Hi guys,
I'm a newbie to the world of Android, coming from several years of iPhone ownership. I can't say that I am convinced yet that Android is a better OS and I do find quite a lot of irritations that I never experienced with the iPhone. That said, I'm on a corporate tariff so can buy and sell my phone whenever. I'm in the UK by the way and am on a Vodafone tariff. I see a few S4s on eBay, selling new for around £400 unlocked, which is about the going rate for a used HTC One.
I really want to give Android a good year to see how I get on with it and have splashed out on an HTC One two weeks ago. I can't say I entirely love the device - mostly from a cosmetic angle - and am contemplating ebaying it and picking up an S4 instead.
Thoughts? What made you go S4 over the One? Am I daft?
Go on then, grab the S4, guvnah.
It's awesome ^^ I had the One but didn't like it so I exchanged it for an S4. Awesome camera in this one.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
If you ignore the cosmetic difference. S4, I would say, blows the One out of the water in almost all the other areas. You couldn't go wrong with an S4
I have an S4 and love it. So does my wife, and she's a technophobe. Removable battery and SD card sealed it for me. If you like to tinker, great OS. Heck, if you want it to look like iOS, I'm sure there's a mod for it. Have fun.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
richardhard said:
I have an S4 and love it. So does my wife, and she's a technophobe. Removable battery and SD card sealed it for me. If you like to tinker, great OS. Heck, if you want it to look like iOS, I'm sure there's a mod for it. Have fun.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're in the S4 section so for sure you'll get people here convincing you to get the s4.
My friend was looking to get an xperia z, but I showed him my s4, and compared it side by side with an xz in the mall. Guess what, he immediately changed his mind!
If you do get the S4, though, get the i9505 (Qualcomm+LTE) instead of the i9500 (exynos octa) if you're interested in AOSP.
Theshawty said:
If you do get the S4, though, get the i9505 (Qualcomm+LTE) instead of the i9500 (exynos octa) if you're interested in AOSP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks guys. I'll give eBay a try - not great timing as I go on vacation Friday! I've also rooted which may impact it's value?
Yeah the problem with HTC one is the boot loader will say relocked even if you reset root. People will still know
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
rockstarar said:
Yeah the problem with HTC one is the boot loader will say relocked even if you reset root. People will still know
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a way you can have the bootloader locked as if it was never unlocked at all, and the tampered sign gone. It's called revone and it doesn't require root nor an unlocked bootloader.
zero71 said:
Hi guys,
I'm a newbie to the world of Android, coming from several years of iPhone ownership. I can't say that I am convinced yet that Android is a better OS and I do find quite a lot of irritations that I never experienced with the iPhone. That said, I'm on a corporate tariff so can buy and sell my phone whenever. I'm in the UK by the way and am on a Vodafone tariff. I see a few S4s on eBay, selling new for around £400 unlocked, which is about the going rate for a used HTC One.
I really want to give Android a good year to see how I get on with it and have splashed out on an HTC One two weeks ago. I can't say I entirely love the device - mostly from a cosmetic angle - and am contemplating ebaying it and picking up an S4 instead.
Thoughts? What made you go S4 over the One? Am I daft?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is it that makes you unhappy about the HTC One? Do you think the S4 is better in those ways? You are used to IOS and switching anything you are used to can be painful. Why do you want an android phone? I love my S4, but I'm used to android.
I'll try to give you an unbiased summary between the One and S4:
One:
32GB internal memory standard
Better speakers and brighter display.
People seem to prefer the look
Better camera in low light
More polished software
Blinkfeed
S4:
Removable battery
MicroSD storage
Better contrast in display due to true blacks
Better camera excluding low light
Software is lacking polish (must trust updates will fix these issues)
Lots of bells and whistles (fun to try and show off, but most people ultimately turn these off)
If you decide S4, this might help you decide which S4.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42230741#post42230741
Adding one more thing to the One vs S4 list. One has onscreen buttons as opposed to actual buttons on the S4, many people (I sure do) find that to be an advantage for the S4.
elucid said:
What is it that makes you unhappy about the HTC One? Do you think the S4 is better in those ways? You are used to IOS and switching anything you are used to can be painful. Why do you want an android phone? I love my S4, but I'm used to android.
I'll try to give you an unbiased summary between the One and S4:
One:
32GB internal memory standard
Better speakers and brighter display.
People seem to prefer the look
Better camera in low light
More polished software
Blinkfeed
S4:
Removable battery
MicroSD storage
Better contrast in display due to true blacks
Better camera excluding low light
Software is lacking polish (must trust updates will fix these issues)
Lots of bells and whistles (fun to try and show off, but most people ultimately turn these off)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi. I think I'm going to stick with the HTC. I gave my wife my iPhone 5 and took HTC One on contract (hers) instead. At the time I preferred the look of the HTC, but now I prefer the curvy white lines of the S4 - though it does seem somewhat cheap feeling. I fear that I'll miss the brightness of the HTC out doors (I already feel it's not bright enough).
I personally think that the S4 looks better, and like the fact that I could use it case-less without worrying about scratching the back, it's replaceable.
The HTC on the other hand I can't use naked because the seams between the front speaker covers aren't a perfect fit to the body, there's a very slight edge to them which my fingers instantly find and get botherer about, so it lives in a Poetic case. I guess they both have pros and cons but are also very similar.
I could agonise over this all night.
zero71 said:
Hi. I think I'm going to stick with the HTC. I gave my wife my iPhone 5 and took HTC One on contract (hers) instead. At the time I preferred the look of the HTC, but now I prefer the curvy white lines of the S4 - though it does seem somewhat cheap feeling. I fear that I'll miss the brightness of the HTC out doors (I already feel it's not bright enough).
I personally think that the S4 looks better, and like the fact that I could use it case-less without worrying about scratching the back, it's replaceable.
The HTC on the other hand I can't use naked because the seams between the front speaker covers aren't a perfect fit to the body, there's a very slight edge to them which my fingers instantly find and get botherer about, so it lives in a Poetic case. I guess they both have pros and cons but are also very similar.
I could agonise over this all night.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, if the only thing is the look, I would stick with the HTC. Functionally if you are happy, then stick with it. It's a really great phone.
Is there any way you could try the s4 out, via a friend or walk in phone shop maybe? You should know straight away if you want to sell the HTC One for it or not
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
Galactus said:
Is there any way you could try the s4 out, via a friend or walk in phone shop maybe? You should know straight away if you want to sell the HTC One for it or not
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
I tried both and opted for SGS4 ....but it is so down to personal pref Both are great phone .. for me deciding factor was wireless charger.....HTC one cant have wireless charger due to Aluminium body....
sell it and move on =D
Related
Returned my unlocked Nexus S, connectivity is the biggest issue with it then screen response and freezing.
I compromised on the desireble specs to buy Nexus S only coz Google put their stamp on it. I seriously dont understand why Google will pick Samsung (is it the super AMOLED display or something else). HTC has far better workmanship n service compared to Samsung -they r in such a rush to inundate the market with phones that their is no quality control or post sales service.
Ley me put it this way I'm never gonna buy Samsung phone again. Bought 3 of their flagship best phones in last 3 years n let down all 3 times
1. Samsung Omnia when it came out from Europe $ 600
2. Samsung i8910 (first with Amloed Display) again form europe for $700
3. Nexus S $571
I've used samrtphone for last 12 year from Palm 180 to everything, and i would say Samsung are the worst.
Back to my Nexus 1 n wating eagrly for upgrade.
Opinions are like assholes...
...Everyone has one LOL
... and their full of sh#t!
Seriously tho does anyone even give a damn about these "I h8 NS!" threads besides the trolls?
Samsung is doing a fine job manuacturing their phones, I'm glad I don't have to deal with TouchPiss anymore.
Google probably went with Samsung over HTC because:
- They use the Hummingbird processor, HTC doesn't.
- They're the only ones with Super AMOLED technology.
- HTC is getting their pants sued off by Apple.
- Google is trying to diversify.
- Contractual/agreement issues, who knows.
- Maybe HTC didn't want to parter again in the first place.
i am glad Google went with Samsung this time. People who own Nexus One know that the touchpad that HTC used was a ****ing fiasco. Also, this is my biggest pet peeve virtually on all HTC phones they use the crappiest quality speakers.
Sounds like the OP needs to look up the definition of "insanity" with regards to his repeated purchases of Samsung products.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
I'll have to say the speaker quality on this Samsung is far better than the one on my G1. The touch screen is much more responsive than on the G1 and registers better. Of course it is a million times faster than the G1. Also, I don't need to root and modify the hell out of just to make it work remotely close to other phones.
I am impressed do far.
Only complaints, no LED notifications (knew this going in), and my wireless signal is weaker on this phone than it was on my G1 or any other wireless device in my house. Not sure what's up with that. Also, that it doesn't take advantage of T-Mobiles HSPA+. I knew this as well going in.
I don't do much mobile browsing anyway, but do like to show of videos with friends and that can be a downside. Though T-Mobile is as much to blame as a manufacturer not supporting it (read T-Mobile just sucks sometimes).
Good for you that you returned your Nexus S. Thanks for sharing. Now move on to a different forum. Or do you require some counseling for your loss?
I went from rooting the Nook color, got hooked on Android, and then bought the Nexus S. I couldn't be happier. Pure Google! Customize! No cell carrier branding! 2.3! Oh no, they have a quad core with a kitchen sink plug in, I must return my Nexus S!
Take care all. Looking forward to all the mods and roms.
Perhaps somebody should start a "I'm not returning my Nexus S, I'm perfectly happy with it" thread....
only 2 sensible posts thanks rashad1 & geitl.
N rest of the guys you ppl are amzing read wht u ppl write with such love n care for another forum member.
I probably would have used more smart phones than all of u put together.
anyway i am realy amazed at the hostility these newbe xda memebers show
To be honest, I have less issues with built quality on my vibrant then on nexus one. Although, I've been reading that curved class sucks on ns
kolyan said:
To be honest, I have less issues with built quality on my vibrant then on nexus one. Although, I've been reading that curved class sucks on ns
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
whats the real purpose of the curve glass, to give it something no other device has thats about it..it ads nothing you cant eve notice it
slowz3r said:
whats the real purpose of the curve glass, to give it something no other device has thats about it..it ads nothing you cant eve notice it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely notice the curve, and I love showing it off.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
slowz3r said:
whats the real purpose of the curve glass, to give it something no other device has thats about it..it ads nothing you cant eve notice it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess its just cool, technicaly its made to match shape of ur face and more comfortable to talk on, but this is bs. The problem is that its not Gorrila, would I take flat Gorrila vs curved glass, yes of course because Gorrila actually serves a purpose
kapur_deepak said:
Returned my unlocked Nexus S, connectivity is the biggest issue with it then screen response and freezing.
I compromised on the desireble specs to buy Nexus S only coz Google put their stamp on it. I seriously dont understand why Google will pick Samsung (is it the super AMOLED display or something else). HTC has far better workmanship n service compared to Samsung -they r in such a rush to inundate the market with phones that their is no quality control or post sales service.
Ley me put it this way I'm never gonna buy Samsung phone again. Bought 3 of their flagship best phones in last 3 years n let down all 3 times
1. Samsung Omnia when it came out from Europe $ 600
2. Samsung i8910 (first with Amloed Display) again form europe for $700
3. Nexus S $571
I've used samrtphone for last 12 year from Palm 180 to everything, and i would say Samsung are the worst.
Back to my Nexus 1 n wating eagrly for upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wouldn't it be more helpful if, in the middle of your rant, you explained WHY you thought that the Nexus S let you down?
I'm interested, especially since mine is arriving in 2 days time...
I have to agree. The ONLY thing I don't like about my Nexus S is that I'll have to put a screen protector on it because it doesn't have Gorilla Glass.
I wish they'd saved whatever cash they spent creating curved glass and just used Gorilla Glass instead.
I have Nexus S as well as Desire HD and I can tell you signal strength is far better on the Nexus S. HTC have shocking antenna problems on every Android. Still love the HD but the Nexus poops all over it.
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk
Belarios said:
I have to agree. The ONLY thing I don't like about my Nexus S is that I'll have to put a screen protector on it because it doesn't have Gorilla Glass.
I wish they'd saved whatever cash they spent creating curved glass and just used Gorilla Glass instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U still need screen protector on Gorrila. It CAN get scratched, I suppose its just more crack resistant
Hey people!
I'am new here but i have been looking at the forums for quite a while now and thought i should make an account, so here I am .
Lets get to the point, I would love to buy this phone, it looks awesome, its fast, its all i want BUT i got some serious worries about the glass at the back. or the yellow tinting of the screen. The glass worries me the most. Would a screen protector or Soft, hard case help against cracking?
As i said i would love to buy the phone when it is available agains
What are your opinions? (and the case answers ofc since i have no cllue about what helps against what)
PS: If a post like this exists, please link it to me and i'll remove this post.
Well, obviously the phone has a chance to break. I've been using mine over a week and I don't have an issue. Then again my near one year old gnex is near flawless, so I guess it depends on how you use your devices and how you handle them.
In regards to yellowing screen or other issues, they shouldn't be enough to dissuade you from buying it. All phones have issues, in fact, all electronics have issues. There is no evidence so far that any of these supposed issues are widespread. I think its just more likely to find people complaining on boards like these than those going out of there way to say how great the device is.
I for one have no issues my n4 and I've yet to have an issue my n7 or gnex either (both day one purchases). I'm either really lucky or things aren't as bad as the boards make them seem.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
well you can always use a case, and this is the best android phone out there in my opinion. I have used note, S2, S3 and switched to N4, even though my version has some problem i would say best android phone out there.
derpingtimmy said:
Hey people!
I'am new here but i have been looking at the forums for quite a while now and thought i should make an account, so here I am .
Lets get to the point, I would love to buy this phone, it looks awesome, its fast, its all i want BUT i got some serious worries about the glass at the back. or the yellow tinting of the screen. The glass worries me the most. Would a screen protector or Soft, hard case help against cracking?
As i said i would love to buy the phone when it is available agains
What are your opinions? (and the case answers ofc since i have no cllue about what helps against what)
PS: If a post like this exists, please link it to me and i'll remove this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm exactly in the same boat. I want this N4, but with all those bad things you have mention I am really undecided between the N4 and the Note2.
I have an N4 and don't have any yellow tint. But the glass back is a worry. If you drop this phone then it will break.
But it's so fast! And it's a Nexus. I spent so much time trying different ROMs with my old arc S which I don't need to do now. Games just fly on this phone with 2GB of RAM.
I do think the arc has a better camera than the N4 though.
I miss my arc but it was time to move on and now I have a Nexus I won't ever get anything else.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Thanks alot for the great input I have decided and placed an order at the german store, Since i am from holland. Now its just waiting till they have it. Can probably take a while x)
I have been using my nexus 4 on at&t's network for a little over a month now and I cannot find one downfall of this phone... I applied a Dbrand black leather sticker on the back glass and that just made the phone feel more professional.. almost like a blackberry 9900. (but more functional) My question is, has anyone found a phone that can shake a stick at the nexus 4 as far as fit and function. I have a Htc One and i am thinking of returning it because I see myself using the nexus 4 and leaving the one at home more often then not.
chambers7867 said:
I have been using my nexus 4 on at&t's network for a little over a month now and I cannot find one downfall of this phone... I applied a Dbrand black leather sticker on the back glass and that just made the phone feel more professional.. almost like a blackberry 9900. (but more functional) My question is, has anyone found a phone that can shake a stick at the nexus 4 as far as fit and function. I have a Htc One and i am thinking of returning it because I see myself using the nexus 4 and leaving the one at home more often then not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a fan of the N4 but you have to be realistic. There are plenty of phones now which can easily be considered better than it (e.g. HTC One, S4, LG OG Pro, Xperia Z) and while none of them are anywhere near as good a deal as the N4, most are better phones for the majority. Only a few people actually care about updates outside of XDA and don't really know how awesome stock Android is compared to other UIs.
chambers7867 said:
I have been using my nexus 4 on at&t's network for a little over a month now and I cannot find one downfall of this phone... I applied a Dbrand black leather sticker on the back glass and that just made the phone feel more professional.. almost like a blackberry 9900. (but more functional) My question is, has anyone found a phone that can shake a stick at the nexus 4 as far as fit and function. I have a Htc One and i am thinking of returning it because I see myself using the nexus 4 and leaving the one at home more often then not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it's too good
I wasn't really impressed with the S4 or the HTC one tbh. Overpriced for basically the same specs you get with the N4. Samsung phones are loaded with bloat now,and feel like a hollow plastic toy. You can hardly tell its android anymore with the TW bloat interface. Yea the HTC one has a nice build quality, but is it really worth shelling out almost 700$ for? I don't think so. I will never buy another non nexus device again. (All personal opinion) I am extremely happy with my N4. I haven't had 1 single issue with it. I get 2.5 days of heavy use and about 5 hours screen on time with my ROM kernel combo. And for 350$ you cant beat it.
Keep the Nexus, return the One.
Galaxy note 2. Phones a monster
Sent from my free candy van
nighthawk626 said:
Galaxy note 2. Phones a monster
Sent from my free candy van
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Waaay to big. It looks comical when i see someone using one.
ScumDroid said:
Waaay to big. It looks comical when i see someone using one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now the rumors of the Note 3 being like 6 inches or so, now that's comical.
The current 5.5 is fine to me.
I Am Marino said:
Now the rumors of the Note 3 being like 6 inches or so, now that's comical.
The current 5.5 is fine to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea don't get me wrong, it is a really nice phone. The screen is large and vibrant. The specs are great. I just think its too large, by the time you get a case on it, its even bigger. It would drive me nuts in my pocket.
I already got 2 S4 coming, but question is, I keep reading around in different threads that maybe the Note 2 is a better device than the S4, a few people who've already got their S4 are saying that the S4 does not compare to the Note 2, my wife wanted the note 2, and I talked her out of it....man I am in deep shi$ if she gets wind of any of this....and she reads a few areas here in xda...I smell the dog house coming
Throw out a few opinions...PLEASE! save me
TheAxman said:
I already got 2 S4 coming, but question is, I keep reading around in different threads that maybe the Note 2 is a better device than the S4, a few people who've already got their S4 are saying that the S4 does not compare to the Note 2, my wife wanted the note 2, and I talked her out of it....man I am in deep shi$ if she gets wind of any of this....and she reads a few areas here in xda...I smell the dog house coming
Throw out a few opinions...PLEASE! save me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never used a S4 (I do own a Note 2) and based on specs alone the S4 wins (full hd display with almost twice the pixel density and dual quad core processors). Good news is, if your wife really wants a Note 2 you should be able to easily sell your S4, buy a Note 2 and pocket a few hundred bucks.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
JB910 said:
I have never used a S4 (I do own a Note 2) and based on specs alone the S4 wins (full hd display with almost twice the pixel density and dual quad core processors). Good news is, if your wife really wants a Note 2 you should be able to easily sell your S4, buy a Note 2 and pocket a few hundred bucks.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for that advice, spec wise is what I sold her on, but there a few people out there bashing the S4.
I am going to keep her out of the forums until she gets the S4 in her hand, she has a note 1 now.
My wife has a note 2 and the only thing to be envious about is battery life. After using the s4 for a week or two now, I'm always taken back on the screen quality of the note 2. It's no where near as good as the s4. Same goes for ergonomics, camera and so on. You made the right choice, don't listen to trolls and ask yourself, if the note 2 is so much better, why are their fan base posing in the s4 section?
Sent from my Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2
robstunner said:
My wife has a note 2 and the only thing to be envious about is battery life. After using the s4 for a week or two now, I'm always taken back on the screen quality of the note 2. It's no where near as good as the s4. Same goes for ergonomics, camera and so on. You made the right choice, don't listen to trolls and ask yourself, if the note 2 is so much better, why are their fan base posing in the s4 section?
Sent from my Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once the S4 gets some stable custom roms out with custom kernels I am sure the S4's battery life issues will be a non factor. I run Jedi Master 13 with Saberkernel 23 on my Note 2 and the speed and battery life of the rom blows the Note 2 stock rom out of the water. You are right, people are just trolling. Based on the S4s specs it is a superior phone.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Thanks guys, I kinda knew the G4 had better graphics, on the battery side, the Note gets her some serious time. I think I made the right choice, seen a few posts where some of the G4 users are selling them off now. wow. Don't remember, but I think this issue came up when the G3 was released also. man, I can not wait till I have that phone.
thanks, much appreciated!!!!
TheAxman said:
Thanks guys, I kinda knew the G4 had better graphics, on the battery side, the Note gets her some serious time. I think I made the right choice, seen a few posts where some of the G4 users are selling them off now. wow. Don't remember, but I think this issue came up when the G3 was released also. man, I can not wait till I have that phone.
thanks, much appreciated!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really, only get the Note if you need the s-pen features and plan to actually, you know, take notes on the thing. Otherwise, go for the newest shiny.
burhanistan said:
Really, only get the Note if you need the s-pen features and plan to actually, you know, take notes on the thing. Otherwise, go for the newest shiny.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what my wife and I discovered. She came from the LG Lollipop to the Note2, and she was ecstatic about this thing, even though she "hated touchscreen phones" (mostly due to her experiences a long time ago with the Motorola Backflip, and the HTC Pure ... I don't blame her). She loves the Note2 because of the huge screen and low DPI (yet the picture is very clear and sharp at 720p) - excellent for texting and navigating around. She has no problems with a touchscreen now! Oh, and the camera is pretty good on the Note2 as well, with a snappy shutter time and extras like slo-mo video and such.
When she saw my S4, she was actually somewhat jealous! We've been comparing the devices side-by-side for a couple weeks now, and we've determined that the S4 is overall a much better phone. The primary exclusion to this statement is that the Note2 has the S-Pen, which is a really, really nice feature - for those who really use it. She uses it rarely to doodle or take some notes when she doesn't feel like dealing with the onscreen keyboard, so it would not be a huge loss for her if it were gone.
The sacrifice of .5in of diagonal screen space is noticeable by comparison, but the 5" screen the S4 has will still outshine nearly any other smartphone - especially at 1080p.
Lastly, I will comment on the covers. We purchased the official Samsung flip cover for her device, primarily because it was too difficult to find a third-party cheap-knockoff that actually included the NFC antenna. They exist now, but they were hard to come by when we were shopping. At least the S4 doesn't include the NFC antenna as part of the battery cover. >_<
I purchased the S-View cover at the nearest corporate AT&T store (30mi away or so in the next town) because I wanted it on Day-One (I had my phone on Day-Negative-One, and I was eager to buy the silly cover). After shelling out $60, I drove home with the shiny S-View cover, and I once again made my wife jealous. While she'll admit that the S-View window is a tad gimmicky, she both finds it "really cool!" and actually kinda useful for every-day use.
So, just as burhanistan stated: if you have a great need for the awesome S-Pen that the Note2 provides, buy it. Otherwise, the S4 certainly competes to be the best phone ever created to-date (IMHO).
She has been reading this thread at work, the pen she said is a plus, I think I got her leaning toward the G4, you guys are helping a bunch. I like the idea of the earlier reply, sell the G4 if she is not happy, get her the note 2 and save some $$$.
Or just keep it, and pass it on to some devs to help out with the rom progress, that would be my contribution to the cause.
This seriously is helping, cause she is seeing it from other people who have the phone and have been using it already.
Thanks
Aou said:
That's exactly what my wife and I discovered. She came from the LG Lollipop to the Note2, and she was ecstatic about this thing, even though she "hated touchscreen phones" (mostly due to her experiences a long time ago with the Motorola Backflip, and the HTC Pure ... I don't blame her). She loves the Note2 because of the huge screen and low DPI (yet the picture is very clear and sharp at 720p) - excellent for texting and navigating around. She has no problems with a touchscreen now! Oh, and the camera is pretty good on the Note2 as well, with a snappy shutter time and extras like slo-mo video and such.
When she saw my S4, she was actually somewhat jealous! We've been comparing the devices side-by-side for a couple weeks now, and we've determined that the S4 is overall a much better phone. The primary exclusion to this statement is that the Note2 has the S-Pen, which is a really, really nice feature - for those who really use it. She uses it rarely to doodle or take some notes when she doesn't feel like dealing with the onscreen keyboard, so it would not be a huge loss for her if it were gone.
The sacrifice of .5in of diagonal screen space is noticeable by comparison, but the 5" screen the S4 has will still outshine nearly any other smartphone - especially at 1080p.
Lastly, I will comment on the covers. We purchased the official Samsung flip cover for her device, primarily because it was too difficult to find a third-party cheap-knockoff that actually included the NFC antenna. They exist now, but they were hard to come by when we were shopping. At least the S4 doesn't include the NFC antenna as part of the battery cover. >_<
I purchased the S-View cover at the nearest corporate AT&T store (30mi away or so in the next town) because I wanted it on Day-One (I had my phone on Day-Negative-One, and I was eager to buy the silly cover). After shelling out $60, I drove home with the shiny S-View cover, and I once again made my wife jealous. While she'll admit that the S-View window is a tad gimmicky, she both finds it "really cool!" and actually kinda useful for every-day use.
So, just as burhanistan stated: if you have a great need for the awesome S-Pen that the Note2 provides, buy it. Otherwise, the S4 certainly competes to be the best phone ever created to-date (IMHO).
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You have a pic or a link to the cover?
I had both but returned my S4 & switched back to my GN2 since I'm changing carriers. At first it was hard to get use to since I was so use to the GN2.
I rarely use the spen but the big screen & not having to charge every night with the GN2 is awesome.
I was getting about 20-22hrs w/ 5-7hrs screen time with my S4.
I do admit being able to use the phone with one hand is cool but typing was a little awkward since I'm so use to typing with 2 hands on my GN2.
Now that I'm back to my GN2, I'm not sure if I want to get the S4 when the 32gb for TMO comes out but knowing my habit of always wanting the latest gadgets, I'll probably do get it. Lol.
-Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II using Tapatalk 2
TheAxman said:
You have a pic or a link to the cover?
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This YouTube video shows it in action, but I think it's French or something (dun car, not English). Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8mQOrk2DBg
Here' my experience with the S-View cover:
If you do not have a password/pattern/number lock on your lock screen (simply set to swipe-to-unlock), just opening the S-View cover will turn on and unlock the device. You open it, and it's ready-to-use immediately.
Closing the lid will lock the device for the most part, and for the next 10 seconds or so, it will show the time and notification icons (and battery/signal/etc) through the little window. After 10 seconds, the device shuts off. You can power it back on like this with the power button, but it doesn't unlock it until you open it again.
The window itself appears to be made of glass. It's fairly nice - I was half expecting it to be crappy plastic. If it's not glass, it's really nice plastic.
You can answer or decline incoming calls through the glass when it rings with a swipe of a little round icon one way or the other. Pretty neat, but if you have the touch sensitivity all the way down, you might have a slight trouble using this feature. I haven't tried it since the OTA update, so they may have improved that!
You can hang up an existing call in a similar fashion.
The flip cover itself needs some time to "break in". When you first put it on, it will not lay flat onto the glass of your phone without some convincing, or being held in place by your pocket. After enough use, or a day or two, it gets much better. Don't think the cover is defective from this, it's just too tight in the "hinge" at first, but will loosen up with use.
Occasionally, if I have the cover flipped backwards for long periods, it somewhat emulates the same effect as the above point. It will shy away from the screen for a brief while, and then return to normal. I suspect after several more weeks, this will go away entirely at this rate.
One thing that I really do like about this cover: Because it replaces the battery cover of your phone, it adds virtually no bulk to the phone. It is very slightly thicker, and I can tell you that I appreciate it for one reason: The normal battery cover is inset, such that the camera lens sticks out the furthest, and when placing the device on a flat surface, it rests on the edge of the camera lens. On the S-View flip cover, the new back sticks out just a hair past the camera lens, so it no longer rests on the camera anymore. I take a lot of pictures, so I like to keep my camera lens immaculate.
The glass window will get rather dirty, especially if you shove the phone against a greasy head. Not a big deal, just use a microfiber cloth once in a while and some screen cleaner to get it shiny again.
The normal covers have no window, and so when you open it all the way (flipped around backwards), you can't use the rear-facing camera! With the S-View cover, it lines up such that you can use the camera straight through the glass on the cover. A nice touch, really. Because I take a lot of close-up shots and other detailed pictures, I choose not to flip the cover all the way around, because sometimes the window is dirty. So I just flip it downwards or whatnot.
The flip cover, even when purchased through AT&T, does not have AT&T's logo on the back, like the normal battery cover. I like it that way better. Even better: the front shows "Galaxy S4" near the bottom, and makes it a lot easier to show that you have a really, really cool phone.
I hope this all helps if debating whether to drop $60 on the S-View cover or not. Generics are starting to become available, but I don't know anything about the quality, etc.
---------- Post added at 12:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:30 PM ----------
RMXO said:
I had both but returned my S4 & switched back to my GN2 since I'm changing carriers. At first it was hard to get use to since I was so use to the GN2.
I rarely use the spen but the big screen & not having to charge every night with the GN2 is awesome.
I was getting about 20-22hrs w/ 5-7hrs screen time with my S4.
I do admit being able to use the phone with one hand is cool but typing was a little awkward since I'm so use to typing with 2 hands on my GN2.
Now that I'm back to my GN2, I'm not sure if I want to get the S4 when the 32gb for TMO comes out but knowing my habit of always wanting the latest gadgets, I'll probably do get it. Lol.
-Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II using Tapatalk 2
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I didn't mention battery at all, but you bring up a point. The Note2 has excellent battery life, there's no doubt about that. The S4 has "good" battery life in my experience, especially coming from the S2. People are saying that battery life has improved with the OTA update recently, but I haven't had a good chance to test that out. Freezing bloatware has really been a big help to increasing the battery life, regardless.
My S4 easily lasts the day, and can last two days with moderate/intermittent usage. I think the OTA update may have improved the battery life significantly, but I will have to test this out over the next couple days. Also, keeping it on Wi-Fi where available seems to be the best way to conserve battery life in my area.
Went from the note 2 to s4 pre update, ui fluidity was the only issue. I addressed it with nova launcher and the options in the developers setting, which made the ui very fast. Update addresses that issue and everything else on the s4 is better and my battery life is very comparable. I get 20+ hours with 4+ hours of screen time easily and I'm sure it will increase with roms and kernels.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
porkaysi said:
Went from the note 2 to s4 pre update, ui fluidity was the only issue. I addressed it with nova launcher and the options in the developers setting, which made the ui very fast. Update addresses that issue and everything else on the s4 is better and my battery life is very comparable. I get 20+ hours with 4+ hours of screen time easily and I'm sure it will increase with roms and kernels.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
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Thanks, I needed this one....
I had the Note 2 for a week before I traded it for the S4. They are both awesome devices, but imo the S4 was the right choice for me. Much easier to carry it in your pocket. Battery life not as good, but that was expected. Cant go wrong either way. Go to the store and play with them both.
qbanlinxx said:
I had the Note 2 for a week before I traded it for the S4. They are both awesome devices, but imo the S4 was the right choice for me. Much easier to carry it in your pocket. Battery life not as good, but that was expected. Cant go wrong either way. Go to the store and play with them both.
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funny you said that.. we just got back from the mall...saw them both....the wife agreed on the S4...so I am safe..for now....she will be ok when it arrives Monday. thanks...I showed her a few of the posts here...thanks to you all....very good imput.
TheAxman said:
funny you said that.. we just got back from the mall...saw them both....the wife agreed on the S4...so I am safe..for now....she will be ok when it arrives Monday. thanks...I showed her a few of the posts here...thanks to you all....very good imput.
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She made a wise choice, I have a Note 2 and would gladly trade it for a S4. I don't even use my Spen, I got it last September because it had the best guts and it's a Samsung. Never buy a HTC. PITA software and very unforgiving. Buy Sammy, Odin is your friend. Enjoy your S4's!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
JB910 said:
She made a wise choice, I have a Note 2 and would gladly trade it for a S4. I don't even use my Spen, I got it last September because it had the best guts and it's a Samsung. Never buy a HTC. PITA software and very unforgiving. Buy Sammy, Odin is your friend. Enjoy your S4's!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
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I had a htc hd2...it was a nightmare..to flash roms...a win phone..dual boot crap..rock solid...hard to deal with...hehe i ask her..how much are you really use that pen..also the res on the s4 was SWEET...they had the perfect wallpaper on that demo...i showed her she said ok. so when she gets that new rom on it...she won't even mention the note. its on now.
as far as the G3...i love the damn thing..my son is keeping his...so i will be hanging around here for awhile still...sold 2 keeping 1...
I'm having a hard time deciding what my next phone will be. I'm stuck between the Xperia Z1 and the Note 3. I really like how big the note 3 is but at the same time the camera and waterproofing in the xperia is very attractive. How are you guys coping with this decision?
systoxity said:
I'm having a hard time deciding what my next phone will be. I'm stuck between the Xperia Z1 and the Note 3. I really like how big the note 3 is but at the same time the camera and waterproofing in the xperia is very attractive. How are you guys coping with this decision?
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Same here. I really wanted a waterproof phone. Maybe they will have an Active version without watering down the specs.
goodwinod said:
Same here. I really wanted a waterproof phone. Maybe they will have an Active version without watering down the specs.
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That would be very exciting. Here's hoping.
systoxity said:
That would be very exciting. Here's hoping.
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Can you explain to me why that's important to you? Waterproofing that is? Have you had problems with getting your phone wet in the past? What appeals to you in that you will pass on a phone that's not waterproof? Just wondering...
bossei said:
Can you explain to me why that's important to you? Waterproofing that is? Have you had problems with getting your phone wet in the past? What appeals to you in that you will pass on a phone that's not waterproof? Just wondering...
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Yeah no problem, there's quite a few reasons why waterproof seems attractive to me. I live in Fl and i often have to contend with rain/sweat. I ride a motorcycle and run outdoors on the regular. I guess all that boils down to peace of mind (i damaged a S2 canoeing and got caught in the rain a few times with the Note II no damage though thankfully). Also i think it'd be pretty cool to grab some pictures under water of course.
Problem is, if i'd never owned the note 2 i would have hopped on the z1 no problem. But i really liked its large screen. I have big ol hands (the note 2 almost looks normal when i'm holding it). Also the large screen is very easy on the eyes. I also regularly used the stylus.. . Wish i could buy them both.
systoxity said:
Yeah no problem, there's quite a few reasons why waterproof seems attractive to me. I live in Fl and i often have to contend with rain/sweat. I ride a motorcycle and run outdoors on the regular. I guess all that boils down to peace of mind (i damaged a S2 canoeing and got caught in the rain a few times with the Note II no damage though thankfully). Also i think it'd be pretty cool to grab some pictures under water of course.
Problem is, if i'd never owned the note 2 i would have hopped on the z1 no problem. But i really liked its large screen. I have big ol hands (the note 2 almost looks normal when i'm holding it). Also the large screen is very easy on the eyes. I also regularly used the stylus.. . Wish i could buy them both.
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Thank you that makes perfect sense.
Im torn between Z-ultra and Note-3. Leaning towards the Z-U... becuase of the screen size. We'll see, i have to see them in person 1st...
Only trouble I'm having is deciding which variant to go for 3G or LTE, which is going to see the most community input, what's the battery life between the two etc....
Even if they made a waterproof N3, is the SPen waterproof as well? And, no, I'm not about to go test mine.
If the z1 comes to att I'll probably go with that just bc I haven't had a Sony and two the specs and looks are love
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4
hockeyfan said:
Even if they made a waterproof N3, is the SPen waterproof as well? And, no, I'm not about to go test mine.
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haha i doubt the s pen is waterproof. You could probably dunk it a bunch and it will work for a while but it does have some metal parts inside that would suffer some oxidation in the long term.
RavenY2K3 said:
Only trouble I'm having is deciding which variant to go for 3G or LTE, which is going to see the most community input, what's the battery life between the two etc....
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Thats a good point, I think i read somewhere that the s800 has more processing power and less battery drain. I can't cite that though. Someone chime in if they know? I think i would get the lte one even if battery life was a smidge shorter.
cholepuree1 said:
Im torn between Z-ultra and Note-3. Leaning towards the Z-U... becuase of the screen size. We'll see, i have to see them in person 1st...
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Can you wield that phone? It looks big even by my standards.
Anon9mouz said:
If the z1 comes to att I'll probably go with that just bc I haven't had a Sony and two the specs and looks are love
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4
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I have not had a sony either. My recent experience with a lumia 1020 have made me really appreciate good cameras on phones though. The z1 seems like the ultimate compromise of features. idk though...
systoxity said:
I'm having a hard time deciding what my next phone will be. I'm stuck between the Xperia Z1 and the Note 3. I really like how big the note 3 is but at the same time the camera and waterproofing in the xperia is very attractive. How are you guys coping with this decision?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know 100% that the Note 3 is the phone for me because a) The specs are monstrous and b) it's the only viable option for someone who wants to use a stylus seriously (In the immediate future / present market). I'm using a capacitive stylus on the (2012) Nexus 7 and it just doesn't cut it. The new Note 3 is going to allow me to ditch my Epic 4G Touch and Nexus 7 in one fell swoop while increasing my productivity
No other phone comes close in my search - although I LOVE stock android so I'm quite tempted by the prospect of a new Nexus phone, but I'd rather have the epic stylus functionality.
My only debate right now is which carrier to go with - The Sprint voice/data networks have been garbage for me over the last 2 years here in Colorado. (I'm debating between Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T - Verizon is prohibitively expensive)
systoxity said:
haha i doubt the s pen is waterproof. You could probably dunk it a bunch and it will work for a while but it does have some metal parts inside that would suffer some oxidation in the long term.
Thats a good point, I think i read somewhere that the s800 has more processing power and less battery drain. I can't cite that though. Someone chime in if they know? I think i would get the lte one even if battery life was a smidge shorter.
Can you wield that phone? It looks big even by my standards.
I have not had a sony either. My recent experience with a lumia 1020 have made me really appreciate good cameras on phones though. The z1 seems like the ultimate compromise of features. idk though...
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But what's hard to leave camera aspect and unlocked bootloader is the HTC one for them having super low light sensor plus HTC giving u access to unlock bootloader something that's gonna be a tough cookie on all new phones that's out and will come out for att except HTC almost why I kinda wanna go HTC one max but still idk. Plus I wanna get a phone with a good dev community so I can build for it. So idk what to get. G2, Z1, N3, 1Max, MotoX. I'm just bored with my black 64 gb HTC one I need something new to play with
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4
No, no trouble deciding. After using the (original) Note for the past two years, there was no question that my next phone would be a similar size. I find it to be as large as possible w/o being too difficult to handle or fit in my pocket. I think the Mega would be too big (not to mention it's inferior specs). Personally, I would be surprised if they introduced an "Active" version. Not just because of the s-pen itself, but because of the hole the s-pen fits into. It's just another possible water entry point that would have to be addressed. Besides, the note is marketed as more of a business device vs. the S4. It doesn't seem like there would be as large of a market for a waterproofed Note vs. S4. FWIW, I ride a motorcycle too. Although I'm more of a fair weather rider, I have gotten drenched on several occasions, and it's never been an issue for my current Note. The phone does get wet while in my pocket in a storm, but it's not really the same as getting submerged.
dscline said:
No, no trouble deciding. After using the (original) Note for the past two years, there was no question that my next phone would be a similar size. I find it to be as large as possible w/o being too difficult to handle or fit in my pocket. I think the Mega would be too big (not to mention it's inferior specs). Personally, I would be surprised if they introduced an "Active" version. Not just because of the s-pen itself, but because of the hole the s-pen fits into. It's just another possible water entry point that would have to be addressed. Besides, the note is marketed as more of a business device vs. the S4. It doesn't seem like there would be as large of a market for a waterproofed Note vs. S4. FWIW, I ride a motorcycle too. Although I'm more of a fair weather rider, I have gotten drenched on several occasions, and it's never been an issue for my current Note. The phone does get wet while in my pocket in a storm, but it's not really the same as getting submerged.
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Yes to the screen size. I feel like you nailed that subject. Its just the right size. I also doubt they will release an active version of the note 3. Not because of the pen silo though, where the silo fits the pen doesn't have to interact with any electronics, therefor the silo could be part of a unibody shell without having to introduce any seams into the design.There are plenty of other reasons why making an active version of the note would be challenging though...
For me i think its going to come down to who offers me the best price/package. Z1 or Note 3. I'm looking to purchase outright full price on att lte network and i'm getting antsy. I don't want to wait too long. I think the longest i'd be willing to wait is until nexus 5 reviews come out.
On the topic of waterproof of the xperia. Even though it's a great function and I was very tempted with it on the ultra z.
There was a YouTube video I have seen last night about how the screen of ultra z would not response if it's fully immerse in the water. Somehow the water makes the screen unresponsive. I'm not too sure if it's the same with z1 though.
It might also be a pain to constantly making sure there's no dust building up around and under the flaps so to keep the waterproof function working 100%
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Valid points, i saw that video too. I wonder how they advertise it taking pictures under water... I bet they only use the physical camera button. Cant wait for more reviews on all these phones.
RavenY2K3 said:
Only trouble I'm having is deciding which variant to go for 3G or LTE, which is going to see the most community input, what's the battery life between the two etc....
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Assuming you are buying for the use in the US (snapdragon processor), the phone is tri-band, it supports both GSM and LTE.
bossei said:
Can you explain to me why that's important to you? Waterproofing that is? Have you had problems with getting your phone wet in the past? What appeals to you in that you will pass on a phone that's not waterproof? Just wondering...
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Click to collapse
My note 1 made it all the way through my rafting trip (I was tracking our 5 day trip with gps). Then I got home and was pre-soaking my pants prior to washing them and it was in the pocket. It was a sad day. I've had to use my gs2 for about a month while waiting for the note 3.
And yes, the spen still work. I tried it on my note 10.1.
systoxity said:
I'm having a hard time deciding what my next phone will be. I'm stuck between the Xperia Z1 and the Note 3. I really like how big the note 3 is but at the same time the camera and waterproofing in the xperia is very attractive. How are you guys coping with this decision?
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Yep my choice as well. I am not so certain on the Note 3 size though & the Z1's camera is a very big plus point for it.