Anybody got shut of their iPhone for an Android

[mKTank]

Really? You can shoot 4k video on your phone? You have a multi window app where you can run two apps at the same time on your screen? You can create a slideshow, photo collage, story album and video clip all from your gallery? You can pull down from the top bezel in any fullscreen app to view and interact with the notification bar? (Not even a feature in AOSP) You have a finder feature that lets you search for anything on your phone (pics, videos, notes, messages etc..) just by typing a single word? Your phone can do one handed operation by shrinking the screen down and moving it wherever you want on your display to make it easier to use? Your phone has a call notification window? You can copy a number and paste it in your dialer? (I can't on my Moto X running stock Android) I'll stop there, I won't even go into all the useful features with the S pen you'll never see on another phone. I could go on for days with features I have on my Note 3 you probably don't even know about and features that don't exist in any app on Playstore. But again, have fun with your stock phone

4k video - didn't buy the phone for its camera.
Multi-window - screen's too small for that, and I prefer one handed operation over a glorified app switcher.
Photo gallery operations - yep, apps are available for that.
Full-screen notification bar - yes...that was always there.
Searching - yep, apps are available for that.
One-handed operation - it's naturally able to do that.
Call notification window - ..what? Yes?
Copying and pasting numbers - yes, don't know why you can't.

So basically you looked at all of the minor details and you went off to tout them as critical features. Call notification window? Photo gallery slideshow? Really? Practically all of those things are available through apps. I didn't buy a phone with a stylus because (gasp) I don't want a stylus! Crazy, right? You even went as far as saying the one-handed thing is a feature; that's not a feature, that's an issue the phone's form factor introduced and thus they had to figure out how to make it usable by human hands. I don't see how you can possibly brag about that.

But again, have fun with 4.3 for another 5 months. (4.4's probably going to be the last update you'll ever see, too! Whenever it comes, that is.)

 

[WilliamBateman]

But again, have fun with 4.3 for another 5 months. (probably going to be the last update you'll ever see, too!)

Its cool, I have 4.4 on my Moto X and see ZERO difference from 4.3 on my Note, so big deal Id much rather have tons of useful features either not available in the Playstore or without the hassle of having to download them.

 

[mKTank]

Its cool, I have 4.4 on my Moto X and see ZERO difference from 4.3 on my Note, so big deal Id much rather have tons of useful features either not available in the Playstore or without the hassle of having to download them.

Yeah that's because the differences are under the hood, and they're pretty massive differences.

Pretty jealous of your slideshows though, can barely sleep at night without it.

 

[pdqgp]

I personally don't agree with the way Samsung handles their phones and their software particularly, but I accept that there are many people out there that look for a full package out of the box that has practically everything they'd want in a phone, and as long as it gets good battery life (the Note 3 does) then who cares about the excess hardware?

Correct. I wanted a larger screen, expandable storage and I use the features built into the phone. If I wanted a fast smaller phone with limitations, I would have stayed and upgraded to the 5s.

I was merely pointing out that I don't really believe that this is the way forward but oh well.

Forward to me is being able to do all that the Note 3 does in phone that enables me to leave my tablet behind. YMMV.

But you must also accept that there are people out there that, instead of having an experience laid out for them, want to make their own experience with their own collection of apps.

I don't see where the Note 3 limits me.

Out of the box there's no competition, your Note 3 will be way more functional than my Moto X. But people don't use phones out of the box for their whole lives, and after a few apps it's fair to say that whatever shortcomings it had coming out of the box are diminished.

Again, YMMV. I use the hell out of the features as do most Note 3 owners, thus why WE chose the Note 3.

They do make it vanilla on purpose: it encourages fast updates and fast updates are indeed what we get. I personally will take fast updates and flexibility over a proprietary UI and snail mail updates, and that's why I bought the phone I bought.

There you have it; that's what's important to you. Me, I'll get 4.4 and could care less after that as by the next update, I'll be upgrading my device.

Samsung's model of making up for terrible software optimization with overcompensating hardware is such a waste of potential

I still don't see the above nor how Note 3 owners are feeling the impact

Yeah that's because the differences are under the hood, and they're pretty massive differences.

why not point out those differences?

 

[mKTank]

Forward to me is being able to do all that the Note 3 does in phone that enables me to leave my tablet behind. YMMV.

Yeah I'm actually pretty jealous of that to be honest. I have a soft spot for bigger screens. So much in fact that I thought the nav bar on my Moto X took up too much room and I had to get PIE (screen-edge gestures that replace the nav bar). The screen size of the Note 3 seems like a dream IMO.

Again, YMMV. I use the hell out of the features as do most Note 3 owners, thus why WE chose the Note 3.

Yep, and I accept that. I have absolutely no problem with the Note 3's features or it as a phone in general. But being someone in computer science, I'm just a bit annoyed at how much wasted potential seems to exist. Not saying it impacts the end user experience, so I suppose it doesn't actually matter.

There you have it; that's what's important to you. Me, I'll get 4.4 and could care less after that as by the next update, I'll be upgrading my device.

Frankly despite me talking total crap about the Note 3, if I was given the choice to trade, I'd probably do it. I can live with those shortcomings. And in terms of the update thing, I always root and hack the hell out of my phones anyway so I'd find a 4.4 ROM in no time on xda.

Basically there aren't any disagreements here between you and I. I was just arguing with the other dude because he started out by trashing the Nexus 5/Moto X for all the wrong reasons.

As for what's new in KitKat, basically this: http://lifehacker.com/all-the-new-stuff-in-android-4-4-kitkat-1456286732
is the general summary. But what it means for the end user: better battery life, more stability (by a long shot), more core function features, etc. Shouldn't be too hard to Google it on your Google phone.

 

[pdqgp]

4k video - didn't buy the phone for its camera.

okay, that's cool, but 4k is part of that forward thinking you've mentioned.

Multi-window - screen's too small for that, and I prefer one handed operation over a glorified app switcher.

The Note 3 screen is perfect for this. Not just a glorified app swticher. However, again, if you're not into a large phone, then you have choices like the Moto X

I didn't buy a phone with a stylus because (gasp) I don't want a stylus! Crazy, right?

Great, again, YMMV, but I use the stylus a lot and it works great for a number of things.

You even went as far as saying the one-handed thing is a feature; that's not a feature, that's an issue the phone's form factor introduced and thus they had to figure out how to make it usable by human hands. I don't see how you can possibly brag about that.

You're point is valid as it relates to people not interested in using a small phone. However, the counter point is that the Moto X is smaller than what some are looking to have.

But again, have fun with 4.3 for another 5 months. (4.4's probably going to be the last update you'll ever see, too! Whenever it comes, that is.)

I won't own the Note 3 beyond 4.4. It will be upgrade time by the next release that will hold any value to have.

 

[mKTank]

okay, that's cool, but 4k is part of that forward thinking you've mentioned.

The Note 3 camera's pretty impressive indeed.

The Note 3 screen is perfect for this. Not just a glorified app swticher. However, again, if you're not into a large phone, then you have choices like the Moto X

I think eventually I'll probably go for a larger phone but being an iPhone-to-Android convert, I'm taking it easy on the differences at first. But yeah the side-by-side thing is cool but I definitely don't care much for it. It's a phablet feature, not a phone feature.

Great, again, YMMV, but I use the stylus a lot and it works great for a number of things.

Got a Surface Pro for my stylus needs.

You're point is valid as it relates to people not interested in using a small phone. However, the counter point is that the Moto X is smaller than what some are looking to have.

Yeah, screen was too small for me until I removed the Nav bar. :/

I won't own the Note 3 beyond 4.4. It will be upgrade time by the next release that will hold any value to have.

Just curious, what phone will you be getting beyond the Note 3? Note 4's a long way from now I assume.

 

[pdqgp]

Not saying it impacts the end user experience, so I suppose it doesn't actually matter.

I see you point, don't get me wrong, but my background is in design and in technology and if there's not end user experience impact, then it's just change for change sake and not of value.

Frankly despite me talking total crap about the Note 3, if I was given the choice to trade, I'd probably do it. I can live with those shortcomings. And in terms of the update thing, I always root and hack the hell out of my phones anyway so I'd find a 4.4 ROM in no time on xda.

Fair enough and yes, the 4.4 ROM is always an option for those who really need it.

Basically there aren't any disagreements here between you and I. I was just arguing with the other dude because he started out by trashing the Nexus 5/Moto X for all the wrong reasons.

fair enough.

As for what's new in KitKat, basically this: http://lifehacker.com/all-the-new-stuff-in-android-4-4-kitkat-1456286732
is the general summary. But what it means for the end user: better battery life, more stability (by a long shot), more core function features, etc. Shouldn't be too hard to Google it on your Google phone.

I'm familiar with 4.4 and what it brings. Again, just don't see such upgrades in OS as life or death critical to my appreciating the Note 3. As a company, any manufacturer, including Samsung and Apple, they have little to gain by releasing OS updates. Especially Samsung; but Apple too. Apple is brilliant at this. Let the full point releases out on the 1/2 cycle...ie the IPhone 4s and 5. Work out the bugs, then hit the market quickly with the 5s. Then do a bunch of point releases until the iPhone 6 and make that a bigger OS release but again, not likley iOS 8; and so on.

Sammy released the Note 3, bumped it to 4.3 nearly right away, let it play out. Bump to 4.4, work out the kinks and get feedback then release the Note 4. That will be followed by a point release or two, then the Note 5; and so on.

Consumers won't care and will likely upgrade. Hell, most of what Apple is doing is upgrading it's existing customers. Others like me bail.

----------

The Note 3 camera's pretty impressive indeed.

to a point. honestly, the 5s has a better camera and pulls off stills with better IQ. Video wise, the Note is better for more than just resolution.

I think eventually I'll probably go for a larger phone but being an iPhone-to-Android convert, I'm taking it easy on the differences at first. But yeah the side-by-side thing is cool but I definitely don't care much for it. It's a phablet feature, not a phone feature.

I get it.

Just curious, what phone will you be getting beyond the Note 3? Note 4's a long way from now I assume.

Don't know. I have not huge loyalty to Samsung, it just so happened that I like the Note 3 and what it offers.

 

[WilliamBateman]

Basically there aren't any disagreements here between you and I. I was just arguing with the other dude because he started out by trashing the Nexus 5/Moto X for all the wrong reasons.

No, Im trashing the Moto X because I own it and compared to my Note 3 its complete garbage. Everything from the display and processor to the camera and battery are worlds better on the Note. Its not even in the same stratosphere. As I said, I only bought it because it was cheap and because I sold my iPad Air and needed to fill a line rather than pay the ETF. I might end up sending the Moto X back and getting a 5s to be honest Glad you love it though! As its own phone not comparing it to anything, its a decent phone for the $349 price.

 

[mKTank]

No, Im trashing the Moto X because I own it and compared to my Note 3 its complete garbage. Everything from the display and processor to the camera and battery are worlds better on the Note. Its not even in the same stratosphere. As I said, I only bought it because it was cheap and because I sold my iPad Air and needed to fill a line rather than pay the ETF. I might end up sending the Moto X back and getting a 5s to be honest Glad you love it though! As its own phone not comparing it to anything, its a decent phone for the $349 price.

Lol "complete garbage." Your biggest mistake is comparing two entirely different devices meant for entirely different things. But oh well, enjoy it anyway.

 

[yinz]

To pull the conversation back to iOS to Android, I think now is as good as a time as any to try out Android as iOS seems a bit unstable at times and the new look isn't for everyone. Although, I feel that some people are just not as comfortable with change as others are.

Android 4.4 has brought about a lot of interesting changes that makes the experience more enjoyable. They are focusing more on the user and bringing about innovative features, which is nice. The OS is now more efficient in its use of resources, and more fluid in its animations and transitions.

I think Google is doing a great job in refining the OS as Apple is transitioning to a "new" design. Although I'm apprehensive about the move, I think it's a great opportunity for me to try out Android at its best, while giving Apple some time to clean up iOS for iOS 8.

That said, I think my Android phone of choice will be the moto x as I feel the Galaxy Note 3 is somewhat of a niche phone. It's rather large, and without an extra bag or a car to put your phone in, it is awkward to carry around. I'm not a big dude, so I don't have giant pockets. I think for me, the 4.7" screen size is really the limit for me. I hope the next iPhone aims for that mark and challenges the moto x in innovation.

Although the Galaxy Note 3 is dominating in specifications, I think the moto x is simply more functional in terms of everyday use. Productivity is better on the Note 3, but a computer would be a more adequate solution to that problem. Quite similarly, I won't buy a smartphone expecting DSLR quality in my photographs.

 

[JH-]

To pull the conversation back to iOS to Android, I think now is as good as a time as any to try out Android as iOS seems a bit unstable at times and the new look isn't for everyone. Although, I feel that some people are just not as comfortable with change as others are.

Android 4.4 has brought about a lot of interesting changes that makes the experience more enjoyable. They are focusing more on the user and bringing about innovative features, which is nice. The OS is now more efficient in its use of resources, and more fluid in its animations and transitions.

I think Google is doing a great job in refining the OS as Apple is transitioning to a "new" design. Although I'm apprehensive about the move, I think it's a great opportunity for me to try out Android at its best, while giving Apple some time to clean up iOS for iOS 8.

That said, I think my Android phone of choice will be the moto x as I feel the Galaxy Note 3 is somewhat of a niche phone. It's rather large, and without an extra bag or a car to put your phone in, it is awkward to carry around. I'm not a big dude, so I don't have giant pockets. I think for me, the 4.7" screen size is really the limit for me. I hope the next iPhone aims for that mark and challenges the moto x in innovation.

Although the Galaxy Note 3 is dominating in specifications, I think the moto x is simply more functional in terms of everyday use. Productivity is better on the Note 3, but a computer would be a more adequate solution to that problem. Quite similarly, I won't buy a smartphone expecting DSLR quality in my photographs.

You hit the nail on the head as to why I bought a Moto X. The Note 3 functions and features are very impressive, however, I feel like I will use the active notifications, touch less control, and excellent speaker more than any of the features on the Note.

 

[.Asa]

I was an avid Apple fan & iOS user until this summer when I got a new Nexus 7 just to try something new. The more I used Android, the more I loved it. The more I used iOS, the more I realized how crippled it is and how little it can actually do. So I just sold my iPad & iPod touch and I've got a moto g on the way.

 

[hovscorpion12]

I have been an avid apple fan since 1980s. I have owned MacBooks (blue back), Macbook pros (Mid 2010 & Mid 2013), i have purchased almost every iPhone except 1st generation and iPhone 4, every iPod Touch..etc. I loved Apple until two months after I bought my iPhone 5. My local mall hosted a Samsung contest. After looking at the Samsung Galaxy Note II, I fell in love. I purchased the Galaxy Note II in April 2013 and love it. I can not see myself going back to an iPhone unless Apple steps up the screen size, resolution, hardware CPU, hardware RAM, and software features. My next phone will ether be the Galaxy Note III, or the Galaxy Note IV in 2014.

 

[yinz]

I was an avid Apple fan & iOS user until this summer when I got a new Nexus 7 just to try something new. The more I used Android, the more I loved it. The more I used iOS, the more I realized how crippled it is and how little it can actually do. So I just sold my iPad & iPod touch and I've got a moto g on the way.

I won't go as far as to abandon Apple just yet, but I feel there is room for exploration. I still believe the locked down ecosystem is much less prone to user failure (such as accidental download of malware) and much easier to navigate for those that are not tech savvy.

What this means is, I'll still recommend iOS products to my older relatives. I think the iPad caters to them well. I hope they do offer a larger iPad for home use and possibly a larger iPhone as my elderly relatives are beginning to have worse eye sight. I think the bigger screen would draw in more elderly people.

I digress. People choose one OS over another for many different reasons. Just choose for the reason that suits you; that is good enough. Maybe we'll soon talk about trying out Windows mobile OS.

 

[Savor]

I followed both platforms closely since the very beginning but I was more an iOS user from 2008-2011. I didn't like Android right away. It took me about a year using both platforms concurrently and releases of Android after 4.0 for me to really like it more.

Now I pretty much shop around for my next Android phone. Some of the customized skins are very nice esp from Sony, Huawei, and Lenovo. The customized tile themes look great. And the TubeMate app just rocks! I didnt realize I can download videos from other sites and not just from YouTube. Porn heaven.

 

[iSheep5S]

Swap back and forth a bit. Started with a 3GS got bored. Loved my HTC Desire HD but at the time android wasn't as it is today. iPhone 4.. Bored again. Samsung galaxy S3 mini.. 2 weeks. Tried the S3 flagship.. Sold after 2 weeks too. Nope. Took a huge hit cause they don't hold value like Apple devices do.

6 months ago I got the iPhone 5. Bored again. Just picked up the Motorola Moto G and couldn't be happier.

I have an iPad air for iOS. Great combo.

IMO you need both in your life.

That's about 5 years of mobile history there. Android has came a long way.

 

[Dontazemebro]

IMO the Moto X is a pretty sweet device, the always listening feature is brilliant. Although when I look towards my android devices, my first requirements are large screens and small bezels. This is what differentiates it from Apple. After palming the Moto X, I just couldn't get over the fact of how tiny the device feels. I can accept this with the iPhone because it's apple but after using the Note 3, I can never go back to using a smaller android device. It just doesn't feel right. Of course this is just my opinion and should be taken with a grain of salt.

 

[JaySoul]

Yeah but my BMW is faster than yours.

 

[WilliamBateman]

I won't go as far as to abandon Apple just yet, but I feel there is room for exploration. I still believe the locked down ecosystem is much less prone to user failure (such as accidental download of malware) and much easier to navigate for those that are not tech savvy.

What this means is, I'll still recommend iOS products to my older relatives. I think the iPad caters to them well. I hope they do offer a larger iPad for home use and possibly a larger iPhone as my elderly relatives are beginning to have worse eye sight. I think the bigger screen would draw in more elderly people.

So Android is for all the cool young hipsters and iPhone and iOS is for old people with bad eyesight? Lol, what a joke.

 

[mKTank]

So Android is for all the cool young hipsters and iPhone and iOS is for old people with bad eyesight? Lol, what a joke.

No, but iOS is easier to use than Android and needs less messing around with. It's better than Android for non-tech-savvy people or seniors.

 

[soulreaver99]

Posted this on another thread...


Mobile Gear September 2013

Used to be all of this, but now that's mainly my travel gear.

But nowadays, the majority of the time, just this!


Note 3

 

[yinz]

So Android is for all the cool young hipsters and iPhone and iOS is for old people with bad eyesight? Lol, what a joke.

I think you're looking for a fight that isn't there. That's your conjecture, but not intended meaning. mKTank got the gist of it.

No, but iOS is easier to use than Android and needs less messing around with. It's better than Android for non-tech-savvy people or seniors.

To elaborate, the difference is more in the software rather than the screen. iOS is simply less prone to messing up because there is less you can fiddle around with. It also stays relatively the same. Old people love to have things the way they are. With Android, things and menus move around depending on manufacturer. iOS settings stay relatively unchanged.

Posted this on another thread...
Used to be all of this, but now that's mainly my travel gear.

But nowadays, the majority of the time, just this!
Note 3[/url]

In all fairness, you still need to bring the charger for your Note 3 on long business trips. Also, the iPad is convenient, but a bit redundant with your MacBook if we are talking about essential business requirements. What I mean is, you can't really do all of the things you could have before with JUST your Note 3.

I just think it's unfair to compare these pictures as a generalization of workflow. This may be a good depiction of workflow for you though. Although I don't think it'll apply to everyone, I'm glad you found what you needed in the Note 3 as a versatile workflow device.

 

[oplix]

i waited until the gap was narrowed by google in terms of software. just bought a moto x and very excited so far about the abilities.