not bad with lots of light, but indoors in low light, noisy as hell!!! Video recording is not even close to the quality of GS2!!!
Nexus doesnt have DLNA app u have to download thirdparty one, the best is Skifta,but on ICS it drains the battery like hell!
Nexus doesnt have wifi direct, it's just API for developers
Battery is the same, but Nexus manages the processes better. No wakelock etc. no tweaks are needed to get good battery life )
Nexus has pathetic speaker!!! Almost unusable on loudspeaker unless it's really quiet around you!
Nexus is sooo much more expensive than GS2!
a good point is the Screen of Nexus it's really good!! Cant even tell it's pentile. it is so much easier to read anything with HD screen
Those observation are from about 1 month testing
I think I have said enough to make ones mind into bying any of the two hope it helps
Guess which One I'm gonna keep, but still everyone has different needs
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
I ran out of memory on both my internal and external card (8gb) so had to buy a 32gb which is now half full. Nexus is useless to me.
Anyway, this question is a bit like asking on a BMW forum whether I should buy a Mercedes.
Why not go ask on the Nexus forum??
Sent from my GT-I9100
I think i would be better to wait for the sgs3...
Samsung made a really great job with the original sgs and the sgs2...
sxi200 said:
I ran out of memory on both my internal and external card (8gb) so had to buy a 32gb which is now half full. Nexus is useless to me.
Anyway, this question is a bit like asking on a BMW forum whether I should buy a Mercedes.
Why not go ask on the Nexus forum??
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Click to collapse
It helps to judge it properly by having both devices. Don't think I will ever buy a non-nexus again.
s2d4 said:
It helps to judge it properly by having both devices. Don't think I will ever buy a non-nexus again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. But where do I fit the more than 20gb of data I already have on my S2.
Like I said, its useless to me. A bit like buying a fantastic 2 seater car for a family of 5. Doesn't serve the buyers purpose.
Sent from my GT-I9100
not worth it
i was at the same situation and stay'd with my SGS2.
the Gnex not offering real upgrade over the SGS2
* CPU - the TI OMAP 4460 CPU is good for lower Power consumption but is no match for the sammy's 4120.
* GPU - the Gnex GPU is SGX540 clocked at 400mhz while the SGS2 GPU is the MALI-400
an old GPU but much stronger then the SGX540\400mhz.
* Screen - the Gnex 720p screen is real blessing but the Pentile matrix ruin's it
i dont know if anyone saw it before but it looks a bit blurry compare to the SGS2
"SAP" screen.
* Software - its very important to keep the phone updated but to be honest
no one actually stay's with the original rom for long.
with ICS our SGS2 will be even faster then the Gnex in every parameter.
so software OTA is irrelevant.
* Camera - the SGS2 camera is amazing 28mm 2.4 that takes really great shots
no Camera-phone is nighttime capable (yet!)
stay with the SGS2 and get the SGS3 when it comes out.
My only reasons to get Nexus is that, it's LED Notification (Although overcome by BLN in S2) and of course, Nexus's AMOLED HD (Although I've yet to get it hands on, so, I'm not sure how good it is).
Lastly, my fear is that, Custom ROMs & Kernels developers would shift to other devices within my two years of contract with my carrier for S2 although Nexus is my dream.
Infra said:
There was no attitude in that message But it was already stated couple of posts ago that b19 fixes the wrong alignment of the navbar buttons.
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Click to collapse
fair point, different purpose.
I stream practically all my media so SD card is a mute point for me.
Anyways, i am happy with the sentiments. That should fetch me a good price for the gs2 then.
OT: I will never buy a sports car with fitting a family as a requirement.
I played with a GNex a few minutes in-store and I must say CM9 on sgs2 is 3 times faster. Nexus even lags when switching screens slightly and especially when entering appdrawer. Screen is nice, but it's nowhere near Retina-quality is should've been. I'd say it's VERY slightly clearer. Performance on SGS2 is just crazy fast. Not to mention a lot better camera and SD card slot.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
NoOneCanHelpMe said:
...
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GUARDIANBD said:
...
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Click to collapse
Everyone uses their phone differently. I've never, ever had a use for DLNA/Bluetooth File Transfer/Wifi Direct/MicroSD. The flash is reportedly working fine when you upgrade to 4.0.3. The camera does exactly what its supposed to - pictures for usage by Facebook, etc... I hope you're not taking your wedding pictures with your S2
The speaker problem is easily fixed with Volume+, although I've seen users saying the stock volume works for them.
Regarding software - yes, developers can and will port AOSP ICS to the S2. But I've been using Cyanogenmod (only worthwhile AOSP in my experience) on my previous three phones - HTC Desire, Samsung Galaxy, and Samsung Galaxy S2. In all cases, the CM developers had to work around propriety code/drivers, and the end user always had to sacrifice one or more features in order to get AOSP on his device. On the Nexus line of phones, everything is wide open - meaning developers don't have to jump through hoops to get things working.
No more "petition Samsung to release XYZ!!!", no more "XYZ doesn't work because we don't have the source for XYZ", etc etc. I used to think owning a Nexus wasn't worth it due to the developers, but its simply not the case.
And I think we can agree the TouchWiz, or any manufacturer skin for that matter, just kinda sucks.
GUARDIANBD said:
* CPU - the TI OMAP 4460 CPU is good for lower Power consumption but is no match for the sammy's 4120.
* GPU - the Gnex GPU is SGX540 clocked at 400mhz while the SGS2 GPU is the MALI-400
an old GPU but much stronger then the SGX540\400mhz.
* Screen - the Gnex 720p screen is real blessing but the Pentile matrix ruin's it
i dont know if anyone saw it before but it looks a bit blurry compare to the SGS2
"SAP" screen.
* Software - its very important to keep the phone updated but to be honest
no one actually stay's with the original rom for long.
with ICS our SGS2 will be even faster then the Gnex in every parameter.
so software OTA is irrelevant.
* Camera - the SGS2 camera is amazing 28mm 2.4 that takes really great shots
no Camera-phone is nighttime capable (yet!)
stay with the SGS2 and get the SGS3 when it comes out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CPU, agreed. However with hardware acceleration in ICS. less load is on CPU, even max 700MHz is fine for a lag free experience.
GPU, agreed. Maybe I don't play enough games, however Modern Combat 3 on the GNEX dispay is amazing
Screen, this is where one would need both phones in comparison, gs2 is not even close on this one even though the gnex has pentile.
Software, with pure AOSP. Sort of, not with closed source though. It took Jkay awhile to get to where its at, the same thing happens on the nexus in 2 days. Check my previous posts with links to screenshots.
with how samsung is making it like gingerbread, not so much.
Camera, agreed. Not for low light conditions, iphones are better yet. The gs2 has better camera, however not highly noticeable so far between the two for me.
Hmm, it looks like I don't need the gs2 anymore, any buyers?
---------- Post added at 05:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:12 PM ----------
freemini said:
I played with a GNex a few minutes in-store and I must say CM9 on sgs2 is 3 times faster. Nexus even lags when switching screens slightly and especially when entering appdrawer. Screen is nice, but it's nowhere near Retina-quality is should've been. I'd say it's VERY slightly clearer. Performance on SGS2 is just crazy fast. Not to mention a lot better camera and SD card slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that a proper google phone or a carrier version?
Like CM9 is non stock firmware, put a good rom and kernel with vm tweaks on the gnex, it is silky smooth even at 700MHz.
VERY slighly clearer? I wear glasses and I can tell it's a better screen. put the GNEX on 240DPI and see the diff.
Retina quality is awesome for the small display, but the screen resolution and the resultant ppl, even my gf on the iphone 4s likes the GNEX screen better.
---------- Post added at 05:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:21 PM ----------
soulicro said:
Regarding software - yes, developers can and will port AOSP ICS to the S2. But I've been using Cyanogenmod (only worthwhile AOSP in my experience) on my previous three phones - HTC Desire, Samsung Galaxy, and Samsung Galaxy S2. In all cases, the CM developers had to work around propriety code/drivers, and the end user always had to sacrifice one or more features in order to get AOSP on his device. On the Nexus line of phones, everything is wide open - meaning developers don't have to jump through hoops to get things working.
No more "petition Samsung to release XYZ!!!", no more "XYZ doesn't work because we don't have the source for XYZ", etc etc. I used to think owning a Nexus wasn't worth it due to the developers, but its simply not the case.
And I think we can agree the TouchWiz, or any manufacturer skin for that matter, just kinda sucks.
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Click to collapse
Agreed.
I think the main point here may be people defending their purchase, or just being fanboys without actually using the GNEX.
I've paid the same price for both phones due to being a fairly early adopter.
I have no such need to justify purchases and can definitely compare both in my hands to have an objective view.
btw, a sound comparison between the two by plugging them into a stereo system clearly ensures the gnex as the better device. Sorry I checked coz I had been asked to check before.
I came to the GS2 from the RAZR. The siren call of the GNex and it’s big screen is sweet but in the end I couldn’t stand not having a decent camera in it. The pictures I take with my cell camera when I don’t have my regular digital camera will play an important part of recording my kid’s as they grow up. I feel that the GS2 has one of the top 3 cameras in android at this point.
Ask yourself this: if the GNex wasn’t first to market with ICS, would it really have been THAT much of a big thing?
The GS3 should be a world beater with great camera, OS AND HD screen.
I've seen a lot of comparisons and done some searches, but I haven't found a great thread really comparing the advantages of the new Nexus 4 over the Galaxy Nexus.
I have the Galaxy Nexus running on T-Mobile. I purchased the larger Samsung battery (~2100) and haven't had any complaints along those lines. The phone doesn't seem to lag and has been among the best devices I've owned.
I do agree the camera could have been better..I felt it was a step-down from the camera on the T-Mobile G2 I had previously. I also wish phone manufacturers would put a dedicated camera button on the phone!
Forget about cost...why should I upgrade?
Thanks!
It's new and shiny.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
why buy an n4 when you have the gnexus?
1. samsucks plastic toys are lame
2. specs are twice as good as crapsung
did you really need a thread for that?
there are a total of 5 threads in the entire nexus 4 subforum. the rest are just repeats. mods should start getting more aggressive.
learn to read a little.. stop being lazy
If you already have the GSM version of the Galaxy Nexus the only reason to upgrade is if you want better hardware.
Me on the other hand, I have the VZW version so there's a lot of room for improvement for me to go GSM.
If I upgrade, its because I want faster HSPA+ speeds. I don't really like where the headphone jack is placed, tho. I like it on the bottom of the Gnex.
The nexus 4 looks nice but the glass back is so easy to break
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
-IPS Display is reason enough to upgrade! I can't stand pentile screens... also its higher resolution.
-HSPA+ 42mbps
-Quad Core S4 Pro / Adreno 320
-2GB Ram
-bigger battery 2100 vs 1850 mah
-much better camera...
Can you think of a reason NOT to upgrade?
Thanks...
In the future if one of my posts bothers you please feel free to ignore it.
DonDizzurp said:
why buy an n4 when you have the gnexus?
1. samsucks plastic toys are lame
2. specs are twice as good as crapsung
did you really need a thread for that?
there are a total of 5 threads in the entire nexus 4 subforum. the rest are just repeats. mods should start getting more aggressive.
learn to read a little.. stop being lazy
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Click to collapse
Ken Esq said:
I've seen a lot of comparisons and done some searches, but I haven't found a great thread really comparing the advantages of the new Nexus 4 over the Galaxy Nexus.
I have the Galaxy Nexus running on T-Mobile. I purchased the larger Samsung battery (~2100) and haven't had any complaints along those lines. The phone doesn't seem to lag and has been among the best devices I've owned.
I do agree the camera could have been better..I felt it was a step-down from the camera on the T-Mobile G2 I had previously. I also wish phone manufacturers would put a dedicated camera button on the phone!
Forget about cost...why should I upgrade?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
twistedh said:
It's new and shiny.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly - it's cause I can!
Thank you...I think my decision is going to hinge on the camera. If it proves to be markedly better I'm in.
New and shiny is fine, but it takes a while to setup a phone just right, install apps, setup screens, folders, etc. There's gotta be a solid reason to go through that drudge...
cbutters said:
-IPS Display is reason enough to upgrade! I can't stand pentile screens... also its higher resolution.
-HSPA+ 42mbps
-Quad Core S4 Pro / Adreno 320
-2GB Ram
-bigger battery 2100 vs 1850 mah
-much better camera...
Can you think of a reason NOT to upgrade?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm switching from the Gnex for the IPS LCD screen, bigger battery (although I'm sad it is non-removable), and the camera. I could care less about the processor and RAM because the gnex is more than enough for me in those categories. I also don't like the form factor of the gnex with the big hump thing at the bottom; I would rather just have it be all one thickness the the N4. I love my nexus and wouldn't trade it for anything... except the NEXT NEXUS!!
simple, its shiny and new and has nexus in the name.
this guy compared n4 to GNex throughout the review
cbutters said:
-IPS Display is reason enough to upgrade! I can't stand pentile screens... also its higher resolution.
-HSPA+ 42mbps
-Quad Core S4 Pro / Adreno 320
-2GB Ram
-bigger battery 2100 vs 1850 mah
-much better camera...
Can you think of a reason NOT to upgrade?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The resolution is practically the same (both around 720p) although IPS vs. pentile may be a bit of a plus. Also, the GNex on Verizon is theoretically almost twice as fast as HSPA+/42. I've got the extended 2100 mah battery as well.
My thought is that the Nexus 4 will be snappier, take better pictures, and get better updates and less meddling from Verizon. HSPA+/42 is only offered by T-Mobile in the states whereas AT&T only supports HSPA+/21. Might be enough for me to switch to T-Mobile but the $240 to end my Verizon contract is a bit daunting.
It's an easy decision for me, I get to upgrade my phone after 10 months buy selling my Gnex all for less than £100.
Simples
Yes
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Upgrade the phone for not only the better build quality but the improvements google has put into the hardware.
Faster and better multitasker. And let's not forget wireless charging and bragging rights!
Ken Esq said:
Thank you...I think my decision is going to hinge on the camera. If it proves to be markedly better I'm in.
New and shiny is fine, but it takes a while to setup a phone just right, install apps, setup screens, folders, etc. There's gotta be a solid reason to go through that drudge...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
freaking hell how many apps do you have then? to set up a phone the way you want will not take you an eternity you know.. i am coming from the One X section and i have to say i love that phone to bits but looking at the Nexus it just looks amazing and i want it and plus i know the development for this phone will be something else..hence why i am going for it
I don't think one necessarily need to upgrade if you know how to customize the OS. Its still a very good user experience. Galaxy Nexus is still a great phone and would be my next recommendation after the LG Nexus. But if you can afford it then go for it.
Goku80 said:
freaking hell how many apps do you have then? to set up a phone the way you want will not take you an eternity you know..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not everyone like things the same way. I do tend to go over every single GUI option of a rom.
Sent from my LG Nexus 4 32gb
Ok seems alot of people in here are planning on selling their GS3 for the Nexus 4, I personally won't be here why.
First up storage 8 or 16GB just isn't enough full stop, I use my S3 for alot of things & i can tell you now 16GB fills up quickly, you have to be very selective on what you use your N4 for.
Camera, I love the camera on the GS3 as it got plenty of feature's, plus recording things in either 720p or 1080p looks good even without modding the camera software, upto now some reviews on the camera on the N4 seem to put it behind the S3 ie slow to focus, and noise from the lens when it focus when recording video, pocket lint seem to have this problem with 2 devices they tested.
Sound Wolfson DAC, the N4 doesn't have one, I love my music and was gutted when the GS2 had crappy audio, compared to the GS1 which was superb, even if the sound is decent again storage on the nexus 4 is a problem.
Removable Battery, I have 2 Samsung Batteries for my phone, now i do alot of walking in some very remote places last thing i need is for my battery on my phone to go dead and stuck without a phone, I take alot of pictures and video with my GS3 when out and about so it eats into the battery alot, plus if i ever have an serious accident while out having that extra spare battery with me could be a lifesaver hence why i always like to carry a spare, might even buy another just to be on the safe side.
Features i'm a fan of touchwiz, it brings to the GS3 alot of useful features ya don't get on stock android like smartstay, camera software ect ect.
Hardware, this to me is what alot of people are planning on selling the GS3, because the N4 has 2GB of ram & the latest quadcore processor at 1.5GHz, I've never yet encountered a problems using my GS3 with 1GB of ram running anything, and by the time it does start running into problems i'll be on either a GS4 or GS5 which in the case of the GS4 will be 2GB anyroads, yeah 2GB of ram on the N4 will come in handy at some point, when the next proper update is released IF you keep you N4 that is, which i know alot on here won't & as soon as the GS4 or whatever else next year is released, the N4's that you sold your GS3 for will be up for sale again.
All in all i still think the GS3 is a better smartphone than the N4 if you look beyond specs alone, and i certainly won't be getting shut of mine for the N4, my next upgrade will be the GS4. :good:
ixon2001 said:
Ok seems alot of people in here are planning on selling their GS3 for the Nexus 4, I personally won't be here why.
First up storage 8 or 16GB just isn't enough full stop, I use my S3 for alot of things & i can tell you now 16GB fills up quickly, you have to be very selective on what you use your N4 for.
Camera, I love the camera on the GS3 as it got plenty of feature's, plus recording things in either 720p or 1080p looks good even without modding the camera software, upto now some reviews on the camera on the N4 seem to put it behind the S3 ie slow to focus, and noise from the lens when it focus when recording video, pocket lint seem to have this problem with 2 devices they tested.
Sound Wolfson DAC, the N4 doesn't have one, I love my music and was gutted when the GS2 had crappy audio, compared to the GS1 which was superb, even if the sound is decent again storage on the nexus 4 is a problem.
Removable Battery, I have 2 Samsung Batteries for my phone, now i do alot of walking in some very remote places last thing i need is for my battery on my phone to go dead and stuck without a phone, I take alot of pictures and video with my GS3 when out and about so it eats into the battery alot, plus if i ever have an serious accident while out having that extra spare battery with me could be a lifesaver hence why i always like to carry a spare, might even buy another just to be on the safe side.
Features i'm a fan of touchwiz, it brings to the GS3 alot of useful features ya don't get on stock android like smartstay, camera software ect ect.
Hardware, this to me is what alot of people are planning on selling the GS3, because the N4 has 2GB of ram & the latest quadcore processor at 1.5GHz, I've never yet encountered a problems using my GS3 with 1GB of ram running anything, and by the time it does start running into problems i'll be on either a GS4 or GS5 which in the case of the GS4 will be 2GB anyroads, yeah 2GB of ram on the N4 will come in handy at some point, when the next proper update is released IF you keep you N4 that is, which i know alot on here won't & as soon as the GS4 or whatever else next year is released, the N4's that you sold your GS3 for will be up for sale again.
All in all i still think the GS3 is a better smartphone than the N4 if you look beyond specs alone, and i certainly won't be getting shut of mine for the N4, my next upgrade will be the GS4. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have to agree......removeable battery (lots of times battery pull was lifesaver for me)+removable storage+touchwiz with its features-still with option to install aosp rom (on n4 you are going to be stuck with aosp or miui-which most wont even try)...that outweights those on-paper-superior stats of n4
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
I was thinking of getting a nexus 4 but saw a review video on engaged and he had drop it the back was cracked that's what has put me off selling my s3 to get a nexus 4
Agreed with the storage and battery parts for sure..those are also the reasons i chose the S3 over the N4.
16GB just doesn't cut it in these times when you have music, high quality video etc.
The S3 and other Samsung's also get a lot of flaming over being plastic and all, but tbh i would rather prefer plastic over glass and metal. At least plastic doesn't break like glass or get scratched like metal
Just wondering why does this deserve its own thread?
Testing JKay alpha on GT-I9300
Krigsko said:
Agreed with the storage and battery parts for sure..those are also the reasons i chose the S3 over the N4.
16GB just doesn't cut it in these times when you have music, high quality video etc.
The S3 and other Samsung's also get a lot of flaming over being plastic and all, but tbh i would rather prefer plastic over glass and metal. At least plastic doesn't break like glass or get scratched like metal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I personally do hope their improve the quality than just deliver plastic. Plastic is very Terrible and felt like not premium. Even though I like s3, but I really do hope they will improve their quality, plastic is very bad taste.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
I will keep my S3 and use it as my main phone. I have already pre ordered myself a LG Nexsus 4 just cuz it is cheap. I will use that when i feel like it so all i will do is swap sims for the day or a week lol..
Totally agree.
I myself was a nexus user through and through until i finally jumped ship and went for the GS3 (didnt wait for the N4). I thought about it for a sec (buying the new N4) then these points just came up and i forgot about it:
1) The Nexus line has always been behind the hardware specs when it came to Samsungs' Galaxy line, poor camera on Gnex etc.
2) i wouldn't change the S3 for the N4 simply because of the 8-16GB space and the non-removable battery is a no no for me.
3) sure benchmarks are all well and truly good on the N4 but the GS3 is right up there in performance.
4) another thing i saw on the N4 is the 4.6" screen instead of the 4.85" on the S3, its not much but definitely a downgrade from your usual viewing space.
5) Great camera on the GS3 and touchwiz is not that bad
6) LG, Yeah Google sends out the updates but never been a fan of LG.
+ I read article (not completely sure, but i think it was from xda) in which nexus4 hardware is examined from two pics, writer found out that even samsungs bad build quality is better than lg4s, there was lots of things that could get loose or lose contacts after change of temperature, age.......
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
BRAVO! what i wanted to say
Dsnt worth an upgrade the gs3 is amazing
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Reasons to buy
CyanogenMod+AOSP = 2 x speed of light + efficient CPU usage with S4 [S4-quadcore+1,5GHz >>>>>>> Exynos]
Opensource
Fast [or even leaked] Android upgrade
More life time
ps: S4 isn't better then Exynos just because of 1,5GHz, it's also because it's opensource, making it more efficient when modding, improving battery life, performance, everything at the same time.
About design: I think that the design is better. The S III looks like a fat boy, if you look at the screen. the corners aren't a perfect line, and I think it's ugly. Looks like a really big phone.
Well, I guess it's enough to convince me to buy N4, but I probably need to wait 5-4 months to launch here and even wait for it to low the price. So it should take about a year...
oh, it's also faster, I'm sure about that. Even the Galaxy Nexus + JB is faster and smoother. Even minecraft runs better [much better, at probably 60fps] on the Galaxy Nexus than the SIII [way lower FPS]
marcellocord said:
Reasons to buy
CyanogenMod+AOSP = 2 x speed of light + efficient CPU usage with S4 [S4-quadcore+1,5GHz >>>>>>> Exynos]
Opensource
Fast [or even leaked] Android upgrade
More life time
ps: S4 isn't better then Exynos just because of 1,5GHz, it's also because it's opensource, making it more efficient when modding, improving battery life, performance, everything at the same time.
About design: I think that the design is better. The S III looks like a fat boy, if you look at the screen. the corners aren't a perfect line, and I think it's ugly. Looks like a really big phone.
Well, I guess it's enough to convince me to buy N4, but I probably need to wait 5-4 months to launch here and even wait for it to low the price. So it should take about a year...
oh, it's also faster, I'm sure about that. Even the Galaxy Nexus + JB is faster and smoother. Even minecraft runs better [much better, at probably 60fps] on the Galaxy Nexus than the SIII [way lower FPS]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bad built quality..i had 2 lg phones before and they both had problems with the built quality
So these are your reasons, thank you for sharing. Next time try to put in objective reasons.
moroninc said:
I myself was a nexus user through and through until i finally jumped ship and went for the GS3 (didnt wait for the N4). I thought about it for a sec (buying the new N4) then these points just came up and i forgot about it:
1) The Nexus line has always been behind the hardware specs when it came to Samsungs' Galaxy line, poor camera on Gnex etc.
2) i wouldn't change the S3 for the N4 simply because of the 8-16GB space and the non-removable battery is a no no for me.
3) sure benchmarks are all well and truly good on the N4 but the GS3 is right up there in performance.
4) another thing i saw on the N4 is the 4.6" screen instead of the 4.85" on the S3, its not much but definitely a downgrade from your usual viewing space.
5) Great camera on the GS3 and touchwiz is not that bad
6) LG, Yeah Google sends out the updates but never been a fan of LG.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus 4 = 4.7"
Galaxy S 3 = 4.8"
I wonder if the n4 has zero shutter lag and smart stay
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
You guys know why I won't buy an n4? Because if you told lg to make a phone that cost the Consumer $300 and put these specs in it, well your gonna have some cheap parts for the rest. Lg sucks and that's the only reason enough to not buy one
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
fahadsul3man said:
I wonder if the n4 has zero shutter lag and smart stay
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Zero shutter lag first debuted on the galaxy nexus, it was an ICS feature. So yes, of course the N4 has it.
Smart stay is a stupid feature.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
nodstuff said:
Zero shutter lag first debuted on the galaxy nexus, it was an ICS feature. So yes, of course the N4 has it.
Smart stay is a stupid feature.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
b-but the phone understands you.
There isn't a single samsung feature that is useful for me.
I'm new to the forums here and I have the HTC One X (ATT) and I've come to hate the lack of support of it and also all of the control ATT has over the updates. So I started looking into the Nexus 4 and just wanted see how satisfied or unsatisfied actual users were with their Nexus 4. So please comment and share your thoughts!
I am satisfied with my Nexus 4. Being using for 2 weeks and it's the best your money can buy.
If storage and glass aren't a big deal, then this phone is the best choice.
PS Ordered the second one on 27th for my bro. I love it SOOO much!
ak700 said:
I am satisfied with my Nexus 4. Being using for 2 weeks and it's the best your money can buy.
If storage and glass aren't a big deal, then this phone is the best choice.
PS Ordered the second one on 27th for my bro. I love it SOOO much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what about the lack of LTE?
andrew.simon said:
what about the lack of LTE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I am in SF for work, I have LTE but I need to use office wifi for tranfer and other stuff. At home, my LTE is soooo slow that I need to use my home wifi.
Bottom Line - I don't need LTE.
ak700 said:
When I am in SF for work, I have LTE but I need to use office wifi for tranfer and other stuff. At home, my LTE is soooo slow that I need to use my home wifi.
Bottom Line - I don't need LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thinking about it now makes me realize that I don't have to have it and Wi-fi really is everywhere. I'm guessing you are on T-Mobile right? So you purchased at a discount?
andrew.simon said:
Thinking about it now makes me realize that I don't have to have it and Wi-fi really is everywhere. I'm guessing you are on T-Mobile right? So you purchased at a discount?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I order through the Play store and use tmobile pre-paid's $30 plan. Works for me. I also have Sprint, which my family uses.
Love my nexus 4... Official cm10. Official PA. official AOKP. Franco and Faux kernels...
Gorgeous 768p IPS. Luxury feel in the hand. Amazingly slick curved display (defiantly don't want to drop this phone)
Meh camera (still great though, just not exciting) and some thermal throttling (being worked on)...
Lte is a non issue as hspa± is plenty fast. I mean, it loads YouTube, music, xda all instantly. Its not like we are doing real time video games and 1080p video streaming (just runs down my data plan quicker)
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
elliot.newnham said:
Love my nexus 4... Official cm10. Official PA. official AOKP. Franco and Faux kernels...
Gorgeous 768p IPS. Luxury feel in the hand. Amazingly slick curved display (defiantly don't want to drop this phone)
Meh camera (still great though, just not exciting) and some thermal throttling (being worked on)...
Lte is a non issue as hspa± is plenty fast. I mean, it loads YouTube, music, xda all instantly. Its not like we are doing real time video games and 1080p video streaming (just runs down my data plan quicker)
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You really make some valid points. Camera on my HTC One X is nothing crazy either. (pretty sure they have the same specs?) I'd also like to get into modding my phone and I think the Nexus would make it easy but I honestly have no idea what I would be doing. Hahaha. How do I learn more about it because I'm a complete newb.
Awesome phone, I completely love it. Don't need LTE either. External SD would have made this phone too good to be true.
Got it on the 19th, being a pig in mud since.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
BruceCLin said:
Got it on the 19th, being a pig in mud since.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha. Love the metaphor! :good: I can see everyone loves their Nexus that's for sure!
andrew.simon said:
I'm new to the forums here and I have the HTC One X (ATT) and I've come to hate the lack of support of it and also all of the control ATT has over the updates. So I started looking into the Nexus 4 and just wanted see how satisfied or unsatisfied actual users were with their Nexus 4. So please comment and share your thoughts!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the N4 in the mail the Monday after it came out. I too am coming from the AT&T HTC One X. I used the N4 for about a week straight before deciding to break out the ol' One X (just for a change of pace). Quite frankly, it would be hard for me to give up the N4 for the HOX now.
The HOX is a great phone, but the N4 just makes it feel slow in comparison. Maybe I'm spoiled by the speed of the N4, but I just felt like I had to wait forever to do basic things on the One X (running the latest ViperROM, btw). The HOX has better battery life, for sure, and the camera is better. I miss those two things the most. The HOX still has the best screen out there (other than the Droid DNA), but the N4 really isn't far behind. Once a few color control apps come out for the N4, my guess is that I won't really miss the screen as much. For what it's worth, I forgot just how big the HOX's screen is. When they say 4.7", they mean it. The N4 has a 4.7" screen too, but it's probably more like a 4.5" once the on-screen buttons are considered. But the additional width is really nice and almost makes up for it. I don't have LTE anywhere near me where I live, so that's irrelevant to me. I don't travel much either.
Here's my summary.
HTC One X:
- slightly better, arguably bigger screen
- better battery
- better camera (in terms of picture quality; the software is on par with the N4)
- smaller development community, although they're doing a great job imo
- poor multitasking on Sense roms (works fine on AOSP roms)
N4:
- stock Android
- blazes through any task you throw at it
- AT&T doesn't control your phone
- easier to root, flash roms, kernels, etc.
- future proof with quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM
I am fully satisfied with my Nexus 4. I love my One X, but I will not be going back to it any time soon, most likely.
I've actually been with the iPhone since the 3GS when I came into the smartphone world. I read up about this and decided to give it a try from the 4S I was using, and I'm really enjoying the Nexus 4.
I'm still a bit apprehensive to give up iOS since I've been with it for so long--still haven't sold my 4S--but I have a feeling I'll be sticking with this phone for a while. The larger screen real-estate is also much nicer to have in general. I'm torn!
Zaimojin said:
I've actually been with the iPhone since the 3GS when I came into the smartphone world. I read up about this and decided to give it a try from the 4S I was using, and I'm really enjoying the Nexus 4.
I'm still a bit apprehensive to give up iOS since I've been with it for so long--still haven't sold my 4S--but I have a feeling I'll be sticking with this phone for a while. The larger screen real-estate is also much nicer to have in general. I'm torn!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel like you and me are one in the same! The only thing I do miss is the amount of iPhone users. All my friends and family have one... Which makes me miss iMessage and group texting :/
You are on the forums and mentioned your problems with the 1X community's lack of activity.
I like the screen, but other phones have better screens which are also better calibrated. I like the camera, but indoor photos have very inaccurate white balance.
Connectivity is good (I'm using a $10 MEdia Net plan from AT&T and have used over 2GB every month and one month even went over 12GB cause my Internet was out), and I'm getting 500KB/s average (~4Mbps). Battery life is also good; I get about a day of moderate use and 6-7 hours of literally constant, active use. I am really hurting from the lack of storage as I do a lot of reporting and don't always have time to transfer the interview recordings. I do a lot of work away from a PC and need to be able to quickly seek tracks, so I have to keep he audio on internal memory.
By most people's standard, I'm very careful with my phone. I consider my usage to be of common sense and responsible practice. The Gorilla Glass is very scratch resistant, but I'm sure a few encounters with silicate and a hard surface would leave a mark.
But really, all of these things pale in comparison to one criterion: the development community. I came from a Galaxy S and the community was amazing. Though the HP Touch Pad was well known, it apparently wasn't popular enough to garner a lot of dev support and those forums are fairly sparse.
By getting a Nexus phone, you know that the every dev is prioritizing your phone over any other model they might be working on as well. Cyanogen posted. AOKP posted. Moles posted. These are the respective heads of the three best teams this community has to offer. Check their post history. They don't appear in too many other phones' forums; they usually have teammates do that. But for the Nexus 4, they want to be the ones posting. That says a lot.
And a lot of other devs know this about the community heads' devotion to the newest Nexus model. They are locked in to a N4 for the major dev support, but will also provide their own amateur, but very valuable, contributions as well.
I'm sure the 1X is a great phone. I'm sure the 1X+ is a great phone. Same goes for the DNA, Optimus G, and other leading smartphones out there. But the N4 attracts the biggest development teams, and in turn attracts smaller developers. It kind of feeds on itself, with regard to popularity. None of these other phones have so much 3rd party support going on for them.
So, if you are looking for the absolute best hardware, maybe you should keep looking (keep the N4 in mind, though). If you're looking for flexibility, know that your stuck with one battery on the road and can't expand the meager storage provided. But if your looking for ROMs, kernels, and tweaks that let you customize the phone exactly how you want it, and maximize the potential of the hardware, then look no further.
The Nexus 4 subforums are truly the promised land.
Hung0702 said:
You are on the forums and mentioned your problems with the 1X community's lack of activity.
I like the screen, but other phones have better screens which are also better calibrated. I like the camera, but indoor photos have very inaccurate white balance.
Connectivity is good (I'm using a $10 MediaNET plan from AT&T and have used over 2GB every month and one month even went over 12GB cause my Internet was out), and I'm getting 500KB/s average (~4Mbps). Battery life is also good; I get about a day of moderate use and 6-7 hours of literally constant, active use. I am really hurting from the lack of storage as I do a lot of reporting and don't always have time to transfer the interview recordings. I do a lot of work away from a PC and need to be able to quickly seek tracks, so I have to keep he audio on internal memory.
By most people's standard, I'm very careful with my phone. I consider my usage to be of common sense and responsible practice. The Gorilla Glass is very scratch resistant, but I'm sure a few encounters with silicate and a hard surface would leave a mark.
But really, all of these things pale in comparison to one criterion: the development community. I came from a Galaxy S and the community was amazing. Though the HP Touch Pad was well known, it apparently wasn't popular enough to garner a lot of dev support and those forums are fairly sparse.
By getting a Nexus phone, you know that the every dev is prioritizing your phone over any other model they might be working on as well. Cyanogen posted. AOKP posted. Moles posted. These are the respective heads of the three best teams this community has to offer. Check their post history. They don't appear in too many other phones' forums; they usually have teammates do that. But for the Nexus 4, they want to be the ones posting. That says a lot.
And a lot of other devs know this about the community heads' devotion to the newest Nexus model. They are locked in to a N4 for the major dev support, but will also provide their own amateur, but very valuable, contributions as well.
I'm sure the 1X is a great phone. I'm sure the 1X+ is a great phone. Same goes for the DNA, Optimus G, and other leading smartphones out there. But the N4 attracts the biggest development teams, and in turn attracts smaller developers. It kind of feeds on itself, with regard to popularity. None of these other phones have so much 3rd party support going on for them.
So, if you are looking for the absolute best hardware, maybe you should keep looking (keep the N4 in mind, though). If you're looking for flexibility, know that your stuck with one battery on the road and can't expand the meager storage provided. But if your looking for ROMs, kernels, and tweaks that let you customize the phone exactly how you want it, and maximize the potential of the hardware, then look no further.
The Nexus 4 subforums are truly the promised land.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't have said it better. The best devs are working on this phone (provided if they could get one) and that is the exciting part of Nexus4. Trumps all other phones out there.
It might seem very complicated at once if you are not familiar with Android, but it's actually quite simple. And people are always there to help. I'm looking forward to at least 1 great year with this phone.
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And the fact that I am the only one I know are using it makes it super cool. I have several friends who know of N4 but didn't purchase one all liked the phone after I showed them. Their impression was the speed and the screen.
A friend asked me to purchase an iPhone for him since I'm going back to China soon. While in Apple Store, I took out my phone and google talk'ed with him. I can't help but notice the "Genius" looking at me. :laugh: And signing on that 3.5' tiny screen is just ridiculous. I paid half the price for what he is gonna pay for that piece of gadget, but I don't even have the desire to try out the iPhone 5 in their store.
When I got my N4 I was stunned at the slim look and mild colors. I wasn't sure if I'd like it after being on an SGS2 for over a year. I've gotten to where I really love everything about the phone, except the signal.. It sucks.
I can hold the phone next to my Nexus 7 or Galaxy Tab 10.1 and where I would normally get full bars of Wifi signal, I get 1 bar if I am lucky. The cellular signal is terrible as well. Living in Florida with hurricane glass and Double block walls - my SGS2 got really good signal, this thing is just garbage. If you rely on good signal, its not for you..
The touch sensitivity on the on-screen buttons at the lower portion of the phone seem to be not so great, other than that and the signal issues everything else is excellent..
I'm very happy with my 8GB
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Like you, I previously owned a at&t htc one x as well. I ordered my nexus 4 on the 13th and have been using it for a couple of weeks now. Since then, I have sold my htc one x.
to be completely honest, i have to say i liked the camera and screen combination of the htc one x better. Colors on the htc one x were brilliant and vivid, while the nexus 4 screen seemed to look dull. this is all personal preference, but i prefer the 'over-saturated' look.
speed on the nexus 4 is a lot faster compared to sense, but when i had cm10 on my htc one x it wasnt a slouch either.
in terms of aesthetics, they are both beautiful in their own ways. i quite liked the htc's design, but i agree on the lack of support, with the nexus you are guaranteed at least a couple of updates, (just look at the nexus s, got 4.1)
here's my advice to you: as nice as the nexus 4 is, if there is nothing wrong with you htc one x, dont upgrade. If you want jellybean 4.2 and dont want to wait for the update, root your HOX and put cm10 on it.
I was able to sell my HOX for $260 and my nexus 4 was $340 after taxes/shipping.
I for one am very happy with my Gnex4...Ive had every phone that came out this year...just sold my note 2 which was a pure beast if I must say but this nexus have a more snappier feeling as far as speed and etc...plus development is going crazy for this phone which is a big +....but overall this is the best phone on the market hands down...with the note 2 very close behind...
Curious to see why all fellow members haven't changed from their SGS3 to a newer phone.
In my case, I still haven't found a phone that is at least 2x superior in every aspect. The SGS3 still has a very good camera, big HD screen, 1080P video recording, lots of storage (48GB in mine), Android 4.3, etc.
I tried the Nexus 5 recently but ended returning it. The vibration and Wi-Fi signal were very weak. They were worse than on my SGS3. Also had the microphone audio problem when recording videos. Screen was great. Camera was worse than my SGS3. The overall tone and colors were darker and pictures were a downgrade. I'm still amazed at the picture quality of my SGS3. It takes great pictures, and I like having the peace of mind of having enough storage to shoot 100 minutes of 1080P video (I do record a LOT of videos using my phone).
Also battery on the Nexus 5 is not such a big improvement. It's better, but I would have preferred to upgrade to 3000 battery and maybe a 13Mpx camera.
Only thing I dislike of my SGS3 is the speed animation and fluidity. Animations are not consistent. I tried turning animations off but don't like it either. I've also tried CM11 and it's good, but still animations are not 100% consistent and quick.
So what about all of you? Why are you still using your SGS3 and haven't upgrade?
I will wait for SGS5 and LG G3.
Sensamic said:
Curious to see why all fellow members haven't changed from their SGS3 to a newer phone.
In my case, I still haven't found a phone that is at least 2x superior in every aspect. The SGS3 still has a very good camera, big HD screen, 1080P video recording, lots of storage (48GB in mine), Android 4.3, etc.
I tried the Nexus 5 recently but ended returning it. The vibration and Wi-Fi signal were very weak. They were worse than on my SGS3. Also had the microphone audio problem when recording videos. Screen was great. Camera was worse than my SGS3. The overall tone and colors were darker and pictures were a downgrade. I'm still amazed at the picture quality of my SGS3. It takes great pictures, and I like having the peace of mind of having enough storage to shoot 100 minutes of 1080P video (I do record a LOT of videos using my phone).
Also battery on the Nexus 5 is not such a big improvement. It's better, but I would have preferred to upgrade to 3000 battery and maybe a 13Mpx camera.
Only thing I dislike of my SGS3 is the speed animation and fluidity. Animations are not consistent. I tried turning animations off but don't like it either. I've also tried CM11 and it's good, but still animations are not 100% consistent and quick.
So what about all of you? Why are you still using your SGS3 and haven't upgrade?
I will wait for SGS5 and LG G3.
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I've paid 600€ for my s3... And the next time im gonna paid so much money for a smartphone it must be the ultimate high end smartphone.. At the moment there is no Phone i would buy.. Maybe Note 3 But better wait for s5.... And i defenitly stay on Samsung.. Best Displays for.. Hardware is top.. Only the Software could be better.. And if you drop ur smartphone often u gonna like the plastic .. Also Samsung is the Only one Who still bring update for a 2 years old device.. (Google too But dont like their devices.).. So I am Lucky with my s3.. Still Stock Sammy look and firmware... No issues with the Phone even i have an insane Chip..
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Because it's still being a very good option comparing it with other phones. I will wait for S5 or a Nexus.....
I'm still locked in my contract until June, also there's nothing that exciting right now.
In June the S5 will probably be out, but I'm reluctant to buy Samsung again with the Knox BS, so I'll see what I can get.
It's a solid device
Like other posters said, the performance gap between an S3 and say a Nexus 5 isn't really enough to justify a new expensive handset. I'll reconsider later in the year when the Nexus 6 is announced.
The replaceable battery and SD card have really made a difference that I didn't expect (I only got the S3 as an insurance replacement for Nexus 4). It would be hard to give them up.
The S3 is still very popular worldwide so there is a solid dev scene - example OmniROM - which means I don't really miss out too much on a Nexus device.
i dont like the direction phones are being designed, everyone is putting HD or UHD screens on phones (read: overkill), faster hardware to match, most getting too big also, battery usually stays the same in terms of how much you can actually use your phone...
would only wish for lil more horsepower on s3 gpu and it would be a perfect phone
S3 could be the successor to the HD2, nearly 5 years old and still being developed.
As many people updating to the S4 find, it's no fun owning one on your own -developer support is everything and the S3 has such a huge user base
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No money to afford it
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
here in brazil phones are very expensive
Because I paid 40k (indian rupees) for it:laugh:
Anyway the device is still pretty solid overall with no major limitations and awesome dev support. I think i will consider upgrading it when Note 4 comes, I will buy the, then cheaper Note 3 :highfive:
No need, still works like a charm. I don't see anything compelling for me to upgrade, I'll be keeping this for a couple more years easily.
Because bought it half year ago lol,with contract. And I won't have money after the contract will end to buy a new phone,so I think I will stay with this one for 2 or maybe even more years.
But S3 is the world's best selling phone. It's popular,huge user base,it has one of the best development support,and S3 is already fast enough in real world performance and even new games,so I don't need a new expensive phone to just do the same I do in my S3 but have A LITTLE smoother animations.
Because I was saving money for vaction and on top of that, the S3 is still a very solid performer. So there was no real need to upgrade. The ROM developments are active, it has Android 4.3, and the screen is still awesome. I will be changing phone this year though, most likely to the S5.
Simply because my SGS3 is so fast with Nova Launcher, it has great battery life, a pretty good camera and every app I want to use works perfectly fine with it. I only upgrade when the apps I want to use do not run or run bad, or when my phone dies of course
I had the SGS1 before this, I really felt the urge of upgrading when the SGS3 came out, but now I never even thought about upgrading.
EDIT:
Also, when 4G gets mainstream (read:affordable) I will probably want to upgrade, but only if there are proper 4G phones that work on practically all 4G bands. That is a feature that might get me to buy a new phone, as you will get real internet which can be used to properly video call and game on the go.
Coming from the s3 lte to a note 3. The difference is huge but not praticle. I love the note 3 but in some ways the s3 lte was just perfect. Had great size, speed and also every app was designed on it.
Like even mc4 is optimized on the s3 but not the note 3. So we don't get the good graphics.
Anyways everyone stay with the s3 till it dies
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Ive had mine for 1 and a half year and i see little incentive in changing it. Buying it for almost 65k Pak rupees and now finding the resale is less than 40% of that value, Maybe 25k for one in perfect condition, but going as low as 10k if it has a damaged screen as mine which is absolute rubbish.
Its a legendary phone that started the high end smartphone battle. Its just a pity about the electronic wastage that goes on, in 1 year a device can not only become old and outdated but turn into an antique, a term that used to be used for being decades old. Camera never ceases to amaze, half HD and full HD screens look the same if your not holding it close to your face and focusing on the pixels.
Battery? Smoothness? I can say my s3 feels just as fast if not faster than the s4 and note 3. The great dev support is pushing battery and performance capabilities to never before seen limits. Theme changes make you believe you own a new phone. In the case of the S4/note3 roms, you are convinced you have an S4/note3 as in S4 Revolution or Glamour S4/Note3.
The cool gimmicky but useless features you might ask about? Smart Pause/Smart Scroll have already been ported. The Note 3's air command is hardly hardware related, and could show up in a few months if not less. So we got all and ever more that we need from our S3.
Im proud to have an S3.
Because my work pays for my phones, i get 230 euro a year to get phone for, if i don't buy one i can save the money so the year after have 510 euro to buy a phone for. So i´m saving money right now
I don't see any reason to buy a new phone other than a old gpu in s3, but i'm sure it'll run fine for next 1 year
To be honest, custom samsung roms 4.3 made me not want to change so soon. Before that, phone was really bad. Lagfest with 4.1 with no ability to multitask. Aosp melted way to much battery for my liking. With 4.3 I got some of the multitasking power back, nearly no lag and very good battery. If it dies, i'll get a nexus 5 as it's the best bang for the buck. If not, I'll stick around. Depending on samsung with their knox tech though, the day they shove such crap down my throat is the day they lose me as a client.
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I am seriously still with my Galaxy S2!!
This is because it worked great, until now ;P
I hope I switch soon to OPPO's new winner, or cyanogenmods new phone !