Develop Bugs

My Pros & Cons Of The Galaxy Nexus And T989 And Why I Came Back

This was made on the go, just some quick thoughts and my opinion.
T989
Pros:
Camera Quality
Extended Memory
Battery Life
Double Development(Can flash skyrocket roms)
Pentaband
1.5 GHZ Processor(Can OC to 1.7/1. 8)
Quick Bootup
Mass Storage
Fast GPS Lock
ICS Coming
More Choices Of Launchers
Sound Quality
9-11 Hrs Of Battery Life
Price
Cons:
No Voodoo
Some Devs Jumped Ship
Running Gingerbread
Graining/Blobbing
$20 For Unlock Code
Plastic Feel
I9250
Pros:
Screen Resolution
Comes With ICS
Camera Capture Speed
Development
Pentaband
Fast Charge Up
Standby Time Is Awesome
Quick Boot Up
Cool Accessories
LCD Mods Play Better With Display
LED Notifications
Constant Google Updates
Download Speeds
Fast GPS Lock
Awesome Video Capture
Face Unlock
Softkey Mods
Awesome Call Quality
Android Beam
1 Click Everything
Task Manager
Will Hold Value Better Over Time
Build Quality(Better feel without case)
Cons:
Battery Life
Grainy Pics
Some Apps Aren't Compatible
Processor(Highest OC is 1.4)
16GB Storage
Have To Use Wifi Explorer To Drag/Drop Files
No Mass Storage
$50 For Battery That Should Have Launched W/Device
Sound Quality Sucks
Now this was in a recent course which was 2 weeks of use. Had one briefly during launch and traded it because of the demand. Saw development picking up so I got one back and gave it a longer try/go.
The Galaxy Nexus is awesome don't get me wrong its just that it seems like they put more into the interface looking pretty than basic elements running smoothly. It has cool features which will definitely be a upgrade to people that haven't tried it but some of your favorite apps may not work and if your someone that likes to use your device day in and day out be prepared to bring a charger with you. The only 3 things that amazed me about the phone was the face unlock,the screen resolution and the softkey mods. Battery life was lacking and those three features weren't enough to make me want to keep this device. Tried everything from rom, radio, baseband combos and it just didn't make it better. Some other people may disagree. I don't buy phones to have them sit on a desk so showing me screenshots with 75% display(meaning standby/lack of use) won't convince me otherwise.
Now when it comes to the T989 I feel like it's a overall better device. Even though we are on GB we will have a ICS rom soon whether if it's OTA or Leaked. Better battery life with rom and kernel combos that actually show improvement, great storage for pack rats, and development from both sides of the fence. Not to mention we have a new addition to the Devs I feel like the Sgs2/T989 is a strong enough device to hold me or anyone over till the Sgs3, but I'm sure I will try out the Blaze as well.
2 Galaxy Nexus owned/traded and I don't feel like I'm missing out by coming back to the Sgs2. In my eyes they both have strengths and weaknesses but it's far from a slaughter.
:-D
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA Premium App

I feel like the Skyrocket is a better device too, it's the reason why I haven't grabbed the GNexus.
And with the CPU/GPU thing, the S3 just about destroys the OMAP4460.
Adreno 220 is much faster then the SGX540, and even though the OMAP has the same tech as the Exynos, it just doesn't seem nearly as fast, and the Snapdragon feels much quicker.
Also, on the GNexus, could you still see pixels because of the PenTile display? On my friends GNexus, I have no problem noticing the pixels, but I can't see them on my Skyrocket.

Longcat14 said:
I feel like the Skyrocket is a better device too, it's the reason why I haven't grabbed the GNexus.
And with the CPU/GPU thing, the S3 just about destroys the OMAP4460.
Adreno 220 is much faster then the SGX540, and even though the OMAP has the same tech as the Exynos, it just doesn't seem nearly as fast, and the Snapdragon feels much quicker.
Also, on the GNexus, could you still see pixels because of the PenTile display? On my friends GNexus, I have no problem noticing the pixels, but I can't see them on my Skyrocket.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From every angle the display was crisp. Didn't notice any pixels. Watching movies on it was AMAZING.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA Premium App

charlieb620 said:
From every angle the display was crisp. Didn't notice any pixels. Watching movies on it was AMAZING.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, guess it's just my eyesight then, or it's his screen, because I could EASILY see pixels without a problem.
And I agree, I watched a movie on it, looked ****ing AMAZING.

I'm glad to have another perspective on this. All I can say is glad to have another fan back.
Message relayed from the dark side.

Good decision, the gs2 battery life is no joke. And especially now that TDJ has his hands on a device, expect greater things to come. Eugene, not sure how great he is, but other people can vouch for him, so i can't wait! But RK and TDJ is an amazing combo, they finished strong at the mt4g dev section. Made it imho the best single core device.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk

I love the Nexus. Battery life has been the biggest surprise for me....though I came from a charge....
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

mkarps said:
I love the Nexus. Battery life has been the biggest surprise for me....though I came from a charge....
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you think your battery life is good, ask us Skyrocket's and T-Mo SGS II users.
Thanks to the GSM/LTE combo in the Skyrocket, I use battery at the same rate as they do, so there's no battery drain.
I do 12-14 hours on a charge with heavy usage (I mean, constant texting, web browsing, gaming, listening to music).

I use my phone constantly. On the Nexus I was getting 4-5 hrs. I don't see how that is acceptable. In time I'm sure a kernel will give it more juice. The phone has only been on the market for 2 months.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA Premium App

charlieb620 said:
Cons:
No Voodoo
Some Devs Jumped Ship
Running Gingerbread
Graining/Blobbing
$20 For Unlock Code
Plastic Feel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm.. while i agree with some, most of them i don't, and the unlocking fee is not applicable in the equation
firstable what do you mean by Graining/Blobbing?
Voodoo is not applicable to our device
ICS is guaranteed so the GB part is only partially applicable until we get 4.0
the Plastic Feel is subjective to each person feel, to me the T989 is one of the better quality Samsung has ever build to date
the Galaxy Nexus actually feels more plasticky, i like our back cover more than the one that came with the i9250

AllGamer said:
Hmm.. while i agree with some, most of them i don't, and the unlocking fee is not applicable in the equation
firstable what do you mean by Graining/Blobbing?
Voodoo is not applicable to our device
ICS is guaranteed so the GB part is only partially applicable until we get 4.0
the Plastic Feel is subjective to each person feel, to me the T989 is one of the better quality Samsung has ever build to date
the Galaxy Nexus actually feels more plasticky, i like our back cover more than the one that came with the i9250
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I included the unlocking fee because i buy my phones for full price and i have to have them unlocked which most of the time it cost me money since none of the unlocker apps work and tmobile wont give them to me. I travel alot and being as though the nexus comes factory unlocked i figured i would list it as a con on the sgs2 side and a pro on the GN for myself.
The Graining/Blobbing is from a thread i read which most people have been experiencing which runs more in the category of lines running vertical in some screens. I experienced some but its not a big issue. That was in comparison to the 720p screen of the GN which i found no screen issues viewed from any angles.
I know Voodoo isnt functional with our device but i saw several people mention it and i was one of the people that miss it. Just from back in the Vibrant days. I think it is or was more effective than Volume+.
ICS is coming we all know that, but trying out ICS and than coming back to GB to me is a downgrade. Not just based on the OS #, but because ICS has more cooked in, and it will be great once we have it officially on the Sgs2. It was listed as a con for me because we have to wait on it for some time. May not be a biggie to other people.
The feel of the GN felt more nice is the hand to me with or without a case. The sgs2 in the color black feels nice in the hand maybe more so because of the door material , but the white model feels more cheap. I have a white on the way as im selling my black because I like the full look of the white but i know i have to add a white body glove to it to get a better feel of it.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA Premium App

very interesting regarding the white vs black model of the T989 i didn't know the back cover was different on the white
i was under the impression it was just the color.
re: unlocking fee, well in that case i do agree if you compare it as the total Cost of the phone, but that being said, the i9250 is still more expensive even with that included into the total of a T989
i'm indifferent about the Graining/Blobbing as it happens on both devices, actually all new AMOLED devices seems to be suffering from the same thing from what i've read across devices (Nokia, G Note, G Nexus, T989, i727, the new HD version of skyrocket, etc)
it'a factory production thing... not much we can do
that being said, i don't see the problem when using it normally, it only shows up when you have brightness all the way to Zero, otherwise is not noticeable
any brightness setting of 20% of more will just make it go away

AllGamer said:
very interesting regarding the white vs black model of the T989 i didn't know the back cover was different on the white
i was under the impression it was just the color.
re: unlocking fee, well in that case i do agree if you compare it as the total Cost of the phone, but that being said, the i9250 is still more expensive even with that included into the total of a T989
i'm indifferent about the Graining/Blobbing as it happens on both devices, actually all new AMOLED devices seems to be suffering from the same thing from what i've read across devices (Nokia, G Note, G Nexus, T989, i727, the new HD version of skyrocket, etc)
it'a factory production thing... not much we can do
that being said, i don't see the problem when using it normally, it only shows up when you have brightness all the way to Zero, otherwise is not noticeable
any brightness setting of 20% of more will just make it go away
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive read that as well, but i only noticed it so much on the devices i had.
The door on the black t989 is more so like a carbon feel sort of with more grip, and the white t989 is more glossy/slippery.
Also thanks for editing my OP. I was mobile at the moment of post.

i usually get the best phones available.. glad i have the s2.. the camera/sd card on the nexus is a deal breaker..
ive been using the same sd card for years and i wouldnt want it any other way.. its the easiest way to move ur music/pics/info quickly to a new phone.

magnum_touchpro said:
i usually get the best phones available.. glad i have the s2.. the camera/sd card on the nexus is a deal breaker..
ive been using the same sd card for years and i wouldnt want it any other way.. its the easiest way to move ur music/pics/info quickly to a new phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup a quick swap and your done. Real convenient.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA Premium App

I wonder why all these GN vs GS2 threads are here? No need to justify your purchases. We all like and want different things. I can appreciate a new POV, but in essence its all the same. I can find thousands of people who can say the GNs pros outway the cons. To all their own I say.
Sorry, if it feels like I am targeting you, it's just these threads just seem like people trying to convince themselves more than anyone else that their phone is better than the GN...which is very subjective.
There is enough hate in the world. Why can't we all get along here ...?

I seen the gn and hated it its so ugly the missing buttons r ugly too
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

Well this thread is more reasonable than the others because at least he listed a whole list of pros and cons. While the other ops are like "gs2 ftw" or something along those lines. He's not necessarily bashing either phones. he's listing some things that will help others decide if the cons outweigh the pros for either phone. Like if you're a battery user, immediately you would want to stick with the gs2.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

I agree with your points.
I just traded my white gs2 for a galaxy nexus and I plugged it into my computer and couldn't even transfer files to the sd card -.-. After installing drivers I can do it through MTP but I feel like out of the box internal sd card support was one of the major advantages of having an android device.
I might be interested in trading back for a gs2 but.... the screen is just... AMAZING on the nexus. I can't notice any pixels like someone else stated earlier but the screen quality is great. I had a sensation and was complaining about the ppi when I moved to the gs2. It would be hard to readjust to the galaxy s 2 if I do decide to go back to it.
Another point is the camera quality on the galaxy s 2... it completely blows away the nexus. I don't think the nexus is horrendous but for a 700 dollar phone you would think they could make some improvements. I also think that a better camera app would help, the native camera app in ICS isn't that much of an improvement from AOSP gingerbread.
The last and final point that would make it difficult for me to move back to the gs2 would be the operating system. Ice cream sandwich took a bit to get used to but after playing with it, its definitely a more fluid experience than the galaxy s2. Even if the gs2 gets the update.... I find it hard to believe that the update would be as anywhere as stable as the nexus. There are major bugs in the CM7 build from a couple months ago.... I just wonder how long would it take to get a stable ICS one. Also I would assume that the ics update for the t989 would come with touchwiz. Touchwiz sort of kills the beauty of ICS for me, I tried it out on the i9100 and it wasn't very impressive--it didn't add many pros over the gingerbread build.
I think its a toss up... if camera/internal hardware/specs is important def go with the t989
If updates/support/screen quality is important then go with the nexus.

I'm back with the nexus but i want a att note now that it can get tmobile 4G.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA Premium App

Can you guys still recommend this device?

I had this question recently for the sgs2 forum and was set when I find out att doesnt have them no more, and almost leaned towards the note or sgs2 skyrocket today when I had the most aggravating time with att csr where my upgrade date was changed for no apparent reason so I'm done with att and contracts but thats nor here nor there. Yes I tried to find these devices on craigslist but nothing went through and I rather save myself the aggravation with used devices from people that did who knows what to them.
So my main reason for even thinking of the sgs2 was for the dev support. And I know this device has some great dev support but the reputation for this device isnt the greatest like the screen and camera I believe. So with that being said is it worth the $400 for a new one?

Absolutely it's worth $400. If you want to put it in perspective a bit, yeah it's not as good as the GS3, BUT, it's about 90% as good for 50% of the price. As far as bang for your buck goes, it doesn't get any better without signing two years away.

Yup.

$400 for the GSM model is a really good price IMO.

I guess ordering one this weekend would be useless due to the holiday?
Also, what kind of benchmarks are you guys getting with the custom roms?
And I hardly hear any talk about the led notifications? Do any roms take advantage of them, I mean do they work well with different types of alerts like say just one color for google voice texts?

I think is worth I got a htc one s(had a sprint galaxy nexus loved the phone hated the network) so I got tmobile and I'm gonna sell my sprint gnex and get me a galaxy nexus unlocked the one s camera is really good and sense has improved but man this phone feels faster and with tmobile speeds I'm hooked

SysAdmNj said:
I guess ordering one this weekend would be useless due to the holiday?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well might as well order so it ships out ASAP on Tuesday.
Also, what kind of benchmarks are you guys getting with the custom roms?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Benchmarks are pointless.
And I hardly hear any talk about the led notifications? Do any roms take advantage of them, I mean do they work well with different types of alerts like say just one color for google voice texts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The stock ROM offers limited LED control app-by-app. Some ROMs have LED control with more granularity. Most people are using Light Flow to control their LED. It works extremely well. You can configure everything.

I wouldn't pay 10 pounds for this phone!!! Google doesn't care about this nexus!!!
Sorry I forgot , this is no phone because u can't make a call after 20 attempts or receive a call )
So its more like a mini tablet )
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA

Mine is working quite nicely. I'd highly recommend it over others at $600-$700 for sure.

I will never buy a carrier device again after owning a Nexus device. I will get updates beyond what any carrier will offer so my $400 device is worth more than any $2-300 subsidized device.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

As others have said for $400 its a wonderful deal. I got mine 3 months ago for $450. That being said the screen on devices like the OneX look nicer.
For that price, you cant really argue. I love the stock android experience and getting updates direct from Google. There's a really active development community for this phone (and the other nexus devices for that matter) and i've been able to check out a lot of custom roms and kernels.
Go for it

It's obviously still a relevant device if the OP is still thinking about this device compared to what's out there.
It's a great device at a great price. Not much to really say.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

martonikaj said:
Benchmarks are pointless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With all due respect benchmarks are not pointless or else people wouldnt use them at all. Its not a black or white issue. Its a bit more complex than that. When used properly they can serve to paint a generalized picture of performance for any given device. Admittedly they can also be manipulated to post huge numbers that do not reflect real world performance. They can also be used as a tool to diagnose or confirm a performance issue. Now in no way am I suggesting that these benchmarks are the be all end all but they surely are not pointless.
A while back I posted in a thread regarding this topic and asked the participants to explain to me a way that would ensure accurate results when testing our devices. No one responded, probably because nobody cares. It seems there two kinds of people here with regards to benchmarks. Those who use them and those who do not. And I have yet to see any rational discussion on this topic. not that im looking for it.
Anyways My Gnex scored a 6801 on AnTuTu
GNEX- Running AKOP 4.04 with Francos Kernel overclocked to 1344MHz

What's not to like? I have had this phone for a few months now, rooted it the first day and am running all kinds of ROMS and Kernels. I guess if you are running stock and wait for Google or carrier updates you may get a bit frustrated but I have had a great experience with it.
The camera controversy is silly. 5MP vs 8mp on a "flat lens" with a cell phone processor to me is not detectable (IMHO). I carry a DSLR to get my high quality pictures not the phone.
My only complaint has always been battery life. Coming from a Thunderbolt with a very large extended battery and a smaller screen, I routinely run out battery. But this phone has a large beautiful screen and that screen eats power. So I bought this
http://www.amazon.com/New-Trent-IMP1000-Thunderbolt-Blackberry/dp/B003ZBZ64Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338036621&sr=8-1
and my problems are solved. But performance wise, looks wise, and reliability wise, this phone is awesome. Just run the latest rom (AOKP), kernel(franco), radio (FC04/05) and you'll be fine.

First android device ive owned that ive not felt the need to root or flash a custom rom on.
Very fast and smooth phone.
Stock ICS looks so much nicer than any of the skins out there.
Ive ordered my wife an SGS 3 and im not even a little bit jealous. The novelties that it adds like pop up play i already have on my phone from a free app on the play store.
The hold your phone to your ear from a message to call can be added though smart gestures.
Tried S voice on my phone and i honestly think that speaktoit assistant is better so i deleted the S voice. ( before it was patched )
2 of my friends have One X and i hate the new sense. The only thing i like from the newer phones is the burst mode which again can be added through an app.
The Galaxy Nexus will recieve much better support than other phones obviously in case you care about that.
Great phone and i plan on keep it for quite a while.
Edit: Oh yeah and use light flow for the notification light. I have blue for sms... Green for Gmail... Red for missed call... Yellow for Gtalk etc etc. Again another free app

How about the onscreen buttons , is that hard to get used to?

I upgraded from an og EVO4g and after this I will never use anything but a Nexus phone ever again. LightFlow unlocks all of the LED notification colors, and the 5mp camera on this phone blows the 8mp camera of my Evo out of the water.

SysAdmNj said:
How about the onscreen buttons , is that hard to get used to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For a few hours maybe but once you get used to is hard to go back to capacity buttons
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using Tapatalk 2

Not hard to get used to, but then I've had a Honeycomb tablet for about a year.
This phone is undeniably worth the $400. I'm getting the GS3 for my husband, and I'm not even jealous.

other than the dodgy radio's it's the best phone ive had soo far. runs ics as it's suppose to be.

[Q] Need Buying Advice (Sprint) GNex or GS3?

I basically need to decide between these two phones, on Sprint. The pros and cons from my point of view are the following:
Pros
----
GNex: better aesthetics (imo), no physical buttons, Nexus device thus great ROMs/Community, no annoying partition scheme for the 32GB
GS3: better specs, larger screen (possibly a con, lol), sdcard slot, potential for great community due to widespread distribution and popularity, better camera, more overall space
Cons
----
GNex: no sdcard slot, slower specs
GS3: physical/capacitive buttons, and while it has excitement around it now, who knows if there will be a dev community 6-9 months from now or how long it will take to get ROM updates with new versions of Android (incl. jelly bean) with fully functioning parts, seems to split the 32GB up into 16/16 for apps/media, which I hate, I want it all for whatever I want (or say, 32GB all for apps, then put media on sdcard!)
Other thoughts
--------------
-I do not live in an LTE launch area, and honestly, likely won't for at least 9-12 months if not longer. I have awesome wifi at home/work though so Sprint's crappy 3G is bearable, most of the time.
-I have an EVO 3D now, and finally, as of like a month ago, I have a working ICS rom with camera that is AOSP, but for most of the last 12 months I've had to decide between Sense (which I hate), ICS without features (such as camera/bt), or Gingerbread. I REALLY don't want to end up in that situation again
-I much much much much prefer AOSP roms and will be rooting/flashing the moment anything is available for the GS3 or the moment I get home for the GNex
-I've had various phones (see sig), but my N1 was hands down my favorite phone
I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but I appreciate any thoughts and commentary!
In short, I want the best specs I can get on Sprint, but desperately want an active dev community and plenty of ROMs, and though the GS3 has better specs, it's too early to know for sure about the community months from now, and plus, I like the software buttons and the look of the GNex. I am indecisive :-/
edit: the only real concern I have about the specs is gaming or media playback (via plex)

Played with it for 2 hours and I could not deal with the touch wiz crap. Felt like I was on the GS2 all over again. I like my GNexus that I picked up yesterday.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

If you want an aosp device the gnex is the obvious option. Especially with this jelly bean port we have for the sprint nexus its amazing.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

I'm not in the US but I have both the GN and SGS3 (i9300) version. Just to let you know the size of the SGS3 isn't that much bigger than the GN. It looks like you are looking for a AOSP experience so I would say you should go with the GN, I loaded JellyBean on it and it is super smooth, but don't get me wrong the SGS3 is a beautiful devices and I'm sure somebody will be porting AOKP or CM9 over to the Sprint version soon as it is already on the i9300.
I hate touchwiz as well so I loaded a custom ROM and used Nova Launcher. Good luck in deciding but you won't regret either device.

From the responses from you guys, I am definitely leaning towards the GNex. I have been browsing around the Sprint development section on here, and there's definitely a lot of activity (which doesn't surprise me). And AOSP is very much my cup of tea, I have no desire for TouchWiz. I know the GS3 will have ports and all, but the Sprint one doesn't seem to have anything in terms of JB yet, whereas the GNex JB porting seems all but completely done already.
My EVO 3D has the Qualcomm MSM8660, 2 cores at 1.2 GHz at stock speeds, and the GNex has the TI OMAP 4460, also 2 cores at 1.2 GHz at stock. I know when the GNex first came out, some people were disappointed in the processor. Have any of you found it to be insufficient? I know it can be overclocked, and I'm sure I will so long as it doesn't cause too much battery loss, but is it sufficient for higher-end games? I looked at the GPUs (Adreno 220 vs. PowerVR SGX540), too, but my knowledge of mobile GPUs is practically nonexistent...

I think the OMAP is plenty powerful, I haven't really found a want for more CPU power ESPECIALLY after Jelly Bean. Device just fly's now.
The main difference between the GS3 and the Gnex is going to be the GPU. Now I don't really game on mobile devices (hardcore gamer on PC and consoles all my life, so the "great" mobile games don't do anything for me only the crazy ones do like Edge or Osmos) but it has been brought to my attention multiple times of people having only just enough performance for high end games.
I've played a little shadowgun, mostly just to test USB OTG and a PS3 controller lol, and that game runs smooth enough. Could use a little more power here and there though.
I think the other benefits of Gnex far outweigh this though. Even more so if you buy retail since it's almost half the price for, what I think, is a much better phone and mobile experience.

I came from a gs2 and this phone is a breath of fresh air. No more waiting for OTAs either!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

And like the guy above me said, its about mobile experience not necessarily newest tech
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

It depends on your usage, if directed to games, go for GS3, in my view, any kind of use out of it, go with GN.

The GN screen is even dimmer than the SGS3. That is a serious con. Battery is much much lower also. Plus no SD and only 5Mpx camera (which produces bad video).
Still, the GN is awesome in other things, like the on screen buttons and updates. It probably will also get Android 5.0. The back cover is better to hold.
I think the next Nexus will be a LOT better. Im sure it will have an IPS display, like the Nexus 7, plus quad core with JB will be awesome. It if were here today I would have bought it over the SGS3.

For development and if its your main purpose, Nexus hands down.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

i too am in the same situation i have always love the gs series however they never realease ota's chances of you getting jb on it a high however you won't get it until 5.0 is released while the nexus will have it months and months before it but the camera is kinda a deal breaker for me i don't use the camera so that isn't a issue for me..

Trust me when I tell you, since you do a lot of hacking, Nexus will be the best choice hands down. Yes, it has slower spec and no sd card... I was complaining too, but after few days, that doesn't seem to matter for me anymore.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

S4 from a S3?

I have been stoked with my i9300 now for almost a year (Running custom OMEGA ROM 4.1.2) and am considering the new S4.
Of course it goes without saying that i fully intend on running a custom ROM on that too, but just wondering if i could hear from anyone that has recently gone from S3 to S4 and would like to share any tips or thoughts. In particular in relation to the custom ROM/rooting matter.
Cheers

heath_AU said:
I have been stoked with my i9300 now for almost a year (Running custom OMEGA ROM 4.1.2) and am considering the new S4.
Of course it goes without saying that i fully intend on running a custom ROM on that too, but just wondering if i could hear from anyone that has recently gone from S3 to S4 and would like to share any tips or thoughts. In particular in relation to the custom ROM/rooting matter.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had all the variants of the Galaxy S devices from the S1 to the S4.... I have ran just about every custom rom there is available for each of them.... I used the S3 the longest and was very impressed with the evolution of the devices...I have done about every mod you can do to the S3 and loved the style and the performance overall...Comparing it the the latest and greatest S4 I'm glad I upgraded.. The screen is amazing and once I started running CM 10.1 the speed and snappiness are a huge improvement over the S3... I have been running Cm 10.1 nightly's since I got mine in the mail and already I have fewer bugs than I ever did on the S3.... I normally don't run CM however roms are in short supply...I'm very impressed with the stability that CM offers already and would recommend it to anyone on the SGH-M919...To answer your question I would highly recommend you upgrade to the S4.....
P.S. The larger battery isn't just for show I get great battery life and I'm a heavy user!

s4 is bigger and faster than s3. nothing else, i think.
use 9300 almost one year

i also upgraded from the i9300, there is quite a bit of improvement -
1. screen is way better
2. camera way better
3. although I haven't tried every new feature yet, but I'm now using the air view feature quite often (the finger hovering)
X. temporarily cures my new-phonitis, prognosis is good for another year.

Lets just say that the S4 is definitely not worse than the S3, and nearly everything is a bit better, with an extra feature here or there. Take for example, the Camera app. It's much improved with more features - hands down it is probably the best camera app for a smartphone. The question is really if it's worth the upgrade. If you can manage to sell your old S3 to fund for the S4 (and don't have to add too much extra out-of-pocket), then why not upgrade? If you like the latest and greatest, trying out all the new features and hardware with custom ROMs and MODs, why not? If you are a regular consumer who's not into any of that stuff I just mention, then probably you should stick with the S3.

I've also gone S2 -> S3 -> S4. So far, I'm mixed on it. The screen is much nicer, and the additional Touchwiz features are useless since I disable them (lag) and they're only in stock apps which I rarely use. The main reason I can see to upgrade is the camera - it's FAR improved. But other than a nicer screen, maybe a little speed (not really noticeable if you have your S3 tweaked well) and the camera it's mostly the same. I got mine for free, but if I had paid significantly for it I'd have to admit to myself it was for the latest and greatest, but not for a particularly good reason. And I'm a huge early adopter.

Went from s3 to note 2 to s4 I think Im going back to the note 2...s4 is good but I've told my friends its not worth the extra money to upgrade to a s4..Honestly the screen is nice but it's not a huge jump from 720 to 1080, also I've gotten really bad battery life but then again I'm not running any roms or anything. Either way unless your due for a upgrade I dont think its worth the money going from the note 2 to s4 would cost me 300 extra I'd rather wait for a bigger jump.

As mentioned, if you're paying outright $629 for the phone it isn't worth it in my opinion unless $ is not an issue for you. The benifits obvious would be slightly better camera (s3 is already great), slightly bigger screen (you wont even notice), 1080p (not much different to me), quadcore (on custom roms and kernel, this may not matter as much), and LTE. Other features are just pluses but you may not use as much as you'd think. S4 IMO is a step up not a big jump from the s3.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2

Came from s3. The screen alone makes it worth the money imo. But check it out in person if you need to be sold!
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Android 4.2.2
Better camera
Multi window
I am happy upgrader
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I came from the S3 being as I suck with technology I just run the phones stock
so just going by stock I must say that the S4 is much better I just love the overall feel, look of the phone better screen, camera, faster

I got the gs3 initially as a phone I could keep for years and be good with, but now I am thinking the gs4 is that phone. 1080p screen won't be changing any time soon, I like the size, and it has lte. So I'm thinking of upgrading to the gs4, and then chilling with that for at least 4 years or more. I'm not a switch all the time type of person as long as what I have can take advantage of what's available.

lucaslion said:
s4 is bigger and faster than s3. nothing else, i think.
use 9300 almost one year
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am just curious .... i was pretty sure the S4 has some cool built-in features (for example in the camera features) that none of the S3 4.2.2 ROM builds have seemed to have.
Or am i perhaps imagining this?

I'd do the S3
S3 is the choice

I did the same....
In April of this year I bought the s3 and in June I bought the s4... I no regrets or complaints on the s4... I'm always getting bugged by friends telling me are you getting s5 next week...
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I actually have moved onto the S4 from the S3. The S3 was only about 6 months old before i decided to get the S4. Formerly loyal to iPhone until the iPhone 3. Later moved onto HTC variants and never really liked Samsung devices. After the death of my One S, by impulse, purchased an S3. Wonderful phone but the lag was noticeable. After using a S4, instantly fell in love with it. The display is just amazing, the design is a bit better (slight changes from S3, but feels better to hold). Snapdragon 600 (enough said). After switching to Apex launcher, all the transitions and animations were lag free and smooth. A month later with the S4, it still runs as if i just took it out of the box. We all know that the S3 had rather ugly accessories, but the new cases that are out for the S4 have better design aesthetics. I would totally recommend switching to the S4 is you're financially stable and have the desire to purchase a new device.

I have a question for S3 / S4 users.
When you access your RAM tab in Task Manager, how much memory are you generally using?
On my S3 i am almost always using around 700+ of my 828MB. Even when i clear the memory I am still using around 650MB or so.
Is this normal?
And i am keen to know how much memory the S4 users are using.
Cheers

Exchanged HTC one for s4 OMG AMAZING

Ok so I have had the s3 and the note 2 prior to switching to t-mobile, when I switched I figured id get the HTC one since I didnt or wouldnt have had that option with verizon, I must say I hated the phone. The hardware is nice dont get me wrong but the software SUCKS. The camera SUCKS. even the camera software is no were near as nice and useful as it is on the S4. I am so friggin happy with the s4 I dont know why I thought I would like the One. It may be the best device in the world for some but Id have to say to go from a samsung to an HTC Is like going backwards, and I even thought the gestures and smart scroll and all that would be to gimmicky and never get used but honestly, I love it!
Anyway, I just had to vent this. There were so many things wrong with sense in my opinion and if I can make anyones choice easier and allow them to be satisfied then hope I helped.

Lol.
Welcome to amazing world of samsung.
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bikrame said:
Lol.
Welcome to amazing world of samsung.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, like I said I had the S3 and then the note 2. The note 2 being the phone I had about a month ago before we switched to t-mobile. lets just say I was going through some serious withdrawals having the note 2

dandiele said:
Well, like I said I had the S3 and then the note 2. The note 2 being the phone I had about a month ago before we switched to t-mobile. lets just say I was going through some serious withdrawals having the note 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. Welcome back then lol
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A friend of mine at work just got the HTC One and I must say, yes hardware wise it's a nice looking phone and the speaker quality is the best around no question. Other than that, the software was Meh, no 4.2.2. Thank God I went with the GS4, made the right decision.

A lot of people probably hate TouchWiz too until they got used to it. Count me as one of them (well actually, I didn't hate it). For me, I'm a Samsung guy and have had in succession the Note 2, S3, and now S4. A family member of mine has the Nexus 4 and while the phone was so debloated, so stock, I felt it was missing so many features. Yes, some people will love it that way, no bloat and pure Android. I'm so used to TW and all its (fancy) features, I feel any other phone is not as powerful if they don't have the same features.
Obviously, Sense is a different launcher/style than a lot of us are used too (by us, I mean the Samsung folks). That doesn't mean it's horrible. I for one would love to try out the Sense theme, if I can get my hands on an HTC One. I'm all in for new/different features - like Windows 8. A lot of people hated it from the start because it was so different, so not intuitive they say. In response, I have to say, get used to it before making the judgment. It's taken me a couple months just to get used to Windows 8. Certainly, the Metro I don't care with, and would prefer Win7. Until I can do the same thing with Sense, I can't say whether the difference with TW makes it better, worse, or it's just different than TW.

I feel you made the wrong choice. Those additional features will only be used for showing off and you only have about 8 GB of storage compared to about 28 on the one. Speakers are the best and I'm sure HTC will do a good job pushing out updates. Lastly, the one's screen is better and not as big so it is easier to use. I was going to get the s4 at first but then I asked myself what I really wanted. That's why I routed for the one
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

androidskillz said:
I feel you made the wrong choice. Those additional features will only be used for showing off and you only have about 8 GB of storage compared to about 28 on the one. Speakers are the best and I'm sure HTC will do a good job pushing out updates. Lastly, the one's screen is better and not as big so it is easier to use. I was going to get the s4 at first but then I asked myself what I really wanted. That's why I routed for the one
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good for you, I'm happy I had an sd slot so i can switch from my 64gb to my 32gb where I store my movies to my 16gb where I have my tv shows. Am also glad I am able to have an extra battery in case I will be able from my charger for an extended period of time. But if you dont like having those options then good for you!
Sent from Flip's Galaxy S4

Dont turn this into a One vs S4 thread, both phones are amazing. I'm a Samsung guy and i fell in love with the One, as long as you're happy with your phone then its all gravy. This thread is kinda pointless too btw.

To each their own.
Me personally, neither phone could sway me away from the N2.
Fancy pants Note ||

Neither phone impressed me. Samsung pulled an apple trick it's the same freaking phone! HTC did the same thing, no removable battery and no expandable memory! I'm waiting for the S5 or the next Gnex. Just my 2cents. Meanwhile I'm wearing out my S2.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app

bigox said:
Neither phone impressed me. Samsung pulled an apple trick it's the same freaking phone! HTC did the same thing, no removable battery and no expandable memory! I'm waiting for the S5 or the next Gnex. Just my 2cents. Meanwhile I'm wearing out my S2.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, if the htc had expandable memory and removable battery I might, MIGHT, have gone with the one. It really is a beautiful phone and I would love to have those front facing speakers. But for me no exp memory and nonremovable batt = fail
Sent from Flip's Galaxy S4

Plastic and about 8 Gb of storage = fail
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

androidskillz said:
Plastic and about 8 Gb of storage = fail
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Metal phone with a plastic case and no expandable memory/battery = epic fail
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

Why all the hate?? We're all here for the same reasons, regardless of what phones we choose to buy. Different things are better for different people.

dandiele said:
Ok so I have had the s3 and the note 2 prior to switching to t-mobile, when I switched I figured id get the HTC one since I didnt or wouldnt have had that option with verizon, I must say I hated the phone. The hardware is nice dont get me wrong but the software SUCKS. The camera SUCKS. even the camera software is no were near as nice and useful as it is on the S4. I am so friggin happy with the s4 I dont know why I thought I would like the One. It may be the best device in the world for some but Id have to say to go from a samsung to an HTC Is like going backwards, and I even thought the gestures and smart scroll and all that would be to gimmicky and never get used but honestly, I love it!
Anyway, I just had to vent this. There were so many things wrong with sense in my opinion and if I can make anyones choice easier and allow them to be satisfied then hope I helped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's interesting, I recently purchased a TMO Galaxy S4 coming from a 2.5 year old HTC Sensation and I have *almost the exact opposite experience. The hardware (screen, form factor - obviously - it's just plain insane) and the camera software/interface is top notch! But the remainder of the experience felt like I was put back onto some odd looking, super sized font version of froyo - and not just by looks, I immediately noticed a drop in usability in some key aspects of the OS (e.g. email, sms, dialer, launcher) vs what I had gotten used to with HTC Sense.
Either way, not trying to be a troll. It's funny what we get used to and come to expect based on past experiences. The S4 will have to go back (thanks TMO return policy!) and it's gonna be me and the "old" HTC Sensation for a while longer. (I'd get the HTC One, but have to agree - no SD cards slot? wtf lol)
s13

But it has 32gbs
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Towle said:
Why all the hate?? We're all here for the same reasons, regardless of what phones we choose to buy. Different things are better for different people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know but it is entertaining
-------------------------------------
If I have helped you, please hit the "Thanks" button
-Sent from one of my Obsessions

Have both the One and the S4, use the s4 more than the one. Thinking if I should just still the One.
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sensati13 said:
It's interesting, I recently purchased a TMO Galaxy S4 coming from a 2.5 year old HTC Sensation and I have *almost the exact opposite experience. The hardware (screen, form factor - obviously - it's just plain insane) and the camera software/interface is top notch! But the remainder of the experience felt like I was put back onto some odd looking, super sized font version of froyo - and not just by looks, I immediately noticed a drop in usability in some key aspects of the OS (e.g. email, sms, dialer, launcher) vs what I had gotten used to with HTC Sense.
Either way, not trying to be a troll. It's funny what we get used to and come to expect based on past experiences. The S4 will have to go back (thanks TMO return policy!) and it's gonna be me and the "old" HTC Sensation for a while longer. (I'd get the HTC One, but have to agree - no SD cards slot? wtf lol)
s13
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had a similar and also slightly different experience. I also came from an HTC Sensation which I've had for about 2 years, previously owned the og Galaxy S (Vibrant), and instead of the S4 I chose the HTC one, and got the GS4 for my wife instead.
Here are my observations since I actually have both phones and can compare them with NO bias...
-A lot of the online mainstream reviews you'll read between the two hit the nail on the head. The One imo is a better "phone". It does indeed have less features then the S4 (although many of them are gimmicks like the eye scrolling/tracking, airview, and a few others) but the speakers are far superior, which obviously aids for anyone who ever uses speakerphone or plays music and videos, the call quality is also a little better, the phone is more fluid and faster than the GS4 with basic functions like scrolling screens etc, and the phone of course has a MUCH more "premium" feel. Sense 5 is MUUUUUCH better than past versions of Sense and like a lot of review say, it *DOES* improve over stock android in actual useful features. The look is subjective of course but it's flat, useful and fast, and to me that's all that matters. The camera is better than any past smartphone I've ever used (Tmobile Dash>G1>Vibrant>Sensation>One) so I like it personally, but compared to its rivals like the GS4 I guess it's not the best, but does everything I've ever asked of it VERY well so no complaints from me.
The GS4 on the other hand has a superior camera. The camera on the One isn't bad at all, and kills the Gs4 in low light conditions and the aspect ratio and wide lense captures waaay more in each frame, but the GS4 has more camera features, packs a crapload more detail in each shot, has some pretty useful camera modes the One doesn't have, and is just generally better. The Galaxy might not be made of aluminum like the one, but it's lighter and imo actually feels better in my hand (without a case). Once you add a case in the mix, hand feel is null and void obviously but if you like to go commando the Gs4 feels better and will probably hold up to abuse better than the One due to the polycarbonate body and gorilla glass 3. The screen on the Galaxy is bigger than the One while the actual phone altogether is lighter and smaller so that's pretty nice, but it's not really THAT noticeable to be honest. One huge, huge advantage the Galaxy has over the One is removable storage and battery, which *USED* to be a deal breaker for me back in the day, but I've learned to live without them since I got my One, so either way it's a definite advantage but I guess how much so is up to the user. The Galaxy also has native quick settings built in which the one doesn't have (yet), so minor issue but another positive for the galaxy.
As far as negative for each, I'm actually on my second One already. Somehow my camera lense glass cracked even though I keep the phone in case and have never dropped it or bumped it. It just appeared one day in addition to the top speaker grill starting to separate from the body. Weird, but I got it replaced and the replacement is doing fine and actually stands up to overclocking and undervolting better than my old unit, so that made me pretty happy lol. That's really the only issue I've had with mine, but on the whole, the phone is definitely more fragile than the Galaxy WITHOUT a case. It scratches easier, dents, chips, etc...while the Galaxy doesn't.
The Galaxy feels better in hand (caseless) than the One, but it's slippery as hell and slides around easily and can be more prone to being dropped. Again, only an issue without a case, but this is my observation.
Touchwiz...personally I think it's a mess. I don't care for the look, as many have said it feels like your still running Gingerbread 2.3. The look hasn't changed much since I had a Vibrant running Touchwiz from 3 years ago, and while Touchwiz DOES have some unique features and generally does more than Sense and stock android...it's just ugly as hell while doing so lol. The Galaxy also does feel a tad slower and microstutters every so often while the One is almost always fluid and seems much smoother even tho it's running a newer version of android and has slightly better specs on hardware...it just doesn't "feel" like it. Other than that it's a fantastic phone and we haven't had any problems with it whatsoever unlike the One.
Between the two...if I just had to pick one, it's a toss up. I prefer my One honestly but I can see the advantages of the Galaxy S4 with it having more features so I'll just break it down like this...
Usefuleness as an actual phone
One>S4
Camera
GS4>One
In hand feel, portability
One=GS4
Usefulness as a multimedia device
GS4=One
Expandability
GS4>One
I will say that between the two if this even matters to anyone...I get WAAAAAY more props and questions and even jealous stares directed towards the One lol...