1568 replies to this topic

[Dollar]

I love it in just about every way except the battery life. I mean, it's better than my original Incredible, but I've still been disappointed in it. The other night I went out with some friends, and it was charged 100% at 8 PM. No heavy use during the night, just some light texting, a couple calls, and some SoSH browsing. I wake up the next morning and it's below 10%. I wasn't impressed.

For everything else, I love it. I'm even a fan of the Siri-ish voice commands that some don't like.

[Greg Blosser]

I'm about to buy my first smartphone and am leaning towards the SIII. My one reservation is the physical quality - I've read that it's pretty flimsy. Any truth to that? Would I be better off waiting for the new iPod? Or just getting a good case for it and paying the monthly warranty fee?

[smastroyin]

I was in Scotland last week so running the thing on airplane mode with wifi. The battery was much longer. I think the 4G is just a killer even though cell standby isn't really all that high a percentage of my battery life.

I have also turned off the auto-brightness and just put the screen on the lowest brightness that I can see in normal daylight (about 20%) and then I crank it up to 100% when I need in (bright sunlight, etc.) That helps a bit.

[Foulkey Reese]

No heavy use during the night, just some light texting, a couple calls, and some SoSH browsing. I wake up the next morning and it's below 10%. I wasn't impressed

Turn on Wifi at night and you'll see a dramatic difference. Or just charge it overnight like most smart phone owners do.

[Dollar]

Turn on Wifi at night and you'll see a dramatic difference. Or just charge it overnight like most smart phone owners do.

Well, yeah, I was at a friend's place without my charger, and turning off 4G probably would have saved me some battery. But in general I haven't been totally pleased with the battery life thus far.

[Orange Julia]

I'm about to buy my first smartphone and am leaning towards the SIII. My one reservation is the physical quality - I've read that it's pretty flimsy. Any truth to that? Would I be better off waiting for the new iPod? Or just getting a good case for it and paying the monthly warranty fee?

I got mine with a hard rubber case. It appears to be pretty sturdy now. A lot more than my first Galaxy. I'm pretty happy with it. I got the white one, with a white case and it is a lot easier to find in my purse or book bag.

I've been really happy with the battery life but the last phone (the Vibrant, aka the first Galaxy i think) was horrible. could barely get two or three hours of standby time on it. i just kept it plugged in all the time. I get all day use out of the phone now and just charge it overnight. I mostly use it to check the news sites, email, text, tweet, sometimes I'll run At Bat on it... Don't really use it for watching video or listening to music as much as other people do, but very happy with battery life.

[Greg Blosser]

I got mine with a hard rubber case. It appears to be pretty sturdy now. A lot more than my first Galaxy. I'm pretty happy with it. I got the white one, with a white case and it is a lot easier to find in my purse or book bag.

I've been really happy with the battery life but the last phone (the Vibrant, aka the first Galaxy i think) was horrible. could barely get two or three hours of standby time on it. i just kept it plugged in all the time. I get all day use out of the phone now and just charge it overnight. I mostly use it to check the news sites, email, text, tweet, sometimes I'll run At Bat on it... Don't really use it for watching video or listening to music as much as other people do, but very happy with battery life.

Awesome. Pulled the trigger on the blue one with a case that seems to be the happiest medium between hard plastic and soft gel. Thanks!

[jayhoz]

TPU is the material you want if you are looking for a soft case. Silicone provides zero protection.

[Hextall]

To those with an sIII on Verizon... How intrusive is the wifi notifications? I read some that the phone will search for open wifi then notify you when using an app that needs to download or upload data. Is that annoying?

Also, I have seen the nexus for free recently when you reup a contract best buy and amazon) . And does anyone know where I could get a Verizon nexus unlocked if I want to keep my unlimited plan? Someone mentioned $350 earlier in this thread. But I can't find that price anywhere (Google doesn't sell the verizon version directly)
Thanks

[smastroyin]

You can turn off that notification.

You can't get an unlocked cdma gnex for cheap though.

[Blacken]

I'm currently trying to decide between a AT&T prepaid or T-Mobile prepaid plan, because fuck AT&T right in the ear if they think I'm going to pay $90 a month when I've both completed a contract on the iPhone and brought my own Galaxy Nexus.

AT&T: $50/month, unlimited texts, 450 minutes (who cares, it's 2012), 2GB data
T-Mobile: $30/month, unlimited texts, unlimited data (5GB fast, 256K afterwards), 100 voice minutes

Main thing keeping me from going the T-Mobile route is the coverage. I think it's good enough, but haven't ever had them so I'm not sure.

[Monbo Jumbo]

ProClips is finally selling a car mount for the EVO 4G LTE - Ideally I'll have it next week and can then upgrade my phone. The glass on my old EVO cracked last week, so the timing is good.

[zenter]

I'm currently trying to decide between a AT&T prepaid or T-Mobile prepaid plan, because fuck AT&T right in the ear if they think I'm going to pay $90 a month when I've both completed a contract on the iPhone and brought my own Galaxy Nexus.

AT&T: $50/month, unlimited texts, 450 minutes (who cares, it's 2012), 2GB data
T-Mobile: $30/month, unlimited texts, unlimited data (5GB fast, 256K afterwards), 100 voice minutes

Main thing keeping me from going the T-Mobile route is the coverage. I think it's good enough, but haven't ever had them so I'm not sure.

Any reason you can't test-drive the T-Mo on a cheapo phone and then, if it works well, port your number?

[Rod Becks Mullet]

can't believe how much the ICS update screwed up my phone. Then I went online and read that Sprint users who have the Galaxy S2 are all having issues, yet Sprint continues to push the update. Haven't had a problem with my provider in over 10 years, but this one is making me seriously consider switching.

[Caspir]

I have an SII (well I passed it down when I upgraded, but it's still on my plan) and it's not having any problems, but I'm rooted and running a custom ROM because Sprint fucking sucks at everything they do. What's wrong with the update? Assuming you're not rooted, the phone is under warranty. Won't they just replace it?

[Rod Becks Mullet]

just got the update Sunday, haven't had much time to really examine is. But when the update went through, a number of work emails got randomly sent. Today, many of my emails aren't appearing on the phone. Swype doesn't work with it. I can't replace the buttons on my home tray. I don't have the battery issue that others are referring to, but my service has dropped noticeably and the phone itself is much slower than it was with Gingerbread. I'm not rooted, not sure how long the warranty is for (I got the phone in February), but have read ways to go back to Gingerbread and will probably just do that.

[Toe Nash]

I'm currently trying to decide between a AT&T prepaid or T-Mobile prepaid plan, because fuck AT&T right in the ear if they think I'm going to pay $90 a month when I've both completed a contract on the iPhone and brought my own Galaxy Nexus.

AT&T: $50/month, unlimited texts, 450 minutes (who cares, it's 2012), 2GB data
T-Mobile: $30/month, unlimited texts, unlimited data (5GB fast, 256K afterwards), 100 voice minutes

Main thing keeping me from going the T-Mobile route is the coverage. I think it's good enough, but haven't ever had them so I'm not sure.

I have the T-Mobile plan and coverage is OK, not great. Depends where you are though -- it's fine in my house but I get no signal at my desk at work while my co-workers get signals (which is fine since I'm leaving in less than two weeks). But I'm in the basement, so if I go up to the ground floor of my building it's fine. But, my girlfriend has t-mobile and has never complained about service at her work or anywhere.

Can't argue with that price though. But as was mentioned you can order one of their SIMs and use it with your Galaxy Nexus and then switch if you hate it since there's no contract.

There's also the possibility of t-mobile's wi-fi calling being developed for that phone, but right now it only comes on phones you buy from them (The internet seems to be mixed on whether or not it will actually happen). But that would mitigate having only 100 minutes, though it doesn't seem like you're worried about that. It doesn't bother me either, except my parents sometimes like to talk to me for a few minutes every month.

[OttoC]

Well, I was some 20 miles out in the Gulf of Maine yesterday afternoon and was getting a 4G indicator on my T-Mobile phone...flickering between one and no bars, though.

[Blacken]

I went ahead with the T-Mobile plan. I already had a SIM, so whatever.


I'm amazed at how fucking terrible Android performance was on 2.2 and 2.3-era devices--more amazed that people put up with it. I wrote close to the simplest OpenGL application I could (literally just printing out the FPS I was getting) and my Optimus V hit 20fps, dipping below that during garbage collection. My Nook Color got to 26fps. My Nexus S managed a staggering 35fps. I wondered for a while if the stuttering during basic stuff like scrolling and transitions was just my imagination comparing it to iOS, but these things are woefully crap.

(My Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 7 both had a low of 57fps, and that was during GC. At least as of 4.1, no complaints to be had.)

[ypioca]

I went ahead with the T-Mobile plan. I already had a SIM, so whatever.


I'm amazed at how fucking terrible Android performance was on 2.2 and 2.3-era devices--more amazed that people put up with it. I wrote close to the simplest OpenGL application I could (literally just printing out the FPS I was getting) and my Optimus V hit 20fps, dipping below that during garbage collection. My Nook Color got to 26fps. My Nexus S managed a staggering 35fps. I wondered for a while if the stuttering during basic stuff like scrolling and transitions was just my imagination comparing it to iOS, but these things are woefully crap.

(My Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 7 both had a low of 57fps, and that was during GC. At least as of 4.1, no complaints to be had.)

I have a i5500 running an incredibly buggy 2.2. Apart from the horrific lag issues, it also cannot reconnect to a wi-fi if you leave the coverage area, and texts require several tries to go through

When I buy my new phone in the US, I am seriously thinking about finding a nice wall somewhere, removing the battery, and just throwing a 90mph fastball. Fuck this phone.

[Toe Nash]

Edit: I'm an idiot, thanks jayhoz/

Edited by Toe Nash, 15 August 2012 - 01:22 PM.

[jayhoz]

Newer: http://sonsofsamhorn...p-android-apps/

Older: http://sonsofsamhorn...id-apps-thread/

[bsj]

Has anyone heard whether Samsung will be going the newer "SIII" route and releasing the Note 2 to multiple US carriers, or the original "Note" route and staying with AT&T only? Can't seem to find anything mentioning carriers, only that it's scheduled for a late August drop...

As a Sprint customer who is upgrade eligible, THIS is a phone I would jump on in a heartbeat

Edited by bsj, 16 August 2012 - 10:27 AM.

[zenter]

Has anyone heard whether Samsung will be going the newer "SIII" route and releasing the Note 2 to multiple US carriers, or the original "Note" route and staying with AT&T only? Can't seem to find anything mentioning carriers, only that it's scheduled for a late August drop...

Note 2 is expected to be on T-Mo. Not sure about the CDMA carriers.

[bsj]

Note 2 is expected to be on T-Mo. Not sure about the CDMA carriers.

You sure about that?

T Mobile is getting the original Galaxy Note right now )http://www.androidau...ability-106551/) but would have a hard time believing they were getting an exclusive on the 2.

[zenter]

You sure about that?

T Mobile is getting the original Galaxy Note right now )http://www.androidau...ability-106551/) but would have a hard time believing they were getting an exclusive on the 2.

I don't think Sammy likes exclusives. Here's one example of where I'm getting my info.

When comes to carriers, the three carriers, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon are most likely to launch the Galaxy Note 2 in US. The doubt is still on Verizon whether it goes for the Galaxy Note 2 or side another company like LG with a similar product to rival the Note 2.

So, you may be out of luck.

[bsj]

I don't think Sammy likes exclusives. Here's one example of where I'm getting my info.


So, you may be out of luck.

Thanks. That would suck...

[jayhoz]

ProClips is finally selling a car mount for the EVO 4G LTE - Ideally I'll have it next week and can then upgrade my phone. The glass on my old EVO cracked last week, so the timing is good.

Hope you didn't place your order yet....20% off code.

summer2012

[bsj]

Wondering what the Apple ruling will mean going forward.

As someone who was eagerly awaiting the drop of the Galaxy Note 2, wondering if this could completely kill it...

[Monbo Jumbo]

Hope you didn't place your order yet....20% off code.

summer2012

I know - they sent me the coupon a couple hours after I placed the order. Sumbitches.

[Monbo Jumbo]

Picked up the EVO 4g LTE yesterday. Spent a lot of time with it, and I'm very impressed. It's awesome that I have 48 gigs on this bad boy. I don't seem to have a 4g signal at my house yet.

It's time to finally learn Tasker and take things to the next level.

The cracked glass on my old EVO reduced the trade-in value from $60. to $22.

Edited by Monbo Jumbo, 26 August 2012 - 09:16 AM.

[ypioca]

I'm going to the US in October, where I will buy a Macbook, a tablet (an iPad mini, if it launches at that point, if not, a Nexus 7), and a new phone. Also, an Apple TV.

Question on the phone: if I pick up an Android, how much am I missing out on integration with the Apple ecosystem? Is the iPhone/iTunes/Mac/iPad "set" worth getting, or can a HTC One X, or GS3 do the job without much disruption - especially on the music player/podcast side? Also, out of the Android devices, which would be the best for this?

[zenter]

I'm going to the US in October, where I will buy a Macbook, a tablet (an iPad mini, if it launches at that point, if not, a Nexus 7), and a new phone. Also, an Apple TV.

Question on the phone: if I pick up an Android, how much am I missing out on integration with the Apple ecosystem? Is the iPhone/iTunes/Mac/iPad "set" worth getting, or can a HTC One X, or GS3 do the job without much disruption - especially on the music player/podcast side? Also, out of the Android devices, which would be the best for this?

There's a couple Android app threads, but most of the best music players and podcatchers are on both ecosystems. I prefer PocketCasts for podcasts. As for music, DoubleTwist apparently has some iTunes/Android sync capabilities, but since I don't use iTunes, I'm not sure.

[bsj]

Looks like my wish may be coming true, Sprint may be getting the Galaxy Note 2...or something damn similar...

http://www.popherald...rizon_lte-19763

http://forum.xda-dev...d.php?t=1872352

[Monbo Jumbo]

Finally managed to find a sprint 4g LTE signal.

Speed test clocked it at 12 meg down, 5 meg up.

[Infield Infidel]

I went ahead with the T-Mobile plan. I already had a SIM, so whatever.

How is that working for you? I'm about to plunk down for an unlocked GS3, but I'd rather get a non-contract plan

[glennhoffmania]

I've had a system update available for my Evo for a while now and I've ignored it. All of the sudden today it started downloading automatically. It's paused right now because I'm not connected to wifi, and I have no option to cancel it. I called Sprint and they said I shouldn't be too worried and it should be fine, but he didn't give me much confidence. Should I just let this thing download?

[jayhoz]

I just rooted and flashed the CM10 ROM on my Siii. Jellybean is something to behold. I'm sure the novelty will wear off, but I can't believe there isn't more buzz for Google Now. Sure I had to give Google access to my every move, but I'm loving the personalized and predictive information it serves up.

[Blacken]

How is that working for you? I'm about to plunk down for an unlocked GS3, but I'd rather get a non-contract plan

It's pretty solid. They send some annoying texts, but it's $30/month so I don't really care. I use Google Voice for my real phone number and forward to the device number.

Avoid the SGS3, though, unless you're cool with probably never getting upgrades past sort-of-Jelly Bean.


I can't think of a good reason to buy a non-Nexus Android phone, ever. Possibly "non-Nexus Android device," but I expect I may be wrong at some point about tablets.

[Dernells Casket n Flagon]

A bunch of new Android phones coming out soon and in the rumors.

For Verizon, the Motorola Razr HD and Razr HD Maxx will be released on Thursday both featuring a 4.7" 1280x720 Super AMOLED display and a dual core 1.5 GHz Snapdragon S4 processor. The Razr HD will cost $200 and have 16 GBs of built in storage with a 2,530 mAh battery, while the $300 Razr HD Maxx will have 32 GBs of built in memory and a 3,300 mAh battery while being slightly thicker and heavier. These phones will also have full GSM radios for global travel.

Meanwhile, rumors have the next Nexus phone being released around the end of this month and surprisingly being made by LG. Rumored to have the name LG Nexus 4, it will have a 4.7" 1280x720 IPS display but a quad core Snapdragon S4 processor.

Meanwhile, there are reports that HTC might be releasing a 5" phone(phablet?) on Verizon with a full 1080p display also sporting a quad core S4 processor.

[Tim Naehrings Girl]

Does anyone have a good android facetime app? I am thinking of skype but I have heard it doesn't work so well on a phone. I have an HTC Evo.

[Dernells Casket n Flagon]

Does anyone have a good android facetime app? I am thinking of skype but I have heard it doesn't work so well on a phone. I have an HTC Evo.

The native Google Talk app does video chat.

[TallerThanPedroia]

I was ready to jump all over the Maxx HD but they've taken so damn long with it, and now there's that Nexus rumor... arg. Completely sick of my Droid X, though. I even factory reset the damn thing two months ago which helped for a while.

[Foulkey Reese]

The native Google Talk app does video chat.

Yea Google+ actually does a very good job with video chat between platforms.

I can't think of a good reason to buy a non-Nexus Android phone, ever. Possibly "non-Nexus Android device," but I expect I may be wrong at some point about tablets.

The Galaxy Nexus is probably the first electronic device that I've ever owned where I've been thrilled with it's performance almost a year later. I can't ever see myself buying a non Nexus.

Edited by Foulkey Reese, 15 October 2012 - 07:38 AM.

[PortlandSoxFan]

The Nexus is currently $50 with a new contract...I'm with Foulkey; a year later and I still love this phone.

[jsinger121]

My Droid X is done and I am looking at Samsung Galaxy S3, Motorola Razr M and Motorola Razr Maxx. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[teddykgb]

My Droid X is done and I am looking at Samsung Galaxy S3, Motorola Razr M and Motorola Razr Maxx. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

They are apparently about to release a bunch of new nexu phones. If you can wait a couple weeks, a nexus is your best bet.

[jsinger121]

They are apparently about to release a bunch of new nexu phones. If you can wait a couple weeks, a nexus is your best bet.

I can't wait as it doesn't work anymore as of today. I need something good ASAP. What would you select out of those 3?

[jayhoz]

How important is battery life for you? Are you on the phone all day and find that you run out of juice mid afternoon or does your phone sit idle most of the day and you can make it through the day on one charge?

[jsinger121]

How important is battery life for you? Are you on the phone all day and find that you run out of juice mid afternoon or does your phone sit idle most of the day and you can make it through the day on one charge?

Battery life is important to me which is why the Razr Maxx is interesting. I usually bring my charger to work with me anyways but if I don't have access to one on the road my battery drains down.