Should I buy S4, and when? - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I am thinking of upgrading from HTC Desire. I was thinking about S3, but apparently it uses closed-source chips, which makes it a pain for developers. And I am only using custom roms, so that is important to me.
So I have been advised to take a look at S4, I9505 flavour. Is there something bad about it I should know before I get one?
Also, would it be better to get the Active version (I9295)?
What I need is:
- big screen, with good in-sun legibility
- good battery life
- good audio output quality on headphones, and fairly loud loudspeaker
- extendible memory
- very good support of third-party roms
Another question is when to buy it? Is there going to be a price drop in the near future, or is it pointless to delay the purchase by few weeks?

No. Never.

Yes. Immediately.

HTC One? Codeworkx is using it.
Do take note that S4 internal memory is only ~9 GB.
Sent from my GT-I9505

may be yes or may be no.
up to you!
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

Check out "FolderMount [ROOT]" - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.devasque.fmount
Sent from my GT-I9500 using xda app-developers app

impactor said:
I am thinking of upgrading from HTC Desire. I was thinking about S3, but apparently it uses closed-source chips, which makes it a pain for developers. And I am only using custom roms, so that is important to me.
So I have been advised to take a look at S4, I9505 flavour. Is there something bad about it I should know before I get one?
Also, would it be better to get the Active version (I9295)?
What I need is:
- big screen, with good in-sun legibility
- good battery life
- good audio output quality on headphones, and fairly loud loudspeaker
- extendible memory
- very good support of third-party roms
Another question is when to buy it? Is there going to be a price drop in the near future, or is it pointless to delay the purchase by few weeks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The gs4 has a decent size screen not too big where you have to use two hands which I love about that. But using it in the sunlight is horrible and makes me think about getting rid of it. I'm in SoCal and its sunny everyday. It has a really good battery life I've seen people go well over 17 hours. Good audio but compared to the HTC one its okay but the HTC has beats built in which is given for it to have better sound quality. Yes extendible memory up to 64g SD card. Depending on what firmware your on, what carrier your on it does have decent ROM support. They're working on a safestrap boot which you can dual boot for vzw and than maybe port to other carriers. They're selling refurbished ones for a little cheaper if you want a slightly used one. if you want a new one they might price drop it when the note 3 comes out next month but I'm thinking it'll have the latest firmware on it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337

Yes!
Yeah you should buy S4. Every point accounts for it other than the last one. I9505 has lot of ROMs though.

@hovax615, thanks for the first real answer to my question.
[email protected] said:
using it in the sunlight is horrible and makes me think about getting rid of it. I'm in SoCal and its sunny everyday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in South of France so that is also a problem. Is that worse than in S3?
[email protected] said:
It has a really good battery life I've seen people go well over 17 hours.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it is not much of a measure for me because I suppose you are talking about constant heavy use. I have HTC Desire and it lasts me between 24 and 48 hours, with light-moderate use. I would like to go upwards from there, not downwards.
[email protected] said:
Good audio but compared to the HTC one its okay but the HTC has beats built in which is given for it to have better sound quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Beats is just modification of the EQ, I don't care for that nor do I think it is an improvement, rather than deterioration of the music.
But anyway, are you talking about speaker or headphone output? I am interested in quality of the headphone output (for music), and loudness/clarity of the speaker output (for podcasts/radio auditions composed of talking only).

It is the best phone I had
Changed like 20 android phones and all I phones
Go for it
GT-I9505

impactor said:
@hovax615, thanks for the first real answer to my question.
I am in South of France so that is also a problem. Is that worse than in S3?
Well, it is not much of a measure for me because I suppose you are talking about constant heavy use. I have HTC Desire and it lasts me between 24 and 48 hours, with light-moderate use. I would like to go upwards from there, not downwards.
Beats is just modification of the EQ, I don't care for that nor do I think it is an improvement, rather than deterioration of the music.
But anyway, are you talking about speaker or headphone output? I am interested in quality of the headphone output (for music), and loudness/clarity of the speaker output (for podcasts/radio auditions composed of talking only).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean I keep my screen brightness low also but sometimes its hard in direct sunlight to read. I don't know with screen on full brightness because I've never tried it before. But its a great phone overall.
Yeah. There's a page where everyone posts they're battery stats and there's some that get really great battery past 24 hours up to 48. If you have a. International version its not going to be bloated like the american versions less apps taking up space and ram.
It has really great sound output from phone speakers, its loud enough to play at a get together and hear it comfortably. Headphone volume is pretty good I think I liked my iPhone headphone volume better though but they have tweaks and modifications for the system to make it louder you just have to root your device. But I listen to my music volume all the way up. Th basic heaphones that come with the phone has great quality and clarity also the iphone headphones connected to this device is great also. Right now I have my beats audio studio version headphones connected and its really good no static from it good loud and clear quality. Some headphones aren't compatible and will have static noise. Also connected to a car, I had my phone connected to a 2013 BMW 328i and its really good sound quality, but I had it connected via aux cable so I was kind of battling that static noise but when I found the right position and the static was gone it was great.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337

I'm fortunate to have access to a fair few android phones and I use this one as my personal day to day device. I love it. Had a desire back in the day and I have that same wow factor all over again.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app

Related

Better Desire HD speaker sound comparison video

I've just made a better comparison video between the Desire HD and the Nokia N95.
This time I chose different music that has a larger range of low, mid and high tones. Especially the low tones were important for this test.
As you can see the difference is quite big.
The Desire HD shows no signs of any low tones at all, only high tones at a low "crackly" quality.
Also the volume is lower, but that wouldn't have been a disaster IF there were any low tones (bass).
So in short:
-Volume too low
-Absolutely no low tones (bass)
-Sound quality is low and "crackly"
Ok, we all know that the speakers aren't good, as my previous poll has shown:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
A shocking 68% (>2 out of 3 people) is very disappointed with the speakers, but we all expected this outcome I guess...
Make no mistake, I'm not out to bash HTC, but to find a solution one must research the actual problem.
Having said this, I'm really interested in other high-end phone speaker comparisons, such as the Galaxy S, Iphone 4 and the Nokia N8.
If you have both a Desire HD and another high-end phone, please make a video of them playing the same song as I played, and post it in this thread.
The reason I want to do this, is to give HTC multiple comparisons so they can see for themselves that there is a problem with the speakers,
and that they are not acceptable for a brand new flagship phone.
Especially not when older flagship phones beat the Desire HD while it's over 3 years old...
It's such a pity, because the rest of the phone is absolutely amazingly fantastic.
Here you can find the track I used: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPoQsOBzlgQ
I guess this may seem really stupid but I read somewhere about someone attempting to switch the speakers over to the one found in their HD2 as it apparently performs a little better. I haven't received mine yet but I would have no issue in switching the speaker over if it is possible. Anyone had any thoughts on this such as where to get a good replacement speaker and how hard it might be to actually do the swap?
Desire HD vs Samsung i8910HD speaker comparison.
Desire HD vs Samsung i8910HD speaker comparison.
At the time the i8919HD came out, it was considered to be a pretty good phone, but not for long.
Also in this case, the Desire HD loses.
I'm not surprise with the result at all, both the N95 and I8910 have 2 speakers that are on the sides of the while while the DHD has only on speaker at the back of the phone. Both N95 and I8910 are also symbian in which you can access the hardware setup to tweak the loudness of the speaker.
However, to be fair to the DHD, I would wanna see comparison with other phones that have only 1 speaker and are android-based.
nmyseteroious said:
I'm not surprise with the result at all, both the N95 and I8910 have 2 speakers that are on the sides of the while while the DHD has only on speaker at the back of the phone. Both N95 and I8910 are also symbian in which you can access the hardware setup to tweak the loudness of the speaker.
However, to be fair to the DHD, I would wanna see comparison with other phones that have only 1 speaker and are android-based.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I believe the DHD does have 2 speakers. It seems to have another one in the earpiece.
As I think it's still is fair because when I block 1 speaker on the N95, it still really outperforms the DHD.
Also, if the speaker would produce low tones, I'm sure it would have performed a lot better.
It's annoyingly high pitched, almost as if you're sitting next to someone who has their headphones or earplugs in playing very loud music....
I don't know, but it is as if every device is made with some kind of shortcoming. By now, after using many devices over the years, I tend to conclude that it is a shameless marketing thing. Producers know that users of high end, state of the art devices will keep looking for the best, so they will continu to make almost the best, just to make a better one after 6 months or so.
YumYumHD said:
Desire HD vs Samsung i8910HD speaker comparison.
At the time the i8919HD came out, it was considered to be a pretty good phone, but not for long.
Also in this case, the Desire HD loses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what song was used for that comparison?
SupremeBeaver said:
what song was used for that comparison?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think its 'netsky - iron heart'
appelflap said:
I don't know, but it is as if every device is made with some kind of shortcoming. By now, after using many devices over the years, I tend to conclude that it is a shameless marketing thing. Producers know that users of high end, state of the art devices will keep looking for the best, so they will continu to make almost the best, just to make a better one after 6 months or so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you have just stated is a fact, and it's called planned obsolescence.
If you want to know more about these things, watch the documentary Zeitgeist Addendum here, or watch and download here.
SupremeBeaver said:
what song was used for that comparison?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you would have read the startpost, you would have known.
hmm i don't seem to see it in the startpost yumyum??
thanks noobdeagle!
It's on the bottom of the 1st post, it's a youtube link.
YumYumHD said:
Make no mistake, I'm not out to bash HTC, but to find a solution one must research the actual problem.
Having said this, I'm really interested in other high-end phone speaker comparisons, such as the Galaxy S, Iphone 4 and the Nokia N8.
If you have both a Desire HD and another high-end phone, please make a video of them playing the same song as I played, and post it in this thread.
The reason I want to do this, is to give HTC multiple comparisons so they can see for themselves that there is a problem with the speakers,
and that they are not acceptable for a brand new flagship phone.
Especially not when older flagship phones beat the Desire HD while it's over 3 years old...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to bash HTC too considering that I'm really appreciative of some of their older phones. But I'm quite disappointed with the fact that HTC either did very poor product testing or market survey for DHD, or they deliberately dumbed it down to save cost and maximise profit. I hate thinking that about them, but the battery, the external speaker, the ill-fitting and poorly-designed covers, the mis-alignment issues... just really feels like cost-cutting measures; really disappointing.
Q
YumYumHD said:
Actually, I believe the DHD does have 2 speakers. It seems to have another one in the earpiece.
As I think it's still is fair because when I block 1 speaker on the N95, it still really outperforms the DHD.
Also, if the speaker would produce low tones, I'm sure it would have performed a lot better.
It's annoyingly high pitched, almost as if you're sitting next to someone who has their headphones or earplugs in playing very loud music....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

Just got my (2nd) Galaxy S3

So I swapped my white one for a blue one... Got to say the blue looks unbelievable I'm pleased that I swapped it.
A few issues though, I never tried the headphones with my first one as I knew it was gonna get sent back. But now I've received this one I thought I would get them out. God they are absolutely pants! Comparing them to some old Iphone headphones the the qualify difference is unbelievable. Anyone else noticed that?
Secondly (random i know) any of you guys noticed Max Payne not being available on the Play store for the S3? I thought it was supposed to be one of the most powerful phones out there!
Jonny
lotusmad2001 said:
So I swapped my white one for a blue one... Got to say the blue looks unbelievable I'm pleased that I swapped it.
A few issues though, I never tried the headphones with my first one as I knew it was gonna get sent back. But now I've received this one I thought I would get them out. God they are absolutely pants! Comparing them to some old Iphone headphones the the qualify difference is unbelievable. Anyone else noticed that?
Secondly (random i know) any of you guys noticed Max Payne not being available on the Play store for the S3? I thought it was supposed to be one of the most powerful phones out there!
Jonny
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by "absolute pants" never heard that one before.
ekjl said:
What do you mean by "absolute pants" never heard that one before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
British for "poor quality".
ekjl said:
What do you mean by "absolute pants" never heard that one before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Absolute pants" = rubbish
It's just one of those British expressions
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
ekjl said:
What do you mean by "absolute pants" never heard that one before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Example
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Headphones sound good to me but I always just use the stock ones that come with phones.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
I hope the american ATT variant does not have this issue.
Sadly the headphones that came with my captivate were way better than my friends that came with his S2. I don't see why the cheaped out on them. They look almost the same but they sound horrible.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2
haha sorry for the English Phrases Just stuck the earphones in my ears a bit more and there much better. I've never used in-ear headphones before. Do they not damage your ear drum though?
Any ideas on Max Payne?
Jonny
I just want to point out they are talking about the actual physical headphones. In case someone misunderstands and thinks the audio on the phone is bad.
I have to agree only had my S3 fir a few days and yesterday I tried the supplied headphones, awful is being kind.
Thank god I have a set of shure headphones +inline amp and the sound is fantastic.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA
The headphones aren't that bad for my opinion, but I use anyway different ones for daily use.
About max payne, guess it's provider related, is present for me and works flawless.
Swyped from many gs 3 beast to give it at least a little bit to do ^^
I find I have to use the headphones supplied with the phone and they sound great with Franco kernel. If I use phones from earlier galaxy, sound is rubbish
Sent via TCP/IP
I'm more concerned about the 'noise' from the headphone jack! I dont get any pops/cracks like some others reported but theres a clear background noise >.<
This leaves me wondering if its even worth buying better headphones?
I like the Sennheiser MX580/581. Even after my neice messed with it and got it stuck to the baby carriage wheel its still working.
I don't think there should be background noise from the earbuds its self, its the fact that cellphone audio line is not fully isolated combined with low impedence of the earbuds. Also iem can bevery sensitive to little noises. You have to use headphones with higher impedence. Its hard to not get interference from the audio line out of a cellphone due to so many things going on compared to a dedicated mp3 player.
yeah I have noticed that max payne is not in the market....but it use to be there you know...because I bought it from there for my SGS3....now when I check it is not there.....strange....
Is it possible to buy it from the desktop and do your SIII show up in the compatible list for installation. Also is it a carrier branded device and which.
eksasol said:
I like the Sennheiser MX580/581. Even after my neice messed with it and got it stuck to the baby carriage wheel its still working.
I don't think there should be background noise from the earbuds its self, its the fact that cellphone audio line is not fully isolated combined with low impedence of the earbuds. Also iem can bevery sensitive to little noises. You have to use headphones with higher impedence. Its hard to not get interference from the audio line out of a cellphone due to so many things going on compared to a dedicated mp3 player.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, do you think buying a set of these will help?
kara21 said:
View attachment 1150294
Example
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, in Brit english, pants means underpants, nasty smelly Y-fronts...
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_535TYTpht8o/THRGs90U2II/AAAAAAAABNE/Qa4fJGs2jpk/s320/Y-Fronts.jpg
I'm surprised you guys even used bundled earphones.
I thought almost everyone who is somewhat tech savvy used a pair of decent headphones.

Sound Quality

I haven't really seen any detailed accounts of the sound quality; both through some decent cans and external speaker(s).
What say you? Those of you that have used headphones whilst playing with your nexus 7, what do you think of the sound quality?
What about the external speakers? I am not expecting bass, but what does it offer in terms of clarity?
Thanks for playing!!
from http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/07/05/nexus-7-review-the-android-tablet-rebooted/
Audio from the headphone jack on the Nexus 7 is pretty crappy. I don't expect much from a budget device like this, and the Nexus 7 doesn't deliver much. Music sounded quiet, muted, and lacked a lot of dynamic range (almost no bass or highs). Given that this is probably the DAC (digital to analog converter) and headphone amp NVIDIA recommends for its Kai platform, that isn't too surprising. For the casual $30-earbud and Pandora listener, it's not unbearable. And if you're using Bluetooth audio output, it sounds considerably better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was mainly wondering if anyone personally had anything to say about it. I have read both good and bad about the sound in reviews. GuessI will wait till I receive it.
Sent from my LG-VM670 using xda premium
sound from electronics is always a funny one what sounds good to one person, sounds terrible to another we will just have to wait and see(hear) =(
i'm confused about the sound from the headphone jack being bad.
Now i don't claim to know much about audio stuff but i've used around 10 different devices in my life with headphones and i've never noticed any difference between them.
So how does the headphone jack have crappy audio.
Sound is fair from the speaker. Its not loud either. Don't expect to rock out using the speaker either.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Get yourself a $59 iHome Bluetooth speaker. Big sound from a little package. Its about the size of a 20oz bottled water.
http://www.ihomeaudio.com/iDM12BX/
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
I am worried too...can someone do a test? Or video?
If you guys expect audiophile quality from a $200 tablet your buying the wrong product.
fixyourtech said:
If you guys expect audiophile quality from a $200 tablet your buying the wrong product.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Audiophile, no. At least matching the $100 Nokias, yes.
Clean flat output isn't difficult to achieve, rather soft than bad.
Michael_W_L said:
Audiophile, no. At least matching the $100 Nokias, yes.
Clean flat output isn't difficult to achieve, rather soft than bad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, I am definitely not expecting Cowon quality. I would like to at least be able to enjoy music with a decent set of cans. If it can match my $40 sansa fuze, i will be happy!
Sent from my LG-VM670 using xda premium
fixyourtech said:
If you guys expect audiophile quality from a $200 tablet your buying the wrong product.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We have a Quadcore, and a Super Display, which are both beyond 200 dollars, asking for at LEAST Standard good quality is completely acceptable.
woundedworld said:
I agree, I am definitely not expecting Cowon quality. I would like to at least be able to enjoy music with a decent set of cans. If it can match my $40 sansa fuze, i will be happy!
Sent from LG-VM670 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sansas actually have pretty good quality.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Nexus 7 has worse sound quality than the fuze.
I don't expect great quality from the speakers.
What worries me is that android police says the headphone jack quality is terrible, and i don't understand how that can be.
neok44 said:
I don't expect great quality from the speakers.
What worries me is that android police says the headphone jack quality is terrible, and i don't understand how that can be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't get that either. I just need some decent speakers that don't sound like an autobot, and maybe decent headphone output for when I use it.
We need someone who has one to show a video on it!
looks like Beats Audio and Voodoo Sound needs to be ported over. we need Matr1x kernel
want to bump this because i know others as well as myself are still confused as to how the audio from the headphone jack can be bad.
CooLoserTech said:
looks like Beats Audio and Voodoo Sound needs to be ported over. we need Matr1x kernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, if it's only a software issue, then my fears are resolved. There are great people with great minds here, who work hard to allow us to enjoy our devices to the fullest.
You cannot fix a bad DAC with SOFTWARE. Beats is a joke, its just an equalizer essentially.
This bad DAC rumor is seriously making me consider cancelling my order. Almost all devices now have a good DAC in them recently, for Google to put in a bad one is shocking.
---------- Post added at 03:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:07 AM ----------
Time to panic; the optimus 4x is also a plain jane Tegra3 device and gsmarena has similar complaints as android police about the N7:
http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_optimus_4x_hd_p880_review-review-780p5.php scroll to the bottom. GSMArena is one of few review sites that tests audio output with objective measures. Sadly they dont do tablet reviews.

PhoneArena Review now out!

I haven't read it yet... http://www.phonearena.com/reviews/Sony-Xperia-Z1-Review_id3427
The photos looks miles better than the photos GsmArena took. It's pretty obvious different Review units has different hw/sf tweaks in them
Sadly, the battery wasn't reviewed. Also, I would have liked to have seen some commentary on the phone's relatively low headphone's output power. I do enjoy my music and I'm concerned this won't be loud enough with my earphones plugged in. I'll definitely be checking out a device before I even seriously consider buying a Z1, but does anyone have any input on this matter?
Tizza said:
Sadly, the battery wasn't reviewed. Also, I would have liked to have seen some commentary on the phone's relatively low headphone's output power. I do enjoy my music and I'm concerned this won't be loud enough with my earphones plugged in. I'll definitely be checking out a device before I even seriously consider buying a Z1, but does anyone have any input on this matter?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The review just said power output. I mean, if it doesn't sound loud, just crank up the volume. I think the power thing relates to bass or treble. There's an option to increase those settings though.
Sent from my LT28h using xda app-developers app
lee480 said:
The review just said power output. I mean, if it doesn't sound loud, just crank up the volume. I think the power thing relates to bass or treble. There's an option to increase those settings though.
Sent from my LT28h using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I guess I'm showing my ignorance? But I do know of at least one member here who is experiencing a lack of loudness, and I don't think it's the first time I've read that about the Z1
Surprised
Well, I'm a little agog,.... A good review of a Sony-made mobile phone from Phone Arena. Will wonders never cease?
Well, my handset has dropped by (review up shortly) and I have to say: pleasantly surprised by the camera - yes, the processing could be better in low light but the clarity in daylight, even on a dim and grey Yorkshire day, is actually pretty good. I'm thinking that has summat to do with the software update that I received within moments of booting it up.
ONE FLY IN THE OINTMENT,.... and it's big fella,.....
Sadly, much like GSM Arena, my camera lens appears to have an aberration - a fuzzy area to the left of centre where the focus is out. I don't have time to send it back for replacement before going way on a trip this week but it'll be heading back to O2 and onward to Sony as soon as I get back.
Dear Sony: Quality control,... you might want to look it up.
Timaustin2000 said:
Well, I'm a little agog,.... A good review of a Sony-made mobile phone from Phone Arena. Will wonders never cease?
Well, my handset has dropped by (review up shortly) and I have to say: pleasantly surprised by the camera - yes, the processing could be better in low light but the clarity in daylight, even on a dim and grey Yorkshire day, is actually pretty good. I'm thinking that has summat to do with the software update that I received within moments of booting it up.
ONE FLY IN THE OINTMENT,.... and it's big fella,.....
Sadly, much like GSM Arena, my camera lens appears to have an aberration - a fuzzy area to the left of centre where the focus is out. I don't have time to send it back for replacement before going way on a trip this week but it'll be heading back to O2 and onward to Sony as soon as I get back.
Dear Sony: Quality control,... you might want to look it up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GSMarena uses a preproduction unit, not the actual retail unit. Look at their unboxing - doesn't have headsets.
Sent from my LT28h using xda app-developers app
True GSMARENA has pre production unit they have mentioned it in review itself, so this is the true potential of the phone. Absolutely flies, great work Sony!!
pictures look about the same, here's a 1:1 view of their Strong-Light indoor shot.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
as you can see it's still full of grain/over processing. no doubt that pictures look great when not viewed 1:1. What this translates to for the regular user is that some digital zoom/cropping of the 20mp image won't look so great. but when has it ever except on the 1020?
i just expected more from them...
Screen seems good enough now, major problem is bezel and SIZE of device.
Sent from my GT-I9500 using xda app-developers app
Honestly those two are personal preference, I have small hands and I don't mind it. A lot of devices have big bezels and it doesn't seem to bother a lot of people.
Sent from my LT28h using xda app-developers app

LG G4 UK review

I got the LG G4 trough the insiders campaign in UK
Actually I own a Nexus 5, while in the past I had an S2 and a Note 2.
Nexus 5 is a quite good phone but battery life also with custom kernel is limited to its the battery size. Moreover when I bought my Nexus 5 I was coming from a Note 2, so I started to miss a bigger screen and for sure a better camera that is the weaker point of Nexus 5.
Battery
Let’s start from what everyone take care and want to now when they have to buy a new smartphone: “The battery life”.
So, taking into account that the battery life of a smartphone really depends on the usage pattern of every single user, apps and mobile reception of where we live, after 5 day of usage I can say that with my pattern of usage (see below) I am constantly getting between 4 and 5 hours of SOT.
Pattern of usage: 2 mails in push (one for work where I usually receive many mails by day), mixed use wifi/data, no push notification for facebook, chatting, browising, watching few videos, and reading mostly all the time. Some camera shots when I am with friends. Brightness always in automatic mode.
Camera
There are already too many example and comparisons on youtube. I can only confirm that the camera great one of the best for now. I have a DSLR camera and like to take my time when I have to take a picture of a landscape. So I really appreciated the manual mode and how it is good and simple the interface of the new camera app. Everything can be settled with few taps. Although a smartphone probably will never substitute a DSLR camera, with that toy on G4 you can have fun for sure.
Display
Also here, already many review and comparisons with the S6 amoled. Without judging which is better because I do not own an S6, what I can tell for sure is that it is really good. Colors are never saturated and brightness is fine in the majority of the situations. What I found really improved is the antiglare, the reflection of the sun seems to me pretty good, while a negative impression is that the display seems to be really power hungry as soon as you increase the brightness.
Reception and Calls
Reception is basically the same of my nexus 5 (pretty good) while I found the calls really clear on the LG G4 and better than my nexus 5.
Speakers
Good and really loud… was unexpected!
Missing Features out of the box
Two missing feature out of the box are the wireless charging and the quick charging. While the quick charging is officially supported by the SD808 and we only have to wait for a kernel update to have it enabled, the big disappoint is the wireless charge. Big disappoint because it is not officially supported on the leather cover but only buying a circle cover. After all the advertising on that cover by LG I can not understand why to enable a common feature of any actual flagship we have to change cover (or via an unofficial way, like a sticker to add to the cover).
Overall and final considerations
This phone is satisfying me under the majority of aspect that I want from a phone, like the battery life, the camera, the display and the quality of calls. I think this phone has a huge potential that can be improved with a good custom kernel and a lighter custom rom (even if I have to say that I found the stock rom really fluid and without any lag). With a custom kernel we will probably gain an other hour of SOT.
Me as well ! did you do it with insiders ?
Hogyoku said:
Me as well ! did you do it with insiders ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got an email yesterday to say that I didn't get picked.
I'm in as well, with the insiders too. One disappointment is I thought we would get the phone before launch, it doesn't look that way anymore. I wonder if they will send out a random selection of colours or just the black.
I didn't get in. Looks like I'll have to buy one in Black Leather next week instead [emoji14]
Hogyoku said:
Me as well ! did you do it with insiders ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep mee too .. From the mail seems that the device will arrive for the end of this week
I didn't get in, keen to hear what you guys think before ordering one
I'm in too! Devices are arriving tomorrow so we should be one week ahead of launch
I have been selected too for the UK campaign!! Tomorrow UPS is delivering the G4
I think at the end of the program we will be offered to keep the phone for £250, this is the money that they would take in case of loss lol
I'm pretty sure it is going to be the UK/EU model.
I'm just wondering if we will be getting the LTE of the WiFi only model from what I've seen that's the one the testers are getting overseas
And me mine due tomorrow as well
Has anyone figured out whether it will be metal or leather yet
Also I'm quite intrigued by the tone infinum headset that we are getting aswell
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA Premium HD app
Would be a wounder if it was a Wifi model lol.
Guitarfreak26 said:
Would be a wounder if it was a Wifi model lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just think it would be strange that the rest of the world gets the wifi model and the people in the UK the full one but then again the other people didn't have to leave a safety bond
That's very true, but I'm sure it said somewhere that rrp 500 that wouldn't be a dummy phone.
But on the other hand, why would the payment only be 250 if you didn't return it when the phone is around 599 gbp and the headphones are 80
Guitarfreak26 said:
That's very true, but I'm sure it said somewhere that rrp 500 that wouldn't be a dummy phone.
But on the other hand, why would the payment only be 250 if you didn't return it when the phone is around 599 gbp and the headphones are 80
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hahah well.. I suppose we will find out tomorrow.
I'm gonna be at work until 6pm so I'll be checking here for an update lol
Hey!
Does your G4 have 4G?! The one I got doesn't support it.
Mine too will arrive tomorrow ... it sound strange that the UK model is the only one not wifi, but it is also true that we were probably the only ones we had to provide the bank account to have it .. let's see tomorrow what we will get
jason-tech-uk said:
Hey!
Does your G4 have 4G?! The one I got doesn't support it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where's it from? Korea?
Mine is in transit guaranteed by end of tomorrow
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Will update if its WiFi only or not if I get mine first
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA Premium HD app

Categories

Resources