iPhone 4s VS Samsung SIII - Hands on.

[Tones2]

Does anyone know if you can directly swap the sim cards between a SGS3 and iPhone 4S (USA, AT&T plan) without an adapter or any interference from the carrier?

Tony

 

[matttye]

Does anyone know if you can directly swap the sim cards between a SGS3 and iPhone 4S (USA, AT&T plan) without an adapter or any interference from the carrier?

Tony

The S3 takes a microsim, as does the 4S, so as long as the sgs3 supports your network's bands when it's released, it'll be fine.

 

[sk1wbw]

Well, in most cases when you use iPhone with AirPlay, your iPhone essentially serves as an extremely overpriced low capacity hard drive. The better solutio would be something like DLNA server and a network pplayer (I personally use Yamaha NP-S2000). With this solution you still can use your smart phone as a remote control if you want.

Using phone amp with iPhone is also a strange choice (for the same reason). Besides, sound quality will be determined by the phone's DAC and thus SIII with superior DAC has an upper hand.

The phone is a mobile device and as far as music playing is concerned the only important use case is when the phone is used directly with the headphones. The most critical thing in this equation is the DAC and SIII wins in this department.

Volume Normalization is a useful feature but it has nothing to do with sound quality.



As a MacRumors regular you should know better about which is OS is more vulnerable to malware. Windows solved this problem years ago while OS/X users have just started suffering from it. And you probably know that Android is a version of Linux.

Actually, most of the viruses that happen in OS X are a result of other apps, particularly Java. These malware utilize weaknesses in other apps and not OS X.

 

[blairh]

Couldn't fight the urge any longer and picked up an S3 this morning, it's an outstanding phone

Are you a former iPhone user? If so, how does the S3 compare?

 

[matttye]

I agree, that and viruses/malware is another reason to choose OSX/Linux over Windows. For anyone with these concerns, iOS is the clear winner vs Android. Now that I think about it, iOS has both the advantages of Windows (Apps), and the advantages of OSX/Linux (stability and no viruses/malware).

If these are your concerns, iOS really is the best of both worlds.

I know you're going to say that this post doesn't hold much evidential weight, but all I'm going to say is that Im fairly liberal about what I install on my device and I've never had any problems. I primarily download apps from the top free/paid lists, editors choice or staff recommendations sections of the play store. If an app has like 10 million downloads, you can pretty much guarantee it's safe unless there's thousands of people posting about it being a virus.

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Are you a former iPhone user? If so, how does the S3 compare?

I am, but I had the 1st gen iPhone..since then I've had a Nokia 5800, htc desire, galaxy s2 and now galaxy s3.

If its at all possible, my S3 actually feels smoother than my iPad in terms of scrolling, navigating through photos, panning in google maps etc.

Never noticed any lag in my S2, but it's apparent now that I've used the S3.

Screen is amazing.

If you've got any specific questions or want any screenshots of anything I'd be happy to oblige

 

[matttye]

Actually, most of the viruses that happen in OS X are a result of other apps, particularly Java. These malware utilize weaknesses in other apps and not OS X.

This is also the case with Windows. A lot of malicious websites exploit vulnerabilities in the web browser and/or web browser plugins.

 

[blairh]

I am, but I had the 1st gen iPhone..since then I've had a Nokia 5800, htc desire, galaxy s2 and now galaxy s3.

If its at all possible, my S3 actually feels smoother than my iPad in terms of scrolling, navigating through photos, panning in google maps etc.

Never noticed any lag in my S2, but it's apparent now that I've used the S3.

Screen is amazing.

If you've got any specific questions or want any screenshots of anything I'd be happy to oblige

From what I've read so far, the SIII has a cooler screen, a la the bluish tint on my iPhone 4. I'll be curious to see how it compares brightness-wise to my iP4.

Curious if you have or plan on adding an SD card. Also, how is it for one handed use? (And how big are your hands.) Do you find it hard for example to reach the top of the screen with your thumb (one handed) and ditto the home button.

 

[matttye]

From what I've read so far, the SIII has a cooler screen, a la the bluish tint on my iPhone 4. I'll be curious to see how it compares brightness-wise to my iP4.

Curious if you have or plan on adding an SD card. Also, how is it for one handed use? (And how big are your hands.) Do you find it hard for example to reach the top of the screen with your thumb (one handed) and ditto the home button.

The screen is very cool to look at, which I much prefer to warm

I'm not sure yet, at the moment I don't really need one, but as this is such an excellent device for watching movies on, I might get one and put movies/tv shows on it.

Video of me using it one handed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbvfstlSOGA

I actually missed the notification bar at one point because I was concentrating on the camera, it wasn't because it's difficult to reach. You may have to hold the phone differently to an iPhone if you want to use it one handed. I'm used to holding my phone in the way shown in the video, so it's quite comfortable for me to use it one handed. I cannot firmly grip the side of the phone with my fingers and still reach everywhere with my thumb, I have to kind of balance it.

 

[blairh]

Video of me using it one handed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbvfstlSOGA

I actually missed the notification bar at one point because I was concentrating on the camera, it wasn't because it's difficult to reach. You may have to hold the phone differently to an iPhone if you want to use it one handed. I'm used to holding my phone in the way shown in the video, so it's quite comfortable for me to use it one handed. I cannot firmly grip the side of the phone with my fingers and still reach everywhere with my thumb, I have to kind of balance it.

I could be wrong but it did look like you were straining a bit to use one handed. But, then again, like you said, you could be used to the size already.

Personally, if I have to shift my hand/fingers to use it with one hand, I'll probably end up not getting it. I won't know until I get to see it in person.

 

[0m3ga]

I know you're going to say that this post doesn't hold much evidential weight, but all I'm going to say is that Im fairly liberal about what I install on my device and I've never had any problems. I primarily download apps from the top free/paid lists, editors choice or staff recommendations sections of the play store. If an app has like 10 million downloads, you can pretty much guarantee it's safe unless there's thousands of people posting about it being a virus.

----------



I am, but I had the 1st gen iPhone..since then I've had a Nokia 5800, htc desire, galaxy s2 and now galaxy s3.

If its at all possible, my S3 actually feels smoother than my iPad in terms of scrolling, navigating through photos, panning in google maps etc.

Never noticed any lag in my S2, but it's apparent now that I've used the S3.

Screen is amazing.

If you've got any specific questions or want any screenshots of anything I'd be happy to oblige

Hey Matttye, I read recently that there was a Torch (flashlight) app that had over 1 million downloads with a 4.5 plus rating, but actually had a virus in it.
Not sure about you, but I look at the permissions of the app before I download. No Torch app needs access to you contacts, phone dialing or internet access. Even editor choice apps are sometimes suspicious.

By the way, the Apple app store is not the walled garden many think it is. Malware apps, bogus apps and virus laden apps have made it into the store. The frequency is less than Google Play app store, but there are also a lot less iOS users and better scrutiny getting apps approved by Apple.

Does this make security better for Apple and iOS? Yes and no. For the average user that knows nothing about security, it does. For people like myself, it's not better. I control everything about the apps I download. I have hundreds of apps loaded and not a single piece of malware or virus has ever hit me.

 

[matttye]

I could be wrong but it did look like you were straining a bit to use one handed. But, then again, like you said, you could be used to the size already.

Personally, if I have to shift my hand/fingers to use it with one hand, I'll probably end up not getting it. I won't know until I get to see it in person.

I do have to strain/resposition my hand to reach the top left of the notification bar (as you can see I'm right handed), but top right and top middle is easy to reach. Obviously top left/top middle would be easy for a leftie.

My girlfriend has smaller hands than me and she has a HTC Sensation XL with a 4.7" screen which she can use no problem.

I'd recommend having a go with it and seeing what you think. It is a LOT bigger than the iPhone.

 

[nickchallis92]

As a Galaxy S3 user myself, I would say that having big hands would be useful, but it isn't a dealbreaker.

I also agree with the user above me when he/she says the S3 is outstanding

 

[matttye]

Hey Matttye, I read recently that there was a Torch (flashlight) app that had over 1 million downloads with a 4.5 plus rating, but actually had a virus in it.
Not sure about you, but I look at the permissions of the app before I download. No Torch app needs access to you contacts, phone dialing or internet access. Even editor choice apps are sometimes suspicious.

By the way, the Apple app store is not the walled garden many think it is. Malware apps, bogus apps and virus laden apps have made it into the store. The frequency is less than Google Play app store, but there are also a lot less iOS users and better scrutiny getting apps approved by Apple.

Does this make security better for Apple and iOS? Yes and no. For the average user that knows nothing about security, it does. For people like myself, it's not better. I control everything about the apps I download. I have hundreds of apps loaded and not a single piece of malware or virus has ever hit me.

Exactly - you need to have your wits about you or you can get infected on any platform. Apple vets apps, but people make mistakes, so every so often something will slip through like you quite rightly said. Android is transparent about what permissions an app requires, so the user can make an informed decision before installing it.

I didn't hear about that torch app, but there's no way I'd install it if it required those permissions.

 

[blairh]

I do have to strain/resposition my hand to reach the top left of the notification bar (as you can see I'm right handed), but top right and top middle is easy to reach. Obviously top left/top middle would be easy for a leftie.

My girlfriend has smaller hands than me and she has a HTC Sensation XL with a 4.7" screen which she can use no problem.

I'd recommend having a go with it and seeing what you think. It is a LOT bigger than the iPhone.

Good to know. I'm a righty too. I could potentially refrain from needing to reach the upper left corner as long as I place no app icons in that area. As long as I can reach the top-middle without too much work (for the web toolbar) I should be just fine. I'll know in two weeks when the States gets the SIII.

It's great that Samsung got the American carriers to use the physical home button (and not the usual 4 capacitive buttons) and to settle on simply calling it the SIII across the board.

 

[nfl46]

S3 coming to AT&T this month. Anyone getting it?

 

[BaldiMac]

By the way, the Apple app store is not the walled garden many think it is. Malware apps, bogus apps and virus laden apps have made it into the store. The frequency is less than Google Play app store, but there are also a lot less iOS users and better scrutiny getting apps approved by Apple.

That's just FUD. Malware is a significant problem for Google Play users. It is not a significant problem for iOS App Store users.

(And "a lot less iOS users"? Than Google Play users? I doubt it. Total devices sold is something like 365 million (iOS) to 380 million (Android) through the end of Q1 2012.)

 

[Tones2]

S3 coming to AT&T this month. Anyone getting it?

Me, although I'm VERY disappointed that there will be no 64 GB variant released, as had been previously announced by Samsung. At least not for the initial USA introduction.

Tony

 

[Tones2]

The S3 takes a microsim, as does the 4S, so as long as the sgs3 supports your network's bands when it's released, it'll be fine.

Thanks.

Now that I know that the SGS3 is topping of at 32 GB internal memory, I'm wondering why I shouldn't instead get a Samsung Galaxy Note.

Does anyone know if there is actually an unlocked (or AT&T USA) version of the Samsung Galaxy Note that exists that has BOTH 32GB internal memory AND 4G LTE? I can't find one.

 

[b24pgg]

Me, although I'm VERY disappointed that there will be no 64 GB variant released, as had been previously announced by Samsung.

You do know it will have a microSD slot, right?

 

[Tones2]

You do know it will have a microSD slot, right?

Um, yes. I as hoping to be able to get 128GB on the phone at once - 64 internal, 64GB microSD. But it looks like I have to settle for 96GB (32 int / 64 ext). I'd choose the Samsung Note because I know it supports a 64GB microSD card, but I can't find one that has both 32 GB internal as well as 4G LTE. So I guess I'll wait for the SGS3.

Tony

 

[matttye]

Thanks.

Now that I know that the SGS3 is topping of at 32 GB internal memory, I'm wondering why I shouldn't instead get a Samsung Galaxy Note.

Does anyone know if there is actually an unlocked (or AT&T USA) version of the Samsung Galaxy Note that exists that has BOTH 32GB internal memory AND 4G LTE? I can't find one.

We only have the 16GB variant so far. 64 is coming later. How do you know it's not the same for the US?

Also, you get 50GB Dropbox storage with it, so 32+64+50 = 146GB

 

[Tones2]

We only have the 16GB variant so far. 64 is coming later. How do you know it's not the same for the US?

Also, you get 50GB Dropbox storage with it, so 32+64+50 = 146GB

Dropbox won't reside on the phone at once.

We in the USA NEVER get any other SAmsung storage variants after the initial release. We haven't gotten a 32GB Samsung Galaxy S2 or Note - still only 16GB. We won't get a 64GB SGS3, if in fact it comes out anywhere.

Tony

 

[iMeat]

I think I am going to make the switch, I have had the iphone 3g and 4. I lost recently lost my 4 after having it almost two years. Right now I am using my 3g but I just cant take how slow it is, so I dont think I can wait until sept/oct for the 5.

Now I just need to decide between the s3 and the note, I love how big the note is, but I feel like the s3 will be a little more advanced and that the note 2 will be coming out by the end of the year. Hopefully att announces what they plan to do for s3 preorders soon.

 

[matttye]

Dropbox won't reside on the phone at once.

We in the USA NEVER get any other SAmsung storage variants after the initial release. We haven't gotten a 32GB Samsung Galaxy S2 or Note - still only 16GB. We won't get a 64GB SGS3, if in fact it comes out anywhere.

Tony

True. Your other alternative would be to get multiple MicroSD cards if you need them.

Or, see if any of the international versions work with the bands on your network.

 

[DodgeV83]

Well, in most cases when you use iPhone with AirPlay, your iPhone essentially serves as an extremely overpriced low capacity hard drive. The better solutio would be something like DLNA server and a network pplayer (I personally use Yamaha NP-S2000). With this solution you still can use your smart phone as a remote control if you want.

This is your opinion, and I disagree.

1. It is not seamless. I can walk in the living room, push a button and start listening either through my speakers or headphones connected to my receiver. I can decide to walk out of the room and continue listening on the device, or switch to my Bluetooth headphones and go for a run, by hitting one button.

2. Your solution will not work with Spotify, Pandora, or any other streaming music service.

$2,000 for a device that does less than my iPhone with AirPlay? No thanks.

Using phone amp with iPhone is also a strange choice (for the same reason). Besides, sound quality will be determined by the phone's DAC and thus SIII with superior DAC has an upper hand.

The phone is a mobile device and as far as music playing is concerned the only important use case is when the phone is used directly with the headphones. The most critical thing in this equation is the DAC and SIII wins in this department.

This is again your opinion. The weak link in our phones is not the DAC, it's the AMP. In any case, the reviews on head-fi.org (an audiophile headphone website) are mixed at best and "no match for the iPhone" at worst, here are some reviews:

Can't say much as this stage, it's certainly not bad but it is easily apparent that it's no match for the iPhone (was A/B'ing them last night with my Senn HD-251-IIs, will have a listen with my ACS-T15s tomorrow probably, doubt there is any point in trying with my GS1000s or LCD-2s with either phone).

Relative to the iPhone the I'd say this of the S3: lower volume output, less resolving, bass not as tight and well controlled, mids/highs muffled in comparison, less dynamic and so less engaging to listen to (bear in mind that was listening to predominantly rock and metal, will break out some jazz/hip hop/other stuff soon). So, to my ear at any rate on my brief listening so far it doesn't come close to unseating the iPhone. That's why I'm investing some time and energy into the possibility of DACs, and also waiting for what Supercurio can do for us.

It seems that iPhone will remain one more season as the king of headphone outputs. Certainly it's very tough to beat the numbers of iPhones' headphone outs (Output impedance, noise floor, distortin and crosstalk are impressive).

Volume Normalization is a useful feature but it has nothing to do with sound quality.

The post I was replying to said Android is better for audio, citing PowerAmp as the reason. Due to an Android limitation, Volume Normalization, a basic iOS feature, is not available in PowerAmp. Stating that is relevant to the conversation.

As a MacRumors regular you should know better about which is OS is more vulnerable to malware. Windows solved this problem years ago while OS/X users have just started suffering from it. And you probably know that Android is a version of Linux.

In all measurable terms, Windows has more security issues than both OSX and Linux. In terms of viruses/malware/Trojan horses in the wild, current infected machines (including botnets), and zero-day vulnerabilities publicly exploited in recent years, Windows tops everything in this list by far.

The last time I used Windows 7 on my laptop, my machine was taken over simply by visiting a website. I typed in the web address, hit enter and literally walked away. Didn't download anything, or click on any prompts. When I returned, my machine had been taken over. I've been on Linux ever since, and Android is literally the most vulnerable Linux distro ever created.