I'm due for an upgrade in a month, is the Razr M still a good choice? Or should I spend the extra cash for the S3.
I'm very happy with the RAZR M and this is my fourth Motorola Droid. I like the smaller size phone, build quality is very good. I've read some complaints about the 4G signal not being as good as with other phones. In my experience I do notice it on 3G often but really don't pay much attention unless I'm using it as a hotspot. This is one of the best Android phones I've had.
I haven't tried the S3. My last experience with a Samsung phone wasn't good, it was a while ago so I really can't comment on the S3.
What's important to you? What are you using your phone to do? I don't watch movies, sometimes listen to music. Don't really play games on it either. I mostly use it for work calls, text, email, todo list and keeping track of where I'm spending my work time. Some browsing and navigation too.
It comes down to what you want. The S3 is large. The RAZR M is compact. Both have root exploits and all that, but the S3 does have more development so far. I love my M. I was on an S3 kick not too long ago but steered away when I saw some battery usage. I like going a full day with plenty juice to laugh. I'm sure it's achievable with an S3, but with my usage, it wasn't at that time. Both are great devices, and it's nice to have such a dilemma.
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app
Apples and oranges. S3 is a big ole phone (too big IMO) with a zillion added layers and features. For me there is no comparison. The S3 is big and gaudy in form and function, the M is sleek and simple in form and function. You may like the added features and if top notch camera performance is top priority you might prefer the S3 but the M has no significant flaws that stand out or would give me phone envy to anything out now. The M is built like a tank compared to the S3 as well.
Thanks for your input everyone. I plan to soon join you all in the RAZR M community
Sent from my R800x using xda premium
This thread hasn't been active lately but just wanted to put it out there that I recently switched from the S3 to the Razr M and haven't looked back!
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2
If your are looking for something with more functionality and support , get the S3 . If small and compact with nothing special , get the RAZR M . Note that the RAZR M is a lot heavier than the S3 .
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
I had an S3 and a Razr M at the same time....and I had to go with the Razr M, just for size purposes. I just could not get used to a larger phone like the S3 (after using it for about a week). Don't get me wrong, it was nice in practically all other aspects....but damn that is a large phone.
ChuckLezz said:
I had an S3 and a Razr M at the same time....and I had to go with the Razr M, just for size purposes. I just could not get used to a larger phone like the S3 (after using it for about a week). Don't get me wrong, it was nice in practically all other aspects....but damn that is a large phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread is very helpful. I'm trying to decide between an S3 and the M. In some ways very much the same and in others they are very different.
Both have huge processing power and are fast. Same processors I thought but S3 has 1GB more ram. My guess would be that S3 will get more overall support from manufacturer and the ROM community since its a flagship phone.
The M being close to vanilla android though without hacking is nice. They did seam to give it Jelly Bean pretty quick. Quicker than most other phones...so maybe it will have a longer shelf life with Motorola.
The size is where we go in 2 different directions. I think after following the trend of going after bigger screens which is great for viewing purposes...I think I'm tired of my pocket being stuffed with a big phone. So the size might be whats influencing me to get an M.
My brother kept asking me what phone to get on an upgrade. He was a Blackberry user and given his history for having a phone work and last him for days, I told him to go to Razr Max. No other device I know has the battery life of this device.
I got to use and see the device in action. Very basic, despite it's carrier loaded apps. But what impressed me was the battery life. I'm still on GS2 gets the job done more development, but the battery of Razr Max can't be matched. I was impressed.
I've been loving mine. I went from a Galaxy Nexus, which I found to have pretty terrible battery life to this.
I found myself going into a VZW store one day and noticing the phone. I didn't like the narrowing edges of the previous RAZRs, but this one was different. Even after trying out the iPhone 5, the Rezound, and a few others, I found myself back in the next couple of days to check it out again. Within a week later, I bought the phone.
I'm having that phone itch again now, but I keep finding myself trying to find a device with great battery life. I've settled on a Note 2 for my phone-itch, but the $700 price tag on VZW is holding me back.
pez910 said:
I've been loving mine. I went from a Galaxy Nexus, which I found to have pretty terrible battery life to this.
I found myself going into a VZW store one day and noticing the phone. I didn't like the narrowing edges of the previous RAZRs, but this one was different. Even after trying out the iPhone 5, the Rezound, and a few others, I found myself back in the next couple of days to check it out again. Within a week later, I bought the phone.
I'm having that phone itch again now, but I keep finding myself trying to find a device with great battery life. I've settled on a Note 2 for my phone-itch, but the $700 price tag on VZW is holding me back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The RAZR M really stood out for me (Note 2 is a little too big).
More than anything, I was surprised to how well the on screen buttons blend into the bezels. The deep blacks are astounding.
Although, kevlar is a nice addition
Sent from my Nexus 7
Leraeniesh said:
The RAZR M really stood out for me (Note 2 is a little too big).
More than anything, I was surprised to how well the on screen buttons blend into the bezels. The deep blacks are astounding.
Although, kevlar is a nice addition
Sent from my Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly my thoughts. I secretly despise Samsung for their button placement and functions (the front three) .
I switched from a SGS3 to a Razr M recently. I think the Razr M is better.
Build quality - The SGS3 is entirely plastic and feels very cheap. Pulling off the back to get to the battery / sd card / sim literally makes my cringe every time, the back is a cheap piece of plastic. The physical buttons vary in quality between phones (I had THREE SGS3's due to manufacturing / software defects) but feel very cheap all around. Surprisingly the M is heavier despite being smaller than the SGS3, probably due to it's superior build quality. The frame of the M appears to be metal, and they power/volume buttons on the side feel very nice.
Form Factory - Although the screen of the M is only .5" smaller, the feel of the size of theses phones is like night and day. The S3 feels HUGE (to me) and the M feels iPhone 4 sized (which to me, is a huge plus).
Signal/Voice - My SGS3 would frequently drop 4g, even after two replacements. Much better reception / call quality on the M.
Camera / Mics - The microphone on the M is better, hands down. Pretty close to the mic quality of the iPhone 4, which was amazing. The SGS3 has a slightly better camera (12 MP vs 8MP iirc) and it does show. But for facebook / instagram pictures the M camera is just fine, and the stock camera software on the M is superior in my opinion.
OS Feel - Touchwiz on the SGS3 is bad and you know it. The stock rom on the M just feels faster then the stock on the SGS3.
Screen - The SGS3 (obviously) has a bigger and better screen. The M screen definitely seems lower density but unless you're reading small, small print, you won't notice. I've heard reports that the M screen is brighter, but I think they're about equal.
Modding - Any SGS3, even on verizon, can get a bootloader unlock. I don't think the American non-dev M's can. There is also a HUGE homebrew rom community for the SGS3 compared to the M. However, that being said - the stock rom on the M is not bad at all. I'm personally a stickler for using unmolested android roms, but the M's stock rom fits me nicely. The M does have a root exploit, so you can strip out crap you don't want (which for me, was 4 or 5 apps).
Battery Life - I can't comment on the battery life of the M since I haven't had it long. The SGS3 certainly does not live up to it's alleged battery life in my opinion. I unplug every day at 7 AM for work, and by the time I am home at 5PM, and some days I don't even use the phone the entire workday. The phone has around 50% battery left if I don't even use it during that time.
Overall, if you want a larger screen and a bigger modding community, go with the SGS3 if you can deal with the cheap plastic build. If a smaller screen device is what you want and only a minor mod community is ok, then the M is definitely a better choice because of it's quality.
That's my two cents.
Trying to compare these two phones is like compairing a Lexus with a Chevy Cobalt . Of course the S3 would be the Lexus . We have several of both phones on family plan . If you take a lot of photos or videos , you would want the S3 . You will get a hour or so more from the battery on the M , however , its a small phone . My wife has the smallest hands I've ever seen and she actually prefers the S3 . Its lighter and thinner which offsets the overall feel of the S3.
My signal is better on the S3 in terms of call quality and signal strength . And for some reason lte appears faster as well .
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
huedawg said:
Trying to compare these two phones is like compairing a Lexus with a Chevy Cobalt . Of course the S3 would be the Lexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really seeing that analogy given the Ms superior build quality, like processing power and performance. I see it as more of a minimally optioned BMW 135 vs a loaded BMW 535. Sure the 535 is larger, with more gadgets, roomy and luxurious but the 135 has the same engine under the hood, is small and nimble and the driving purist would take more pleasure in owning the 135. Oh for some reason this particular 535 is built quite flimsy compared to thee 135 for some reason :silly: The M is certainly not inferior to an S3 as a cobalt compared to a lexus would suggest, its just minimalistic..
stanlalee said:
Not really seeing that analogy given the Ms superior build quality, like processing power and performance. I see it as more of a minimally optioned BMW 135 vs a loaded BMW 535. Sure the 535 is larger, with more gadgets, roomy and luxurious but the 135 has the same engine under the hood, is small and nimble and the driving purist would take more pleasure in owning the 135. Oh for some reason this particular 535 is built quite flimsy compared to thee 135 for some reason :silly: The M is certainly not inferior to an S3 as a cobalt compared to a lexus would suggest, its just minimalistic..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree to a small extent , I mean , it is a decent little budget phone that is far from high end . To each their own .
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Nice phone
Leraeniesh said:
The RAZR M really stood out for me (Note 2 is a little too big).
More than anything, I was surprised to how well the on screen buttons blend into the bezels. The deep blacks are astounding.
Although, kevlar is a nice addition
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree about the buttons. It took a few seconds of looking at it in the store for me to realize those button were on the screen.
The high screen size/phone size ratio is one of the things that sold me.
This is my very first smartphone, and while I like the idea of being able to to watch videos, the idea of carrying around something "phablet" sized was unappealing. I'm used to a very small phone.
I've only had it since the weekend, and so far, no buyers remorse.
I switched over to the M in December, after I got fed up with my T-Mobile Galaxy S II for the last time! To be honest, I was so pissed at my TMobile/Samsung, that I just marched into the Verizon store without doing much research on phones, and the RAZR M just caught my eye. Before that, I had my GS2 and GS4G, so I was very used to Samsung and their Touchwiz, which was basically the only form of Android I really knew.
I must say that I'm still very impressed with the RAZR M. Took me a while to get used to the smaller screen and size, but now I really prefer it to the other gigantic phones out there. And the speed and power seem to be on par with any other phone I've tried. I loooove Moto's version of Android, seems to be as close to vanilla android as you can get. I dont miss anything about Touchwiz at all!
And the battery lasts all day an then some. I usually have about 50-60% left when I go to bed at night. Very impressed!
jonnythrice said:
I switched over to the M in December, after I got fed up with my T-Mobile Galaxy S II for the last time! To be honest, I was so pissed at my TMobile/Samsung, that I just marched into the Verizon store without doing much research on phones, and the RAZR M just caught my eye. Before that, I had my GS2 and GS4G, so I was very used to Samsung and their Touchwiz, which was basically the only form of Android I really knew.
I must say that I'm still very impressed with the RAZR M. Took me a while to get used to the smaller screen and size, but now I really prefer it to the other gigantic phones out there. And the speed and power seem to be on par with any other phone I've tried. I loooove Moto's version of Android, seems to be as close to vanilla android as you can get. I dont miss anything about Touchwiz at all!
And the battery lasts all day an then some. I usually have about 50-60% left when I go to bed at night. Very impressed!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i never used any samsung phone for ugly design and plastic material and feels very cheap .
but i see samsung tuchwize is realy absurd .
i hope buy faster new razr m - i - hd or atrix hd
Related
Hello everyone, I recently started a new job and I get a discount with Verizon so thinking about jumping ship from Sprint and the HTC Evo 3d. I was just wondering if anyone could please post a few pros and cons about their experience with the Galaxy Nexus. I am having a very hard time deciding between the RAZR and Nexus galaxy.
Thank you all for your help.
Hello.
Hey, I've bought the device, and I'm still considering taking it back, but i feel that I should give it at least a week of use to decide.
Pro's: Obviously Android 4.0, front facing camera to be used for G+ or skype, 32gb memory, slick design, Google Wallet is really cool, face unlock is great at first, but i've grown tired of it for the most part. Camera Shutter speed is amazing. The charger cable that comes with the phone is long enough to use instead of the 2 foot long junker you've gotten with every other droid out there. The battery life on mine despite what others are saying is great. Today I had over 23 hours of use before it died. I live in only 3g area though.
Con's: These are IMO, The phone is very slick to hold. I hate cases, but honestly without one, your going to drop it, The camera quality on the phone is trash.. It can be acceptable, but for the most part it sucks and is the main reason I'm considering taking it back. The signal strength seems to be off on my phone, but i haven't noticed a difference in call quality, so i'm not sure what the deal is there. I did notice that my phone gets very hot at times. Very annoying when you are talking on the phone. The speaker on the phone is fairly quiet. If you have used an OG droid, this phone will be a major let down in that department.
I hope some of this stuff helps. bottom line is that the phone is great, like all great things, there will be bugs to be worked out.
thank you. I'm leaning toward this because I'm afraid there won't be enough development for the razr. Do you have an opinion on this? Also what phone are you considering in its place?
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D using xda premium
nastystang05 said:
thank you. I'm leaning toward this because I'm afraid there won't be enough development for the razr. Do you have an opinion on this? Also what phone are you considering in its place?
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know much about the Razr but a few things about it turn me off right away. First off, I've heard the display is very similar to the Atrix. The Atrix was my second favourite phone (next to the Galaxy Nexus) and I probably would still have it if not for that awful screen. I was VERY hesitant to invest in the Nexus because of its pentile display. Turns out it's the most beautiful display I've ever used, and I've had a fair number of Android phones (Legend, Galaxy S, Atrix, Sensation, Optimus 3D, Evo 3D, Galaxy S2 Skyrocket... I need a better hobby...). The other thing I hate about the Razr is the non removable battery. I like having a spare battery kicking around in case I burn through a charge before I have a chance to top up. I have been looking at portable battery chargers and may still buy one. The last thing I don't like about the Razr is the lack of development. The Atrix took awhile to get a good development crowd going but it still pales in comparison to the amount of development the Nexus will have. If you're someone who likes dicking around with their phone (like me) then the Nexus is the obvious choice.
I don't really have any major gripes with the Nexus. The two biggest ones are the picture quality, which I'm sure will be addressed in future updates/mods from the XDA community, and the lack of a micro sd card slot. I can't believe Google didn't tell Samsung to get their sh*t together and include an expandable memory slot, but I guess Samsung will put that in their next flagship device and call it an "added" feature.
Having never owned the Razr it's easy for me to say get a Nexus. I'm sure the Razr is a great phone, but the few obvious shortcomings (in my eyes anyways) would steer me right clear of it. Good luck and let us know what you end up doing!
thegregulator said:
The other thing I hate about the Razr is the non removable battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, me too. Batteries wear out/get weak over time and need to be replaced. How do you replace the battery in the Razr? Almost makes me thing the Bionic is a better phone if you want to stick with Motorola.
Come on now the camera isn't even bad. It's just not up to par with phones like the Rezound. You can't just whip out the camera and immediately snap a pic and hope it has amazing quality.. no camera works like that. That being said, the hump on the bottom of the phone CAN be a little annoying but that can be remedied if you have the extended battery. It makes the phone flush with the hump. Battery life can always be improved after rooting and messing with kernels and undervolting. The speaker which is low (comparable to Droid X's) can also be tweaked louder with the app Volume+ . Everything people dislike about the phone can basically be tweaked or fixed, and that's one of the reasons I love it so much.
Despite what many may say, I know the OneX has it's issues but putting them aside I have got to seriously say this is one awesome phone and I've owned pretty much a ****load of tech over the years.
Some people have had some issues with screen or battery or whatever, but that's just the way these things are, whether its a phone or an xbox 360 or a tv screen or whatever, electronics aren't always perfect as much as we want them to be just like maybe your girlfriend or wife lol.
I can't put the phone down, my battery drains only because I'm always playing with it, the gorgeous screen, the beautiful white body, putting all the issues aside I just love this phone!!
I've played with the Galaxy S3 and I was disgusted at the UI (albeit innovative), it is fugly. when I look at the One X, god Sense is actually quite beautiful and innovative in it's own way. Not to mention the weak ugly back plastic cover which you could fold over a few times, all qualities that I dislike for some reason and I'm sure I'm not the minority here
Forget benchmarks, I've played Nova 3, Mass Effect, 9mm, Backstab, Asphalt, Modern Combat 3, GTA3 to name a few and all the games are gorgeous and run really well with no lag!
P.s. In case anyone is wondering, I'm using ChompSMS with a custom theme
I agree on the UI front. Having had previous Samsung devices and played a lot with the Galaxy Note the whole UI is fugly compared to Sense.
Albeit the Galaxy range of phones are great as well. Both UIs works well with each having their own unique features.
HOX is a lovely phone on it's own rights. Improved upon with custom roms.
The screen as well, not tried the SGS3 yet but compared to the Note I like the natural colours of the HOX and the whites.
I have to agree. If you have no hardware faults then this phone is amazing. I have one minor one that I will have to get used to. When actually using the phone its amazing.
How did you get Modern combat on you're one x ?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
i emailed gameloft and they sent me a modified apk, but apparently theirs ways to decompile apk to bypass checks that someone posted the other day
(do not message me asking for apk)
I'm hoping Nova2 and PvZ gets an update
Other than that I agree! It's a great phone! Just got my second one in and so far so good (got it unlocked and CWM restored the data from my old phone so I was up and running in no time!).
Right now it's updating all those apps and podcasts I missed while the new one was in the mail.
Not too concerned with the QC issues. Both Apple laptops I've bought with my own money and my N900 had to be sent back RMA'd. This is the first time I've been able to send it back to the retailer for an exchange so things are on the up and up! My old Nexus S should have been sent in (Dust under the FCC) but I just resolved myself to taking it apart every month or so and cleaning it out. Since then, however, I'm planning to resist the urge to dismantle my phones. Just not good on my blood pressure.
mox123 said:
Despite what many may say, I know the OneX has it's issues but putting them aside I have got to seriously say this is one awesome phone and I've owned pretty much a ****load of tech over the years.
I can't put the phone down, my battery drains only because I'm always playing with it, the gorgeous screen, the beautiful white body, putting all the issues aside I just love this phone!!
I've played with the Galaxy S3 and I was disgusted at the UI (albeit innovative), it is fugly. when I look at the One X, god Sense is actually quite beautiful and innovative in it's own way.
Forget benchmarks, I've played Nova 3, Mass Effect, 9mm, Backstab, Asphalt, Modern Combat 3, GTA3 to name a few and all the games are gorgeous!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This 100%
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
+1
Absolutely.. 100% agree..
Have today played with SIII in my hands.. no need to argue, OneX is the undisputable winner, phone of the year / to date. Slightly better performance measurements in some benchmarks (besides some shows OneX better, and some SIII), or 2 hrs more battery time is nothing considering with the built quality and awesome look, especially look at the left side of the SIII, metal(!) frame and metal volume rocker on that side sounds like cheap, bad quality toys.
Will not mention on TouchWizz UI, just in short, menus look like gingerbread though it is ICS 4.0.4
Also IPS SuperLCD2 is way much better than SuperAmoled HD when it comes to being closer to real/natural colors. Why Samsung played with blue subpixels and made them smaller in SIII's pentile matrix? apparently upon listening to criticism they got from public (read as customers plz) + (still cold but a tad warmer in comparison to its predecessors)
check this...
http://pocketnow.com/2012/06/04/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-vs-htc-one-x-video/
Forget everything you have read abt those devices so far, benchmarks, comparisons, others opinions etc. even mines above and just think that you have OneX in one hand and SIII in another, compare these two badboys and say, which one you would prefer to go with? at least two years or even longer from purchase?
Used gs3 yesterday and disappointed with its performance and colour.
So far HTC is best in its user interface and style.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Every phone has its issues.
The HTC One X is a very beautifull designed phone, the best you can buy right now to my opinion.
mox123 said:
Despite what many may say, I know the OneX has it's issues
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I first played with the One X in a store I was blown away and soon bought one.
I went into a store and played with the SGSIII the other day and was left underwhelmed.
Yes, there are a couple of nice touches in Touch Wiz (I watched a long review on youtube) but the feel of it, the look of the device and the screen just left me 'meh'.
Just didnt feel right in the hand and looks like a kids toy TBH….cheap?
I dunno, maybe having a couple of HTC devices before (Hero and Desire S) and then a couple of Blackberrys conditioned me to liking well built and well designed handsets, not airfix models, lol
Steve
Got a link to that wallpaper? That looks fantastic
Shadowgun THD and Riptide both look fantastic on this amazing beast .
Get the Zedge app from store .some great wallpapers on there
i agree, I have also chosen HTC One X over SGS III, simply because of the beautiful build quality, and while I normally prefer Super AMOLED screens, the display used on the One X is just spectacularly good. SGS III was completely overhyped, and with the high expectations people had, it turned out to be "just another android phone"
I will stick with my One X, and Android Revolution HD
I agreed this is indeed beautiful phone. No regret
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA Premium HD app
I waited for the release of the SGS III before deciding which to go for--- SGS III or HOX.
HOX won me over. The Touchwiz UI was a huge turn off and so was the build quality. I hate companies who make up too much of a hype whose products are overrated. I was extremely disappointed with the SGS III.
HOX, on the other hand, impressed me by a far margin. It was like the company scrapped everything from last year and started anew.
HOX is exactly the flagship I've been looking for.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
I agree 100%
I have to agree, it took me a few days to get used to the HOX but I am extremely happy now!
I come from a Samsung Captivate and Samsung Galaxy S2 so my natural things was to upgrade to the SGS3 but I wanted so bad to try another brand. I was waiting forever for a decent Sony but their software suck badly.
Then came the HOX and I jumped in (white one Tegra). At first I have to be honest, I was underwhelmed by the level of blacks (coming from AMOLED and SAMOLED) but oh boy was I wrong, this has to be the most amazing display out there.
Also after a dose of Android Revolution, APM, 3 dot fix and UltraSmooth Rosie this phone flies!!!!
As a bonus I do like Sense very much, not feeling the need to run to ICS/Apex as I did with the horrible TW on my SGS2.
I just got my One X 5 days ago and like to give it a mini review.
Body and build quality: In my personal opinion, the HOX is the BEST LOOKING SMARTPHONE OF ALL TIME. Nuff said.
Screen: Never seen anything like this before on a smartphone, excellent viewing angles, nice warm and accurate colors, text very very sharp, outdoor visibility is incredible. Only complain is that it's easy to scratch the screen.
Call quality: pretty good but not the best
Battery life: it's ok, could be better. It almost doesn't use any juice when it's in idle but soon as you start using it you lose like 5% so I don't know. Wished HTC would have been more generous considering this is non removable ( razr maxx?) still after 5 days of using it, I can see the battery improving cause of calibration.
Performance: good, not mind blowing. Does stutter from time to time. Gaming is awesome, no complaints there, browsing is nice but again could be better ( SGSIII?).
Multitasking: not that much of a deal breaker as I thought, not the best obviously but i definitely can live with it. I do like the transition effect when you enter an app or when you press the recent app button and scroll though them, very slick. Just wished you could see more than one app at a time ( stock ICS?)
Audio and speakers: audio is good, beats does enhance sound but a little gimmicky. Speaker is kinda weak in my opinion, although its pretty clear.
Camera: I won't lie, I hardly use the camera on my phone so can't tell but from the few pics I took I love it. But I'm easy to please in that area that's just me
Sense 4.0: MUCH MUCH MUCH MUCH BETTER than previous versions, less bloated, like how you manage widgets. Don't like the fact that there's a million clock widgets, a million calculator widgets. Wtf HTC?
I think that's pretty much it. The HOX in my opinion, is a fantastic device. I've never seen a better looking device in my life, the screen is amazing especially outdoor visibility. Performance is quite good and battery life is getting better. HTC is heading in the right direction after disappointing releases like the sensation and evo 3D. They've listened to people and toned down sense, which looks as gorgeous as ever by the way. I wish HTC was making their own SoC so they can match it well with android and sense and make it runs super smooth and give it excellent battery life. Still the one x is a fantastic phone and I would recommend it to anybody. Peace!
started the weekend buying the s3 then exchanged for another s3. extremely happy to be finally with a onex. the s3 was nice but felt very fragile. wasn't happy with 2g reception.wouldn't connect to the internet on 2g.may have been a carrier issue.decided to change carrier and phone. reception issue solved .still 2g but have internet connections albeit slow. 3g performance excellent. but most important the phone just feels right.i use a gel case on my phones and had one on the s3 also but the X just feels better. sense is still far better than touchwiz.had wanted to give the s3 a try as i have a tp2 and a titan but once again i find the user experience with htc just that bit better.
I am due for an upgrade, now. I am coming from an OG EVO. I have not been keeping up with phones lately. Obviously this is a GSIII sub forum, so I am expecting biased answers. I asked a few other places as well.
Check out a couple of in depth reviews.
If your going Android. (which i presume is why you asked) you will not find a better device. The only one that comes close would be the HTC ONE X, But no expandable memory, removeable battery, etc.
http://reviews.cnet.com/samsung-galaxy-s3-review/
jhoffy22 said:
I am due for an upgrade, now. I am coming from an OG EVO. I have not been keeping up with phones lately. Obviously this is a GSIII sub forum, so I am expecting biased answers. I asked a few other places as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on your preferences... the two obvious choices would be the GSIII or Evo 4g Lte...
I used the Evo for a few days before getting the GSIII and the deciding factor was pretty much the poor multi tasking and the lack of a removable battery on the Evo. It does boast a superior display imo and a slightly better camera. I find I'm getting the same battery life on my GSIII probably a little more. I would suggest going to a store and use both for a few minutes, you should be somewhat familiar with HTC sense but Touchwiz isn't that horrible.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Iphony89 said:
Depends on your preferences... the two obvious choices would be the GSIII or Evo 4g Lte...
I used the Evo for a few days before getting the GSIII and the deciding factor was pretty much the poor multi tasking and the lack of a removable battery on the Evo. It does boast a superior display imo and a slightly better camera. I find I'm getting the same battery life on my GSIII probably a little more. I would suggest going to a store and use both for a few minutes, you should be somewhat familiar with HTC sense but Touchwiz isn't that horrible.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought the Galaxy line was notorious for having AWESOME screens. You're telling me that the EVO LTE's LCD2 is actually slightly better?
How do these screens compare to the Iphone 4s?
I don't own a GSIII..I'm really just here to see how LTE is looking for GSIII users in Dallas. I own a EVO LTE and here's what I got for ya
iphony is right . Multitasking is a little off...meaning, you go from the browser to the music app and the music app reloads. Go back to the browser and the browser reloads. Kinda annoying. The update for the phone kinda fixed it but not really.
Dev scene isn't as great so you're really gonna have to be satisfied for how the phone is right off the ****. The devs have managed to fix the multitasking issue but I don't know to what extent. I'm still on stock and I'm happy with it.
The screen is pretty damn sweet. I came from an iPhone 4S and I haven't really noticed a difference. Still seems like a retina display to me, just a bigger screen.
The big plus for me is the beats audio EQ...because that EQ plus switching the beats audio mode to urBeats puts the audio quality on par with the iPhone. Audio sounds real good.
Other than those things...you'll probably get the same experience. It all comes down to the little things the phones do that you like- so you're really just gonna have to play with both them.
---------- Post added at 01:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:45 PM ----------
jhoffy22 said:
I thought the Galaxy line was notorious for having AWESOME screens. You're telling me that the EVO LTE's LCD2 is actually slightly better?
How do these screens compare to the Iphone 4s?
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Click to collapse
I saw you posted this a minute or so before mine so I'll just repeat what I wrote..
going from the 4s to the EVO...it felt exactly the same. It seems just like the retina display..the only difference I can see with my eye is screen size. So it's pretty much a bigger iPhone 4s screen. It's gorgeous. Unfortunately I have my phone in an otterbox so the quality is degraded
And another thing about the screens...
The 4s, idk what it uses for its screen, but you don't need a screen protector. There is 0 smudging...it's like it cleans itself or something. The EVO 4G LTE is not like that. idk about the GSIII...I've yet to get my hands on one.
jhoffy22 said:
I thought the Galaxy line was notorious for having AWESOME screens. You're telling me that the EVO LTE's LCD2 is actually slightly better?
How do these screens compare to the Iphone 4s?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The screens are both great, the screen on the evo just stands out more to me, while the GSIII has a more natural looking colors. That being said I went with the GSIII because it's a better overall phone and I tend to prefer Samsung phones, but a few things on the Evo did make it a hard decision.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
jhoffy22 said:
I thought the Galaxy line was notorious for having AWESOME screens. You're telling me that the EVO LTE's LCD2 is actually slightly better?
How do these screens compare to the Iphone 4s?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The S III uses a pentile display, meaning images aren't as sharp as the Evo's and you'll see some pixelation or the "pentile effect" if you have good eyes. The E4GLE's display has warmer and more "realistic" colors than the S III's "saturated" and cooler colors. It's also a little sharper and you can't see the pixels, or at least I couldn't. I also found that the S III's screen was a lot dimmer in sunlight than the Evo's.
That said, I still stuck with my S III because of the massive development that will happen in the coming months.
As for the iPhone comparison you would have to get that from someone else, not my cup of tea.:beer:
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
The EVO LTE screen is sharper but the GS3 has all the benefits of amoled displays (darker blacks, beautiful colors). The EVO LTE is also going to be hard to put custom software (roms) on because it's bootloader is locked and any exploits are patched.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
jhoffy22 said:
I thought the Galaxy line was notorious for having AWESOME screens. You're telling me that the EVO LTE's LCD2 is actually slightly better?
How do these screens compare to the Iphone 4s?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Love my gs3...but screens...lmao...
LCD kicks any version of amoleds ass all day long.
You can make the "oooh but the blacks are so much better ...." well that's great but everything else is garbage.
Don't get me wrong performance wise the gs3 is full of win, and fanboys will start whining how they like the galaxy screens, but there's not even a fair comparison as the lcd2 is far superior to any Samsung screen.
The fact of the matter is the htc rezound STILL has the best screen of any of any phone on the market. Slcd2 screen of the 1x comes close.
Sammy is so far behind in screen technology its ... strange.
BUT I will say the gs3 is a different and refined version of the samoled screens and its tolerable.
People who say the gs3 screen is better don't have a clue, and obviously its merely a personal preference, and not based on facts.
S-amoled(yes even pluss) is VERY saturated, whites are just omg horrible.
Also this gives the false pretense of how your images are from the camera.( which btw is neck and neck with one x)
BUT the pros out weigh the cons and the gs3 IMO is the best phone on the market.
If htc ups the aentie , which it appears they might I will probably go back.
But .... its iffy.
No removable battery
No removable storage...
Deal breaker for me
I really like having tons of development, and everyone here is pretty cool. Although I'm sure ill be called a troll for my truth about the screen FACTS. RRAAWWWRRRR!!!!
:cyclops:
Get the gs3!
Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2
Much to the dismay of the salesperson I spent literally two hours playing with the Evo 4G and the SGS3 side-by-side at the local Sprint store a week or so ago, and this after reading every review and comparison I could find. Choosing between the two was VERY tough IMO. I ultimately went with the SGS3 and couldn't be happier.
Re; the screen being better on one versus the other... I think it largely comes down to your eyes. I've personally always loved the AMOLED screens, exaggerated colors and all, but my eyes aren't what they used to be so for me that brightness and saturation is actually a big plus. When I compared the two phones side-by-side I frankly couldn't tell the difference for the most part. It seemed like in some apps one would be a little better, and in some it was the other way around. Also, the whole pentile thing with the SGS3- again, my eyes being what they are, I can't resolve the pixels at all anymore no matter how much I squint, so for me that's a complete non-factor.
In terms of performance, all I know for sure is that the SGS3 is without question the smoothest experience I've ever had on any Android phone. The HTC seemed perfectly comparable though. I've seen various benchmarks that put one on top of the other (and then other benchmarks that reverse things) so, to me, you're probably talking about a relative wash here.
Build quality and feel.. .this one is weird because I've seen a few people saying the SGS3 feels cheap and not made well and that doesn't match my opinion at all. Yes, the chassis is plastic, but it feels like quality to me. There's definitely no bowing or creaking or any of that stuff. It feels solid and well-made to me for sure. Oh, and FYI, mine has been dropped from roughly 4 feet on a kitchen floor already with no ill effect, and no case or anything, so at least to a fist approximation it's sturdy (hopefully I don't test it any more than that! LOL) The HTC also feels like a quality device. Again, to my sense I'd call it a wash. The SGS3 I believe is a little thinner and lighter, which I sometimes find myself wishing it weren't, but most of the time not. The HTC does have that little kickstand, which is a nice plus, but come on, I don't know too many people that would consider that a deciding factor either way.
I like having the replaceable batter for sure, that's always a nice thing. Historically I've used extended batteries in my phone so a replaceable battery is required, but I'll tell you, my SGS3 has so far given me stellar battery life and it doesn't seem necessary. Still, nice to have the option. Similarly, being able to swap in a bigger SD card is nice too (although I have everything I can imagine ever wanting on my phone and it's only half-filling my 32Gb card so I'm probably done there... if the 32Gb model had been available at the time I would have gotten that and just not used a card frankly).
Samsung has also, in my opinion, done a good job augmenting Android without wrecking it. TouchWiz isn't terrible, but I don't run it myself... but aside from the launcher, some of the added features they've given us are nice. Sure, some are a bit gimmicky, and some aren't winners, but there's more good than bad, and they've done it without diverging immensely from stock Android. I say kudos for Samsung this time around, I think they nailed it and haven't gone too far either way. Some will still prefer a stock ICS experience of course, and I hear ya on that, I was running Cyanogen on my Epic before I got my SGS3, but in this case I don't at all mind and in fact LIKE the changes.
One other consideration is that historically Samsung has been pretty slow getting Android updates out to us (partly them, partly carriers fault). We don't know if that will be the case this time around, although I think it's worth noting that we've had already two OTA updates on Sprint so far I believe. Yes, minor updates, but still, that's in only a few weeks' time. I think this bodes well that Samsung may be set to do a much better job getting us our updates faster than in the past. Remember, they managed a nearly simultaneous multi-carrier release for the first time and have a top seller on their hands, I suspect they may not want to ruin that momentum getting us Jelly Bean at a minimum sooner than later. HTC, on the other hand, has historically been good with updates, better than Samsung certainly, so that's something to consider.
I think the bottom line, what I concluded in the store that day anyway, was that I was probably going to be very happy no matter which I chose. They're both great devices. Is the SGS3 worthy? Abso-fraggin'-lutely! Is there a better choice? Possibly, but it's a tough, tough call IMO.
fzammetti said:
Much to the dismay of the salesperson I spent literally two hours playing with the Evo 4G and the SGS3 side-by-side at the local Sprint store a week or so ago, and this after reading every review and comparison I could find. Choosing between the two was VERY tough IMO. I ultimately went with the SGS3 and couldn't be happier.
Re; the screen being better on one versus the other... I think it largely comes down to your eyes. I've personally always loved the AMOLED screens, exaggerated colors and all, but my eyes aren't what they used to be so for me that brightness and saturation is actually a big plus. When I compared the two phones side-by-side I frankly couldn't tell the difference for the most part. It seemed like in some apps one would be a little better, and in some it was the other way around. Also, the whole pentile thing with the SGS3- again, my eyes being what they are, I can't resolve the pixels at all anymore no matter how much I squint, so for me that's a complete non-factor.
In terms of performance, all I know for sure is that the SGS3 is without question the smoothest experience I've ever had on any Android phone. The HTC seemed perfectly comparable though. I've seen various benchmarks that put one on top of the other (and then other benchmarks that reverse things) so, to me, you're probably talking about a relative wash here.
Build quality and feel.. .this one is weird because I've seen a few people saying the SGS3 feels cheap and not made well and that doesn't match my opinion at all. Yes, the chassis is plastic, but it feels like quality to me. There's definitely no bowing or creaking or any of that stuff. It feels solid and well-made to me for sure. Oh, and FYI, mine has been dropped from roughly 4 feet on a kitchen floor already with no ill effect, and no case or anything, so at least to a fist approximation it's sturdy (hopefully I don't test it any more than that! LOL) The HTC also feels like a quality device. Again, to my sense I'd call it a wash. The SGS3 I believe is a little thinner and lighter, which I sometimes find myself wishing it weren't, but most of the time not. The HTC does have that little kickstand, which is a nice plus, but come on, I don't know too many people that would consider that a deciding factor either way.
I like having the replaceable batter for sure, that's always a nice thing. Historically I've used extended batteries in my phone so a replaceable battery is required, but I'll tell you, my SGS3 has so far given me stellar battery life and it doesn't seem necessary. Still, nice to have the option. Similarly, being able to swap in a bigger SD card is nice too (although I have everything I can imagine ever wanting on my phone and it's only half-filling my 32Gb card so I'm probably done there... if the 32Gb model had been available at the time I would have gotten that and just not used a card frankly).
Samsung has also, in my opinion, done a good job augmenting Android without wrecking it. TouchWiz isn't terrible, but I don't run it myself... but aside from the launcher, some of the added features they've given us are nice. Sure, some are a bit gimmicky, and some aren't winners, but there's more good than bad, and they've done it without diverging immensely from stock Android. I say kudos for Samsung this time around, I think they nailed it and haven't gone too far either way. Some will still prefer a stock ICS experience of course, and I hear ya on that, I was running Cyanogen on my Epic before I got my SGS3, but in this case I don't at all mind and in fact LIKE the changes.
One other consideration is that historically Samsung has been pretty slow getting Android updates out to us (partly them, partly carriers fault). We don't know if that will be the case this time around, although I think it's worth noting that we've had already two OTA updates on Sprint so far I believe. Yes, minor updates, but still, that's in only a few weeks' time. I think this bodes well that Samsung may be set to do a much better job getting us our updates faster than in the past. Remember, they managed a nearly simultaneous multi-carrier release for the first time and have a top seller on their hands, I suspect they may not want to ruin that momentum getting us Jelly Bean at a minimum sooner than later. HTC, on the other hand, has historically been good with updates, better than Samsung certainly, so that's something to consider.
I think the bottom line, what I concluded in the store that day anyway, was that I was probably going to be very happy no matter which I chose. They're both great devices. Is the SGS3 worthy? Abso-fraggin'-lutely! Is there a better choice? Possibly, but it's a tough, tough call IMO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung will still be slow with updates. They always be. This isn't their first flagship. There is a pattern. Their is history.
Sent from my SGS3!
I've had this phone for about a week now and I absolutely LOVE it. It's been an awesome device so far.
ubigred said:
Samsung will still be slow with updates. They always be. This isn't their first flagship. There is a pattern. Their is history.
Sent from my SGS3!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But this is their first flagship that has the same hardware and build across all US carriers. And they also threw in 2GB to "future proof" it for Jelly Bean, so Samsung is definitely getting serious.
El Nivek said:
But this is their first flagship that has the same hardware and build across all US carriers. And they also threw in 2GB to "future proof" it for Jelly Bean, so Samsung is definitely getting serious.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said.
This is the best android device available currently. No question.
jhoffy22 said:
I thought the Galaxy line was notorious for having AWESOME screens. You're telling me that the EVO LTE's LCD2 is actually slightly better?
How do these screens compare to the Iphone 4s?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Amoled of this phone is a step back from the Super Amoled Plus which I believe was a choice by Samsung made for ease of manufacture. I read something along those lines. Plus, on the home screen espescially, the screen if dimmer than what Galaxy line users are used to. The European version already got an update to address this issue, who knows when it will arrive over here. The dimness issue is fine for browsers and other applications that you are able to set individually. Of course I can't find it now, but there is a tips and tricks thread that lists it. I love this phone but I won't lie, it is fragile. Already dropped mine just 2 1/2 feet and the screen shattered to hell. I was on my way to buy a cover when it happened. Plastic bezel recessed below screen level offering no protection at all unlike my old Vibrant. That phone could take a tumble. Definitely worth to buy, but select you cover in advance!!!
I like my GS3 so far its a smooth phone! But My reception just flat out sux and I live right in the middle of dallas! There is a few bugs like the brightness sliding thing with the pull down and worst of all when im on google and I go to type in a search and the predictive searches show up below, it will let me touch it but it wont load! I HATE THAT!!! It was either this phone now or wait another 6 months! Soooo...
I just wanna know when we step into the present and recieve LTE like we are paying for!
freakboy13 said:
LCD kicks any version of amoleds ass all day long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know what they say about opinions....
ydoucare said:
You know what they say about opinions....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I shall attempt to be polite.. but it's not an opinion, regarding brightness. It is objective. Yes you may prefer an AMOLED Screen. But the fact is, it's much, much dimmer. Compare EVO or HOX by S III Screen. S III is half as bright. Then of course PenTile on S III is blurry. And Black crush was visible to me in 5 seconds...all details of gray are lost. THen there are the tints, ink marks, etc. But again the worst thing is how DIM it is. S III is half as bright as a droid. Pathetic!
I am going to use my S III for 14 days. I don't think I will be keeping it though. For me anyway, AMOLED is just crap. And the bright colors? I'm sure they could do that with a filter on LCD too. It's a gimmick. Oh gee, Sammy cranked saturation. They mucked with the color table. Gee how clever Samsung. Anyone could do that. It causes Black Crush and colors are simply not accurate.
Not impressed. At all. S III Screen:: SUCKS.
So return it then, nobody is gonna line up behind you and do the same.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
I specifically want to get either the Razr M or the Razr HD Maxx.
Since you guys already have been working on / with this phone, can you give me some pros and cons for the Razr M or the Razr HD Maxx vs the iPhone 5.
One thing I already know for a fact is the Razr family Battery > ANY iPhone Battery
Cheers!
Koxu said:
I specifically want to get either the Razr M or the Razr HD Maxx.
Since you guys already have been working on / with this phone, can you give me some pros and cons for the Razr M or the Razr HD Maxx vs the iPhone 5.
One thing I already know for a fact is the Razr family Battery > ANY iPhone Battery
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having phone for little less than a month, Razr M definitely has that portability factor over some of the bulky phones like Razr HD Maxx. Downside is that the battery last about 10-12 hours with normal usage (2.5-3 hour screen on time). I hear it gets better with more usage but I haven't noticed much difference. Compared to iPhone, I would say that these two phones are on equal level spec wise if not better. It's just that like any other android devices, you can tweak (if you know how) to make it better, or worse (if you brick it). I would definitely spend some time carefully reading threads already made in this forum as well as other android forums about android devices.
You will miss the Simplicity of Apple.
U will miss the iPhone look and style, along with the home button
The iPhone 5 is Thinner u will miss that if you cared
iPhone has warmer External Speakers
The display of the Razr M is protected by Frame if laid display Down. (iPhone will be Screen to Surface)
The Razr can expand Memory to 64gb via MicroSD, Try that on the iPhone with out breaking ur bank.
U can remove ur Sim Card with out a special tool (Tool need or Credit Card if you have Pudgy Fingers)
Alot of apps are now made for both devices.
Better battery like compared ot 4 4S its (alot), compared to a tuned iPhone 5 its 25-40% better in my opinion.
Universal MicroUSB Cables.
LED indicator is a nice touch.
Size is the same both are very portable.
Screen is about the same. Razr is Little bit bigger, but usable space is the same due to Virtual Keys.
The iPhone has a way Sharper PPI is denser
The iPhone has true colors, Razr M has over saturated colors.(Looks only good in games but pictures the iPhone looks better)
The iPhone has a better Cam Front and Back. (If you are one of these Photophyles...)
The iPhone has more of a prestige
The Razr M is heck alot cheaper used.
All and all i am comfortable with my Razr M and i tried other mid range android devices, but i always went back to iPhone 4
This one is the device that made me cut the Apple lines =)
Koxu said:
I specifically want to get either the Razr M or the Razr HD Maxx.
Since you guys already have been working on / with this phone, can you give me some pros and cons for the Razr M or the Razr HD Maxx vs the iPhone 5.
One thing I already know for a fact is the Razr family Battery > ANY iPhone Battery
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I offed my iphone for the M. I had a 32GB 4 since they came out. I loved that phone, and really wanted the 5. When I played with the VZW mockup, I was a little shocked - it was basically an amped up 4.
At that point, I picked up the GS3 and the M, but the GS3 was too fracking big. I've had the M since the week it came out. It is truly a great phone. It easily compares with my 4, and I've since played with 5's and I like mine much better.
The screen is crisp and fast, the network acquisition is quick and painless, the controls are easy, and the battery is better than my 4's.
All in all, I love this phone as much as my 4, and much better than the 5.
I really appreciate the feedback. This helps me out a lot
The question is what are you looking for and why are you planning to switch ?
I was looking for best bang for the buck in the same size factor as the iPhone 4S and 5
There are only 3 and only 1 of them are offered in the US, which is the M. Now there are 4 phones that have the same size.
But the M is the most power full one next to the Razr i. The other two are less power full.
Battery
Form factor
And the last is hardware specs in comparison tothe iphone 5
Same size as the iPhone 5
Better battery Life
Very Solid, feels less breakable, Gorilla glass better protected.
About the same performance.
iPhone has better LCD
iPhone has better or same performance.
iPhone has simple GUI
You won't miss anything about the iphone , the statements made were opinions if you think simplicity is better don't get a SMART phone, and last i checked androids are simpler as you can customize them to the T in every which way possible, I much prefer aapp drawer over having apps cover my home screens you don't have every program installed on your computer do you? no there listed in the program menus and as far as missing a home button im pretty positive every android has one and as far as performance the M is plenty fast read reviews you won't notice a difference actually the M displays web pages faster then the iPhone, look up reviews the iPhone is garbage com paired to the newer androids
---------- Post added at 05:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:21 PM ----------
Oh and I phones don't have widgets or Android beam
Yeah like he said I am pretty happy with my phone.
I came from iPhone 4 , was using a 4S as a test run from my gf sister for 2 months.
Ended up with this Razr M I am personally very comfortable with it and don't miss any thing of the iPhone and its retarded Lock Down, no more JB after 6.1 is another big reason i jumped. The reason i stuck with Apple was facetime, but Tango/Hangout/Skype got it down to simplicity, and thats what i needed, a compact phone with Facetime, Internet Messenger (iMessenger worked but laggy). Which was achieved by Tango or Hangout for video, and Google+ and Messenger+ to replace iMessenger, and keep the phone # ppl on the normal Text part. Alot better than the 2 color BS by iMessenger.
But about the simplicity it depends who u talk to. (I like tinkering to Android Jump it was)
We young folks can edit the Android to our needs. So making it simple or complicated is up to us.
Older folks like Your parents on the other hand get confused or are overwhelmed by this. So less is actually better in this way.
For example my parents tried Android but it gives them too much freedom so getting around the phone was extremely confusing,
its how their brain is wired, they dont get the multy tear menu system and skinning and outside menu inside menu. they just want it there.
For those of you that have this phone, and have had it since close to it's release date, what are your opinions?
I am going to be purchasing a new phone, for use with WindMobile in Canada (i.e. it must be an AWS phone). As far as I can tell this is my best option because I use my phone mostly as a camera so my #1 interest is a camera that does not lag and will open quickly. I also am a fairly heavy user for NUMBER of apps. I have a lot installed and switch between them frequently. I don't play games or watch videos so graphics don't matter much.
The kicker here is I am REALLY hoping to keep this phone for 2 years at least. Do you think that this phone will last? Keeping in mind I don't care about being behind on new technology. I only care that it can handle my volume of use and won't sputter and choke to a slow after 6 months use like the one I have now.
I currently have an Optimus 2X but it is dying. It lags incredibly between tasks and the plastic covering the camera is poor quality and I had to rip it off so the lens is mostly unprotected now. I don't want to deal with stuff like this is I am going to buy a brand new phone. Do you think the Xperia ZL is the right choice?
p.s. I saw a review of the camera where the reviewer said that the photos look great on the BRAVIA screen but once on a computer screen are not very good. Has this been your experience? What about printing?
p.p.s. would appreciate comments about how rugged it is also as I work as a nanny with two 24 month old toddlers. Honestly I want the Z due to it's waterproof encasing but it's not sold new up here in Canada.
so my #1 interest is a camera that does not lag and will open quickly.
--> camera itself is the fastest I've seen. First thing you notice is the super smooth and responsive viewfinder.. even in low light. It always feels 60fps. I compared this to HTC ONE and it's a LOT slower..really.
About opening.. opening of the camera app isn't fastest i've seen (can take 3 secs) but because of the dedicated button you can still open it way faster than phones without button.
I also am a fairly heavy user for NUMBER of apps. I have a lot installed and switch between them frequently. I don't play games or watch videos so graphics don't matter much.
--> Ye as with all 2GB phones multitasking is almost instant and apps never really close.
The kicker here is I am REALLY hoping to keep this phone for 2 years at least. Do you think that this phone will last? Keeping in mind I don't care about being behind on new technology.
Then yes. I don't see why this phone wouldn't make it 2 years.
I only care that it can handle my volume of use and won't sputter and choke to a slow after 6 months use like the one I have now.
With 2GB ram it's pretty future proof IMO.
p.s. I saw a review of the camera where the reviewer said that the photos look great on the BRAVIA screen but once on a computer screen are not very good. Has this been your experience? What about printing?
Well, in my opinion, pictures look suberb on the 5" with bravia engine 2..really gives a wow-factor.
When you then watch them on the PC they look kinda normal/bland/boring..so its just the way you look at it
p.p.s. would appreciate comments about how rugged it is also as I work as a nanny with two 24 month old toddlers. Honestly I want the Z due to it's waterproof encasing but it's not sold new up here in Canada.
The back isn't made from glass but very grippy texture. I haven't dropped mine but the phones feels very sturdy and good quality, except for maybe the little flap on the back for sim/SD.
Honestly I think ZL is very underrated and still (even with new models like Z1) ZL is still my favorite.
Thanks for your quick quick reply!! One clarification I have to ask: I understand what you mean about quality depending on the screen. However when you look on your computer do you think the quality fits the price? Let's put this simply: I am tired of my boyfriend's iphone photos looking SOOOO much better than mine. Can I at least compete now? lol
earthabbey said:
Thanks for your quick quick reply!! One clarification I have to ask: I understand what you mean about quality depending on the screen. However when you look on your computer do you think the quality fits the price? Let's put this simply: I am tired of my boyfriend's iphone photos looking SOOOO much better than mine. Can I at least compete now? lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest I really like the camera but the software app just doesn't do it justice. Pictures looked a bit washed out when looked at the computer. You can still install another camera app with less compression effects.
Also, for me the camera opens very quickly, less than 1 second with the latest 267 firmware update.
The phone looks gorgeous with the incredibly small bezel for a 5 inch phone. But if you want an awesome camera phone you really should go with the Galaxy S4. Still the best midrange camera phone I've seen so far is clearly the Nokia Lumia 920 but its a Win8 phone... both phone can be easily unlocked if not offered by Wind and are AWS versions.
Also, lots of people complain about the screen being TFT which is the cheapest technology you can use for a phone nowadays. So the viewing angles aren't good but I personally don't care much. But I think you will notice it right away.
Still, for a lot of other aspects, I prefer the Sony ZL
earthabbey said:
p.p.s. would appreciate comments about how rugged it is also as I work as a nanny with two 24 month old toddlers. Honestly I want the Z due to it's waterproof encasing but it's not sold new up here in Canada.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the Z is available through Bell FYI.
I just traded it my s3 for an zl very disappointed in camera in dark places there is a ton of noise I have to also take multiple snaps before I can get a shot to have a properly focused pic if I use flash it works fine but using superior auto mode and in a well lit room it still doesn't compare anything to the s3 which had a very quick focus but other then that the phone is well worth it will last you 2 years if you do not abuse it only thing im concerned is the non removable battery... wonder how will it perform in 2 years from now....
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
shahkam said:
I just traded it my s3 for an zl very disappointed in camera in dark places there is a ton of noise I have to also take multiple snaps before I can get a shot to have a properly focused pic if I use flash it works fine but using superior auto mode and in a well lit room it still doesn't compare anything to the s3 which had a very quick focus but other then that the phone is well worth it will last you 2 years if you do not abuse it only thing im concerned is the non removable battery... wonder how will it perform in 2 years from now....
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
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Do you have the latest update? A lot of reviews I saw said that there were a lot of problems before the latest update.
shahkam said:
I just traded it my s3 for an zl very disappointed in camera in dark places there is a ton of noise I have to also take multiple snaps before I can get a shot to have a properly focused pic if I use flash it works fine but using superior auto mode and in a well lit room it still doesn't compare anything to the s3 which had a very quick focus but other then that the phone is well worth it will last you 2 years if you do not abuse it only thing im concerned is the non removable battery... wonder how will it perform in 2 years from now....
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
Don't use superior auto by default, it adds way too much noise. Try using normal with some basic tweaks, you will see a major difference.
Especially with the latest update.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Well I kind of have the same problem. Own an Optimus 2x and now ordered Zl from an amazon offer (350 euros). I love the white version since - if the black back looks cheap - this is absolutely not the case with the white.
However, I am quite disappointed by the screen. You notice the viewing angles immediately and every time the phone is lying on a table in a darker room, it looks like it is showing a bright Grey picture although background is black. So I wanted to return it.
Then I thought of alternatives, but very successful.. I am looking for a phone with no amoled screen, wo no s4. I really want at least 32gb memory and would be happy if it had a working fm radio like XZL (tried Optimus G and thought that must be a bad joke). The Optimus G was nice, but fm radio crap, and due to non expendable storage, I was really missing USB otg. S4 active would be nice, but no fm radio, feels somehow big and is very overpriced. The new nexus 5 seems to only have 16gb.. LG G2 is very expensive with 32gb. And none of them has a dedicated camera button. So I guess xperia zl is a great package! If only they had included a IPS screen (which can be considered as standard today, even for cheap phones).
Today I looked at the screen in a bright room and then it looked way better than yesterday night when it was dark. So I am thinking of keeping the phone - seems like the package is quite good. Or does anyone of you habe a proposal?
Sent from my LG-P990 using xda app-developers app
My comments:
The poor viewing angles on the screen aren't as horrible as people make it out to be, the screen is still perfectly good and quite a joy to look at. (plus if you like to be private then it stops people from seeing what you're doing easily)
Picture quality is fine, I have an unlocked bootloader(which I did before TA backups were a thing ;_ and even still everything looks great on the screen. Video quality is pretty good in my opinion. In low light, yes the picture quality does tend to suffer but it's still acceptable for it being a phone, I personally haven't tried tweaking with the settings much besides installing the Z1 camera app port.
If you want to see the quality yourself, here are some photos/videos(mind you the outdoor greenery shots were taken a while ago so the latest updates might have improved things):
http://imgur.com/a/qoqg2#0
http://youtu.be/SXxN14HdeGU
Performance has been pretty good, there are a few things I've noticed which can make it a little laggy, like setting a smaller icon size in Apex and the app Twilight can make scrolling a little laggy, but otherwise performance is snappy.
Something that might be of concern is battery life, due to the non-removeable battery. I can usually get through a day before having to charge. I get about 4-5 hours of video watching, so if I only use the screen for a few hours sporadically(15 minutes here, 15 minutes there) then I can usually push it to 24 hours.
One thing I would really suggest is getting at least a decent screen cover, if not case as well, I have one of those meifeng cases from ebay, it's decent enough quality and it's pretty thin, I don't use it every day though. But the built in screen protector is an absolute lint electromagnet, it's like it's sole purpose was to collect lint, not cool. I picked up a skinomi screen protector, just put it on top of the built in one and it works/looks fine.
One thing I like about the skinomi is that it's slightly soft, so it doesn't scratch easily, but it still a good surface for fingering.
The speaker isn't loud enough to be heard over a concert or some power tools, but if you're just at home or in the car then it's quite adequate, the headphone out is also adequate, though it can be a tad quieter than some might like, depending on headphones used.
The microphones are pretty great, that youtube video? The music in person was ear-screeching, yet somehow the microphones managed to pick everything else up pretty well.
The IR Blaster is fun if you normally use multiple remotes for your home.
I can't really think of anything else at the moment, but feel free to ask and I'll try to answer.
Edit:
Shadowman19: Personally I find the viewing angles acceptable knowing that I'm probably never really going to be looking at my phone from these angles anyways, 99% of the time I'm looking at it is straight on.
Personally I don't own a ZL(I currently own an Ion), but i have seen a couple of Z's(the Z screen is similar to the ZL). Honestly, I don't see the difference when tilting the phone(I can definitely see it on my ion). The poor viewing angle claims are exaggerated.