Looking for the BEST smartphone (which is not an iPhone, right?)

[chrono1081]

What exactly is it missing out of interest?

For me, whats missing is:

-Solid development platform. I don't consider Android a solid OS on most handsets due to the fact Google has no real minimum requirements to which handsets can support Android. Yes, I know Google addressed this and fixes will be there in the future, but right now its not. I also think their developer documentation is lacking.

-Too many app store models. You have the Verizon market, the google android market (that just launched), and many others. This is a mess.

-Fragmentation. Sure end users don't see much problems fragmentation wise, but for devs its a much different story. The fact that over 80 different handsets with no minimum hardware requirements for an app makes it very hard to develop something. Not to mention there is no guaranteed date of upgrades for particular handsets. This isn't googles fault its the OEM's fault.

-Lack of quality apps. There is junk on both platforms but iOS apps are consistently higher quality than that of their Android counter parts, even among apps of similar titles.

Theres many more reasons but it doesn't matter how many I list because people will chime in anyway and tell me I'm wrong.

I have a plenty of experience with Android, I have access to a lot of Android hardware including phones and tablets and have been working on porting a game I am working on to the Android platform. In my opinion though, it doesn't hold a candle to iOS. When Google implements some of the failsafes they have been talking about then it will be much better but right now it still feels like a toy OS.

 

[sotorious]

galaxy sii will be when it hits us.

 

[Gathomblipoob]

Your reply is irrelevant. They're saying you'll need to tether the SGS2 to update the firmware... so, that'll be a one-off every now and again, not every day.

No different to updating iOS devices, then (none of which update OTA!). Did you read it thoroughly before posting?

Not irrelevant at all. Just bringing another facet to the discussion. You really don't like discussion much, do you?

 

[ChazUK]

For me, whats missing is:

Thanks Chrono. They all seem like good enough reasons to me.

The slow, insonsistent udate process with oem and carrier intefereance and bloatware is why I've stuck with the Nexus line of phones. Hopefully the Xoom as the first google sanctioned tablet will follow suit and judging by the swift deployment of 3.1 on the wifi and 3g xooms recently, this could be the case.

One of my little hates with iOS is the way apps intergrate with each other. Thanks to the menu and back buttons of Android and the implimentation of multitasking apps are able to interact easier from what I've seen.

Two examples are Twitter and Last.fm app on Android. In Twitter on iOS, links open within the twitter app and everything seems boxed in. On Android I can click a link, it jumps to the browser I can then hit the back button to go back to twitter or continue browsing as normal from there.

Last.fm also integrates with the OS and applications well too. Hit any last.fm related link (profiles, band info etc) in the browser and you are asked if you want to open the content in the last.fm app or further on in the browser.

I haven't seen that kind of application interaction in iOS as of yet but that is the behavior I prefer.

Preferred platforms are entirely subjective and down to user expectations and wants so I wholeheartedly agree with your opinion of which to recommend. I do find it an interesting discussion tho so thanks again for the post.

 

[Biolizard]

Thanks Chrono. They all seem like good enough reasons to me.

The slow, insonsistent udate process with oem and carrier intefereance and bloatware is why I've stuck with the Nexus line of phones. Hopefully the Xoom as the first google sanctioned tablet will follow suit and judging by the swift deployment of 3.1 on the wifi and 3g xooms recently, this could be the case.

One of my little hates with iOS is the way apps intergrate with each other. Thanks to the menu and back buttons of Android and the implimentation of multitasking apps are able to interact easier from what I've seen.

Two examples are Twitter and Last.fm app on Android. In Twitter on iOS, links open within the twitter app and everything seems boxed in. On Android I can click a link, it jumps to the browser I can then hit the back button to go back to twitter or continue browsing as normal from there.

Last.fm also integrates with the OS and applications well too. Hit any last.fm related link (profiles, band info etc) in the browser and you are asked if you want to open the content in the last.fm app or further on in the browser.

I haven't seen that kind of application interaction in iOS as of yet but that is the behavior I prefer.

Preferred platforms are entirely subjective and down to user expectations and wants so I wholeheartedly agree with your opinion of which to recommend. I do find it an interesting discussion tho so thanks again for the post.

Your post is far too unbiased, contains actual analysis, does not compare hardware released 10+ months apart, and, to cap it all, calls a draw at the end without violently and vehemently declaring that either Apple or Google will be bankrupt in 6 months.

Just GTFO already.


(P.S. To make it explicit, I'm not being serious)

 

[Savor]

What is scary is Nexus 3 is rumored to use Tegra 3. So expect quad-core before the year ends. I've read the next iPhone will be called iPhone 4S. No real cosmetic changes and a just speed and camera bump. Even if iPhone 5 gets a 3.7-4 inch screen and a A5 chip, I still don't see it keeping up with more Android powerhouses later in the year. From a specs standpoint, the next iPhone may still get outclassed by the newer Androids. Where people will stick with iPhones is build quality/design and feeling comfortable with the ecosystem. Why bother rebuying the same apps again? But in almost all other areas like hardware and features, Android phones look to beat it. The whole lagginess complaints don't seem to be mentioned after the Gingerbread era and Ice Cream Sandwich can take it to another level. Personally, I would get SGSII or just wait for the next Nexus phone to get the PURE GOOGLE experience ad fastest updates. Third time's the charm.

 

[brendu]

OP: if you are looking for a truly simple, intuitive smartphone but are not concerned with having all the app selection of the iPhone or android phones, the upcoming HP Pre3 looks really awesome IMO. It has all the core apps a smartphone needs and a few solid games and others. webOS is a fantastic smartphone OS and this should be the first smartphone running it worth having.

Otherwise apple is the way to go. Stay with a company that makes their own hardware and software in house.

 

[Reach9]

I'm really hesitant to get an iPhone. Just as many have argued that there are better tablets out there than the iPad, I have heard similar statements made about the iPhone.

So, if the are better smart phones than the iPhone out there... which is it? Abandon brand loyalty, and out with the truth! Unless the iPhone truly is the best.

Actually, i don't think there are any better tablets out there than the iPad.

Are there better smartphones? Yes. But you sound like an ignorant guy.

It all depends on what kind of smartphone you want, if you're big on specs and enjoy Android then go with the Samsung Galaxy S 2.

 

[maclaptop]

Bickering aside, this is a strange choice of forum to ask this question as most of the people that post here will undoubtedly be iPhone owners.

Here's my take on it.

I don't see anything wrong with discussing the competition, it's done here all of the time.

There are many threads about the products that compete with Apple. Especially if it's negative news, where Apple fans can brag about Apples massive sales numbers. I don't see anything wrong with that. I'm very happy Apple IS so successful. I also believe there is a huge number of Apple owners, that don't bash the competition as they are simply too intelligent for that. They probably share my feelings that these other products are just different and that does not make them bad. Everything has it's pros and cons.

I do agree with you that the majority (if not all) the people here are iPhone owners. That applys to myself as well.

I've had every iPhone and nearly every Apple laptop since the first PowerBook was released in 1991. I've had Quadra desktops, and now I have two Mac Pros. I've got Airport gear, time capsule, you name it, about the only thing Apple I don't have is Apple TV.

Just some of my present inventory of Apple gear includes:

1) 17" 2009 MacBook Pro
2) 15" 2010 MacBook Pro
3) 17" 2010 MacBook Pro
4) 15" Current model MacBook Pro
5) Current model 13" MacBook Air
6) Current model 11" MacBook Air
7) 3 iPad 2 models
8) iPhone 3GS
9) iPhone 4
10) iPod Touch
11) Current model Mac Pro

And I haven't even begun to list the peripherals.

Each and every one of these computers are fully loaded, BTO models I ordered directly from the Apple Online store. I highly endorse AppleCare and I've suggested it to many here. I've recognized and posted about Apple's stellar customer service, in several posts.

There are the facts, I am a very invested Mac enthusiast.

It could also be said that the a good majority of us are tech enthusiasts, that also own other brands of computers like PC's, Android phones, etc. It's what many tech people do.

Just because I respond with my thoughts on the Samsung and ALSO STATE that I will be buying an iPhone 5, does not mean that I'm anti-apple. Quite the contrary. If I could only keep one of my computers it would be a Mac without hesitation.

So to spin my post and say I'm bashing Apple is just pure assumption. You know what they say about the word assume. It's a cheap shot for the sake of trying to start an argument. One I refuse to engage in.

Cheers

 

[AndrewR23]

Personally, In my opinion, the BEST smartphone right now is the Samsung Galaxy S 2. But I highly suggest you wait until WWDC in June to see what iOS 5 offers. Apple always surprises.

 

[itsmemuffins]

I'm really hesitant to get an iPhone. Just as many have argued that there are better tablets out there than the iPad, I have heard similar statements made about the iPhone.

So, if the are better smart phones than the iPhone out there... which is it? Abandon brand loyalty, and out with the truth! Unless the iPhone truly is the best.

Erm…banana phone, get it it's the best.

Samsung Galaxy S II.



Does anything else need to be said?

Yeah there is but I'm afraid I'd get banned.

 

[glossywhite]

Not irrelevant at all. Just bringing another facet to the discussion. You really don't like discussion much, do you?

Oh... right... uhmm... right. You still don't see that your link was irrelevant, do you? The context in which cables are being discussed, is sync etc, not updates. Your link was about updates with a cable - not the same thing.

Think man, think!

 

[SeaChange]

Here's my take on it.

I don't see anything wrong with discussing the competition, it's done here all of the time.

There are many threads about the products that compete with Apple. Especially if it's negative news, where Apple fans can brag about Apples massive sales numbers. I don't see anything wrong with that. I'm very happy Apple IS so successful. I also believe there is a huge number of Apple owners, that don't bash the competition as they are simply too intelligent for that. They probably share my feelings that these other products are just different and that does not make them bad. Everything has it's pros and cons.

I do agree with you that the majority (if not all) the people here are iPhone owners. That applys to myself as well.

I've had every iPhone and nearly every Apple laptop since the first PowerBook was released in 1991. I've had Quadra desktops, and now I have two Mac Pros. I've got Airport gear, time capsule, you name it, about the only thing Apple I don't have is Apple TV.

Just some of my present inventory of Apple gear includes:

1) 17" 2009 MacBook Pro
2) 15" 2010 MacBook Pro
3) 17" 2010 MacBook Pro
4) 15" Current model MacBook Pro
5) Current model 13" MacBook Air
6) Current model 11" MacBook Air
7) 3 iPad 2 models
8) iPhone 3GS
9) iPhone 4
10) iPod Touch
11) Current model Mac Pro

And I haven't even begun to list the peripherals.

Each and every one of these computers are fully loaded, BTO models I ordered directly from the Apple Online store. I highly endorse AppleCare and I've suggested it to many here. I've recognized and posted about Apple's stellar customer service, in several posts.

Wow!! Why do do you need so many Macs? What is your profession?

 

[maclaptop]

Wow!! Why do do you need so many Macs? What is your profession?

I work in a few different countries, therefore a selection of laptops in different sizes and capabilities is handy. I'm a senior computer scientist working internationally in the field of bio/neural electrical engineering, my secondary specialty is the analysis of magnetorheological smart fluid.

 

[ap3604]

my secondary specialty is the analysis of magnetorheological smart fluid.

That's EXACTLY what I had guessed you did before you said it!

 

[JKK photography]

I don't think that the Galaxy S II is the best. Why? Because it runs Android, and Android's apps can't hold a candle up to an iOS app. I've been using Android for years, but I still see and believe this.

It's sad, but all the hardware in world can't make an ugly and unintuitive app intuitive, pretty, and useful.

 

[D1G1T4L]

Its called freedom of speech, isn't it great!

Freedom of speech doesn't exist on an internet forum.

 

[naths]

Either the Samsung GS11 or the new HTC sensation(not sure if its out in the US,or what it will be called over there)...these 2 are by far a long way ahead of any of the competition,ios,android or rim.

 

[acfusion29]

the samsung galaxy S2 might have better specs than the iPhone, but the phone still lags.

therefore, it's a piece of **** (to me)

source:

http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/28/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-review/

engadgets review. watch the beginning of the video. swipes take a few milliseconds to register whereas the iPhone it's instant.

fix that, and i'll buy the phone.

(p.s. this is my beef with android phones. my dad has the galaxy and the screen is AMAZING (way better than the iPhone 4) and it's a nice phone... however, it lags)

 

[binaryblob]

the samsung galaxy S2 might have better specs than the iPhone, but the phone still lags.

therefore, it's a piece of **** (to me)

source:

http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/28/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-review/

engadgets review. watch the beginning of the video. swipes take a few milliseconds to register whereas the iPhone it's instant.

fix that, and i'll buy the phone.

(p.s. this is my beef with android phones. my dad has the galaxy and the screen is AMAZING (way better than the iPhone 4) and it's a nice phone... however, it lags)

Engadget are never ever wrong, or biased, honest!

Uhm, yeah, and the other 95% of online tech reviews give it from 8/10 to 9/10 - even unheard of (and unbiased) YouTube reviewers, working out of their homes... hmmm

Microsoft tell me that OS X is rubbish, so I suppose they must be right too

I guess a few mS are vital, when we're all so busy, that 10mS delay will hold us up or "spoil" our experience. I think you're being a drama queen, saying it is a POS for that matter alone.

On a different note (not a reply to your post ), I don't see anyone complaining about the fact that iOS still doesn't have bluetooth file transfer, but the Apple people always have some amazing RDF-based reason why it is not needed... right up until the point where Apple will hypocritically release it, in a manner by which they portray bluetooth file transfer as something they invented.

 

[nunes013]

i think in terms of specs the galaxy S II has the best of any phone on the market. however, and this is coming from an active ios and mac user, the atrix 4g looks very nice. it is very innovative with the laptop dock and the specs are pretty smilier to the galaxy S II. its little thicker and doesnt have an 8 mp camera but that doesnt mean the second revision might not have that. the screen is almost that of the iphone 4. it is definitely something i would put on my top 3 and ahead of the galaxy, that is if you are willing to spend money on the atrix multimedia dock and laptop dock as this imo puts it ahead.

but the iphone 4 is still very much there in this battle. i would say wait for iphone 5. its only a little boost but also if apple comes out with the iphone 6 in january or even june of wwdc 2012 i will say that will be an amazing phone. ios still has the best app store and best software and updates. with android you still have the apps from china and other countries you dont want. the specs will be higher but the software lags. with apple the hardware lags but the software is miles ahead.

here is a little pro con list

Apple/iOS
-better software
-better software updates
-better apps
-clean and easy to use
-smoother OS
-some features in the OS that Android has and iOS does not
-hardware lags behind in most android phones

Samsung/Android
-high specs in hardware
-apps lags behind
-cannot hide non-western apps in app store
-software is a lot better than before but still a little laggy

overall i would say both are good platforms however android always has the feeling of decent software and manufacturers just put really high specs in the hardware to sell while ios has really good software and pretty decent hardware. go to a store and try out a few android phones and an iphone and that will give you ur answer. everyone has a different taste therefore every answer will be different. my order is:
iphone4
atrix 4g
samsung galaxy S II

 

[Apollo 13]

You claim Apple is not an innovator so please tell me ONE phone that had better specs than the iPhone 4 at release? Oh wait...you can't. What about one tablet out there that had higher specs than the iPad at release? Oh wait...you can't on that one either. What about something as thin and light as the Macbook Air? Hm... Like them or not give credit where credit is due.

Now, as for these "specs" you care about do you not realize specs do not make the phone? The software does. If the software isn't good the phone is no good. If you are happy with your Samsung phone, good for you but don't bash others for the choices they make.

I get annoyed with the "come in and bash people who use Apple products" type posts and think the people who post such drivel should get banned.

HTC Evo 4g says hi! The evo came out before the iphone 4 and had higher specs. As for android phones i wont own another one until they get rid of the lag. My evo was laggy even with using custom roms. I love my iphone 4.

 

[acfusion29]

I guess a few mS are vital, when we're all so busy, that 10mS delay will hold us up or "spoil" our experience. I think you're being a drama queen, saying it is a POS for that matter alone.

to be honest, those few milliseconds are not vital (to me) at all, it's the presentation that matters. it looks nicer when i swipe with my iPhone, than it does with my dads galaxy. it's more fluid, you know what i mean?

when i swipe, i expect it to swipe when i tell it too and not delay itself. android reminds me of the bb torch or bb storm. when you request an action with the touch screen, it pretty much has to think about it

and i'm not gonna lie, i like android and i might switch to it once i can type on it properly (ya.. that thing lags when i type) and when the OS is more refined. but that's all if Apple doesn't step it up.

 

[nunes013]

and i'm not gonna lie, i like android and i might switch to it once i can type on it properly (ya.. that thing lags when i type) and when the OS is more refined. but that's all if Apple doesn't step it up.

this

right now the iphone is great and yes there are android phones which have higher specs but imo iphone still gives the best experience. android has come a long way and i expect them to go further. there are great android phones which has tempted me but until i get the usability like i do on the iphone i will not switch. throwing massive amount of specs into a phone will not always cut it for everyone. my mom doesnt care that a phone has a 1.2 ghz dual core with 1 gb ram. i do but she doesnt. she wants a phone thats reliable, does what she wants done and is easy to use.

 

[binaryblob]

to be honest, those few milliseconds are not vital (to me) at all, it's the presentation that matters. it looks nicer when i swipe with my iPhone, than it does with my dads galaxy. it's more fluid, you know what i mean?

when i swipe, i expect it to swipe when i tell it too and not delay itself. android reminds me of the bb torch or bb storm. when you request an action with the touch screen, it pretty much has to think about it

and i'm not gonna lie, i like android and i might switch to it once i can type on it properly (ya.. that thing lags when i type) and when the OS is more refined. but that's all if Apple doesn't step it up.

You can't really blame anyone for the delay, apart from the manufacturer of the handset upon which you experienced the lag. Google release Android, and the mfrs tweak it and configure their drivers and optimise them for their handsets. If blaming anything/anyone, blame the lazy devs who don't optimise the specific release for the specific handset, not Android as a whole - that's just pointless and false. Some of the handsets out there have pathetic amounts of ram for the revision of Android being used, and often (VERY often) the SD card cache size is set ridiculously low (usually 128Kb - I mod mine to 2048Kb, which increases gallery/app load massively!).

Yes, Android has bugs and problems, but I shall stand in the defence of the platform (pleasssse don't flame me ) - there is a massive amount of choice, and you can jump device if the one you use doesn't fit the bill

Also, they're amazing fun to code on!