The Galaxy S5

[Robster3]

So the nexus 5 only has a 4.5" screen then too ? I suppose the LG G3 only has a 5" display... drama ...


I just got a ruler. Excluding the space used for on screen buttons. Size viewable without buttons would be 4.7" exactly.

However this once again ignores the fact that full screen apps hide the buttons in the first instance.

Of all your criticisms of the M8 Robster, this one just doesn't really hold much weight IMHO and as I say you could make same argument against any device that has on screen buttons.

Take something like the One Plus One with its 5.5" screen. With on screen buttons actual viewable on-screen content is exactly same as the M8 despite it having a bigger screen.

Critical? There is a difference between being critical and fact? I am not being critical that was how i saw it with my use of the M8 for a month. I had both and compared the screens side by side, even 4.7 -5.1 makes a difference.
I wanted a full 5" screen that's all.

Would you rather i lie would that make you feel better:roll eyes:

Man you were the one while i had a M8 went on and on and on about how crap the camera was and wouldn't get one because of it.

 

[MRU]

Man you were the one while i had a M8 went on and on and on about how crap the camera was and wouldn't get one because of it.

Yes but steadfast things don't change, the camera still is crap (well not great anyway, but I use another device for that) but the screen is exactly the same size as it always was when you first had it and were in love <3 with the device and at same time panning the S5 ....


Nothing has changed with the device except your critique I've seen governments do slower u-turns

 

[Robster3]

Yes but steadfast things don't change, the camera still is crap (well not great anyway, but I use another device for that) but the screen is exactly the same size as it always was when you first had it and were in love <3 with the device and at same time panning the S5 ....


Nothing has changed with the device except your critique I've seen governments do slower u-turns

We'll as I started before I didn't really think about it never had a HTC, just saw 5" and went and got one, never even held one till then. And the 5 min notification light I didn't know about and also they don't play nice with mac.

So I guess all those thing were my fault for not researching, doesn't make them not true though.

At least I am not on a roundabout like some

 

[jamezr]

Ok MRU and Robster3.........lets not turn this thread into the IOS8 drama thread!! Both phones have their upside and downside. They are both topnotch high end smartphones. Can't go wrong with either one...........they BOTH have their minuses and pluses.......

 

[MRU]

Ok MRU and Robster3.........lets not turn this thread into the IOS8 drama thread!! Both phones have their upside and downside. They are both topnotch high end smartphones. Can't go wrong with either one...........they BOTH have their minuses and pluses.......

Were not arguing were debating and in a light hearted manner here Mr. Policeman

 

[jamezr]

Were not arguing were debating and in a light hearted manner here Mr. Policeman

LOL point noted.........

 

[AppleRobert]

What extra did the M8 bring to the table over the M7?

With the S5 over the M8 you get water resistance, heart rate monitor, wireless charging if you choose that route, a better camera and better feel and look over the S4 as well.

The S5 is not as fast and I note a delay hitting the home button or switching to a different app. I have not disabled apps or accessed developer options, it is not a show stopper by any stretch regardless. TW is better than it was.

Plus I bought the Neo, great value for the buck imho. The Moto and iWatch will cost.

 

[AustinIllini]

What extra did the M8 bring to the table over the M7?

With the S5 over the M8 you get water resistance, heart rate monitor, wireless charging if you choose that route, a better camera and better feel and look over the S4 as well.

The S5 is not as fast and I note a delay hitting the home button or switching to a different app. I have not disabled apps or accessed developer options, it is not a show stopper by any stretch regardless. TW is better than it was.

Plus I bought the Neo, great value for the buck imho. The Moto and iWatch will cost.

I don't know that it has added anything specifically, but the M8 appears to be the best reviewed Android phone ever, especially considering how much reviewers seem to love Sense.

 

[ritholtz]

What extra did the M8 bring to the table over the M7?

With the S5 over the M8 you get water resistance, heart rate monitor, wireless charging if you choose that route, a better camera and better feel and look over the S4 as well.

The S5 is not as fast and I note a delay hitting the home button or switching to a different app. I have not disabled apps or accessed developer options, it is not a show stopper by any stretch regardless. TW is better than it was.

Plus I bought the Neo, great value for the buck imho. The Moto and iWatch will cost.

Thanks to all the replies. No phone is going to match with S5 in terms of features. Even g3 is missing few of them. Probably that is selling point of S5. Typical buyers look at feature set even though they are not going to use it. S5 is a all rounder phone.

 

[Dmunjal]

Has anyone tried the M8 GPE? I'd like to compare it to the S5 GPE that hopefully is announced at I/O.

 

[rockitdog]

I don't know that it has added anything specifically, but the M8 appears to be the best reviewed Android phone ever, especially considering how much reviewers seem to love Sense.

Except for that pesky little camera. Haven't seen / heard a single review that gives any praise to the camera anywhere.

 

[Robster3]

How long does Samsung take to get updates out to everyone, those that have swapped to Taiwanese version in Australia have had 2 updates, but those with unbranded or even Telco branded Samsung S5's have 0?

I guess this is one reason people stick with Apple and iOS?

 

[gotluck]

How long does Samsung take to get updates out to everyone, those that have swapped to Taiwanese version in Australia have had 2 updates, but those with unbranded or even Telco branded Samsung S5's have 0?

I guess this is one reason people stick with Apple and iOS?

thats why i bought google play edition

this time around 4.4.3 was one day after nexus

not available worldwide i know

 

[Kristine]

Best Smartphones: Spring 2014

 

[AppleRobert]

Thanks to all the replies. No phone is going to match with S5 in terms of features. Even g3 is missing few of them. Probably that is selling point of S5. Typical buyers look at feature set even though they are not going to use it. S5 is a all rounder phone.

When devices are close, why not go with more features and preferences? As far as the latter, since the display was mentioned on the M8 the extra space was more an issue as far as it being annoying than really a hindrance.

Let us face it though, especially with this forum NOTHING is safe from flipping to something else, let alone being future proof.

 

[jamezr]

When devices are close, why not go with more features and preferences? As far as the latter, since the display was mentioned on the M8 the extra space was more an issue as far as it being annoying than really a hindrance.

Let us face it though, especially with this forum NOTHING is safe from flipping to something else, let alone being future proof.

That is a very true fact! Technology...something better...is always right around the corner......

 

[Robster3]

Samsung gave the Australian version of the S5 some great features:

Can't rotate photos in gallery
Can't change dock icons
Can't put camera on lock screen
Can't turn camera shutter sound off.

Idiots

and forgot no UPDATES

 

[Kristine]

Samsung gave the Australian version of the S5 some great features:

Can't rotate photos in gallery
Can't change dock icons
Can't put camera on lock screen
Can't turn camera shutter sound off.

Idiots

and forgot no UPDATES

I am using the Taiwanese firmware and have all of the above (including the latest updates).

I wrote a step-by-step guide on XDA about 'upgrading' to the Taiwanese firmware.

I've found the phone to be more responsive with the most recent update, and the camera is definitely quicker.

 

[Robster3]

I am using the Taiwanese firmware and have all of the above (including the latest updates).

I wrote a step-by-step guide on XDA about 'upgrading' to the Taiwanese firmware.

I've found the phone to be more responsive with the most recent update, and the camera is definitely quicker.

I think i saw that on whirlpool forum? I have never done that to a phone and being my business phone bit worried i might brick it Wasn't there a Australian update for un branded phones last few days? I can't get it with a unbranded phone from Good Guys.

 

[Kristine]

I think i saw that on whirlpool forum? I have never done that to a phone and being my business phone bit worried i might brick it Wasn't there a Australian update for un branded phones last few days? I can't get it with a unbranded phone from Good Guys.

If you read it on Whirlpool, it was also probably posted by me.

My S5 is unbranded and purchased outright.

You will not 'brick it' as all you are doing is flashing another genuine Samsung S5 900I firmware (it's pretty straight forward, no unlocking/rooting or voiding your warranty etc).

There is no XSA (Australian) updates recently released.

The Taiwanese S5 900I firmware is the most recent and up-to-date. The Australian and Saudi Arabia firmware are both still awaiting updates from Samsung.

 

[Robster3]

If you read it on Whirlpool, it was also probably posted by me.

My S5 is unbranded and purchased outright.

You will not 'brick it' as all you are doing is flashing another genuine Samsung S5 900I firmware (it's pretty straight forward, no unlocking/rooting or voiding your warranty etc).

There is no XSA (Australian) updates recently released.

The Taiwanese S5 900I firmware is the most recent and up-to-date. The Australian and Saudi Arabia firmware are both still awaiting updates from Samsung.

Will it work from a mac? Have registered on the site but no activation email so am stuck.

 

[Kristine]

Will it work from a mac? Have registered on the site but no activation email so am stuck.

Unfortunately, you need to do this under Windows.

I am not a fan of SamMobile, because they make you register.

You can get the latest Taiwanese firmware via RapidGator or TeraFile, however, both site are very slow to download from. These download links offer the latest firmware with no need for OTA updates (you will will need to do two OTA updates if you download from SamMobile).

Cheers

 

[Robster3]

Unfortunately, you need to do this under Windows.

I am not a fan of SamMobile, because they make you register.

You can get the latest Taiwanese firmware via RapidGator or TeraFile, however, both site are very slow to download from. These download links offer the latest firmware with no need for OTA updates (you will will need to do two OTA updates if you download from SamMobile).

Cheers

Thanks, I don't have windows. They are saying on whirlpool that the new Australia update on SamMobile fixes those things, how long before it usually becomes ota update? The S5 thread on there is hopeless and it's so over moderated.

 

[Kristine]

Thanks, I don't have windows. They are saying on whirlpool that the new Australia update on SamMobile fixes those things, how long before it usually becomes ota update? The S5 thread on there is hopeless and it's so over moderated.

I'll go and read the thread on Whirlpool. I am subscribed to it, but I have not had the chance to visit the site today.

You could check for a manual software update, but if they have released an update, then it should come through OTA in the near future.

If dock icons can be moved etc, I will definitely flash the XSA firmware tonight. I'll let you know how I go.

Cheers

 

[Kristine]

Thanks, I don't have windows. They are saying on whirlpool that the new Australia update on SamMobile fixes those things, how long before it usually becomes ota update? The S5 thread on there is hopeless and it's so over moderated.

I downloaded the latest full XSA (took me five hours on satellite).

You can now move dock icons and there is a camera shortcut on the lock screen.

There is no auto-rotate option in the gallery and you cannot disable the shutter sound (even when phone is on silent).

The modem files have also been updated and it appears the fingerprint scanner and the camera software are also updated.

You can connect your S5 to your Mac and use Samsung Kies to grab the download if you don't want to wait for the OTA.