Ok, honeymoon's over and I'm falling in love MORE deeply. - T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II

To the community -
This device is frikkin' SA-WEEEEEET!
I'm now starting to have this thing truly mastered (Touch Wiz, that is...I came from Motoblur) and the speed of this cpu is truly astonishing.
I LOVE MY GN2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Sent from the hands down best device yet: the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, using XDA Premium. Ahh, the JOY of GREAT DESIGN, hard-, firm-, and soft-ware included!!!)

we all feel ya!

Came from the razr maxx myself. I feel the same way. Truly amazing phone!
Why it's the door on the right always locked?

Amazing phone indeed. I am coming from a One S, and I must say I miss some features from Sense, but Touchwiz ain't bad. I don't need need to root.

Came from Galaxy S3, which is also a great phone, but I like this phone way more. Bigger screen, faster, multi Window etc etc

Came from gs3 then iphone 5 and this phone is sooo amazing. I usually get bored with phones always wanting something better but I haven't had that feeling one time since buying this on release day.
C.S.

came from s2, and just bought it today. .. can't wait to find out what its all about...
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

I've been a tech and computer junky for most of my 34 years, and this device has wowed me more than anything else I've ever built or purchased.
And to think, we're just getting started with the mobile revolution...
The honeymoon period won't even begin to end for me until something, anything makes this phone feel slow or out of date.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

SO this is tmobile gn2 forums. anyone have recommendation on ROMS for the sgh-t889? I LIKE my note 2, but i cant love it unless i can fine tune it with a ROM that will allow me to get rid of the tmo bloat but RETAIN the use of the SPEN. I have tried hyperdroid which i thought was fantastic, uses the resolution of the screen as it should be used (icons, fonts etc) but it rendered my SIM card as "undetected" and disabled the SPEN altogether (which is wierd because Samapps where already loaded)
So, what ROMS are you guys using, what is it lacking or, which one is perfect for tmo sgh-t889?

This is the first phone I've not installed a rom on. Touchwiz has VASTLY improved, imo. I did still root it and uninstall some bloatware, though.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

funktron said:
This is the first phone I've not installed a rom on. Touchwiz has VASTLY improved, imo. I did still root it and uninstall some bloatware, though.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bloatware. This thing cant't bloat!
Have you modded Multi Window so you can put in any app? That alone is reason to root this device and have a proper version of what Multi Window should do....
But on the whole, Touch Wiz is fine. I like it.
(But the speed, the speed of it, man!)

Jedi Master Rules!!!
2ruen0 said:
SO this is tmobile gn2 forums. anyone have recommendation on ROMS for the sgh-t889? I LIKE my note 2, but i cant love it unless i can fine tune it with a ROM that will allow me to get rid of the tmo bloat but RETAIN the use of the SPEN. I have tried hyperdroid which i thought was fantastic, uses the resolution of the screen as it should be used (icons, fonts etc) but it rendered my SIM card as "undetected" and disabled the SPEN altogether (which is wierd because Samapps where already loaded)
So, what ROMS are you guys using, what is it lacking or, which one is perfect for tmo sgh-t889?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jedi Master 8 is the best Rom around. Super fast and stable. Definitely worth a try. When you root, install TWRP recovery and do a nandroid to be safe. You won't be sorry if you flash it right!

Couldn't agree more. Ive owned dozens of phones and tablets dating back to the 90's and I've never loved a device like this. Samsung is freakin magic.

Truly BlaZZing w/ QuadCore AOSP. LoVe It Too!

Related

Any fears over future development with the Note II?

I am using a HTC One X I received for free but have an upgrade burning in my pocket. I am weighing my options right now between a Nexus 4, LG Optimus G, and a Samsung Note II for AT&T. I never considered the Note II until recently when a co-worker got his. I read reviews and watched vids on various phones and everyone makes the phone out to be like its the size of Texas. After using it for a bit, pocketing it, playing with it, etc the size is not an issue unless you have some seriously dainty hands. While the screen quality is amazing on my HOX that massive screen on the Note is calling me like a Siren. If I get one I don't think I will be able to go down to a smaller screen once I am used to it
Anyways, my question is regarding future development as I am always flashing ROMs. I read last month that the Cyanogen team will no longer support Samsung devices based on the Exynos chipset. Has this changed or what is the future outlook for ROM development on this phone? Is Samsung being more proactive about releasing documentation, code, drivers, etc to help the dev community? Will CM still come to the Note II just not officially from the CM team? Any thoughts?
I need me some AOSP on my phones so if development is in question I might pass.
Check out this link, things look promising!
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/1...enmod-support-first-cm10-nightly-already-out/
about efferel
logicrulez said:
Check out this link, things look promising!
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/1...enmod-support-first-cm10-nightly-already-out/
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Click to collapse
Glad to see this! Thanks for posting the link.
High fives all around with this news. I'd say go for it. This is the first device I've used my upgrade for in a long time and not regretting it one bit. But in the future I probably won't be able to get another device with at least 5 inches of screen.
Awesome! Before I came back to this thread, I was browsing the international Note forums and saw that a nightly of CM 10 was released.
I am such a needy person as I want the cool features Samsung brings with the S Pen, pop out video, multitasking with multi-view, etc but with speedy updates and without Touchwiz, carrier bloat, etc.
:Sigh
This would be amazing if it happens:
International(ish) Note 2 w/ AT&T LTE support
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1889855
SysAdmNj said:
High fives all around with this news. I'd say go for it. This is the first device I've used my upgrade for in a long time and not regretting it one bit. But in the future I probably won't be able to get another device with at least 5 inches of screen.
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Click to collapse
Agreed. I hadn't upgraded myself in forever. The S2 was on another line.
Also great news to know its CM supported. Means AOKP may make an appearance... loved that ROM on my S2.
I wouldn't want cyanogenmod or aokp or any aosp based rom's on the note ii. Its heavily customized around the s-spen and you'd lose support for that if going with an aosp rom. The note ii is about being different, trying something different. The s-pen stylus for sure and all that goes with it, but also multi view to make use if that big beautiful display. Samsung lately has been good about toning down and streamlining touchwiz, its not nearly as visually intrusive or resource hogging as senseui. Its done tastefully. They do have some nice semi proprietary features like s beam. As long as they release updatea for the note ii now and then i am happy to stick with custom rom's based on the official rom. Just debloated, tweaked, streamlined, enhanced but at its core android with touchwiz and full hardware support, no strange little quirks or hacked drivers or something not quite working right, etc. The fun that comes with running an aosp based rom. The note 2 is top notch in performance and features and will have lots of community support for some time imho. I know several Android enthusiasts who have chosen the note 2 over other high end models. Itvsays something about the phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
glitchsys said:
I wouldn't want cyanogenmod or aokp or any aosp based rom's on the note ii. Its heavily customized around the s-spen and you'd lose support for that if going with an aosp rom. The note ii is about being different, trying something different. The s-pen stylus for sure and all that goes with it, but also multi view to make use if that big beautiful display. Samsung lately has been good about toning down and streamlining touchwiz, its not nearly as visually intrusive or resource hogging as senseui. Its done tastefully. They do have some nice semi proprietary features like s beam. As long as they release updatea for the note ii now and then i am happy to stick with custom rom's based on the official rom. Just debloated, tweaked, streamlined, enhanced but at its core android with touchwiz and full hardware support, no strange little quirks or hacked drivers or something not quite working right, etc. The fun that comes with running an aosp based rom. The note 2 is top notch in performance and features and will have lots of community support for some time imho. I know several Android enthusiasts who have chosen the note 2 over other high end models. Itvsays something about the phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
+1 AOKP was fun on the GS II, didn't like it on my One X. But for the Note, a major reason I bought it was all the S-Pen and TouchWiz stuff. I'll be sticking to stock based unless some of the pop up and side by side stuff makes its way to AOSP ROMs.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
glitchsys said:
I wouldn't want cyanogenmod or aokp or any aosp based rom's on the note ii. Its heavily customized around the s-spen and you'd lose support for that if going with an aosp rom. The note ii is about being different, trying something different. The s-pen stylus for sure and all that goes with it, but also multi view to make use if that big beautiful display. Samsung lately has been good about toning down and streamlining touchwiz, its not nearly as visually intrusive or resource hogging as senseui. Its done tastefully. They do have some nice semi proprietary features like s beam. As long as they release updatea for the note ii now and then i am happy to stick with custom rom's based on the official rom. Just debloated, tweaked, streamlined, enhanced but at its core android with touchwiz and full hardware support, no strange little quirks or hacked drivers or something not quite working right, etc. The fun that comes with running an aosp based rom. The note 2 is top notch in performance and features and will have lots of community support for some time imho. I know several Android enthusiasts who have chosen the note 2 over other high end models. Itvsays something about the phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
quarlow said:
+1 AOKP was fun on the GS II, didn't like it on my One X. But for the Note, a major reason I bought it was all the S-Pen and TouchWiz stuff. I'll be sticking to stock based unless some of the pop up and side by side stuff makes its way to AOSP ROMs.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Agree with the both of you. I just switched from a One X with CM10 to the Note II and both sentiments ring true. I miss some things from AOSP (mainly the lock screen) but Touch Wiz on this does the job perfectly, and it's needed for the S-Pen features which I am using more and more as I get comfortable with it. I've rooted to remove bloat and flashed the custom kernel available to mildly OC and UV it and that's about all I think I'll do. I'll probably try out Scrosler's ROM as I had it on my HOX a few times and was always happy with his work. And I definitely don't think I can go to anything smaller than 5'' after this, two months ago I would of thought I was crazy for thinking that. However this phone is so much more comfortable to wield for me than the original Note was and I love this thing.
avus_m3 said:
I am using a HTC One X I received for free but have an upgrade burning in my pocket. I am weighing my options right now between a Nexus 4, LG Optimus G, and a Samsung Note II for AT&T. I never considered the Note II until recently when a co-worker got his. I read reviews and watched vids on various phones and everyone makes the phone out to be like its the size of Texas. After using it for a bit, pocketing it, playing with it, etc the size is not an issue unless you have some seriously dainty hands. While the screen quality is amazing on my HOX that massive screen on the Note is calling me like a Siren. If I get one I don't think I will be able to go down to a smaller screen once I am used to it
Anyways, my question is regarding future development as I am always flashing ROMs. I read last month that the Cyanogen team will no longer support Samsung devices based on the Exynos chipset. Has this changed or what is the future outlook for ROM development on this phone? Is Samsung being more proactive about releasing documentation, code, drivers, etc to help the dev community? Will CM still come to the Note II just not officially from the CM team? Any thoughts?
I need me some AOSP on my phones so if development is in question I might pass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I honestly don't see any problems like your wondering about.
There is already developer interest..and I don't see interest stopping...
Now...if your just wanting a Nexus for the pushed upgrades that's one thing...but I for one would take a wait & see attitude about the LG...They have a very lack luster approach to updating anything on their lines.
As to the screen size...your quite right...going back to anything smaller would be a hindrance once you get used to the bigger screen...( for me at least it is )and when you do a side by side comparison...it clearly shows there is no comparison to it...You may find a little more detail with the smaller screens...but...a 1080P movie still looks exceptional on it. I love the looks given by guys with smaller sized phones take a look at mine then back to theirs...They usually make some dumb statement about needing a back pack to carry it around...lol...lol...lol..
I really like my Note...it is special...and when folks see you using it...they always ask to see it..and I have never seen any other phone that will cause this reaction from folks...
Mac
glitchsys said:
I wouldn't want cyanogenmod or aokp or any aosp based rom's on the note ii. Its heavily customized around the s-spen and you'd lose support for that if going with an aosp rom. The note ii is about being different, trying something different. The s-pen stylus for sure and all that goes with it, but also multi view to make use if that big beautiful display. Samsung lately has been good about toning down and streamlining touchwiz, its not nearly as visually intrusive or resource hogging as senseui. Its done tastefully. They do have some nice semi proprietary features like s beam. As long as they release updatea for the note ii now and then i am happy to stick with custom rom's based on the official rom. Just debloated, tweaked, streamlined, enhanced but at its core android with touchwiz and full hardware support, no strange little quirks or hacked drivers or something not quite working right, etc. The fun that comes with running an aosp based rom. The note 2 is top notch in performance and features and will have lots of community support for some time imho. I know several Android enthusiasts who have chosen the note 2 over other high end models. Itvsays something about the phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree.
"Touchwiz" is no longer bad on the Note 2. I WILL NOT be ROMing my Note 2. Ever. Things simply can't get faster and for the first time AOSP wouldn't add as many features as it would cause you to lose. The spen is bloody brilliant and the overall touchwiz experience on the note 2 is stellar. I'm on XDA with this device to hear about accessories and to help those that need Note 2 help.
My ROMing days are over as long as I have the Note 2 (probably Note 3,4,etc) as it's simply not needed anymore. Touchwiz brings too much to the table and is too feature rich/smooth to lose. 6h 45m battery life with 24h unplugged on LTE and 20% remaining? Man roms can't improve that and if they did, I wouldn't use or need it. Don't like ATT bloat? Go into the built in application manager un settings and disable anything you don't like or want. It's like it's not even there.
Dang I love this phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium
avus_m3 said:
Anyways, my question is regarding future development as I am always flashing ROMs. I read last month that the Cyanogen team will no longer support Samsung devices based on the Exynos chipset. Has this changed or what is the future outlook for ROM development on this phone? Is Samsung being more proactive about releasing documentation, code, drivers, etc to help the dev community? Will CM still come to the Note II just not officially from the CM team? Any thoughts?
I need me some AOSP on my phones so if development is in question I might pass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm
Honesty I'm little worried that development isn't going to shine for ATT version.
The reason I feel that way.
Being on sprint EVO , EVO3D , GS2 and Note2 their development was rocking week into release...heck weeks before release. Lots of developers stepped up with rom preview threads etc forums had great vibe.
ATT GN2 development doesn't appear to have strong development base.
If it wasn't for scrosler are development sub forum would still be a ghost town.
The bad news is that he returned his GN2 went with different device on Verizon.
Hopefully some Devs from GS3 upgrade to Note2 time will tell.
sling said:
hmm
Honesty I'm little worried that development isn't going to shine for ATT version.
The reason I feel that way.
Being on sprint EVO , EVO3D , GS2 and Note2 their development was rocking week into release...heck weeks before release. Lots of developers stepped up with rom preview threads etc forums had great vibe.
ATT GN2 development doesn't appear to have strong development base.
If it wasn't for scrosler are development sub forum would still be a ghost town.
The bad news is that he returned his GN2 went with different device on Verizon.
Hopefully some Devs from GS3 upgrade to Note2 time will tell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Word. :crying:
Ive been rocking the GS2 for almost 2yrs. Rooted within a week and will never like a stock device unless its aokp or cm (AOSP). I've been using PA for months now. My GN2 is supposed to arrive tomorrow and of course I wanted to root it but dont like dealing with all the bugs and instability that I experienced with the GS2. It was a slow show for the i777 as well for a while then it picked up really quick so I hope the same happens for the i317 only faster :good:
projekt1 said:
Word. :crying:
Ive been rocking the GS2 for almost 2yrs. Rooted within a week and will never like a stock device unless its aokp or cm (AOSP). I've been using PA for months now. My GN2 is supposed to arrive tomorrow and of course I wanted to root it but dont like dealing with all the bugs and instability that I experienced with the GS2. It was a slow show for the i777 as well for a while then it picked up really quick so I hope the same happens for the i317 only faster :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right on.
You will be stoked on GN2 its a sweet device.
I didn't realize how different it would be moving to ATT device.....Forums have a East Coast - West coast feel.
Sprints development side of the pond had a couple head developers that took control with lots of How to threads Video demos etc.
Tars were put together fast , all safety nets were in place in a couple days
I just need to get use to my new playground Sprint dev forum days are over.
But hey, my data Speed is 100% better so its worth the move.
Let's hope we get a lot of leaks quickly like how our International model brethens are getting.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2
RMXO said:
Let's hope we get a lot of leaks quickly like how our International model brethens are getting.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2
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it's great that samsung starts to sell similar models with same cpu to the world, like iphone.
developer in the world can coop with each other. gs2 and Gs3 is a bad example.
I am not scared this is the best phone around.
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!
I am on a stock based debloated ROM right now and it is beastly. I am not sure why you guys are worried about AT&T
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium
Well, the SGN2 is running so well that I don't see what the custom ROMs can add to it at this moment!
I have replaced the Touchwiz UI with the ADW EX launcher + Circle launcher to fully customize my screens to my liking.
Now I have the best of both- full Samsung's cool features, including S-Pen features, and my style screens and customization.
I will monitor the Dev section for a while before I decide to root the phone or not.
This phone is definitely the king of all Android smartphones for now.
if samsung abandons this device for the galaxy s4 or whatever next year and drags their feet on releasing/leaking updates, the developers will move on to something else. a lot of us here upgrade to new phones at least once a year, especially if development is an issue

How do you like it so far?

I upgraded from SGS2, aka TMO Hercules. The biggest difference for me is screen resolution. Also battery life and camera have huge improvement.
But for the new features, like eye detect or gestures, I haven't found it practically useful... I have been using it for a week though...
So how do you folks like the s4 so far?
I came from s3. And its awesome.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda premium
Also came from the S3. I like the S4 a lot more. The screen is perfection
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda premium
at first i saw videos from reviewers i didnt like the look and material they used, but i went to the store on 8th and played with it, it actually like and feel really nice in hand and decided to return my htc one to get the black s4, pretty happy with my decision
Also coming from the S3 and I had my doubts at first but glad I made the switch. The screen is pretty darn sweet. I'm just missing my choice of ROMs to flash and not having Anthrax kernel anymore like I did on my S3.
Came from the S1 - everything's new.
I came from the HTC Sensation. I'm definitely going to stick with Samsung from here on out. I love the S4. There's a few hiccups here and there, but I'm sure as updates, and new ROMs, come out they'll iron that out. Love the camera and absolutely love the screen. And I definitely prefer the bigger physical size.
Came from an iPhone 5. I don't have to squint to read text anymore that alone made it worth it to me
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Came from the Evo 3D. In regards to e-mail, I like how it fits all on the screen rather than move it left, right, up, down, etc. I must say this is a BIG improvement, but just like the E3D, no PS3/Wii controller syncs EVER. Hopefully like last time, cyanogen mod can fix it. and unlike last time, here's to less drama and such in the CM realm. T-mobile rocks the house and I'd recommend it, so long as you either order from a T-mo store or online.
I'm a tech geek, came from bunch of phones from my recent upgrade. Note 2 to Z10 to the ascend mate, to this Sexy beast. Next phone to try out is the one. For now, I really like every thing about this phone. The features, the feeling in hand, it just feels great. Fast and smooth system.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
witeboy07 said:
I'm a tech geek, came from bunch of phones from my recent upgrade. Note 2 to Z10 to the ascend mate, to this Sexy beast. Next phone to try out is the one. For now, I really like every thing about this phone. The features, the feeling in hand, it just feels great. Fast and smooth system.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i came from the s2 all i can say is wow
I came from the S2 as well and I got this phone last night, and I'm pretty happy with it. I don't have plans to root it anyone soon.
I had about every at&t amd tmobile phone out there. Last phone was htc one . But sold it due to battery life. Got the s4 n fell in love with it . Get about 4 1/2 hrs screen time , and all camera features are nice to have.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
I made a huge upgrade from the S2 Hercules. I really love this phone. I havent had any issues at all with. I like to keep all those air and smart features off as I dont really use them.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2
Coming from the tmobile G2/DZ/Vision, and all I can say is phone is pretty awesome. I didn't have to root it and uninstall all the crappy apps just to make the phone work like I did with the G2. I did anyways, just because I like what I like. Overall the performance of the phone has been good so far.
I do miss my hardware keyboard though. I have a physical bluetooth keyboard that pairs with the S4 with no issues, but it's just not the same.
Having upgraded from an S2 I'm very torn on my opinion of the S4. Hardware wish I absolutely love this phone. The lager screen, bigger battery, physical home button. But from a software side this thing is a train wreck. The menu layouts are awful, the browser doesn't let you alter any useful settings beyond homepage, the lock screen widgets don't respond to the settings, and that settings menu is totally wacko on its layout, I can't find anything. I like the new gallery layout but it buys the images in an order can't figure out.
To be honest from an OS perspective I hate this phone. My s2 did a much better job.
I felt as if the S4 was more of a side step from the Note 2, Nexus 4. It actually feels laggy compared to them, which was a big surprise. Of course in games it flew but the overall UI feels slow and there is inconsistent stuttering everywhere. Sometimes it will be smooth, sometimes it would lag. Drove me crazy these past days using it.
I thought the 1080P screen was going to blow me away, honestly it doesn't look that much better than the Note 2's display.
I've been also using an HTC One now for the past couple days and I think it's a much better device, it is consistently smooth in every operation, the 1080p LCD screen is MUCH better on the eyes, it feels crisper, brighter and overall much more pleasant to look at.
I will be returning the S4 and keeping the HTC One, probably wait till the Note 3 comes out and see how that goes.
I came from the S3. Totally happy. Some were saying it wasn't a worthy upgrade but I say otherwise. Better battery, better screen, and just sexy as hell
Sent from Flip's Galaxy S4
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/s...kling-higher-volumes-galaxy-s4-4199380-3.html
Sound quality is screwed up, severe noise and crackling, I get it on my UE900's. Going to see if the One has the same issue, since it's on the same DAC.
So frustrating.
came from the S3, all I can say is I love this phone the only thing I don't really like is the keyboard
but other than that this phone is completely awesome!

Exchanged HTC one for s4 OMG AMAZING

Ok so I have had the s3 and the note 2 prior to switching to t-mobile, when I switched I figured id get the HTC one since I didnt or wouldnt have had that option with verizon, I must say I hated the phone. The hardware is nice dont get me wrong but the software SUCKS. The camera SUCKS. even the camera software is no were near as nice and useful as it is on the S4. I am so friggin happy with the s4 I dont know why I thought I would like the One. It may be the best device in the world for some but Id have to say to go from a samsung to an HTC Is like going backwards, and I even thought the gestures and smart scroll and all that would be to gimmicky and never get used but honestly, I love it!
Anyway, I just had to vent this. There were so many things wrong with sense in my opinion and if I can make anyones choice easier and allow them to be satisfied then hope I helped.
Lol.
Welcome to amazing world of samsung.
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bikrame said:
Lol.
Welcome to amazing world of samsung.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda premium
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Well, like I said I had the S3 and then the note 2. The note 2 being the phone I had about a month ago before we switched to t-mobile. lets just say I was going through some serious withdrawals having the note 2
dandiele said:
Well, like I said I had the S3 and then the note 2. The note 2 being the phone I had about a month ago before we switched to t-mobile. lets just say I was going through some serious withdrawals having the note 2
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Lol. Welcome back then lol
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda premium
A friend of mine at work just got the HTC One and I must say, yes hardware wise it's a nice looking phone and the speaker quality is the best around no question. Other than that, the software was Meh, no 4.2.2. Thank God I went with the GS4, made the right decision.
A lot of people probably hate TouchWiz too until they got used to it. Count me as one of them (well actually, I didn't hate it). For me, I'm a Samsung guy and have had in succession the Note 2, S3, and now S4. A family member of mine has the Nexus 4 and while the phone was so debloated, so stock, I felt it was missing so many features. Yes, some people will love it that way, no bloat and pure Android. I'm so used to TW and all its (fancy) features, I feel any other phone is not as powerful if they don't have the same features.
Obviously, Sense is a different launcher/style than a lot of us are used too (by us, I mean the Samsung folks). That doesn't mean it's horrible. I for one would love to try out the Sense theme, if I can get my hands on an HTC One. I'm all in for new/different features - like Windows 8. A lot of people hated it from the start because it was so different, so not intuitive they say. In response, I have to say, get used to it before making the judgment. It's taken me a couple months just to get used to Windows 8. Certainly, the Metro I don't care with, and would prefer Win7. Until I can do the same thing with Sense, I can't say whether the difference with TW makes it better, worse, or it's just different than TW.
I feel you made the wrong choice. Those additional features will only be used for showing off and you only have about 8 GB of storage compared to about 28 on the one. Speakers are the best and I'm sure HTC will do a good job pushing out updates. Lastly, the one's screen is better and not as big so it is easier to use. I was going to get the s4 at first but then I asked myself what I really wanted. That's why I routed for the one
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
androidskillz said:
I feel you made the wrong choice. Those additional features will only be used for showing off and you only have about 8 GB of storage compared to about 28 on the one. Speakers are the best and I'm sure HTC will do a good job pushing out updates. Lastly, the one's screen is better and not as big so it is easier to use. I was going to get the s4 at first but then I asked myself what I really wanted. That's why I routed for the one
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good for you, I'm happy I had an sd slot so i can switch from my 64gb to my 32gb where I store my movies to my 16gb where I have my tv shows. Am also glad I am able to have an extra battery in case I will be able from my charger for an extended period of time. But if you dont like having those options then good for you!
Sent from Flip's Galaxy S4
Dont turn this into a One vs S4 thread, both phones are amazing. I'm a Samsung guy and i fell in love with the One, as long as you're happy with your phone then its all gravy. This thread is kinda pointless too btw.
To each their own.
Me personally, neither phone could sway me away from the N2.
Fancy pants Note ||
Neither phone impressed me. Samsung pulled an apple trick it's the same freaking phone! HTC did the same thing, no removable battery and no expandable memory! I'm waiting for the S5 or the next Gnex. Just my 2cents. Meanwhile I'm wearing out my S2.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
bigox said:
Neither phone impressed me. Samsung pulled an apple trick it's the same freaking phone! HTC did the same thing, no removable battery and no expandable memory! I'm waiting for the S5 or the next Gnex. Just my 2cents. Meanwhile I'm wearing out my S2.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, if the htc had expandable memory and removable battery I might, MIGHT, have gone with the one. It really is a beautiful phone and I would love to have those front facing speakers. But for me no exp memory and nonremovable batt = fail
Sent from Flip's Galaxy S4
Plastic and about 8 Gb of storage = fail
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
androidskillz said:
Plastic and about 8 Gb of storage = fail
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Metal phone with a plastic case and no expandable memory/battery = epic fail
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2
Why all the hate?? We're all here for the same reasons, regardless of what phones we choose to buy. Different things are better for different people.
dandiele said:
Ok so I have had the s3 and the note 2 prior to switching to t-mobile, when I switched I figured id get the HTC one since I didnt or wouldnt have had that option with verizon, I must say I hated the phone. The hardware is nice dont get me wrong but the software SUCKS. The camera SUCKS. even the camera software is no were near as nice and useful as it is on the S4. I am so friggin happy with the s4 I dont know why I thought I would like the One. It may be the best device in the world for some but Id have to say to go from a samsung to an HTC Is like going backwards, and I even thought the gestures and smart scroll and all that would be to gimmicky and never get used but honestly, I love it!
Anyway, I just had to vent this. There were so many things wrong with sense in my opinion and if I can make anyones choice easier and allow them to be satisfied then hope I helped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's interesting, I recently purchased a TMO Galaxy S4 coming from a 2.5 year old HTC Sensation and I have *almost the exact opposite experience. The hardware (screen, form factor - obviously - it's just plain insane) and the camera software/interface is top notch! But the remainder of the experience felt like I was put back onto some odd looking, super sized font version of froyo - and not just by looks, I immediately noticed a drop in usability in some key aspects of the OS (e.g. email, sms, dialer, launcher) vs what I had gotten used to with HTC Sense.
Either way, not trying to be a troll. It's funny what we get used to and come to expect based on past experiences. The S4 will have to go back (thanks TMO return policy!) and it's gonna be me and the "old" HTC Sensation for a while longer. (I'd get the HTC One, but have to agree - no SD cards slot? wtf lol)
s13
But it has 32gbs
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Towle said:
Why all the hate?? We're all here for the same reasons, regardless of what phones we choose to buy. Different things are better for different people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know but it is entertaining
-------------------------------------
If I have helped you, please hit the "Thanks" button
-Sent from one of my Obsessions
Have both the One and the S4, use the s4 more than the one. Thinking if I should just still the One.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2
sensati13 said:
It's interesting, I recently purchased a TMO Galaxy S4 coming from a 2.5 year old HTC Sensation and I have *almost the exact opposite experience. The hardware (screen, form factor - obviously - it's just plain insane) and the camera software/interface is top notch! But the remainder of the experience felt like I was put back onto some odd looking, super sized font version of froyo - and not just by looks, I immediately noticed a drop in usability in some key aspects of the OS (e.g. email, sms, dialer, launcher) vs what I had gotten used to with HTC Sense.
Either way, not trying to be a troll. It's funny what we get used to and come to expect based on past experiences. The S4 will have to go back (thanks TMO return policy!) and it's gonna be me and the "old" HTC Sensation for a while longer. (I'd get the HTC One, but have to agree - no SD cards slot? wtf lol)
s13
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had a similar and also slightly different experience. I also came from an HTC Sensation which I've had for about 2 years, previously owned the og Galaxy S (Vibrant), and instead of the S4 I chose the HTC one, and got the GS4 for my wife instead.
Here are my observations since I actually have both phones and can compare them with NO bias...
-A lot of the online mainstream reviews you'll read between the two hit the nail on the head. The One imo is a better "phone". It does indeed have less features then the S4 (although many of them are gimmicks like the eye scrolling/tracking, airview, and a few others) but the speakers are far superior, which obviously aids for anyone who ever uses speakerphone or plays music and videos, the call quality is also a little better, the phone is more fluid and faster than the GS4 with basic functions like scrolling screens etc, and the phone of course has a MUCH more "premium" feel. Sense 5 is MUUUUUCH better than past versions of Sense and like a lot of review say, it *DOES* improve over stock android in actual useful features. The look is subjective of course but it's flat, useful and fast, and to me that's all that matters. The camera is better than any past smartphone I've ever used (Tmobile Dash>G1>Vibrant>Sensation>One) so I like it personally, but compared to its rivals like the GS4 I guess it's not the best, but does everything I've ever asked of it VERY well so no complaints from me.
The GS4 on the other hand has a superior camera. The camera on the One isn't bad at all, and kills the Gs4 in low light conditions and the aspect ratio and wide lense captures waaay more in each frame, but the GS4 has more camera features, packs a crapload more detail in each shot, has some pretty useful camera modes the One doesn't have, and is just generally better. The Galaxy might not be made of aluminum like the one, but it's lighter and imo actually feels better in my hand (without a case). Once you add a case in the mix, hand feel is null and void obviously but if you like to go commando the Gs4 feels better and will probably hold up to abuse better than the One due to the polycarbonate body and gorilla glass 3. The screen on the Galaxy is bigger than the One while the actual phone altogether is lighter and smaller so that's pretty nice, but it's not really THAT noticeable to be honest. One huge, huge advantage the Galaxy has over the One is removable storage and battery, which *USED* to be a deal breaker for me back in the day, but I've learned to live without them since I got my One, so either way it's a definite advantage but I guess how much so is up to the user. The Galaxy also has native quick settings built in which the one doesn't have (yet), so minor issue but another positive for the galaxy.
As far as negative for each, I'm actually on my second One already. Somehow my camera lense glass cracked even though I keep the phone in case and have never dropped it or bumped it. It just appeared one day in addition to the top speaker grill starting to separate from the body. Weird, but I got it replaced and the replacement is doing fine and actually stands up to overclocking and undervolting better than my old unit, so that made me pretty happy lol. That's really the only issue I've had with mine, but on the whole, the phone is definitely more fragile than the Galaxy WITHOUT a case. It scratches easier, dents, chips, etc...while the Galaxy doesn't.
The Galaxy feels better in hand (caseless) than the One, but it's slippery as hell and slides around easily and can be more prone to being dropped. Again, only an issue without a case, but this is my observation.
Touchwiz...personally I think it's a mess. I don't care for the look, as many have said it feels like your still running Gingerbread 2.3. The look hasn't changed much since I had a Vibrant running Touchwiz from 3 years ago, and while Touchwiz DOES have some unique features and generally does more than Sense and stock android...it's just ugly as hell while doing so lol. The Galaxy also does feel a tad slower and microstutters every so often while the One is almost always fluid and seems much smoother even tho it's running a newer version of android and has slightly better specs on hardware...it just doesn't "feel" like it. Other than that it's a fantastic phone and we haven't had any problems with it whatsoever unlike the One.
Between the two...if I just had to pick one, it's a toss up. I prefer my One honestly but I can see the advantages of the Galaxy S4 with it having more features so I'll just break it down like this...
Usefuleness as an actual phone
One>S4
Camera
GS4>One
In hand feel, portability
One=GS4
Usefulness as a multimedia device
GS4=One
Expandability
GS4>One
I will say that between the two if this even matters to anyone...I get WAAAAAY more props and questions and even jealous stares directed towards the One lol...

S4 most tricked out phone todate? Poll and opinions

I Wanted to see what many people think of of how galaxy's have developed since the vibrant.
Its funny to compare model devices to the galaxy's where as many of the other models ..htc moto, lg never really incorporated the cool tricked out Ui features the galaxy's have and the s4 mainly in general.
If you ever owned a jb iPhone and had to put the s4 rooted vs i5 jbroke which would u say has the most UNIQUE tweaks as far as ui tweaks go...Consider cydia when judging , not talking about the obvious two diff o.s systems ..just available mods and ui tweaks that compare between the two .Of course Samsungs are all stock features, as where iPhone doesn't allow unless jb.
Wether u have had owned a iPhone jb or own a ipod jb who thinks apple cydia tweaks are more unique or vise versa
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda premium
My first Samsung phone was the Indulge on MetroPCS. It was my first smartphone and I hated it. Mostly because of the battery life. I would go to bed with a fully charged unit and when I woke up it would be nearly dead. I had fits harrassing Samsung about the fact that they would not give me a straight answer about IF never mind when they would realease an extended battery and expanded door. So much grief in fact that Samsung gave me two brand new Epics....but that is a different story.
I sure hated that Indulge.
Besides the galaxy note and S4 the only other samsung device I had was the double flip phone that I adored because it was way cooler then other phones on market.
Samsung knows what it wants todo to innovate and prove to people its not all looks like apple....but they need to work on Implementation
Sent From My GS4 With Xparent Pink Tapatalk 2
I still have a Hercules and 2 s3s.
I've been flashing the latest cyanogen nightlies for my mom who is using my main s3. The Hercules is running a dark side Rom (Tdj's). It's user has no complaints.
The s4 is by far the best phone on the market, and T-Mobile is by far the best provider.
I work on iPhones a lot and jailbreak them for money, but the closest I had was a touch iPod I miked and used for Skype type calls.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Android_Monsters said:
I still have a Hercules and 2 s3s.
I've been flashing the latest cyanogen nightlies for my mom who is using my main s3. The Hercules is running a dark side Rom (Tdj's). It's user has no complaints.
The s4 is by far the best phone on the market, and T-Mobile is by far the best provider.
I work on iPhones a lot and jailbreak them for money, but the closest I had was a touch iPod I miked and used for Skype type calls.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wouldn't it be nice if tdj somehow started deving for the s4? That would be extremely nice.

Anyone coming from gnex (Samsung galaxy nexus)?

Hi there,
Anyone coming from gnex (Samsung galaxy nexus)?
Just need some feedback on software support, size handling and personal impression.
Thank you
The Note 2 is better at everything, screen, battery, and if you like aosp, there are a lot of those roms for you. The only thing we are missing from a nexus, as far as I can tell, is photoshpere. The devs for this phone are fantastic, so many roms to choose from. The size of the phone should not bother you. Oh yeah, the camera on the Note 2 blows away the Galaxy Nexus. I've had the Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus 4, and the Note 2 when running an aosp rom is just as smooth as the Nexus 4, IMO.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Touchwiz is bearable on the gnote2 because most of the features are actually useful AND work. Great all around phone. Reception, form factor is great for its size, put your own launcher like nova to get the aosp launcher feel, volume is great on ear speaker and loudspeaker and the 720p screen is beautiful even when compared to 1080p. And the SD card slot and removable battery are bonus. Oh yeah, can't forget battery life. Battery just doesn't stop. Expect 6+ hours of screen time easily. Only the most demanding of games will put a hurt on it and even then it still does great. All that and you can get this phone for less than $550 currently and it should still hold nicely for at least another year and I wouldn't be surprised if it holds it down another 2. Don't forget to get a wireless receiver to put inside the battery compartment and a compatible wireless charger.
Sent from my GT-N7100
It's definitely worth upgrading. This phone is better in every respect - sure we only have Android 4.1 officially but unless you really need the multi user feature then you actually gain quite a bit from TouchWiz. The launcher itself blows but the rest is great - things like multi window and driving mode. I don't even run custom roms anymore it's that good - rooted stock is all you need on this bad boy.
Sent from the mighty Note II
lyall29 said:
The Note 2 is better at everything, screen, battery, and if you like aosp, there are a lot of those roms for you. The only thing we are missing from a nexus, as far as I can tell, is photoshpere. The devs for this phone are fantastic, so many roms to choose from. The size of the phone should not bother you. Oh yeah, the camera on the Note 2 blows away the Galaxy Nexus. I've had the Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus 4, and the Note 2 when running an aosp rom is just as smooth as the Nexus 4, IMO.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what rom you are running ?
Bn Waheed said:
what rom you are running ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am what you would call a flashaholic. At the moment I'm running Hawkish rom with Perseus kernel. On the days I want aosp I either use Sentinel rom or ParanoidAndroid.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
My friend has a Gnex, He definitely likes the ability to change screentone but didn't feel huge difference between the two screens, He is quite happy with the gaming performance where he said even games like vector would sometimes have framedrop on the gnex, But he is soooo annoyed that we don't have 4.2 yet, he knows it's not an important update but the feeling that he actually needs to "wait" for the update is really annoying him, that alone is making him consider the Nexus 4
Hell Guardian said:
My friend has a Gnex, He definitely likes the ability to change screentone but didn't feel huge difference between the two screens, He is quite happy with the gaming performance where he said even games like vector would sometimes had framedrop on the gnex, But he is soooo annoyed that we don't have 4.2 yet, he knows it's not an important update but the feeling that he actually needs to "wait" for the update is really annoying him, that alone is making him considering the Nexus 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is my main fear! !
albsat said:
That is my main fear! !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Touchwiz hurts my eyes but at least you have the "choice", my advice to you is to go for it at least you can install CM and switch back to TW,Just don't get it new, the Note 3 is on the horizon get a cheap note 2 for now, good luck buddy
Hell Guardian said:
Touchwiz hurts my eyes but at least you have the "choice", my advice to you is to go for it at least you can install CM and switch back to TW,Just don't get it new, the Note 3 is on the horizon get a cheap note 2 for now, good luck buddy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Touchwiz isn't so bad on gnote2. Put nova launcher to get rid of the eyesore on the home screens and the rest is OK.
Sent from my GT-N7100
@rbiter said:
Touchwiz isn't so bad on gnote2. Put nova launcher to get rid of the eyesore on the home screens and the rest is OK.
Sent from my GT-N7100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Coming from a Galaxy Nexus I personally couldn't stand Touchwiz for long. However AOSP roms are pretty much stable by now and almost everything is working correctly. That said the Note 2 is one of the best phones I've ever owned so I highly suggest it or waiting for the Note 3
albsat said:
That is my main fear! !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have no fear my friend. Like I said, I came from a nexus 4 running Paranoid Android. My note 2 running PA ROM is just as smooth and has every feature that the nexus 4 has minus photosphere. The devs that are working with the note 2 will most likely keep working on new ROMs for at least another year or 2, probably longer. You will not be dissatisfied with either the Nexus 4 or a Note 2. My personal opinion would be get the Note 2.
Sent from my Galaxy Note II using xda premium
Have come over to Note 2 from galaxy nexus..I really liked the gnex but couldn't stand the horrible camera and battery life.
I would say the better camera and brilliant battery life on the Note2 should be reason enough. Plus there is some great development work for Note 2 . So no fears. Using the Project AOSP v1.4 ROM by modstorm .. And this makes the Note2 almost perfect.:laugh:
i came over from the gnex too and the battery was terrible. The note 2 is pretty much better in everything. Only thing i preferred on the gnex was the position of the led notification
We may not be on the cutting edge when it comes to Android versions but we do gain several enhancements over stock. Better camera software, driving mode, voice control of apps, and multi window are my favourites. Smart stay and motion gestures seem more gimmicky to me although others my get value from them. Also I prefer having my toggles at the top of the notification window rather than in a separate box.
Oh then there is the micro sd slot, battery life, removable battery, and s-pen.
I don't miss my Nexus 4 one bit.
Sent from the mighty Note II
my impressions after 1-2 weeks with note2 (vs gnex):
better:
- samsung-only (proprietary) features
- battery life
- reading PDFs in landscape possible at last (fonts at least for me in gnex were too small)
- FM radio!!! (last phone from sammy that supports this? such moron assumption that everybody now has/will have limitless data plans)
- much nicer for watching videos
- supernice camera, actually anything better than camera in gnex is supernice
- micro sd
- spen (sam ROM only, yeah i know about apps for aosp...still)
- removable battery (the same actually, just want to stress the fact it is there)
worse:
- samsung-only (proprietary) features, i.e they will never-ever be available for AOSP ROM (BIG ONE for me, means I have to stay on samsung ROM) or suffer tons of features in AOSP simply not there
- btw. camera because of this somehow reported to work a lot better in samsung ROM than AOSP
- touchwiz is a bit painful to use after AOSP, miss the flexibility/configurability of cyanogen...
- shape/size of gnex is ideal for my hand, this one is a bit too much, not a big deal though and apparently getting used to (BUT i will never use armor case, makes it simply far too big)
- unstable WIFI (lots of disconnects) in 4.1.2 by samsung, some fixes available currently testing one to revert 4.1.1 wifi stack (rooted phone needed)
- a bit more gimmicky rooting/custom recovery - not a big deal
- not worse but dont like: handwriting seems to work only with samsung keyboard app? sort of eliminates slide-it,swype etc... need to find some workaround...
- pockets: yeah defo a challenge to fit in shirt's pocket, barely fits in trousers' pockets
@yogi
Thanks man. This was exactly the necessary info needed before taking a decision.
albsat said:
@yogi
Thanks man. This was exactly the necessary info needed before taking a decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks, happy to hear...actually I just noticed note2 has also non-AOSP custom ROMs, which after gnex is kind of new category for me. What this seems to mean I will have the chance to get the combined samsung ROM + AOSP-type extra customization, one example seems Hawkish mentioned earlier on this thread -> sounds interesting, I will give it a try in next 1-2 weeks and can report here if you are interested?

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