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iPhone 4s VS Samsung SIII - Hands on.

SGMD1 said:
Every part. Literally.

False. The Samsung Galaxy S2 (T-Mobile), HTC Droid Incredible 2 (Verizon), and Motorola Atrix 4G (AT&T) all are examples of devices (along with dozens of others) over 6 months (and many over a year) old getting official ICS updates. Not to mention custom ROMs.

False. Firstly, as mentioned above, multiple devices that are more than a year old will be getting ICS. Secondly, Android apps have backwards compatibility; just because an app has been upgraded to ICS compatibility doesn't mean it automatically stops working with older OS versions.

The fragmentation argument has never made any sense. iOS has plenty of fragmentation. It is by design that all Android devices are not created equal. Flagship Android devices like the SGS3/RAZR MAXX/One X will get updates to the newest OS version...but mid/low end Android devices will not, nor should they.

You also failed to acknowledge the existence of AOSP, which allows just about any Android device - regardless of carrier/manufacturer - to have access to the most recent builds and implement them via a custom ROM.

I don't know who came up with this notion that fragmentation is even a problem to begin with. It's called having a choice.

The iPhone 3G - released 07/08 - received it's final update in 11/10 - just 2.4 years after release. And that update didn't include AirPlay, some multitasking tray options, or Safari Text Search, which were all present in the same update for the 3GS/4.

I suppose that if you don't want to have "to get a new phone every two years just to run apps that you want to run"...you should be avoiding the iPhone too.

Secondly, you seem to keep forgetting that Android is open source. Custom ROM development often continues long after manufacturer updates end. Even the OG Droid - a three year old device - has an Android 4.0 ROM.

Yes there are a few Android phablets. But there are tons of options in the 4" range as well, like my Motorola Droid 4 (4"), for example. This is part of that whole "choice" thing I was talking about. Why do you care if someone else is using a phablet?

...but you don't mind that Apple is in bed with Samsung? You do know that 25% of the iPhone is made by Samsung, right?

False. There are about a dozen third-party homescreen replacements that are available in the Play Store. And again, you are ignoring custom ROMs.

False. My phone - a 4G Android device - has excellent battery life. For every anecdote about an Android phone having poor battery life, I can find another for an iOS device. Battery life for smartphones is more dependent on usage patterns than anything else.

False. The latest rumors indicate that every major manufacturer will have a Nexus device.

I don't even know how to respond to such a comically false statement. All Android devices use microUSB and there are numerous universal docks available that are compatible with multiple Android devices.

Image

A year ago I may have agreed with this sentiment. But this is just not the case today. Android 4.0.4 is miles ahead of iOS 5.1.1. Here are just a few of the reasons why:
  1. 4G LTE.
  2. Free wireless tethering.
  3. Widgets and custom Notification Bar status indicators.
  4. Google Navigation.
  5. Ability to change default programs/choose from multiple programs to perform a task.
  6. Custom fields in contacts sync properly on Android when using Exchange (i.e. Gmail). Custom fields do not sync on the iPhone.
  7. LED notification light. Have a missed call/voicemail/email? Green light. Whatsapp message? White light. Facebook message/text? Blue light. Low battery? Red light. I love being able to just look at my device without having to turn on the screen and know if anything is waiting for me.
  8. Google sync is compatible with anything and everything, vs iCloud which is limited to Apple devices.
  9. Better integration via the sharing API.
  10. Better integration of apps...i.e. Google Voice integrating into the native dialer and auto-detecting international numbers to intercept those calls and dial them via Google Voice rather than your carrier, or apps like Fox to Phone or Chrome to Phone.
  11. Open source platform.
Click to expand...

There are many factual inaccuracies in your post, but I don't have time for them all right now, so I'll start with the more glaring ones :)

1. Google CEO Larry Page was recently quoted as saying there have been over 800 different Android devices produced. The majority of them being phones. DroidConvert said over half of the devices over 6 months old won't be updated.

Naming a small few that will be updated, does not prove him wrong.

2. AirPlay, multitasking, and Safari text search are not apps. He said he shouldn't have to buy a new phone every two years to be able to run the latest apps. Again, your statement does not prove him wrong.

3. You're comparing the Samsung Mobile division, which makes the phone he is referring to, with the division that produces some parts for Apple. They are not the same people, they aren't even the same building. Samsung quite literally purchased the companies, and changed the name.

4. He's upset about a rumor, and you're saying he's wrong because there are other rumors that contradict that one?
 
DodgeV83 said:
There are many factual inaccuracies in your post, but I don't have time for them all right now, so I'll start with the more glaring ones :)
Click to expand...

Not inaccuracies , he's just wrong. He picks out bits and pieces of what I said and turns them into what he feels is true.

There is no debating anyone like that because no matter what you post, it's gets twisted.

What I don't get is why someone comes to an iOS forum and bashes it. It's the same old story though. I've seen Xbox owners go to a PS3 site and PC owners go to a MAC forum and iOS owners and go to an Android site and do the same thing. I wasn't sure until his most recent but no I am sure.

Remember, don't feed the troll!
 
DodgeV83 said:
Nothing in that link applies to anything I said.
Click to expand...

I am sorry, but I am not going to higlight the obvious for you. In fact, this thread has become completely pointless and degraded into fanboism. I shall no longer participate.
 
DodgeV83 said:
DroidConvert said over half of the devices over 6 months old won't be updated.

Naming a small few that will be updated, does not prove him wrong.
Click to expand...
I named three phones as examples. I never stated that it was a comprehensive list. Still, I can't imagine why you would compare the iPhone to all Android devices. That makes no sense. Android ranges from devices like the $700+ SGS3 all the way down to the $70 ZTE x500. Clearly the ZTE x500 isn't the type of device that the iPhone is competing with, or that I am referring to. But hey if you want to compare the iPhone to a prepaid Cricket phone, be my guest.
DodgeV83 said:
AirPlay, multitasking, and Safari text search are not apps.
Click to expand...
I never said they were. I mentioned those to emphasize the fact that iOS devices stop receiving updates after about 2 years as well, and they are crippled updates at that. Want to use an app requiring any iOS version after 4.2 on your iPhone 3G? You're out of luck.
DodgeV83 said:
You're comparing the Samsung Mobile division, which makes the phone he is referring to, with the division that produces some parts for Apple.
Click to expand...
DroidConvert said he hated that Google was in bed with Samsung. Period. You can attempt to make excuses for his hypocrisy if you'd like.
DodgeV83 said:
He's upset about a rumor, and you're saying he's wrong because there are other rumors that contradict that one?
Click to expand...
Sources of rumors make a difference. The source for DroidConvert's rumor is who knows what, while the source for my rumor is the Wall Street Journal. Enough said.
DroidConvert said:
Remember, don't feed the troll!
Click to expand...
...which is typically the sort of thing people say once they've lost an argument.
 
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SGMD1 said:
Sources of rumors make a difference. The source for DroidConvert's rumor is who knows what, while the source for my rumor is the Wall Street Journal. Enough said.
Click to expand...


Actually its all over the net on many sources. Stilll a rumor but it is a rampant one. And ill tell you what,...if that comes to light, that would be an awesome thing. 5 different Nexus units by 5 different manufacturers would be a great anticipated thing to see how different they could be.

Rumored to be coming in November.
 
SGMD1... my new favorite poster.

slow-clap.gif
 
SGMD1 said:
A year ago I may have agreed with this sentiment. But this is just not the case today. Android 4.0.4 is miles ahead of iOS 5.1.1. Here are just a few of the reasons why:
  1. 4G LTE.
  2. Free wireless tethering.
  3. Widgets and custom Notification Bar status indicators.
  4. Google Navigation.
  5. Ability to change default programs/choose from multiple programs to perform a task.
  6. Custom fields in contacts sync properly on Android when using Exchange (i.e. Gmail). Custom fields do not sync on the iPhone.
  7. LED notification light. Have a missed call/voicemail/email? Green light. Whatsapp message? White light. Facebook message/text? Blue light. Low battery? Red light. I love being able to just look at my device without having to turn on the screen and know if anything is waiting for me.
  8. Google sync is compatible with anything and everything, vs iCloud which is limited to Apple devices.
  9. Better integration via the sharing API.
  10. Better integration of apps...i.e. Google Voice integrating into the native dialer and auto-detecting international numbers to intercept those calls and dial them via Google Voice rather than your carrier, or apps like Fox to Phone or Chrome to Phone.
  11. Open source platform.
Click to expand...

Don't forget to add to this the stock ICS keyboard, which is now miles ahead of iOS' keyboard. The suggestion bar and the ability to choose, and more importantly, not choose which words get remembered are two things that really make the typing experience superior. The same is not true with iOS. There are also constant missed keys which lead to typos which then lead to horrible autocorrections. You only need to look at the plethora of "Damn You iPhone Autocorrection" type websites out there to prove the point. (And if one should dislike the stock ICS keyboard, there's a sea of amazing keyboard options out there like Swype and Swiftkey.)

Also Mail. Mail on iOS simply makes no sense. Why inbox and sent messages aren't fully threaded together baffles me. If I want to see my sent messages, for example, I have to navigate out of my inbox, then navigate to the sent section. This is cumbersome especially for work when you need to review what exchanges were had. No attachments allowed on iOS Mail either.

There are probably a few more examples (like auto updating apps), but these two were glaring ones that I felt were missing from your list.
 
Last edited:
DodgeV83 said:
2. AirPlay, multitasking, and Safari text search are not apps. He said he shouldn't have to buy a new phone every two years to be able to run the latest apps. Again, your statement does not prove him wrong.
Click to expand...

I addressed this in my post. The HTC Desire, a now two and a quarter years old HTC ex-flagship, can still run a lot of the latest apps. Some *features* are exclusively ICS, which is to be expected, but they still run on older versions of Android.

I'm not sure why people think Android is SO fast paced that a top end device will be left out in the cold after a year or two, as that simply isn't true. If you buy a mid/low-range device then yes, that will most likely be left out after a year or two.. but that's just tough and the choice you make when choosing a device.

In fact, a lot of my apps have just had recent updates saying "This update brings compatibility with Android 4.0 devices" or suchlike.

By not supporting older versions of Android, developers are cutting their potential revenue by a lot.. that's incredibility counterproductive and not what they would be aiming for at all.

The argument that a lot of apps are ICS only has no basis.
 
I have just bought myself an S3 as I was getting a little bored of the iPhone 4 and I just love technology. My first impressions are that it's an amazing and beautiful device. Granted, it doesn't have quite the sturdy feel of the iPhone4, but it's not some silly toy. I do have that slight "guilt" of going non-apple after several years, but it's not going to deter me. There's a lot to explore, and I welcome a change of scenery (I''ve still got my iPad for the iOS fix anyway!!
 
I'm holding the S3 and just wondering how a phone could possibly get any better. It does everything, and everything it does, it does so well.
 
I know the initial reaction of people around here is to downplay the S3. But I hope it's everything the review are saying and then some.

Strong competition is the best thing for us as a consumer. When Apple was lapping the field we had to beg for missing things mms, a landscape keyboard and copy and paste in an iOS update.

When they felt a little heat, they hit a home run with the iPhone 4. The 4S was a modest upgrade at best. Hopefully the new iPhone will be another jump forward...if not, I'll seriously consider the S3.
 
onthecouchagain said:
Don't forget to add to this the stock ICS keyboard, which is now miles ahead of iOS' keyboard. The suggestion bar and the ability to choose, and more importantly, not choose which words get remembered are two things that really make the typing experience superior. The same is not true with iOS. There are also constant missed keys which lead to typos which then lead to horrible autocorrections. You only need to look at the plethora of "Damn You iPhone Autocorrection" type websites out there to prove the point. (And if one should dislike the stock ICS keyboard, there's a sea of amazing keyboard options out there like Swype and Swiftkey.)

Also Mail. Mail on iOS simply makes no sense. Why inbox and sent messages aren't fully threaded together baffles me. If I want to see my sent messages, for example, I have to navigate out of my inbox, then navigate to the sent section. This is cumbersome especially for work when you need to review what exchanges were had. No attachments allowed on iOS Mail either.

There are probably a few more examples (like auto updating apps), but these two were glaring ones that I felt were missing from your list.
Click to expand...

I'll add more. How about the ability to choose what browser you want to open a link sent to you in an email? Just something as simple as the dialer is years ahead of the one on my 4s. Flash support, file manager, custom launchers, use your phone as a USB drive, install apps from your desktop browser, get apps from something other than the Market etc...
 
mrbutters said:
I'll add more. How about the ability to choose what browser you want to open a link sent to you in an email? Just something as simple as the dialer is years ahead of the one on my 4s. Flash support, file manager, custom launchers, use your phone as a USB drive, install apps from your desktop browser, get apps from something other than the Market etc...
Click to expand...

Plus something that I personally love is direct dialing. I have a page on my homescreen dedicated to people I call the most often. It's so easy to just swipe to that page and press their icon. Ditto with direct texting too.
 
onthecouchagain said:
Plus something that I personally love is direct dialing. I have a page on my homescreen dedicated to people I call the most often. It's so easy to just swipe to that page and press their icon. Ditto with direct texting too.
Click to expand...

I have that too, really useful.

Another good thing to get even more out of your home screen is that some launchers support gestures. I got rid of the app drawer icon, replaced it with something else and made it so that when I swipe up, the app drawer opens.
 
iphone 4s vs samsung s3

I own a 4s and did a project involving the demo of the Samsung and in all fairness the HD video was impressive. I mean samsung does make a nice tv so you had to expect that. The interface was another story not anywhere near the intuitive thinking behind the 4s. You had to really search for what you were looking for not very well laid out. Did feel a little cheap but not at all plastic feeling. Overall grade 4S 5 stars S3 3.5 stars. simple as that.
 
budaapple said:
I own a 4s and did a project involving the demo of the Samsung and in all fairness the HD video was impressive. I mean samsung does make a nice tv so you had to expect that. The interface was another story not anywhere near the intuitive thinking behind the 4s. You had to really search for what you were looking for not very well laid out. Did feel a little cheap but not at all plastic feeling. Overall grade 4S 5 stars S3 3.5 stars. simple as that.
Click to expand...

I disagree about the intuitiveness. Is it intuitive to not be able to attach files to an email from the compose screen, but have to go into the gallery instead? Is it intuitive to have to delve into the settings menu every time you want to change common options such as airplane mode, Bluetooth or wifi? Is it intuitive to have to update your apps manually rather than automatically?

There are lots of areas where the 4S is dated. Androids complexity does not mean its less intuitive.
 
i tried out the S3 yesterday and i have to say its amazing. The S2 was great too but the screen on the S3 is comparable to retina display.

Fact of the matter is, competition is good for the industry and for us consumers in general. Just means Apple will have to do even more to outdo the competition now.

Its a win win.
 
SGMD1 said:
A year ago I may have agreed with this sentiment. But this is just not the case today. Android 4.0.4 is miles ahead of iOS 5.1.1. Here are just a few of the reasons why:
  1. 4G LTE.
  2. Free wireless tethering.
  3. Widgets and custom Notification Bar status indicators.
  4. Google Navigation.
  5. Ability to change default programs/choose from multiple programs to perform a task.
  6. Custom fields in contacts sync properly on Android when using Exchange (i.e. Gmail). Custom fields do not sync on the iPhone.
  7. LED notification light. Have a missed call/voicemail/email? Green light. Whatsapp message? White light. Facebook message/text? Blue light. Low battery? Red light. I love being able to just look at my device without having to turn on the screen and know if anything is waiting for me.
  8. Google sync is compatible with anything and everything, vs iCloud which is limited to Apple devices.
  9. Better integration via the sharing API.
  10. Better integration of apps...i.e. Google Voice integrating into the native dialer and auto-detecting international numbers to intercept those calls and dial them via Google Voice rather than your carrier, or apps like Fox to Phone or Chrome to Phone.
  11. Open source platform.
Click to expand...
What?

1) That's hardware
2) Carrier restriction
3) Widgets are cool, but they'll be coming in iOS 6. (We have two already lol.) Status indicators not such a big deal
4) Apple's apparently bringing out their own mapping solution for iOS 6
5) Mmm, for the most part that's true. You can open files in other apps though
6)
7) That requires a smartphone with specific hradware for that though, no? But yes the software supports it
8) iCloud supports iDevices, as well as a Mac or PC, and can be accessed online as well
9) For now
10) I guess
11) No. Android may be open, but it's not open source.
 
After I have played with the S3 for 2 days, I still hesitate to insert the sim card into the phone.

There are just way too many options (or too complicated) for me to setup!!

Yeap.. may be I am an idiot but the menu is not as userfriendly or clear as my 4S!! I believe it will take me a few more days to learn how to use the phone.

Here are some of my personal comments!! (once again ..IT IS MY PERSONAL COMMENTS :D)

Hardware side..it is SUPAR!! 5/5

Screen (5/5) is awesome!! Dont know how can apple match... (the best other competitors can do is doing the same :eek:)

Speed (6/5): If you think 4S is fast...well S3 is SSSSSuper fast! No delay when I tried to start any app

Built quality(4/5): I think there is still room for S3 to improve...just TOOOOO plastic!! the battery cover is so thin and nothing special. if we pay close attention to the back, we can see some hidden patterns. Man...who will pay that close attention to that microscopic patterns??

Face detection (4/5) unlock function is 50/50. face detection is not a new technology, but I believe it is the first time being used in the phone. Big plus... but still not sensitive enough

GPS (4.5/5): Awesome..way better than the iphone built-in maps..but still dont know how to turn on the voice direction when I am driving :confused:

Picture/Video (4.5/5): great picture and video quality

In conclusion: if Apple does not have any surprise in iphone 5, we will be deeply disappointed!! S3 is waaaaaaaaaaay ahead of 4S now...
 
matttye said:
You joking??

http://source.android.com/
Click to expand...
Eh? I remember some dispute about it a while back. This is what I was thinking about, more or less: http://www.tested.com/news/feature/2693-why-critics-claim-android-os-isnt-really-open/



That aside, Google allowing carriers to put out custom versions of Android is probably their biggest problem as all you end up with is carrier bloat. It'd be so much better if Google made them use stock Android, and it'd be so much easier to update.
 
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