Now that the Note for AT&T is official and we know the specs I wanted to get some opinions on the phone. I have personally been waiting for this phone to come subsidized to AT&T since it was first announced and now that it is finally here, I'm nowhere near as excited as I thought I would be and that all comes down to one thing:Snapdragon.
I know this topic has been debated before and some think it is vastly inferior to the Exynos while others that the difference is negligible but this is my biggest reservation about the AT&T version. I am currently using a Captivate at 1.5ghz running CM9 build 15 and while the phone may be old it is still quite smooth. I went into an AT&T store and played with a Skyrocket to get an idea of how the Note would feel and I was very disappointed. It seemed way more sluggish and unresponsive than my current phone and definitely slower than my friends Exynos powered GSII.
Another problem I foresee with the Snapdragon is the availability of custom roms. Now I may be spoiled with the amount of developers that the I9000 and I897 have had but with the hardware on the AT&T note being different than the international version, that may greatly limit the amount of developers it will receive. This may turn out to be completely false but my favorite part about android are all of the custom roms and if that were to mostly disappear it would be very disappointing for me.
I should also mention that LTE is a complete non-factor when taking this phone into consideration as I currently live in the Detroit area and we probably won't even see LTE in a year at the least.
If anyone would like to share their opinion on anything Note related I would love to hear it.
I too am in the same boat... I couldn't wait until the Note was state side but when I finally read the specs for the AT&T Note I started to loose interest. I have read all kinds of reviews on the skyrocket Vs SGSII / Snapdragon VS Exynos and while they were informative I couldn't help feeling like it's all personal preference. Unfortunately, my preference is leaning Samsung which leaves me with only one option. Buy an unlocked Note!
I also have the ATT captivate with ICS running Doc's rom though and think that's running smooth. (Battery could be better but that's for another thread) and I love how the community has picked up this phone and continue to support it even though it's an older phone.
I guess I'm going to have to wait and see what happens and hope that developers pick up the ATT Note like they have the captivate. Maybe the snapdragon wan't be so bad.
The main reasons I wanted the Note when it was announced:
Big screen
Exynos dual core
NFC
Front camera
8mp rear camera
Stylus
I guess one missing out of six isn't too bad
namtellum said:
I know this topic has been debated before and some think it is vastly inferior to the Exynos while others that the difference is negligible but this is my biggest reservation about the AT&T version. I am currently using a Captivate at 1.5ghz running CM9 build 15 and while the phone may be old it is still quite smooth. I went into an AT&T store and played with a Skyrocket to get an idea of how the Note would feel and I was very disappointed. It seemed way more sluggish and unresponsive than my current phone and definitely slower than my friends Exynos powered GSII.
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I had a Captivate before I got my Inspire, I wish I would have kept it, great phone, just wanted a bigger one. I think the reason it seems sluggish to you is because your Captivate is running CM9, while the Note is running GB with TouchWiz. Big difference there. Remember the difference between stock TW on the Cappy vs. CM? I agree that development may be slower though because of the hardware differences, but I'm sure that it will be a popular phone, and there will be some persistent developer that makes magic happen for us. Maybe designgears or DAGr8 will step up to the plate for us.
I think the smart money is with waiting for the reviews to come in.
The fact they pulled a switcheroo with the guts of the thing, might warrant delay on buying one. I mean, it would really blow to get all excited only to find it dog slow. You can speculate until your exhausted, but ......we shall see.
I had the unlocked version. I expect; no I demand, the same performance.
Frankly, i'm not very optimistic. I don't like the sound of some of these posts.
should be ok
Doesn't the skyrocket or whatever it is called pretty much have the same chipset?
I got the international version for a couple of reasons. The #1 reason is I didn't want a carrier branded device. I want the phone as untouched by a carrier as possible, and usually you can only get that with an unbranded device. #2, was I didn't want to sign another contract. I've been on the old unlimited for a year now, and I prefer to keep it that way until at&t kicks me off of it. #3, in my market, I think h*ll will freeze over before we get LTE. 3rd largest city in the state but, at 200,000 people, it will be a while before it gets here, so the LTE radio wasn't an issue, I'm happy with H+, and I use wi-fi for anything more than checking email and a quick web browse anyway.
If the only thing at&t does to the Note is the radio, LTE, and the lack of the home button, then I don't see why it shouldn't be ok, but, carriers have a way of crippling devices, like disabling the FM radio & tethering, both of which I use just about daily.
p51d007 said:
Doesn't the skyrocket or whatever it is called pretty much have the same chipset?
I got the international version for a couple of reasons. The #1 reason is I didn't want a carrier branded device. I want the phone as untouched by a carrier as possible, and usually you can only get that with an unbranded device. #2, was I didn't want to sign another contract. I've been on the old unlimited for a year now, and I prefer to keep it that way until at&t kicks me off of it. #3, in my market, I think h*ll will freeze over before we get LTE. 3rd largest city in the state but, at 200,000 people, it will be a while before it gets here, so the LTE radio wasn't an issue, I'm happy with H+, and I use wi-fi for anything more than checking email and a quick web browse anyway.
If the only thing at&t does to the Note is the radio, LTE, and the lack of the home button, then I don't see why it shouldn't be ok, but, carriers have a way of crippling devices, like disabling the FM radio & tethering, both of which I use just about daily.
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Yes, the Skyrocket is the LTE version of the SGSII on ATT. It has the snapdragon processor. I had the SGSII before that but returned it for the skyrocket because DFW had launched the LTE network and I wanted to be on it. I heard the same back and forth, but I find the skyrocket a very capable phone and the snapdragon a capable processor in every way. The one disappointment I have had in the skyrocket is the bluetooth. I hope the LTE radio does not affect the bluetooth because the GNote has a very good bluetooth system. That will be among the first thing I find out about the ATT Version.
So you tether on your Gnote? No nasty grams from ATT?
I was bummed about the Exnos initially but then really thought about it. For me Exnos would only really matter if I played a lot of games. The games I play aren't that graphics intensive (Worms, Front Line Commander, Eternity Warriors, Wordfeud, etc). Everything I've thrown at my Touchpad, which also has a S3 SOC, with CM7/9 it has played more than fine. Now with ICS on it the TP really flies and that's even with no video acceleration and other goodies that the Note will have working for sure. ICS on the Note is going to be awesome. I think the S3 chipset will more than suite my needs. The Exnos at this point is more for the gamers and bragging rights.
For me the things I want in my next phone are:
1) Big A$$ Screen
Ever since they announced the Streak I've wanted a phone with a large screen and this is larger than the Streak's screen. Luckily there is a big a$$ battery that comes along with it to get you thru 1 day without needing to be next to a power outlet.
2) NFC
Lots of cool things you can use this for, especially mobile payments. I plan on keeping this phone for a long time so I want to be semi future proof.
3) Local warranty
After having so many Captivates crap out between my wife and I, the thought having to send back that many Notes to the Int'l vendor just doesn't sit well with me. AT$T will comp free stuff when you've returned so many and will even replace it with a new one to keep a customer happy, or in my experience they have.
4) Functioning GPS
The Captivates GPS was barely usable especially in Google Navigation. With the Barometer and GLONASS the Note should be a much better GPS experience.
You guys have summed what exactly my reasoning lol. Anyway, hopefully the differences are not drastic from the skyrocket family. If there is little difference other then screen and such, then porting from them (and the tmobile gs2, where most of the development is) can be used, with adding like s memo and such. That would make everyones life better, as maybe something like hellraiser (old infuse term lol its a package you flash after flashing another rom from a whole different phone in the galaxy s family) would be fantastic with a ton more roms to choose from.
kimocal said:
I was bummed about the Exnos initially but then really thought about it. For me Exnos would only really matter if I played a lot of games. The games I play aren't that graphics intensive (Worms, Front Line Commander, Eternity Warriors, Wordfeud, etc). Everything I've thrown at my Touchpad, which also has a S3 SOC, with CM7/9 it has played more than fine. Now with ICS on it the TP really flies and that's even with no video acceleration and other goodies that the Note will have working for sure. ICS on the Note is going to be awesome. I think the S3 chipset will more than suite my needs. The Exnos at this point is more for the gamers and bragging rights.
For me the things I want in my next phone are:
1) Big A$$ Screen
Ever since they announced the Streak I've wanted a phone with a large screen and this is larger than the Streak's screen. Luckily there is a big a$$ battery that comes along with it to get you thru 1 day without needing to be next to a power outlet.
2) NFC
Lots of cool things you can use this for, especially mobile payments. I plan on keeping this phone for a long time so I want to be semi future proof.
3) Local warranty
After having so many Captivates crap out between my wife and I, the thought having to send back that many Notes to the Int'l vendor just doesn't sit well with me. AT$T will comp free stuff when you've returned so many and will even replace it with a new one to keep a customer happy, or in my experience they have.
4) Functioning GPS
The Captivates GPS was barely usable especially in Google Navigation. With the Barometer and GLONASS the Note should be a much better GPS experience.
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Well the Galaxy Note can give you a check by all of your criteria. I must comment on how much you will enjoy the GPS on the GNote. It really is pretty amazing! It locks onto a signal like a hungry dog on a bone and does not let go! Fast, accurate and Google Navi works like a champ! The GNote has access to about 57 or so satellites (US and GLONASS) versus the 27 or so in the US GPS network. That reduces time to lock and since you need 4 satellites to get a fix and altitude the Gnote is unrivaled in heavy urban areas like a downtown city.
Thoughts on the Note? Best AT&T phone available.
-NFC
-HD screen
-best GPS performance
-the chipset has tons of headroom for overclocking as we have seen with the skyrocket
-will be updated to ICS Touchwiz
-will most likely get an amazing CM9 port. (tablet mode would be awesome!)
-Incredible battery life. the best out of all smartphones from my experience
-Wacom screen w/ stylus
-LTE!
looking at the korean version of this phone (pretty much the same as the AT&T version) it has incredible performance and battery life.
I have a lot of people coming into my AT&T store asking about it. This phone has a lot of hype. I'll take a photo of our shipments when they get in.
Maroon Mushroom said:
Thoughts on the Note? Best AT&T phone available.
-NFC
-HD screen
-best GPS performance
-the chipset has tons of headroom for overclocking as we have seen with the skyrocket
-will be updated to ICS Touchwiz
-will most likely get an amazing CM9 port. (tablet mode would be awesome!)
-Incredible battery life. the best out of all smartphones from my experience
-Wacom screen w/ stylus
-LTE!
looking at the korean version of this phone (pretty much the same as the AT&T version) it has incredible performance and battery life.
I have a lot of people coming into my AT&T store asking about it. This phone has a lot of hype. I'll take a photo of our shipments when they get in.
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Click to collapse
Hopefully that means developers too! One of my main reasons i make sure there are developers.
Maroon Mushroom said:
Thoughts on the Note? Best AT&T phone available.
-NFC
-HD screen
-best GPS performance
-the chipset has tons of headroom for overclocking as we have seen with the skyrocket
-will be updated to ICS Touchwiz
-will most likely get an amazing CM9 port. (tablet mode would be awesome!)
-Incredible battery life. the best out of all smartphones from my experience
-Wacom screen w/ stylus
-LTE!
looking at the korean version of this phone (pretty much the same as the AT&T version) it has incredible performance and battery life.
I have a lot of people coming into my AT&T store asking about it. This phone has a lot of hype. I'll take a photo of our shipments when they get in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This might be the Infuse reincarnation where it will get ICS probably in Feb 2013.
Who knows why Exynos was not embedded in the AT&T Note?
arjun90 said:
Who knows why Exynos was not embedded in the AT&T Note?
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Afaik current gen exynos is not compatible with lte. Same reason the skyrocket has the qualcomm s3
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda premium
elmerct said:
Afaik current gen exynos is not compatible with lte. Same reason the skyrocket has the qualcomm s3
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda premium
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Just keep in mind the S3 is still an amazing chipset. Look at the skyrocket forums. They've done amazing things with the same hardware
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
Exactly. I chose the skyrocket and couldn't be happier.
From my testing
Exymos- great for games
Snapdragon- better multitasking and the obvious lte compatibility
Maroon Mushroom said:
Just keep in mind the S3 is still an amazing chipset. Look at the skyrocket forums. They've done amazing things with the same hardware
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
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Sent from my SGH-I727 using XDA App
I know development will be fine for this Beast!! I need the LTE for when I'm on campus. My infuse doesn't do so well in some of the buildings, wifi is so so too. A Guy in my class has the vivid and he has almost full bars everywhere on campus. So the int. Version wouldn't be very useful to me.
What I am curious about is if At&t is going to force the new LTE data plan on me, considering there isn't any LTE where I live, and likely won't be for the next year or two at least. I've still have the old $30 smartphone unlimited data, would be pissed if they made me upgrade my data for basically no reason since I'd still only get H+.
tonyc0642 said:
What I am curious about is if At&t is going to force the new LTE data plan on me, considering there isn't any LTE where I live, and likely won't be for the next year or two at least. I've still have the old $30 smartphone unlimited data, would be pissed if they made me upgrade my data for basically no reason since I'd still only get H+.
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They probably will. The LTE plans are exactly the same cost for the commensurate HSPA plan you are on. You will still be able to get the LTE Unlimited smartphone plan for $30. You might travel to an area with LTE and then would be able to use it. The LTE SIM can also be used in a HSPA area and phone but if you keep your HSPA SIM you will not be able to use LTE if and when in an LTE area.
Just a guess on my part.
tonyc0642 said:
What I am curious about is if At&t is going to force the new LTE data plan on me, considering there isn't any LTE where I live, and likely won't be for the next year or two at least. I've still have the old $30 smartphone unlimited data, would be pissed if they made me upgrade my data for basically no reason since I'd still only get H+.
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Nope, you won't be forced to change it at all. Sales reps encourage you to keep it. You're good to go.
If something happened and it was removed, as long as you say that you previously paid for it and was removed without your consent, you can get it back.
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Related
Given same costs, which would you prefer?
I originally wanted to go to the Sensation, and I waited for it. But, lukewarm initial reviews, $5 more a month for a limited 2GB data cap (vs unlimited and LTE on VZW), and a more active development community with the Thunderbolt convinced me to change my order to VZW.
However, considering the terrible battery life of the Thunderbolt, the fact that I don't get LTE in my office or at home (1x and 3G are my normal connections), and the Tbolt being slightly inferior in the hardware department, I am thinking that i should switch back to the Sensation idea. I get 20% discount with Verizon, versus 12% on Tmobile.
I want to trust that upcoming Gingerbread ROMs for Thunderbolt will result in a better product on a faster network. I'm just somewhat underwhelmed with the Tbolt after a week.
Thoughts?
personally, i would look at it like this
1. what carrier has stronger signal strength where you are
2. LTE vs Hardware. your either going to get amazing download and upload speeds when LTE finally rolls out in your area and imo its amazing + its unlimited if you are grandfathered in; or you can get slightly improved specs which honestly, wont really matter in day to day usage. The only differences you'll really see are when you play high end games or something like that.
3. Which phone has a more developed community. As far as i know, the thunderbolt has a huge community just like the original incredible. Even now, after so many years the incredible is still getting roms. I saw a sense 3.0 rom on an incredible!
sooo up to you lol. your going to be using the phone not me :]
You know I was at the same exact crossroads. I just came off of my 2 year contract with T-Mobile and I was pondering buying the Sensation or switching to Verizon (which has much better coverage in my area). I like the Sensation just a tad better due to its dual core processor and how much shimmer it is. This goes without saying, the Sensation is one sexy phone. It all came down to the carrier for me. In my house I would average 1-2 bars. So I went with VZW and the Thunderbolt. Honestly I love the Thunderbolt. It's great. For you, I would say go with the carrier that has better service in your area which I believe is safe to say Verizon.
Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt using XDA Premium App
if you don't get Ltd where you are most I would go with the sensation
Yeah, it is completely a coin toss. Look at the development community here vs. Sensation, the Tbolt is much more active.
Considering the hell that an AT&T buyout would bring to Atmosphere, I'd be far happier stuck on VZW for two years.
If I can just work around this battery misery, I think the Tbolt will be fine.
Sent from my TBolt using XDA App
BoulderGeek said:
Yeah, it is completely a coin toss. Look at the development community here vs. Sensation, the Tbolt is much more active.
Considering the hell that an AT&T buyout would bring to Atmosphere, I'd be far happier stuck on VZW for two years.
If I can just work around this battery misery, I think the Tbolt will be fine.
Sent from my TBolt using XDA App
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Im getting about 8-10 hrs. on mine right now
setup in sig
Sensation looks pretty sweet. If Verizon had it in their line up it would be a top choice.
Agreed with everybody else. Depends on the carrier. If no LTE get the sensation.
T-Mobile will throttle down your data after you hit the 2GB ceiling, get Verizon before the 7th of July and you're locked in with unltd data with no cap or throttle, be it 3G or LTE. Even if you don't have LTE yet, you will eventually. The majority of features on a smartphone use network data, so all the memory and processing power technology has to offer means absolutely **** when your data stinks.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
If you don't get LTE in your area, download LTE On/Off or a similar program and switch to CDMA Auto. This will greatly improve your battery life.
I would take a not-so-hot device on Verizon's 4G any day over a "hot device" on a non Verizon carrier any day!!
Plus, the TB is definitely hot
Let me offer my feelings, because I have just completed the exact same journey you are embarking on, meaning I had a Sensation on Tmo, and just witched to VZW for the Thunderbolt. Here are my impressions:
HTC Sensation 4G:
I used to be on my company's corporate plan with blackberrys but recently accepted a new job, which allowed me to get whatever phone/carrier I wanted. I had used Tmobile years ago and did the whole HTC HD2 custom ROM thing and had a really good time with it. The sensation always claimed to be on 4g mode and I got relatively good speeds. I could always stream music/videos without any delay, and Speedtest would report about 3mbps on average, with a peak of 8 on a couple of occasions. Coverage was excellent & no dropped calls.
The phone itself is a work of art. It's very light, had outstanding battery life under heavy usage, and Sense 3.0 is beautiful. The tweaked functionality of the camera app among other things was nice. My favorite feature of course being free built in hotspot/tethering. However something was missing.
I really missed the screensize of the HD2. While both are 4.3" diagonal, the S4G has a higher aspect ratio, so the phone is actually skinnier. I didnt like this. I really liked how readable text was on my HD2, and the proximity of icons/buttons when texting were. All in all, the HD2 was simply the perfect size for me.
Then I went to a VZW store and made then unbox a thunderbolt for me so I could try it out without those security wires attached to it. I immediately fell in love and knew within seconds that this was the phone for me. I ran out the buyers remorse period on tmobile just to make sure, and finally made the switch on Monday! I cant tell you how pleased I am. The phone just feels right in my hands.
Every time I used the S4G I was constantly judging it for its screensize. This was a huge bummer, because I could never enjoy the phone. Every time I picked it up all I could think about was how much more smushed and how much scrolling I needed to do to get the same screen real estate visible on the Thunderbolt.
Thoughts on the Thunderbolt:
People arent lying, the battery life is borderline abysmal, but this is actually fine with me since I work behind a desk. I am actually charging it via USB as we speak. I'll probably also plug it into my car charger so it's boosted by the time I get home. I seem to get about 4-6 hours of heavy usage out of it (I was recording myself giving seminars this morning, then surfing all through lunch using the kickstand). I dont mind the battery life since I can easily keep it juiced, but I would NEVER recommend this phone for anyone on the go.
The only thing I actually dont like is how bulky the phone is. Even my HD2 was slimmer/lighter. Maybe its the LTE modem, or maybe it's the kickstand, but the phone feels fat in my hand. In fact, I've basically traded one nuisance for another, nagging on the S4G due to size, and nagging on the TB due to weight. Time will tell if I begin to regret my decision, but I think the other benefits will make up for it.
On TMO, within my first week on the S4G I had already used 1gb. Granted I was playing around with it a bit more than usual, but still. I think we're all gonna hit 2GB a lot sooner than we realize, and the carriers on banking on this (hence the reason they made them). Having 100% unlimited grandfathered 4G with the TB was probably my second biggest selling point. I dont like using a phone and constantly checking the MyAccount app, or 3g watchdog to determine how close I am to running over. It kinda sours the whole experience. With the TB I can just kick back relax and know I'll never be bothered with it.
And speaking of bulk/kickstand issues, I just want to say how AWESOME this kickstand is. I am constantly using it (even though it's only been 3 days lol). I love being able to stand it up and flick through web pages with 1 finger while I eat a sandwich or pasta or something at work. I'm really shocked they arent doing this will all their phones now.
Oh yeah, one other thing, performance. Believe it or not, but the TB actually feels snappier to me running Froyo than the S4G. Dual core or not, the S4G's framerate when switching homescreens always had a little choppiness to it. This really blows and feels like you're using a bogged down phone. The TB always has wonderfully smooth transitions. Obviously this is due to lack of 3d fx, but I'd rather have a smooth simply interface than a clunky advanced one. The only feature of Sense 3.0 I actually used was the lockscreen widget. It's pretty hand to be able to open emails/sms messages from here, but it really only saves you from 1 extra step when you use a standard lockscreen. All the other upgrades apps were pretty useless. Yeah the new weather widget is awesome and I would just stare and stare at it for minutes at a time. That was on my first day. On the 2nd day I never even noticed it. I even used the weather as my wallpaper, and still I didnt notice it.
P.S. I was really nervous about this whole ATT thing too. ATT has given some blanket statement that existing 4g users on Tmo's network will be "given an opportunity to upgrade" or something along those lines. Basically you WILL have to get a new phone eventually. LTE is NOT what Tmo is using, and ATT wants that spectrum baaaaad. Believe me, once it's theirs they are going to use it, and completely redeploy it for real 4G as they can. If you're LUCKY, they MIGHT do it in a series of phaseouts, letting users of phones like the S4G exhaust their contracts before each little piece of spectrum is gobbled up and transformed into LTE space. And thats assuming they're going to play nice, and since when has ATT ever played nice? ATT is always the first carrier to impose some asinine rules or restrictions on their services. They are the last company I would trust to be fair and not just force me to renew my contract in 13 months or be dumped to 2g speeds forever.
Hope that helps!
Verizon + Unlimited 4G LTE on the Thunderbolt can't be beat.
Thank you very much for taking the time to write that up, RunNGun!
You've hit upon many of my concerns and observations. I was actually thinking that the Sensation's aspect ratio difference and smaller size would be a positive for me. the Thunderbolt with a silicone bumper case feels as massive as the old Apple Newton I had in 1994.
But, I'm a relatively substantial guy at six feet and 215lbs, so it's not overwhelmingly large. I think that the 4" AMOLED of the Samsung Galaxy S line is the sweet spot for me. but, when I had one on AT&T, I returned it within three weeks. And I am glad that I did.
I'm getting about the same battery that you are. I also have USB at work and chargers all over the house, cars and motorcycles so I'm quite covered for applying power. I might get 8 hours on the stock battery, with wifi off and green power on.
I'm holding off the root and flash until I am out of return period and whatever upgrade that may come has been seen. I did port over my TMobile number that I've had since 1998, so I am pretty much sold on the Tbolt. i did a Speedtest in the car at a stoplight the other day and got 30mbit! And, I've already burned through 5+ Gigs of data just letting the bloatware do its thing and playing some Pandora.
I had a very good experience with Tmobile on my old Nokia 5800. But that sucked so badly for data services, that i only had text and voice on it. However, i could always make a call, where my GF on iPhone 4 has about a 50/50 chance of getting service or an inbound call.
I've also had good experiences with VZW in the past, but CDMA is such dead tech, it is hard to buy into it in 2011. I'd prefer a true world phone for my travels.
Cheers again for a great synopsis.
So you got the TB then? I have to agree with you about CDMA, but with a carrier as big and powerful as VZW I guess it doesnt really matter, they've certainly proven that it is a reliable platform and they can do great things with it. I wish I could use my phone overseas too, but at least I'll always have my wife's HD2 which is GSM for those occasions.
BTW I forgot to mention that my battery life is stifled from use of bluetooth a lot. I basically leave bluetooth on 24/7, GPS too, even though I'm not really using GPS that much. I dont actually shut off the radio. WiFi is always off. The first day I actually got 12 hours out of it before charging, because I was just too busy to play with it. Hard to say what my ultimate average will really be.
Hello, all...
I JUST upgraded from an Aria to an AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II. THEN I find out that the next day, I could get a Skyrocket for the same price ($150). I asked the person at the store if the phone had 4g, and she said "yes". I didn't know then the difference between HSPA+ and LTE.
Also, I found out that AT&T is planning on upgrading the Skyrocket to ICS, but not the original S II. This really kind of hacks me off!
Anyway, I only got the phone a couple of days ago, but already I loaded a bunch of apps and spent a day setting it up the way I like it. Is it worth it to take it back to the store and swap it out for a Skyrocket? I live in the St. Louis, MO area, so I don't know when we'd be getting LTE.
dochood
If you don't have LTE, absolutely not. If you do have LTE, maybe.
I just bought a SGSII and live in NYC where they will roll out LTE. I'm not due to the change of hardware and dev support. Seems like this is the place to be.
One thing that has me leaning towards getting this is the beter radio. I believe 700Mhz for data.
The OG SGS2 WILL get ICS also FOR SURE. In fact MOST LIKELY we will have a port of it well before the lte SGS2 due to the i9100 being an unbranded phone and the unbranded phones get WAY MORE OS updates than ANY US phone ever gets.
But as far as getting OFFICIAL ICS I would BET that they both get them at the same timeframe or very close to it. And back to the similarities between the i9100 and i777 not near as much work to change/configure the OS would be needed for the i777 as compared to the needed changes for the i727 lte phone and T-Mobile SGS2 version.
We had the SAME thing with the ATT captivate, the i9000 is close to out i897 captivate but the i9000 got way more updates since it is an international version phone that is unbranded.
The same holds true for the i9100 being unbranded and will get more support for it (just look at how many gingerbread leaks they are already getting/ have gotten) The i777 has already gotten what TWO leaks of upgrades and since the i777 is closer to the i9100 almost exactly. We should benefit from them again.
The i727 lte skyrocket ONLY has a close affilitation with the T-Mobile SGS2 with the same hardware all just a added lte radio on the i727 skyrocket.
So in summary the international version SGS2 has sold at least 10 million phones AROUND THE WORLD and the i777 is almost the same exact phone. So support will always be there.
I expect the i727 sky rocket will end up having support for it also but unless 10 Million or so phones are sold between the ATT lte version and the T-Mobile version the support will be more of a one off type phone.
These are just my humble opinions and basing it on how I saw the ATT Captivate get better support since it was close to the i9000 and how ATT does take a LONG TIME to get out OS upgrades for their android phones. Just look at the captivate i897, it has had leaks of different gingerbreads for quite some time yet they STILL do not have an official gingerbread. So when they get gingerbread our SGS2's will already be ICS. That is just how ATT works.
Sent from My KickAss CM7 Captivate
RockRatt said:
The OG SGS2 WILL get ICS also FOR SURE. In fact MOST LIKELY we will have a port of it well before the lte SGS2 due to the i9100 being an unbranded phone and the unbranded phones get WAY MORE OS updates than ANY US phone ever gets.
But as far as getting OFFICIAL ICS I would BET that they both get them at the same timeframe or very close to it. And back to the similarities between the i9100 and i777 not near as much work to change/configure the OS would be needed for the i777 as compared to the needed changes for the i727 lte phone and T-Mobile SGS2 version.
We had the SAME thing with the ATT captivate, the i9000 is close to out i897 captivate but the i9000 got way more updates since it is an international version phone that is unbranded.
The same holds true for the i9100 being unbranded and will get more support for it (just look at how many gingerbread leaks they are already getting/ have gotten) The i777 has already gotten what TWO leaks of upgrades and since the i777 is closer to the i9100 almost exactly. We should benefit from them again.
The i727 lte skyrocket ONLY has a close affilitation with the T-Mobile SGS2 with the same hardware all just a added lte radio on the i727 skyrocket.
So in summary the international version SGS2 has sold at least 10 million phones AROUND THE WORLD and the i777 is almost the same exact phone. So support will always be there.
I expect the i727 sky rocket will end up having support for it also but unless 10 Million or so phones are sold between the ATT lte version and the T-Mobile version the support will be more of a one off type phone.
These are just my humble opinions and basing it on how I saw the ATT Captivate get better support since it was close to the i9000 and how ATT does take a LONG TIME to get out OS upgrades for their android phones. Just look at the captivate i897, it has had leaks of different gingerbreads for quite some time yet they STILL do not have an official gingerbread. So when they get gingerbread our SGS2's will already be ICS. That is just how ATT works.
Sent from My KickAss CM7 Captivate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is true the one-off thing is HUGE in the dev community.........but there will be some dev support for this skyrocket. coming from the infuse a Dead Dev area after the sgs2 was dropped and VERY slow prior anyway.....so i can wait for a dev to get his hands on it. should happen sooner than later.
There is an international version of the Skyrocket.....
http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/26/samsung-announces-galaxy-s-ii-lte-and-galaxy-s-ii-hd-lte-handset/
so maybe they will get ICS around the same time as the OGS2.
MikeyMike01 said:
If you don't have LTE, absolutely not. If you do have LTE, maybe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally don't think it's as black and white as you make it appear to be. I think other things like unlimited data (grandfathered) and larger display can make some people feel the change is worth it. Also pricing since many people probably paid $199 for the OG GS2 whereas the SR can be had for $149 in some markets.
I think if you rely heavily on roms and dev support, the SR is not the better choice though... I do like these things myself, but I'm of the belief that we'll get some love eventually.
Kadin said:
I think other things like unlimited data and larger display can make some people feel the change is worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since when you get unlimited data with the purchase of Skyrocket?
foxbat121 said:
Since when you get unlimited data with the purchase of Skyrocket?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's talking about the grandfathered unlimited data plan that some people still have.
captivatingtab said:
He's talking about the grandfathered unlimited data plan that some people still have.
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Click to collapse
No, read what I quoted. He seems to indicate that unlimited data and larger screen are the benefits of the Skyrocket over OGS2.
captivatingtab said:
There is an international version of the Skyrocket.....
http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/26/samsung-announces-galaxy-s-ii-lte-and-galaxy-s-ii-hd-lte-handset/
so maybe they will get ICS around the same time as the OGS2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except International version of Skyrocket (Celox) has LTE radio tuned to a completely different frequency...
captivatingtab said:
He's talking about the grandfathered unlimited data plan that some people still have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, forgot to clarify that. Thanks.
---------- Post added at 11:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:00 AM ----------
foxbat121 said:
No, read what I quoted. He seems to indicate that unlimited data and larger screen are the benefits of the Skyrocket over OGS2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that's how you read what I said, my apologies. I updated it to reflect what I meant. Basically those people that still have an unlimited data plan might see a benefit to upgrading since they can use LTE (when available) without the worry of hitting a 2GB data cap quickly. It was simply another thing to consider and one that I thought about which lead me to return my OG GS2 and get the SR.
the2rrell said:
this is true the one-off thing is HUGE in the dev community.........but there will be some dev support for this skyrocket. coming from the infuse a Dead Dev area after the sgs2 was dropped and VERY slow prior anyway.....so i can wait for a dev to get his hands on it. should happen sooner than later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Compare that to the still lively Captivate dev community.
That's why I opted for the SGSII.
captivatingtab said:
There is an international version of the Skyrocket.....
http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/26/samsung-announces-galaxy-s-ii-lte-and-galaxy-s-ii-hd-lte-handset/
so maybe they will get ICS around the same time as the OGS2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Difference is, the SGSII has sold probably 15-20million units worldwide (phones based off of the i9100). The LTE version, not even close.
So in the end, I just picked up my brand new SGSII from Bestbuy for $99 It was a tough choice but I prefer the sure bet.
Kadin said:
If that's how you read what I said, my apologies. I updated it to reflect what I meant. Basically those people that still have an unlimited data plan might see a benefit to upgrading since they can use LTE (when available) without the worry of hitting a 2GB data cap quickly. It was simply another thing to consider and one that I thought about which lead me to return my OG GS2 and get the SR.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still don't get what you try to say. Are you saying with OG GS2, you can only use 2GB of data even with unlimited data plan? Or are you implying AT&T won't flag your for tethering if you hit 2GB on a LTE phone? If it is later, do you have any proof for that?
foxbat121 said:
I still don't get what you try to say. Are you saying with OG GS2, you can only use 2GB of data even with unlimited data plan? Or are you implying AT&T won't flag your for tethering if you hit 2GB on a LTE phone? If it is later, do you have any proof for that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm simply implying that with an LTE device, you're much more likely to move through your allotted 2GB of data on a fixed plan compared to unlimited. It's not really a huge thing as I imagine the high % of users don't even use 2GB but with a faster connection, you're more likely to actually use it and therefore a higher or unlimited cap might be a benefit. That's all I'm saying.
So, after reading these posts, and considering the following points of my phone usage:
I use WiFi more than 3G/HSPA+
I got my phone for $150, price matched at an AT&T store with Sam's Club
I've already installed a bunch of apps and stuff on the phone
I hate spending time in AT&T stores
This i777 will probably have better community support, and I can probably get ICS sooner anyway
Who knows when St. Louis will get LTE
I think I'll just keep the phone I have.
Kadin said:
I'm simply implying that with an LTE device, you're much more likely to move through your allotted 2GB of data on a fixed plan compared to unlimited. It's not really a huge thing as I imagine the high % of users don't even use 2GB but with a faster connection, you're more likely to actually use it and therefore a higher or unlimited cap might be a benefit. That's all I'm saying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But unlimited data plan is an inherited right for being old It has nothing to do with the phone of your choice. Less so for choosing one phone over another. I can burn as much data as on OS SGS2 as LTE SGS2 per month if I wanted. Until we see some benchmarks from reputable sources, we don't yet know what's the price to pay for that faster pipe of LTE. If Verizon's LTE phone can be an inidication, you basically burn through your battery juice much quicker than other phones so you get a dead battery early in the day instead of other phones sip through the entire day. In the end, you may use the exact same amount of data. You never know.
Not sure but..... When i am not in my LTE coverage area my download speeds are stilll way faster on my skyrocket than they were on my ogsg2. At the att store where there is no LTE my ogsg2 was get about 2.5 down and the salemans skyrocket was getting over 6 side by side. Might be worth looking into even in non LTE market
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
david032766 said:
Not sure but..... When i am not in my LTE coverage area my download speeds are stilll way faster on my skyrocket than they were on my ogsg2. At the att store where there is no LTE my ogsg2 was get about 2.5 down and the salemans skyrocket was getting over 6 side by side. Might be worth looking into even in non LTE market
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I'll add to this as well. I just hit 4.8Mbps this morning and the fastest I could ever reach on my OGSGS2 was 2.8. Probably a fluke but it did catch my eye.
Just saw this today...
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/...kyrocket-hd-coming-to-atandt-1-5ghz-dual-cor/
I think I may make the switch if it is half as good as I hope. Hopefully they learned from their flaws with the skyrocket.
Nope. I'm staying put with the sgsII!
Sent from my AT&T cellular device.
Just curious as to what makes you say that? No interest in the LTE, bigger screen or new form factor?
Depends on what the Processor is and what OS version it will come with.
i'm actually quite interested in the new skyrocket HD.
However, since there's SGS2 and skyrocket on the market for AT&T already, i doubt that many developers would make the jump and support skyrocket HD.
so i'm just gonna stick with my i777 because i love the developers here
Even if i could, no for the sole reason that it's most likely got a snapdragon chip
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA App
honghsien5 said:
i'm actually quite interested in the new skyrocket HD.
However, since there's SGS2 and skyrocket on the market for AT&T already, i doubt that many developers would make the jump and support skyrocket HD.
so i'm just gonna stick with my i777 because i love the developers here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That too is a huge fear I have and is really my only major drawback to the device.
Now that Orlando will have LTE this is very tempting, but then again I am having way too much fun with the SGS2 to even think about replacing it.
Maybe if they announce it will have the dual core 1.5ghz exynos processors I'll give it another thought.
Samsung is going overboard. They should have released one galaxy s2 with their lte exynos and have a super amoled plus HD, THAT'S innovation, this is BS and gives Android a bad name for fragmentation
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA App
Isn't the GSIII also set to release this spring/summer as well lol?
If it's Crapdragon - hell no.
If it's Exynos - tempting, but I've already purchased one out-of-cycle upgrade, don't need the extra 300 MHz, and LTE will be worthless for at least 2-3 more years here.
Entropy512 said:
If it's Crapdragon - hell no.
If it's Exynos - tempting, but I've already purchased one out-of-cycle upgrade, don't need the extra 300 MHz, and LTE will be worthless for at least 2-3 more years here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2-3 years? How do you figure that?
I get an upgrade once a year with at&t, I got the gs2 the day it came out....so i still have about 7months left untill I can get my upgrade, by that time something bigger and better will be around....if not, i will for sure look into this phone.
im really thinking about it... the screen res was my only complaint with the s2 and now i see hope in the future!!!!
oh and i live in a LTE area
I used my wife's upgrade to get the S2 and i am available for a upgrade next month... i might sell my iphone 4 and S2 and take the upgrade... ill have to play with one first. My wife loves her phone so im set
as far as I know, the Exynos doesnt support LTE yet.
unless that has changed in the last couple months?
I'm sticking with mine. I live in a city that probably won't get LTE for another year or more. By that time, something else will be out and I can get an upgrade then.
I love my GS2 and battery life has been fantastic. Although I'd like a higher resolution screen, it's not enough to make me want to switch to the Skyrocket HD.
i live about 15 minutes north of NYC and LTE stops there so I'm just outside the LTE area. I wont be worrying about LTE devices anytime soon lol
At this point I will just wait for the SGSIII
K Rich said:
as far as I know, the Exynos doesnt support LTE yet.
unless that has changed in the last couple months?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They've had LTE capable exynos processors for a couple months now, I don't know why they haven't used them
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA App
Alucardis666 said:
2-3 years? How do you figure that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in West Virginia. I don't know about Entropy512, but we are last on things like this if we even make the list. you need LTE to use LTE on your phone.
on topic, I'm disgusted with the amount of phones coming out. are people really upgrading every 2 months? Im not getting this.
So here is the deal, I am stuck between the international version, or the at&t version. The only thing is data for T-Mobile data development. Which one has more promise in terms of breakthroughs for data. I know we already have a radio for the note that lets us connect to 1700mhz and get 5mb down.
I am thinking of selling my Sensation and getting this.
I think someone hacked Tito's account. I can't believe a "retired moderator" and someone with more than 2000 posts has started this thread.
I just vote do it man.
Kony 2012 is Propaganda.
www.Facebook.com/freeyourmindcampaign
I'm being serious lol. Just want to have a real discussion about this, not a spec war, or something like that.
Got the AT&T version 2 weeks ago. With the exception of the black pixelation issue, everything's been good. Coming from Sprint, I thought I would hate AT&T but the data speeds have been good, and sometimes insane(beyond 50 mbps). I haven't noticed much lag or anything either. You always have 30 days to return if you think you may not like it.
If T-Mobile data is important then the at&t version is the way to go..
There is still only edge speed on T-Mobile with the inter..
Sent from my GT-N7000
+1 on att. I think they have 3G/4G working on t mobile with some modem hacks like you said.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
~~Tito~~ said:
So here is the deal, I am stuck between the international version, or the at&t version. The only thing is data for T-Mobile data development. Which one has more promise in terms of breakthroughs for data. I know we already have a radio for the note that lets us connect to 1700mhz and get 5mb down.
I am thinking of selling my Sensation and getting this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dude I've said it before and I'm saying it again. the international note will never see 3g on t mobile it's about hardware, and the hardware for that is not there to support that so it will never happen. the only way for that to happen samsung would have recall all of the international note and put in the proper chips in them lol. And we all know that will never happen. Just to show you guys that will never happen I'm putting on a bounty for 1,000,000 dollars to the dev that makes it happen and i know i will never happen. Because if it was gonna happen it would of happened already it's Been too long since the note came out we need to end this madness now.
Sent from my Unlocked SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using T-mobile 4G hack. xda premium
No get an iPhone, stay away from the note.
Lol, its your choice get the one that suits you. What do you want to hear
Sent from my SGH-I717R using Tapatalk
Well, data is important, but I do see development on both sides. Which one seems like it would be the right choice in terms of how it looks and the type of support there is to be expected with it? I know that the international version already has AOKP and ICS things because of the fact that it has the Galaxy Nexus internals...
How is the battery life? My sensation gets terrible battery life like max around 8 hours.
Is the modified Adreno 220 up to par, it being over clocked and such?
~~Tito~~ said:
Well, data is important, but I do see development on both sides. Which one seems like it would be the right choice in terms of how it looks and the type of support there is to be expected with it? I know that the international version already has AOKP and ICS things because of the fact that it has the Galaxy Nexus internals...
How is the battery life? My sensation gets terrible battery life like max around 8 hours.
Is the modified Adreno 220 up to par, it being over clocked and such?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get 12-14 with moderate usage on the ATT version and 18-20 with same usage patterns on the International GNote. I have been using my International this week while on spring break and I love the increased battery life!
Double Post
Hmm, my mom has an upgrade available to her so I could get a note and find her a good at&t phone from my work. The issue would be the monthly rate plan and contract she would be stuck with. Since the price wont change only the data plan, she has unlimited, and it would be 3gb. Amazon has the device for 250, but I don't want her to get stuck in another contract with that expensive of a monthly cost. She was planning on switching to T-Mobile but hasn't because of ETF.
What would be the best option? Get an international, or at&t version? I know the international one is basically having a new modem being written for it so it can potentially be compatible with T-Mobile, and that is wonderful. From someone elses standpoint though which option would be best?
I think the samsung note is one of the best devices for now, also I'd prefer Android instead the Iphone OS (last one sucks).
~~Tito~~ said:
Hmm, my mom has an upgrade available to her so I could get a note and find her a good at&t phone from my work. The issue would be the monthly rate plan and contract she would be stuck with. Since the price wont change only the data plan, she has unlimited, and it would be 3gb. Amazon has the device for 250, but I don't want her to get stuck in another contract with that expensive of a monthly cost. She was planning on switching to T-Mobile but hasn't because of ETF.
What would be the best option? Get an international, or at&t version? I know the international one is basically having a new modem being written for it so it can potentially be compatible with T-Mobile, and that is wonderful. From someone elses standpoint though which option would be best?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the N7000 version & it's awesome. The only thing that it's missing is LTE. Since your girl is on AT&T & has unlimited data, I would recommend she get the int model or you could get the AT&T & trade for the N7000 model.
N7000 has awesome support for ICS right now, AOSP/AOKP & imilka's ICS are pretty awesome & stable.
Get the LTE. So much faster
So I have until about the middle of next month to decide if I'm keeping this or getting something better. I started a new Sprint contract (welcome me to the club?) and the Photon 4G was free with new activation. I've always been a big fan of Tegra 2 devices, I used to own a Transformer but I had to sell it to buy college books.
Now, I have the extra money to either buy a Nexus 7 tablet in that time (or whatever competitive tablet to the Nexus 7 is out at that point) or the S3 and maybe a cheap Allwinner tablet or something. Now if the phone is really THAT good, I could pony up for the S3 and still get a Nexus 7 but I'm trying to get the best 'bang for buck' performance.
My question is, is the S3 worth it? Would an over-clocked Tegra 2 hold its weight? Is the S3 even better for gaming? I was under the belief that the Snapdragon S3 processes faster than the Exynos quad core, the GPU on the Exynos is actually better. I do play games.
The one thing I don't like is that it seems like all the cool roms, like CM 10 hashes and heavily modded roms, tend to kill 4G. I actually am in a spotty 4G area but it's here and there so I like to have it when I can. I also feel like the dev support isn't as high as HTC/Samsung devices but root/unlock is there so it's not that big of a deal to just mod minimally and let apps take care of the rest.
The screen size isn't huge but it's big enough and while the resolution isn't 720p, it's a phone so that's not TOO big of a deal.
The thing is, I'll be locked to whatever device I get for at least 20 months and that's a long time, especially if LTE drops in San Diego.
The one thing holding me back is that while the device is great NOW, what about 8 months from now? Even the S3 will be skipping a few beats in 8 months.
What do you guys think? Pony up and potentially skip the Nexus 7, keep the Photon 4G, mod the crap out of it and pick up some cheap Allwinner tablet for my book reading or man up and buy both?
Essenar said:
So I have until about the middle of next month to decide if I'm keeping this or getting something better. I started a new Sprint contract (welcome me to the club?) and the Photon 4G was free with new activation. I've always been a big fan of Tegra 2 devices, I used to own a Transformer but I had to sell it to buy college books.
Now, I have the extra money to either buy a Nexus 7 tablet in that time (or whatever competitive tablet to the Nexus 7 is out at that point) or the S3 and maybe a cheap Allwinner tablet or something. Now if the phone is really THAT good, I could pony up for the S3 and still get a Nexus 7 but I'm trying to get the best 'bang for buck' performance.
My question is, is the S3 worth it? Would an over-clocked Tegra 2 hold its weight? Is the S3 even better for gaming? I was under the belief that the Snapdragon S3 processes faster than the Exynos quad core, the GPU on the Exynos is actually better. I do play games.
The one thing I don't like is that it seems like all the cool roms, like CM 10 hashes and heavily modded roms, tend to kill 4G. I actually am in a spotty 4G area but it's here and there so I like to have it when I can. I also feel like the dev support isn't as high as HTC/Samsung devices but root/unlock is there so it's not that big of a deal to just mod minimally and let apps take care of the rest.
The screen size isn't huge but it's big enough and while the resolution isn't 720p, it's a phone so that's not TOO big of a deal.
The thing is, I'll be locked to whatever device I get for at least 20 months and that's a long time, especially if LTE drops in San Diego.
The one thing holding me back is that while the device is great NOW, what about 8 months from now? Even the S3 will be skipping a few beats in 8 months.
What do you guys think? Pony up and potentially skip the Nexus 7, keep the Photon 4G, mod the crap out of it and pick up some cheap Allwinner tablet for my book reading or man up and buy both?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While getting photons ICS drivers complete our JB and ICS builds is seemingly inevitable, we don't have that same promise for an unlocked boot loader. So if by all means you 'need' 4g but still want to mod the hell out of your phone, go on and get the S3. In many ways, the Photon is a much better phone in my (perhaps biased) opinion. An extra two cores in your processor is well and good and all, but will those cores make a huge difference in the every day use of the phone? Would you be able to tell the difference past being able to crank up the settings in the games you play? Probably not enough to justify dropping 200 bucks and getting a totally different phone. The photon is already a beast at stock and blazingly fast after some modifications. And if Moto drops those drivers next month, **** is about to get really exciting up in here soon. Besides, its September, the new Nexus will be getting announced in like a month and a half. If you're considering a new phone, that would probably be the device to wait patiently for. As for me, I'm jump on board with whatever Nokia wp8 device drops in sprints lap (if it ever does).
Get the S3. It will last you much longer and you won't regret it after you get it. If you have to spend the money, spend it. You will get a greater return on your investment over the next 2 years.
Sent from my HTC One XL using xda app-developers app
Acvice said:
While getting photons ICS drivers complete our JB and ICS builds is seemingly inevitable, we don't have that same promise for an unlocked boot loader. So if by all means you 'need' 4g but still want to mod the hell out of your phone, go on and get the S3. In many ways, the Photon is a much better phone in my (perhaps biased) opinion. An extra two cores in your processor is well and good and all, but will those cores make a huge difference in the every day use of the phone? Would you be able to tell the difference past being able to crank up the settings in the games you play? Probably not enough to justify dropping 200 bucks and getting a totally different phone. The photon is already a beast at stock and blazingly fast after some modifications. And if Moto drops those drivers next month, **** is about to get really exciting up in here soon. Besides, its September, the new Nexus will be getting announced in like a month and a half. If you're considering a new phone, that would probably be the device to wait patiently for. As for me, I'm jump on board with whatever Nokia wp8 device drops in sprints lap (if it ever does).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The lines are even blurrier than that.
The US Galaxy S3 doesn't have a quad core so it's Tegra 2 vs. Snapdragon S4 Krait dual core. The S4 dual core is hands, feet, shoulders and head better than the Tegra 2 in terms of CPU performance. However, the S4 GPU is actually 'worse' than the Exynos and Tegra 3 GPU. So the question is where the Tegra 2 GPU stands against the S4 GPU. And the game settings are absolutely part of the reason I'll choose one over the other. I plan on playing the latest games, PSX roms, etc with the device over the two years I own it. That's also why I'm considering if even the Galaxy S3 is powerful enough.
The other issue is LTE network. I have NO idea when Sprint's LTE will drop in San Diego but I know it won't be two years. Once LTE drops, I'll be on the archaic, spotty inconsistent WiMax 4G connection. I miss LTE and I'm not sure if the Photon 4G will be LTE compatible.
I also wonder if it's worth it to just pick up a clean-ESN Photon 4G on Craigslist or Ebay and using that until the US quad-cores drop because the S3 maybe isn't 'enough' of an upgrade to justify the two year commitment when new phones might be on the horizon.
Essenar said:
The lines are even blurrier than that.
The US Galaxy S3 doesn't have a quad core so it's Tegra 2 vs. Snapdragon S4 Krait dual core. The S4 dual core is hands, feet, shoulders and head better than the Tegra 2 in terms of CPU performance. However, the S4 GPU is actually 'worse' than the Exynos and Tegra 3 GPU. So the question is where the Tegra 2 GPU stands against the S4 GPU. And the game settings are absolutely part of the reason I'll choose one over the other. I plan on playing the latest games, PSX roms, etc with the device over the two years I own it. That's also why I'm considering if even the Galaxy S3 is powerful enough.
The other issue is LTE network. I have NO idea when Sprint's LTE will drop in San Diego but I know it won't be two years. Once LTE drops, I'll be on the archaic, spotty inconsistent WiMax 4G connection. I miss LTE and I'm not sure if the Photon 4G will be LTE compatible.
I also wonder if it's worth it to just pick up a clean-ESN Photon 4G on Craigslist or Ebay and using that until the US quad-cores drop because the S3 maybe isn't 'enough' of an upgrade to justify the two year commitment when new phones might be on the horizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Photon unfortunately doesn't support lte. And if it makes you feel better I check out all the latest games and run psx ROMs all the time without a hitch. Most are developed for tegra 3 and almost all seem to be tegra 2 compatible and the ones that arnt usually note that they will be. Iono man, I just seriously advise against using your two year upgrade on the s3. I can almost promise that within two months something will come out that you'll be like "damn I really want this phone, I should have waited". One thing I've figured out about technology over the years is that after doing your research, if the product doesn't absolutely speak to you, just sit tight for a product that does.
If you are still within a time frame that you can switch out your photon for an SG3, than you might be also within the timeframe to cancel your contract without ETF reprecussions.
Based on the available phone lineups and uncertainty (LTE in sandiego, etc), locking in on a 2yr contract would be a poor investment. I would recommend going with a prepaid cell provider and getting a phone for that network that has a pretty good resell value.
examples:
pentaband galaxy nexus from google play store - tmobile walmart plan ($30/month)
CDMA phone from craigslist/ebay - straightalk
Try to get a photon 4G off craiglist!! I got mine for 80$ u can later sell it for an upgrade photon is a GSM phone more options to sell than the s3 from sprint and later in couple of months perhaps u can upgrade. Am also waiting on a better gsm/lte option from sprint as the photon Q has the gsm sim card embedded
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