Returned X.... Going to Samsung (runs away...!)

[dwjpaypal]

Hi All,

I know this is a Mac forum, but I have to vent somewhere.

I've been an Apple fan since the first iPhone, but unfortunately the X has not hit the mark for me, and this is the first occassion I've decided to move away.

I bought an X on Friday and have used it for a couple of days. I really just can't get on with it- the face id is frustrating, and although it works everytime, it's annoying to have to hover over my phone when on my desk at work to unlock it. The main issue I have is the video playback moving from a plus. It's just not big enough, and when expanded the notch is frustrating.

Some of you may say, why not just get an 8 then? Well, I'm sorry but I really feel like the 8 is basically the same phone as the 6, which I've already upgraded 3 times (6+ > 6S+ > 7+).

A couple of the guys in my team have android devices and the main one that's caught my eye is the Note8. The screen is stunning, the picture looks so vivid and the aspect ratio of the device makes viewing videos a pleasure.

I've purchased directly from Samsung, who now have a 28 dya no quibble returns so lets see how I get on. I'm sure I'll be back, but prob not until the 8 range gets a good facelift.

Let the flaming begin....

 

[TrueBlou]

Hey, you gotta go with whatever makes you happy, it’s your choice and your money. No matter what anyone says, that’s all that’s important.

Hope you enjoy your Note 8.

 

[Blondie&Dagwood]

Hi All,

I know this is a Mac forum, but I have to vent somewhere.

I've been an Apple fan since the first iPhone, but unfortunately the X has not hit the mark for me, and this is the first occassion I've decided to move away.

I bought an X on Friday and have used it for a couple of days. I really just can't get on with it- the face id is frustrating, and although it works everytime, it's annoying to have to hover over my phone when on my desk at work to unlock it. The main issue I have is the video playback moving from a plus. It's just not big enough, and when expanded the notch is frustrating.

Some of you may say, why not just get an 8 then? Well, I'm sorry but I really feel like the 8 is basically the same phone as the 6, which I've already upgraded 3 times (6+ > 6S+ > 7+).

A couple of the guys in my team have android devices and the main one that's caught my eye is the Note8. The screen is stunning, the picture looks so vivid and the aspect ratio of the device makes viewing videos a pleasure.

I've purchased directly from Samsung, who now have a 28 dya no quibble returns so lets see how I get on. I'm sure I'll be back, but prob not until the 8 range gets a good facelift.

Let the flaming begin....

No flaming - just a simple goodbye and don't let the door hit you on the way out! See you again in 27 days.

 

[Cryates]

the aspect ratio of the device makes viewing videos a pleasure.

It does? hmmm okay

 

[deany]

Probably best asking to have thread moved to 'alternative to iOS and iOS devices'. If you want advice on making the Switch, super helpful Forum members.

 

[itsmemuffins]

Android

 

[Lobwedgephil]

Don't see the point of posting to try to validate your decision, no one cares. But go with whatever works for you, if it is the Note 8, good for you, it is a nice phone.

 

[noobinator]

Congrats?

 

[ABC5S]

Very good luck to you and by all means come back here and tell us about your experience with the Note 8. Pros and cons

 

[cj31016]

I have the Note 8 sitting on my desk right next to the X. I can't help continuing to pick up the 8. It's an absolutely stunning device. If the app development/updates were anywhere close to the priority that's placed on iOS, I'd probably be right there with you. The X is a monster though. The winner in all of this is the consumers. Many iOS devices to choose, many Android devices to choose. Hope you find a great device for your needs.

 

[haqsha23]

i for one would like to hear an unbiased review of the Note 8, so if you could come back ad do that it would be great. I'm an Apple guy but not tied down to the company, I'll choose other products if they offer a better experience and better product. Price has never been an issue for me, I'm just looking for the best.

 

[PM-Performance]

Hi All,



I bought an X on Friday and have used it for a couple of days. I really just can't get on with it- the face id is frustrating, and although it works everytime, it's annoying to have to hover over my phone when on my desk at work to unlock it. The main issue I have is the video playback moving from a plus. It's just not big enough, and when expanded the notch is frustrating.


Let the flaming begin....

If you think Face ID is frustrating, wait until you see how bad Samsung Facial recognition is and their Iris scanner. I can promise you it is much worse, and the fact that it is not as secure.
Also provide feedback on USB-C connection issues? I have had plenty.
Lastly, I will admit the screen is MUCH nicer on the Samsung. But I can afford things like TV's and Projectors and such. I dont base my phone interest on watching movies on it. Watching Youtube vids here and there or stuff embedded on Facebook does not bother me as much as the poor implementation of other core things.

Also, give your feedback of the mess of notifications you will get and the string of icons cluttered at the top of the notification area, ect, ect. The apps are not quite as nice or rich. You will get very little support from Samsung when you call there. Their own people do not even use Samsung products.

Please see this video. If you want the upload showing the phones not working in any of my cars, I can upload tonight

 

[woozor1]

Make sure you give the note atleast a week of setting it up and getting used to it though as if your used to ios its so different. Once you research and get the phone set how you want it im sure you will realise how superior it is. I Love myne ive had it a few weeks now, and i still find new things out about it. Runs faster than my 7 plus i had also and battery is great.

 

[cj31016]

If you think Face ID is frustrating, wait until you see how bad Samsung Facial recognition is and their Iris scanner. I can promise you it is much worse, and the fact that it is not as secure.
Also provide feedback on USB-C connection issues? I have had plenty.
Lastly, I will admit the screen is MUCH nicer on the Samsung. But I can afford things like TV's and Projectors and such. I dont base my phone interest on watching movies on it. Watching Youtube vids here and there or stuff embedded on Facebook does not bother me as much as the poor implementation of other core things.

The catch is that Samsung doesn't force you to use facial/iris. They're serviceable, but I think a combination of the fingerprint + facial recognition is great, and it is fast. Facial definitely not as secure, like you said, but it is fast. I'm curious about USB-C issues you've experienced. I have multiple devices. Not just the Note 8 with USB-C, and I haven't seen one issue.

The Note 8 is an absolute beast of a device. The iPhone X is also a beast. Both titans, and no answer is wrong.

 

[Faelan]

Enjoy your Note 8. It’s probably the phone I would pick if going back to Android. Pixel 2/2XL is not even an option since Google for some reason has decided not to sell the phone in my country, nor is it available from any carriers here. They didn’t offer the first pixel either, so I doubt we will see it here in the future. I used to rock a Note 2. Great piece of hardware, but Samsung software and support was very mediocre at that time. I jumped ship with the iPhone 6+ because the software experience and timely OS updates is more important to me than hardware specs. I don’t regret that move, but I don’t regret my time with the Note 2 either. I think it’s good to shake up things every now and then. It makes you see things from a new perspective and will make you appreciate old and new features that you might otherwise not have given much thought.

 

[dwjpaypal]

Thanks for all the comments guys. I will of course continue to provide feedback, and am truly gutted this is the decision I've made, but I honestly feel let down by Apple.

Yes, the X has some revolutionary differences, but the 8 doesn't. I use my screen daily for 2 hours (commute to and from work) to watch media the X isn't cutting it, and as I said, I'm loathed to fork out again for a device thats too similar to what I've already had.

 

[haqsha23]

If you think Face ID is frustrating, wait until you see how bad Samsung Facial recognition is and their Iris scanner. I can promise you it is much worse, and the fact that it is not as secure.
Also provide feedback on USB-C connection issues? I have had plenty.
Lastly, I will admit the screen is MUCH nicer on the Samsung. But I can afford things like TV's and Projectors and such. I dont base my phone interest on watching movies on it. Watching Youtube vids here and there or stuff embedded on Facebook does not bother me as much as the poor implementation of other core things.

This was my concern about Samsung and why I switched to Apple and haven't looked back. My best friend is an android guy (and a computer geek). The amount of times I'll be at his house and he's trying to chromecast something, play music over bluetooth etc. there is ALWAYS a problem. It never works 100% all the time. In fact, I'd say it works flawlessly about 50% of the time. That kind of unreliability makes me want to throw those electronics at the wall, I don't know how he deals with it. While I've owned an iphone, Facetime always works, airdrop, airplay etc. It all just works.

I agree with your second point as well, I never use my phone to watch video (Data in Canada is expensive, and if I'm at home/work I'll just use my TV or laptop to watch).

 

[Packers1958]

Enjoy the Note. For me, these devices are just smartphones. I got the X on the 3rd. The newness wore off after about 4 hours, like it does with every new phone I get. The X does what I need it to do, just like the Note will do what you need it to do. My enjoyment of life is not "better" because of the smartphone I use. After a weekend of use, when I see or use my X, it's just another device.

 

[PM-Performance]

The catch is that Samsung doesn't force you to use facial/iris. They're serviceable, but I think a combination of the fingerprint + facial recognition is great, and it is fast. Facial definitely not as secure, like you said, but it is fast. I'm curious about USB-C issues you've experienced. I have multiple devices. Not just the Note 8 with USB-C, and I haven't seen one issue.

The Note 8 is an absolute beast of a device. The iPhone X is also a beast. Both titans, and no answer is wrong.

I did not find their unlock method reliable or fast what so ever. When it did open, I do not feel it actually scanned to be honest. I suspect a HUGE security flaw in how they are doing it. The fingerprint scanner is a complete joke. It was added like that obviously as an afterthought. I could not for the life of me get to the sensor to actually use it. I spent more time typing in my code than anything. The FaceID on the X is deff WAY MORE Reliable. I have only typed in my code when the phone is on a table and I hit to respond to a text and my face isnt over it.
I cannot comment on it being serviceable. I will venture to guess they will get the thumbs up there though.

My USB-C to A has not recognized in a single car I tried. All the BB reps and Samsung reps say it works great, but not a single one could prove it to me. I gave the challenge that if they could prove it worked in any of my cars, I would even upgrade to the Note and keep the S8 for the time they put into it.

 

[thadoggfather]

Hi All,

I know this is a Mac forum, but I have to vent somewhere.

I've been an Apple fan since the first iPhone, but unfortunately the X has not hit the mark for me, and this is the first occassion I've decided to move away.

I bought an X on Friday and have used it for a couple of days. I really just can't get on with it- the face id is frustrating, and although it works everytime, it's annoying to have to hover over my phone when on my desk at work to unlock it. The main issue I have is the video playback moving from a plus. It's just not big enough, and when expanded the notch is frustrating.

Some of you may say, why not just get an 8 then? Well, I'm sorry but I really feel like the 8 is basically the same phone as the 6, which I've already upgraded 3 times (6+ > 6S+ > 7+).

A couple of the guys in my team have android devices and the main one that's caught my eye is the Note8. The screen is stunning, the picture looks so vivid and the aspect ratio of the device makes viewing videos a pleasure.

I've purchased directly from Samsung, who now have a 28 dya no quibble returns so lets see how I get on. I'm sure I'll be back, but prob not until the 8 range gets a good facelift.

Let the flaming begin....

Options are good!

I don't find iOS or
Apple to be a religion get what works!

I agree with you tho tough to go diving into the 8 being a 4th time of same thing and I Too went 6+ to 6s+ to 7+

X seems like the logical leap or onto other things since I'm sure X gen2 will be more similar than not and maybe an X plus as well

No reason to believe apple is gonna dump their vision of the X in one year. Big waste of
Money r&d and everything else if they did

Coupled with how they said this is the future vision of iPhone, you're getting what u get

People thought mbp would be
Radically different wit Touch bar and only USB-c ports backlash.

Well 2017 came out and It's exactly the same

Even the price they offered a 1299 non Touch Bar but with half the SSD! So if you wanted parity no price drop at all still 1499 for non Touch Bar 256

 

[skywalkerr69]

Hi All,

I know this is a Mac forum, but I have to vent somewhere.

I've been an Apple fan since the first iPhone, but unfortunately the X has not hit the mark for me, and this is the first occassion I've decided to move away.

I bought an X on Friday and have used it for a couple of days. I really just can't get on with it- the face id is frustrating, and although it works everytime, it's annoying to have to hover over my phone when on my desk at work to unlock it. The main issue I have is the video playback moving from a plus. It's just not big enough, and when expanded the notch is frustrating.

Some of you may say, why not just get an 8 then? Well, I'm sorry but I really feel like the 8 is basically the same phone as the 6, which I've already upgraded 3 times (6+ > 6S+ > 7+).

A couple of the guys in my team have android devices and the main one that's caught my eye is the Note8. The screen is stunning, the picture looks so vivid and the aspect ratio of the device makes viewing videos a pleasure.

I've purchased directly from Samsung, who now have a 28 dya no quibble returns so lets see how I get on. I'm sure I'll be back, but prob not until the 8 range gets a good facelift.

Let the flaming begin....

I honestly would get one too but I absolutely CANNOT stomach android. If it ran iOS, I would be the first in line.

 

[Knowimagination]

The main issue I have is the video playback moving from a plus. It's just not big enough, and when expanded the notch is frustrating.

The screen is stunning, the picture looks so vivid and the aspect ratio of the device makes viewing videos a pleasure.

So 19.5:9 aspect ratio on the X is just not big enough but 18.5:9 ratio on the Note makes viewing videos a pleasure? It is just the additional screen size that creates this distinction?

The catch is that Samsung doesn't force you to use facial/iris. They're serviceable, but I think a combination of the fingerprint + facial recognition is great, and it is fast. Facial definitely not as secure, like you said, but it is fast. I'm curious about USB-C issues you've experienced. I have multiple devices. Not just the Note 8 with USB-C, and I haven't seen one issue.

The Note 8 is an absolute beast of a device. The iPhone X is also a beast. Both titans, and no answer is wrong.

The thing that I don't get is that people are complaining about Face ID not being able to unlock their device while laying on a desk. The Note 8 doesn't have any solution to this scenario either so I'm not sure about the unlocking aspect of it.

 

[PM-Performance]

This was my concern about Samsung and why I switched to Apple and haven't looked back. My best friend is an android guy (and a computer geek). The amount of times I'll be at his house and he's trying to chromecast something, play music over bluetooth etc. there is ALWAYS a problem. It never works 100% all the time. In fact, I'd say it works flawlessly about 50% of the time. That kind of unreliability makes me want to throw those electronics at the wall, I don't know how he deals with it. While I've owned an iphone, Facetime always works, airdrop, airplay etc. It all just works.

I agree with your second point as well, I never use my phone to watch video (Data in Canada is expensive, and if I'm at home/work I'll just use my TV or laptop to watch).

I am a tech guy as well. If I have to fiddle with things , it is not worth it to me. I spend my whole day fixing crap that doesnt work. I dont want my personal devices to be like that as well. The whole reason I switched to Apple was because the "it just works" thing. My friend switched to an S8 and promised me it was PERFECT! I then got it and was likw WTF, I thought it was perfect and asked how his worked in certain scenarios. Turns out he used literally NOTHING of the features, but text and KODI and MODBRO. lol. Because he could use KODI on it, that was the part that sold him. . . . All the while he never plugged it into anything or used any core functions.
While I will not say that Apple has not slightly fell off that path, it is deff much different than a fragmented OS. But OS aside, I can get used to changes no problem. Its when things dont work and core things dont work that the issue is. There is a reason why Apple stuff is still the primary compatibility point for ALL MANUFACTURERS!

 

[DNichter]

Okay. Enjoy whatever you choose.

 

[PM-Performance]

The thing that I don't get is that people are complaining about Face ID not being able to unlock their device while laying on a desk. The Note 8 doesn't have any solution to this scenario either so I'm not sure about the unlocking aspect of it.

The Samsung variant barely unlocks properly even dead on! Lighting was a MAJOR issue with their unlock method. Second off there was a major difference in how you approached the unlock. If you did a quick raise to unlock, it would fine if memory serves me. If you had the phone in front of you up to your face and then attempted unlock it failed miserably everytime for me.
It deff was not even close to as polished as the Iphone seems to be.