Related
Preordered iPhone5. Received it Friday Sept 21. Returned Sunday 2-3 days later. Picked up t-mobile Galaxy S3 right after returning the iPhone5.
So glad I am back on Android. From the 2-3 days of ownership of the iPhone5/iOS (as this was my 1st iPhone and I just wanted to experiment to see how I'd like it), I was not able to do very basic things I wanted, or any reasonable person would expect to be able to do to a phone.
1st off, Ringtones. Anyone owning a phone would have a reasonable expectation to be able to change / add custom ringtones. Should I have to pay for it? Maybe, that is if I don't want to cut the songs myself. I already have ringtones from my last phone which was basic mp3s I could have drag/dropped over. But with iPhone, I had to go through tedious process of utilizing iTunes as a medium, converting to AAC format, moving onto desktop, deleting the ones in iTunes, then renaming the .m4a format to .m4r, then dragging it back into iTunes, then syncing. I could have done all this on Android by just plugging it to my comp, locate Ringtones folder, dropped it in, and done.
Sync was an issue too. I'm pretty sure most people use gmail in some way, and all my contacts are in gmail. Tried to get contacts to sync over to iCloud was a hassle. It would only sync the root folder group of contacts and not the other groups. I had to manually export each contact group to my comp, then import into iCloud. Now if I added/made changes to a contact on my iPhone, I'd have to go back home, and re-enter a new contact in google. It's just not a seamless process.
Also the AppStore. Every 15 minutes I want to get an app, I am asked to enter a password. And Apple requires a complicated pw with uppercase/lowercase, numbers, special characters. It's not by any means easy to type on the phone every time I want to install something.
No widgets either on iOs. No notification widgets to easy turn on/off options like WiFi, screen rotation, GPS, Bluetooth. I have to go into settings and navigate through menus to turn them on/off.
I didn't like how all the apps just show up on the home screen as iOS doesn't have a drawer like Android, and I'd have to dump everything into folders if I didn't want to see it. Also all the icons just align from right to left, top to bottom. I can't change where they are on the page except for the order it flows. I read maybe JailBreaking can help with this customization, but I don't think I want to wait that long for an untethered JB to be available for the iPhone5 to be released.
Forgot to add, I have a TF700 and I utilize TabletTalk to sync SMS to my Tablet and send SMS via the Tablet. This wouldn't have worked out for an Android Tablet with an iPhone.
Side issue that affected me, but unrelated to Apple, was the fact Sprint had deceptive advertising regarding their LTE coverage. As you guys know, iPhone is either 3G or LTE; no WiMax. In DFW, even though coverage map shows I am clearly in 4G LTE coverage, Sprint indeed only had 1 LTE tower up and running in the other side of Dallas of where I am at. And Dallas is a pretty damn big city, so all I ever saw was 3G. Sprint's 3G was < 1mbps down/upload, which is unacceptable as I am paying for "unlimited 3g/4g data" cost of an additional $10/month. It is hardly enough bandwidth to stream music / video or let alone download apps unless I am connected to WiFi; which then goes back to the point of why am I even paying for data. Unlimited data is pointless at that speed and I'm not going to wait 1-2 yrs for Sprint to finish rolling out LTE in Dallas; since by then my contract would have expired anyways and I could just switch to Sprint then.
But overall, I didn't try to / demand anything complicated out of the phone. The simple things I wanted it to do, didn't go as I had expected, even though I kept hearing how easy iPhones are to use, and how stable it is. Stable OS, smooth processing, and pretty, yes. But basic simple customization / syncing, no. And now I totally understand when Android users are trolling iPhone users.
That's why the iPhone has those mesmerizing screen transition animations. Supposed to help relieve the headache after all the frustration. J/K.
:silly:
If you have a mac is easier to import your Google contacts to iCloud, or you can set up Gmail as a exchanged account and will import and update all your contacts automatically (kind of like android) anyways, I'm about to return my iPhone 5 is amazing looking device but not for my needs like I said before, the only thing I miss the most(besides a few apps) is battery life in stand by, really good phone not my cup of tea tho
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Nice to see your in the Galaxy... the cryphones will never be better then android. They have no comparison.. you take a phone that does things and can't be changed and "compare" it to a phone that let's u do whatever you want on it.. I just never see it as a fair comparison.. that's like saying the cryphones are a Datsun and the androids are lambos... and then people say the cryphones are better.. there are in different leagues altogether. Cryphones = lockdown no customization like android... but glad to see u here. Many people waste so much time n money on apple.. and now its biting them in the wallet and a$$... he he he I love it. BTW if u have a DSLR cannon camera check out chainfire's DSLR controller app.. I just found it yesterday and I can control my camera with my phone... its so dope!!! Sgs3 BEST PHONE I'VE HAD YET. PERIOD.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Lots of valid points, but overall it's just an issue with competing ecosystems. You had already had some Androids, so most of your ecosystem was setup through gmail and google.
For a Mac user coming over to an Android phone, much of the same problems pop up (no easy itunes music/podcasts integration, etc)
But overall just by its open source nature, Android is much easier to work with and setup. And conversely since Apple likes to control all aspects of user experience, you don't get all the features and selling points (i.e. the iPhone is so "easy" to use!) unless you are subscribed to the entire Apple ecosystem.
Darmokk said:
Lots of valid points, but overall it's just an issue with competing ecosystems. You had already had some Androids, so most of your ecosystem was setup through gmail and google.
For a Mac user coming over to an Android phone, much of the same problems pop up (no easy itunes music/podcasts integration, etc)
But overall just by its open source nature, Android is much easier to work with and setup. And conversely since Apple likes to control all aspects of user experience, you don't get all the features and selling points (i.e. the iPhone is so "easy" to use!) unless you are subscribed to the entire Apple ecosystem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only way I'd go apple products is if I edited lots n lots of videos... Apple wins that battle all day. But that's there PC and not mobile...
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Tmo has really fast data at DFW, wasn't able to leave the airport hah but in it the 4g was great. For ringtones you can just longpress a song in the media player. No need to even move it.
My gmail calendar syncs between my iPad/net/phone perfectly. Haven't tried contacts but I'm sure there is a way. iOS is definitely a different experience though. I really like the app tray on android too. But iOS has the advantage of searching when you hit home twice.
psykhotic said:
Tmo has really fast data at DFW, wasn't able to leave the airport hah but in it the 4g was great. For ringtones you can just longpress a song in the media player. No need to even move it.
My gmail calendar syncs between my iPad/net/phone perfectly. Haven't tried contacts but I'm sure there is a way. iOS is definitely a different experience though. I really like the app tray on android too. But iOS has the advantage of searching when you hit home twice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google now has that same feature...
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
da-pharoah said:
Only way I'd go apple products is if I edited lots n lots of videos... Apple wins that battle all day. But that's there PC and not mobile...
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Video and/or Photos (i work with both) so I do run Macs at home. For mobile I'm with you though, loving my GSIII
Since I do not do any media creation I have no reason to keep an apple product. I use my S3 and my Nexus 7 for almost all of my day to day use.
Otherwise I use my little netbook but those times are getting further and further in between.
I was interested in the iPhone 5, but now that you reviewed here and I'd an android user before, I will just wait for the note 2. I do like Apple products, just hate the Apple company...
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
yaddamean said:
Iphones are for girls. And queers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's wrong with being a girl, or queer?
I bought a Samsung Vibrant on the recommendation of a queer woman.
da-pharoah said:
Google now has that same feature...
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't that the universal search feature that got disabled?
I just though I share my story here:
My HTC desire died because of to much freedom after 1.5 year of custom ROM flashing and partition profile switching(hboot).(I think I have switched between all available ROMs for the HTC Desire before it died one months ago)
I always flashed a new ROM because non of them was what I wanted.
Sure Oxygen was awesome but it sopped to receive updates.
MIUI was awesome but it stopped to to receive updates. (For Desire)
I spent most my time on Gingerbread and ICC custom ROMS and always had stability issues.
I know that if I get an iPhone I will still get updates for it 2 years from now.
If I get a galaxy S3 I will get jellybean but after that there is nothing promising that I will get Key lime pie.
When I get an iPhone all apps in the app store will work on it without problem.
That is maybe the case for galaxy S3. But it's not guaranteed.
I'm also tired of all the customization options. It's great to be able to customize so much but I never was able to get it exactly how I wanted it to be anyway.
The iPhone isn't nearly have as much customize options. But still, it's enough for me and I used MIUI ROM so it reminds a lot of the iOS.
I never even used widgets after a while because widget made my already crappy battery run out of ´cream´ even faster.
I'm still thinking of maybe take a S3 though because of the iPhone seems to have a bit of problems(easy scratches and some other minor stuff)
Though the S3 in my eyes is REALLY big. I can still cancel my order on the iPhone so if anyone after reading this can convince me to get the S3. Please go ahead.
I really loved my time with android. But I kind of got sick on it. Maybe if I try both the iPhone 5 and GSIII I can finally make a 100% accurate choice.
CrimzonEyed said:
I just though I share my story here:
My HTC desire died because of to much freedom after 1.5 year of custom ROM flashing and partition profile switching(hboot).(I think I have switched between all available ROMs for the HTC Desire before it died one months ago)
I always flashed a new ROM because non of them was what I wanted.
Sure Oxygen was awesome but it sopped to receive updates.
MIUI was awesome but it stopped to to receive updates. (For Desire)
I spent most my time on Gingerbread and ICC custom ROMS and always had stability issues.
I know that if I get an iPhone I will still get updates for it 2 years from now.
If I get a galaxy S3 I will get jellybean but after that there is nothing promising that I will get Key lime pie.
When I get an iPhone all apps in the app store will work on it without problem.
That is maybe the case for galaxy S3. But it's not guaranteed.
I'm also tired of all the customization options. It's great to be able to customize so much but I never was able to get it exactly how I wanted it to be anyway.
The iPhone isn't nearly have as much customize options. But still, it's enough for me and I used MIUI ROM so it reminds a lot of the iOS.
I never even used widgets after a while because widget made my already crappy battery run out of ´cream´ even faster.
I'm still thinking of maybe take a S3 though because of the iPhone seems to have a bit of problems(easy scratches and some other minor stuff)
Though the S3 in my eyes is REALLY big. I can still cancel my order on the iPhone so if anyone after reading this can convince me to get the S3. Please go ahead.
I really loved my time with android. But I kind of got sick on it. Maybe if I try both the iPhone 5 and GSIII I can finally make a 100% accurate choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I won't try to dissuade you. If T-Mobile hadn't given me a good deal to stay, or I weren't on T-Mobile to start with, I might have decided to give the iPhone 5 a try. That said, my understanding from a relative who happily uses Apple products is that, if as I do you use Google calendar and Gmail, then there's no significant advantage to the iPhone over the Galaxy S III. What you're left with is a choice between two very good products, each of which has advantages and disadvantages.
So you preordered a phone? What provider? Then used it and didnt like it. Then you got a S3 today and you have already rooted it? Judging by your sig?
@OP I moved to the dfw area a few months ago and had Sprint. nearly two months went by, I had absolutely no service and they said it's because they're "upgrading". I don't call that much of an upgrade if I can't even make calls. And the wimax was still awful. So you made the right choice switching. I also switched to tmo, got an amazing deal and am loving the 4g, WiFi calling, and service in general. Plus the s3 makes it that much sweeter.
If you haven't yet, make sure to call and ask them to add the free WiFi calling onto your account.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
RebDovid said:
I won't try to dissuade you. If T-Mobile hadn't given me a good deal to stay, or I weren't on T-Mobile to start with, I might have decided to give the iPhone 5 a try. That said, my understanding from a relevative who happily uses Apple products is that, if as I do you use Google calendar and Gmail, then there's no significant advantage to the iPhone over the Galaxy S III. What you're left with is a choice between two very good products, each of which has advantages and disadvantages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to visit a local store and try out the S3 and check if it's possible to get my interest back to android.
Than only time will tell if I decide to cancel the order or not and get the S3 instead.
Also the 4G version of the Galaxy S3 is not released here in Sweden yet I think.
1SiK1500 said:
So you preordered a phone? What provider? Then used it and didnt like it. Then you got a S3 today and you have already rooted it? Judging by your sig?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had T-Mobile to begin with (grandfathered with unlimited data). My plan doesn't end until December, but I figured I got tired of flashing unstable roms on my Nexus S that I'd give iPhone a try, as people kept saying "oh it's so easy to use and it's so stable". I used the iPhone 5 from Friday afternoon till Saturday night. I ran into too many customization / sync issues where I just had enough of it and I wiped the phone clean and ready to be returned. Sunday came and I called up Sprint, and cancelled my plan and set up my phone to be returned. Afterwards, went over to T-Mobile as I have the itch for a new phone. Spoke w/ the rep at the store and turns out I could upgrade my account for some reason (though I kept thinking I had to wait the full 2 years to upgrade my line). So picked up the GS3 right then and had everything up and running. I was already using ParanoidAndroid 2.13 on my Nexus S, so it wasn't difficult to get everything up and running. This is much improved over my last phone. 2GB ram vs 512MB (380MB usable) and 1.5GHz+ (oc'd to 1.7 via LeanKernel) vs 1.2GHz Marmite Kernel. GS3 was an overall much better experience.
As for the iPhone, it's a great phone (smooth, fast, and pretty). Great build quality and finish and amazing display. It did feel more delicate as the surface seemed a bit more prone to scratches (back and sides). Mine however was fine, but I don't speak for everyone. The anodized aluminum is more likely to get scratched, and I got the white one so it is less noticeable. The GS3, even though plastic, actually seemed more durable to everyday use, as one would probably not want to constantly worry about scratching the beautiful iPhone shell. Also accessories are scarce for the iPhone. My case was pre-ordered, and still not shipped out today. Cancelled that as I no longer plan on sticking with the iPhone. Also trying to get additional USB->Lightning cables was going to cause me to have to wait another 2-3 weeks due to backorder.
jpirog said:
@OP I moved to the dfw area a few months ago and had Sprint. nearly two months went by, I had absolutely no service and they said it's because they're "upgrading". I don't call that much of an upgrade if I can't even make calls. And the wimax was still awful. So you made the right choice switching. I also switched to tmo, got an amazing deal and am loving the 4g, WiFi calling, and service in general. Plus the s3 makes it that much sweeter.
If you haven't yet, make sure to call and ask them to add the free WiFi calling onto your account.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for Sprint, they had deceptive LTE advertising. I canceled well within the 14 day trial period ( < 72 hours to be exact). Sprint's 3G is the equivalent of dialup. T-mobile's 4G, even though not real 4G, is still comparable to cable/dsl speeds. Fios-like speeds of LTE is great, but not necessary. Just thinking about the data cap from AT&T or Verizon, as I'm not grandfathered on those plans, would mean constant worry about if I'm hitting cap or not. But anyways, I didn't sign up for Sprint to use my iPhone on WiFi or wait the 1-2 years till they finally finish rolling out LTE in DFW.
BTW, did you end up paying any termination fees? You stated 2 months went by. I just figured, I'd GTFO ASAP haha. Sprint's 3G was unacceptable in today's terms.
Aria807 said:
Preordered iPhone5. Received it Friday Sept 21. Returned Sunday 2-3 days later. Picked up t-mobile Galaxy S3 right after returning the iPhone5.
So glad I am back on Android. From the 2-3 days of ownership of the iPhone5/iOS (as this was my 1st iPhone and I just wanted to experiment to see how I'd like it), I was not able to do very basic things I wanted, or any reasonable person would expect to be able to do to a phone.
1st off, Ringtones. Anyone owning a phone would have a reasonable expectation to be able to change / add custom ringtones. Should I have to pay for it? Maybe, that is if I don't want to cut the songs myself. I already have ringtones from my last phone which was basic mp3s I could have drag/dropped over. But with iPhone, I had to go through tedious process of utilizing iTunes as a medium, converting to AAC format, moving onto desktop, deleting the ones in iTunes, then renaming the .m4a format to .m4r, then dragging it back into iTunes, then syncing. I could have done all this on Android by just plugging it to my comp, locate Ringtones folder, dropped it in, and done.
Sync was an issue too. I'm pretty sure most people use gmail in some way, and all my contacts are in gmail. Tried to get contacts to sync over to iCloud was a hassle. It would only sync the root folder group of contacts and not the other groups. I had to manually export each contact group to my comp, then import into iCloud. Now if I added/made changes to a contact on my iPhone, I'd have to go back home, and re-enter a new contact in google. It's just not a seamless process.
Also the AppStore. Every 15 minutes I want to get an app, I am asked to enter a password. And Apple requires a complicated pw with uppercase/lowercase, numbers, special characters. It's not by any means easy to type on the phone every time I want to install something.
No widgets either on iOs. No notification widgets to easy turn on/off options like WiFi, screen rotation, GPS, Bluetooth. I have to go into settings and navigate through menus to turn them on/off.
I didn't like how all the apps just show up on the home screen as iOS doesn't have a drawer like Android, and I'd have to dump everything into folders if I didn't want to see it. Also all the icons just align from right to left, top to bottom. I can't change where they are on the page except for the order it flows. I read maybe JailBreaking can help with this customization, but I don't think I want to wait that long for an untethered JB to be available for the iPhone5 to be released.
Forgot to add, I have a TF700 and I utilize TabletTalk to sync SMS to my Tablet and send SMS via the Tablet. This wouldn't have worked out for an Android Tablet with an iPhone.
Side issue that affected me, but unrelated to Apple, was the fact Sprint had deceptive advertising regarding their LTE coverage. As you guys know, iPhone is either 3G or LTE; no WiMax. In DFW, even though coverage map shows I am clearly in 4G LTE coverage, Sprint indeed only had 1 LTE tower up and running in the other side of Dallas of where I am at. And Dallas is a pretty damn big city, so all I ever saw was 3G. Sprint's 3G was < 1mbps down/upload, which is unacceptable as I am paying for "unlimited 3g/4g data" cost of an additional $10/month. It is hardly enough bandwidth to stream music / video or let alone download apps unless I am connected to WiFi; which then goes back to the point of why am I even paying for data. Unlimited data is pointless at that speed and I'm not going to wait 1-2 yrs for Sprint to finish rolling out LTE in Dallas; since by then my contract would have expired anyways and I could just switch to Sprint then.
But overall, I didn't try to / demand anything complicated out of the phone. The simple things I wanted it to do, didn't go as I had expected, even though I kept hearing how easy iPhones are to use, and how stable it is. Stable OS, smooth processing, and pretty, yes. But basic simple customization / syncing, no. And now I totally understand when Android users are trolling iPhone users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup Apple sucks
I'm looking at maybe getting a Nexus 7 but I have a more general question. I'd like the 7 to replace my phone, a Galaxy S3 as I am now doing a Uni course and the larger screen would be handy, but I'd prefer to carry only one item and really don't want to have to get a new SIM/Data plan to run the tablet.
It seems tablets (presumably the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 included) don't do phone. They have 3G and 4G/LTE sometimes advertised but it is only for data as near as I can tell. Why wouldn't a manufacturer make a tablet that you could just add a BT headset and have the best of both worlds, a tablet for computing that is also your phone.
Or am I missing something here? (last experience was with a Xoom 2, but the missus has an Xperia Z 10" and it doesn't do phone either)
Is there a simple way to use the Nexus as a phone? I've seen recommendations about Google Talk but do these work OK? (I'm wondering why they don't seem more in use)
Journyman16 said:
I'm looking at maybe getting a Nexus 7 but I have a more general question. I'd like the 7 to replace my phone, a Galaxy S3 as I am now doing a Uni course and the larger screen would be handy, but I'd prefer to carry only one item and really don't want to have to get a new SIM/Data plan to run the tablet.
It seems tablets (presumably the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 included) don't do phone. They have 3G and 4G/LTE sometimes advertised but it is only for data as near as I can tell. Why wouldn't a manufacturer make a tablet that you could just add a BT headset and have the best of both worlds, a tablet for computing that is also your phone.
Or am I missing something here? (last experience was with a Xoom 2, but the missus has an Xperia Z 10" and it doesn't do phone either)
Is there a simple way to use the Nexus as a phone? I've seen recommendations about Google Talk but do these work OK? (I'm wondering why they don't seem more in use)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a few things you can do. You can get the LTE and hope dev's add phone support. I read somewhere earlier that on the old n7 (correct me if I'm wrong), they added SMS support ONLY.
Another option is to try a service like this, which will allow you to possibly make calls from your tablet in that way. http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/19/ppl-connect-virtual-phone/
You could also try an app like this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moplus.gvphone
Another option I've used which works fairly well is called Groove: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.snrblabs.grooveip
another option is skype with landline calling.
Long answer as above, short answer: it's complicated, you can try it with different apps but YMMV. Good luck!
Journyman16 said:
I'm looking at maybe getting a Nexus 7 but I have a more general question. I'd like the 7 to replace my phone, a Galaxy S3 as I am now doing a Uni course and the larger screen would be handy, but I'd prefer to carry only one item and really don't want to have to get a new SIM/Data plan to run the tablet.
It seems tablets (presumably the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 included) don't do phone. They have 3G and 4G/LTE sometimes advertised but it is only for data as near as I can tell. Why wouldn't a manufacturer make a tablet that you could just add a BT headset and have the best of both worlds, a tablet for computing that is also your phone.
Or am I missing something here? (last experience was with a Xoom 2, but the missus has an Xperia Z 10" and it doesn't do phone either)
Is there a simple way to use the Nexus as a phone? I've seen recommendations about Google Talk but do these work OK? (I'm wondering why they don't seem more in use)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Short version: As an actual phone connected to the phone network making normal voice plan calls? No. That's not possible at this time and it's unlikely that's going to be working any time soon. Google has gone to some lengths to block this capability.
Slightly longer version: If you just want a phone and don't care about how? Yes. You can get a VoIP plan from any of a number of companies (Vonage, Comwave, MagicJack, etc) who include an Android phone app. In this case, you'll get a Data only SIM from your carrier, stick it in the N7 LTE and use the internet connection to make calls. Downside? If you want to receive calls, you'll have to run the VoIP app's service in the background and that'll eat up more battery. Also, no SMS directly. While the N7 LTE *does* technically support SMS, again Google has gone to some lengths to block outgoing SMS and limit the usefulness of incoming SMSes - there is a fix for this problem. But if you're VoIPing - then you'll have two phone numbers - the one for your VoIP phone and one for the SIM and that's the one you have to use for SMS.
On the other hand, some of the VoIP offer SMS support and there are some Android apps that allow you to route your SMS through their app, which basically restores SMS.
Oh and why haven't they made a phone/tablet? They have. For example: the Viewsonic ViewPad 7 does it. The Samsung Note 10.1 and 8 LTE version does it. The problem with the N7 is that Google's phone is the N5 and they want to keep the tablets and phones separate.
Thanks guys... That's pretty much where I thought things were. I am puzzled as to why - I'd have thought something like the Nexus 7 with phone would be a Monty for market share. Let's face it, phone users are not going to want the bigger form factor anyway, but adding a phone to a tablet of reasonable size (i.e. large pocket) and reasonable weight (i.e.sub 400gm or so) would have people swarming to buy.
There's another reason, and one that is part of my reason for the question - some of us are older. Tiny screens running HD are not exactly eye friendly and Android doesn't do scaleability worth a damn until you are on a web page. A 7 or 8 inch screen at HD is far more readable than a 5 inch. And people my age have disposable income without having to ask our parents.
And once one company does it, they'd all have a version. The market would split in two, large and small screens. As it is, I wonder how many potential phablet users just think 'stuff it, I'll stick with my phone and my laptop/home desktop and bugger the upgrade.' Samsung 8 LTE might be the go - been looking at the Note 3 for exactly the reasons here...
Why Google decided to copy the phone companies in paradigm instead of breaking the market open I have no idea.
It's possible through Google Voice and a third party app. I use Talkatone but there are a few others. They're against the terms of service for Google Voice, and Google has announced that they'll be blocking third party apps like this sometime next year. But they work now anywhere you have a any data connection. However, there's a silver lining: Google added first party voip support for Google Voice lines in the iOS version of Google Hangouts. If you put connect the dots, it looks like Google will give first party voip support for Google Voice through the Android version of Hangouts. They've already pushed Hangouts one step closer to being a one-stop-shop for communication when they made it the default SMS app for the latest version of Android.
But just so you know if you do this or any other voip solution, you should know that you won't have 911 service. It might be worthwhile to purchase a cheap pay-as-you-go phone for that or just keep your old phone handy even if it doesn't have a plan anymore since 911 is ALWAYS available on all mobile phones that can connect to a cellular tower even if there is no paid service for them.
Voice + Voice app (for texting) + GrooveIP (paid version) is the easiest way to go. I suggest a Bluetooth headset unless you don't mind making all your calls in speaker phone. Learn from my mistakes and see if you can find a Bluetooth 4.0 headset as they're easier on battery life than 3.0 ... Plantronics has a half way decent Android app (look for the one with more than 4 stars).
Look up the Asus Fonepad. I would suggest the newest version, with the GB you want. It also has an SD slot. It is carrier ready. It isn't "pure" android, but it is close. And some of the extras are helpful.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Journyman16 said:
I'm looking at maybe getting a Nexus 7 but I have a more general question. I'd like the 7 to replace my phone, a Galaxy S3 as I am now doing a Uni course and the larger screen would be handy, but I'd prefer to carry only one item and really don't want to have to get a new SIM/Data plan to run the tablet.
It seems tablets (presumably the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 included) don't do phone. They have 3G and 4G/LTE sometimes advertised but it is only for data as near as I can tell. Why wouldn't a manufacturer make a tablet that you could just add a BT headset and have the best of both worlds, a tablet for computing that is also your phone.
Or am I missing something here? (last experience was with a Xoom 2, but the missus has an Xperia Z 10" and it doesn't do phone either)
Is there a simple way to use the Nexus as a phone? I've seen recommendations about Google Talk but do these work OK? (I'm wondering why they don't seem more in use)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you are not in the U.S., the international version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 may be what you need. You can even purchase an S pen that has Bluetooth headset capabilities built in. You would have a phone, tablet and notebook all in one device. Keep in mind last year's version was released in the spring, so an update is likely soon. It does not have nearly the ppi of the N7, and the battery life isn't great, but otherwise it's a good tablet. I have both and prefer the N7 for fun and for reading, but use the Note 8 at work every day. Unfortunately in the US we do not have access to the version with voice capabilities even though there is a data enabled version sold here. I'm not sure if the international version would work here either.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Google Voice and Talkatone worked great when we went on a trip to Italy. I made free calls back to the US from anywhere with Wi-Fi .
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I've been using a 7" Nexus as my phone for over a year now (first 2012 wifi only, now 2013 LTE). Free incoming and outgoing calls, I just pay for a 4g data plan with Verizon.
- Texts with Google Voice.
- Incoming calls to Google Voice number ring my Callcentric VOIP #, which rings my PBX then rings the SIP app on the tablet (in my case CsipSimple).
- Outgoing calls go through the Gvoice trunk on Pbxes.org and the caller ID shows up as as my google voice number. Free calls to US and Canada.
Ever since I got the Nexus 2013 the call quality has actually gotten worse though, there must be some setting that needs to be tweaked somewhere (my setup confuses me sometimes)
Anyways look for guides by "acegolfer". He's the man for VOIP stuff.
Journyman16 said:
Thanks guys... That's pretty much where I thought things were. I am puzzled as to why - I'd have thought something like the Nexus 7 with phone would be a Monty for market share. Let's face it, phone users are not going to want the bigger form factor anyway, but adding a phone to a tablet of reasonable size (i.e. large pocket) and reasonable weight (i.e.sub 400gm or so) would have people swarming to buy.
There's another reason, and one that is part of my reason for the question - some of us are older. Tiny screens running HD are not exactly eye friendly and Android doesn't do scaleability worth a damn until you are on a web page. A 7 or 8 inch screen at HD is far more readable than a 5 inch. And people my age have disposable income without having to ask our parents.
And once one company does it, they'd all have a version. The market would split in two, large and small screens. As it is, I wonder how many potential phablet users just think 'stuff it, I'll stick with my phone and my laptop/home desktop and bugger the upgrade.' Samsung 8 LTE might be the go - been looking at the Note 3 for exactly the reasons here...
Why Google decided to copy the phone companies in paradigm instead of breaking the market open I have no idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are so right. There is nothing right now on the market with: (a) HD screen (1080x1920), (b) 4G, (c) 7" screen
Absolutely nothing. It is amazing the N7 cannot make phone calls.
And you are also right on the "age" but on general use as well. I struggle on my 4.5" smartphone - not only because my eyes are not as good anymore, but also because no web sites can display properly and as soon as you have the keyboard on the screen it's all gone.
The 7" and the weight is an ideal replacement for a smartphone! The business heads in Google obviously need to be sacked.
Hey guys,
Just went to a major whse and bought the Galaxy Tab s. Looking over the specs I noticed it can mirror my Galaxy Note 3 via sidesync to send and receive calls. However one can't talk THROUGH the Tab s? I just talked to two live chat support and they said you can't. Both are bluetooth paired, sydsynced, both have microphones and speakers. All set up to be able to talk through the Tab s right? Nyet. no. Yet, my $80 dumb car stereo with bluetooth can and the sound comes through the speaker so why can't this whizz bang tablet? What am I doing wrong and missing?
Thanks for any hep.
I've searched google for w while now and I found ONE thread about downloading something onto my computer then onto the tablet after rooting but I'm not that technical. I'm three hours into the search and nothing. So either I'm asking the google the wrong question or a solution isn't there?
Yeah, call through secondary device, everybody wants, but AFAIK not solution around. Bummer.
I became so disappointed as you when I realized I couldn't speak and hear through tab when picking calls from note 3.
The solution we expect will require a BT phone in range with note 3. That is pretty redundant because tab has a BT phone built in as you said.
Sidesync is nice but is fresh and there is a lot of room for features and improvements on its next versions.
sydesinc for now acts just like a windows RDC and can't be used if you're tethering data from secondary device. it is nice but it's not enough.
Sent from my SM-T805M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
pibach said:
Yeah, call through secondary device, everybody wants, but AFAIK not solution around. Bummer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aldrighi said:
I became so disappointed as you when I realized I couldn't speak and hear through tab when picking calls from note 3.
The solution we expect will require a BT phone in range with note 3. That is pretty redundant because tab has a BT phone built in as you said.
Sidesync is nice but is fresh and there is a lot of room for features and improvements on its next versions.
sydesinc for now acts just like a windows RDC and can't be used if you're tethering data from secondary device. it is nice but it's not enough.
Sent from my SM-T805M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks guys just my luck. This is NOT what was advertised or rather a slick omittance and half truth in their advertisement. Even a gent from a major electronic magazine at the CES show stated after sydsyncing his phone "will be able to talk through the device and mirror your phone". Then went on to drag and drop a pic of his mirrored phone onto the Tab. I thought cool finally! So much for research.
It amazes me they went 9/10th of the way but thought it not useful to go that extra tenth to make it be a pass though device for calls.
Again, thank you for your answers.:good: Going back today to return it.
rxonmymind said:
Thanks guys just my luck. This is NOT what was advertised or rather a slick omittance and half truth in their advertisement. Even a gent from a major electronic magazine at the CES show stated after sydsyncing his phone "will be able to talk through the device and mirror your phone". Then went on to drag and drop a pic of his mirrored phone onto the Tab. I thought cool finally! So much for research.
It amazes me they went 9/10th of the way but thought it not useful to go that extra tenth to make it be a pass though device for calls.
Again, thank you for your answers.:good: Going back today to return it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sad to say that is the case. It does work with S5 however. Did you update your software? I am wondering if that would take care of it. Not sure why it would with S 5 and not Note.
tenbender said:
Sad to say that is the case. It does work with S5 however.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you confirm you can make a call on S5 (actually pressing it on tab) through sidesync and speak on the mic of te tab?
can we bridge calls through devices or not? I just could't figure how.
Sent from my SM-T805M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
aldrighi said:
So you confirm you can make a call on S5 (actually pressing it on tab) through sidesync and speak on the mic of te tab?
can we bridge calls through devices or not? I just could't figure how.
Sent from my SM-T805M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to tether the entire call through my galaxy tab S via sidesync using my galaxy S4, however I can't tell if it works with my new Note 4. I called my partner while I was at home and they were at work, using sidesync, with my S4 in the next room on the charger, however I had it connected via wifi and bluetooth.
As far as i know,it only works with S5.
In a few days i have my Tab S 10.5 lte and that's the reason i will change my Note 3 into an S5.
After being the first person in Florida at a TMO location to report issues with my phone (not explosions) but lag, heat, etc... It's now finally being brought to fruition how bad this phone is. After being flamed by fanboys and people who just couldn't get past a brand name, you're now finally seeing even people like the central slam the phone. I will add, that they also were upset by my posts, videos of the phone(s) all 4 of them, failing.
So, with the Note 7 pretty much done, no matter what they do - what out there does what the Note 7 does? There really isn't anything out there that I can see (That if the note 7 worked as promised) would do what the Note 7 was supposed to do in a fluid nature. And while I want to go back to the iPhone, since they just work, I am trying to give Android's a fair shake. I just can't find anything out there screen size wise, security wise, speed wise, screen quality wise, resolution wise*, that really is 100% (not 99%) to the note 7.
Any idea's on a replacement? Whether I have to buy it overseas or not. I really am trying to give android OS and the companies who use it a fair shake.. Just not impressed from what I have seen out there as of now.
just wait and see what Samsung will announce, the official statement I mean
Well, my phone is ticking now..
drmodify said:
just wait and see what Samsung will announce, the official statement I mean
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung wants the phone back directly, not through the vendor. They have told me they would replace it as of last Wed. However, they told me in an email today that they will not send me a replacement phone. They said both versions are on hold and to return the phone to THEM but request a refund through TMO. This is really garbage in my opinion.
TMO will probably refund, that isn't the issue. The issue now is finding a suitable phone. One that, as I said " is 100% to the note 7 in specs".. I know performance wise, there is nothing that will touch the apple. I will take a "little bit of a hit" if I can find something with a 2k screen and has all of the other specs. Resolution on a screen is key for me and also to be able to do some other things like penetration testing and what not. Which is why I am avoiding the Apple platform for the first time since the inception.
androidcentralsucks said:
After being the first person in Florida at a TMO location to report issues with my phone (not explosions) but lag, heat, etc... It's now finally being brought to fruition how bad this phone is. After being flamed by fanboys and people who just couldn't get past a brand name, you're now finally seeing even people like the central slam the phone. I will add, that they also were upset by my posts, videos of the phone(s) all 4 of them, failing.
So, with the Note 7 pretty much done, no matter what they do - what out there does what the Note 7 does? There really isn't anything out there that I can see (That if the note 7 worked as promised) would do what the Note 7 was supposed to do in a fluid nature. And while I want to go back to the iPhone, since they just work, I am trying to give Android's a fair shake. I just can't find anything out there screen size wise, security wise, speed wise, screen quality wise, resolution wise*, that really is 100% (not 99%) to the note 7.
Any idea's on a replacement? Whether I have to buy it overseas or not. I really am trying to give android OS and the companies who use it a fair shake.. Just not impressed from what I have seen out there as of now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dude go get a different phone already.
S7/S7 Edge. Or if you really want the S-Pen functionality with the screen size, then sacrifice and get the Note 4
iPhone 7 Plus! I'd take that route in a heart beat but I need a headphone jack.
NIKKOTUASON said:
iPhone 7 Plus! I'd take that route in a heart beat but I need a headphone jack.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't do penetration testing with it. I have my 6plus and it's amazing how much faster and more fluid it is over the N7 grenade. Unfortunately I do need to test in the field and the iPhone 7 plus can't do it. And now with the jailbreak all but gone, it really doesn't leave much to be desired. IF the iPhone had a 2k screen, it would probably happen, but as of now, looking to see whats available overseas.. =/
Cycloneon said:
S7/S7 Edge. Or if you really want the S-Pen functionality with the screen size, then sacrifice and get the Note 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do like the S-Pen.. but really don't want to go backwards in technology. Then again, the N5 just works lol.. bah!
S7e is the note7 minus stylus and eye scanner. The charging port technology ...while USBC is nice, doesn't affect anything charging rate or transfer wise as far as I can tell. Been using the s7e for a few weeks as a replacement .... no issues. Even looks / feels the same.
The screen is a hair smaller but I can't tell the difference in hand and my s7e fit almost perfectly into the case I had for my note 7.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
androidcentralsucks said:
After being the first person in Florida at a TMO location to report issues with my phone (not explosions) but lag, heat, etc... It's now finally being brought to fruition how bad this phone is. After being flamed by fanboys and people who just couldn't get past a brand name, you're now finally seeing even people like the central slam the phone. I will add, that they also were upset by my posts, videos of the phone(s) all 4 of them, failing.
So, with the Note 7 pretty much done, no matter what they do - what out there does what the Note 7 does? There really isn't anything out there that I can see (That if the note 7 worked as promised) would do what the Note 7 was supposed to do in a fluid nature. And while I want to go back to the iPhone, since they just work, I am trying to give Android's a fair shake. I just can't find anything out there screen size wise, security wise, speed wise, screen quality wise, resolution wise*, that really is 100% (not 99%) to the note 7.
Any idea's on a replacement? Whether I have to buy it overseas or not. I really am trying to give android OS and the companies who use it a fair shake.. Just not impressed from what I have seen out there as of now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lag/Heat has nothing to do with the fires. I'm tired of repeating myself so go view my post history.
hi my name is abdelrahman and i am new to samsung i happened to carry huwaei and sony mobiles before but i always wished to carry a note phone since its the flagship of android ...sadly it caused me to hate samsung and its ridiculous apps
1) Contacts display options the description doesn't appear like Huawei (my older phone) and this is not a hard option to do just put viewing options in contacts display SO I CAN SEE THE DESCRIPTION OF EACH CONTACT UNDER ITS NAME which is very important to me and i didnt find any application that have this option also instaklling the huwaei contact app on my note10+ failed i dont know why
2) No smart select for the sim card it's only either select one of the sims always to be used or select the sim each time (my huwaei used to know that if i am calling my contact on his number for example x the phone was used to make the phone call with sim 1 for example because i used to do this for some time and the phone picked it up automatically....and so on
3) Connectivity Issues (it's very slow switching between networks)
4) No dedicated 4G mode it's bundled with 2G/3G/4G which is frustrating there must be a seperate option for 4G only like the wcdma only option on my older mate 8 there used to be a 4G button in the notification panel which enforce the use of only 4G network
5) Music media players that comes with the device doesn't fast forward or rewind the song itself and cant be done by linking it to the bluetooth of the car (solved by downloading another player but i was surprised by this problem really i didn't think that this is an option since now i cant be hand free while driving because i have to scroll the music playing bar now just to fast forward or rewind)
6) The need to say hi bixby every time u want to use it is ridiculous there must be something about it
Seems like you need to go back to Huawei....
I ame from iPhone 1st,2nd and 3rd gen, then I switched over to Samsung and never looked back. Each platform has its ups and downs...
Sent from my SM-N975U1 using Tapatalk
Jiannu1385 said:
Seems like you need to go back to Huawei....
I ame from iPhone 1st,2nd and 3rd gen, then I switched over to Samsung and never looked back. Each platform has its ups and downs...
Sent from my SM-N975U1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my friend for sure u will never look back to iphone since its not on the same level of the competition what i mean is how can a 4 year old phone from a chinease manufacturer have small features but very vital like this and samsung doesnt
Different phones offer different options, pretty much always. A 4 year old phone will have things newer phones got rid of, there are definitely times where they get rid of things we liked and used (like an IR blaster for example). Also, OS updates almost always lose some options from the previous version. I held off on updating my Note 9 to Pie because I liked the available options of Oreo better. Still have my Note 9 on Oreo, still like the drop down quick settings better than my Note 10+ has on Pie. That's just an example.
Unfortunately, there is always some give and take when changing phone brands, OS systems, etc. Overall newer phones are overwhelmingly better, but there are still things that we wish we could have back that get lost over time.
I second that opinion, maybe you should go back to Huawei.
I can't comment on dual SIM, since I don't have it, but for example #1 personally I much more prefer Samsung way, than the way you describe Huawei does it. Much cleaner that way and I really don't need any descriptions on most of my contacts, like really do I need descriptions for Dad, Mom, wife or Elisa my daughter? If I need descriptions I put them in the title like Jimmy -plumber, chinese broadway etc.
While I understand you got used to do it your way, yours maybe not the only or even better way, personally I would either accept it or leave. Can't help with number 3, never had that issue, #4 I think there are settings for this, but don't remember where, because I would never use it, if there is no LTE signal of course I want to have any connection available, much better than nothing and I think there is a setting to always prefer LTE. #5 as you already found out particular player/car BT issue and #6 I never used Bixby can't comment much, but I would imagine there have to be some way to tell the phone you're talking to it, instead of friend? no? Maybe try hello Google instead. BTW that newest Huawei 30 pro looks like an awesome phone, was even thinking of getting it myself, if it only had s-pen.
pete4k said:
I second that opinion, maybe you should go back to Huawei.
I can't comment on dual SIM, since I don't have it, but for example #1 personally I much more prefer Samsung way, than the way you describe Huawei does it. Much cleaner that way and I really don't need any descriptions on most of my contacts, like really do I need descriptions for Dad, Mom, wife or Elisa my daughter? If I need descriptions I put them in the title like Jimmy -plumber, chinese broadway etc.
While I understand you got used to do it your way, yours maybe not the only or even better way, personally I would either accept it or leave. Can't help with number 3, never had that issue, #4 I think there are settings for this, but don't remember where, because I would never use it, if there is no LTE signal of course I want to have any connection available, much better than nothing and I think there is a setting to always prefer LTE. #5 as you already found out particular player/car BT issue and #6 I never used Bixby can't comment much, but I would imagine there have to be some way to tell the phone you're talking to it, instead of friend? no? Maybe try hello Google instead. BTW that newest Huawei 30 pro looks like an awesome phone, was even thinking of getting it myself, if it only had s-pen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it has an m-pen btw ...the problem is here mobiles are very expensive i cant also buy this mobile now so i feel like kinda fooled into this brand ...i guess this options wont be a must for u but it made my life easier
anbo2015 said:
it has an m-pen btw ...the problem is here mobiles are very expensive i cant also buy this mobile now so i feel like kinda fooled into this brand ...i guess this options wont be a must for u but it made my life easier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand, once you past free return period, or if you don't even get one, it can be frustrating to switch to new phone and find out it works different, but at least for contacts the workaround I gave you should be easy enough? Also, if you really need phone set to LTE only I'll try to dig out the instructions?
Regarding Huawei m-pen, it's good to know, but if the pen is not stored inside the phone, I'll keep on loosing it, I tried that before, unless there is a case with build-in pen storage, because that could work.
You should change back to Huawei. Then you might find something useful in Samsung but not in Huawei.
I don't want the description below the contact, then will make the contact list extra long to scroll. I usually put the name and the company name just behind the name. If I really want the description like emails, I just click the name to see it.
I don't use 2 sim cards. But I think you still can choose which sim card to call. Just extra steps.
There is no 4G alone option. It is not a bad thing. I tried to set it 3G only, but when I traveled, where the place has bad 3G service, then no one can call or msg me but I totally forgot I did that. So no 4G only might be a good thing for places with inconsistent 4G coverage.
To fast forward a song, just drag the progress bar. If you want a fast speed, it is in the setting.
Just long press the power/Bixby button can bring up the Bixby voice. So you doesn't need to say Hi Bixby. Surprisingly you are using Bixby when the rest of us not.
pete4k said:
I second that opinion, maybe you should go back to Huawei.
I can't comment on dual SIM, since I don't have it, but for example #1 personally I much more prefer Samsung way, than the way you describe Huawei does it. Much cleaner that way and I really don't need any descriptions on most of my contacts, like really do I need descriptions for Dad, Mom, wife or Elisa my daughter? If I need descriptions I put them in the title like Jimmy -plumber, chinese broadway etc.
While I understand you got used to do it your way, yours maybe not the only or even better way, personally I would either accept it or leave. Can't help with number 3, never had that issue, #4 I think there are settings for this, but don't remember where, because I would never use it, if there is no LTE signal of course I want to have any connection available, much better than nothing and I think there is a setting to always prefer LTE. #5 as you already found out particular player/car BT issue and #6 I never used Bixby can't comment much, but I would imagine there have to be some way to tell the phone you're talking to it, instead of friend? no? Maybe try hello Google instead. BTW that newest Huawei 30 pro looks like an awesome phone, was even thinking of getting it myself, if it only had s-pen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does work with their spen but it's not built in
For Contacts and Dual Sim issue, there are several Apps that can do the function you require like Truecaller and for Music as well, you can try 3rd party Apps