is anyone else having a hard time pulling out the S Pen? I've had the phone for a few weeks now and I use it everyday but still find the indent on the Pen to be too small for a successful first time pull every time.
tangsta35 said:
is anyone else having a hard time pulling out the S Pen? I've had the phone for a few weeks now and I use it everyday but still find the indent on the Pen to be too small for a successful first time pull every time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh heck yea...it's dang near impossible to get out for me ....probably mainly because I bite my nails..lol I have only used the s-pen 2 times since I've had this phone...2 times in 2 weeks.
Good time to break a habit
Sent from my Galaxy Note III; Previous owner/hacker of Galaxy S III, Galaxy Nexus, Droid X, HTC HD2, HTC Touch Pro 2, HTC Tilt, HTC 8525, O2 XDA II, O2 XDA.
I don't know which story is worst...the S pen being stuck or the dude who bites his nails.
Seriously though, I'm on my 3rd Note 3. So I have some experience with this phone. The second Note 3 I had had the same S Pen problem. It was so bad that the Spen actually had skid marks on it from all the friction. You have the white phone right?
I have the black one from Verizon. I haven't used the Pen much but I have no trouble pulling it out (good nails) and no scrapes on it. Maybe when you pull it out or put it back in you do it at an angle? Also, when I am pushing it in, I run into resistance only when the silver end is about halfway in. Does your experience match this?
Sent from my Galaxy Note III; Previous owner/hacker of Galaxy S III, Galaxy Nexus, Droid X, HTC HD2, HTC Touch Pro 2, HTC Tilt, HTC 8525, O2 XDA II, O2 XDA.
I have the black one from t-mobile. I think it requires a stupid amount of effort to get the pen out of mine. I doubt I will go through the hassle of returning it though, because I found a decent workaround: I never put the pen fully back into the slot anymore.
Granted I'm not crazy about having to do this, but after a little practice, I have to admit it's working out well enough so far. It doesn't get in the way because it only sticks out about a millimeter or two from the edge of my case, and I can always get a good thumbnail grip on it. It's also in far enough so it doesn't trigger the pen out message in the notification bar.
I might as well take the time to say that I'm a long time user of pens/styluses dating back to the original Palm Pilot. I've also owned others like the Sony Clie, the Axim x51v, and the Galaxy Note 1. I think it's bad enough that the Note series is designed where you take the stylus from the bottom instead of the top, (taking it out of the top of a device is a lot easier, imho) but it's just a few steps removed from needing a pair of friggin pliers to get it out, once it's all the way in the slot of the note3.
Leaving the pen out enough for my thumbnail to get a grip on the pen's groove from the top has been tolerable enough though, and the pen has more than enough friction to stay in and not get lost.
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app
Drop your phone. I dropped mine and it landed on that corner. The stylus is easy to take out now. :-/
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
... That's what she said ...
As time goes by it will get easier as it wears
Sent from my Galaxy Note III; Previous owner/hacker of Galaxy S III, Galaxy Nexus, Droid X, HTC HD2, HTC Touch Pro 2, HTC Tilt, HTC 8525, O2 XDA II, O2 XDA.
I have been a nail bitter for over 25 years. The s-pen was also a problem for me. Needless to say I stopped biting my nails on my right hand JUST so I could use my s-pen. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do.
Scribbled From My Note 3
Why don't you take a leap of faith and try to stop biting the nails on the other hand and see if that hand would work too?
Sent from my Galaxy Note III; Previous owner/hacker of Galaxy S III, Galaxy Nexus, Droid X, HTC HD2, HTC Touch Pro 2, HTC Tilt, HTC 8525, O2 XDA II, O2 XDA.
Related
Screen sizes are not significantly different (especially after the lost pixels due to the Honey bar), IMO, plus the Note will get ICS in the near future. Also, having experienced with both Wacom and N-trig digitizers, I generally favor Wacom (which is what the Note has). Of course there is a huge price difference between these two at this time, but the Note is also a phone right out of the box (unlocked version is about $650, and AT&T version with two year plan is $300).
So what do you think? Worth shelling out the extra money for the Note? Or remain faithful to the Flyer/View?
Get both! Its what I'm doing! BTW If you get a new two year contract you can take another $100 off the Note price, link through retailmenot
I guess it depends on whether you actually use the stylus for writing BC if you do, I think that the apparently small screen difference will probably be quite apparent. I've never tried out the note, so I could be wrong....but looking at the engadget review writing sample, it looks like I may be correct.
I use the stylus quite a bit. Honestly, for serious inking/annotating for professional purposes (I am a college professor), anything less than a 10-inch screen just looks too small to me, so I use my ThinkPad Tablet. For lighter inking/note-taking, the Flyer is better, also because it is significantly less bulky than the TPT. In this regard, I think the Galaxy Note may be a good substitute.
I'm intrigued by the idea of having both. But personally still on the fence about whether the Note is too big to be practical as a phone.
On a side note, I think its ironic that the stylus is coming back to smartphones (LG is copying the idea also). Everyone was all like "its so cool that the iPhone came out and you don't need the stupid stylus to poke the screen". Now people are realizing that they have some really useful and cool applications, and never should have gotten rid of them. Sure the stylus concept is updated, but the basic idea is the same.
redpoint73 said:
I'm intrigued by the idea of having both. But personally still on the fence about whether the Note is too big to be practical as a phone.
On a side note, I think its ironic that the stylus is coming back to smartphones (LG is copying the idea also). Everyone was all like "its so cool that the iPhone came out and you don't need the stupid stylus to poke the screen". Now people are realizing that they have some really useful and cool applications, and never should have gotten rid of them. Sure the stylus concept is updated, but the basic idea is the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I used to try so hard not to have to use the stylus on my Windows Mobile phones. Now I am like, huh...really...styluses are cool now.
Since I haven't touched either yet I don't have much to add. But I was just debating this before I recently ordered the Flyer. With the Note around $600 (no contracts for me) and the flyer at $200 it was just easier to take a chance on the Flyer. If the Note fails at taking notes then what did I just buy? If the Flyer fails my kids get a new toy. And I am hoping to do more writing than I think I'd want to do on 5".
The review of the Note on The Verge says that the Note has the better pen then the Flyer, accuracy etc. fwiw.
ive only had my note for two days, and i havent used the stylus much yet, but if im making a call id peg the flyer pen as more accurate
Pressure sensitive stylus are useful. The plastic stick palm pilots had allowed poor ui choices
I've been using both. The Note has far better accuracy in writing than the Flyer in my opinion. In addition, the ability to zoom in in portrait mode is much better for fine details. I still can't understand why the Flyer doesn't have this.
That being said, the Flyer's Evernote integration is still hands-down better. The fact that it seamlessly integrates with meetings and reminders as well as automatically syncs with Evernote makes it a lot easier to move between devices with. Also, having the erase button on the stylus is really convenient.
In the end, I'll probably end up replacing my Flyer with the Note just because the Note is a lot more convenient and I only have to carry around one device, but there are still some nice features to the Flyer that you can't find on the Note. Hopefully, Samsung can replicate some of the great functionality HTC worked into the Flyer.
I did take some comparison shots in case anyone was looking at it from a size standpoint. You can find them on my Google album -https://plus.google.com/photos/101248606811583627981/albums/5711273582828842705
Wow, those are great comparison shots. Thank you so much for posting them. I am receiving my Note tomorrow to replace my trusty old Nexus One. I am really pumped-up now!
I have both the Note and the Evo View. I use the Note as my main driver and a phone. My Evo View is used for times I need bigger screen to watch movies or surf the net or play games... I guess I can do all those on my Note but I baby my Note so it doesn't get abuse while my View gets toss around. My kids watch videos on the go on it. It's nice to have the 7" screen for kids to play on as well so that they don't touch my Note.
I do like the pen input better on the View since it's got a bigger screen to draw on and ink as well as better intergration of selecting options for the pen. As far as accuracy and lag... I think they are pretty similar... slight lag and okay accuracy.
Oh..and battery on the View last a lot longer since I have it in airplane mode and wifi on only. It last about a week with about 6 to 7 hour screen on time. During standby.. it only drops about 1% in 24 hours.
If I had to choose just only one device, then it would be the Note though since it can do everything that the View can do. But it is also a lot more expensive as well. My Note was $500 more than the View unless you get the Note on contract then it's only about $100 difference then. But if you just want a tablet with stylus input ability, then I would get the Flyer/View while they are on clearance.
I just tried the Note yesterday and here are my impressions:
1) TAKING NOTES: C-
The thing that struck me the most odd about the Note is that they call it the "Note" and yet have engineered it in such a way as actually taking "notes" on it is almost impossible.
If you are like me and like to rest your fat old palm on the screen as you are writing, the Note simply will not work for you. I assumed that the Engineers at Samsung would have done something clever like disabling the hard buttons at the bottom of the screen anytime the s-pen was within an inch of the screen. But no, they didn't. If you attempt to write notes and your palm hits the hard buttons at the bottom, literally all hell will break loose on the screen. You simply cannot take notes. It is impossible. With the View, after a while you sort of get the hang of resting your palm on the screen in such a way to not trigger the keyboard or menus, but with the Note this is simply not possible.
One HUGE benefit of using the View to take notes is the ability of the pen to quickly highlight typed text. I LOVE this. The s-pen on the Note does not have this ability (that I could tell anyway).
Horrible, horrible implementation by Samsung.
2) SPEED: B
The thing is slow. This REALLY shocked me given the specs but there is no way the Note I tried was nearly as quick as my View. When I scrolled webpages I even saw the dreaded checkerboard pattern occasionally. I was shocked.
3) FORM FACTOR: A+
The size is nice and it's light and thin. I use a bluetooth headset anyway so would never be holding it up to my face and looking like a dork.
Conclusion:
Overall nice device but needs some serious software tweaks to be a contender.
P.S., Guess, what? The Sprint Rep told me that he heard from TPTB that Sprint will be getting the Note this summer.
Did you try the Unlocked International version? Or the AT&T version?
Flaco05 said:
Did you try the Unlocked International version? Or the AT&T version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T Version.
I have both the note and flyer. I use the two Devices interchangeably.
Aside from the clicks noise the pen makes on the flyer screen, it's pen is still better IMO. it has eraser on it - v convenient. Taking screenshots is more straightforward. When. Taking notes, u can just continue to write, page extends to accommodate writing. On the Note however, u must open up a new page after first is full. you must also save the first full page separately...as separate document. Being able to just continue writing on the Flyer is an advantage for note-taking at meetings. But, you need somewhere to put your pen, on the flyer, there's no stylus slot option..
Screen and camera - in some respects is leaps and bounds ahead on Note; brighter images. Although, flyer is still v good for brightened. Flyers have advantage though with regard to current quality control. In snore forums you will notice several concerns about pixilated dark images on stills and videos. Also, concerns about artifacts on some Note screens - visible on dark grey backgrounds.
Calendar - Note has more functionality and pen can be used to arrange calendar appointments - I don't think this can be done on flyer.
Seven screens on Note vs 5 on Honeycombed HTC flyer. However, the note will never be able to touch the Flyer for screen transition animation and weather animation. If you like your bling, it's got to be the flyer, no competition.
Battery...I have been finding the note battery much much better than my flyer battery. With note on low to moderate use, I can go for 2 days. With the flyer, it's only a day. Difference is really apparent when upping use to moderate.
They are both good in own ways. If u can get flyer dirt cheap, buy it alongside the note. If not, stick with Note. Note wins as it easily works as multifunction device. But Flyer is more of a Web-surfing, video and brief note device. Even for the 32GB 3g flyer, phone functionality is difficult (pls correct me if I've got this wrong - as I have wifi-only Flyer but have read moans on 3g threads). So if phone accessibility and quality is important, go for Note. But of you're floored by minor quality control flaws, go for the HTC.
Sent from my 32GB GT-N 7000 using xda premium
whmcal said:
But Flyer is more of a Web-surfing, video and brief note device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had my note for a couple of days, and the above review is pretty much spot on. I'd like to also add that the Note, despite its size, still feels like a phone, with additional note-taking capabilities and a nice screen. The Flyer, on the other hand, feels more like a small tablet (which is exactly what it is!)
Since I had them both, I would prefer using view than note. I bought note when it first released in my town. And I became so frustated after several days using it due to its form factor isn't note taking friendly. So I gave my note to my wife, and I bought the view. and yes, I am very satisfied with the view.
Hey guys,
I know ill get a biased opinion here but my galaxy note just died on me and don't really want to get another as I see it as an opportunity to get something new.
The galaxy note was everything I wanted a real big screen and very quick. What I hated was the button placement of power and volume, plus I found it hard to adjust the volume without switching the phone off and vice versa. Also the fact I had no room on the bottom or sides to rest my fingers or manouver the phone, I would always accidently hit one of the capacitive buttons. And lastly the phone was very hard to use with one hand but that was expected and touch wiz is absolutely disgusting.
When I saw the one x come out I thought great I really like that phone looks good and specs are awesome. When I went to the phone shop and picked it up it didn't feel that good or even look as good as the photos. Yet as I was holding it my eyes kept peering over at a very good looking phone..the xperia s. As I was trying to examine the one x, my eyes couldn't stop looking at the xperia s. The one main downfall for me and the one x that I could see from holding the dummy phone was that i'd run into the same problem with not having enough room to rest my fingers down the bottom. I mean I can't understand what manufacturers are thinking when designing phones with capacitive buttons..I actually hate them but if they're gonna be there we need some room to where our fingers can avoid an accidental touch. With the galaxy series its worse because you can accidently hit the home button in your pocket as you pull the phone out and at the same time end up pressing the capacitive buttons...real frustrating.
Anyway I read through a few threads here namely the one regarding if anyone was dissapointed with their purchase and the one main downfall was the capacitive buttons only responding to precise touches, I for one would see that as an advantage
I guess my question is I was comparing this handset to the galaxy nexus which I hate because its only 16gb and has the same button layout as other sammy phones or the htc one x. The other thing that draws me to the xperia is not only is it damn sexier than both the others but the price here in aus is much better.
The HTC will fetch for around 650;
The nexus around the same as HTC;
And the xperia is around the 450 mark.
Huge difference, but it leads me to wonder is this Sony's top phone if so why is it so cheap? It was from my understanding, launched just this month along with the one x?
Would anyone here think I'd miss .3 of an inch in size that I'd get from the other two or is the screen/camera that much better in the other two to justify the massive price difference?
Thanks for any feedback
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1584736
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1611053&page=2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1606804
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1599273
Read this post
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=25140647&postcount=20
Many came from SGS2 or HTC One X to SXS and they are happy.
Read topics, there is many opinions.
Thanks for those links mate
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA
Wondering what everyone's opinion is on which one to get or which one is better, price included etc...
I can imagine that the screen on that thing will be beautiful. Though the small battery concerns me. I have never had good luck with HTC's customization and battery life. How important is the S Pen to you?
I'd have to mess with it but I've had smart phones for years with out a problem but the s pen would probably come in handy
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
jackholl92 said:
I'd have to mess with it but I've had smart phones for years with out a problem but the s pen would probably come in handy
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me, the S Pen and the multi-window feature is the entire reason I am purchasing the phone (It isn't time for my "upgrade" yet). Spec wise it is really kind of a wait and see. I personally like the black and red, but I am not a fan of the glossy black. I prefer the look of the brushed "metal" of the galaxy series.
Has HTC cooked up any compelling software features?
I'm almost positive I'm getting the Note 2, but the HTC DNA is definitely intriguing. I sorta made this pros and cons for myself, it may be helpful to you or others though.
HTC DNA
Pros
Nice build quality from HTC
Very sharp screen with around 440ppi
Aesthetically pleasing (personal opinion of course)
SD Slot (possibly)
S4 Pro
Great camera normally by HTC
Cons
First generation of 1080p screen may have unexpected problems
Battery is on the small side
No multi-window or S-Pen (my 2 main reasons for going for the Note 2)
Non-removable battery (personally I like just having the option to have a spare on hand)
Galaxy Note 2
Pros
Larger screen
S-Pen
Multi-window
Allshare (not sure if HTC has something like this or not)
Removable Battery and SD Card Slot
Exynos 4412
Light weight for such a large phone
Home Button (definitely personal preference, but I like it)
Cons
Home button Verizon branding (can fix however with these,http://www.ebay.com/itm/Metal-ALUMINUM-HOME-Button-Keyboard-Sticker-f-Samsung-Galaxy-Note-2-II-N7100-Slv-/121002308301?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item1c2c4cb2cd
My brain won't let me think of any other since I've already bought 3 cases and the Allshare Cast Dongle for the Note 2.
I will be going to check out the HTC DNA for sure when it arrives in store either way though.
jackholl92 said:
Wondering what everyone's opinion is on which one to get or which one is better, price included etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i would def choose note 2 over dlx anyway bc bigger screen size s pen although i could care less and removable battery
clemson91 said:
I'm almost positive I'm getting the Note 2, but the HTC DNA is definitely intriguing. I sorta made this pros and cons for myself, it may be helpful to you or others though.
HTC DNA
Pros
Nice build quality from HTC
Very sharp screen with around 440ppi
Aesthetically pleasing (personal opinion of course)
SD Slot (possibly)
S4 Pro
Great camera normally by HTC
Cons
First generation of 1080p screen may have unexpected problems
Battery is on the small side
No multi-window or S-Pen (my 2 main reasons for going for the Note 2)
Non-removable battery (personally I like just having the option to have a spare on hand)
Galaxy Note 2
Pros
Larger screen
S-Pen
Multi-window
Allshare (not sure if HTC has something like this or not)
Removable Battery and SD Card Slot
Exynos 4412
Light weight for such a large phone
Home Button (definitely personal preference, but I like it)
Cons
My brain won't let me think of any since I've already bought 3 cases and the Allshare Cast Dongle for the Note 2.
I will be going to check out the HTC DNA for sure when it arrives in store either way though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the list of Cons for Galaxy Note 2 (Verizon)
Locked bootloader (unless someone can crack it or another leak happens)
The Logo on the home button (it may not bother some, but due to the volume of posts I figured it should be mentioned)
SFBPro said:
On the list of Cons for Galaxy Note 2 (Verizon)
Locked bootloader (unless someone can crack it or another leak happens)
The Logo on the home button (it may not bother some, but due to the volume of posts I figured it should be mentioned)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh well I had thought of the locked bootloader, but then thought the HTC DNA's would be locked as well so they sorta cancelled each other out. The home button is a good point since those who don't like would need to get those cover up stickers.
clemson91 said:
Oh well I had thought of the locked bootloader, but then thought the HTC DNA's would be locked as well so they sorta cancelled each other out. The home button is a good point since those who don't like would need to get those cover up stickers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While the bootloader may be shipped locked on the DNA, at least you could "unlock" it via HTC Dev. I for one am going to try the sugar water method to get rid of the logo.
clemson91 said:
I'm almost positive I'm getting the Note 2, but the HTC DNA is definitely intriguing. I sorta made this pros and cons for myself, it may be helpful to you or others though.
HTC DNA
Pros
Nice build quality from HTC
Very sharp screen with around 440ppi
Aesthetically pleasing (personal opinion of course)
SD Slot (possibly)
S4 Pro
Great camera normally by HTC
Cons
First generation of 1080p screen may have unexpected problems
Battery is on the small side
No multi-window or S-Pen (my 2 main reasons for going for the Note 2)
Non-removable battery (personally I like just having the option to have a spare on hand)
Galaxy Note 2
Pros
Larger screen
S-Pen
Multi-window
Allshare (not sure if HTC has something like this or not)
Removable Battery and SD Card Slot
Exynos 4412
Light weight for such a large phone
Home Button (definitely personal preference, but I like it)
Cons
Home button Verizon branding (can fix however with these,http://www.ebay.com/itm/Metal-ALUMI...308301?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item1c2c4cb2cd
My brain won't let me think of any other since I've already bought 3 cases and the Allshare Cast Dongle for the Note 2.
I will be going to check out the HTC DNA for sure when it arrives in store either way though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks that definitely helps I've definitely called Verizon twice to pre-order then I just hung up lol
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Both seem like great devices. I personally don't really care about the s pen, I probably won't use it much. But I do like the multi-window and large battery of the Note 2.
It's the battery that did it for me. I was really excited when I heard rumors that HTC was going to make a note competitor but then when I saw that the battery was only around 2000mah and non-removable that ruined it for me. Plus I kind of see the lower resolution as a plus, I've always gone with the highest resolution I could for computers but when the pixels are as small as they are on this I don't know how much better 1080p can really be but I do know it will be a lot more taxing on the GPU so the note 2 should have better graphics performance.
IvanNCase said:
It's the battery that did it for me. I was really excited when I heard rumors that HTC was going to make a note competitor but then when I saw that the battery was only around 2000mah and non-removable that ruined it for me. Plus I kind of see the lower resolution as a plus, I've always gone with the highest resolution I could for computers but when the pixels are as small as they are on this I don't know how much better 1080p can really be but I do know it will be a lot more taxing on the GPU so the note 2 should have better graphics performance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes a lot of sense lol has anyone messed with the Note 2 yet?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
jackholl92 said:
That makes a lot of sense lol has anyone messed with the Note 2 yet?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the t mobile note 2 for a couple days and the only con I have is the physical home button. I really wish it was capacitive. It's kind of a pain to actually click the button when you're holding the phone with one hand because it messes up the balance of the phone in your hand making it feel like it's about to fall.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I love the phones HTC makes. However reading the 12 page review of the N2 on GSMArena the other really dived into all the extra bits samsung and put into the Galaxy phones and then the note widgets as well. I can see them being very useful.
I like using Google Voice actions in the car, but never in a crowded area, with the S Pen a few swipes and boom a text is sent.
r0n0c said:
I love the phones HTC makes. However reading the 12 page review of the N2 on GSMArena the other really dived into all the extra bits samsung and put into the Galaxy phones and then the note widgets as well. I can see them being very useful.
I like using Google Voice actions in the car, but never in a crowded area, with the S Pen a few swipes and boom a text is sent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
SFBPro said:
While the bootloader may be shipped locked on the DNA, at least you could "unlock" it via HTC Dev. I for one am going to try the sugar water method to get rid of the logo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And chances are that someone may stumble upon an unlocked bootloader for the Note 2, so how is it any different? There is also no confirmation that it can be unlocked via HTC Dev.
The lack of SD card and too small nonremovable battery leaves out the DNA.
Oh I just thought of probably the biggest reason I'm going for the Note 2 now, and I'll wait for another 1080p device later, nothing will really take advantage of all those pixels, everything is just now starting to work well a 720p. Hopefully more 1080p phones come out over the next year, and then the Note 3 comes with a 1080p screen, so by then more apps will be taking advantage of all those pixels.
If it is true that the DNA/DLX only has a 2000mAh battery (or thereabouts) then that would be a huge con IMO. People complain about battery life all the time, even when they're getting better than average battery life. You're taking a device with a larger screen than a SGS3, plus has twice the CPU cores, and putting the same sized battery in it. For battery life comparisons, I would guess that the DNA will have worse battery life than the SGS3.
While the Note 2 has a HUGE screen and quad core, it also has a huge battery to go with it, and from what I've read, it gets battery life comparable to the SGS3, maybe slightly better, depending on usage. Add in the S-Pen, and you have two major selling points IMO. But, there are always going to be fans of HTC, and Samsung haters. One thing to note is that if both are unlocked, the DNA/DLX is more likely to get AOSP going due to the Snapdragon processor, at least at this point. If Samsung lives up to their word and releases the Exynos sources as requested, that could change.
Like the title says, I've been a Samsung leg humper since the original Galaxy S. In my line of work, I always had access to the latest handsets. Had almost every variant of the Original Galaxy S (ATT, International and T-Mobile 4G version) Galaxy SII again in ATT, International and T-mobile versions, The S3 in the Quad-Core International Version and T-Mobile Dual Core S4 version, then had also both the Note and Note 2.
I just preferred Samsung phones over other Android phones. My most recent addition is my T-Mobile Galaxy S4.
I am currently in the process of returning it! Wow did Samsung disappoint me in this edition. It feels unfinished, unrefined, slap together with a bunch of gimmicky tricks that I disabled immediately after 10 minutes of messing with them. The phone feels cheap... especially in the black version. That back plastic finish and pattern looks SUPER TACKY. They should have at least made it look like the finish on the Note 2's Titanium Gray, that at least looks pretty premium for plastic.
Don't get me started on the software, the phone LAGS. I mean A LOT! I was using a Nexus 4 while waiting for the S4 and boy is it night and day. The Nexus is buttery, the S4 lags in simple tasks like closing and opening the dialer and switching between homescreens, it lags when you open the camera. It stutters everywhere. It feels like a 2 generation old Android Phone, not the latest and greatest. It's quite pathetic really.
The stock keyboard is terrible, it lags when you type fast. It just can't keep up with fast typing. I was even pushed the latest software update a couple days ago which everybody raves fixes a bunch of lag, it helped but honestly the phone still lags and stutters all over the place. Completely inconsistent and frustrating. What really ticked me off was that Samsung disabled flash player support in their native browser and chrome. That was the last straw..
Today my T-Mobile HTC One arrived, I've been playing with it for the last 5 hours and I can't put it down! Well it's currently on the charger right now so I can play with it some more. That's the biggest compliment I can give it, when my S4 arrived, I played with it for maybe an hour and was so disgusted by the lag that I haven't really enjoyed picking it up and using it much since I received it 9 days ago! The HTC feels just so much more refined in everything, it feels finished and polished. Software is smooth, I saw a tiny, and I mean TINY bit of lag during closing a couple apps but it's nothing compared to the stuttering on the S4. Boom sound is overrated I think, the S4 is just as loud (seems almost louder?) but the HTC sounds fuller. I thought I was going to be blown away, but I wasn't. Sounds pretty good though, just not as amazing as all the reviewers make it seem. Camera is nice so far, nowhere near as feature packed as the S4, but it took decent low light pictures tonight. I'll try it again out in daylight tomorrow.
The LCD screen on the HTC ONE is so much better than the AMOLED screen on the S4 in my opinion. Text and everything seems just so much easier and smoother to look at. Everything looks crisp, and smooth.
Well that is it so far, I'm so glad I gave the HTC a shot. This one is a keeper for sure! Goodbye Samsung, you used to wow me with your products....HTC just kicked your butt on this round.
I completely agree that Samsung did not do as well as HTC this time
What is your line of work if you don't mind? I played with my friends s4 today- I have the note 2 and also noticed the lag on stock touch wiz and the keyboard. I put him on nova launcher and it was buttery smooth going through the phone's interface. I know what you mean by keyboards lag but I think Samsung will push an update to smooth things out, which honestly should have been done from the start. I like how the s4 looks with that texture but it is a bit tacky and wow does or attract fingerprints. It's plastic body does allow it to be thinner and lighter though. Each phone has its advantages and disadvantages .
JediX13
gonna give the HTC one a try if i dont like it, hopefuly the 32gb s4 will be out by then
Well after almost 24 hours of use I can report some other findings.
The Camera on the S4 is hands down better in good lighting, the HTC produces a lot of noise even in great light. A little disappointed in that area since I do use my phone to take lots of family photos.
NEED FOR SPEED: Most wanted. Not available on the HTC One but is available for the Galaxy S4. Lame. They have the same processor and the same screen resolution yet the Samsung supports it and the HTC one doesn't. It's one of my favorite time killing games. A little sad there...
The LED notification on the HTC seems to time out after about 5 or 10 minutes, which makes it useless. I sometimes come back and glance at the phone thinking there are no messages because the LED notifier turns off, I check my phone just in case and I have lots of texts and emails. Minus another point for the HTC. The S4 will glady blink all day long until you open it up to check it. This one really bothers me because I rely heavily on the LED notification.
Boom sound still is overrated...
Overall, the HTC disappointed me in a few areas so far... I've yet to find a phone that is near perfect as the Note 2. Which in my opinion is an awesome phone, just needed a little speed boost in games and maybe a tiny bit smaller form factor and it would have been perfect.
I'll hang on to the HTC for a while and wait to see what the Note 3 can offer...... So far the Note 2 is still my favorite handset of all time.
Nice to hear that update. I too miss the LED notification that the S3 has. It's nice having something, but Samsung really nailed the notification LED. I can live with the size of the LED on the One, but it would be nice to have more of it, and different colors for different notifications.
I also agree with the daytime photos. The One is good enough for my needs but the S4 does indeed pull in a great amount of detail.
I do however love "boomsound". I watch a lot of videos on my phone and can clearly hear the difference between the One, my GS3 (which I still have), and my Z10. It might not be louder than the other two, but man it just sounds better. If you do a blind sound test, you can clearly pick the One over the others.
HTC Could have really put a dent in Samsung's sales if they'd included an 8 "ultra pixel" camera.
Some of the things I agree with about the One. But I have a few pointers, I see no reason whatsoever why you're are getting noise on the One. The sensor is far to large to get noise unless you are in low light where it stills blows away other devices. Check your settings.
I've been using the camera in mediocre light with no noise.
As for the LED it is pretty much useless, especially coming from the world's greatest in the Galaxy Nexus. What I did was root and flashed the kernel that enables the capacitive lights to blink on a notification and it doesn't shut down after 5 minutes.
Also I finally heard the difference today between beats on and off. The difference is night and day, you will lose a good quarter volume but the sound is worlds better. Loud < Quality.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
I honestly thought I would be one of the few to get the One after having the S3. Looks like there are plenty!
I don't get any noise on my One either.
I think I'm going to get a HTC....
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Im using Galaxy S3 now, its a piece of crap. Im on vacation when the One isnt release yet. So I went and bought S3, will give this to my nephew.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
I owned the S2 and the S3, then I bought the HTC One as well. The S4 is just full of useless gimmicks honestly, and they are marketing it as such. They didn't change much other than internal hardware compared to the S3 and the HTC One is a completely fresh new idea.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2
I think the S4 is a damn fine phone. However I've owned ever galaxy s and note series except the S4.
I needed the change. Just something different.
The ONE fit that bill perfectly.
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
mr.orange303 said:
I think the S4 is a damn fine phone. However I've owned ever galaxy s and note series except the S4.
I needed the change. Just something different.
The ONE fit that bill perfectly.
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
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I agree. Both are good phones. I bought the one at Wal-mart. Saw that they had a 14 day return policy. I expected to check it out and return the phone. But today the 2 weeks is up, and I just can't make myself give it up.
My latest phones iphone iphone 3g 3gs 4 4s htc sensation samsung galaxy s s2 note note 2 now the HTC one.
Samsung did screw up on their galaxy s3s (s4). I knew they were on this path without a better phone with metal body or any other material besides plastic. Even though most won't admit it people buy the HTC one because of its looks.
I too agree the galaxy note 2 is/was my most favorite phone ever since I got the first iphone in 2007 before that maybe the motorola rzr . The note 3 should not be bigger unless they make it narrower, The note 2 is still too wide.
I have been all samsung phones like you too. It wasnt really the koolaid it was because they did have the best phones since the s2.
HTC one camera sucks ass!
Yes i said it, ok low light its good, but its still 4 megapixels so if you're going to zoom at all there is no clarity.
Boom sound is overrated
my note 2 with volume mod is louder
I hate the HTCs notification!!!
I also hate the battery life. I'm biased because my note 2 lasts a day and half of heavy use without a charge yes 24 hrs + 12 hrs/
I also dislike the ceo of htc. Production delays (because of the 4 gigawiggle pixel) cost over a month of HTC ones sales they lost out on billions of sales!! because of the inferior camera. Why not just put a 8 or 13 megapixel camera??!??
I guess im a little angry because I bought HTC stock and because of the production delay it cost HTC its early lead before the S4 launch.
Both sides made huge mistakes
Samsung if they made the s4 with a metal build would have maybe crushed the htc one.
The HTC one lucked out that samsung didnt.
Because can you imagine if samsung's s4 came in a fancy new metal design?
HTC one metal design no microsd card no removable battery 4.7" screen
S4 metal design microsd card slot removable larger battery 5" screen
I'm good with my s4,i love the design on the one, but I wouldn't be able to live without a extended battery. Both phones are awesome, up to user choice. I just hate people putting rants and complains and blah blah blah. Both phones are flagship phones, they both are new. They both are good.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
So basically Dan there is no pleasing you. HTC one hands down better device than s4. It seems you want perfection though , which you will never get.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Okay, here is a picture I took in front of my friend's house. In good lighting.
Can somebody tell me WTF is up with the HTC ONE camera? It looks like utter **** at 100 percent crop in full daylight condition.
Quality reminds of something you get from those $20 kids toy digital camera.
Dan37tz said:
Okay, here is a picture I took in front of my friend's house. In good lighting.
Can somebody tell me WTF is up with the HTC ONE camera? It looks like utter **** at 100 percent crop in full daylight condition.
Quality reminds of something you get from those $20 kids toy digital camera.
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that looks bad real bad. settings must be off?
I have noticed when I take a pic say of a building with a phone number. When i zoom to read the numbers. the numbers are blurry. Not with my note 2 and i would assume s4 13 mp
seattletecg said:
that looks bad real bad. settings must be off?
I have noticed when I take a pic say of a building with a phone number. When i zoom to read the numbers. the numbers are blurry. Not with my note 2 and i would assume s4 13 mp
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Yes the HTC one pictures look like they were taken by a home made Lego camera. Very Very bad.
Nobody's really posted a real-life usage of Note2 vs S4 so here's my observations for those wondering.
I still have both the Note2 and S4.. and before that I had the S3.
I also currently have the Razr M as my "Spare" phone for when I feel like popping my sim into it on nights or events when I don't want to chance the loss or damage to my nicer more expensive phones. So I can throw out some comparisons against the RazrM since it's still my favorite "small yet powerful" Android phone.
1) Wow factor: Whether it be a ridiculous wow or a wow that's cool goes to the Note2.. The sheer screen size is still noticeable when using smaller phones and then using the Note2.. It's just big and watching videos/gaming is a real treat and joy. Despite having 720p on a larger 5.5, its still crisp and clear and nobody's streaming 1080p (Netflix/Hulu) to phones yet so the Note2 is still viable and current. I know that there's a Youtube apk hack that allows for 1080p but aside from that I haven't seen any apps using 1080p artwork yet.
2) Size: S4 obviously.. Light light light, deceptively light body. Thin thin thin.. Not a whole lot thinner than the Note2 but thinner. And a lot lighter. Since i have the RazrM, the S4 feels about the same in pocket and in hand as far as weight goes. And even if the RazrM is shorter and has a smaller width, the two feel the same in my pocket which is important to guys who like to pocket their phones. The Note2 in pocket has a horrible feel (for me) and just makes everything awkward for me.. Sitting down, driving the car, etc.. the Note2 is just clearly uncomfortable in my pocket and feels out of place. Like cramming something in your pocket that shouldn't go in there in the first place is the feeling I always get.. This is WITHOUT a case even on the Note2.. Cased up my pockets are even more ridiculous. This is why I feel the S4 is probably the biggest screensize/chassis phone I could ever deal with as a daily driver. it's a breeze to pull out of your pocket even while sitting. On the topic of size, it's trickier taking phone calls on the Note2 as you have to use precision to make sure the earpiece is aiming into your ear.. sometimes you end up missing where the earpiece is and not hearing people briefly until you correct it.
Note 2: 6.34oz
S4: 4.59oz
3) Battery life: Editing this in later, too early to tell, but I can tell you right now charging from 0% to 100% is night and day from the Note2 to S4.
4) Reception/Signal/Data speed: future edit..
Please add your experiences from going from the Note2 to the S4!
I've had the s3 s4 and note 2. And I like the s4 is perfect for size. Comfort. Design. Mobility. The note 2 is my second favorite. But that half inch makes the world of difference.
Things you'll lose when you move over to a s
Spen
Battery life
. 5 inch of screen
Is it worth it? Yes.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Hey have you tried taking pictures continues, I asked because I used my Note 2 take take just over 200 pictures during Mothers Day and my phone started to lag. I even ran photo share. Your opinion?
Sent from my Note 2 SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
I got like a hundred pictures in my galaxy on my s4 if that's what you're asking and have no lag. However I do notice the camera feels more zoomed in on the s4 even when zoomed all the way out? Anyone?
Edit just found out that's because it's 16:9
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imablackhat said:
I've had the s3 s4 and note 2. And I like the s4 is perfect for size. Comfort. Design. Mobility. The note 2 is my second favorite. But that half inch makes the world of difference.
Things you'll lose when you move over to a s
Spen
Battery life
. 5 inch of screen
Is it worth it? Yes.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
my thoughts exactly, but i have smallish hands. i liked the note 2 a lot but it was ultimately just too big for me. Love the S4, but would be fine with a 4.3 or 4.7 Moto X phone with top specs i think my perfect size is somewhere between, maybe 4.5 and 4.7. But 5.0 and 1080p is SHAWEEET
andross77 said:
my thoughts exactly, but i have smallish hands. i liked the note 2 a lot but it was ultimately just too big for me. Love the S4, but would be fine with a 4.3 or 4.7 Moto X phone with top specs i think my perfect size is somewhere between, maybe 4.5 and 4.7. But 5.0 and 1080p is SHAWEEET
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Click to collapse
This, and when I need to use my phone one handed the Note 2 was far too difficult to manage.. For me I feel that 5" is the very max I can deal with.. It's too early to tell though and 5" might be even too big for me and I have big hands (i'm a dude).
I keep flipping back and forth between my Note 2 and the S4. I use the Note 2 for work and school (Snotes and the S-Pen). I have large hands and can operate it just fine one handed. I love the battery life, I can go all dat with heavy use and still have 30% when I get home at night.
That being said, I also love the S4 even with it's size difference. The main improvements for me are the screen, IR blaster (yes I am using it a remote) and the OS. I will look at an extended battery when they come out, but I am never far from a charger....and if I know that I will be, I take the Note 2.
Note 2 gallery is waaaaYyyy better than the S4
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I still have my S3, Note 2 and now I am using the S4. Note 2 still is my favorite screen size but I love how easy I can use the S4 with one hand, when driving this is just awesome.
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le0.br4zuc4 said:
I still have my S3, Note 2 and now I am using the S4. Note 2 still is my favorite screen size but I love how easy I can use the S4 with one hand, when driving this is just awesome.
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That's the spirit. The s4 is smaller and inspires me more to text while driving. I feel like I can now do anything! Thanks to the all new galaxy s4
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I just switched over to a S4 from the Note 2. Biggest difference that I keep noticing is screen size. The larger screen on the Note 2 is awesome but as a lot of people have mentioned it's near to impossible to use one handed and for me one handed use is important. If you're on the fence just because of screen size I'd say go with the S4 cause that little difference in screen size won't really be worth it for the loss of ergonomics.
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imablackhat said:
I've had the s3 s4 and note 2. And I like the s4 is perfect for size. Comfort. Design. Mobility. The note 2 is my second favorite. But that half inch makes the world of difference.
Things you'll lose when you move over to a s
Spen
Battery life
. 5 inch of screen
Is it worth it? Yes.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You forgot money
Well I sold off my N2 so i'm sticking to the S4.. I am sure the N3 will have me wanting it when that time comes in 6~ months I'm just not sure I will want to deal with a phablet again, the size was just a bit annoying but it was a joy and pleasure to use the N2, I will miss the easy to read, large screen