Samsung Galaxy S3 or iPhone5? (no bashing please)

[DevilGirl]

I'm looking for honest opinions here. I currently have the iPhone4 (first gen iPhone before that). It seems the 4S made bigger improvements over the 4 than the 5 is making over the 4S. I just don't see the 5 being all that great, I was expecting more out of Apple.

With that said, I'm leaning heavily towards an Android phone. Being semi new to the Android market though, I have some reserves as to what would be the best option for me. Obviously I want something comparable to the iPhone5. As far as size of phone, 16gb internal with microSD expandability is perfectly fine by me (definitely reduces cost). Screen size, I don't want the phone to be so big that I can't fit it into my pocket. I know the S3 is a little over 4", and that's probably the biggest I'd go.

Any thoughts and comments from those who have an Android device as to whether the S3 is worth it, or if there is something better that's already out (I've been waiting since June to upgrade, pending the iPhone5 release, hoping it'd be really great).

I know I'm going to lose all my apps I've already purchesed, but browsing through the Android Market (or Google Play, whatever it's called), and found that a good portion of the apps I really like are also available for free on Android.

[JumpmanYaris]

You really want a iphone5 then, its easier to operate and not as big as the galaxy.

[Shroomster]

Galaxy is not just over 4" it is 4.8". Also if you're used to apple then stick with it, unless you're the kind of person who can adapt to a different UI. It's open source so there is more available to android phones concerning apps and amenities. Also if you want a physical keyboard, or a specific style of phone or brand, odds are you'll find it in an android device. Plus you don't need to go to a geniusbar if you have a question, almost everything you would run into with android, is posted online in a forum with great detail.

I'm actually partial to HTC devices, I have a sensation, that's heavily modded and wife has a mytouch 4g slide ( physical keyboard). The closest phone to what you asked for is the amaze 4g from htc, its a little older but has a great camera. I'm not a fan of the "one" series from HTC as they are almost identical to the iPhone (no removable battery, no expandable memory). Hope this is helpful.

[suckerface]

I have always been an Android fan. The biggest thing that irks me about the iPhone 5 is the new design for the dock connector. I hate that Apple is so proprietary as it is, and this just pushes them further into that corner.

That being said, I really don't think you'd be disappointed by an Android device, no matter which one you get. I'm planning on getting the S3 soon (I'm up for an upgrade) but am kind of holding out to see if something new comes out in the next month or two (heard rumours of an S3r2).

Get familiar with the XDA forums. Great support, good people in the community, and phenomenal instructions on rooting/flashing/modding. If you like the look/feel of the iPhone, I can promise you there'll more than likely be a ROM for whatever phone you get that will give it a similar, if not the same, look and feel.

I've always been a Samsung/HTC fan. I currently have the HTC EVO 3D, and I do really like it, but am excited to get something new.

Disclaimer: I have a friend in the Wireless industry, and he's heard a LOT of reports of the S3 not having good reception with every carrier. It appears to be a phone issue, but it's intermittent and not everyone has the issue, so YMMV.

[fnkngrv]

To answer your question properly it also depends on your carrier?

[david_827]

considering you said you wanted micro SD expandability i'd go with the S3 as the iphone doesnt have that option. additionaly the S3 has a quad core 1.4 ghz processor whereas Apple's A6 processor is dual core. The rear facing cameras are the same, but the galaxy has a slightly better front facing camera (1.9MP vs 1.2MPO). As mentioned before, the s3 has a larger screen which also leads to a higher resolutions (1280 X720 vs 1136X640) and last but not least the S3 has a longer battery life (11hrs talk time vs 8hrs talk time)

[DevilGirl]

To answer your question properly it also depends on your carrier?

AT&T. In the area I am most in, I have yet to have an issue with cell service. (Plus, we have 5 lines on our plan, and we are still getting the best bang for our buck. I've looked at possibly converting, but nothing beats what we have nown).


You really want a iphone5 then, its easier to operate and not as big as the galaxy.

No, I don't want an i5. I'm actually getting rather tired of Apple and how they run things. Whether it's my PC or iTunes, most every time I try to do anything on iTunes lately, it completely locks my computer and is such a pain in the rear end.


Galaxy is not just over 4" it is 4.8". Also if you're used to apple then stick with it, unless you're the kind of person who can adapt to a different UI. It's open source so there is more available to android phones concerning apps and amenities. Also if you want a physical keyboard, or a specific style of phone or brand, odds are you'll find it in an android device. Plus you don't need to go to a geniusbar if you have a question, almost everything you would run into with android, is posted online in a forum with great detail.

I'm actually partial to HTC devices, I have a sensation, that's heavily modded and wife has a mytouch 4g slide ( physical keyboard). The closest phone to what you asked for is the amaze 4g from htc, its a little older but has a great camera. I'm not a fan of the "one" series from HTC as they are almost identical to the iPhone (no removable battery, no expandable memory). Hope this is helpful.

Starting to hate Apple. As stated above. I think I'll stick to just an iPod from them. As for a different UI, I don't see that being a big problem for me. I have a Nook Color that I have booted from a microSD card from Nook2Android to converted the Color to a full Android device. So I have had some experience with Android, just limited as the OS is a couple versions old (Gingerbread 2.3.4, running off of CyanogenMod).

I know Samsumg makes a good phone. Especially since a good number of parts in the iPhone are actually made by Samsung, it can't be that bad. I know Motorolla's from many moons ago (had a Motorolla on Nextel when I was working construction).

It seems as though I'm asking for the impossible.
1. A new phone (within the last few months), that's a screen size of around 4 - 4.5.
2. Excellent camera (I'm constantly using my phone's camera, as that's usually all I have with me at the time).
3. Fast (I know the i5 has a quad-core processor, while most others are still running only a dual-core).
4. 16gb internal with expandability

[suckerface]

It's actually only a dual-core ARM processor, compared to the S3's Dual-core Snapdragon (which is a quad core outside the US).

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/383807/20120913/apple-iphone-5-specs-features-price-keynote.htm

[Altitude]

The Galaxy S2/S2 SkyRocket is still available and is the same size as the iPhone 5. If you think the S3 is too big then that should fit the bill.

[cali yaris]

My S2 has this. The S3 will only be better.

It seems as though I'm asking for the impossible.
1. A new phone (within the last few months), that's a screen size of around 4 - 4.5.
2. Excellent camera (I'm constantly using my phone's camera, as that's usually all I have with me at the time).
3. Fast (I know the i5 has a quad-core processor, while most others are still running only a dual-core). [DUAL CORE for BOTH IN THE USA]
4. 16gb internal with expandability

[JumpmanYaris]

I then feel ur contradicting the title of te thread if you don't want a iPhone5 wich is what you put on the title

[cali yaris]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kVl6Jn-U9E

[DevilGirl]

I then feel ur contradicting the title of te thread if you don't want a iPhone5 wich is what you put on the title

When I wrote it, I was still considering it. Since then, and after doing more research, I have determined that I do not want the iPhone. The main reason I was considering steering away from them, is because of the reasons listed above. And the more I have thought about it, I think I would do better with an Android. So then it becomes a questions of which device I want. I'm leaning towards the S3, but am not completely sold.
I have ruled out HTC One X, due to no expandable memory; the Galaxy Note due to size and weight; the S2 due to still running Gingerbread.

It seems like the main contender is the S3, but it always helps to have input from people other than the salesman trying to just get me to buy the most expensive phone.

[david_827]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kVl6Jn-U9E


:laughabove::laughabove::laughabove::bellyroll::be llyroll::bellyroll:

[Shroomster]

When I wrote it, I was still considering it. Since then, and after doing more research, I have determined that I do not want the iPhone. The main reason I was considering steering away from them, is because of the reasons listed above. And the more I have thought about it, I think I would do better with an Android. So then it becomes a questions of which device I want. I'm leaning towards the S3, but am not completely sold.
I have ruled out HTC One X, due to no expandable memory; the Galaxy Note due to size and weight; the S2 due to still running Gingerbread.

It seems like the main contender is the S3, but it always helps to have input from people other than the salesman trying to just get me to buy the most expensive phone.
S2 was updated ice cream sandwich. Gsmarena.com and phonescoop.com are great for research btw....

[tomato]

To answer your question properly it also depends on your carrier?

+1

The first thing I think in determining whether you'll be happy with your new phone is to determine which carrier works the best for you, and go from there.

The Samsung has a removable battery. I cannot tell you how HANDY that is and for me, that is possibly the single most important factor (after carrier and signal where you live). I have a first generation EVO and am considering it (but in no particular hurry to get it ;)

I considered the iPhone 4S briefly last year (because it has a good camera, and because it works on any network, including international ones) and I would have been OK giving up Android but I didn't want to downgrade to a screen that small.

My EVO still works for me, though. It's rooted (equivalent of jailbroken) and running Cyanogen Mod (which I find more efficient than the HTC Sense it came with) and those modifications have extended the useful life of the device to me. I am probably going to stay with Android now - that is unless Apple puts them out of business :(

What I would do if I were you, I would go play with the Samsung at the store and have them show you everything. How it feels in the hand is probably going to be the deciding factor for you.

Good luck with your decision!

[tomato]

Ooops... should have read the thread entirely before answering, uh :redface:

[JumpmanYaris]

When I wrote it, I was still considering it. Since then, and after doing more research, I have determined that I do not want the iPhone. The main reason I was considering steering away from them, is because of the reasons listed above. And the more I have thought about it, I think I would do better with an Android. So then it becomes a questions of which device I want. I'm leaning towards the S3, but am not completely sold.
I have ruled out HTC One X, due to no expandable memory; the Galaxy Note due to size and weight; the S2 due to still running Gingerbread.

It seems like the main contender is the S3, but it always helps to have input from people other than the salesman trying to just get me to buy the most expensive phone.

Well to me the next best thing to a iPhone then would be the galaxy.

[tomato]

When I wrote it, I was still considering it. Since then, and after doing more research, I have determined that I do not want the iPhone. The main reason I was considering steering away from them, is because of the reasons listed above. And the more I have thought about it, I think I would do better with an Android. So then it becomes a questions of which device I want. I'm leaning towards the S3, but am not completely sold.
I have ruled out HTC One X, due to no expandable memory; the Galaxy Note due to size and weight; the S2 due to still running Gingerbread.

It seems like the main contender is the S3, but it always helps to have input from people other than the salesman trying to just get me to buy the most expensive phone.


go on http://www.phonedog.com/ They are pretty neutral and their site (unboxing videos, etc.) has helped me make my decision before. And then go play with it and tell the salesman your'e still under contract but wanted to look around. They'll leave you alone when they hear "still under contract" ;)

Good luck!

[eTiMaGo]

I'd vote Galaxy S3 as well, it really is a sexy beast of a phone, and does have some innovative features.

I don't know how it would work out for you carrier-wise, but the Galaxy Nexus is also a good choice, a little smaller than the S3, and without all the Samsung UI bloatware, just pure Android, and the first to get software updates...

[fnkngrv]

Since you are going the Android route on AT&T picking up the S3 even though it is bigger than what you really wanted sounds like the way to go.

[tomato]

Well, where is it?!! We want photos, the unboxing video, a couple of reviews and a book report while you're at it! j/k

So when are you going to pick it up? (I'm living my Android phone upgrades vicariously through others :P )

[DevilGirl]

Well, where is it?!! We want photos, the unboxing video, a couple of reviews and a book report while you're at it! j/k

So when are you going to pick it up? (I'm living my Android phone upgrades vicariously through others :P )

I picked up the Galaxy S3 on Sunday. I was holding off on a review until I've had enough time to truely evaluate it. The first few days the battery ran down quickly, but then again, I was also setting everything up, searching for new apps, etc, during those days. Once I get everything set, I can do a better evaluation of everything as it would be under "normal" use at that point.

So far, other than me constantly using it and running the battery down, I really like it. It's similar yet different from Apple. Enough of a difference, I think, to have made it worth the switch.

I did have a few issues with the pre-installed text messenger app not responding and shutting down, but I think it might have been overloaded due to the ability of having loaded all my messages from the iPhone (over 15,000) via Samsung Kies (similar to iTunes but a bit more limited). I downloaded a different messenger app and it appears to be working fine for that aspect.

I was a little miffed at no visual voicemail in the pre-installed "phone" app. But there were apps I found that would remedy that situation. Some which converted the voicemail into text, while others that allowed for the voicemail to be delivered and reviewed similar to email, where you can pick and choose which voicemail to listen to.

I am a little disappointed that there are not as many options for settings (limited things you can change the settings on). I kept reading up on saving battery life, and all the posts I read (including ones for AT&T versions of the phone) kept stating that you can change the "screen profile" under the display settings. I have yet to find this setting anywhere on my phone.

Oh, here's a tidbit that was rather annoying. Somehow a few of my contacts were transferred onto the sim card (I havn't used a sim for contacts since I started syncing with my gmail account contacts). There was no option for choosing what location to read the contacts from (sim card, phone memory, or synced account), so I tried to deleted the ones on the sim so that I wouldn't have duplicate entries in my contacts list. It would not delete the contacts, no matter what way I tried to delete them from the phone itself. I had to use Samsung Kies and delete them, and they were finally gone.

The notifications are annoying in that even if I open the app that created the notification (primarily facebook), and view what the notification came from, it doesn't clear it from the notifications section at the top of the phone, you have to manually clear the notifications.



I know it seems like I am really nitpicking the phone, and am not satisfied with it at all. This is not the case. Those are the things I'm disappointed by, but it by no means is truely indicative of how I feel about it. I'm loving the 4G speeds. Hubby was extremely impressed by how quickly an app downloaded. And thankfully we do have 4G coverage at home, and pretty much every where I've been so far. The phone is lightweight (lighter than the iPhone4), nice size screen, and overall seems really good.

[suckerface]

You're lucky you have 4G coverage. Sprint only has about 15-20 cities with 4GLTE, and Chicago is the closest for me, which is over an hour away.

Glad you like the phone so far. You might want to consider rooting it and putting a new ROM on there. I'm sure you'll get MUCH better battery life and it'll probably solve a lot of your application/notification issues. Check out http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1563 for all of your phone needs :)

I'm really torn on upgrading to the S III. I'm up for an upgrade currently, and have until the end of December to get a $50 Best Buy gift card with my upgrade, but I feel like if I get the phone now, they'll announce a new one to be released in October (that's always my luck).

[Shroomster]

You're lucky you have 4G coverage. Sprint only has about 15-20 cities with 4GLTE, and Chicago is the closest for me, which is over an hour away.

Glad you like the phone so far. You might want to consider rooting it and putting a new ROM on there. I'm sure you'll get MUCH better battery life and it'll probably solve a lot of your application/notification issues. Check out http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1563 for all of your phone needs :)

I'm really torn on upgrading to the S III. I'm up for an upgrade currently, and have until the end of December to get a $50 Best Buy gift card with my upgrade, but I feel like if I get the phone now, they'll announce a new one to be released in October (that's always my luck).

For the T-Mobile version, last I checked, last month, there's not a 100% daily driver Rom available. When I root a phone, I want EVERYTHING working as it should. That's just me, but I'm sure there is something in the works.

@devilgirl, is there a lot of bloatware on your phone?

[DevilGirl]

For the T-Mobile version, last I checked, last month, there's not a 100% daily driver Rom available. When I root a phone, I want EVERYTHING working as it should. That's just me, but I'm sure there is something in the works.

@devilgirl, is there a lot of bloatware on your phone?

Not that I've really noticed.I didn't see it for long while it was full factory (hubby snatched it from me and started downloading apps). What I have found is that for the majority of the preinstalled stuff I was able to either "uninstall" or "disable" it. Some of the pre-installed apps have been replaced by others that seem to fit my needs better.

As for rooting it, I probably won't. I never did jailbreak my old i.