Hello. Thought I'd add my thoughts into the mix, kind of a mini-review but not very well written and missing lots of things.
The hardware is awesome. The screen really is amazing, and in particular I like the way that it displays blacks so well. Because of this you usually can't see the edges of the screen and it looks fantastic, and coupled with the lack of hardware buttons the front of the phone is really sexy. The back on the other hand isn't as impressive, but it's ok. The "hyperskin" is more hyperbole, and doesn't really help you grip the phone much. Overall it's quite slippy really and I do feel I'll probably end up dropping it sooner or later.
The processor seems to handle everything fine and keep everything running smoothly. GPU I haven't really tested with any 3d games so can't comment on that. Battery life I've found much better than I expected, although I haven't done extensive testing on this. Here are the current battery stats, 18 1/2 hours with about 13% left:
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I haven't really tried out the camera yet so can't comment on that. Call quality is good. Oh and size, I find it a bit awkward sometimes to pull the notification bar down or to hit the back button in the top left of the screen, ie. in the market app but overall I find the size to be good (I have quite small hands). The light weight and thinness kind of make up for the large size.
In terms of software it's as you'd probably expect - awesome. Face unlock doesn't work well in low-light which is kind of annoying. I'm not sure if I'll keep using it but I like it as on my old phone I only used swipe-to-unlock, so it's a bit more secure with this. I'm not exactly worried about someone taking a picture of me and then robbing me anyway.
The hardware acceleration makes a huge difference. The UI is nice and fluid and it's just really enjoyable to use. There is also an option to force hardware acceleration for apps as well which makes a big difference too. For example Twitter was a bit jerky and laggy before enabling it, yet with it on it's perfectly smooth and fluid. The News and Weather widget however doesn't seem to be accelerated; it's really jerky and slow.
Auto-brightness is something that needs tweaking I think. It's often too low (to save battery no doubt), and needs to be raised a little. On top of that sometimes it doesn't even seem to work properly. Earlier on I was looking at it and thinking how it's too dark and then it suddenly jumped up to a decent level of brightness, even with no change in the ambient lighting. I've seen this a few times so I think maybe it's a bug which needs to be ironed out.
The people app is really brilliant, and the G+ integration is really great (if only more of my friends used it..). The swiping thing they've got going on now in various apps is really good and hopefully we'll see more of it in the future. The dialler app is nice, but I am disappointed that you still can't start typing the letters of your friend's name to bring them up like you can on HTC phones.
That's everything I can think of for now, but overall I love the Galaxy Nexus
Related
Ok here's a warning to all of you, the edges of the screen are very sensitive to pressure I noticed the other day light pressure on the edge of the bezel would make my screen discolored, I just took my phone out of my pocket now and I have a yellow vertical band down the right hand side of my screen, I'm guessing my phone squeezed in my pocket when I got in the car for work this morning, just a warning to everyone be ultra gentle with your screens. :-( not happy.
having tested and unboxed over 15 HOXes
i can confirm to you some of them ripple under light pressure, some under some effort and few impossible to ripple
the ripple is a sign of imperfect screen lamination, if your's was very sensitive to begin with than it was defected out of box and hence the damage you have now
out of the 15 i tried, only one of them that my cousin own is completely ripple free no matter how hard you push
the one im talking about feels completely different to the rest, its extremely rigid on both left and right sides with such a tight gap that no dust can get it, like i said it has been an impossible task for me to find another one like it, this one is also perfectly clean and even on whites when viewed at every angle, ie: its lamination is flawless, early HT23 white
something is seriously messed with HTC screen fitting and its only time before more and more cases like this will appear
This phone gets better by the day...
Might dump it on ebay and .....
This is rediculous.... somone with money and power DO SOMETHING!!!!
Mod edit: Edited for language
The glass is pretty fragile anyway TBH. Mine has been in a pocket on it's own and still managed to become scratched after a week, whereas my last iPhone 4 went about two years without getting a mark on either side!
HaTeC said:
This phone gets better by the day...
Might dump it on ebay and **** it all to hell.
This is rediculous.... somone with money and power DO SOMETHING!!!!
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You should get a Samsung device, I here each of their displays are identically perfect. Seriously, I've never seen a mobile device forum where there weren't a percentage of complaints about the display. You can't build millions and have every unit perfect. Google "iPad/iPhone display issues" and you'll see no one's immune.
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http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/t-mobile-galaxy-s-ii-screen-issues-have-some-seeing-poorly-rend/
BarryH_GEG said:
You should get a Samsung device, I here each of their displays are identically perfect. Seriously, I've never seen a mobile device forum where there weren't a percentage of complaints about the display. You can't build millions and have every unit perfect. Google "iPad/iPhone display issues" and you'll see no one's immune.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/t-mobile-galaxy-s-ii-screen-issues-have-some-seeing-poorly-rend/
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Thats the good thing about being able to manufacture your own screens and not have to rely on 3rd parties I suppose. Imagine being able to buy a HTC phone with a Samsung screen in it! Minus all the Hardware issues too!
Oh wait, were you being sarcastic!?!? lol
When I got the phone I new it had mixed reviews on the camera. I was experiancing the same, focus was horrible ( about every 4th pic would turn out ), had strange coloring and just crap pictures all around Was hesitant about OTA mandatory update because was not rooted, but found others saying did'nt affect ability to root so I took the update. After I was playing with the camera again and found it to be taking great photos (inside in a very dark room with a desk light ). Can't wait till tomorrow when I can test outdoors...Has anyone else had the same experiance? The update discriptiion didn't say anything about fixing camera issues but it sure seems to have for me...time will tell :fingers-crossed:
Just got Camera Zoom FX after reading somewhere that it improves the quality. It's night as I type this so I can't really test it until tomorrow. Long ago, I completely gave up taking pictures at night with a phone camera because it's a waste of my time. Even a flash I don't bother. Regardless, the G's photos aren't incredible, they aren't horrible, they're exactly what I expect from a lens the size of a couscous pellet.
Regarding the update, I didn't try the camera before that so I can't say. But I'm happy with the results, it's somewhat better than the POS camera in my old phone. Not a amazingly better but better enough. You get a decent selection of settings for a phone here - exposure, ISO, white balance - they can make a big difference in the end result.
If you have Photoshop you can improve camera photos somewhat. Been using PS since it came out, and I know that's expensive. Elements isn't, it can maximize your camera's potential. Depends on how serious you are with this stuff. I'm just some dope who loves to take photos with big cameras, small cameras, phone cameras and as long as I know what to expect with each, I'm OK with it.
Here's what I expierianced...
Before Update with Flash
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After Update with Flash
After without Flash
Also the focusing on low light situations seems to be much better.
Very interesting difference between the photos of the PC, stealth. Looks like a window in the background? The flash is obviously bouncing off it or something reflective near it in the first photo and screwing everything up, but you cannot detect it in the second (except in the monitor but it doesn't throw it off anywhere near like the first example).
Colonel Travis said:
Very interesting difference between the photos of the PC, stealth. Looks like a window in the background? The flash is obviously bouncing off it or something reflective near it in the first photo and screwing everything up, but you cannot detect it in the second (except in the monitor but it doesn't throw it off anywhere near like the first example).
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Yes, and also I was in my bedroom that is blacked out and was even focusing and taking great pictures as to where before it would not even focus in a dimmly lit room.
Camera Focus
None of my pictures come out with good focus unless I'm taking a picture of something immediately in front of me. I just got my phone so it did the jelly bean update before I could even use it. I don't want to buy a separate camera app unless I know it's going to work. Ideas?
I have noticed improvements with the camera with every update that comes. Originaly, like u, i was very disapointed with the 13mp. My htc evo 4g took better pictures. Now Much improved, i may still try the nexus 4 camera improvement hack. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2065799
Just sharing a pic I drew up to help a friend understand the difference between bezel size and screen size.
Most people don't even think about the bezel size.
HTC's "One" phone is pretty awful about bezel size, though they do make up for it by having very nice (for a mobile) speakers on the bottom bezel.
The Sony below has disgustingly large bezels.
You can make your own size comparo's here:
http://www.phonearena.com/phones/size
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That's why I love Samsung
CZ Eddie said:
Just sharing a pic I drew up to help a friend understand the difference between bezel size and screen size.
Most people don't even think about the bezel size.
HTC's "One" phone is pretty awful about bezel size, though they do make up for it by having very nice (for a mobile) speakers on the bottom bezel.
The Sony below has disgustingly large bezels.
You can make your own size comparo's here:
http://www.phonearena.com/phones/size
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Click to collapse
I like Sony
The bezels in sony's unit makes me hesitate to buy it,
Lorettaa said:
The bezels in sony's unit makes me hesitate to buy it,
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But I like it and I am comfortable with it.
Sony is awful. iPhone's icons are bigger than Sony's.
Specs are good but lacking in design.
Acaibowl said:
Sony is awful. iPhone's icons are bigger than Sony's.
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I respectfully disagree. I think the stock display density is completely absurd. we have 1080x1920 screens, that's ~2 megpixels. There's no reason to display nearly the same amount of data (app, icons, text, etc) on screen as 480x800 (0.3 megapixels)...hell, even twice the data is wasting pixels.
Of course this is a matter of preference and not everyone has the same eyesight.
All said, I set my display density to 360 (stock is 480)...on my S2 I set it to 160 (stock was 240)...and everything is perfectly readable to me...still crystal clear and smooth fonts. It's all roughly iphone 4 scale...but I get way more stuff on my screen.
Also, at stock settings people across the room can read my screen, especially on mobile sites (which, admittedly, aren't helped much by changing the DPI).
Just my $0.02, to each his own, YMMV, IMHO, etc.
EDIT: I just tried out DPI @ 320. I'm digging it. Pulling down the notification bar is a little tricky with this behemoth Otterbox, but, I can live with that. Every is still smooth and clear.
Hi to all
I'm pretty new to the tablet market and I just bought the note 10.1 2014. I'm in my first 14 days where I can exchange/return my tablet and I want to make sure everything is ok with my stuff.
I've read countless online reviews before making my choice and, as you all know, one of the strongest aspect of the note 10.1 2014 is the display. Most if not everybody is praising the resolution, the colors, minimal color shifting, brightness and the viewing angles. Now, I want to make sure my understanding of lcd displays/viewing angles is good.
My tablet's display is gorgeous... when I look at it straight at it. I have the minimal light bleed on the edge which only shows on black and has 0 impact on colors which I'm ok with (all demos in stores are the same so...) As soon as I tilt the tablet though (vertically or horizontally), colors become very dull. Actually, colors do not shift but everything becomes dimmer/duller. Now, I suspect this is normal behavior from a backlit LCD but still, I keep reading reviews stating the display is gorgeous and bright even from an angle which is not 100% right for mine. I've tried to look at videos/pictures online but most people doing reviews actually setup a camera right in front of the tablet and barely move it once it's turned on so it's not helping me. So when you guys are saying the tablet's display stays vivid and colorful from every angle, are you getting the same kind of behavior my tablet has and are not talking about this because this is normal behavior for an LCD display or is my tablet's display defective?
Thank you very much in advance for your cooperation. If needed, I could take pictures.
Merranza said:
Now, I suspect this is normal behavior from a backlit LCD but still, I keep reading reviews stating the display is gorgeous and bright even from an angle which is not 100% right for mine.
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As is typical of the Samsung displays, the viewing angle stability is great. The colors remain stable regardless of the viewing angle and we did not note any great loss in brightness.
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http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Samsung-Galaxy-Note-10-1-2014-Edition-Tablet.106669.0.html​
Thank you very much for your reply. Well, I guess my tablet's screen is pretty similar to the test unit provided in the review. My definition of stable brightness and colors is pretty different from the behavior of that display But to know my screen behaves normally compared to other tablets is good to know.
Just enjoy this tablet..Don't spend hours looking for problems that arent there. This tablet is wonderful , I have had mine since December with no issues at all. I'm rooted with tons of stuff on mine. Most of the problems I have been reading about are people with way too much time on their hands. Have a beer , and love your tablet!!
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium HD app
Don't get me wrong here, maybe I did put too much emphasis on the display and I'm sorry about this. I love my tablet too. I'm just discovering the power of the tablet and the S-Pen, the integration is pretty amazing.
Cheers
Hey guys i'm having trouble deciding between the G3 and the M8. I'm looking to get a new phone but i really can't decide between the two! I have heard good and bad things about the G3's display (too dim and extremely sharp effect). I would like to know what you guys think about the two phones and why you might think one phone is better than the other.
Thanks!
I have absolutely no issue with the phone being too dim. I use auto in and outdoors with no problem.
The text has a sharp effect on grey pages I think. You can notice it but it's not as bad as some people make it seem.
I didn't consider the M8 at all. My debate was between the S5 and G3. The m8 looks nice but aluminum scratches fairly easy, it's quick heavy(I wouldn't want that in my gym shorts), average at best camera. I just wasn't feeling the M8. Its big plus are gesture feats, speakers, and battery life from what I've heard.
I love my G3. No phone can compare to its aesthetics, fantastic camera, double tap to wake and lock works flawlessly, the keyboard is actually really good, the display, the battery easily gets me through a day, I love the animations, lots of customization options out of the box.
In before the lock
Sent from my LG-D851 using Tapatalk
IXChicharitoXI said:
I have absolutely no issue with the phone being too dim. I use auto in and outdoors with no problem.
The text has a sharp effect on grey pages I think. You can notice it but it's not as bad as some people make it seem.
I didn't consider the M8 at all. My debate was between the S5 and G3. The m8 looks nice but aluminum scratches fairly easy, it's quick heavy(I wouldn't want that in my gym shorts), average at best camera. I just wasn't feeling the M8. Its big plus are gesture feats, speakers, and battery life from what I've heard.
I love my G3. No phone can compare to its aesthetics, fantastic camera, double tap to wake and lock works flawlessly, the keyboard is actually really good, the display, the battery easily gets me through a day, I love the animations, lots of customization options out of the box.
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Thank you so much for your response!
Have you had any overheating issues? what do you usually leave the brightness out? Around how much screen on time do you get?
joshla102 said:
Thank you so much for your response!
Have you had any overheating issues? what do you usually leave the brightness out? Around how much screen on time do you get?
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all of your questions have been answered dozens of times here, and threads like this aren't allowed here anyways.
learn how to search, and your life will be much better
wase4711 said:
all of your questions have been answered dozens of times here, and threads like this aren't allowed here anyways.
learn how to search, and your life will be much better
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Sorry I'm a noob. I searched and as you said i have found many discussions about these topics. Thanks for the help!
Check your PM
joshla102 said:
Thank you so much for your response!
Have you had any overheating issues? what do you usually leave the brightness out? Around how much screen on time do you get?
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The phone does get warm after extensive use....just like ANY other phone would. I had your concerns too cause some xda members make it seem like the phone becomes boiling lava after a YouTube video but that's not the case.
I use auto brightness. Works great for me. My latest battery stats
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I have both phones. So far I am liking the g3 a bit more, like having a notification light. The kinda feels like a bigger version of my nexus 5 with a micro sd and a removable battery. The m8 is nice but it has to a case on it or it is way to slippery.