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I've been holding off buying the S III for some time in hopes of something better, but nothing has come along so I finally bit the bullet. I bought a new white one off ebay for $450, which is on the cheaper side. It came with a rather deep scratch on the bottom right on the chrome, but frankly its hard to notice and the rest of the phone seems to work fine. Wanted to ask a few questions and make a few comments.
1. Screen is the best AMOLED screen period. The lack of reflection and infinite viewing angles puts it head and shoulders above all phone IPS screens I've used. Also on a completely different level to the beta AMOLED screens Samsung was churning out. None of the pixelation, dithering, artifacts, lines, blotches, and crap from the S II or the Note. It doesn't turn to crap when I dim the screen, and looks very nice and even like that. The saturation has been toned down as well and looks better. However, I wish the greens were not so BLUE and the skin tones were less ghastly red/yellow/orange.
2. My volume keys are firm and clicky, but my power button is kind of loose. Will it deteriorate over time?
3. The battery cover is still a horrible design. My left side snaps into place completely, but there is a gap that you can put a fingernail and also feel the seam and slight hump since its not flush. This is normal for Samsung right? My Note also had a battery cover problem. It would ot snap in, and I had to jam it in at a very sharp angle and bend the cover back heavily. At least that was flush. This one is not. Also noticed looseness on the top corners with the S3, especially when you move the phone around or hold it in landscape and either push the corners a bit or hold onto them. I think this is endemic to the S3 since all the display phones at my local store had the same problem, along with the entire cover being taped up since they were coming off of course.
4. The home button is hard to press. I also noticed this on the demo models. Why couldn't it be more like the iPhone's button? The amount of force required to push it, its location at the very end of the phone, and the lightweight nature of the phone means I have to hold the phone firmly down or the entire thing just might bounce out of my hand. I usually have to hold the bottom underneath the button and pinch down with my thumb. That's not very satisfying either, since I am also pushing up into a looser part of the back cover and it flexes a bit, especially since there's that hole where the microUSB plugs into. I try to avoid using the home button and use back all the way if possible.
5. The phone is fast, but not blazingly fast or smooth. It's better than my old One X. Still far from the smoothness of a Windows Phone device. Hopefully Jelly Bean will help a lot.
6. They need to disable the capacitive keys during camera mode. I always end up pushing one or both of them and exiting the camera or getting edit popups. Same problem I had on the Note.
7. Phone looks and feels a million times better without the rim sticking out above the glass surface. It's more prone to damage, but I'll take the look and unimpeded finger swiips any day.
8. The Note had a much much better speaker. The S3 sounds like an S2 without the back cover helping muffle it.
katamari201 said:
I've been holding off buying the S III for some time in hopes of something better, but nothing has come along so I finally bit the bullet. I bought a new white one off ebay for $450, which is on the cheaper side. It came with a rather deep scratch on the bottom right on the chrome, but frankly its hard to notice and the rest of the phone seems to work fine. Wanted to ask a few questions and make a few comments.
1. Screen is the best AMOLED screen period. The lack of reflection and infinite viewing angles puts it head and shoulders above all phone IPS screens I've used. Also on a completely different level to the beta AMOLED screens Samsung was churning out. None of the pixelation, dithering, artifacts, lines, blotches, and crap from the S II or the Note. It doesn't turn to crap when I dim the screen, and looks very nice and even like that. The saturation has been toned down as well and looks better. However, I wish the greens were not so BLUE and the skin tones were less ghastly red/yellow/orange.
2. My volume keys are firm and clicky, but my power button is kind of loose. Will it deteriorate over time?
3. The battery cover is still a horrible design. My left side snaps into place completely, but there is a gap that you can put a fingernail and also feel the seam and slight hump since its not flush. This is normal for Samsung right? My Note also had a battery cover problem. It would ot snap in, and I had to jam it in at a very sharp angle and bend the cover back heavily. At least that was flush. This one is not. Also noticed looseness on the top corners with the S3, especially when you move the phone around or hold it in landscape and either push the corners a bit or hold onto them. I think this is endemic to the S3 since all the display phones at my local store had the same problem, along with the entire cover being taped up since they were coming off of course.
4. The home button is hard to press. I also noticed this on the demo models. Why couldn't it be more like the iPhone's button? The amount of force required to push it, its location at the very end of the phone, and the lightweight nature of the phone means I have to hold the phone firmly down or the entire thing just might bounce out of my hand. I usually have to hold the bottom underneath the button and pinch down with my thumb. That's not very satisfying either, since I am also pushing up into a looser part of the back cover and it flexes a bit, especially since there's that hole where the microUSB plugs into. I try to avoid using the home button and use back all the way if possible.
5. The phone is fast, but not blazingly fast or smooth. It's better than my old One X. Still far from the smoothness of a Windows Phone device. Hopefully Jelly Bean will help a lot.
6. They need to disable the capacitive keys during camera mode. I always end up pushing one or both of them and exiting the camera or getting edit popups. Same problem I had on the Note.
7. Phone looks and feels a million times better without the rim sticking out above the glass surface. It's more prone to damage, but I'll take the look and unimpeded finger swiips any day.
8. The Note had a much much better speaker. The S3 sounds like an S2 without the back cover helping muffle it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. There is a setting in display settings to adj screen tone. See if that helps.
2. Some have reported this, but mine is fine. Not loose at all.
3. The battery cover while flimsy i agree, should snap on with ease. No raised or humped section, no gap for a fingernail... almost sounds like yours took a nasty fall or other impact... it should fit just fine with no blemishes.
4. Home isnt hard to push. Agree though that it couldve been implemented much better.
5. Imho, this thing screams. Never had any problems with lag or not being smooth and speedy. Top of the line if you ask me.
8. Speakers fine for me, for what it is. I never expect the external speaker to be super high quality.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
On the screen issue, have you gone out to broad daylight and trying to see the screen? Its tough. I still prefer IPS screens.
The home button is hard to press. Being accustomed to only capacitive buttons, the home button is tough to press. Even more so with my ballistics case.
The back is plastics but it gets the job done
The power button is sturdy and fine on my end
I agree with the camera button.
I also got mine from eBay about a month ago for 469 and although it was used, it was kept and very good condition. All I have is a small line on the gray part of the phone by the volume button that only extends about 2 mm. Sometimes I forget its there. The screen is my biggest letdown. Coming from 2 LG devices, the IPS screen is the best screens in my opinion. Natural colors, awesome brightness. This one is good I enjoy it but its not great.
Sent from my Rooted Gameboy
Hey man.. Cool thing you got an s3 but if I was you, I would of waited til tomorrow for the nexus 4 and paid 100$ less.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Crisisx1 said:
Hey man.. Cool thing you got an s3 but if I was you, I would of waited til tomorrow for the nexus 4 and paid 100$ less.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I played with an Optimus G in-store, basically a Nexus 4. Did not like it AT ALL. The glass was icky. Was not impressed by the display. It was washed out looking. This is in comparison to the One X and iPhone, not just AMOLED.
IPS is better outdoors and at max brightness. However, indoors at low brightness the contrast looks way better on the AMOLED screen of the GS3.
Oh man the 5" HTC Droid DNA is coming out. If it can be unlocked for GSM networks, I'm itching the jump again...haha I had the Note two months ago too.
I'm getting buyers remorse from the build quality. Just holding or moving the phone around and taking it out of my pocket, there's always a creak or a flex from the loose back cover. The phone is kinda slippery and clammy, not much to hold on to, and the jiggly power button. I said I would never buy another Samsung phone because of build, but here I am again...a sucker for the screen!
3. My battery cover is perfectly flush. I have pulled it off to change sd cards and once when initially rooting.. I simply put it in place and smoothly press the edges while moving around the whole phone.. all click in, flush
5. check to see if Power saving mode is on, and if cpu saving is on in power saving ... if it is, chances are your phone is only hitting 1GHz
when power saving is off (via the handy toggle in the notification shade dropdown), phone is allowed to hit full 1.5 GHz
another reason for some speed loss is the samsung touchwiz environment.. beautiful, but a bit heavy
jellybean from a google/nexus base IS faster, but mainly cuz it is more bare
cheers!
Samsung Galaxy S3, 16GB, pebble blue
rooted, running jellybean 4.1.1 on touchwiz-based Xquizit xD rom
I have bought a new Galaxy Note 2 a couple of days ago but there are some problems with build quality, I don't know if they are widespread or not!
The battery cover squeaks when I press over it, mainly near loudspeaker and volume buttons.
The volume and power buttons feel a bit loose, i.e. they move half a millimeter vertically.
Do you have the same problems? Is my device defective? Do I have any chance with warranty to fix these?
Eienkei said:
I have bought a new Galaxy Note 2 a couple of days ago but there are some problems with build quality, I don't know if they are widespread or not!
The battery cover squeaks when I press over it, mainly near loudspeaker and volume buttons.
The volume and power buttons feel a bit loose, i.e. they move half a millimeter vertically.
Do you have the same problems? Is my device defective? Do I have any chance with warranty to fix these?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
buttons do feel a bit loose, but no biggie for me especially those on volume. battery cover squeaks a bit when pressed too hard, but it's plastic, and plastic with right amount of pressure squeaks.
I have minimal movement in the buttons. A fraction of a millimeter, if any. I have absolutely no squeek with normal use but can fine an area that squeeks if i try hard. Make sure your cover is properly fitted.
Mine doesn't squeak in normal use either but if I push it, it will!
Stupid thread
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
ChimpNippl3s said:
Stupid thread
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha ha ha
No this isnt stupid thread.
I have some problems. F... Phone for 600Eur
I hate plastic, so I hate Samsung for that. But sorry the buttons don't feel loose, and what do you mean by back plate squeaks near speaker grill, when do you try to open it or just normally press it when it's firmly sitting there? If it's the latter then mine doesn't squeak too.
But other than these, I don't like build quality, how can I when it's all plastic!
My phone makes an awful noise when I drop it. Solution - don't drop it.
My phone makes a noise when I press the back cover. Solution - don't press the back cover.
Is pressing the back cover of the phone something that you need to do in normal use?
Anyhow I saw a comment a while ago that taking the cover off or putting it on in a certain way can damage the tabs along the edge and cause it to squeak. Check the tabs and see if they are all there or are damaged
Sent from my Samsung Note II.
It's a flagship for crying out loud! You really think the solution is not touching or thinking about it? Don't get me wrong, I love every bit of my phone but Samsung really has to do better with build quality of it's flagships. What was wrong with S2 design? It didn't squeak and was more scratch resistant...
Eienkei said:
It's a flagship for crying out loud! You really think the solution is not touching or thinking about it? Don't get me wrong, I love every bit of my phone but Samsung really has to do better with build quality of it's flagships. What was wrong with S2 design? It didn't squeak and was more scratch resistant...
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I agree! Infact on S2 the bottom bulk ensure that I hold the phone the right way. Holding Note 2 is a dicey affair as its symmetrical design makes it difficult to know the orientation. I HATE glossy plastic button against the Matte finish, practically indestructible thin plastic on S2. Although I don't like the exposed bottom bulk which is not covered by the battery cover! I personally prefer the plastic cover on Galaxy R which completely cover the back including the area around the MicroUSB port which can easily get scratched otherwise.
Eienkei said:
It's a flagship for crying out loud! You really think the solution is not touching or thinking about it? Don't get me wrong, I love every bit of my phone but Samsung really has to do better with build quality of it's flagships. What was wrong with S2 design? It didn't squeak and was more scratch resistant...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While plastic, it is much stronger than some of the more popular alternatives out there.
Which do you prefer?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rofgMueCOqo
I have a Galaxy Ace which squeaks a bit. So I use a case which makes it not squeak at all.
You could try that.
Back squeaking would be gone if you put a business card between battery and back cover, so don't think that it was made due pulling it off in a bad way or anything else!
Eienkei said:
I have bought a new Galaxy Note 2 a couple of days ago but there are some problems with build quality, I don't know if they are widespread or not!
The battery cover squeaks when I press over it, mainly near loudspeaker and volume buttons.
The volume and power buttons feel a bit loose, i.e. they move half a millimeter vertically.
Do you have the same problems? Is my device defective? Do I have any chance with warranty to fix these?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My battery cover squeaks on the opposite side -- near the power button. Although this is probably because I'm using the official flip cover and the portion of the battery cover near the volume buttons is quite stable and thick. Honestly it was initially annoying as hell because I noticed it a week after getting the phone, but it doesn't bother me as much now. At least it doesn't really exhibit the squeaking when I'm actually using the phone -- only when I'm making myself notice it. LOL.
The buttons (volume and power) are a bit flimsy. Way too easy to press, especially the power button. But I'm using the official flip cover + IntelliCover app. So I don't have to actually USE the power button anymore. Not a real solution, but it's a good workaround for those using flip covers.
One more thing to add to obsession list, bezels tend to squeak on certain points!
bezel is coming off
any one expensed the bezel around the screen coming loose?
bought 4 days and already seeing this
It's like that from beginning... Nothing to worry about! Maybe a mechanism to avoid breaking...
Mine has nothing wrong... no squeaks, no loss buttons
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
1st of all iam a die hard samsung fan ever since the epic 4g touch so this isnt someone just lookin for something stupid to complain about lol. One thing that bugs me is when ever im using one hand to handle my note which is my right hand i go to press power up or down its a natural reflex to hit power with my thumb. And with the design of the buttons the way they are i really cant help to have my thumb over power button. I know a flygrip could solve my issue but really dont want to put one on my UAG. im 6ft 5 and can palm s basketball easily so size of phone isnt an issue. Just wondering if anyone else has this issue?
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
I like it better on the side. Makes locking the screen far easier one handed.
Sorry gotta disagree with ya. Love the power button on the side especially for these large screens.
Sent from my NOTEworthy smartphone
Power button on the side. If you would like it on top pretty sure htc has alot of phones with that.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2
Resistance is futile.....you will be assimilated.
On the side for me
Sent from a galaxy note 2 far far away...
On the side, it would be much more harder to unlock/lock the phone if it was on the top of the device. Imo, would make it difficult for one handed use especially with the already big screen size.
I prefer it on top.
Sent from my Mackified Galaxy Note II using XDA Premium.
at least they moved it down a little.. it was higher on the e4gt and it was always getting pressed accidentally. side is better though imo. easier to turn off and on.
If Samsung puts it on top, Apple will sue.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
i think the other companies should start putting their power buttons on the side.
I like it on the bottom myself... Wait, we're talking about phones??
I accidentally press the volume buttons on occasion so it should be a little lower, but I like it on the side.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2
i like the side until i try a level app and try laying phone on side,either side.idk maybe move it to the same side as volume,i think that might suit my grip better.
on a different note,i like charging port on bottom but how about a 90 degree end on charger so when you are laid back and resting a charging phone on you it doesnt feel like you are going to break the charging port.
pwhitersxs said:
I like it on the bottom myself... Wait, we're talking about phones??
I accidentally press the volume buttons on occasion so it should be a little lower, but I like it on the side.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
Ummmm...... Ok....
Power button on top or side is fine.... I can adjust. I won't die if it's on any side
Apple would probably try to sue Samsung for it lol.
Cause Apple is a company full of idea stealing, lawsuit making hipsters.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
Power on the side works out great for me since my car dock only grabs the top & bottom. If the power button was on top the car dock clip would always be pressing it.
https://plus.google.com/app/basic/s...stream&sparm=cbp%3D1dgn0wi1ygne1%26sview%3D27
Yet where it is now I do often turn the screen on unintentionally and bring up the power/reboot dialog unintentionally.
There is no magic spot anywhere on the device that will not get in the way or be inconvenient for someone.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
I'd say the top myself. I did like that on the HTC phones. I've gotten used to it now though. I'm 6'3 myself and can also palm the ball. So this phone doesnt seen big to me. If it goes a little bigger I'll def. be ok with it
No
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
No, right hand, right thumb, right SIDE! Otherwise it would be a HTC, and we all no matter how sweet they look they are not Samsung! Which is why we are all in this Forum ....
I too prefer it on the top, except with this large phone. It makes sense due to the largeness. However, it's nearly impossible to hand an Android phone to an iPhone user without them pushing SOMETHING on the phone. Forget about sharing pictures, ha. Power button on the top would help with that, but it's a minor complaint. I still want real buttons for the home/back/menu area, they're too easy to press by accident. But I think I'm in the minority here.
I thought Power button design was a clever design by Sony when I saw it in pictures. When I got ZL I thought it was very nice but over time I started to feel it is getting harsh on fingertips. Now I am using upper middle area of thumb to press it as it hurts finger because of sharp edges and the 'clicky' sound it only getting louder. I recently got Xperia Tablet Z and I am now of the opinion that Sony overdid the design of power button.
I think it would have been better if it had spherical design instead of cylindrical so it's not harsh on finger. Also, it would have been better if it didn't pop up so much out. Now, the power button even makes a more 'click' sound than it did in the beginning which makes me feel it will get worse over time. I find the design of the power button on HTC is very nice and smooth except it feels little too small and not comfortable to reach on top.
I hope to see a nice rounded design with all buttons blended into the surface of the phone.
I like it as it is. Personal preferences vary.
Sendt fra min XPERIA ZL 6506
I think it's a poor design. Mine has actually popped off a few times. I also wear a horizontal belt case when at work and can't guess how many times I've turned the screen on accidentally. The placement is ok but I feel it should be flush with the surface.
Sent from my C6506 using xda premium
I find it to be perfect for me, to each their own. I hated the flush button design on the HTC 8X/One. Also this power button has the perfect amount of force and feedback. You know you pressed it, which is important.
I have a few days with mi Xperia ZL, but so far I find the power button quite comfortable, and unlike my Samsung Galaxy S3, the XZL don't turn on the screen by accident as much as the SGS3 ... maybe time will change my mind, but right now i'm quite happy with my Xperia ZL
Regards
augie7107 said:
I think it's a poor design. Mine has actually popped off a few times. I also wear a horizontal belt case when at work and can't guess how many times I've turned the screen on accidentally. The placement is ok but I feel it should be flush with the surface.
Sent from my C6506 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now have lost the power button. Need a pin to turn on screen. Going back to Sony under warranty. Be careful with this marketing gimmick.
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
kitsVA said:
I thought Power button design was a clever design by Sony when I saw it in pictures. When I got ZL I thought it was very nice but over time I started to feel it is getting harsh on fingertips. Now I am using upper middle area of thumb to press it as it hurts finger because of sharp edges and the 'clicky' sound it only getting louder. I recently got Xperia Tablet Z and I am now of the opinion that Sony overdid the design of power button.
I think it would have been better if it had spherical design instead of cylindrical so it's not harsh on finger. Also, it would have been better if it didn't pop up so much out. Now, the power button even makes a more 'click' sound than it did in the beginning which makes me feel it will get worse over time. I find the design of the power button on HTC is very nice and smooth except it feels little too small and not comfortable to reach on top.
I hope to see a nice rounded design with all buttons blended into the surface of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wierd, my power button does not do any sounds. Also I dont find it harsh on fingers. Try power button on, like, HTC One, now that harsh and difficult to press due to being flush (you have to squeeze it in with edge of your finger every time).
I got Xperia to very big extent exactly because of power button, and I think its very clever design, its very comfortable for me. Buttons located on top or closer to top are very difficult to press with one hand, making you prone to drop the phone. Buttons located on very bottom edge of big screen phones (like S4) are no better.
Granted, I see how it will require special case/bumper design because of this, but I just carry it in my pocket so don't care about it really.
Edit: sorry, just found that power button does inteed make "click" sound, but its extremely quiet. Not sure if it was better or worse before, as I never noticed it.
It's completely normal that power buttons makes a quiet "click" sound ! We are talking about physical button I would really like to meet the person "who has pain" (harsh on fingertips) because of power button on ZL Unbelievable No offence!
I love the power button on the Z and the one on the SP is even better as it protrudes a bit more. I think it adds a touch of uniqueness to the range.
I like it, nice contrast to the body and other buttons. Yes, it sticks out, which will be an issue for anyone not using a case. It's very unobtrusive with a case .. at least with my Incipio Feather. Also, it's fun to watch people try and find the button the first time or ten
had to exchange mine for a new one because the power button was loose and did not register half of the clicks. the new one has worked fine so far (a month and a half)
I like the power button. It could sit a touch higher, but other than that it's great.
Sent from my Sony Xperia ZL
augie7107 said:
Now have lost the power button. Need a pin to turn on screen. Going back to Sony under warranty. Be careful with this marketing gimmick.
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
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Click to collapse
Sony responded by telling me the device has "physical damage". No warranty replacement. $600 for a phone I used three months. Miss my ZL but I have no choice but to defect. In my opinion, a totally unacceptable response from Sony. The phone is like new with no power button. Needless to say, I'm disappointed and surprised.
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
Personally I like the power button,it's easy to find without looking at the phone and the tactile feedback is great. It also looks quite nice. I'd rate this the same or slightly below the Nexus 4's power button.
Now before I go on to explain what I dislike about the Note 3... I will say I do like the device. It's powerful, a great size, awesome specs and some other things.
Though if I had of known about the following negatives, I may have taken other devices a little more into consideration when choosing what I wanted to buy.
I payed full price for the device and really it comes down to the build quality just being really terrible for a $800 premium device. The build cost for Samsung is $232.50 according to online articles... I think they have a little wiggly room to have added a little more quality.
So here is what I view as downsides:
1. The home button wiggles. I can make the home button crooked by pressing/sliding the button a certain way. It does happen on accident at times. This isnt just something I have personally experienced, this issue has been widely reported all over the place.
2. It's all plastic. You can try to make plastic look like something else, but it's still just plastic. Though it does look beautiful to the naked eye.
3. I find my device getting overly dirty and myself cleaning it a lot. Finger prints all over the screen, sides and back. Though, I have a case which protect the sides and back from this. My Note 3 is Black, I notice little hairs, or dust being able to get in between the screen and outer ridge around the phone. This is another wide issue with the black version. I have also seen a little hair on occasion sticking out around the glass of the back camera area at times as well.
4. The camera seems to stick out a little far... so that when resting the device on its back you're resting on the camera, unless you have a case to prevent this.
5. Knox warranty void.
6. The sim/SD cards are difficult to remove. Spring load removal... why did they decide to change this?
7. How terrible Samsung is at providing software updates. As has been mentioned, people need to wait usually 6-12 months for an update to a Samsung device and still end up being behind. Just another thing with Samsung shafting their customers. There is a Rumor is KitKat 4.4 might come within the next two months *fingers crossed*
That being said... I am happy with the smart phone as a whole. The beautiful screen, it's fast, and responsive. I'm happy with the hardware inside of it, removable battery, sdcard expansion.
The home button ? deal does irritate me ?
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Point 6 was so annoying when I had the note 3.
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
The Location for power button and Volume button i wish they were Little On the bottom
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Please use the sticky for this...http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2466107