Develop Bugs

Switch to Nexus or stick to SGS2?

I am currently a happy SGS2 user for almost a year. BUt ive been thinking if i should switch over to the galaxy nexus by the end of this month. Actually the only reason that is holding me back from getting a nexus is the rather average camera. And the 1080p video recording has this really annoying wobbly effect which AFAIK does not have a fix. Hardware wise ive been told its a step down from the S2 but day to day performance is on par. So do you guys think its a good idea for me to switch over or should i just stick to my S2 for now and wait for the S3?

It would be best to think for yourself...
I have them both but the gs2 is on sale, and i will never go back to a non nexus device.
Btw, this exact question comes up every single day recently........

As a guy who had his 1st GN die
Had a GSII as a loan phone for a week.
and then got his warranty replacement GN
I much prefer the GN

Thanks for the tip, I'll keep that in mind. Haven't been able to find many S2 users who migrated to GN to know about their opinions between the two..
Sent from my non-Apple device via XDA App

You should just wait for GS3. Honestly the gs2 is just a sidestep mostly. The only compelling reason that wins hands down is Google support and development. Besides if you get the nexus now, it kinda seems that you might kick yourself in da butt for not waiting a few more months.
Sent from my Nexus in Texas.

I had the SGS2 and I switched from a nexus S and am now back to the Galaxy Nexus as awesome as the SGS2 and possibly the 3 are they will never be better than a Nexus device. The Nexus with the direct link to Google updates and pure android without bloat or a skin UI is always better and faster. The updates are going to be way ahead of carrier/hardware UI having phones. So in the end I wont ever buy a non Nexus Android again no matter the specs

Hi first I had galaxy s 2 i9100 then I got galaxy s 2 t989 for T-Mobile then paid 685 for galaxy nexus. I had all 3 then I sold the galaxy s 2 i9100 next galaxy nexus and I kept the T-Mobile version t989 its the fastest of them all. And it has all the bends for at&t T-Mobile 3g and 4g. Once it gets a ICS rom it will bee more faster. Cm9.
I am not here to BS I had all 3 Nexus has the software but has lots of shortcomings ( ext. SD and the processor, camera and so on) but its the best phone in hand.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

samoevn said:
Hi first I had galaxy s 2 i9100 then I got galaxy s 2 t989 for T-Mobile then paid 685 for galaxy nexus. I had all 3 then I sold the galaxy s 2 i9100 next galaxy nexus and I kept the T-Mobile version t989 its the fastest of them all. And it has all the bends for at&t T-Mobile 3g and 4g. Once it gets a ICS rom it will bee more faster. Cm9.
I am not here to BS I had all 3 Nexus has the software but has lots of shortcomings ( ext. SD and the processor, camera and so on) but its the best phone in hand.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I can say is wow.
Sent from my Nexus in Texas.

@rbiter said:
You should just wait for GS3. Honestly the gs2 is just a sidestep mostly. The only compelling reason that wins hands down is Google support and development. Besides if you get the nexus now, it kinda seems that you might kick yourself in da butt for not waiting a few more months.
Sent from my Nexus in Texas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Touchwiz and Ice cream sandwich = yuck.
If the OP cares about development and having the latest and newest android version get the nexus. You won't disappointed. Sure the Galaxy S3 may have better specs but have you seen touchwiz on 4.0?
After all it is just a phone and galaxy nexus is already fast as it is.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Interesting comments here. My sister's contract should be up by the time the S3 arrives in my country (Hopefully by mid July) so i can always get the nexus right now and switch over to the S3 later. No loss there. The only concern is if i were to get a nexus right now i will have to bear with it until the S3 is released later this year. I dont mind the specs and form factor of the phone, i got to touch one today for the first time and i think it feels better in the hand compared to the S2.
Honestly the camera is the ONLY thing holding me back right now. I hardly take HD clips on my S2 even though its great, but i do take a lot of pictures of random sights and objects. Not really a huge loss to me but i do take camera quality into consideration.

cr0wnest said:
Interesting comments here. My sister's contract should be up by the time the S3 arrives in my country (Hopefully by mid July) so i can always get the nexus right now and switch over to the S3 later. No loss there. The only concern is if i were to get a nexus right now i will have to bear with it until the S3 is released later this year. I dont mind the specs and form factor of the phone, i got to touch one today for the first time and i think it feels better in the hand compared to the S2.
Honestly the camera is the ONLY thing holding me back right now. I hardly take HD clips on my S2 even though its great, but i do take a lot of pictures of random sights and objects. Not really a huge loss to me but i do take camera quality into consideration.
Click to expand...
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Check the GN picture thread in General then. A lot of ppl have posted pics taken with their GN.

zephiK said:
Check the GN picture thread in General then. A lot of ppl have posted pics taken with their GN.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or Flickr.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium

I'll check them out!
Also can someone enlighten me on the 1080p recording? In most video samples the video has this awful wobbly/wave effect while panning and focusing and it really spoils the whole thing. Is it due to the phone having a poor camera sensor or software settings?
Im refering to the wobbly effect seen in this video
While it should look something like this (No wobble)
To my surprise there doesnt seem to be anyone talking about this issue so im really curious to know!

cr0wnest said:
Interesting comments here. My sister's contract should be up by the time the S3 arrives in my country (Hopefully by mid July) so i can always get the nexus right now and switch over to the S3 later. No loss there. The only concern is if i were to get a nexus right now i will have to bear with it until the S3 is released later this year. I dont mind the specs and form factor of the phone, i got to touch one today for the first time and i think it feels better in the hand compared to the S2.
Honestly the camera is the ONLY thing holding me back right now. I hardly take HD clips on my S2 even though its great, but i do take a lot of pictures of random sights and objects. Not really a huge loss to me but i do take camera quality into consideration.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently switched from the SGS2 to GN. I'm almost completely happy with the S2 except:
- The necessity to depend on Samsung to publish new firmwares means it will be quickly abandoned in favour of the S3. The S2 is still the king of the hill for the time being but I have no doubt when S3 comes out the S2 will receive 1 or 2 minor upgrades at best.
- Compatibility, some apps and games do not work correctly with it (there are many examples that I don't feel listing).
- Not all games run smoothly, despite the powerful GPU due to compatibility problems (Gameloft is the prime suspect, although others such as Shadowgun is shaky as well).
Here are the pros of Nexus devices:
- Direct updates from Google, of course.
- Guaranteed compatibility for all apps
- All games should run smoothly or satisfactorily as they should be well tested with Nexus devices.
Hardware is a toss, if you are in it for benchmarks only I'd suggest waiting for the S3 (and prepare to replace it when S4 comes out). If not, go for it and be rest assured that the GN will still be good 2 years later.
If it sounds a lot like the iPhone/iPad situation, because it is. Hardware superiority means naughts if it's driving sub-standard/unsupported software.
The camera is fine, I do think it's a problem of pre-production devices. I took videos in daylight and night time and none of those exhibit the waving issue.

cr0wnest said:
I'll check them out!
Also can someone enlighten me on the 1080p recording? In most video samples the video has this awful wobbly/wave effect while panning and focusing and it really spoils the whole thing. Is it due to the phone having a poor camera sensor or software settings?
Im refering to the wobbly effect seen in this video
While it should look something like this (No wobble)
To my surprise there doesnt seem to be anyone talking about this issue so im really curious to know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The wobble is likely the video stabilization. There's an app which you can turn it on and off with the GN and it does have a smoother video with it on, but some wobble as well. Some people prefer that over the jittery video that the GN produces with stabilization off (which is quite obvious in the second video link you posted).

I see, does the cam corder have a built in option for video stabilization? I think the jittery is fine, i didnt even notice until you mentioned it. For now it seems quite likely that i'll be getting a nexus. Thanks for all your help guys, much appreciated.

The only thing that bugs me is the 5MP Camera... but about the S3 or a new GN or whatnot.... this always occurs every year or two so eventually you'll switch or maybe you stay... im really loving this GN...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Unless you really want the nexus support and updates.
I would recommend waiting for the next Samsung galaxy s device whether it is called sIII or s II plus...
I believe that the next Samsung galaxy s device will be better than the galaxy nexus in hardware perspective.(camera,thinness,build quality, battery, maybe even screen).
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App

My $0.02
It's all a matter of preference.
The GSII is an amazing phone; my girlfriend has that and I have the GNex. She would take her GSII over the GNex any day of the week, and vice versa. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous of the screen, camera, speaker, and SD card slot; however, to me there's no replacement for basic, stock Android on a snappy phone. The radio in my GNex seems to be better than her GSII's, but that's a subjective thing.
Yes, you can root and install a ROM on the GSII. Overall, the GSII is a better piece of hardware. However, my preference is a solid phone that's supported by Google and has no bloatware or lockdown at all.

The main thing what makes Galaxy Nexus better than Galaxy S2 is faster updates and native support from Google. You will first get updated, fixes, you don't need to wait till Samsung will create their TouchWiz.
Otherwise these devices are very similar. Camera performance is equal, the screen is bigger for Galaxy Nexus and it has a bit weaker technology but you can't see with your eye so both are the same quality.
If you would have Galaxy S or some other phone then update would be must have but upgrade from SGS2 to Nexus is not worth it as both devices are with similar specs and performance.

Did I pick the right phone?

Verizon offered me any 4G phone on their network today sure to issues with my current phone. Among the phones the rep offered me were: Incredible 4G, Droid Razr Max, Galaxy S3, and the Galaxy Nexus. I went with the latter.
I enjoy AOSP roms, rooting, etc. Did I make the right choice, or should I have picked a next gen phone like the Galaxy S3?
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium

I would say galaxy nexus for a rooter
Check this out.. great vid youtube.com/watch?v=zk2CUO8ycoU&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

thelandon said:
Verizon offered me any 4G phone on their network today sure to issues with my current phone. Among the phones the rep offered me were: Incredible 4G, Droid Razr Max, Galaxy S3, and the Galaxy Nexus. I went with the latter.
I enjoy AOSP roms, rooting, etc. Did I make the right choice, or should I have picked a next gen phone like the Galaxy S3?
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously? Do you enjoy the phone? Then you made the right choice.
****.
Sent from my rooted AOKP Galaxy Nexus via XDA Premium

For AOSP and rooting..... Nothing beats a nexus. Would have been a tough choice to pass up the S3 though..... But i probably still would have done the same as you did. After having other phones, nothing beats a nexus IMO

Best phone ever. :good:

I think you definitely have the right phone.
With that said...I think you should have gotten the S3. Sold it for $500 (would have made a quick sale at that price) then picked up a Gnex and profited $250.
That's just me though.

Hands down the best phone I have owned.. I regret trading my first one and plan on keeping this one until the next nexus.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

You picked the right phone but I would have grabbed a gs3 and sold it for ~$550 then bought a new or like new nexus and bagged ~$200.

Depends on where you live. Generally skipping on Verizon and getting the GSM nexus would have been better, IMO.
If I were to stick to Verizon, I'd get a RAZR Maxx. The s3 is great compared to most phones. Motorola makes crappy software, but you're a rooter/rommer, so that wouldn't matter.
If you look at the bigger picture, all the phones above are great, so just enjoy.
PS, Dont forget the VZN/Samsung extended battery, you'll need it.

wirelessFREAK said:
Depends on where you live. Generally skipping on Verizon and getting the GSM nexus would have been better, IMO.
If I were to stick to Verizon, I'd get a RAZR Maxx. The s3 is great compared to most phones. Motorola makes crappy software, but you're a rooter/rommer, so that wouldn't matter.
If you look at the bigger picture, all the phones above are great, so just enjoy.
PS, Dont forget the VZN/Samsung extended battery, you'll need it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Moto makes crappy software? Moto puts out probably the least Manufacturer bloated software out of any of the big names. Plus they do SOAK tests and actually take input from their users/testers (and anyone can do it, you don't have to be a somebody that knows somebody).
But with all that said...locked bootloaders suck.

honestly, s3 ain't that much improved over gnex. it's just super friggin overhyped.

Sleek69 said:
You picked the right phone but I would have grabbed a gs3 and sold it for ~$550 then bought a new or like new nexus and bagged ~$200.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't he on verizon?

Only one thing bad thing about this phone that bothers me. Speaker, i know about V+, but even with that its still the worst
I recommend a Nexus because its never meant to be a "flavor of the month phone". If the you like the specs, and you know how to use this site. Then you will love it till your next Nexus

biscuitownz said:
Isn't he on verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VZW does have the GS3...

got556 said:
VZW does have the GS3...
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Click to collapse
As in buying the s3, selling it, and buying a nexus. Wouldn't he have to activate the phone on verizon?
I'm not sure how verizon works when it comes to switching phones.

skiping S3 is strange, coming from S2 international one 2 daysago this phone lags so so that i cried , than the buttery smooth came and now its like my S2 with CM9 / official 4.04 roms. yes S2 was really fast.
but now im started to loving the phone, was never a custom rom guy, using cm9 was only custom i ever used.
now my 2 grypes.....
no stock t9 in dialer
volume of external speaker is dead mute was'nt loud on S2 but but surely better than this.
on otherhand im glad the video it takes has no frame lags like on S2 in low light.

atifsh said:
skiping S3 is strange, coming from S2 international one 2 daysago this phone lags so so that i cried , than the buttery smooth came and now its like my S2 with CM9 / official 4.04 roms. yes S2 was really fast.
but now im started to loving the phone, was never a custom rom guy, using cm9 was only custom i ever used.
now my 2 grypes.....
no stock t9 in dialer
volume of external speaker is dead mute was'nt loud on S2 but but surely better than this.
on otherhand im glad the video it takes has no frame lags like on S2 in low light.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Something is wrong with your gnex...if you find it slower than the old gs2 running buggy cm9
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

convolution said:
honestly, s3 ain't that much improved over gnex. it's just super friggin overhyped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd love to have 2gb of ram
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

If it was a choice between an S3 and a GSM gnex, I'd rather have the gnex. But if I had to be on Verizon, I'd probably take the S3. But either way, you got a good phone and shouldn't worry about it.
galaxy nexus / cyanogenmod 9
lg mytouch q / stock rooted

I come from a Samsung Galaxy Spica (I rooted and installed custom roms alot) so any new phone would be an huge improvement, but I really like the Gnex. At first I had it original unrooted and I was a bit surprised when I finally rooted my phone that it was as easy as it was. I don't feel like I could have gotten a better phone atm.

[Q] Why should I get a Galaxy S III?

So I killed my HTC G2 and with increasing frustration with T-Mobile's service and customer support and the fact that I'm a week away from my T-Mo contract ending I've been thinking of switching to a Galaxy S III. Add to that the fact that my wife wants an iPhone and has been constantly disappointed in her Vibrant (Galaxy S) and it's replacement her LG MyTouch.
Give me some reasons to make the switch. Right now I'm torn between the Galaxy S III and the HTC One X.
The other options are the Razr M on Verizon. Or some other Verizon phone (Their NFL app is REALLY tempting.)
What problems have you encountered with your phone on a daily basis? How long do you go between reboots? Battery life really isn't an issue, my G2's battery life sucked so I have chargers....everywhere.

I havent used the HTC so I cant comment on it. But I love the GS3. Its been great for me. Fast, smooth..great screen. I think the issues anyone may come across may depend on what ROM, if any they are running. The Dev support for this device is amazing. I can get well over a day sometimes 2 on a battery charge. As far as rebooting...I only reboot when I flash something. Other then that I never reboot. Maybe you should just hit your local store and play with a few different phones if your not sure. I really have nothing but good things to say about this phone.

Wait for iphone 5 or galaxy note 2
Sent from my MB865 using xda premium

I had the s3 for about a month now great phone new to rooting I flash back and fourth no problems have been expierenced on any roms even the stock rom to me is great. The downfalls to me is that I got 16 gig model for some reason u cant transfer apps to sd :yes there are hacks but its kinda ridiculius imo. And if ur a gamer this might be an issue with16 gig model I would go with the 32 and I think there is a 64 model. I would've I just tried to exchange for the 32 they don't carry it. Well out of the two I would get s3 over the one x I personally used it great phone but camera to me looks good because of the beautiful screen.I have AT&T so no battery removal no sd card and I just hated rooting my htc inspire that was my first root but I do like sense based roms. I will have to say this everyone who i know has one talks very bad about it these people are using stock and I don't think they get how to work the build in task manager nuff said. I debated to but I went with s3 great phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

Maaz khan said:
Wait for iphone 5 or galaxy note 2
Sent from my MB865 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got the iphone 5 for GF. In my opnion nothing so great. Especially without a JB
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

jasvncnt1 said:
Got the iphone 5 for GF. In my opnion nothing so great. Especially without a JB
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah my wife is going to get the iPhone 5, she's an Apple fanatic but I love her anyways. I've been playing around with Android since I got my G1 back when it was first released in the US.

jasvncnt1 said:
I havent used the HTC so I cant comment on it. But I love the GS3. Its been great for me. Fast, smooth..great screen. I think the issues anyone may come across may depend on what ROM, if any they are running. The Dev support for this device is amazing. I can get well over a day sometimes 2 on a battery charge. As far as rebooting...I only reboot when I flash something. Other then that I never reboot. Maybe you should just hit your local store and play with a few different phones if your not sure. I really have nothing but good things to say about this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How long did you use it before rooting it? I was actually considering using it stock for a while to see if that cut down on the number of FCs and random reboots and whatnot that I've become used to with various roms.

isobane said:
How long did you use it before rooting it? I was actually considering using it stock for a while to see if that cut down on the number of FCs and random reboots and whatnot that I've become used to with various roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I went about 2 or 3 weeks. They did a really good job with this one on stock. My opinion, I know many will disagree but I think they did a great job with touchwiz this time around so running stock wasn't bad. I had no issues with reboots or FC. I think I have been lucky cause I really haven't had issues with the custom ROM's I have tried. There are some TW things that I like. But I also like AOKP. Right now I'm running Aristodemos 3 which is TW mixed with a little AOKP so its perfect for me. That mixed with Ktoonsez kernel is an awesome match.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

isobane said:
So I killed my HTC G2 and with increasing frustration with T-Mobile's service and customer support and the fact that I'm a week away from my T-Mo contract ending I've been thinking of switching to a Galaxy S III. Add to that the fact that my wife wants an iPhone and has been constantly disappointed in her Vibrant (Galaxy S) and it's replacement her LG MyTouch.
Give me some reasons to make the switch. Right now I'm torn between the Galaxy S III and the HTC One X.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the S3 coming from an iPhone 4 so this is my first Android experience, having said that have you seen the One X+? That would be the tempting option to me. Of course you loose the SD card but it starts with 64Gb so it may not be an issue.

Only you can decide what you want. Hox doesn't have extremal card (deal breaker), and i think you can't remove the battery (i may be wrong on this point). Those 2 things are why i went with the S3.

rcook55 said:
I have the S3 coming from an iPhone 4 so this is my first Android experience, having said that have you seen the One X+? That would be the tempting option to me. Of course you loose the SD card but it starts with 64Gb so it may not be an issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Something tells me the HOX+ is going to run at high end iPhone prices and I'm severely limited so far as cost goes. Besides right now I'm on a Samsung Gravity 3 which is killing me slowly but surely. As soon as my TMO contract is up I've got to switch over so waiting for the + won't work.

i was between the one x and the gs3 back in july. the lack of removable battery and sdcard slot was a deal breaker for me. go with the gs3, amazing development support on here

jefferson9 said:
i was between the one x and the gs3 back in july. the lack of removable battery and sdcard slot was a deal breaker for me. go with the gs3, amazing development support on here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I'm a little gun shy after dealing with the wife's Vibrant (Galaxy S I)

I'm pretty sure the latest software update for the One X is still unrootable. That, along with the lack of external storage and unremovable battery, made the SIII an easy choice for me.
I mean, if you really really really care about screen quality, go with the One X, but I feel like the SIII's advantages outweigh the disadvantage of the PenTile matrix display.

Nothing wrong with the iPhone 5. My wife got it and I actually like it(came from an iPhone 4 to sgs 3). It really depends on your preferences and what works best for you.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

isobane said:
So I killed my HTC G2 and with increasing frustration with T-Mobile's service and customer support and the fact that I'm a week away from my T-Mo contract ending I've been thinking of switching to a Galaxy S III. Add to that the fact that my wife wants an iPhone and has been constantly disappointed in her Vibrant (Galaxy S) and it's replacement her LG MyTouch.
Give me some reasons to make the switch. Right now I'm torn between the Galaxy S III and the HTC One X.
The other options are the Razr M on Verizon. Or some other Verizon phone (Their NFL app is REALLY tempting.)
What problems have you encountered with your phone on a daily basis? How long do you go between reboots? Battery life really isn't an issue, my G2's battery life sucked so I have chargers....everywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why should I you get a Galaxy S III? The question is why not? :laugh:

isobane said:
I guess I'm a little gun shy after dealing with the wife's Vibrant (Galaxy S I)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I came from a Captivate, Att's version of the vibrant and there is NO comparison. The S3 has actually been the only phone Ive ever been impressed with, first Iphone included,she will love it. Wife has iphone 5 and the S3 blows it away, except for the camera. In fact, everytime she needs to browse the web she asks me for my phone.

I upgraded 2 weeks ago from a samsung infuse. So far so good with the galaxy s3, great phone, great screen. I rooted it when I got home just so I could get rid of all the AT&T bloatware. I get about 15 hours of life from my battery, but I'm always using my phone either web access or calls for work, playing games or surfing in between calls, and I have ditched my standalone GPS-this phone actually works faster than my garmin. Not to mention LTE, i'm pulling close to 50 Mbps download-way faster than my home internet thru comcast

knightblaze said:
Nothing wrong with the iPhone 5. My wife got it and I actually like it(came from an iPhone 4 to sgs 3). It really depends on your preferences and what works best for you.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing to do with the topic, but nice Wild Arms 2 reference, its my favorite one in the series.
Now onto the topic, I had the One X and S3, and while I really wanted to like the One X since it had the superior build quality, the support and extra ram + microsd slot + removable battery did it for me.

Picked up my S3 tonight. Holy fricking balls it's amazing.
Thanks to all who responded!

[Q] SIII or GN2

I am up for an upgrade tomorrow and I have been tortured with the choice between the S3 and the N2. Currently I have an Epic 4G running the bleeding edge of CM10 nighties.
Here is my dilemma. I remember the days of the Epic not having CM or AOSP support. it was not a fine time bouncing from ROM to ROM trying to avoid the random reboots while keeping the feature I wanted (WiFi tether, new OS, battery life, etc.). Samsung constantly struggling with the fact they had 5 or 6 similar but very different phones to update. Phones that were impaired by low memory and light processors
But the world has changed slightly. Samsung now has 1-2 flagship phones, still different but only in small ways which (should*) make updating them easier. I believe that updates will be better, not great, but better.
The S3 in my mind is limited by a smaller processor and less RAM then the GN2, but I'm not sure without the sources and docs if that matters at all. I thoink that samsung will eventually give the Devs everything they want but not till the S4 is out and I'm not sure how many of them will want to touch the GN2 at that point.
My hands are huge and the size of the GN2 is ideal for me, but then again the S3 is right there also.
Battery life the GN2 wins hands down, from what i have read.
S-PEN I don't know if I would ever use it, to me its much like the physical keyboard. Great to have but not necessary.
Any other insights that you could offer to help my decision making would be appreciated.

the pen isn't just a writing utensil... games are much easier with it (think fruit ninja), the hovering feature works like a mouse (such as in drop down menus that used to just think you clicked on then)
the size also matters. the day 1 of your friends/co-workers gets one an shows it to you will be the first day you start regretting the s3 for the rest of your life (I got mine and now everyone at work thinks their phone is tiny)
they will release the source eventually. sammy isn't known for disliking devs, that'd be verizon. samsung had even been known to hand free phones to the cyanogenmod team and saying "here, get to work"
I have 3 co-workers with the s3 and they all hate it now that they took a 5 minute look at my phone.
and your wrong about the timeframe for our source. the s2 got it as soon as the first update came out...
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

skyjedi said:
I am up for an upgrade tomorrow and I have been tortured with the choice between the S3 and the N2. Currently I have an Epic 4G running the bleeding edge of CM10 nighties.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have held a N2, but I don't know why folks would want a S3 if they could hold/pocket a N2 as well. Its a faster CPU, bigger screen, more battery plus a nifty tool to use as well.

I am still getting used to my GN2,but as soon as I showed people at work, they went called their carrier on released date for one. They ARE getting one. The more I use it, the more I love it. I came from an Epic 4g and I am amazed at this thing. I loaded the Nook app and sideloaded my books. I no longer use my tablet...lol...
Its like a small paperback book in my hand. I love the emails, note taking, screen, games, etc...etc...etc...I "almost" got the GSIII, but decided to wait for this.
Things I cannot do with this phone, I bike ride to work and it doesn't fit in my stem bag (E4G did). I do not keep it in my vest pocket (rear) since I am afraid of it slipping out. I now stuff it into my bag when I ride and throw my BT headset around my neck. I use my bt headset A LOT more which is fine.
Whenever anyone see it though, they fall in love..lol..I really do like it and am putting it to the test next month when I travel and leave my laptop and tablet at home.

I had the GS3 and while I loved the phone I got rid of it for the GN2. IF you need CM9 or CM10 you may want to go with the GS3 as it may not come to the GN2 due to the processor and source code. The two phones are fairly similar. My GS3 had sucky battery life and I had to use an extended battery with it and run longevity battery saver. I do not need an extended battery with the GN2, It lasts a long time, just as long as my extended battery probably. I love this thing! I only use my s pen to play draw something with.

I own both and after using the Note II for one day the GS III seems small to me...
The GS III is one BAD A$$ phone, don't get me wrong but the Note II kills it in every way!!!

Get the note 2____

Let me see, a bigger screen, a faster processor, a bigger battery. Get the GS3
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium

The sgs3 is not much of an upgrade from the Epic Touch... More like a very minor refresh. If they kept the quad core in the S3 you'd have a question worth asking.

Note2 bought

International note 2 just got first build of cm10 today ....it should not be long until its hits our device on sprint too ...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1968949
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Xparent Blue Tapatalk 2

walord said:
The sgs3 is not much of an upgrade from the Epic Touch... More like a very minor refresh. If they kept the quad core in the S3 you'd have a question worth asking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh come on...
Better, faster CPU (architecture, etc)
Higher res screen - 1280x720 (vs 800x480)
Double the memory
Bigger battery
LTE (vs WiMax, debatable)
etc...

walord said:
The sgs3 is not much of an upgrade from the Epic Touch... More like a very minor refresh. If they kept the quad core in the S3 you'd have a question worth asking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not coming from Epic touch, coming from epic 4g

skyjedi said:
Note2 bought
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You made the right decision
Edit: Tapatalk/(insert other app name here) plus Popup Browser is such a great feature.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2

Galaxy S III or Galaxy Note II?

I currently have the Galaxy S III on Sprint that I got the day it was released. However, I am switching to AT&T next week, and I don't know if I want to get the AT&T Galaxy S III or the Galaxy Note II. I love my Galaxy S III, with my one wish being that it had a quad-core processor. With the Note II, I love everything, except it seems like it might be too big. However, I have big hands, and I don't use my Galaxy S III one handed anyways. I also do a lot of texting/emailing.
What do you think? Is the Galaxy Note II worth the extra $100 or so? Does it run really fast, smooth, and speedy compared to the Galaxy S III? Also, can you use third-party keyboards using the one-handed setting like you can with the stock keyboard?
Also, is it likely that both AT&T and Samsung will keep updating the Galaxy Note II over the course of the next 18 months?

The note 2 kills the s3. I went to the att store and played with both. If you're afraid it might be too big, go to att and check it out.
Sent from my SGH-I317 using xda premium

Its a personal preference. I use my phone for lot of reading so for me Note's big 5.5" screen and 310mAh battery are plus. Thats why I traded my S3 for galaxy note 2. But remember this phone is huge to carry.

P1 Wookie said:
The note 2 kills the s3. I went to the att store and played with both. If you're afraid it might be too big, go to att and check it out.
Sent from my SGH-I317 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. The note II is bigger, faster, and has at least twice the battery life. I don't have huge hands and have no problems with it.

lathamc said:
I currently have the Galaxy S III on Sprint that I got the day it was released. However, I am switching to AT&T next week, and I don't know if I want to get the AT&T Galaxy S III or the Galaxy Note II. I love my Galaxy S III, with my one wish being that it had a quad-core processor. With the Note II, I love everything, except it seems like it might be too big. However, I have big hands, and I don't use my Galaxy S III one handed anyways.
What do you think? Is the Galaxy Note II worth the extra $100 or so? Does it run really fast, smooth, and speedy compared to the Galaxy S III? Also, can you use third-party keyboards using the one-handed setting like you can with the stock keyboard?
Also, is it likely that both AT&T and Samsung will keep updating the Galaxy Note II over the course of the next 18 months?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pick up GN2 , use for a week & if your not digging it swap to GS3.
I'm betting that you will keep the GN2

Go for the Note 2. If you've got big hands you'll get used to it. (yes, that's what she said too)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium

I had a gs3 and iphone 5 and ik here lol sold them both and here ill be for a while
you wont regret note 2
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2

Did the same thing as OP, even made a thread here about the same question. Sprung for the note 2, never looked back.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app

Same advice. Go for the Note 2. I had the first Note, but it was the international model on ATT and didn't have LTE, so I ended up getting the S3 when it came out, but I missed the Note so much. Almost went to ATT and got their version of the Note, but held out and waited for the 2, and now, its the great size, and the LTE....and its the happiest I've been with a phone in a while!

malinois16 said:
I agree. The note II is bigger, faster, and has at least twice the battery life. I don't have huge hands and have no problems with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1

Try them both out at the store - I have a Note 2 and my wife has an S3. I love my note 2 but every once in a while I pick up the s3 and it really feels like the perfect size for a phone... both are great devices imo.
lathamc said:
I currently have the Galaxy S III on Sprint that I got the day it was released. However, I am switching to AT&T next week, and I don't know if I want to get the AT&T Galaxy S III or the Galaxy Note II. I love my Galaxy S III, with my one wish being that it had a quad-core processor. With the Note II, I love everything, except it seems like it might be too big. However, I have big hands, and I don't use my Galaxy S III one handed anyways. I also do a lot of texting/emailing.
What do you think? Is the Galaxy Note II worth the extra $100 or so? Does it run really fast, smooth, and speedy compared to the Galaxy S III? Also, can you use third-party keyboards using the one-handed setting like you can with the stock keyboard?
Also, is it likely that both AT&T and Samsung will keep updating the Galaxy Note II over the course of the next 18 months?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Having had both phones I must say that if the S3 had the battery to last a day I probably wouldn't have made the switch. I'm glad it didn't and I switched. I was toying around with the idea I was going to get a tablet but was hung up on carrying around two devices. Then my girlfriend got the N2 and I started playing around and found that is the best of both worlds. The extra screen real estate and battery life is awesome. It really doesn't feel funny or big after a couple days plus I can still use it one handed and I'm not a big guy. I would suggest the N2 to anyone.

Made the switch
I just made the switch from the SGS3 to the GN2. I would agree with a previous poster that if the SGS3 had a longer battery life, I probably would not have switched. But alas, it does and I made the switch and am glad I have done so. The phone is very responsive and the battery life is fantastic. I love the S-Pen and camera.
Both are great phones. Don't forget some carriers have a 14-day return policy (at least here in CA) so you can try it out but you might be subject to a restocking fee ($35 for AT&T).

Note 2 on 4.1.2 international firmware.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda premium

I owned an SIII for about 4-5 months and I just sold it for a Note 2. It's better in EVERY way. It's so good that it's the first Android phone I probably won't bother rooting to install a custom rom. Get it and live happily ever after knowing that you own the best phone in the world. :victory:

bryanhayn said:
I owned an SIII for about 4-5 months and I just sold it for a Note 2. It's better in EVERY way. It's so good that it's the first Android phone I probably won't bother rooting to install a custom rom. Get it and live happily ever after knowing that you own the best phone in the world. :victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd agree...the stock ROM was surprisingly good. I keep considering going back to it...