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Hey Gforum, I posted this in Q&A Saturday & http://androidforums.com/htc-evo-4g/200765-question-day-get-evo-wait-something-better.html but am looking for more honest, experienced community feedback->market insight so I post it here now:
Amazon's current price is $99.99 (with new service plan+activation fee credit for up to $36 through 11:59 p.m. PDT October 18, 2010) & Sprint's ETF is listed at $200 through month 4 minus $10/mo prorate thereafter so I'm finally considering pulling the trigger on it but would appreciate some community feedback here.
The ETF is important since I want to know the exit strategy & potential total cost of ownership & have Wi-Fi available 90% of time so not sure that 10% MIA is worth $80+/month for 24 months (let's call that ~$2,000).
Frankly I would dump the EVO in a heartbeat when a handheld comes out with similar specs + projector (battery challenge yup yet I wouldn't be surprised to see a follow-up to the Samsung Beam soon).
Questions:
1) Order Question-Will Amazon let me enter Sprint Service Discount Codes & anyone care to share something better than 10% that is easy to use or must one call Sprint after order?
2) Is Wi-Fi reception still an issue for EVO?
3) Still SD card issues?
4) Video+Audio recording quality still questionable (compression codec issue-as photos seem quite nice)?
Is the following what I should expect or can it be improved:
HTC EVO Video test - Part I
HTC EVO Video test - Part II (Golden State Bridge)
HTC EVO 4G Camera Test - Part III (Front-facing camera)
iphone 4 vs. HTC EVO vs. Flip UltraHD video test
Smartphones HD Camcorder Video Samples (long)
Many Thanks,
Its a phone. Not a life changing purchase.
supchaka said:
Its a phone. Not a life changing purchase.
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If it was just a phone, I wouldn't bother..
I'm looking for feedback on a handheld computer with carrier phone functionalty..
If Sprint wasn't requiring user to sign a 24 month contract costing owner thousands of dollars or it worked on many carriers it would be an easier call.
Thanks for the smile supchaka but I'm looking for a bit more market insight..
If you're looking for a phone that'll last you through the next two years I wouldn't get the EVO. Aside from having a large display and some nice features (HDMI, 4G, kickstand, FFC), it's a pretty dated device. The phone is almost half a year old, and even when it was released, the GPU was already old and out performed by it's peers. The camera is not that great either but then again HTC almost always lags behind with that.
There's no doubt that I'd recommend to wait; but if you're set on Sprint you might have to wait a couple of months before something high end comes out.
Award Tour said:
If you're looking for a phone that'll last you through the next two years I wouldn't get the EVO. Aside from having a large display and some nice features (HDMI, 4G, kickstand, FFC), it's a pretty dated device. The phone is almost half a year old, and even when it was released, the GPU was already old and out performed by it's peers. The camera is not that great either but then again HTC almost always lags behind with that.
There's no doubt that I'd recommend to wait; but if you're set on Sprint you might have to wait a couple of months before something high end comes out.
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That's what the critic in me is skeptical about hence ETF talk but I'm surprised not to see more options on the horizon..
I was hoping the camcorder quality could be improved upon by now.
Shouldn't we have heard more about devices to become available by the holidays as I'm not sure I want to wait another 3,4,5,6 months..
Appreciate the feedback,
As Martin Cooper said, today's cell phones do a lot buy don't do any of them well. Who's Martin Cooper? Just the inventor of the cell phone.
I figure if I need a video camera I'll get my video camera. If I need a real camera I'll get my SLR. My phone will do in a pinch.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
You are usually given a chance at least once a year to get out of the ETF. Just wait till Sprint changes some policy in the contract and you are given 30 days to walk out.
Sprint also offers the cheapest rates compared to the other big name carriers. Just open a a small savings at a credit union and save 10% of your bill. Go online and find a sprint referral link and you'll be saving 15%... if you know someone that works at Chase, then try to work with them so you could be saving 24%.
There will always be something better in the future. If you wait for the next big thing, you might hesitate and wait or the next thing to follow that.
As far as your other questions, I have never had SD problems, wifi problems, or any issues taking pics or video. If anything, my phone has become a great tool for me on my jobsite.
overclockxp said:
As Martin Cooper said, today's cell phones do a lot buy don't do any of them well. Who's Martin Cooper? Just the inventor of the cell phone.
I figure if I need a video camera I'll get my video camera. If I need a real camera I'll get my SLR. My phone will do in a pinch.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
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I don't really buy that argument, the real appeal is that it's a convergence device.
surrealmethod said:
You are usually given a chance at least once a year to get out of the ETF. Just wait till Sprint changes some policy in the contract and you are given 30 days to walk out.
Sprint also offers the cheapest rates compared to the other big name carriers. Just open a a small savings at a credit union and save 10% of your bill. Go online and find a sprint referral link and you'll be saving 15%... if you know someone that works at Chase, then try to work with them so you could be saving 24%.
There will always be something better in the future. If you wait for the next big thing, you might hesitate and wait or the next thing to follow that.
As far as your other questions, I have never had SD problems, wifi problems, or any issues taking pics or video. If anything, my phone has become a great tool for me on my jobsite.
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I hear you regarding its potential utility. While I would be on the watch for such an out of ETF I shouldn't count on it so I'll assume ETF worst case scenario. I should be able to add Sprint discount after purchase even if Amazon doesn't let me right ?
Now "Availability: Usually ships within 8 - 9 business days. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com." is kind of a bummer..
I guess the contracts don't mean much to me because I've been with sprint for as long as I can remember. I get an additional 20% off through my work so I'm not going anywhere. I have 5 lines and they all have different expire dates so I can grab a new phone pretty much whenever. Take an upgrade and swap the number. Also being a premiere customer they give you yearly upgrades on the primary line.
So I didn't take into consideration other peoples scenarios may not be the same as mine. I'm very grateful for that now because historically I haven't kept a phone for more than about 6 months
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
SMARTPHONEPC said:
I don't really buy that argument, the real appeal is that it's a convergence device.
I hear you regarding its potential utility. While I would be on the watch for such an out of ETF I shouldn't count on it so I'll assume ETF worst case scenario. I should be able to add Sprint discount after purchase even if Amazon doesn't let me right ?
Now "Availability: Usually ships within 8 - 9 business days. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com." is kind of a bummer..
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Just wanna say, I get your in depth thinking about a purchase, but really you are just thinking to much into it. Like others have touched on, in a short time the Evo will be old news. The phone that takes its place will be old news by summer next year. Phone tech is what, 4 months now? Just do as a ton of us do, pick a phone that suits you best for the time being. Because you'll want the new device next year. I thought the sprint hero was bad ass last year. But the Evo this year is badass. Either satisfy your urge for awesomeness now, or wait a couple months and be the first with the new end thing.
Sent from my Evo
You can always wait for better product, or you can buy the Evo today and enjoy it now. It's just matter of preference.
My gripes are poor battery life, extra 10 bucks monthly fee, and poor glass adhesive on LCD (I had glass lifting problem, and got a replacement after 2 week usage), but what it can do still out weighs the negatives.
Yes, the Evo is 6 months old, but it still can do and look better than many recent models that's out there right now.
FYI, I glanced at Epic at the store when I bought Evo on 10/1, and wasn't sold at all since it was very close to Touch Pro 2's look.
Really the only thing that really holds back the EVO is the GPU. Even the original Droid outperforms it. To invest into that NOW, not mention the next year or two, is just not a smart move when you can wait a few more months for something that is more future proof. If it weren't for the GPU I'd be saying the same thing as the last two posters but... I can't.
Just FYI the above only really applies if and when you game on you phone. I have quake and the major gameloft titles, but I have to say in the end I personally would never buy a phone based on its ability to play games.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
If you're not a gamer, the GPU thing really makes little to no difference. Then again if you're really into games you'd probably use dedicated hardware for that, like a DS or PSP.
The only games I find myself playing on my phone are simple, but addictive arcade style games. Bejewled, tetris, angrybirds and solitaire for the most part. Hardly taxing on the GPU!
The big screen will still be big, even 2 years down the road. It will still be a great device for browsing the web, checking email and messaging, and the GPS functionality is top notch. I'm really not worried about the device being horribly antiquated too soon, and 4G is only just starting to pop up around here so my experience has been consistently getting better.
creyc said:
If you're not a gamer, the GPU thing really makes little to no difference. Then again if you're really into games you'd probably use dedicated hardware for that, like a DS or PSP.
The only games I find myself playing on my phone are simple, but addictive arcade style games. Bejewled, tetris, angrybirds and solitaire for the most part. Hardly taxing on the GPU!
The big screen will still be big, even 2 years down the road. It will still be a great device for browsing the web, checking email and messaging, and the GPS functionality is top notch. I'm really not worried about the device being horribly antiquated too soon, and 4G is only just starting to pop up around here so my experience has been consistently getting better.
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It's not only about games. How will the GPU hold up once Android gets more UI intensive (and it will)? I'd rather be on the safe side.
No matter what phone you get it will be outdated soon after you purchase it. What do you want from a phone. Evo does everything I want since it is rooted.
I do like 3D graphics but I currently don't really game on them. Honestly I haven't seen one engaging enough to hold my attention for more than a few minutes & if I did I'd still probably feel like I was wasting time (idle guilt)..
However I do like shooting videos which is the main reason I considered the iPhone 4 but in the end I vastly prefer the open customizability of Android & integration with google services not to mention larger screen (hopefully I won't regret its 16 bit color). I'll likely have to develop for both platforms.
Only reason I use an iPhone 3GS now is because it was a gift but I'm mostly bored with it. I gather most on these forums are not entirely bored with their EVO..
I do wonder how pervasive tablets will become and to what extent they will take over smartphone functionality..(at least an EVO still fits in a shirt pocket)
Award Tour said:
It's not only about games. How will the GPU hold up once Android gets more UI intensive (and it will)? I'd rather be on the safe side.
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Are you currently using an EVO? I do think there will be some cool market developments but unless there is news in the next 24 hours, I may not want to continue waiting.
BTW, Are the Sprint Taxes & Surcharges laughable? -Thanks
SMARTPHONEPC said:
I do like 3D graphics but I currently don't really game on them. Honestly I haven't seen one engaging enough to hold my attention for more than a few minutes & if I did I'd still probably feel like I was wasting time (idle guilt)..
However I do like shooting videos which is the main reason I considered the iPhone 4 but in the end I vastly prefer the open customizability of Android & integration with google services not to mention larger screen (hopefully I won't regret its 16 bit color). I'll likely have to develop for both platforms.
Only reason I use an iPhone 3GS now is because it was a gift but I'm mostly bored with it. I gather most on these forums are not entirely bored with their EVO..
I do wonder how pervasive tablets will become and to what extent they will take over smartphone functionality..(at least an EVO still fits in a shirt pocket)
Are you currently using an EVO? I do think there will be some cool market developments but unless there is news in the next 24 hours, I may not want to continue waiting.
BTW, Are the Sprint Taxes & Surcharges laughable? -Thanks
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Yes, I'm currently using a EVO, got it in June and will trade up once a new high end HTC Android (and maybe the WP7 TP7) phone hits Sprint.
Edit: This post illustrates the GPU gap between the EVO (Nexus One has the same GPU), it's competitors (PowerVR - Galaxy S shown here but Motorola uses a version that is inbetween the EVO and Galaxy S), and current HTC phones. Ask yourself if you want to get stuck with specs which are already WAY behind.
Award Tour said:
Yes, I'm currently using a EVO, got it in June and will trade up once a new high end HTC Android (and maybe the WP7 TP7) phone hits Sprint.
Edit: This post illustrates the GPU gap between the EVO (Nexus One has the same GPU), it's competitors (PowerVR - Galaxy S shown here but Motorola uses a version that is inbetween the EVO and Galaxy S), and current HTC phones. Ask yourself if you want to get stuck with specs which are already WAY behind.
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I played with an EVO on launch day for a couple hours, wasn't sold on it but I think it's significantly better now with updates+2.2 (except its camcorder output sadly).
That link was cool, would have liked to see how it ran on Nexus also but it appears better GPUs are coming to high end smartphones for reasons beyond gaming..
Are the Sprint Taxes & Surcharges -not- laughable then? No complaints about Sprint? Thoughts on WiMax->2 vs LTE?
I'm surprised there isn't more on the following (wonder if I could happily wait without more news):
Gorgeous, mysterious, EVO-ish HTC device headed for Verizon
HTC Desire HD heading to Verizon Wireless?
http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/verizon-scoop-extravaganza-motorola-venus-with-portrait-qwerty/
Desire HD looks nice (hope they don't omit the kickstand for USA):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9WbNkWQGxU&NR=1
Next gen EVOs coming soon-before new year-roadmaps-carriers-must know?
So I'm thinking of getting this phone with my soon-to-expire premier program upgrade (especially since it looks like we wont see galaxy nexus before the end of december), and I want to be sure this thing will stay satisfying for two years.
Primarily, I want to avoid issues the epic 4g has: limited (although what there is is extremely dedicated) dev support and lack of cm/miui that keeps the phone stuck at outdated os iterations (which is mostly sammy's fault anyway).
What im asking is, is this phone a dev darling and do they promise to love it for ever, even after samsung abandons it in 8 months?
Sent from my Epig 4g using XDA Premium App
There is no such thing on the market. Once this phone stops getting Android updates, the community will have no choice but to dump it for the next newest. It'll probably be able to drive your car, have sex with your wife, and make banana pancakes. How will you be able to coerce a developer away from such a dream phone when all you have to offer him/her is a beat up old 2011 E4GT to work on? You just have to let nature take it's course. Buy the phone for what it does now or always ask that same question: "Should I wait for the next one or get this one now?"
which ROM makes Banana Pancakes?
Mine only makes Buttermilk.....
Premier program upgrade expires 12/31/12 you have a good year and two months to make a decision.
Trickee360 said:
So I'm thinking of getting this phone with my soon-to-expire premier program upgrade (especially since it looks like we wont see galaxy nexus before the end of december)
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Your Premier upgrade doesn't expire in December. You have all of 2012 to use it.
If you were thinking you could have gotten one additional 11-12mo upgrade cycle, that would have needed to be done by 10/1/2011.
When it comes to electronics, nothing is future proof!
The SGS2 is a great phone today and while it might not be the top of the line in a few months it will still be able to handle it's own.
There is one thing I am jealous of with the Galaxy Nexus, and that is the HD screen. If the SGS2 would have had an HD screen, it would be right up there with the GN. I do not count ICS because the SGS2 will eventually get it. If the GN only had a qhd screen I don't think I would care as much....Seems almost like qhd screens didn't stay around as the top dog for to long. Guess the lower end devices will be going qhd while top end goes 720p to compete.
The point is well taken that there's no such thing as a future-proofe phone. I should have qualified that I am asking if this phone appears likely to enjoy EVO or HD2-like developer love. I was spoiled with cm-support on the G1 and I want to recapture those possbilities with my next phone.
I was on the phone with Sprint for an hour and a half talking about my upgrade status and they repeatedly told me it would expire on Dec 31, 2011. I guess I'll call again and ask again. I don't know what to trust anymore. If I get another year I'll be extatic.
Sent from my Epig 4g using XDA Premium App
The program itself ends 12/31/11 but you have until the end of next year to use your upgrade.
Just called Sprint to confirm my upgrade won't expire! Thanks so much for the heads-up, my XDA brothers XD
Sent from my Epig 4g using XDA Premium App
I had to fight Sprint to get my last upgrade but they relented and gave it to me so now it's either ET4G or Galaxy Nexus if or whenever they get it.
sfhub said:
Your Premier upgrade doesn't expire in December. You have all of 2012 to use it.
If you were thinking you could have gotten one additional 11-12mo upgrade cycle, that would have needed to be done by 10/1/2011.
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I did not know that, i just checked and next September I have an upgrade available... cool.
worldwidepmp said:
I had to fight Sprint to get my last upgrade but they relented and gave it to me so now it's either ET4G or Galaxy Nexus if or whenever they get it.
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Honestly, i'd go with the ET4G, the Galaxy Nexus is waaaaaay overrated
G1-8701 said:
Honestly, i'd go with the ET4G, the Galaxy Nexus is waaaaaay overrated
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Add ICS and a 720P screen to our SGS2 and you have yourself a phone that is equal to or better then the GN. We will get ICS whether it be official or not, so that will really even the playing field. So our phone is future proof until you start seeing quad core phones come out and well as Sprint LTE phones. But I would say you are good for at least the next year to year and half with the SGS2.
When the specs for the SGS3 get dropped, I am betting that will be a game changer and Samsungs flagship phone, not the Nexus.
buggerritt said:
There is no such thing on the market. Once this phone stops getting Android updates, the community will have no choice but to dump it for the next newest. It'll probably be able to drive your car, have sex with your wife, and make banana pancakes. How will you be able to coerce a developer away from such a dream phone when all you have to offer him/her is a beat up old 2011 E4GT to work on? You just have to let nature take it's course. Buy the phone for what it does now or always ask that same question: "Should I wait for the next one or get this one now?"
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I hate you... Now I want Banana pancakes!
IMO, dual core SOCs and 1GB RAM are the major milestone for smartphones. Quad cores will improve benchmarks, but probably not much else. Cutting edge OS is what's important to me now, which the GN covers nicely
Sent from my Epig 4g using XDA Premium App
[email protected] said:
Add ICS and a 720P screen to our SGS2 and you have yourself a phone that is equal to or better then the GN.
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Not quite. We don't have NFC or a barometer, either. The lack of NFC means we can't use Google Wallet or Beam... ever, and the barometer means slower GPS locks and we can't use any other aps that take advantage of it.
I don't quite understand why Sprint had Samsung remove the NFC chip... it's the only GS2 variant that doesn't have one, and aside from LTE, that's the newest feature everyone is jumping on lately.
This phone will have a lot of life in it, but it's not future proof.
The nexus has a cheap pentile display. Go with the epic touch you won't regret it. And it has a sa+ display!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App
Trickee360 said:
I was spoiled with cm-support on the G1 and I want to recapture those possbilities with my next phone.
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I really enjoyed the support out there for my EVO 4G, and was a little disappointed at the lack of options out there right now for my shiney new E4GT (not complaining, stating a fact, back off flamers)
However, read through the forums for the other variations of the SGS2 and you can see it's out there for them. I just think Sprints baby is a little late to the party, but is going to get it's fair share of cake. Read through some of the Developer posts and there is news popping up fairly regularly about test builds of CM7 and MIUI...
I am getting closer and closer to getting this. I just know a week after I do the galaxy nexus will be announced for sprint.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
I'll be honest, this is my first android phone (epic touch 4g), but I have been tinkering with anything that draws power since I was a little guy ripping apart old stereo receivers and what not! Sure, something with some more bang is bound to come out in the next few months or so; but in my opinion, a device with the capabilities exhibited by this phone are not going to be overlooked anytime soon! Some people may dump the phone and grab whatever is better on the market at that time, but dev is not going to halt for this phone anytime soon as far as I can tell. Even before getting this phone I've done lots of research on android phones and spoken to friends that have owned such, and this is phone definitely marks a milestone in my opinion. Sure it has its bugs, I get LoS once a week or so; but despite its flaws (which will be resolved by the manufacturer or else!) it is a great phone and will serve any user well for YEARS! Hell, I had a Blackberry 8330 for a few years, wasn't anything special by any means at all but with some TLC and mods it was a great phone for as long as I had it. The ET4G should last a Looooooong time...
Edit: I also wanted to say, to those who were saying things about the Galaxy Nexus coming out for Sprint. Sure you may be able to the phone with Sprint in the very near future, but is it not quite similar to the ET4G? Really I guess it depends on preference and such. From what I've read and heard, though...the phones are not THAT much different so I guess whatever feel you like best is what you should get! Cheers!
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304371504577406511931421118.html
A great read. Perhaps this is Google trying to take back the reigns of the Android OS and preventing wireless carriers from garnering enough power over the device and the way they intend to run the OS on such devices. What is fairly interesting at the moment is that Jelly Bean is already being talked about for a November release and our device has yet to receive ICS. With that said, I can see Google trying to put a stop to this pattern of diligent practice. It is fairly obvious that Google is sick and tired of seeing good devices wait for updates because carriers are too busy cooking up an OS that does fairly well without the bloat they put in it. That is their clear goal....to cut out the middle man and keep android os pure as it was intended to be in the first place....So to do that that they are now going to release the new versions of it's Android OS to different devices makers in a bid to lower the carriers power by encouraging device makers to sell their phones directly to consumers rather than through a carrier. I think this is great news because it prevents a device much like our beloved GS2 from being left behind and allows future devices to be on par and updated much quicker without the need of a carrier approval. Definitely the right way to go Google. This is a huge step forward. Good Job Google INC.
This is great news. Google should have done this a long time ago.
This should have started at 2.1!!!
Sent from my SGH-T989
They have tryed over 18 months ago it was the android alliance aka no device left behind.they where supposed to be a sop devices cuz of the UI killing the update but we see how that worked out well maybe this time Google will put there foot down
kitila said:
They have tryed over 18 months ago it was the android alliance aka no device left behind.they where supposed to be a sop devices cuz of the UI killing the update but we see how that worked out well maybe this time Google will put there foot down
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You have to admit that even though it sucks it is better than it was a couple years ago.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
This is what I've been saying they need to do for a long time. You can be damn sure if they release 10 devices from the cutting edge to budget phones, this "nexus series" will sell like hotcakes once people figure out these phones are so much better. Maybe then the manufacturers and carriers when they start losing money on phone sales (and 2yr lock-ins) will figure out they need to STOP ****ING TAKING A BLOAT DUMP ON ANDROID PHONES...
If they price it like the Galaxy Nexus they just started selling (which is only $150ish more than our phone, the current top-of-the-line on T-mo) and word gets out on how much you can save by not being chained up for two years to a data plan you may not neccisarily want...we might actually have something worth pitting against apple sales-wise.
I can't wait!
zander21510 said:
This is what I've been saying they need to do for a long time. You can be damn sure if they release 10 devices from the cutting edge to budget phones, this "nexus series" will sell like hotcakes once people figure out these phones are so much better. Maybe then the manufacturers and carriers when they start losing money on phone sales (and 2yr lock-ins) will figure out they need to STOP ****ING TAKING A BLOAT DUMP ON ANDROID PHONES...
If they price it like the Galaxy Nexus they just started selling (which is only $150ish more than our phone, the current top-of-the-line on T-mo) and word gets out on how much you can save by not being chained up for two years to a data plan you may not neccisarily want...we might actually have something worth pitting against apple sales-wise.
I can't wait!
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BLOAT DUMP LMFAO that's even better than mini bath.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
This is pretty minimal progress because they arent leaning on the manufacturers which is who they should lean on to either get less hardware fragmentation or get them to choose less closed sheet hardware.
I will hold on too this phone till Nov.then get the new nexus.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
So basically if u want a pure nexus u gotta pay full price...,I love it
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
Yeah, but isn't it true that 'prue nexus' phone doesn't recognize the 1700 band, so you'd be rockin at 3g only?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Google will fail again as last time.
I've had a gs2 and a gs3 all T-mobile. Why is it that we U.S users get done so dirty when it come to updates, fine tuning lol customer service etc etc. We pay as much as the next guy (most of us) for our "high end" phones If apple does do one thing well it's delivering their boring IOS updates to the rest of their devices. I still know people with a galaxy s, and if you think we are going to get a 4.1.2 update before the s4 comes out you are sadly mistaken. If i pay 500 + for a device I at least want it to be relevant for some time. Even the specs of the international why is it we are the mentally challenged little brother. I know each carrier has to add their bloatware and stuff on to the updates but that never even happens.Things need to change call me a crybaby but I work for my money like every one else and am tired of it being a great investment for only 6 months. Do they all want us to go get an iphone before they stop treating us like sheep with wallets. Let me know if i'm wrong or what you think.
What does iOS have to do with US vs Non-US customers ? iOS is made for ONE family of devices, all with the same hardware per iteration and Apple only have to worry about that one family, with is like... what... maybe four different phones being actively supported at this point ?
If OS updates are your priority, get the Nexus 4 or another "nexus" device - then you'll get updates with iOS frequency and support. It depends on what is important to you.
I'd rather have the 2Gb RAM than the quadcore.
Developers do a great job of keeping a phone "alive" and making it even better than stock so I think it's a safe bet that any popular device (like the S3) will have a long "second life" in development even after official updates are no longer pushed.
Reason why I was coating iOS was that international or us you have the same specs as the next guy and they still update their iOS on outdated devices my s3 can't even get an update an we aren't even outdated yet. Yes developers do a lot and I love em, but you can only do so much example multiwindow. Imagine if our u.s developers had a premium suite to play with. They are teasing us showing us what our phone are supposed to be.... There is a diff in thinking you can be better than knowing you can be better. On that note the international s3 just got a 4.2.1 leaked update where is our 4.1.2 official update. Imagine when the devs get a hold of that update.. And ppl think we are going to see key lime pie when we can't even get 4.1.2. Even int s2 can compete with the u.s s3 smh
Sent from my SGH-T999
Pennycake said:
What does iOS have to do with US vs Non-US customers ? iOS is made for ONE family of devices, all with the same hardware per iteration and Apple only have to worry about that one family, with is like... what... maybe four different phones being actively supported at this point ?
If OS updates are your priority, get the Nexus 4 or another "nexus" device - then you'll get updates with iOS frequency and support. It depends on what is important to you.
I'd rather have the 2Gb RAM than the quadcore.
Developers do a great job of keeping a phone "alive" and making it even better than stock so I think it's a safe bet that any popular device (like the S3) will have a long "second life" in development even after official updates are no longer pushed.
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I think to sum up what the other guy said, id say not a lot of people know about sites like xda , while others who do choose not to root because they are scared to mess up their phone or dont want to deal with it. I do feel his pain that here in the us we dont get as much love as others do that own the intl version. Id say its a pretty sad response to say "get a nexus". 0people get a certain type of phone for a reason. Id love the nexus for the updates but screw tryinf to cradle that thing like a babt bwcause of the glass back and no sd card support. If the sgs line gor frequent updates it would def make it a more killer phone. Samsung really needs to do something about that if they completely want to wipe out the competition. Regulate the us counterparts a kittle better as to bloat and such.
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Like my bro says "Zactly".
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I agree that their should be more updates like other countries... If Google ever officially makes their own phone, that will take care of the problem
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I rooted my devices since I had a s2. Roms are great but name me one ROM that has all the 4.1.2 over the air updates. Roms are truly great when dev's have an official update and they can pimp it out.
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monkeypaws said:
I think to sum up what the other guy said, id say not a lot of people know about sites like xda , while others who do choose not to root because they are scared to mess up their phone or dont want to deal with it. I do feel his pain that here in the us we dont get as much love as others do that own the intl version. Id say its a pretty sad response to say "get a nexus". 0people get a certain type of phone for a reason. Id love the nexus for the updates but screw tryinf to cradle that thing like a babt bwcause of the glass back and no sd card support. If the sgs line gor frequent updates it would def make it a more killer phone. Samsung really needs to do something about that if they completely want to wipe out the competition. Regulate the us counterparts a kittle better as to bloat and such.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
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If the OP is arguing that Apple is the ideal, I think a comparison to the current Nexus line is accurate. Lack of choice is one reason for faster updates - Apple doesn't have to implement it's OS with vastly different processors between US and International versions like with the S3. And Samsung makes a TON of different phones. Pros and cons. If a person doesn't want to try custom ROMs, I'd argue that the majority of customers don't even know or really care what Android version they're running. I think "knows what flashing I'd, but too afraid to do it" is a small camp between xda and the average consumer who only cares that the phone "just works".
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But for the ppl that do know what version they are running and the miilions of videos that broadcast and promote specs that go way past the phone just working. Yeah I know u.s and int have diff specs, and what is the valid reason for that because I never seen one. I've been pimping my phone since I had the wing. Tech spec and rom vids are not for people who are satisfied with just a working phone. If all the phones had the same specs and then the carriers make their print it'd be cool.
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Because they bring new phone for new software. And we buy new one because its their policy to sell new phone and they know we will not wait for updates.
Outside US they stick with same phone for years.
bikrame said:
Because they bring new phone for new software. And we buy new one because its their policy to sell new phone and they know we will not wait for updates.
Outside US they stick with same phone for years.
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Yeah, the subsidy model in the USA is growing outdated and I think we're seeing the carriers realise this, albeit slowly. If a person is doing contract service and expects a new phone every 2 years, it's a very different market than if people are paying lower service rates, but buying the phone outright.
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Well ive been flashing roms since the mytouch. Now that I actual have a career and family ibdontbhave hours to backup every text (theyee all business related) and picture ofy daughter, backup apps, etc, flash roms until I find a stable one and then restoew it all. It really does take a minimum of one hour + I finally gotn used to rootbox and rhen started playing a feq games. Complet glitches everywhere. So yes I fall ino the category now of "I jist want it to work the way it is supposed to and not wait for bugs to get squished" . And I dont believe im alone. I jnow there arw loyal crack flashers out there that have no problem doing all thatbstuff and flashing all the roms on this forum. It comes down to time and whats really important. Ive had all the sgs variants for tmobile and feel ive been taken for a complete circle ever year. They hold updates unril the new sgs version comes out then its another 6 months until we get one leak. When the next nexus phone comes out jm jumping ship for sure. Need to get off this wheel.
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Yeah I know there a 2 diff communities of phone users, I'm not a hardcore ROM guy all I'm saying is a 4.1.2 update and hope forbthe fyture of our devices would be nice, even theosy casual of users slowly appreciate updates. My dad is 72 lol he has the s3 he just wanted a phone. And yeah into tally understand on not flashing and wiping too much... Im not a family guy but also don't mind staying on the same rom. Im just complaining about things being thrown in my face and false promises because I could really use premium suite stock......personally.
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I understand your Rant and all the posted for and against, but this could go in the Off Topic thread for further discussion. There are some good people in this thread who know what they are talking about and how to get deep into the OS. I do hope you'll continue the discussion in the OT thread, as I think that there are some valid points to be made.
Thread Closed.
Also, even though this is a rant, you formed it as a Question and put [Q] in the title. Moved to Q&A
Wanted to start a unusual Poll thread about
Why we buy the latest and greatest phones and whats the motive or reasoning behind it?
Not just about the galaxys or s4..even any device...
Whats become the selling point for you as a "INDIVIDUAL" in your case for instance?
Like many of us phone junkies admit we have had to have it the day it drops.. whats the biggest reason and is it a sickness.
Do our old phones really not do what a phones meant to do at the end of a day? just because a new one has taken its place?
Maybe its cause of the new look
Maybe it's due to the rumored batt life
Maybe its a new design
And maybe its just a habit
For me its about the always improving batt life of upcoming devices. ..
Old phones were plagued with batt life issues i believe now we are overcoming that.
Also for me and the s4 it wasnt the cam that sold me I felt the ir blaster was a very unique feature.
What's your reason?
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I'm a tech junkie so I love having the latest and greatest. I also recently became hooked to root and flashing roms/mods and the development on my previous phone (S3) slowed down a lot. So here I am lol
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lojak29 said:
Wanted to start a unusual Poll thread about
Why we buy the latest and greatest phones and whats the motive or reasoning behind it?
Not just about the galaxys or s4..even any device...
Whats become the selling point for you as a "INDIVIDUAL" in your case for instance?
Like many of us phone junkies admit we have had to have it the day it drops.. whats the biggest reason and is it a sickness.
Do our old phones really not do what a phones meant to do at the end of a day? just because a new one has taken its place?
Maybe its cause of the new look
Maybe it's due to the rumored batt life
Maybe its a new design
And maybe its just a habit
For me its about the always improving batt life of upcoming devices. ..
Old phones were plagued with batt life issues i believe now we are overcoming that.
Also for me and the s4 it wasnt the cam that sold me I felt the ir blaster was a very unique feature.
What's your reason?
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
It's almost like a compulsion. I rarely impulse buy and I can take weeks to finally decide on my purchases. I read reviews, speculations, I memorize the specs of all my choices and compare them. The compulsion part comes in because once I get the idea in my head that I really want something I will find a way to get it; I'll make myself believe I need it... I actually almost hate when it comes time to buy a new toy because I put so much time into the pre-purchase. On the other hand, it's also a type of rush. As far as selling points go, it's usually something small and trivial that makes me decide which way to go. Buying my 1st droid I was torn between an LG Nitro and the GS2. I had my mind made up that I wanted the S2 and while in-store I played with both of them. I liked the LG's screen a little bit better and that was the one I bought. The whole reason I got the S4 is because around January I had decided I was going to buy the S3. I had already worked out a deal with a friend to buy his and everything; then I realized the S4's release was very near. In fact, the purchase of this device was the easiest one I've made in quite some time because I had already done the legwork and research on the S3, The hardest part was waiting for release... then deciding which carrier's version to buy, whether to switch carriers or buy outright, etc etc.
Its better to be addicted to new technology then crack. Haha really though it's a hobby for me. Something I enjoy. One can have the fastest and newest features. Plus I like to learn about new technology and development.
Sent from My S4 in BEASTMODE
My current phone, a Galaxy S 1, has super slow NAND, and that affects performance quite alot with newer apps being larger than they were 3 years ago.
I use my phone more than any other device I own. I haven't played my PS3 in months and I barely use my tablet. I chose to buy this device because I wanted to get rid of my Galaxy Nexus before it became obsolete. I work and purchasing something like this does not have an effect on my finances because I can afford my gadgets. I know some people just have to have the latest even if it they have to change their lifestyle in order to do so.
I love customizing my phone, but now that I have this device I don't feel the need to. I wish I had bought the Nexus 4 instead. They have a very active community that is all about helping each other out and they are very loyal to their brand. Seems like most of the people who I have seen in the T-Mobile section are teenagers.
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I'm buying a new phone when my old one breaks or becomes too old/slow/buggy for my needs. And I always buy the top of the line models just because I think they'll serve me longer. For example I don't really need a quad core cpu now, but in 2 years from now it might become a minimum requirement to run Google Maps.
lordcheeto03 said:
It's almost like a compulsion. I rarely impulse buy and I can take weeks to finally decide on my purchases. I read reviews, speculations, I memorize the specs of all my choices and compare them. The compulsion part comes in because once I get the idea in my head that I really want something I will find a way to get it; I'll make myself believe I need it... I actually almost hate when it comes time to buy a new toy because I put so much time into the pre-purchase. On the other hand, it's also a type of rush. As far as selling points go, it's usually something small and trivial that makes me decide which way to go. Buying my 1st droid I was torn between an LG Nitro and the GS2. I had my mind made up that I wanted the S2 and while in-store I played with both of them. I liked the LG's screen a little bit better and that was the one I bought. The whole reason I got the S4 is because around January I had decided I was going to buy the S3. I had already worked out a deal with a friend to buy his and everything; then I realized the S4's release was very near. In fact, the purchase of this device was the easiest one I've made in quite some time because I had already done the legwork and research on the S3, The hardest part was waiting for release... then deciding which carrier's version to buy, whether to switch carriers or buy outright, etc etc.
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Feel just like you man. I have had almost 40 different phones in the past few years. Any high end phone I have probably bought....drives the wife crazy. Funny thing is that I'm not an impulse shopper with anything else but phones. I can walk to the AT&T store right now and chances are I'm walking out with something new.....so I try to avoid them lol
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I bought it for the prompt and timely updates from Samsung and T-Mobile.
I'm still in therapy trying to figure out what the cause of this 'have to buy new device sickness' is. I'll post back in a couple of years when I get off the couch
But seriously, I enjoy having a newer version of my current device because it's something new, even if the changes are subtle. But I've always gotten the newer version usually months later, mostly due to not being eligible for a subsidized device under contract for 22 months, for example, with Sprint. But with T-Mobile, I'll be able to get the newer device when available due to their 'No Contract' option with annual eligibility for a new device, and twice a year eligibility for newer devices with the 'Jump' program, although newer versions of the same device, S2-S3 and S3-S4 for example, drop once a year. My last few devices have been Samsung upgrades. But I can change manufactures if the model warrants it, and then it would be possible to upgrade maybe twice a year. But Samsung Galaxy series have been berry, berry good to me
With the above being said, you'll NEVER see me waiting on a line outside the store waiting to get a new device the day it comes out, and obviously you won't see me in a tent overnight or for days on end waiting to be one of the first to get a new device. Now that's a Sickness, imho :silly:
I'll wait a few days or weeks until the device is available without the lines, or when it's back in stock.
Now back to the 'couch' already in session lol!
I bought the phone because I am a huge fan of the newest technology. I skipped on the one simply because the button layout, HTC sense, and the screen being a tiny bit smaller. Having the latest technology intrigues me (and poor impulse control lol) to buy these new gadgets.
As of now I'm really only interested in Samsung and Nexus devices unless something else over shadows those. There's no real good reason for upgrading every time a new phone is available for me. A phone from a year or two ago would suffice but I just have to have the latest and greatest. Its definitely an American mentality.
It's easier to click "thanks" than type it.
I'm still using my Galaxy S1 and after 2.5 years the battery is almost gone.
The phone has become really slow and hangs a lot.
Thus, I just ordered a new S4
I had a LG G2X for over 2 years. Always hated the camera and screen size, but when it first came out it was good. Got slower and slower over the months. Got to the point where if I downloaded an app over 30mb it wouldnt run on the phone so I gave up on it. Looked up all kind of reviews of the S4 for about 2 months before I dished out the cash for it.
The things that one me over were:
Camera
IR Blaster
Performance specs
& Support I THOUGHT it was coming with.
stevessvt said:
I bought it for the prompt and timely updates from Samsung and T-Mobile.
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Hahaha. Then you bought it for the wrong reasons. Lol
current phone g2x POS , dead pixel (so line on the screen), intermittent Bluetooth cut out when backlit buttons light up or go out. and general nvidia/lg crappy build support for drivers.
going to s4 on the 16th as soon am my contract is over. root remove bloat and be happy.
i replace a phone when it no longer dose what i need it to do. g2x issues gps / Bluetooth , forced to use stock roms if you want to be able to make calls and having working Bluetooth if you made the mistake of updating the base band to get gps working.....been waiting for my contract to be done for the last 2 months i can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel 8 more days and i can retire the g2x to become a backup mp3 alarm clock and gps nav device...
For me its a hobby to get new phones. I havent use any phone for more than 6 months.
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I LOVE tinkering and twiddling with my devices. I generally keep a phone over a year or until a badly thought out mod kills it, but last phone had next to no development. I kinda splurged on this one. It's my first very high end one and I LOVE it. Made me realize that almost all the mods I've been doing on various phones were to get them closer to the level this one is.
wanna hear a story i work at a cellphone retail store my boss love iphones
the first time i got a phone was a blackberry slow as **** then i went to sprint and got 2 option the 4s or the galaxy s2
i went with the s2 of course i hate iphones
since then i learn about rooting,flashing etc
xda has the best customer service lol
since then i had the s2,s3,note 2 and now the note 3
why i buy samsung phone easy to customize root,removal battery and sd card
im a music junkie and no other phone has what Samsung phones offer,
i play with all new device since i work in a cellphone retail but in the end samsung for me
sorry for my bad english and bad grammar
Well I have always purchased Android phones, and I picked up the Galaxy S4 after my Galaxy Nexus bit the dust.. switched to T-Mobile to get the unlimited data and I've been incredibly happy with them so far
I like to have the it phone so people admire it, and ask me to customize theirs.
To make $ rooting and flashing it has to be a phone a lot of people have.
For me it's been g1, g2, Hercules, s3, s4. Samsung will likely have the next one: s5
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