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Wonder if anyone could help me as I have been thrown a little out of my depth. The story goes .....
Been using Iphone since 1st Gen, skipped the inbetween and then around 6 months ago went for the iphone 4. Just yesterday after watching some of the stuff on siri I was itching to go for the 4S, although it really felt this time against my better judgement. I knew I shouldnt be spending £500 just for a voice assistant, but I was impressed and was only inches from making the purchase.
However something stopped me and for some reason I just kept going back to the other phone I had heard something about, the Galaxy S2. I really didnt know ANYTHING about this phone, but decided to see what it was all about. It only took me a couple of hours to find out that on the surface this seems a far more impressive phone than the 4s.
It already has some voice recognition software, although it doesnt look like its quite up to siri standards, but the fact that you can plug in usb memory sticks, hook it up to the tv with little to no effort, the fantastic screen etc, it seemed too good to be true.
What has happened during all this research however is that I have picked up some information Im not quite sure of the answers to, which is where someone can maybe help me out.
I9100 vs I9100G ? Im going to be purchasing this in the UK probably on the three network. Is there ANY " G " stock in the UK as I would definately prefer the I9100. How can I be sure I get a 9100?
I read something about yellowing on the screen. Is this an issue with certain models or versions that I should be aware of and to try and avoid?
As with anything such as items like the PS3, PSP, is there any later revision I need to avoid during my purchase that cant be rooted or hacked as the other earlier models can?
I bought my iphone factory unlocked but with this I think I am going to take out a network contract, however are these phones easy to unlock unlike the later iphone models and again are there any later revisions where unlocking has become difficult or impossible?
Basically I am just after some friendly advice for someone who has not made the purchase yet. I just dont want to come back on here and someone say " Oh no, you didnt pick up the SGH-2013232-PPZ revision did you????? Your screwed!"
I have never, ever used an andriod phone before, so am completely new, but after clearing the apple mist, It just seems that in particular the SGS2 is definately pulling me away from continuing with my apple related destiny.
Any help would be very much appreciated.
P.S I did have an old username on here but for the life of me cant remember what it was. It dates back to when I used to come on here regarding my XDA Mini S device.
Make sure it is the GT-I9100. This phone is great. Had no problems so far. It's as good as iPhone 4s and alot.cheaper! IPhone is heavily overpriced.
Be prepared that it is not the same as an iPhone. Some thinks might be harder to configure. My gf has an iPhone and now wishes she had bought mine because Android can do so much more than ios and because my phone is cheaper while it can do the same
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
pewdle said:
I9100 vs I9100G ? Im going to be purchasing this in the UK probably on the three network. Is there ANY " G " stock in the UK as I would definately prefer the I9100. How can I be sure I get a 9100?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, in Europe you'll be fine. The i9100G is only sold in a couple of markets, such as India.
I read something about yellowing on the screen. Is this an issue with certain models or versions that I should be aware of and to try and avoid?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
New phones are fine. I believe that issue happened only on the first models.
As with anything such as items like the PS3, PSP, is there any later revision I need to avoid during my purchase that cant be rooted or hacked as the other earlier models can?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as you get a i9100, you'll be fine. You can root every single firmware released, keep root through firmware updates, revert bootloaders, etc. This is as much of an open phone as possible, short of a Nexus or Maemo/Meego.
Thanks for the advice. Still pretty nervous about plumping for my first android phone after so long on iphones, but from everything I have seen about the Galaxy S2 it seems to pretty much match the 4s and certainly seems to do things the 4s simply cant touch such as hooking up usb memory sticks and the ease of connecting the device through HDMI to TVs.
It might take a bit of getting used to the Android way compared to the Apple way .
But you can do what you want its your phone and SJ dont tell you what is what .
jje
Is there anyone that has purchased the galaxy note 2 that is not happy at all and wished that they had never purchased it? Just wandering, I know 4 people that have the phone and they all love it. Hopefully I will get one soon.
sports96 said:
Is there anyone that has purchased the galaxy note 2 that is not happy at all and wished that they had never purchased it? Just wandering, I know 4 people that have the phone and they all love it. Hopefully I will get one soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heck no I love this thing. Need to get itbrooted but havent had time to sit down and do it.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
sports96 said:
Is there anyone that has purchased the galaxy note 2 that is not happy at all and wished that they had never purchased it? Just wandering, I know 4 people that have the phone and they all love it. Hopefully I will get one soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only major complaint I've heard are people that couldn't get used to the size of the phone, and also having a locked bootloader.
Not even close! Best phone I've ever had. If anyone regrets this phone (except for the size) have no business having an android smart phone! Couldn't have picked out anything better!
Sent from my GalNote2 using xda app-developers app
Nope, I'm loving this thing more and more. I love the size and the specs. I always thought that 5 inch and over was way too big but damn this thing is nice. My own little tablet. Already rooted it and flashed the Beans Rom and now I gotta unlock the bootloader. Can't wait for more custom roms to come out. The only thing I'm gonna regret is when the Galaxy Note 3 comes out cause I'm gonna have to find money to fork out for that one. Lol
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
I actually bought the Note 2 presuming I would be returning it since I had already purchased the DNA at full price(to keep unlimited data). I figured I'd bring it home, check it out and return it. About 6 hours in to using it I knew I was going to keep it. Just something about it grew on me.
My poor brand new DNA has sat unused ever since. I still keep it because I love Sense so I will use it once in awhile but the Note 2 is just so freaking fun and useful.
No regrets.
/sent from my Gnote2 using tapacrap\
I love the size when using the phone or looking at the screen. I miss being able to text one handed. I'm a bigger guy 6'2" with big hands but one handed operation is pretty much impossible unless you got hands like Lebron James. It seems to fit in my pocket fine (I wear Levi's 501's everyday) and the rounded shape makes it slide in and out easily but it has some heft and you do know its there in your pocket. Everything else is a quantum leap ahead of my Droid X (hardware, software, battery life, etc.). I think it will be getting used to the size. I remember when I got my Droid X it seemed huge and now it looks teeny compared to the Note.
My sister took hers back for the iphone 5... She couldn't deal with the size.. Me personally I'm wondering what will come out to make me want to give this device up. So far it's beyond my fav. Phones of the past
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
I'm loving this thing, I've had a non-stop chub ever since it arrived I have big hands and it fits in my pocket, so no issues here.
Who wouldn't love this thing ? This is my 4th Android phone and by far it's the best device I've had to date ... Keeper for sure
I love this phone more and more every day! The size of it isn't necessarily a pro nor is it s con. But the only issue I have is the phone is slippery. ..and I don't want a case because I don't want to add any additional size to this already monstrous phone. ..
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
It's funny, but I loved it the first few days then began having second thoughts because of the size. But that was also about the time I bought a Speck case for it that added a lot to the thickness. Bought a thinner case a few days ago and now I am back to being a big fan. I was at a meeting all last week and I was using the phone to take notes all day, no need to carry around little notebooks or paper pads. I stopped by the VZW store to look at the DNA and realized there was no way I could go back to just a normal phone, especially when the DNA is not that much smaller than the GN2.
I love my GIANT phone.
chakra said:
I love my GIANT phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i concur!
It's the Android phone that I've always wanted that I thought would never exist. And more. I never thought I'd use a stylus but the features that this thing has makes it unbelievable in the smartphone arena. I still don't use it enough because I'm always moving around but the stylus would make a good addition to any handheld device as an added option.
And I thought I'd never ever finaly see a build more stable and smooth n buttery as Android 4.0+ they're really and truly giving ios a run for their money. I don't think I'll ever get an iphone.
Right now I'm debating on whether I should root or not. I've rooted in the past with my previous devices because I wanted it to perform better. With this phone there isn't many reasons to. I don't want to flash a rom on this device that would break certain features. But I think I'm gonna root to just be able to utilize certain Mods like having all apps with multi Window support and more grid space. That's it. Lol. So when I get rooted in gonna stick with a rom that's as close to stock as possible.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
Hello,
I have a Note 2 and my girlfriend has S3. Regarding to the problems which have been coming for the past a few days I started to be really really afraid. We Have just bought the S3 and the Note 2 is roughly 1.5 month old. So I don't want to sell them as they will cost only half price of what we paid. We also really love the phones, everything is super as long as they keep running.
However the more I read about all these Sudden Death and SDcard issues I started to wonder if our datas are safe? I mean not trusting Samsung for the build quality is another thing, looking at your phone like it has cancer and is going to die any time is a whole different story. This is even hunting me on my dreams for the past few days. I mostly play games and make drawings and back them up daily but my girlfriend is using her S3 for job purposes too and has valuable data on her phone. In the beginning I was planning to buy an Sdcard to expand and secure the phones memory so we could have just gotten the card if the phone was broke but then I found out SDcard problem threads. After a while I am sure anybody would be giving the reaction "Come on Samsung, another build defect.. Make the phones from paper already!!"
But still, we do not want to sell our phones by losing money and to be honest we do not think we can find any other phone with these specs. Maybe Nexus 4 but no exp. memory and no FM radio is a no go for us. Sony Yuga in the future maybe but "when" is still a question at this moment. Like I said it is hunting me in my dreams because she asked for Sony Xperia ion and I bought her S3 and she loves it but I would have felt totally responsible if anything happened to her phone and she lost her data.
So, I just wanted to know what do you guys are using your phones for and are you feeling your data is safe enough in your internal or external cards. Do you trust your phone?
_delice_doluca_ said:
Hello,
I have a Note 2 and my girlfriend has S3. Regarding to the problems which have been coming for the past a few days I started to be really really afraid. We Have just bought the S3 and the Note 2 is roughly 1.5 month old. So I don't want to sell them as they will cost only half price of what we paid. We also really love the phones, everything is super as long as they keep running.
However the more I read about all these Sudden Death and SDcard issues I started to wonder if our datas are safe? I mean not trusting Samsung for the build quality is another thing, looking at your phone like it has cancer and is going to die any time is a whole different story. This is even hunting me on my dreams for the past few days. I mostly play games and make drawings and back them up daily but my girlfriend is using her S3 for job purposes too and has valuable data on her phone. In the beginning I was planning to buy an Sdcard to expand and secure the phones memory so we could have just gotten the card if the phone was broke but then I found out SDcard problem threads. After a while I am sure anybody would be giving the reaction "Come on Samsung, another build defect.. Make the phones from paper already!!"
But still, we do not want to sell our phones by losing money and to be honest we do not think we can find any other phone with these specs. Maybe Nexus 4 but no exp. memory and no FM radio is a no go for us. Sony Yuga in the future maybe but "when" is still a question at this moment. Like I said it is hunting me in my dreams because she asked for Sony Xperia ion and I bought her S3 and she loves it but I would have felt totally responsible if anything happened to her phone and she lost her data.
So, I just wanted to know what do you guys are using your phones for and are you feeling your data is safe enough in your internal or external cards. Do you trust your phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I trust my s3 and love s3. 1st u store your contac on google account , and u save ur all data in ex.sd card and every week u just copy/peast ex/sd card on ur pc. so even ur ex card is break after that u not lose ur data any way and u use ur data also other dives. sorry 4 my English.
I myself use my S3 for everything. Work and play. With the SD and security issues, I really don't know now how I should really feel about my smartphone. I don't really change phones so often. Simply because I don't have that much dough to shell out just to keep up with technology.
Warranty still is existing for another 7-8 mos, but that doesn't make me feel at ease. Samsung staff here in the Philippines aren't all that knowledgeable and courteous to talk to. I've had my fair share of experience with them.
People like me think and research hard to make the "best buy" out there, only to be bugged by a thought that anytime, your hard earned money might go waste. With or without warranty issues, we don't buy a flagship phone that randomly acts as if it wasn't made by one of the biggest, trusted phone manufacturers out here.
Sent from my Galaxy S III
Flash the new firmware XXELLA it has a bootloader that prevents suddem death issue and Exynos security fixed.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
endrit9 said:
Flash the new firmware XXELLA it has a bootloader that prevents suddem death issue and Exynos security fixed.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just Exynos security fixed. the rest is pure speculation.
i want to live to see how any bootloader can fix the SDS.
my advive to OP: make backups regulary.
when a career depends on data (no mater in the phone or computer) you should make backups.
Sammobile said so
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
U should try using dropbox, my dad uses it for his buissiness and he never had any problems with it...
Try Dropbox with Foldersync.
Perfect combo for regular backup.
Verzonden door mijn GT-I9300 met xda premium
Hey guys I'm a noob, I've been thinking about it for a long time, since the note 2 uses a Wacom digitizer would it be possible to mod the Wacom digitizer to replace the normal digitizer on the gs3??
Should be fairly simple
haha, genius
I know you guys are mocking me, but seriously it does use a wacom digitizer, which is why the pen won't work on any phone except for the note 2, it should be possible to mod the digitizer and plug it in to the motherboard of the s3 im willing to try this on my s3 if someone can get me going in the right direction
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
I don't think anyone is going to waste time trying to figure this out when the screen sizes are completely different.....let's face it, if you want a note instead of an s3 wouldn't it just be wiser to buy one in first place? You're never going to get a working phone out of it for the exact reason I illustrated in first place
slaphead20 said:
I don't think anyone is going to waste time trying to figure this out when the screen sizes are completely different.....let's face it, if you want a note instead of an s3 wouldn't it just be wiser to buy one in first place? You're never going to get a working phone out of it for the exact reason I illustrated in first place
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Click to collapse
if someone does commercially sell a modded version of the s3 screen, it would atleast cost 320$ + , which is alot just for a small feature as per me, but maybe your opinion varies.
May the Force be with you,
Sahil Bakshi
Hello,
I want to buy a second-hand pebble blue S3 for 220euros. Apparently it is in good conditions, it works perfectly, everything is in order. I wanted Note2 but there is no longer in stock (~350euros 2hand). I want to know couple things about this S3. My brothers have S1 and S2 and no serious problems so far (owned for more than 2 years)
1. Is it a durable device?
2. What problems could I encounter?
3. Is there any way to check the history of the phone? (e.g. how many hours have been spoken)
4. I am not going to root/mod it in any way, which genuine software version seems to be the best?
5. Is there any differences between white and pebble blue version?
6. Compared to Note2, is it a major difference? (apart from the screen size)
7. What about the price? Does it seem right?
I would appreciate if anybody would sincerely answer my questions.
P.S: I do not want HTC/LG alternatives as I do not trust them. (already had experiences with their products and they're rubbish).
AfXv237 said:
Hello,
I want to buy a second-hand pebble blue S3 for 220euros. Apparently it is in good conditions, it works perfectly, everything is in order. I wanted Note2 but there is no longer in stock (~350euros 2hand). I want to know couple things about this S3. My brothers have S1 and S2 and no serious problems so far (owned for more than 2 years)
1. Is it a durable device?
2. What problems could I encounter?
3. Is there any way to check the history of the phone? (e.g. how many hours have been spoken)
4. I am not going to root/mod it in any way, which genuine software version seems to be the best?
5. Is there any differences between white and pebble blue version?
6. Compared to Note2, is it a major difference? (apart from the screen size)
7. What about the price? Does it seem right?
I would appreciate if anybody would sincerely answer my questions.
P.S: I do not want HTC/LG alternatives as I do not trust them. (already had experiences with their products and they're rubbish).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far i know..
1. It's up to you... do not try harmful things (installing wrong roms/mods) and it will be solid as a rock.
1a. If you install the correct mods/roms (which one is ok for your phone) it will fly!
4. the latest Official (4.1.2 At the moment; watch out for EMG4 new EFS Data format) firmware
5. Colour? :cyclops:
AfXv237 said:
Hello,
I want to buy a second-hand pebble blue S3 for 220euros. Apparently it is in good conditions, it works perfectly, everything is in order. I wanted Note2 but there is no longer in stock (~350euros 2hand). I want to know couple things about this S3. My brothers have S1 and S2 and no serious problems so far (owned for more than 2 years)
1. Is it a durable device?
Its a year plus old .
2. What problems could I encounter?
SDS
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2344125
3. Is there any way to check the history of the phone? (e.g. how many hours have been spoken)
NO
4. I am not going to root/mod it in any way, which genuine software version seems to be the best?
No such thing in respect of rooting or modding .
5. Is there any differences between white and pebble blue version?
NO
I would appreciate if anybody would sincerely answer my questions.
You are posting in the wrong forum and clearly if you are looking to root or mod will need to read the faqs and guides first ..
You may find more answers by searching for this identical frequently posted question .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the threads here about Sudden Death and Freezing. I had fits with the freezing issue. While mine is working fine now (after a LOT of pain), I would not recommend it due to this.
I'm about to sell the phone, honestly I would recommend you go and get the Note II if you are on a budget, this isn't the best phone ever, it could have been the best phone of 2012 if it had 2GB of ram, 1GB just isn't enough anymore.
I dont see any reason not to get this phone, if you get it that cheap in a good condition. 2gb are not really necessary. The only downside it has is the UI touchwiz which is kind of slow and overloaded, but this is still an issue on the note 2/3 and s4. But to be honest, other custom UIs from htc and so on are not really better.
The sudden death syndrome also shouldnt affect you, as long as the phone was updated to 4.1.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I found a cheaper one, at ~210 euros, white, 16gb. I know that 1GB RAM might not be enough, this is why I wanted Note2 (i like the bigger screen too). Unfortunately, I am worried about the durability of the Note2 because theoretically it does not come with Gorilla Glass. I work in kind of severe conditions, I'm a mechanic (ofc the phone will sit in a comfy hard leather). Also, is more than 100 euros more expensive and I'm a bit tight with money. Regarding the S3, I've read about the update that fixed the sudden death syndrome, but I've also heard that the phone might stop working after 150-200 days (at least some people said so). Should I be afraid of this or not?
Update: the cheapest Note2 I've found is at ~330 euros. The extra 120 euros are not justified. My brother has S2 (same 1GB RAM) and it does just fine, not to mention that even the S1 handles pretty well with 512MB .
In conclusion, I am going to buy a 2nd-hand S3 i9300 (used ~ a year or less). It looks and works normal, as it should. Considering the fact that I am paying over 200 euros for it, I really want to be sure that I am making a good decision. So far, S1 and S2 did an amazing job, so I am expecting the same from the S3. If are there any problems/reasons not to buy it, please enlighten me up. (apart from SDS if it isn't already fixed or it won't get fixed after software update)
I just want to say, like you, I went with the exact same reasoning about the 1gb on the s3. I upgraded from the s1 and also thought Samsung did a good job with the s1 and s2, etc. Well, not so. Thing is, they bloated the phone so bad that 1gb is really REALLY short. All i'm saying is that way of thinking is wrong and I thought you'd want this clarified.
That said, 1gb is not the end of the world (just the end of multitasking lol) and for the price you're paying I do believe it's totally worth it. Phone is still a beast on most cases and you probably won't be disappointed.
About the sds, had one s3 failing 1 weak after buying. Ics was the firmware of the moment and therefore not safe. Was replaced by a new one and never had another issue. If you can use the phone for 1 day before buying you can check for random freezing and rebooting. Those are really clear signs of imminent failure. To be honest, I've not heard of anyone's phone falling on a 150, 200 days timeframe. People do complaint about a bit of lag from time to time and and like to think thats the 'fix' working.
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kaynpayn said:
I just want to say, like you, I went with the exact same reasoning about the 1gb on the s3. I upgraded from the s1 and also thought Samsung did a good job with the s1 and s2, etc. Well, not so. Thing is, they bloated the phone so bad that 1gb is really REALLY short. All i'm saying is that way of thinking is wrong and I thought you'd want this clarified.
That said, 1gb is not the end of the world (just the end of multitasking lol) and for the price you're paying I do believe it's totally worth it. Phone is still a beast on most cases and you probably won't be disappointed.
About the sds, had one s3 failing 1 weak after buying. Ics was the firmware of the moment and therefore not safe. Was replaced by a new one and never had another issue. If you can use the phone for 1 day before buying you can check for random freezing and rebooting. Those are really clear signs of imminent failure. To be honest, I've not heard of anyone's phone falling on a 150, 200 days timeframe. People do complaint about a bit of lag from time to time and and like to think thats the 'fix' working.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
Thank you for the 'gold' info. about 1GB RAM not being enough for S3. Obviously, I/we tend to mix things up and compare an unknown thing with a related known one. But at the end of the day I have no other choice, I just can't see any better option at this value. Moreover, I had couple occasions to play with it a bit and I find it really fast, responsive (while surfing on the internet for instance). Anyway, I am not going to push it to extremes. Mostly surfing the internet, talking, messages, FB, maybe music, couple games (just in case I get too bored when I am waiting or sth ). After all, every phone freezes from time to time, it isn't something specific to S3.
Thank you for the precious info, mate. :good:
Save up for the nexus or wait for refresh nexus
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tonyt3rry said:
Save up for the nexus or wait for refresh nexus
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LG Nexus 4? If so, no thank you, never LG again.
HTC one maybe they are quick with updates
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Those phones dont fit his current budget. Also, htc is definitely not fast at updating their devices. It only seems to look like this, since they recently updated their flagship, but thats it.
@op, you are definitely not doing anything wrong with the s3. Guess why it was and is still very popular
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The only thing that holds me from buying HTCs is the fact that the battery is not removable. I always had a spare battery with me wherever I went (in the car/jacket/blazer). Same rule will apply for the S3.