Lol, glad to see my face again?
The video wasn't good enough for me (Keep in mind I'm VERY picky, and I'm aware of it!)
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My review of the GSM Galaxy Nexus compared to iPhone 4S (long)
- Thread starter Neon01
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Lol, glad to see my face again?
The video wasn't good enough for me (Keep in mind I'm VERY picky, and I'm aware of it!)Lol, glad to see my face again?
Yes I recall you stating that in the xda thread. I really think you should probably just stick with the iphone. If you're as picky as what you state you are, it seems to me you'll be setting yourself up for disappointment.
I'm picky with certain things. I can afford a tradeoff, I know I'll need to make one. It's not like the iPhone doesn't annoy the living heck out of me in many ways. But thanks for the advice. I'll have to look more deeply into what annoyances I might run into. For now, I care a lot about getting rid of animations, and loading things very fast. That's one of my biggies.
edit: Wow, someone's going on a down-voting spree
I wasn't even aware that we could do that. If I can figure out how to disable them, I might be able to record a short video. Two little kids and lots of work don't always equate to lots of free time for videos. Maybe sometime this weekend.
Your "Pros & Cons" are way off on the iphone.
All smart phones are good but the iphone puts the KISS in useing it so much easyer. Apple did it right when they invented this phone, easy to use and it does what it say it does, keeping it very simple. Now that evey smart phone is trying to keep up with the iphone or serpass it, will fail. Why? There putting to much into there phones.
The "Pros" for the iphone is the KISS system they put into it.
The "Cons" Cost to dam much to own. See they even put the KISS on the "Cons" too!!
All smart phones are good but the iphone puts the KISS in useing it so much easyer. Apple did it right when they invented this phone, easy to use and it does what it say it does, keeping it very simple. Now that evey smart phone is trying to keep up with the iphone or serpass it, will fail. Why? There putting to much into there phones.
The "Pros" for the iphone is the KISS system they put into it.
The "Cons" Cost to dam much to own. See they even put the KISS on the "Cons" too!!
The Focus is the bottom of the line Samsung phone and is not even close to being in the same calss as my GS2 or Nexus.
If, forever, you judge the Samsung phones by that experience, you will remain in the dark
It amazes me that there are a LOT of posts like these comparing the iPhone for other phones. Apple better step up on the 5!
It's under Developer options > Window animation scale. While you're there, you may wanna try forcing hardware acceleration too. See if it makes things smoother for you.
The Focus is the bottom of the line Samsung phone and is not even close to being in the same calss as my GS2 or Nexus.
If, forever, you judge the Samsung phones by that experience, you will remain in the dark
It amazes me that there are a LOT of posts like these comparing the iPhone for other phones. Apple better step up on the 5!
What about the Galaxy S (not-2)? I have based my love/hate for samsung/android on my experience with that device. Is that an unfair judgement?
I got my first Iphone 4s 3 weeks ago after using android fro 3 "long" years... All I have to say is Iphone plain an simple works. Samsung is the worst company when it comes to updates ( at least the nexus will see some light) My wife have the Samsung Epic and after a year then haven't got it right, to be honest I don't know how can she put it with that. I sold my Epic and got a Evo 3D another disaster of a phone... sold it and got a 4s couldn't be happier.
I have to admit that this past weekend I had android withdrawals, but after going to the Sprint store and comparing both phone side to side, 4s was the winner. Android will never have Iphone transitions the screens move so nice, the rotation, the camera, well everything. btw the only reason I had withdrawals is because I use to flash ROM's every other day and since I havent done it for the last 3 weeks it feels weird.
Also I understand the people might get bored of the same looking phone for 3 straight years but trust me you will be back.
I have to admit that this past weekend I had android withdrawals, but after going to the Sprint store and comparing both phone side to side, 4s was the winner. Android will never have Iphone transitions the screens move so nice, the rotation, the camera, well everything. btw the only reason I had withdrawals is because I use to flash ROM's every other day and since I havent done it for the last 3 weeks it feels weird.
Also I understand the people might get bored of the same looking phone for 3 straight years but trust me you will be back.
Thanks OP for your review, I too am looking to try out the GNexus with 4.0 and it helps to hear a comparison side by side. I still have android withdrawls esp. flashing roms, but I'm learning to compromise with the Iphone.
Yes, and no...
Based on your experience with that device, you should now know that you're screwed if you don't buy a Nexus.
I basically dislike all Android phones except for the Galaxy Nexus and Galaxy Note (very unique product, that I might be willing to go back to custom ROMing for) I'm finally considering switching back to Android right now.
I have the Galaxy Nexus (and a 3gs) and I've got to say the nexus is the first android phone that I have no interest in changing to a custom rom, or for that matter, replacement launchers (the home screen/app drawer).
ICS (aka Android 4.0) is a huge improvement over previous versions and I just don't see the need to change anything on it. Its fluid and smooth, easy to navigate and set up. Just basically works. I think Google have finally got it right in terms of the UI with this version.
ICS (aka Android 4.0) is a huge improvement over previous versions and I just don't see the need to change anything on it. Its fluid and smooth, easy to navigate and set up. Just basically works. I think Google have finally got it right in terms of the UI with this version.
It's pretty much what all of us on the modest side of the fence have been saying for months. The pros on each side is what keeps those users buying those devices and vice versa.
Holy crap, this thread is text heavy!
I just switched from a Samsung Captivate to an iPhone 4S on AT&T. A few things that I have noticed about the two phones that often go unnoticed:
1. The iPhone gets a MUCH better signal. I know that it can vary device to device, but one of the first Gnex reviews that was up (I think Hofo) mentioned that it couldn't keep pace with a Moto Razr (flip razr, not the DROID Razr). Seriously Samsung? Your RF still sucks? There are places with the Cappy that I couldn't get service that I now have a bar and can talk on the phone.
2. the Audio quality on the iPhone is much better than any non-Moto Android devices that I've used. It also works well with headphones for output, and the internal mic for input, which is great, since I pretty much always have a pair of headphones around.
Honestly, part of the decision for me was wanting a single device, and no Android device can replace my iPod, wheras a 64GB iPhone did.
I think that Samsung was a poor choice for Google for the Gnex, as their hardware is junk. It's cheap, has poor RF, and doesn't last well. I think that a Moto-built Android device would have been a better flagship than something Samsung-built. I also think that Android would be AMAZING on a Nokia phone, but unfortunately Nokia basically killed themselves and went with WP7.
I just switched from a Samsung Captivate to an iPhone 4S on AT&T. A few things that I have noticed about the two phones that often go unnoticed:
1. The iPhone gets a MUCH better signal. I know that it can vary device to device, but one of the first Gnex reviews that was up (I think Hofo) mentioned that it couldn't keep pace with a Moto Razr (flip razr, not the DROID Razr). Seriously Samsung? Your RF still sucks? There are places with the Cappy that I couldn't get service that I now have a bar and can talk on the phone.
2. the Audio quality on the iPhone is much better than any non-Moto Android devices that I've used. It also works well with headphones for output, and the internal mic for input, which is great, since I pretty much always have a pair of headphones around.
Honestly, part of the decision for me was wanting a single device, and no Android device can replace my iPod, wheras a 64GB iPhone did.
I think that Samsung was a poor choice for Google for the Gnex, as their hardware is junk. It's cheap, has poor RF, and doesn't last well. I think that a Moto-built Android device would have been a better flagship than something Samsung-built. I also think that Android would be AMAZING on a Nokia phone, but unfortunately Nokia basically killed themselves and went with WP7.
Do you have experience with the Samsung device that is the subject of this review?
I've found the Nexus to be at least on par with my iphone 4S in regards to RF and call quality. I don't think I'm the only one:
From Techradar: "Call quality is top notch too. There's no option to turn any noise-reduction settings on or off but frankly, they're not needed anyway as our signal quality was flawless as was the quality on both our end and other callers'..."
The Verge: "Because I tested the HSPA+ version, I can't speak to the data performance or reception of Verizon's forthcoming LTE version of the Galaxy Nexus. What I can say, however, is that the HSPA+ iteration on AT&T's network exhibited better-than-expected performance with call quality and stability, as well as data rates.
While using the device, I had nearly no dropped or failed calls even in locations like the first floor of my house, which is typically bad for phone calls.
Data rates were frankly off the charts for me in my testing. In a spot where I typically see 2.2Mbps down and 1Mbps up on AT&T, the Nexus amazingly grabbed an average of about 4.5Mbps and consistently over 1Mbps, respectively."
Slashgear: "Samsung fits the Galaxy Nexus with twin microphones for active noise-cancellation during calls, and that along with a tenacious grip on a mobile signal added up to above-average call performance. Incoming audio was crisp and loud, while those we spoke to had no problems hearing us even with street noise in the background."
Engadget: "We didn't experience any issues with network performance. Calls sounded loud and clear on both ends (thanks in part, no doubt, to the dual microphone setup), and data speeds on T-Mobile and AT&T matched our expectations for this type of radio, with results as high as 8Mbps down and 1.7Mbps up."
Hofo said that the Galaxy Nexus was cutting in and out at a location that an old RAZR was fine. That's not very good RF. The RAZR was good, but not out of this world, IIRC. We'll see how it ultimately pans out, but for now, I'd count the Gnex as having traditional Samsuck RF.
I've made a (very poor) video comparison of the two phones. Unfortunately I shot it in HD and tried to upload it that way, but it's only showing up as a max res of 480p. Maybe it's because of the length.
It's bad, but if you want to view it, it's here (I'll also update the first post):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRgnjLs_gn4
It's bad, but if you want to view it, it's here (I'll also update the first post):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRgnjLs_gn4
Excellent Excellent Excellent review. As Faux news calims, "Fair and Balanced". This is very refreshing to see on the forum and I commend you for it.
So now I just want to bring up couple of your points I wanted to react to.
The first one is partly subjective, I must confess while I have browsed the Android app market I have no experience with android (though I have friends with android devices). I still have no problem with paying for apps, I prefer ad-free apps and supporting devs directly, I think someone posted an article here on how devs make a lot more money on ios than android. As for quality that is largley subjective, there are plenty of fart apps on both platforms and some gems. There are a lot more, and better quality, games for ios though.
The second point is a dealbreaker for me though. First of all, I don't get the bit about DRM free music, itunes can import your own ripped cds, or even pirated for that matter with no problem. Music bought from itunes and Amazon is also DRM free as well so that is a non-issue. The 45 GB of free storage is very nice, but the uploading and downloading caps have more to do with your carrier than Apple/Google I'm afraid. That's what kept me from streaming services like Spotify. The last thing that is keeping me with Apple's ecosystem is itunes media management and in particular smartplaylists. I have not found or heard of other media mangement software to match itunes' smartplaylists system, too bad more don't know about this powerful feature. FWIW.
First off, thanks OP for a great review. It's nice to see someone post something without blind allegiances to Apple or other companies.
To an extent, yes. The Galaxy SII (which was the android phone to get before the Nexus) was a significant step up from the Galaxy S. I switched from a jailbroken 3GS and I havent experienced many bugs and the GPS issue has been fixed. Samsung has also come out and said that they'll support ICS on the SII...and honestly, even if they didn't, the phone runs well enough that I wouldn't mind.
But like the OP, I would consider switching back to Apple if the next iPhone seemed good for my needs.
Anyways maybe try the Nexus or SII in the store again next time? I think Samsung has proven themselves with the SII and Nexus. That being said, you may still not like it... and that's okay too but at least you have something current to base your opinions off of.
To an extent, yes. The Galaxy SII (which was the android phone to get before the Nexus) was a significant step up from the Galaxy S. I switched from a jailbroken 3GS and I havent experienced many bugs and the GPS issue has been fixed. Samsung has also come out and said that they'll support ICS on the SII...and honestly, even if they didn't, the phone runs well enough that I wouldn't mind.
But like the OP, I would consider switching back to Apple if the next iPhone seemed good for my needs.
Anyways maybe try the Nexus or SII in the store again next time? I think Samsung has proven themselves with the SII and Nexus. That being said, you may still not like it... and that's okay too but at least you have something current to base your opinions off of.
Thanks, I honestly have no "dog in the fight" in this case, as I own both and I really don't mind switching back and forth as better hardware comes out. I'm really just calling it like I see it.
The second point is a dealbreaker for me though. First of all, I don't get the bit about DRM free music, itunes can import your own ripped cds, or even pirated for that matter with no problem. Music bought from itunes and Amazon is also DRM free as well so that is a non-issue. The 45 GB of free storage is very nice, but the uploading and downloading caps have more to do with your carrier than Apple/Google I'm afraid. That's what kept me from streaming services like Spotify. The last thing that is keeping me with Apple's ecosystem is itunes media management and in particular smartplaylists. I have not found or heard of other media mangement software to match itunes' smartplaylists system, too bad more don't know about this powerful feature. FWIW.
I think what it really comes down to, however, is that things like smart playlists are really the only advantage iTunes has over google music. Even then, though it doesn't support the 1-5 stars aspect of iTunes (they just have the thumbs up and down like Pandora), and instant mix might not be quite on par with genius mixes, it does support similar features.
It's true that iTunes will also let you upload DRM free songs that you did not download from them, but at a cost of $25 a year. Further, you only get 5GB of space for free on iCloud, and that is shared with all of your backup data, apps, etc. Google's service is completely free and lets you upload 20,000 (!) of your own songs - my 45GB estimate was only about 6700 songs - with no data caps at all. So you could quite easily have over 120GB in songs on Google's cloud, completely gratis. 105 GB on iCloud will run you $100 per year, and you still have to add in the $25/year that you pay to let them use your own music. That's $10 a month that you're paying solely for the advantage of smart playlists.
In addition, Google's music service is somewhat more flexible - if I want to get on the cloud and listen to my music at my friend's house, and don't have any of my electronic devices, I could always just get on their PC/Mac, open up a web browser, log into my Android account, and listen all I want. With iTunes, one would need to go through the process of installing the program, logging in, authorizing the computer (if you have any remaining), and then listening to your music. Most times, the latter would be too cumbersome to be worthwhile, and you'd still want to de-authorize the computer and uninstall the program prior to leaving.
Google's music service also lets you download any of your songs to your android device and play them offline any time you want (they're simply resident on your device's built in storage, at that point). I've never used iCloud with my personal music (again, didn't want to pay the fee) on my iPhone, but I'm not sure if it allows you to play those files offline or not.
Your point about data transfer caps being largely a limitation of your transmission service (fiber, cable, 3G, etc) is certainly valid, but I would submit that this is also the case for any cloud service. Some other cloud services do cap data transmission in addition to simply capping gross data storage, though I assume that iCloud isn't one of them, which is nice.
I don't mean for this to come off as pro-Google, but I've always seen iTunes as a severe handicap for the Apple line of products. I know a lot of people love it, but I'm not one of them. Frankly, having bought a Macbook Air and two iphones (one for my wife) in the last 2 months, I can tell you that much of my new found enthusiasm for Apple products is because they're moving away from their former iTunes-centric modus operandi. I really feel that Google music is a "killer feature" for Android, but you know what they say - "different strokes..."