[Q] Please advice on which one to get - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi,
This question is about i9500 vs i9505
First I want to say that I did go through most of the thread regarding this issue but am confused with the inconsistency.
I'm hoping someone could give me solid advice.
I'm not a person who changes phones quarterly and I hope to use this phone for 2 years. I'm buying the phone outright, no contract (hence no insurance) so I hope you'd understand why I'm picky about getting the best version.
From what I've read, following are the differences between the two:
1) Stutters and lags in games
2) Camera
3) Headphones
4) Battery
Regarding LTE, I will not use it.
My main requirement is a reliable phone. I can live with photos which are a bit saturated or a screen that is no black "black" when turned off.
I just want a phone which I will have the least chance of sending back (I live in Japan and I'm buying this from HongKong. Any repair I need to courier the phone and costs me nearly $100 each time). Having said that, I do like to have the fastest phone for the $700 I pay.
So what do you guys advice?
I'm confused by the reports that says Exynos is faster when Snapdragon is clocked at 1.9GHz vs. Exynos 1.6GHz.
And also I see people swear that Exynos version stutters and lags in games.
On the other hand, I do want to use my headphones. I read the problem only happens to high-end low-impedence headphones. So if I'm using a normal headphone I'd fine with i9500?
Would really appreciate some advice.
Thank you.

I would go with the i9505 with snapdragon being better at releasing source. It is also the same hardware as the US/Canada version so that makes even more development available. I would have to assume the i9505 version can flash us roms since I am running omega on my at&t phone
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda premium

Related

[Q] Buy another HD2 or SENSATION time?

Hi all. I'm asking for the expert opinion of all the xda ogs. I bought an HD2 about 5 months ago off ebay for almost full price. And now it won't start (I tried everything). Sent it to htc repair center in Texas.
Now my question is: If it costs more than 150 to repair the phone, I'll probably just buy a new one instead of repairing it to have better peace of mind. Should I get another HD2, this time brand new from amazon for 299, or should I get an HTC sensation for abouit 540?
I really don't see myself using the dual core cpu that much, but the higher megapixel camera would be much more badass, and I do take alot of pictures.
Any productive opinions are welcome.
You say your HD2 will not start, so did it just start this or were you flashing something and it did this after the flash? If so what were you flashing? I ask this cause it sounds like you have bricked your HD2 and that is fixable for a third of the 150 dollars you suggested.
Now as for your Sensation question I don't really have any advice for you as I am currently wrestling with what device to upgrade too myself. And the Sensation is like one of the top devices I am looking at.
DPMAce said:
Hi all. I'm asking for the expert opinion of all the xda ogs. I bought an HD2 about 5 months ago off ebay for almost full price. And now it won't start (I tried everything). Sent it to htc repair center in Texas.
Now my question is: If it costs more than 150 to repair the phone, I'll probably just buy a new one instead of repairing it to have better peace of mind. Should I get another HD2, this time brand new from amazon for 299, or should I get an HTC sensation for abouit 540?
I really don't see myself using the dual core cpu that much, but the higher megapixel camera would be much more badass, and I do take alot of pictures.
Any productive opinions are welcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same question...my HD2 is also gone for repair and I was thinking of selling it..once I get it back...but the problem is HD2 still allows you to do so much...there is no other phone like it quite yet...there is also possibility of DFT still releasing new version of MAGLDR for wp7 mango which you never know, it maybe good enough for daily driver...
I'm in same dilema...still not decided though
However, instead of sensation I was thinking of buying TMO G2X (LG optimus 2x)...You can get a new one for ~ $350-400 on eBay compared to sensation which is almost $500-600 now...
Compared to sensation it has better camera and no death grip issues, while you lose out on High res screen and Sense UI (which is quite good in its 3rd installment but i think I can manage with cm7, as I was using that on my hd2)
blah, seems like the Sensation has way too many issues right now. I wouldn't be able to stand having dust underneath my screen. Or death grip.
At 299 right now, the HD2 seems like the best value. 4.3 inch screen, and I could flash a new rom every week if I wanted.
What I really want is the samsung S2 of course, but it's still almost 700 on amazon.
I just wish they had another phone for about 300 with a bigger screen (I prefer 5 inch lol) and a better camera.
Best advice of all is to wait if I can. Prices will drop quickly, and maybe the next batch of sensations will be better built.
I'm due an upgrade next month (or if O2 won't match/beat Vodafone's tarriffs it'll be in 4 months when I jump ship) and so far the Sensation is the only thing that appeals to me.
Tried one out in CPWH yesterday and was impressed, no lag, no stutters.
That's a UK based version though, and from what people say about the phones over in the US, your carriers add a load of bloat that can affect performance.
My HD2 will go to my fiancee to replace my old HD.
I will miss the ability to make calls without having to go to the home screen, but I'll get used to it.
DPMAce said:
blah, seems like the Sensation has way too many issues right now. I wouldn't be able to stand having dust underneath my screen. Or death grip.
At 299 right now, the HD2 seems like the best value. 4.3 inch screen, and I could flash a new rom every week if I wanted.
What I really want is the samsung S2 of course, but it's still almost 700 on amazon.
I just wish they had another phone for about 300 with a bigger screen (I prefer 5 inch lol) and a better camera.
Best advice of all is to wait if I can. Prices will drop quickly, and maybe the next batch of sensations will be better built.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC Sensations and LG 2X have already sold in Jakarta.
Next week, 23 July, Samsung will launch Galaxy S2 at Pacific Place, Jakarta, with the special price starting from Rp4.1 Mio (USD 500 - 600)
I think it is reasonable price, considering the specs
I remember that I bought HTC Touch HD (Blackstone) at Rp10.5 mio (USD1.100) when it was launched
I heard that Sensation has a death grip issue. So, You might consider waiting till the price of Galaxy S2 drop
Cheers
If you still want to stay with HTC and don't mind a single-core phone, there's always the Desire HD. Same sized screen, but more RAM (same as Sensation but less than SGS2) and newer generation of Snapdragon. It also has a 8MP sensor but I don't know how that compares to the one on the Sensation. It's also about $100 cheaper too. I see one right now that is actually the Inspire 4G but it is unlocked and that is like only $400. I would buy that buy I think my HD2 will last me maybe until the end of this year and then I might move on to Virgin Mobile or something and keep the HD2 as a test phone and for traveling.
DPMAce said:
Hi all. I'm asking for the expert opinion of all the xda ogs. I bought an HD2 about 5 months ago off ebay for almost full price. And now it won't start (I tried everything). Sent it to htc repair center in Texas.
Now my question is: If it costs more than 150 to repair the phone, I'll probably just buy a new one instead of repairing it to have better peace of mind. Should I get another HD2, this time brand new from amazon for 299, or should I get an HTC sensation for abouit 540?
I really don't see myself using the dual core cpu that much, but the higher megapixel camera would be much more badass, and I do take alot of pictures.
Any productive opinions are welcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man, you can pick up hd2s for less than 200 on Craigslist... why would you spend 150 on a repair?
even sensations go for 350 max... flippin' eck...
Mafioso said:
I have the same question...my HD2 is also gone for repair and I was thinking of selling it..once I get it back...but the problem is HD2 still allows you to do so much...there is no other phone like it quite yet...there is also possibility of DFT still releasing new version of MAGLDR for wp7 mango which you never know, it maybe good enough for daily driver...
I'm in same dilema...still not decided though
However, instead of sensation I was thinking of buying TMO G2X (LG optimus 2x)...You can get a new one for ~ $350-400 on eBay compared to sensation which is almost $500-600 now...
Compared to sensation it has better camera and no death grip issues, while you lose out on High res screen and Sense UI (which is quite good in its 3rd installment but i think I can manage with cm7, as I was using that on my hd2)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sensation is far superior to g2x, trust me on this, I've owned both...HD2 is still the most enjoyable experience to be had..

[Q] Where can I get ASAP I9505 LTE model+dutyfree

I need a I9505 Euro open S4 LTE model.
I frequently bought from UK phone store (Clove or handtec)
But, that sim-free provider all delayed until May 03 in UK. (thaty said that samsung UK make a delay)
I can't wait until may 03.
Could you let me know where is In stock of I9505 LTE device?
Seller must support intenational shipping and want to dutyfree or price not over $900 (inc, shipping cost)
Hi. As I know there is nowhere to be found the S4 I9505 until May 3. Also, without talking with a particular guy or something, will be impossible to get the duty declaration as "gift". I have looked every single website. Btw, why you want the I9505 when you guys have the Octa with even higher cpu frequency ? We are crying for Octa and you guys want Snapdragon LMAO
demlasjr said:
Hi. As I know there is nowhere to be found the S4 I9505 until May 3. Also, without talking with a particular guy or something, will be impossible to get the duty declaration as "gift". I have looked every single website. Btw, why you want the I9505 when you guys have the Octa with even higher cpu frequency ? We are crying for Octa and you guys want Snapdragon LMAO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply!!!
This link is why i hate korean galaxy variants model. even though that have exynos octa chipset.
All galaxy korean version has following problems.
1. All operator too many customizing ==> it will cause unstable, because all known that they request too many modify frameworks also.
2. Too many have bloat apps.(operator apps, avg 10 + apps exist, some apps are not support uninstall, yeah rooting will delete that apps, but it make an another error)
3. UMTS band are only 1900/2100 (official), previous galaxy have only UMTS 2100 (SKT/KT model only, LGU+ model using CDMA 1800(that frequncy only exist in korea over the world)
4. LTE band are only 850/1800. (SKT 850/1800 , KT 1800 / LG U+ 850)
5. Maybe Firmare not compatible with Global version (I930X / N710X )
6. you may not use USSD code (korean all operator doesn't support USSD code, so korean localizing version remove USSD function)
I lived in korea, but i don't use our korean galaxy models. This time I also ordered galaxy s4 on UK. Because UK model is always Europe open model and it has nearly Samsung reference model. (Doesn't have or 1~2 bloat app exist)
i'm very hate too many localizing. it will always phone make unstable.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
I'm still between the i9500 and i9505. People having i9505 reports high temperature, probably because of the clock. Not sure what to choose.
I knew that Korean version have many limits, but I didn't know that was so horrible.
In your case, you will need to find somebody to buy and send the phone as gift in Korea, but the package can still be stopped in airport or border and if it's opened, they can still ask you for taxes (even if the chances are minimal). You may find somebody and talk to him to do it on a website like eBay, so you will pay him the money with PayPal, they will buy the phone and send to you. This way you have warranty that he will not steal your money and he will have the money to buy and ship it to you. Once I did something like this with a friend. Ebay have taxes, but depends on category and at least you have your money safe
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Hi,
I walked into the Samsung store in Westfield,Stratford today.
I bought a i9505 ,unlocked and and sim free.
demlasjr said:
I'm still between the i9500 and i9505. People having i9505 reports high temperature, probably because of the clock. Not sure what to choose.
I knew that Korean version have many limits, but I didn't know that was so horrible.
In your case, you will need to find somebody to buy and send the phone as gift in Korea, but the package can still be stopped in airport or border and if it's opened, they can still ask you for taxes (even if the chances are minimal). You may find somebody and talk to him to do it on a website like eBay, so you will pay him the money with PayPal, they will buy the phone and send to you. This way you have warranty that he will not steal your money and he will have the money to buy and ship it to you. Once I did something like this with a friend. Ebay have taxes, but depends on category and at least you have your money safe
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your detail information! :good::good:
If price is good, i will try it. but mostly New release cell phone is too expensive. :'(
In now, I consider keep order from handtec(UK) or make a new order from negri(US).
Importance is two seller have only "Expected date". and that expect days is everytime varilabe. :crying::crying::crying:
malybru said:
Hi,
I walked into the Samsung store in Westfield,Stratford today.
I bought a i9505 ,unlocked and and sim free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, really I envied you!
I hope, I request to you that buying I9505 on that store.
But, UK GBP have too high exchane rate. :'( My money is not enough.
(i ordered from handtec, you known that international customer get duty free)
Thanks for your information.

International & Chinese Oneplus Ones Differences Explained!

Hey guys, I just made this video. tell me what you think, I know theres a few rough edges, but im trying to be more professional on my videos.
Heres the text if you dont want to watch it
International
Hey guys and welcome back to another video, here in my hands are 2 oneplus
one smart phones, like i said in my unboxing video one of them is a chinese
version and the other is an international version, so what exactly are the
differences? lets find out
So i'd just like to start off and say that spec wise you get exactly the
same in both. which includes the 5.5" 1080p display, snapdragon 801 processor
clocked at 2.5ghz, 3gb of ram and so on
the differences are minor, so lets start off with the OS.
The intertnational version comes with Cyanogenmod 11S, which is specificly
made for the phone while the Chinese version comes with the very chinese
Colour OS. which doesnt inculde the google play store any google apps. this
is very easy to change thkkough, installing CM11S onto the chhinese OPO is as
easy as flashing any other stock rom on a phone.
Turning it around we see that the 16gb chinese OPO has the white back,
which is what the international 16gb version has as well, the only difference
being is that the chinese OPO doesnt have the cyanogen logo on the back
because of like i just mentioned it comes with Colour OS.
Now inside the phone is where its a little different, the two phones come with
different bands for your 3G/4G. ive done tests and both 3G and 4G work here in
the UK on either EE or Three networks, if your on o2 or vodafone youll have to stick with 3G
If you're in america, 3G/4G works fine in america if your using the internationa model but
only 3G works with the chinese version.theres also a few threads on XDA where theyve managed
to unlock a few other bands to work as well, which ill leave under the like button.
thats all guys, theres only a few differences so if you havent got an invite
but you want one now then by all means go
for the chinese version. if you wanna know where to buy one without an invite,
thats coming in the next video.
if you liked this video then sunscribe so youll be able to see when i release a new video,
Is nobody interested
J
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
I was interested and gave you thx;p i am using chinese version and it works perfectly in Europe thx for your time
JackHanAnLG said:
Is nobody interested
J
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bought a silk white chinese version, the box said it's 64gb but AFAIK it only come in 16gb.
I am finally clear about that, thanks.

Should I buy a note 3 in 2016?

Hey everyone,
Looking for a phone for around 150 UK pounds with a big display, good camera and long screen on time
Heard the note 3 would suit me
Is it still getting updated? Big dev support still?
How's the Camera?
What to look for in 2nd hand phones
Are the repairs on the display cheap?
Is it worth buying a cracked display cheaper and getting it fixed?
Is the upgrade to note 4 worth it?????
Sorry loads of questions
Coming from an meizu mx5 very poor support sot of around 4 hours and camera Isnt great poor support again from meizu
sutty86 said:
Hey everyone,
Looking for a phone for around 150 UK pounds with a big display, good camera and long screen on time
Heard the note 3 would suit me
Is it still getting updated? Big dev support still?
How's the Camera?
What to look for in 2nd hand phones
Are the repairs on the display cheap?
Is it worth buying a cracked display cheaper and getting it fixed?
Is the upgrade to note 4 worth it?????
Sorry loads of questions
Coming from an meizu mx5 very poor support sot of around 4 hours and camera Isnt great poor support again from meizu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought one for my wife. I have one too and they are great.
It cost me about £220 second hand. The note 4 is considerably more and not £100+ better. So sick with the note 3. Camera is 13 mega pixel and more than just adequate.
I don't really care what the Samsung support is, I put custom roms on both phones so they think they are note 5's. The support on xda is all you need. Get a decent case and screen protector and it'll last.
If you can get it for a price you want them go for it. Still a great phone.
Cheifwhat said:
I just bought one for my wife. I have one too and they are great.
It cost me about £220 second hand. The note 4 is considerably more and not £100+ better. So sick with the note 3. Camera is 13 mega pixel and more than just adequate.
I don't really care what the Samsung support is, I put custom roms on both phones so they think they are note 5's. The support on xda is all you need. Get a decent case and screen protector and it'll last.
If you can get it for a price you want them go for it. Still a great phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the honest reply
Whats roms are good for battery life
Well. I'm using the phronensis rom, which, despite its silly name is pretty dammed good. But have a look around, the thread titles will usually say if they are geared for performance or battery life (or both).
If you're new to rooting and installing custom roms then I'd recommend the all in one tool kit by skipsoft. Just search 'xda skipsoft' in Google. It pretty much does it all for you (or at least it holds your hand through the process). Just make sure that what you tell it is correct and toy should be good to go.
And be careful. I always read the last few comments in a thread to see what bugs have been reported and if the rom is still being updated. Wouldn't hurt to look up a tutorial on YouTube either.
Send me a private message if you'd like a phone chat about it
Would suggest flashing Lean or Idle kernel for good battery life.
Thanks guys
Going to buy a note three tonight for 140 pounds
Is there two different cpus which one would benefit me better.
Also it's locked down To ee is there a sim unlock tool/app
Or is it something I have to buy on the bay
sutty86 said:
Thanks guys
Going to buy a note three tonight for 140 pounds
Is there two different cpus which one would benefit me better.
Also it's locked down To ee is there a sim unlock tool/app
Or is it something I have to buy on the bay
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy it unlocked, otherwise unlock codes from EE will cost you. And there are no such tools.
And very likely you're looking at SM-N9005, the Snapdragon version. There's a tiny chance you might have happened upon N900, the Exynos version that has no 4G support. The performance of the two variants is identical.
Thank you , the price for an unlocked note is alot more expensive than the ee branded ohone
sutty86 said:
Thank you for the honest reply
Whats roms are good for battery life
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me after trying a lot of roms the better battery life have got is with this rom : http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-3/development/rom-qs-n9005-lp-t3037655
right gents,
i am now a proud owner of a note 3 unlock, running stock lolipop atm 5.0 going to root and start trying a rom,
paid £160 got an extra 3 batteries plus official samsung box, and samsung usb 3.0 extra battery charger...
and Armoured Case,
Slight marks on left hand side of casing, does not affect screen
i have another case, glass screen coming tomorrow also!
Thanks guys, very happy
cant believe how big it is im coming from a 5.5 inch phone also
Picked one up for $35 as a back up and to flash roms, best amount of money I've ever spent on a Android device!
For a phone this old it still kicks ass.
Cheifwhat said:
Well. I'm using the phronensis rom, which, despite its silly name is pretty dammed good. But have a look around, the thread titles will usually say if they are geared for performance or battery life (or both).
If you're new to rooting and installing custom roms then I'd recommend the all in one tool kit by skipsoft. Just search 'xda skipsoft' in Google. It pretty much does it all for you (or at least it holds your hand through the process). Just make sure that what you tell it is correct and toy should be good to go.
And be careful. I always read the last few comments in a thread to see what bugs have been reported and if the rom is still being updated. Wouldn't hurt to look up a tutorial on YouTube either.
Send me a private message if you'd like a phone chat about it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phronesis (Ancient Greek: φρόνησις) is a word used in the ancient greek and means "wisdom" or "intelligence", common theme in philosophical debates. As you can see, this word can be anything but silly my friend
Thanks for the translation of the name but got to agree does sound odd, not yet flashed but does look absolutely beautiful.
35 dollars wow bargain that's just over 20 pounds in the UK.
Are the phones capable of fast charging only seems to be charging at 1200mah on all my chargers even the fast charge 2.0 charger I have
sutty86 said:
Thanks for the translation of the name but got to agree does sound odd, not yet flashed but does look absolutely beautiful.
35 dollars wow bargain that's just over 20 pounds in the UK.
Are the phones capable of fast charging only seems to be charging at 1200mah on all my chargers even the fast charge 2.0 charger I have
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I charge it with my Nexus 6 charger and it charges pretty quick

Would you buy it now?

I'm looking to change my iphone 5c. I know the performance of the two phones is almost the same.
This would be my first Samsung. I'm a bit scared of switching because friends of mine had S4 (not mini) variants with major issues including replacement of mainboard).
The reason I am looking at this phone is that I want something with more freedom and future proofing ( removable battery, sdcard, nfc, IR ) and a bigger screen, while being around the $150-$200 price range
So:
Would anyone recommend buying it today?
Has anyone used this phone more than a year or two? I'm looking for a phone to last me at least 2-3 years, as I don't change them that often.
How is the rom availability and performance and stability of the available custom roms?
1) If you want it new, sure. But if you are going to buy it second hand, I would try and get a more recent flagship, something like S5 or G2-G3.
2) I got mine new in november 2014. used it for a year and a few months now. No problems for me.
3) The GT-I9505 variant has the best development support. If you are going to get an S4, get the GT-I9505. Avoid getting any rebranded models. Carriers like Verizon and Sprint rebrand their phones. Verizon even locks the bootloader, making flashing roms a nightmare.
do they have such a thing as shops that sell 2nd hand phones where you are ? I think you would stepping down from a 5c to an S4, you could probably pick up a really good 2nd hand android that meets most of your requirements and buy a new battery.
it's an OK phone but I wouldn't buy it again today given the choice.
the Qualcomm i9505 version has pretty decent rom kernel and mod support, but that is dwindling a little with developers moving on...

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