In a bit of a dilemma between the GNex and the N4 - Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Right now, I have an Xperia X8. I've had this phone for over a year, and it's my first smartphone ever. During this year, I've flashed a lot so I know the basics around that stuff. And that's why I fell in love with Nexus phones. No possibilities of bricking your phone with just simply unlocking your bootloader (which I've done with my X8 once) and stuff like that.
Problem is, I currently live in Macedonia. Here, the new GNex costs 300 euros with a one year warranty. There's still no Nexus 4 here, but my friend's dad is in the US right now, and he may be able to buy one for me, but he'll be back here in about 2 months. And I can get the GNex in less than a week here. I already have the money as well. If he buys the Nexus 4 for me from the US, it'll cost about 300-320 euros. So the price is pretty much the same.
Now here's the problem: I don't know if I should wait for the Nexus 4, or just buy the GNex. I've been really impatient about buying a new phone. My brother bought a GNex a couple of weeks ago, and it's really good, especially for my standards.
The Nexus 4 is basically a performance upgrade, but mostly in heavy gaming. And I'm not really a heavy gamer. I only play small games like Temple Run and stuff like that, and not so frequently. And those run very smoothly in my brother's GNex. Even NFS:MW runs smoothly, and it's a heavy game.
What I don't like about the N4 though, is the fact that it's completely made of glass and there's a big chance I can break it. Plus, if I buy it from the US, the charger won't be compatible here. And I'm afraid that if I use some other one, it may not be good for the phone's battery. But that's just a theory of mine, not sure if it's actually true. And I've read that many people have had to exchange their original shipments because of some hardware factory bugs. And there's no possible way I can exchange mine.
Your input would be greatly appreciated. I really have no idea what to do. I'm leaning more towards the GNex though.
TLDR: Have to wait 2 months for Nexus 4, and less than a week for a new GNex. Same price here. Which one should I buy?
I also created this thread in the Nexus 4 Q&A section, but I want to hear your opinion as well. If this is against the forum rules, please feel free to remove it.

get rhe Gnex if you dont mind changing phone in around 1.5 years later .. if i were you i would get the N4 as it would last me at least 2 ears with google updates and around +1 more year from xda dev updates ~ hoped i helped ><

-Jesco- said:
get rhe Gnex if you dont mind changing phone in around 1.5 years later .. if i were you i would get the N4 as it would last me at least 2 ears with google updates and around +1 more year from xda dev updates ~ hoped i helped ><
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I'm sure I'll be able to change my phone 1.5 years later. And I'm pretty sure Google will keep updating the GNex as it's definitely a phone that can handle newer android versions. If not, like you said, XDA dev updates will help me out. But I'm really afraid of getting the N4 because of the great distance between Macedonia and the USA. What if it came with some manufacturer bugs? I'd die then. Like I said, the fake cheap charger I'd get here might make the battery worse, and the phone itself can be broken really easily :crying:

the gnex is great but you are saying that the price is same for both so i would say get the n4...

I love my g'nex, but I'd say n4. Is always a good idea to get the newest most powerful when your buying a new electronic, especially for the same price. As for hardware defects, the g'nex had all kind of hardware defect reports when it came out also. You have to keep in mind the users with problems are the ones complaining, if you don't have problems you don't say anything making defects look worse than they are.
Of course if you simply want an update now instead of in 2 months the g'nex is still an awesome device.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Okay guys, thanks a lot for your replies. I guess I'm gonna have to talk to my dad's friend about the N4.

I currently own the GN, but tomorrow by N4 should be arriving... so probably tomorrow I would be able to give you a better comparison. I would definitely wait the extra couple of months and get the N4... it's a year newer and has way better specs. My GN doesn't feel as snappy with 4.2 as it did with 4.1.2 (unless it's all in my head). I think 4.2 is a tiny bit more bloated... and that is probably the reason why they dropped the support for Nexus S.
As for charger compatibility... don't all android phones use microUSB chargers now? I use my HTC Desire and GN chargers on my my GN interchangably... and sometimes borrow chargers from Blackberry users at work. To be sure, you could check the specs on the charger to make sure they match (they're usually written on the plug).

I do love my GNex, its a really good phone and im sure that i will stay with it for more time. I think N4 doesnt justify an update, if you already have a GNex, but since its not your case I would recommend the N4 for very simple reasons... GNex still a top device and for sure it can handle the job for quite some time, but N4 is newer and has better specs. Unless the price difference between them is enormous, like it is here in Brazil.
Hope it helped, cheers.

Related

Convince me why i shouldnt have buyers remorse! :/

Hey guys, i just order a pair of GNs for myself and so, though im now having buyers remorse.
I love the look of the nexus, though i just feel as i mad a bad decision and should of gone with the Note, S2, htc one S, or even the X.
for one, it will most likely have the best deveolper support and nothing rivals vanilla ics
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
That is to bad I am having Buyers Rejoice. Never had such a great phone. Let alone the best phone on the market.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Well, do you take so many calls you need two phones?
I'd feel remorse too in that case
adrynalyne said:
Well, do you take so many calls you need two phones?
I'd feel remorse too in that case
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Haha no, so = significant other (fiance)
natious said:
Haha no, so = significant other (fiance)
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Oh well, in that case, no.
My wife loves hers.
That said there is always remorse in buying a 5 month old device. It is a dinosaur in tech terms; even if the software is cutting edge.
I would say take it back and get the phone you want.
The GN is a great device. The developer support is great if you wish to try all kinds of amazing ROMS. But even if you don't, the GN is a great stock. I love not having to hack my device to remove all the bloat. Just stock ICS. But as someone else said, its about 5 months old. Something to remember. Devices will always come out. But I am not sure if I would buy it today. Not with the HTC One X out (import). And the Galaxy S 3 is more than likely going to be a device worth upgrading for. In short, its up to you.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I came from the sgs2 and I can honestly say this phone is far superior. I havent tried the one s yet so I cant speak for that.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I for one came from the MyTouch 4G slide, and couldn't he happier.
The developer support on that phone is pretty much dead, and I actually got used to have no physical keyboard really fast.
This phone is fast, gorgeous, and its so relieving not having to worry about crap like Sense, or Blur from my previous phone the Motorola Cliq.
Sense 4.0 looks nice, but vanilla ICS is so much more beautiful without the extra bloat.
As for the hardware, I want a phone that can do everything a phone should, with a bit of extra fun, and this does just that.
Running games at ~50FPS is great, I don't see why I need a quad core phone to have them run at ~60FPS, at the risk of more battery consumption for little significant gain. There is no future proofing since a year down the line you will switch again; and by that time, your phone will still be just as powerful.
Hell, the G1 is still a great phone if you use it as one.
natious said:
Hey guys, i just order a pair of GNs for myself and so, though im now having buyers remorse.
I love the look of the nexus, though i just feel as i mad a bad decision and should of gone with the Note, S2, htc one S, or even the X.
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Click to collapse
sounds like you dont know what you want and will probably feel the same with any of those phones.
Early May could very well be the announcement of the Galaxy S XXX super duper HD and I'd still not care. If it's not a GSM Nexus, it's not for me, because of the myriad of reasons already covered in this forum.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
Spec wise, the HTC One X kinda beats the Nexus but isn't as fast in real use because of Sense 4.0. The only phone to beat the Nexus will be the Galaxy S3, but that usually will become the basis for the next Nexus anyway, so you just have to choose which cycle to get on, the Nexus Cycle or the Galaxy S Cycle. Stock Google and latest Firmware make the Nexus Cycle a no-brainer. I just hope you got a deal on the Nexus(s) because they are dirt cheap now (~$450)
I enjoy AOSP and the ease of modding with this device. Sure there might be other devices coming out w/ newer tech, but I don't think I can stand skins anymore. Even de-sensed and de-blurred don't cut it anymore.
I always get buyers remorse so can't really help you there. All I can say is that I wish i'd waited for SGS3 because if it's anything like the SGS2, which blows the nexus out of the water in every way but the screen, then I will be having a very very bad case of buyers remorse on 3rd May lol.
As for helping with your buyers remorse, if you like the look and feel of the phone, and can live with some minor flaws like the odd bit of lag, you will be ok with this phone.
dnlsmy said:
Spec wise, the HTC One X kinda beats the Nexus but isn't as fast in real use because of Sense 4.0. The only phone to beat the Nexus will be the Galaxy S3, but that usually will become the basis for the next Nexus anyway, so you just have to choose which cycle to get on, the Nexus Cycle or the Galaxy S Cycle. Stock Google and latest Firmware make the Nexus Cycle a no-brainer. I just hope you got a deal on the Nexus(s) because they are dirt cheap now (~$450)
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$429 NIB + 2 years warranty shipped(each), so it was a pretty good deal.
I like what you're saying and i think that will be my plan of attack and just upgrade every nexus release, even if i had waited for the GS3 i wouldn't of been able to pick 2 of them up, I'm guessing they are going to be $800-$900.
Well thanks guys i feel a little better, im using a desire Z at the moment so it should be a big leap.
natious said:
$429 NIB + 2 years warranty shipped(each), so it was a pretty good deal.
I like what you're saying and i think that will be my plan of attack and just upgrade every nexus release, even if i had waited for the GS3 i wouldn't of been able to pick 2 of them up, I'm guessing they are going to be $800-$900.
Well thanks guys i feel a little better, im using a desire Z at the moment so it should be a big leap.
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I don't think you'll have remorse. You're getting a great package, great price and updating to 4.0.4 will be awesome. And if you're a tinkerer it can only get better. Just think, a lot of us paid over $700 and don't regret it at all, even with the small problems we've had. And if you're already on xda, free tech support. Notice I said tech support and not noob support.
bow chicka wow wow.
dnlsmy said:
Spec wise, the HTC One X kinda beats the Nexus but isn't as fast in real use because of Sense 4.0.
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+1. I've had the Desire and Desire HD before getting the GN and I must say every phone I've come across with Sense on it has been so poorly coded that it's had FPS issues just swiping from homescreen to homescreen.
The HTC One without Sense will best the GN hands down when stripped of Sense but I can't help but think (despite not having used one) that it will still struggle to run at a fluid ~59fps with Sense on it.
The Galaxy Nexus like all Nexus phones is a reference phone, Android as Google intended without all the extra manufacturers add to it (ie Sense, Touchwiz, Motoblur, etc.) which some people may actually like. If you like Sense then a HTC One might be the way to go for you.
My biggest thing with Android phones is developer support. I personally am coming from a HTC Thunderbolt, which at the time was great, a ton of developers, ROMS, MODS....life was nice. Then, the Nexus came out, and within a month about 75% of the developers had jumped ship, updates were slow, and it just wasn't fun anymore.
So that said here is my list of things I look for when buying a new phone
1. Good Developer Support (Pretty much guaranteed for Nexus phones)
2. Style, Build, and Accessories (I would say HTC usually takes this, but Sammy is catching up)
3. Newness of Technology (You don't want a phone that is still using 2 year old tech. However, the newest tech is not the best bet either, since this creates issues with developers being able to take advantage of the latest and greatest in their ROMS. The thunderbolt was a perfect example, it was the first with 4G LTE, which was a nightmare for developers to get the ROMS working right. Till this day CM7 is still not an official build on the Thunderbolt.
4. Resale Value - Lets be honest you do not have an Apple Device which gets good resale prices due to its limited lineup. However, Nexus phones often keep better resale then their counterparts just due to the fact it is a Nexus phone. I usually trade up every year, sell the old one with its accessories for about 300 and use it to buy the next one. This allows you to get the latest and greatest every year, for about the same price of an upgrade or cheaper.
I'd buy the GN in a heartbeat at prices now... ~$440 unlocked.
This device feels way more solid than the Galaxy S2 that my SO has.

I wonder if I'm the only one ...

who would rather not hear about a phone months before it might be available on my carrier of choice.
I'd like more focus on what's available now, how to fine tune it and get more life out of it than knowing a company is spending tons of money baiting us with what might one day be. Frankly I get really annoyed when that next best phone doesn't show up on my carrier.
I'd much prefer waking up one morning and bam newer, better phone from Samsung without even knowing it was coming.
I personally think it's one of the reasons many of us (me, me, me) struggle to hang onto a device for any length of time and, of course, that's likely why they do what they do. Get us lusting for the next, best, greatest thing ever so that by the time it's finally out we're ravenous to have it. Only for me, it totally backfired with the Nexus. When it was first announced I was gonna be first in line to buy it, but by now, meh I'll wait and see what's next.
Just a rambling thought.
My buddy got the VW Nexus and is taking it back for the razr maxx. He has had one problem after another, like the phone crashes and goes a boot loop if you turn on wifi.
The screen isn't really bigger thanks to the on screen buttons, my phone has more useful area. Its not worth it IMO, especially since I'm running ICS already on this...
I feel ya. Sprint got me with the evo, I bought the hero thirty two days before. When the galaxy 2 came out I didn't hesitate waiting for the nexus.
Ima pass on the galaxy 3, cause three months later a better phone will come to sprint with all the LTE bugs fixed.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
It's just a phone to me. I don't even care about what new ones are coming out because it seems way too expensive to be updating every few months. I can't justify spending that much money that often on a phone.
I stuck with my old phone for two years and can easily live with this phone for two years.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
I prefer the phones just show up on my doorstep when available.
sfhub said:
I prefer the phones just show up on my doorstep when available.
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Sfhub, are you keeping your Epic Touch for a while?
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Xparent Blue Tapatalk 2
I don't mind hearing about the new phones. I've come to an understanding that I will always have the coolest, greatest, best-est thing for 3 months, and then it gets replaced by something better.
The thing to remember is that the hardware doesn't get "old" it's that the software gets "newer". It's the same story with computers. You could have a Pentium computer, running Windows 3.1 and Word 5.0 and it will work like a charm. It's when you decide to try to put Windows 7 on that computer that the hardware fails you.
Our phones are the same. Take all the apps out now that work like a charm with your phone, install them, work with them and your phone should work just as well now as it will in 2 years. It's the fact that new apps come out that demand more from the processor, use the better camera, take advantage of better sound, and now your phone has"aged"
This is just the way the tech industry is. Hence why Moore's law is still in effect
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moore's_law
Just my 2 cents
Im upgrading to the Tmobile g1
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
JohnCorleone said:
Sfhub, are you keeping your Epic Touch for a while?
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Most likely.
Personally I would much rather know when a new phone is coming so I don't buy a phone a month or 2 before a better phone comes out. And I disagree that a better phone comes out every three months. The GSII came out like a year ago ( and almost a year ago in the US) and its still arguably the best phone out there. The Nexus doesn't have as good as hardware and personally I cannot understand why anyone would downgrade from a SGII to a Nexus, that's beyond me...The Note has a bigger screen and even though I woud like to have one its not worth it with the SGIII almost here. As for the HTC One X it probably is a little better than the SGII but honestly not by much. I think its crazy that HTC's new flagship phone has just about the exact same specs as Samsung's year old phone. What were they thinking (and I like HTC phones but the SGIII will blow it out of the water). So in conclusion if your phone is outdated in 3 months you either bought the phone late after it came out or you bought a crappy phone.
d12unk13astard said:
Im upgrading to the Tmobile g1
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
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So Jelly ...
Personally I would much rather know when a new phone is coming so I don't buy a phone a month or 2 before a better phone comes out. And I disagree that a better phone comes out every three months. The GSII came out like a year ago ( and almost a year ago in the US) and its still arguably the best phone out there. The Nexus doesn't have as good as hardware and personally I cannot understand why anyone would downgrade from a SGII to a Nexus, that's beyond me...The Note has a bigger screen and even though I woud like to have one its not worth it with the SGIII almost here. As for the HTC One X it probably is a little better than the SGII but honestly not by much. I think its crazy that HTC's new flagship phone has just about the exact same specs as Samsung's year old phone. What were they thinking (and I like HTC phones but the SGIII will blow it out of the water). So in conclusion if your phone is outdated in 3 months you either bought the phone late after it came out or you bought a crappy phone.
sorry double post
brekec88 said:
Personally I would much rather know when a new phone is coming so I don't buy a phone a month or 2 before a better phone comes out. And I disagree that a better phone comes out every three months. The GSII came out like a year ago ( and almost a year ago in the US) and its still arguably the best phone out there. The Nexus doesn't have as good as hardware and personally I cannot understand why anyone would downgrade from a SGII to a Nexus, that's beyond me...The Note has a bigger screen and even though I woud like to have one its not worth it with the SGIII almost here. As for the HTC One X it probably is a little better than the SGII but honestly not by much. I think its crazy that HTC's new flagship phone has just about the exact same specs as Samsung's year old phone. What were they thinking (and I like HTC phones but the SGIII will blow it out of the water). So in conclusion if your phone is outdated in 3 months you either bought the phone late after it came out or you bought a crappy phone.
sorry double post
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But see that's part of what I'm talking about. I too am waiting for the SGSIII but we have no idea if it will even make it to Sprint.
I've never waited an entire 2yrs or 22months whatever the limit is to upgrade a phone. I've bought several of mine at full price because I do like shiny new gadgets but only if they are an actual upgrade. For example, I was peeved at wasting an early upgrade on the stupid Evo 3D thinking it was an upgrade from the OG Evo, in my opinion it wasn't and I couldn't wait to drop that stupid phone when the E4GT came out.
Now that I'm getting more comfortable with flashing custom ROMs and themes I can see myself hanging onto my phone for longer than I normally would, heck I've already had it for almost 8 months which is a record for me.
If the SGSIII comes out and Sprint gets it (or a good variation of it) then I'll be all over that, I just hate the months and months of speculation that, for us, usually amounts to jack squat.
Esoteric68 said:
But see that's part of what I'm talking about. I too am waiting for the SGSIII but we have no idea if it will even make it to Sprint.
I've never waited an entire 2yrs or 22months whatever the limit is to upgrade a phone. I've bought several of mine at full price because I do like shiny new gadgets but only if they are an actual upgrade. For example, I was peeved at wasting an early upgrade on the stupid Evo 3D thinking it was an upgrade from the OG Evo, in my opinion it wasn't and I couldn't wait to drop that stupid phone when the E4GT came out.
Now that I'm getting more comfortable with flashing custom ROMs and themes I can see myself hanging onto my phone for longer than I normally would, heck I've already had it for almost 8 months which is a record for me.
If the SGSIII comes out and Sprint gets it (or a good variation of it) then I'll be all over that, I just hate the months and months of speculation that, for us, usually amounts to jack squat.
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I have heard (might be or not be true) from several sources not only will sprint get it but will also get it first in the US. I love changing phones often as well and have been contemplating switching to Att pay as you go or Straighttalk pay as you go. Its only 50 a month for unlimited everything and you can just buy international unlocked phones. Also Att and straittalk(they use Att towers) have faster data speeds. Plus international phones are always release first.
brekec88 said:
I have heard (might be or not be true) from several sources not only will sprint get it but will also get it first in the US. I love changing phones often as well and have been contemplating switching to Att pay as you go or Straighttalk pay as you go. Its only 50 a month for unlimited everything and you can just buy international unlocked phones. Also Att and straittalk(they use Att towers) have faster data speeds. Plus international phones are always release first.
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+1 Tried to talk my wife into straight talk myself.. As long as you don't go over 2gb of data you should be good. I must admit it's still tempting.. sell the Epic and get a new GSM nexus for $399
sent from my Epic Touch
coldblooded79 said:
+1 Tried to talk my wife into straight talk myself.. As long as you don't go over 2gb of data you should be good. I must admit it's still tempting.. sell the Epic and get a new GSM nexus for $399
sent from my Epic Touch
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Why the heck would you do that Nexus is a downgrade...Just wait for GS3 and if you can't wait grab the HTC One X for only $150 more than the Nexus, then just sell it for a SG3 if you like more. And Straight talk seems good but was leaning towards Att Go phone $50 plan, you get unlimited EVERYTHING, you just have to activate it in a dumb phone like a motarola Razr and switch the Sim card. I know it sounds to good to be true but ive done research and others on XDA say it works.
brekec88 said:
Personally I would much rather know when a new phone is coming so I don't buy a phone a month or 2 before a better phone comes out. And I disagree that a better phone comes out every three months. The GSII came out like a year ago ( and almost a year ago in the US) and its still arguably the best phone out there. The Nexus doesn't have as good as hardware and personally I cannot understand why anyone would downgrade from a SGII to a Nexus, that's beyond me...The Note has a bigger screen and even though I woud like to have one its not worth it with the SGIII almost here. As for the HTC One X it probably is a little better than the SGII but honestly not by much. I think its crazy that HTC's new flagship phone has just about the exact same specs as Samsung's year old phone. What were they thinking (and I like HTC phones but the SGIII will blow it out of the water). So in conclusion if your phone is outdated in 3 months you either bought the phone late after it came out or you bought a crappy phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed with everything you said 100%

Talk Me Into the S3

Here is the situation:
I am a 23 year old CIS Grad who loves technology, computers, and my phone.
Current Phone - iPhone 4 (Needed trusty OS and previously had a Fascinate, Droid, iPhone 3G)
Carrier - Verizon
Upgrade Available? - Yes
Reasons I am on iOS
I steered clear of Android over the last few years because they release so many phones that I always feel that I will get the short end of the stick, see a newer, better phone, and want to kill myself.
Android Updates are just inconsistent (unless you have a Nexus, which is already outdated).
Reasons I Shouldn't Be on iOS
I love customizing my phone
I love rooting my phone
I love experimenting with the OS
So, should I get the Samsung Galaxy S III?
Wait for a newer, better phone this holiday season?
Other phones I am interested in -
HTC 8X
I'd wait for note 2 or next nexus. The next nexus is gonna be announced at tje end of this month
Sent from Galaxy SIII
It's not an iPhone!
Sent from my BAKED SIII
I know that lol. I hate the iPhone. I am not in support of companies who fail to innovate. I just needed a reliable phone and at that time, it was the most reliable.
Well we already have jelly Bean albeit it's a leak but near perfect
Removable battery
Wires that don't cost a fortune
Hd display
Has a perfect weight/thickness (my friends complain about it being too thin)(not joking or sarcasm from them)
Google maps will forever be> Apple maps
No camera problems (iPhone has that pink thing)
Removable battery
Cdma versions already have cm10 and miui and paranoid and aosp and aokp
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
VikingoRMCF said:
It's not an iPhone!
Sent from my BAKED SIII
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gtuansdiamm said:
Well we already have jelly Bean albeit it's a leak but near perfect
Removable battery
Writes that don't cost a fortune
Hd display
Has a perfect weight/thickness (my friends complain about it being too thin)(not joking or sarcasm from them)
Google maps will forever be> Apple maps
No camera problems (iPhone has that pink thing)
Removable battery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you think I should wait until October 29th (Next Nexus announcement) or buy the S3 now?
gjsii13 said:
So you think I should wait until October 29th (Next Nexus announcement) or buy the S3 now?
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I would get the S3 over the new nexus any day. Only for one reason though LG is making it and I will never own something from LG again. I have had bad luck with LG everything and I mean everything I have ever bought that was LG was complete **** IMO. Even with it beaning a new nexus I feel the S3 still is far more superior. Good luck on your choice.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
I rather throw my money in the trash then to buy an iPhone.

			
				
Have the s3 love it best android phone I have owned. Gonna probably get the note 2 since its a s3 on steroids.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
I find it funny that one of your reasons for avoiding Android has been because of the wide variety of choices, fearing that as soon as you purchase a phone it'll already be outdated.....
So to remedy this you went ahead and chose a proprietary phone that was outdated 6 months before it was even available to purchase!
ICS is good on the S3. With the right custom TW ROM, you get good speed, a smooth UI, good battery life, and that it's easier to use than GB (my wife has the Conquer 4G).
I've used the JB leak though, and can confirm its faster, easier to use, provides better battery life, and seems to have enabled better data speeds (although, this could just be a placebo) than my current favorite TW ICS ROM. I believe KLP will see even more improvements, and that's due out towards the end of the month (rumor has it).
As far as phone hardware goes. This is technology. Of course it will be outshine shortly after release! The market is competitive,and that means the consumer wins. You can't go wrong in getting the SGS3 right now. Likewise, if you wanted to wait, nobody would blame you for holding out for the Note 2, or a new Nexus device, or HTC's answer to the SGS3, or the SGS4.....I could keep going because there'll always be something around the corner.
So break out of the pen, sell your wool, leave the apple where it fell and get yourself a phone that you've researched and are confident meets your needs - then come back here to XDA, do more research (use search please), and make your device unique, one-of-a-kind, and expect the best from your device.
Cause that's what XDA's all about...enabling probability in the natural pursuit of demanding excellence from the things we enjoy.
Samsung Galaxy S3
OdexedBlue ROM
LI3 Stock Kernel
LIF Baseband
XDA Premium - Support our developers, modders, & themers!
gjsii13 said:
Here is the situation:
I am a 23 year old CIS Grad who loves technology, computers, and my phone.
Current Phone - iPhone 4 (Needed trusty OS and previously had a Fascinate, Droid, iPhone 3G)
Carrier - Verizon
Upgrade Available? - Yes
Reasons I am on iOS
I steered clear of Android over the last few years because they release so many phones that I always feel that I will get the short end of the stick, see a newer, better phone, and want to kill myself.
Android Updates are just inconsistent (unless you have a Nexus, which is already outdated).
Reasons I Shouldn't Be on iOS
I love customizing my phone
I love rooting my phone
I love experimenting with the OS
So, should I get the Samsung Galaxy S III?
Wait for a newer, better phone this holiday season?
Other phones I am interested in -
HTC 8X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd wait for the fall/winter offerings
I have only owned 4 smartphones so my opinion may not be on great use. However I thoroughly enjoy the S3 and have to say it is my favorite phone..plus I haven't even rooted it yet. My first smartphone was an iPhone 3g so of course I loved it, but when I got my Inspire I never looked back. I rooted my Inspire and flashed the hell out of it. Every other week it felt like I had a new phone with new tips and tricks to learn. I never felt like my phone was outdated although it was.
After I was eligible to upgrade I picked up an Evo 4G Lte which I ended up returning. The only things I miss are the build quality and audio quality. I'm not saying the S3 doesn't have good sound because it does, and it is much louder than the Evo was. The build quality is fine as well, but I liked the kickstand and "metal" body. Regardless of those two factors I still love my S3. I have yet to root it and feel that if I do I will love it that much more. I also feel that with the internals, screen, and software this phone is packing, it is a definite winner. ICS/JB are both very good operating systems and feel much more fluid and closer to the level of "quality" someone who buys an iPhone might expect. The community here is also great which is another reason that I'm sticking with the droid.
gjsii13 said:
[*]I steered clear of Android over the last few years because they release so many phones that I always feel that I will get the short end of the stick, see a newer, better phone, and want to kill myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, that's one of the things I like about android phones. With so many OEMs competing, you get slightly better phones every few months or so. Better processor, better screen, better camera, NFC, new design etc. So you get gradual progress over the year. With iPhone (at least starting with the 4s) you get slight progress once a year.
To paraphrase NWA, the SGS3's the motherf*cker that's built to last.
Don't buy lg
S3 is future proof
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
S3 is a great phone no doubt. But it should be easy to pick between it and the Note 2 because they are in different catagories. Do you want a phone that also doubles as a small tablet or just a phone? IMO the Note 2 is too big for someone that wants just a phone but I realize that is not always the case.
Other thing to consider is the sooner you upgrade the sooner you can upgrade next time. Also, the S3 is going to be cheaper on the upgrade since it has dropped in price while the Note 2 or any of the new phones are gonna cost more.
Not trying to sway either way just giving some things to consider.
New dock, and the headphone jack is on the bott..........oh damn never mind. In all seriousness I would just wait, you hit the nail on the head about all the different android phones that come out after the release of the newest thing. You will never have the latest android phone on contract unless you have money to burn.
The S3 is a fantastic phone and will hold me over for the time being and plus I bought the plan from bestbuy that gives me the most bang for my buck if I want to get something else before my two years is up. I would not recommend buying any lg phone even if it is a nexus device.
Do you plan on staying with Verizon and what type of plan do you have with them? Hell if you could spare the cash, find an s3 for sale locally and save that upgrade.
Jfree3000 said:
New dock, and the headphone jack is on the bott..........oh damn never mind. In all seriousness I would just wait, you hit the nail on the head about all the different android phones that come out after the release of the newest thing. You will never have the latest android phone on contract unless you have money to burn.
The S3 is a fantastic phone and will hold me over for the time being and plus I bought the plan from bestbuy that gives me the most bang for my buck if I want to get something else before my two years is up. I would not recommend buying any lg phone even if it is a nexus device.
Do you plan on staying with Verizon and what type of plan do you have with them? Hell if you could spare the cash, find an s3 for sale locally and save that upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to stick with Verizon. My plan is through a company. I don't believe the Note 2 will ever come to Verizon.
I am not as petrified of LG as most of you, but I'm also not content with it either.
To those of you basically saying I am an Apple fanboy or iOS junkie, thats just simply false. I only bought the iPhone 4 because of how frustrated I was at Samsung with its Fascinate support and the speed at which Android released new firmwares that were incompatibile with almost every phone except the Nexus.
I cannot stand iOS, I just didn't feel like shelling out $600+ while under contract for a phone that saw less support (albeit with more features than the iPhone).
I am worried about spending my contract on the GS3 because Key Lime Pie is due out soon, and technically the S3 doesn't even have Jelly Bean yet.
I know a KLP rom will be out but I would prefer a KLP based rom.
If you're a tech enthusiast, I don't think you need us to talk you into it. Look at the stats, make up your own mind. Think for yourself.
Obviously you come into this forum you're going to get skewed results. Go into an iPhone forum and tell them you're thinking of switching to Android and see what their consensus is.
That being said, I have had zero problems with my SIII and I don't think I'll have any regrets about buying it until I'm eligible for a new phone.
The advancements that have been made in Android the past 1.5-2 years are incredible to say the least.

Get GNex or ...

I ended up smashing my Samsung Galaxy at the gym two days ago. I bought it in May 2011 and it has been such a sweet device. Instead of getting the phone repaired I thought I may as well just buy a new one. I have been keeping a close eye on the speculation for the conference next week and I've been doing some research on Androids offerings. Please keep in mind I am a university student and whilst I am prepared to spend quite a bit on a new unlocked, device, $500 is more-or-less my limit. 16gb of storage is fine for me too. I have an iPod touch for my music. (keep in mind i'm in Australia).
Option 1: Nexus 4. If the rumoured specs on the LG Nexus are true, and the price is below $500 this would be my first preference.
Option 2: Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Typically because I love the true google experience. I had CM10 and Slim Bean ROMs on my SGS1 before it broke. This is more-or-less $330 online for the 16gb version. Big advantage of having quick, direct Android OS updates too.
Option 3: Samsung Galaxy S3. This is a monster phone, the only thing that concerns me is the size of the phone, especially once a protective cover has been added to it. I can be a little bit reckless and would prefer to keep a cover on it. The specs on this are insane, however the price is around $470 (for 32gb) and I am very hesitant to root the phone this time round. I am also not the biggest fan of touchwiz.
I have also kept in mind that the prices of SGS3 and the GNex are likely to drop after the new phones are unveiled. I am really looking for experiences that people have with these two phones as well. Complaints and recommendations would be great!
Cheers
FYI
There are thousands of threads like this. Please do a search. You will get your answer definitely!
Definitely wait it out til next week.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
I would wait a week if you can. If the nexus 4 is a dud then at least the galaxy Nexus will be cheaper.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
The LG Nexus 4, or whatever it will be called will undoubtedly be better than the GNex. Wait a week.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I moved from galaxy S to Gnex in Aug and quite happy with the experience(stability n performance)... will probably never buy anything other than the nexus phone.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Re: option 3 - The SGS3 is no bigger physically than the Nexus (either LG or Samsung) so your point about it being too big is unfounded.
I'd also wait and see what the LGN4 is like, even though I am not a fan of LGs quality control (worse than Samsung TBH).
tameracingdriver said:
Re: option 3 - The SGS3 is no bigger physically than the Nexus (either LG or Samsung) so your point about it being too big is unfounded.
I'd also wait and see what the LGN4 is like, even though I am not a fan of LGs quality control (worse than Samsung TBH).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
I bought my Gnex very recently, was hesitating with SGS3 and the 2 things that made me chose Gnex over SGS3 are :
- price (well i sometimes act rational)
- that awful glossy plastic of SGS3
I'll definitively have a look at LGN4 but if I go on being reasonable, I'll keep my Gnex and buy a Nexus tab instead...
I would get the galaxy nexus again. I personally love this phone so much and don't care that its getting out dated. I see myself using it for at least the next year (just got it a month ago from the play store). But that being said I would hold out if possible as the price may drop when the new nexus hits.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
tameracingdriver said:
Re: option 3 - The SGS3 is no bigger physically than the Nexus (either LG or Samsung) so your point about it being too big is unfounded.
I'd also wait and see what the LGN4 is like, even though I am not a fan of LGs quality control (worse than Samsung TBH).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I`m also verry sattisfied with the Gnex but i will have a look at the Google LG!
Get the Note 2.. awesome battery life and great screen
get the gnex
Wait for the LG Nexus! Its pretty much confirmed. Just gotta wait for it to be released to see pricing etc.
go for gnexus i have nexus s before now is all more smooth and cool screen
Thanks all for your replies.
I will wait til next Monday to see what Android bring out.
EDIT: If the LG Nexus is revealed as expected with all the rumoured specs, should I be worried that the battery is not replaceable? I've seen so many people with iPhone battery issues but then again this isn't Apple.
I don't think you will have much issues with your battery. I have never had any issues with my battery's on any of my phones (including gnex, dinc, and gs3). The only thing I would be worried about with the battery is if the phone locks up you can't pull the battery, but I am pretty sure you can hard reset it with volume + power.
BlueCuda said:
I don't think you will have much issues with your battery. I have never had any issues with my battery's on any of my phones (including gnex, dinc, and gs3). The only thing I would be worried about with the battery is if the phone locks up you can't pull the battery, but I am pretty sure you can hard reset it with volume + power.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm thanks. Hopefully the phone is reasonably priced to buy unlocked!
I'm planning on getting the GNex very soon. I could care less about outdated hardware, as I've spent the last two years on a KIN device (A weird pre-Windows-Phone Windows Phone) and an LG EnV3. The GNex has the added benefit of always getting immediate OTA updates, and when the time comes (And it will come... ) to start playing, I know I have a fabulous development community to immerse myself in and hopefully contribute to. The user experience ALWAYS outweighs an edge in hardware.
Also, price is a huge deal for me, as I'm on a student budget. I can't run around and drop $200-300 on some shiny new toy that came out, when I drop similar moneys on a monthly basis to get to school and back. So yes, the fact that I can get a LTE Galaxy Nexus for $30 off of Amazon and continue my Verizon contract is a fairly big selling point for me.
That being said, if Verizon were to get the new Nexus device and it happened to be reasonably cheap (Say, $100 or below) then I would likely shell out for that. However, those chances are slim to none, so I reckon I'm safe.
Hope this helps.
Purpeltendire said:
I'm planning on getting the GNex very soon. I could care less about outdated hardware, as I've spent the last two years on a KIN device (A weird pre-Windows-Phone Windows Phone) and an LG EnV3. The GNex has the added benefit of always getting immediate OTA updates, and when the time comes (And it will come... ) to start playing, I know I have a fabulous development community to immerse myself in and hopefully contribute to. The user experience ALWAYS outweighs an edge in hardware.
Also, price is a huge deal for me, as I'm on a student budget. I can't run around and drop $200-300 on some shiny new toy that came out, when I drop similar moneys on a monthly basis to get to school and back. So yes, the fact that I can get a LTE Galaxy Nexus for $30 off of Amazon and continue my Verizon contract is a fairly big selling point for me.
That being said, if Verizon were to get the new Nexus device and it happened to be reasonably cheap (Say, $100 or below) then I would likely shell out for that. However, those chances are slim to none, so I reckon I'm safe.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in Australia so it works a bit different here. I'm also on a student budget but I work weekly and earn a reasonable income to purchase a ~$400 device which is just over a weeks pay for me atm.
get the Galaxy Nexus. The LG Nexus 4 will look similiar to it. The blacks on Galaxy Nexus' super AMOLED HD screen are stunning.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Poll: Reason we as people buy a new phone and whats the motive/selling point

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
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
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
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
Click to expand...
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.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Sent from my GT-I9505G using xda premium
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using xda premium
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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