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My Galaxy Nexus died in a horrible freak accident, and SquareTrade ended up sending me a wad of cash to find another phone. Logically, I wanted to take the S3 for a test drive because it's the newest, hottest kid on the block (and I missed not having a MicroSD card).
I picked up my T-Mobile S3 in store today for the full retail price, and walked out excited as I always am to have a new toy in hand. Now, beware, I'm going to say some negative things about this phone, but that is because I want you guys to tell re-assure me that I'll learn to love it, or they'll get fixed etc because I really want to like this phone.
First off, the good things over my dead GNex:
Speed: Holy cow, that Krait CPU is blindingly fast. I knew the GNex was never a rocketship, but I wasn't aware of how slow it was until I played with the S3. Things run like butter, and JB(4.1) is only going to make that more amazing.
Camera: Yeah, the GNex camera sucks. This isn't as amazing as I hoped it would be, but it is nice to have something that instantly looks like crap.
Screen: It is a sweet screen, but I'm not sure if it is better than the GNex. If it is, I don't really see it (and can't compare side by side) and is still in amazing screen.
Now, the things I don't like:
SMS: WHY THE **** does my SCREEN turn on EVERY TIME an SMS comes in??? WHERE IS THE SETTING TO KILL THAT?!
Lockscreen: The "barely touch" to unlock is a joke. (Yes, I know you can replace it)
The body: Man, that blue looks pretty, but holy balls is that phone a pain to hold on to in 90 degree heat. What's the point of making a gorgeous phone that you have to keep in a case?
Build quality: It honestly doesn't feel as "solid" as the gnex, but has anyone had any quality issues with theirs yet?
Bloatware: I thought the Sensation was bad when I bought it, but this phone has so many apps that I never want to use, it's not even funny. I spent the first half hour going through and disabling applications.
Signal Quality: I drive a certain stretch of road that is hell on connections. I've had HTC's, Samsungs, etc drop out. It's just a great place to test radios and phones... Well, this one? Drops as much as the old HTC G2 did, if not more. Absolutely impossible to keep a signal. Now, thinking it was a bad signal day, I popped my micro SIM in an adapter and back into my HD2 and drove the road again... This time? No issue.
Home button: Really? A hard to press, narrow button for the most used button on the phone? I worry about dropping the phone, as it is so light, I have to hold it tightly with one hand to press the button.
So I know this may seem petty, but I'm really hoping you guys can convince me one way or another. Sure, this phone will always be faster than my GNex, but a GNex is half the price, and for me, in many ways feels like a better phone.
Thanks
Another thing I've notice, the screen can't figure out if it wants to be dim or bright. It'll sit there and go from one extreme to the other over a minutes time. Never in the middle.
Is it sounding like I have a defective unit?
I also had a Nexus Prime and I would of kept it if it had an sd card slot and WAY better camera & that's where the S3 comes in. Sure it has bloat and touchwiz isn't the best but AOSP is on its way & with it, improvements. As for build quality, I like it better than the nexus. Signal wise I was have at least 3 bars so I'm happy. I do agree though that the unit gets quite hot sometimes, but overall I love this device
Higher the processor speed the hotter it runs. You could limit the processor speed but you lose the blazing speed.. but I also lose the blazing heat. LOL.
As for the build quality its not bad. It doesn't feel like it'll break when I try to bend the unit. The gorilla glass is pretty strong but its not shatter proof. Don't drop it! Already seen a few shattered screens.
The software issues are just that.. all just software which is easy to change either by using replacement programs like handcent SMS or rooting then replacing the rom or disabling and removing the bloat. All that should matter is the hardware and if you're happy with the performance, look, feel, battery life, and reception.
Sent from my SGH-T999V using xda app-developers app
Yes please but on a screen protector. Dont trust the gorilla glass its bad. they should just take gorilla glass out of the specs for the phone. it doesnt work. i dont care how many youtube videos you watch that says it does.... it doesnt
curtiscr87 said:
Yes please but on a screen protector. Dont trust the gorilla glass its bad. they should just take gorilla glass out of the specs for the phone. it doesnt work. i dont care how many youtube videos you watch that says it does.... it doesnt
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I've never had issues with scratches on my Gorilla glass, even on my tablet which gets abused in the shop while I'm working on things. Then again, my HD2 never got a scratch either.
franknozly said:
Higher the processor speed the hotter it runs. You could limit the processor speed but you lose the blazing speed.. but I also lose the blazing heat. LOL.
As for the build quality its not bad. It doesn't feel like it'll break when I try to bend the unit. The gorilla glass is pretty strong but its not shatter proof. Don't drop it! Already seen a few shattered screens.
The software issues are just that.. all just software which is easy to change either by using replacement programs like handcent SMS or rooting then replacing the rom or disabling and removing the bloat. All that should matter is the hardware and if you're happy with the performance, look, feel, battery life, and reception.
Sent from my SGH-T999V using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
So Handcent can fix the screen on issue? GoSMS so far hasn't been any help.
AttachedSilver said:
I also had a Nexus Prime and I would of kept it if it had an sd card slot and WAY better camera & that's where the S3 comes in. Sure it has bloat and touchwiz isn't the best but AOSP is on its way & with it, improvements. As for build quality, I like it better than the nexus. Signal wise I was have at least 3 bars so I'm happy. I do agree though that the unit gets quite hot sometimes, but overall I love this device
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Click to collapse
You nailed it, the camera and the MicroSD slot are the two most compelling things about this phone for me.
arthurbrownleeiv said:
I've never had issues with scratches on my Gorilla glass, even on my tablet which gets abused in the shop while I'm working on things. Then again, my HD2 never got a scratch either.
So Handcent can fix the screen on issue? GoSMS so far hasn't been any help.
You nailed it, the camera and the MicroSD slot are the two most compelling things about this phone for me.
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Click to collapse
Yes handcent fixes that screen on issue if you disable popup notifications. That's the kind of notification that shows a dialog box with a quick reply option.
If disabled then the screen doesn't turn on and the SMS stays in the notification area.
Infact you can enable the pop-up notification but choose to disable screen on for pop-ups. That works too.
Sent from my SGH-T999V using xda app-developers app
arthurbrownleeiv said:
Another thing I've notice, the screen can't figure out if it wants to be dim or bright. It'll sit there and go from one extreme to the other over a minutes time. Never in the middle.
Is it sounding like I have a defective unit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure you don't have the eye/face detection turned on? My screen does that at work (I have mine set on) and even though I'm not directly stairing at it, it picks up my eyes (I have my phone placed below my monitor). Sometimes it bugs me enough just to turn the thing face down.
or maybe it can be the autolight sensor.
:shrug
There's a setting in gosms to turn off the "screen turning on with an sms" option
My major concern is with the home button. What on earth were they thinking?
I'm a firm believer that AOSP on this phone will make it a true winner with the on-screen navigation buttons enabled and the capacitive and physical ones disabled. Maybe we could repurpose the big ol physical one to do something else in the future.
Sent from my Droid Incredible using the XDA app.
franknozly said:
Yes handcent fixes that screen on issue if you disable popup notifications. That's the kind of notification that shows a dialog box with a quick reply option.
If disabled then the screen doesn't turn on and the SMS stays in the notification area.
Infact you can enable the pop-up notification but choose to disable screen on for pop-ups. That works too.
Sent from my SGH-T999V using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll download that one and give it a whirl.
rosedog said:
Are you sure you don't have the eye/face detection turned on? My screen does that at work (I have mine set on) and even though I'm not directly stairing at it, it picks up my eyes (I have my phone placed below my monitor). Sometimes it bugs me enough just to turn the thing face down.
or maybe it can be the autolight sensor.
:shrug
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Click to collapse
Yeah, I turned off a lot of the gesture/motion things right out of the box, as some just didn't seem natural at all. I could never get the whole unlocking motion one to work either. That was annoying for a bit.
Bluerai said:
There's a setting in gosms to turn off the "screen turning on with an sms" option
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Click to collapse
I'll check again, but I'm not finding it.
Div033 said:
My major concern is with the home button. What on earth were they thinking?
I'm a firm believer that AOSP on this phone will make it a true winner with the on-screen navigation buttons enabled and the capacitive and physical ones disabled. Maybe we could repurpose the big ol physical one to do something else in the future.
Sent from my Droid Incredible using the XDA app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The sad thing is, as much as I'd love to have on screen buttons like the Gnex, then we're stuck with that long chin being nonfunctional. I guess it wouldn't be bad if the back and menu button never lit up and were completely disabled. Possible use the home button as a shutter button then? Who knows.
It really does blow my mind how they did a physical button for the home button of all things.
I enjoyed a physical home button on my previous phones. To each his/her own?
Cappurnikus said:
I enjoyed a physical home button on my previous phones. To each his/her own?
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I loved the ones on the HD2. However, they weren't as difficult to press, and the phone was a lot heavier. It made it so when you pushed them, the phone didn't want to flip out of your hand. The SGS3 is so smooth and lightweight, I don't even try to hit the home button one handed anymore.
Cappurnikus said:
I enjoyed a physical home button on my previous phones. To each his/her own?
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Click to collapse
Although I have a trackpad on the g2 I use it to turn the phone on so I love the home button on the s3 since a lot of times I leave the phone on the desk or table during lectures and stuff and its just convenient to turn the phone on that way but like some said its hard to press without fearing of it falling out of ur hand due to the large size and thinness
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda app-developers app
My home button is very easy to press and it never feels like it'll fall out of my hand while holding it with only one.
thetony said:
My home button is very easy to press and it never feels like it'll fall out of my hand while holding it with only one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you have smaller thumbs? For me, I have a big wide thumb, and I have to press with enough force to make my thumb "go into the recessed" area to completely depress the button.
My wife wants the Sony Xperia S. Prob because it looks nice (thats women for you lol). Im interested to hear what exhisting owners think about the device. Both Pluses and minus of owning this device please. I own a HTC senstaion and so right away, I would be looking to compare the 2 phones but thats just me, Im like that. 2 yrs is a long time to be stuck on a contract so I want her to be sure and who better people to ask than the users of xda forums. I always value your thoughs, ideas and advice. Thanks in advance guys
I wrote a review here: http://teendroid.com/index.php/item/14-xperia-s-review
Felimenta97 said:
I wrote a review here: http://teendroid.com/index.php/item/14-xperia-s-review
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Nice little read and very well written. Have you had any issues with it dying on you? What about multitasking? Fiddly?
TudorBlue said:
Nice little read and very well written. Have you had any issues with it dying on you? What about multitasking? Fiddly?
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Click to collapse
Well, thanks. Well, multitasking its really good, but some apps really use lot of RAM, so you may see some stuttering once a while. If I understood, the phone will be for your wife. Try asking her permission to root and remove some bloatware she may not use. About dying, I was kinda surprised, sometimes it stopped working and I had to reset it. I'm not sure if it was my fault of heavy usage or its some problem with it. But, if she is like most users, she will use it for some browsing, calls messages and Facebook, the phone is great. Loud and clear calls. I heavily recommend it
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk 2
Sweet! thanks Felimenta97
funny my wife has a sensation and thinks my xs is ugly, typical woman lol!
to compare the 2 (both rooted on ics) i find the xs much quicker and smoother, the screen is amazing. camera not many features but picture quality is brilliant.
the only negatives, for me, about the xs are the non physical buttons take a bit of getting used to (no problem now), the power / screen lock button is in a ridiculous position (screen off & lock app solves half the problem) and because of the size of the screen not always easy to reach far corners one handed.
also battery life is slightly worse than sensation, not a huge difference, but noticeable.
so maybe take her to a store see if she likes the feel of it, because performance wise it is an amazing phone.
jojo1980 said:
funny my wife has a sensation and thinks my xs is ugly, typical woman lol!
to compare the 2 (both rooted on ics) i find the xs much quicker and smoother, the screen is amazing. camera not many features but picture quality is brilliant.
the only negatives, for me, about the xs are the non physical buttons take a bit of getting used to (no problem now), the power / screen lock button is in a ridiculous position (screen off & lock app solves half the problem) and because of the size of the screen not always easy to reach far corners one handed.
also battery life is slightly worse than sensation, not a huge difference, but noticeable.
so maybe take her to a store see if she likes the feel of it, because performance wise it is an amazing phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
She picked it up this morning. not had a chance to have a play with it yet. Wil have to make sure my hands are clean, she picked the white one.
TudorBlue said:
She picked it up this morning. not had a chance to have a play with it yet. Wil have to make sure my hands are clean, she picked the white one.
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Click to collapse
No need. Of course they need to be clean, but that doesn't mean you have to wash your hands everytime you will pick up the phone. If you (or she) want to do a quick clean, make your shirt a little "humid" and clean the back of the phone. Once a while, use a soft cloth.
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk 2
I am considering buying this. With a hefty price tag of 820 dollars here in Sweden, I have to ask if there's anything bad with this phone that might cause you to rethink?
It is mostly positive mate, the only bad things I can say is that the power button and volume rockers are a tad flimsy. And that is nit picking. Best phone on the market easily.
Flimsy as in unreliable at times or flimsy as in will break completely after a while?
Theshawty said:
Flimsy as in unreliable at times or flimsy as in will break completely after a while?
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Click to collapse
Flimsy as in it feels breakable, but no-one has had a problem as of yet.
Theshawty said:
Flimsy as in unreliable at times or flimsy as in will break completely after a while?
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Click to collapse
Flimsy as in cheaply made, breakable. But not a big issue and by no means a dealbreaker!
It's not as cheaply made as the power button of the Nexus One, is it?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
The biggest problem for me is how things unload so quickly/easily in the background which makes multitasking much more of a pain than the S2 was.
The only complaint that I have with this phone is the buttons are a little flimsy. But all in all the phone is great and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a top of the line smart phone!
Why you all complaining about the buttons? I find nothing wrong with them exept the little "lag" with the home button
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
I have no problems with the buttons or with lag or redraw.
Theshawty I remember you from the gnex forums so I have no doubt you will have your phone flashed with something or other so you don't need to worry about any software issues, redraw is easily fixed by changing oom priorities in service.jar, easy work for a nexus veteran! XD
your gonna sell the gnex or keep it?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
nodstuff said:
I have no problems with the buttons or with lag or redraw.
Theshawty I remember you from the gnex forums so I have no doubt you will have your phone flashed with something or other so you don't need to worry about any software issues, redraw is easily fixed by changing oom priorities in service.jar, easy work for a nexus veteran! XD
your gonna sell the gnex or keep it?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
Hey nodstuff! I don't know if I really should buy this, I mean, I bought the Nexus in April so it's relatively new. If I do, however, buy the Galaxy S3, I'll keep the Nexus. ^^
AMOLED screen is the main issue on S3. Losing most of the details in dark scenes when watching video. Other than that, is perfect phone.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Theshawty said:
I am considering buying this. With a hefty price tag of 820 dollars here in Sweden, I have to ask if there's anything bad with this phone that might cause you to rethink?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- Poor memory management force home screen to redraw when exiting heavy apps. Should be solvable by sw or maybe 1 GB is too low (intl. quad version).
- Unusable in direct sunlight, too low brightness. Not solvable.
- Auto brightness is too aggressive and not smooth. Solvable via sw at the expense of battery life.
Every other aspect of the phone is fantastic. Super stable and smooth. Great job from Sammy making a very usable phone out of the box.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
i love the phone.so dont just fokus on all the negative. no phone is totaly perfect for all.
my problems with it. is not mush.
no lanyard hole. ? i have allways used that. and has saved my phones alot in the past.
and i get a strange spoken code when pinching the homescren. wery wierd.
and when playing vertical games. (isent all ? ) i often hit the tuch bottens.
and i cant turn of the shutter sound. for camera.
but im new. and a noob. so i dont root and such. (dont even know what it is hehe)
This phone is pretty awesome. It's the first time is used a manufacturer UI (touchwiz nature UX) that I feel actually feel makes the phone more usable and functionable than stock android. Sure, the HTC one x might have a slightly better screen, but overall this phone is awesome.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Theshawty said:
Hey nodstuff! I don't know if I really should buy this, I mean, I bought the Nexus in April so it's relatively new. If I do, however, buy the Galaxy S3, I'll keep the Nexus. ^^
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Click to collapse
I remember you from nexus forums.
I sold my nexus last week and aren't planning on looking back. Sure the nexus gets faster software updates but this has better battery life, more storage, and a better camera. Screen is also slightly larger.
The only other thing, apart from the updates, I prefer the capacitive home button on the nexus. The mechanical home button is not too great, was stiff at first but now it's a bit better worn in and I'm getting used to it. It's not a deal breaker, let's put it that way.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
What's really bad about this phone for me is that I can't leave it alone. I love modding it and shooting pics and videos with it. Haven't experienced any issues with the buttons, but that could be because it's rooted and I use touch recovery and quick boot. It's been over one month since I last had to hold in the three buttons to get the phone into recovery/bootloader mode.
My main problems is:
- The redraw issue... No much of a problem anyway.
- Feels like the phone is worth 10$. To much cheap plastic.
- Screen is a bit "dirty" when showing white's and greys (PENTILE AMOLED issue)
- Agree with the flimsy power/volume buttons.
- Backcover makes some noise when pressed. Not 100% seal with phone.
Think im happy with the phone. Only had it for a couple of weeks. It's superfast and stable.
Isn't the size of the phone an issue?
I ordered a SIII yesterday, and what worries me is the size. I'm used to have my phone in the front pocket of my jeans and I'm worried that it won't fit there, at least while driving my car.
Where do you all carry your phones?
Pebble blue is pebble purple.
It is still laggy till jellybean comes out.
Touchwiz.
Feels empty at the back and very slippery may want to get a case.
Am mm that's it the rest is fine.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
I would like for us to share tips on how to make using this larger device easier, especially one handed...
I will edit this post as people make suggestions. I just ask that you keep them in a list form (or otherwise organized manor) to make it easy for me to copy/paste into this post.
Ditched the stock launcher for Nova Launcher... (or other custom launcher)
Add a row and column of icons so the vast real estate of this phone can be much better utilized. How can this help with one handed use? Well now that you have more icons, closer together.. you can put them along one side of the phone to get at them more easily if you wish.
If the launcher offers gestures... set up a couple gestures. When not in an app, have a "down" gesture to open the notification panel. Prevents having to reach up and drag your thumb down to get at the panel. HUGE help!
Set up a "up" gesture to open the most recent apps list. Another shortcut allowing to reach less with the thumb.
You can set up all kinds of gestures.. use them to your one handed advantage!
We can also discuss the Note II overall/in general if you want. The pitfalls and perks... maybe even the Pro/cons of other potential high end devices that some may be interested in if they find the Note II just too large.
Why did I start this thread?
Well to get some tips for myself... and to allowed them to be shared. Plus I am very much on the fence with this device. I never really wanted a large phone. I thought my Galaxy Nexus was a little too big, but at least I was able to do most things one handed without feeling like my grip on the device was only poor at best. But my fiance wanted the Note II and wants us to have the same phone. (because if she has issues, usually after rooting and flashing custom ROMs, I know how to fix them most times, and I keep up with updates to ROMs and news better for my own device)
I love just about everything about this phone... The quad core really makes this phone run smooth, and the screen is the first AMOLED that I actually like, and the battery life is great, even if it didn't have a huge battery... but the size is proving difficult to adjust to. I went from a 3.7 inch MT4G to a Rezound with much less trouble.
So now I am looking at alternatives to the Note II and I see slim options. (on Verizon anyway)
The Droid DNA: Very nice screen... S4 Pro CPU thermal issues and battery life issues... and Sense... ugh Sense... I learned quickly when I switched to Verizon that Sense is a pain to get rid of, due to not being able to directly compile RIL from source like GSM. Not that I mind Sense as an overlay, its reasonably responsive... it just kills battery life compared to stock Android. Plus I just prefer AOSP based.
Droid Razr M: I would say it is about as close to the perfect sized phone there could be. (for me at least) Plenty of useful screen for a phone without the bulk... But the Pentile screen... ew... AMOLED has enough issues with colors being wrong or whites getting yellowed at lower brightness... don't make it worse with Pentile! The resolution may not be "high end" 720p or better, but qHD isn't bad on a phone. With pentile the graininess makes my eyes bleed. Its only dual core, but its still a decent CPU... but its dual core... A problem most other Android devices share right now.
Droid Razr HD (and Maxx): Pentile... once again... Even with the HD display, I still see it... I seen it on my GNex as well. (If you haven't noticed, I don't like Pentile displays)
The only viable Non-Android options...
HTC 8X: Very nice size and handy feeling phone... Windows Phone 8... its not as customizable as Android but not as limiting as iOS... and the interface is pretty slick. The aesthetics are a little odd, but the OS is fluid and smooth... The jury is still out on battery life... it has no built in turn by turn navigation, and the options to get it are limited in the market right now. The whole market is limited ATM... Some things do not feel as refined as they could be (like the keyboard) So it could be like an exciting beginning like Android was back in the day, or I could be spoiled by Android's current refinement level and be wholly annoyed... Dual core, but not limiting on a Windows phone really, it runs very smooth as I said. Its the little things that add up to me not really liking the phone, like navigation and keyboard I mentioned earlier.
iPhone 5: (hiss spit) The dreaded iPhone! Despite the general dislike of iPhones by Android users, it is a competent device... limiting... but competent. My multitasking is limited anyway, so that may not prove an issue... its the lack of customizing that gets me... Its is a really good size though... the 4 inch screen works well for one handed use, like the very similarly overall sized Razr M and its 4.3 inch screen. Compared to the prior iPhones, the size is an improvement... I just find the iPhone (mostly iOS it runs on) boring, very bland and boring. (the physical device itself is nice though) The only real benefit to switching to the iPhone 5 would be that if I chose to sell it in a few months because an Android device came along I really like on Verizon, I can sell it to someone wanting to upgrade but still in contract, and make enough to almost pay for the new phone.
So... there it is... the options as i see them. Feel free to comment and share your tips on using the Note II.
Seems to me that you've already decided to get a different phone rather than give this one a chance.
I have large hands so I dont have any trouble.
/sent from my Gnote2 using tapacrap\
Gnex is an amoled screen not pen tile. I just came from a gnex..at first I thought my gnex was big...then I got an extended battery for grip and the phone was perfect...now ive given my wife the 4.2.1 gnex and got the note 2 for myself...well seidio hasnt come out with a convert extended case or battery yet so I can agree that the phone is cumbersome to hold and I dare not hold it upto my ear like a brick lol. Blue tooth only. But I am adjusting I've had the phone for four days lol. If any thing there needs to be a case with finger perches smack dab in the back middle of the phone so you can grip it and still articulate your thumb acroas the screen one handed without the phone being pushed all the way up in your palm
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
Battery life on DNA is fine...I had it for 2weeks.
I have normal sized hands I would say I don't really have any issues when I'm not texting I hold the phone in the middle so I can reach the whole device and I use the one hand keyboard for texting so that's not a big deal
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
If I had given up on it... I would have already taken it back... I was at the Verizon store today returning the flip cover as I didn't care for it. Asked about the proccess to swap devices... didn't.
To be honest... the limited number of good options available, and the thought of "possibly" getting an iPhone made me physically ill... Ugh nausea over a phone... something is wrong with me.
Deckoz2302 said:
Gnex is an amoled screen not pen tile.
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Click to collapse
It is AMOLED with Pentile... Anandtech confirms Gnex pentile (plus I can see the pixels... as I have very good eyes)
Dude, get a flygrip and call it a day
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
sleevasteve said:
Dude, get a flygrip and call it a day
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting... but I think I would dislike it overall. It sticks to the back of the phone and looks cumbersome. Anything that I have to manipulate to make it work will not be useful when I am stuffed under an instrument panel of an airplane. LOL
I think as your post illustrates, there are just so many different phones for different use situations now. There's no reason to try to force one to be everything to everyone (yourself). It's a big phone. No one can make it seem like it's not, that's it's feature if you will. It's a notepad and a powerful mobile computing platform. It stands in for anyone who wants a multi use device to bridge the gap between a tablet/pc/phone.
I went from the iPhone to a much larger S3 and I never looked back. It was way larger, but I adjusted such that I couldn't look at a smaller screen and feel comfortable. It was large enough where I imagined using a phone just a bit larger that would take away some of that time I was wishing I had my tablet with me for reading and writing. Amazingly, that device exists and it looks like a larger version of the best phone I ever used, the S3. Hooray.
My point is this, think only of how you use the phone or how you want to use it. If comfort in the hand is primary, don't buy the Note 2. It's an amazing phone, but all those phones you listed are good. You have the option to break it down however you like. I considered the DNA for the beautiful screen, but I want expandable storage and battery, I wanted the option of the stylus. If it were about fitting in my pocket or hand most of all, I would never have left the S3.
Yeah, other than size its got the features I wanted. I am hoping I can adapt... if anyone has some tips to help that along. I also have a TPU case coming in the mail sometime that may add some texture and keep the phone from feeling too slick.
The screen is very important to me... the quality anyway. If the screen is poor, then I am unhappy with the phone. Which is why I eliminated many options, including the SIII.
here is an unboxing/preview of the flygrip.
http://www.examiner.com/article/unboxing-flygrip-kickstand-and-one-handed-phone-grip
Looks great, works great.
In and out of pocket isn't an issue.
Deckoz2302 said:
Gnex is an amoled screen not pen tile.
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The GNEX is an Super Amoled screen that uses pentile technology.
First.. the Nexus DOES use a Pentile display. That has been beaten to death in various forums.
Second.. Flygrip? Really? I looked at their website and to me that thing is aweful. I do NOT want some big bulky thing protruding off the back of my phone. What is the purpose of it? To "hang" the phone off your fingers? Is this because you don't have a strong enough grip to hold the phone while manipulating it? Just seems very big and clunky to me.. and a nightmare to use with pants pockets.
I bought the standard shell case at Verizion that comes with a little fold out kick stand. If you are worried about the phone falling out of your hand and want the "hanging" thing that the flygrip offers, I verified that you can extend the kickstand on my verizon case and then slid a finger in the triangular gap.. so the weight is supported and the grip feels secure. Works pretty good! Not bad for a $15 case.
As for my Note 2. I'm a big guy (6'8") so this phone is PERFECT for me, proportionally speaking.
My wife has the Rezound (4.3" display).. it was funny to test our phones by putting it in our palm and reaching across with our thumbs. Her thumb extended past the edge of the screen a fraction of an inch farther than me.. so really, my GIANT note is really no bigger than her Rezound, when in the hand.
It's a big phone. Period.
I have done a few things to help when it comes to one handed use. There aren't many frustrations for me, but one of them is getting at the notifications, via the pull down menu.
I ditched the stock Sense launcher for Nova Launcher.. MUCH more customizable.
In Nova, I added a row and column of icons so the vast real estate of this phone can be much better utilized. How can this help with one handed use? Well now that you have more icons, closer together.. you can put them along one side of the phone to get at them more easily if you wish.
In Nova, I set up a couple gestures. When not in an app, I have an "down" gesture to open the notification panel. That right there solved my biggest frustration.. having to reach up and drag my thumb down to get at the panel. HUGE help!
The other gesture I set up was a "up" gesture to open the most recent apps list. Another shortcut allowing me to reach less with the thumb.
With Nova Launcher, you can set up all kinds of gestures.. use them to your one handed advantage!
I think having a case is a huge help. I don't really like the glossy back that Sammy chose for the phone. I highly suggest a case that has a soft or rubbery feel. I can't stand silicone cases as they stick in my pockets.. but most of the hard shell type cases the phone snaps into seem great. There are some really low profile cases out there that add almost no bulk.
I also, sadly, ditched the stock keyboard for swift key. I LOOVVVEEED the stock keyboard at first with the dedicated number row. But seriously.. no autocorrect?? WTF? I need that. so I went to swift key and have really enjoyed it so far.
That's about all I have for now..
After 5 days with this phone you couldn't pry it from my average size hands!
Sent from my rooted SGH-1605
Some good suggestions Gnome.
Not sure if they will solve all my issues, but they may help some.
I don't normally have to use this device one handed... but what advice can I give? Use Nova Launcher and Swipepad.
Nova gives you many one handed and two handed gestures. This helps a lot for the hard to reach areas like notifications.
Swipepad gives you 12 shortcuts (and an add on you can buy for more) to any app you want as well as shortcuts with the swipe of your finger from whatever edge of the screen you would like. I set it on the mid right edge and swipe in with my thumb and tada!
Hope this helps!
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
I prefer having things larger across the screen, but there are one hand settings that make the dialer, stock keyboard, etc stay to one side that you choose. If your thumb can't make it all the way over, turn this on.
Typing in landscape with both thumbs is MUCH faster anyways though. Two fingers is going to be faster than one.
Even with one handed mode it can be difficult.
I am getting better at it, but still not sure.
A case that has a good grippiness to it or a ridge/groove in the middle would allow some grip when using one handed where your hand can't wrap around the phone.
gnome_sayin said:
Is this because you don't have a strong enough grip to hold the phone while manipulating it?
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It's not about strength at all. My fingers are stupid short and if I'm holding the phone securely in my palm, I can just BARELY reach the middle of this beast. I almost got a flygrip but, like you, I opted for the rubberized case from Verizon with the kickstand, and I have found that to be a perfectly viable, AND FLAT when not in use, flygrip alternative.
I hold my phone with other my 4 fingers, not my palm. This is more comfortable and just as secure.
Our precious OG now has a direct child.
LG G2 will have a 2.3 GHz quad core Snapdragon processor, 2GB of RAM, a 5.2 inch screen at full HD, and a 2540 mAh battery.
Neat things added include the volume rockers centered on the back, dual speakers, and no front physical keys.
I think I may be sticking with LG on this round. If they have better hardware quality control, it sounds perfect. My OG is messed up thanks to quality control. Yellowed screen, dead zones in the screen. Power wise it is fine, but the quality is lacking.
Sent from my LG-E970 using xda app-developers app
If or when the bootloader gets unlocked I may be getting one. If something nice from Sony comes to AT&T I will also be checking that out.
Sony's xperia series has got my attention.
Sent from my LG-E970 using xda app-developers app
I hope some goodies can be ported. Diamond ball lockscreen
Sent from my LG-E970 using xda premium
No front keys just take up screen space thats the only thing i dont like
Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2
fleurdelisxliv said:
No front keys just take up screen space thats the only thing i dont like
Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2
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I don't get why people say this. Yes, the on-screen buttons do take screen space but that's why they made the bottom bezel smaller and the screen taller. Plus, if they did put hardware buttons/capacitive buttons they would be way too awkward to hit on the very bottom of the phone. The way around this is to make the screen smaller and the bezel thick enough to place the buttons in a good position. Thus either way you lose screen space. But at least on-screen buttons allow for the option to turn them off when you want and temporarily reclaim the screen space.
This was actually a big gripe I had about the LGOG. The back button is so awkward to push and spaced too far away. I would have much rather they made the screen a little taller and included on-screen buttons. As always, opinions are opinions.
Joecascio2000 said:
This was actually a big gripe I had about the LGOG. The back button is so awkward to push and spaced too far away. I would have much rather they made the screen a little taller and included on-screen buttons. As always, opinions are opinions.
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This was the only time I've ever been glad to be left handed. And I like the idea of onscreen buttons. To me it makes the pie controls worth it.
Sent from my Optimus G using xda app-developers app
Joecascio2000 said:
I don't get why people say this. Yes, the on-screen buttons do take screen space but that's why they made the bottom bezel smaller and the screen taller. Plus, if they did put hardware buttons/capacitive buttons they would be way too awkward to hit on the very bottom of the phone. The way around this is to make the screen smaller and the bezel thick enough to place the buttons in a good position. Thus either way you lose screen space. But at least on-screen buttons allow for the option to turn them off when you want and temporarily reclaim the screen space.
This was actually a big gripe I had about the LGOG. The back button is so awkward to push and spaced too far away. I would have much rather they made the screen a little taller and included on-screen buttons. As always, opinions are opinions.
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Maybe it will be cool, either way i will have one
Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2
5.2" is a huge breaker for me. Already have a tablet, don't need phone to become one. I really hope next year someone will make an awesome phone at 4.7 or smaller, but with great quad, and a camera similar to what Nokia uses, their sensors and stabilizers, better lenses.
Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
zymphad said:
5.2" is a huge breaker for me. Already have a tablet, don't need phone to become one. I really hope next year someone will make an awesome phone at 4.7 or smaller, but with great quad, and a camera similar to what Nokia uses, their sensors and stabilizers, better lenses.
Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
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Absolutely this. Apparently I have mutantly small thumbs or something - I can't reach the whole screen of the LGOG one handed. No bigger for me for a phone. I hate having to compromise on hardware just to get a reasonably sized screen. SGS2 was the perfect physical size.
With the edge to edge screen and lack of capacitive buttons it may not be much bigger than OG.
dandrumheller said:
Absolutely this. Apparently I have mutantly small thumbs or something - I can't reach the whole screen of the LGOG one handed. No bigger for me for a phone. I hate having to compromise on hardware just to get a reasonably sized screen. SGS2 was the perfect physical size.
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I agree somewhat.
If we had gotten the same design as every other variant of the LGOG, It'd be my perfect size. As it stands though, the extra bulk added by AT&T makes it ever so slightly too large for my tastes.
The screen itself is the perfect size for me. Big enough to play games and see past my fingers, big enough to read books & watch videos, but still small enough to reach one-handed. If they could make a phone with No/minimal bezel and the same size screen panel, I'd love it.
I'm not sure about the G2's size, but everything else about it looks stellar.
5.2 just seems to big. I have a small tablet for a reason, my phone should be able to go with me where ever and whatever I do. Not looking like some giant slab that distorts my suit pant pockets.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
anro15 said:
5.2 just seems to big. I have a small tablet for a reason, my phone should be able to go with me where ever and whatever I do. Not looking like some giant slab that distorts my suit pant pockets.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
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With the edge to edge display and on screen buttons instead of capacitive keys it may not be much larger overall. In three more days we should know for sure.
adfurgerson said:
With the edge to edge display and on screen buttons instead of capacitive keys it may not be much larger overall. In three more days we should know for sure.
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From what I have seen the on screen buttons are transparent. However, we need to wait for the real thing to come out. I use to be a capacitive button hog but with all the cool stuff like PIE coming out I may just switch to the dark side.
adfurgerson said:
With the edge to edge display and on screen buttons instead of capacitive keys it may not be much larger overall. In three more days we should know for sure.
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Interesting to see if they find a way of making it manageable. But I find even the OG uncomfortable for extended periods with one hand, and I have big hands. Hopefully edge to edge screens and shaping like the moto x will make it better. No doubt it will even out to a sweet spot.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
I tried fitting 5.5" phones in my pocket and it feels moronic. I can only imagine 5.2" will be no different. I mean makes me feel stupid for having such a brick in my pocket.
- I don't know why, but the Note 2 has been a huge hit with women I know who have tried it. Must be the same asinine behavior from women who drive monster SUVs when they don't even take the trash to the dump with it, or do any winter sports, or outdoor expeditions (camping, kayaking etc.) Maybe it's the same appeal as having a tote bigger than their upper body...
I'm going to assume dudes who have 5.2" - 5.5" phones are the same dudes who still think it's trendy to wear capris pants and have man purses to carry their "phablet". I assume nothing else beyond that, please don't troll me that.
zymphad said:
I tried fitting 5.5" phones in my pocket and it feels moronic. I can only imagine 5.2" will be no different. I mean makes me feel stupid for having such a brick in my pocket.
- I don't know why, but the Note 2 has been a huge hit with women I know who have tried it. Must be the same asinine behavior from women who drive monster SUVs when they don't even take the trash to the dump with it, or do any winter sports, or outdoor expeditions (camping, kayaking etc.) Maybe it's the same appeal as having a tote bigger than their upper body...
I'm going to assume dudes who have 5.2" - 5.5" phones are the same dudes who still think it's trendy to wear capris pants and have man purses to carry their "phablet". I assume nothing else beyond that, please don't troll me that.
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The note is more popular with women because they put it in their purse so you won't look as stupid until you talk on it lol. The only way I could see anything over 5 inches working is if they have the screen going edge to edge and it's more of a sub 5 inch body.
Sent from my Optimus G using Tapatalk 2
Yeah the girls I know with note and note 2 leave them in their purses most of the time and utilize bluetooth for voice calls.
Sent from my Optimus G using xda premium
Dimensions in mm.
OG 130.8×71.6×8.4
G2 138.5×70.9×8.9
A little over a quarter inch taller.