[Q] Buy S4 today? - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello,
I am considering if I should buy new S4 costs 200 € or if i should choose another one and spend few tens of bucks to xperia z2, lg g3 or something else?
S4 is nowadays quite old phone but still as good or better as newer ones at same price.
What do advice me you who probably own this phone?
Now I have xperia Z which i am going to give my wife. I dont need big upgrade maybe just camera and display, but in build quality I will definitely downgrade with it wont I?

Buy Note 4 or S5 or Nexus 5/5X. S4 is only good if you run custom rom, but its showing age

The S4 (the GT-I9505 model specifically) can still handle anything you throw at it pretty well.
And rom development is still strong.
And I don't think Samsung became the top smartphone manufacturer for nothing.

Related

[Q] Buy another HD2 or SENSATION time?

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

[Q] Please advice on which one to get

Hi,
This question is about i9500 vs i9505
First I want to say that I did go through most of the thread regarding this issue but am confused with the inconsistency.
I'm hoping someone could give me solid advice.
I'm not a person who changes phones quarterly and I hope to use this phone for 2 years. I'm buying the phone outright, no contract (hence no insurance) so I hope you'd understand why I'm picky about getting the best version.
From what I've read, following are the differences between the two:
1) Stutters and lags in games
2) Camera
3) Headphones
4) Battery
Regarding LTE, I will not use it.
My main requirement is a reliable phone. I can live with photos which are a bit saturated or a screen that is no black "black" when turned off.
I just want a phone which I will have the least chance of sending back (I live in Japan and I'm buying this from HongKong. Any repair I need to courier the phone and costs me nearly $100 each time). Having said that, I do like to have the fastest phone for the $700 I pay.
So what do you guys advice?
I'm confused by the reports that says Exynos is faster when Snapdragon is clocked at 1.9GHz vs. Exynos 1.6GHz.
And also I see people swear that Exynos version stutters and lags in games.
On the other hand, I do want to use my headphones. I read the problem only happens to high-end low-impedence headphones. So if I'm using a normal headphone I'd fine with i9500?
Would really appreciate some advice.
Thank you.
I would go with the i9505 with snapdragon being better at releasing source. It is also the same hardware as the US/Canada version so that makes even more development available. I would have to assume the i9505 version can flash us roms since I am running omega on my at&t phone
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda premium

[Q] Should I upgrade to the S5?

Hello everyone!
I currently have a galaxy S4 and don't feel like spending $600 or being on a monthly payment plan via AT&T and was considering just buying a used, last generation phone. I was looking at the Galaxy S5, the LG G3, and a few other ones (maybe Sony's Z3 and HTC's M8). One thing I really like about the S5 is the USB 3.0 charging, which the other phones don't have. However, the specs! I had a few questions that you guys might be able to answer:
1) Are you happy with the G3?
2) If you were looking to get an older generation phone now, would you get the S5 or another phone?
3) Are the bootloaders locked in the S5? (The S4 had the bootloaders locked in an update so I want to ensure that if this is an issue, I get one that hasn't been updated to a locked bootloader).
If you guys don't mind helping me make the right decision with an upgrade, I'd appreciate it. Thanks a lot!
-Jay

Would you buy it now?

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

Is this phone still worth getting?

I know the answers will be slightly biased, but still I want to ask you - if you had to look for a new phone, would you consider getting another Galaxy S3 Neo?
My previous phone's screen got broken and the replacement parts + paying someone for the job is too high. So I was looking for a new phone and was offered an used S3 Neo in (almost) mint condition and never locked for $75. Seems like a decent deal, right? But then again it is a 2 year old model and I could invest those $75 in getting a new phone (for example Galaxy A5 is only a little more than 200 euros now).
Yea. This phone is fine
delnab said:
I know the answers will be slightly biased, but still I want to ask you - if you had to look for a new phone, would you consider getting another Galaxy S3 Neo?
My previous phone's screen got broken and the replacement parts + paying someone for the job is too high. So I was looking for a new phone and was offered an used S3 Neo in (almost) mint condition and never locked for $75. Seems like a decent deal, right? But then again it is a 2 year old model and I could invest those $75 in getting a new phone (for example Galaxy A5 is only a little more than 200 euros now).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on your needs and desires and especially on your pocket.
I would tell you something.
For $75 USD you will have:
- Lolipop 5.x (Unofficial)
- 8MP rear - 2MP Front cameras
- Good performance
Try to compare that with other possibilities and see what worth for you... Try to avoid chinese phones... they *ck.
Cheers.

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