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

[ezgoezit]

My experience is just about the opposite. Maybe because I am updating from a iPhone 6 which was barely usable from a couple bad drops and super sluggish because iOS 11 is too much for it, but when I pick up the phone and swipe up, the face id usually does it's thing before I finish the swipe. I have picked up the phone in the middle of the night, with no lights on and the phone is open and ready for use before my eyes can focus. I'm really happy with it. I hope the OP can find something they are looking for, but my search starts and ends here.

 

[jeff.noechel]

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 got the Note 8 as well but it's now a back up to my X. I watch a lot of Netflix on phones but WHILE ACTUALLY WATCHING YOU JUST FORGET THAT THE PHONE IS slightly BIGGER. YES IN THE PHONE WORLD IT'S A LOT BIGGER BUT BEING REALISTIC, IT'S REALLY NOT MUCH BIGGER.
Sorry for the caps, my finger keeps hitting the cap lock on my Mac Book Pro lol

 

[Amplelink]

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....

all I can say is: good luck using that Note 8 with the Apple Watch listed in your signature. Apple stuff is great by itself, but as a whole is where it all starts to really shine. iPhone X works great with my Apple Watch and my AirPods. Photos all sync perfectly with my MacBook Pro. Same with Messages. The whole ecosystem just works flawlessly. I love it. There is nothing on the Android side that tempts me in the least.

 

[ichii]

I got my pitchfork ready lol. Just go what you’re happy, because you’re going to be the one that use the phone. I had the S8, but it wasn’t for me. Sure the faceId is kinda annoying when the phone is on the desk. I have the same issue with the S8, where the fingerprints sensor is on the back. I prefer it being in the front.

 

[SuperZay'N]

go ahead no one cares. but dont come running back when the s9 is about to release in 4-5 months and the note 8 or s8 starts to become laggy and slow. its inevitable with samsung terrible touch wiz.
[doublepost=1509992687][/doublepost]

I got my pitchfork ready lol. Just go what you’re happy, because you’re going to be the one that use the phone. I had the S8, but it wasn’t for me. Sure the faceId is kinda annoying when the phone is on the desk. I have the same issue with the S8, where the fingerprints sensor is on the back. I prefer it being in the front.

this is a really good point lol. he doesnt want to hover over his phone to unlock it but if he gets a note 8 you either gonna have to use the iris scanner (which is 10x worse than face id) or pick up the phone to use the FPS on the back lmao, i guess he didnt think through before he typed this post

 

[woozor1]

Wow, cool! You mean that it can read your handprint and verify that it's you before showing the notifications? If so, that's pretty awesome, and at least as secure as TouchID was.

why would i need verification to view notifications lol. You can choose what notifications you want on your lock screen ios and android. you can raise to wake on ios to view them or you can hover your hand over screen on the note 8 on a table to view them or click them on your AOD. You can also set your note 8 to trusted locations making it not need to use a fingerprint scanner or iris to unlock.

 

[gdeputy]

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.

What are you going to replace your apple watch with?

I have an X delivering.. the idea of switching was there for a pixel after display issues announced to be fixed but.. no imessage alternative and more importantly, nothing to compete with apple watch over @ android.

 

[sean000]

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!

I feel the same way. I've been in the IT industry since the mid-1990's and my first smartphone was the iPhone 3G (prior to that I had a couple of Blackberry devices and many PalmOS devices). I've never owned a Mac, and I use mostly Microsoft Office 365 and Google services on my iPhone and iPad. Switching to Android should be easy for me, right? And I almost have switched on more than one occasion. I bought an iPhone 4 because Android and the available apps were still lagging at the time. I bought an iPhone 5 because many Android users I worked with complained about their devices. I also stayed with the iPhone because my wife and both sides of our families were all using iPhones with iMessage and Photostream to stay in touch (no matter how hard I tried to convince them to use a a better photo sharing platform).

I bought the iPhone 6 because I knew the Apple Watch would be announced and I really wanted one. I'm glad I made that choice, because the Apple Watch has been very useful to me. It's probably the main reason I will upgrade to either the iPhone 8 Plus or the iPhone X. I also want dual-camera, because I'm a photographer and I want a better smartphone camera. The X would give me dual camera in a smaller phone, which appeals to me.

Like you I deal with technology issues on a daily basis. While I definitely have a higher threshold than most for dealing with buggy software, I want my smartphone and smartwatch to work smoothly and predictably, because when I need them I'm often on the go and don't want to deal with technology I can't rely on or need to fiddle with. This is actually one reason I am glad to have stayed with iOS. I have coworkers who go between platforms and even the ones who prefer Android will say that the iOS experience is smoother. The question is whether that will still be true on the iPhone X? If I go with the X I am expecting some bumps that will take software updates to smooth out. The iPhone 8/8+ would be the smoothest upgrade path. I bought the first gen Apple Watch in July of 2015, and watchOS was still a work in progress. I had a few months of fiddling with bugs, interface quirks, and performance issues before an update dramatically improved the experience. It has continued to get better with every software update, which gives me hope that the iPhone X will also improve as Apple refines the software for the new features and capabilities of the X.


Sean

 

[Pez555]

You’ll be back when the Plus size comes out in 2018 😉

 

[BarracksSi]

why would i need verification to view notifications lol. You can choose what notifications you want on your lock screen ios and android. you can raise to wake on ios to view them or you can hover your hand over screen on the note 8 on a table to view them or click them on your AOD. You can also set your note 8 to trusted locations making it not need to use a fingerprint scanner or iris to unlock.

Because I don't need any of the jackasses at work to mess with them, that's why.

If you never have any social interaction with any other humans during the day, then I can see your point.

 

[woozor1]

Because I don't need any of the jackasses at work to mess with them, that's why.

If you never have any social interaction with any other humans during the day, then I can see your point.

jeez are you simple or something? You have multiple options to wake or unlock a note 8 you can have what ever one you want to function or not to function. If you want a secure locked down phone then that option is also available blimey. Why are you in a conversation about a note8 when you cant even add anything constructive to the topic?

 

[BarracksSi]

jeez are you simple or something? You have multiple options to wake or unlock a note 8 you can have what ever one you want to function or not to function. If you want a secure locked down phone then that option is also available blimey. Why are you in a conversation about a note8 when you cant even add anything constructive to the topic?

Wizard-hand-waving is a "we can do it" feature, not a "we should do it" feature.

Hardly a constructive feature at all. Thanks for your input. Try again.

 

[woozor1]

Wizard-hand-waving is a "we can do it" feature, not a "we should do it" feature.

Hardly a constructive feature at all. Thanks for your input. Try again.

So you like to be told what to do then lol cya

 

[PM-Performance]

Responses after about 6 weeks with the Note 8 after owning the ip7plus:
1. Face Recognition: I do not use this, but I do use the great Secure Unlock features such as geofencing and unlocking when connected to an approved Bluetooth device. These work great
2. Zero USB C issues on my Tab S3 or Note 8. Totally solid, plus wirelsss charging works fine. No issues.
3. Notifications are totally manages on an app-by-app basis, just like iOS. I only get notified by apps that I choose to let through. No issue here at all. Plus, you can swipe a notification and manage it right there. No need to navigate layers of menus to do that.
4. Totally wrong on the apps. All apps I used on Android are every bit as rich and good on the Note 8. Maybe thing have gotten better recently, but absolutely no issue here at all. Zero.
5. I was able to get a Samsung tech rep on the phone within 5 minutes, and via chat within about the same time. They were very helpful and knowledgeable. Again, no issue here.

So, either your experience is dated or it is based on hearsay. I had iPhones for 10 years and am absolutely loving the Samsung/Note 8 experience.
[doublepost=1509991116][/doublepost]

My experience is as of Sept 29th to Oct2nd

I had a run around with Bixby not working. Told to run and call all over the place. Left a bad taste in my mouth. USBC issues. . .how many vehicles do you have with USB to test in? I have 4 and none worked. 2 OEM units and 2 aftermarket units. I told them Android Auto was important to me and was promised it worked. Nothing USB related worked with me other than a PC. I was constantly questioned on why I didnt just use Bluetooth as the fix. . . . well if they understood you need to plug in for certain things like Android Auto, this would not have been a question.

The apps, well ., They are ok. The google play store is a mess for me with alot of junk apps. The apps from my experience between the OS was different.

You see my video on the issues with support I had from Samsung? I never called Apple and got anyone in a diff country. So that to me is an immediate win

 

[Lucifer666]

Ok it's official!

MR is now M&S Rumors.

 

[coldsweat]

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.

Funnily enough for me it's the opposite - Airplay / Apple TV / iCloud syncing etc. never ever seem to 'just work' & I'm forever having to restart devices & logout/login to do simple things. Chromecast / Android / Google drive etc. always work first time & never seem to miss a beat.

 

[haqsha23]

Funnily enough for me it's the opposite - Airplay / Apple TV / iCloud syncing etc. never ever seem to 'just work' & I'm forever having to restart devices & logout/login to do simple things. Chromecast / Android / Google drive etc. always work first time & never seem to miss a beat.

That's strange. I can only go by my anecdotal experiences, and I stand by the fact that Android has failed me/pissed me off to no end while Apple has been incredible (especially the laptops. Comparing PC and Mac is like bringing a knife to a gun fight).

 

[TheRealAlex]

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....

Just so you know and you probably do. Samsung makes the 5.8” OLED Display for the IPhone X the displays are sourced from the same 5.8” OLED panels used in the Note 5 only with a cutout and different Resolution.
Next Year Apple is Sourcing the Same OLED Display You liked so much on the Note 8 6.3” OLED for the iPhone X Plus in November 2018 whether it has the Notch is unknown.
But congrats you have next years IPhone X Plus Display today.

 

[ET iPhone Home]

To think with all these X returns from unsatisfied customers, I could have owned one of them and be happily content 🙄.

 

[born2runak]

Every year , I debate about switching, and the note is usually at the top of my list. But Apples ecosystem is just too much to make me stray. All my Apple devices work so well together, from my watch, to my phone and iPad , to the Mac, to my Apple TV.
Having a blip in that ecosystem , such as an android phone, would honestly be more of a hindrance than anything. Grass is always greener I guess...

 

[Regime2008]

LOL - I switch from iPhone to Galaxy S8+. The S8+ Broke and I had to return it after weeks of arguing with Samsung and a botched repair. Got a Note 8 and that broke too! Both times the screen crapped out and just stopped working! Doesn’t help at all that Samsung’s customer service sucks! Good luck in the Android world my friend. You’re going to need it.

Now I hate to be the one to call bluff, but I kinda feel you may have over exaggerated your claim, or completely made that up. I would imagine anyone who has an experience as bad as that, would have mentioned that on these forums, at least once. But I don't see any signs of that from a quick glance at your history. But if your situation did occur that way, what was the outcome? What repairs happened, and what caused them?

 

[Puddled]

Android has come a long long long way since the days of gingerbread and honeycomb. In fact in terms of development and maturity it is far more than Ios. In my opinion, Apple really need to work heavily on IOS. Some parts of it are a complete mess including Springboard, notifications, settings and default apps.

Android devices have come a long way as well, especially Samsung who's Galaxy line from the S6 is fantastic and gets better and better.

Historic views are pointless in the smartphone world.

To the OP, Samsung has an app called FLOW which tethers your phone to your pc via Bluetooth. If i remember correctly it will keep your phone unlocked during the tether.

Another way is to connect your phone to your pc via Bluetooth and set your pc as a trusted device (probably the simplest way tbh).

If you do go android, dont pretend you have an iphone and become fustrated and give up after no time.

I suggest to everyone moving to android to sit down with the device and go through all of the settings and sub settings and get a feel for what the phone can or can't do.

Most android complaints are because the user did not read the instructions!

Best off luck

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

In my experience ......

Facial recognition on the Note 8 sucks bad for me. With my limited(3hr) play time using the iPhone X, Face ID worked damn good. The upcoming S9 will have the same type of 3D facial scanning as the iPhone X. So anybody that's willing to wait several months and doesn't care about the S-pen, you should wait for the S9.

The Iris scanner on the Note 8 works flawless and fast for me 99% of the time, with the exception of the bright sun beaming directly on the sensor. I don't wear glasses, so that's not an issue. And when I wear shades, the finger sensor works well. The Iris scanner is how I unlock my phone the majority of the time.

The Note 8 still has a finger sensor, but not so great of placement. Although I'm used to the placement now. The S9 will either have the finger sensor under the display, or placed in the middle on the back.

The iPhone X really needs the option of going directly to the home screen instead of swiping up. The Note 8 proves that's more than possible and very convenient.

My gripe with the Note 8 and Android in general is developers were slow to implement finger login for their apps, and there's next to none apps that you can use the Iris scanner to login, with the exception of Samsung apps.

I still don't get the "polished app" thing. 99% of cross platform apps I use on my Note 8 and 7+ perform just as good with only a slightest variation of the User Interface. Some games perform better or worst on either device. But I haven't ran into an app that performs horrible on one platform, while performing great on the other. Even Snapchat works fine for me, which is the biggest complaint I see about Android apps.

As far as ecosystem, everyone has their own way of doing things. While the Apple ecosystem is more streamlined and closed in, the ecosystem you can create on Android is more customizable and mostly crossplatform. Either way whatever works for you.

It's a shame Apple didn't implement Always On Display. I'm truly spoiled by it, and won't consider a flagship phone that doesn't have it. Hopefully next fall Apple will include it, cause I'm sure they will probably make it look very beautiful. Plus it's extremely convenient on the Note 8 that I can double tap on a notification from the AOD screen and it jumps right to the app itself.

Even though the iPhone X display has the best color calibration, I still prefer the Note 8 display. It just has a more crispy sharpness to it over the iPhone X. I never been a color accuracy kind of guy. I want to see colors the way I want to see them, not what some standard tells me. The display notch of the iPhone X is livable, but I truly think it's only forgivable because it's an iPhone. If Samsung did that first, even hardcore Samsung fanboys would roast it.

iMessage is a non issue for me, cause most of my circle uses Whatsapp and Telegram. I don't even enable iMessage anymore when using my 7+.

Samsung definitely needs to work on their external speakers. I don't use external speakers that much to care, but Samsung is falling too far behind in this category.

Apple should implement a version of Android's smart unlock. It's very useful. I use it mostly with my car's Bluetooth.

 

[Apple_Robert]

If the Samsung makes you happy, that'sgreat.

I don't see the compelling need to post to the forum that one phone didn't make you happy while another one did. It's just a phone. Life goes on. Needless drama.

 

[mi7chy]

Nothing wrong with having a foot in both ecosystems. A lot of us here utilize both. Just be prepared that the Note 8 is more like a computer vs an iPhone that's more basic like an iPod with calling capabilities.