Could Apple really lose the race?

[MacDawg]

^^
If I am texting, I use my phone almost exclusively in landscape mode, not portrait

If I do text in portrait it is because I am doing so with one hand, which becomes more difficult with a wider screen

And if this is a race, where and what is the finish line?

 

[BaldiMac]

Most people's currently desireable size screen for video watching, internet browsing, etc.

Most people's? Based on what?

They would never stetch. That's my point.

Yep. Just not sure why you went on about processing power and battery life.

A simple recompile MIGHT do it for very very simple apps assuming they designed the app without fixed positioning, but usually this would take at least some level of redesign, meaning then supporting 2 aspect ratios. XCode would have to be revised to support multiple aspect ratios, the same way that Android does now. So the developer would have to be an active developer willing to update that app for a new screen size initially, something maybe 50% of app developers would wind up doing.

If the app does NOT get recompiled / redeveloped, my guess is that Apple just puts black bars across the top and bottom, similar to how the iPad treats iPhone apps.

Yep. Much like the retina transition. But the main point is that they would have to do this for any change in screen size. (Assuming that they are not going to drop the pixel density, of course.)

Ugly and no real screen size advantage.

Why would it be ugly? It would be the same as it is now.

This will apply to a LOT of apps. It'll takes YEARS for the majority of apps to support the new aspect ratio / screen size.

Maybe, but it will probably only be weeks for the most popular apps. But, again, same problem with any change in screen size.

 

[thecurryman]

^^
If I am texting, I use my phone almost exclusively in landscape mode, not portrait

If I do text in portrait it is because I am doing so with one hand, which becomes more difficult with a wider screen

And if this is a race, where and what is the finish line?

Does it become more difficult with a physically wider phone? Or what If there was just less bezel on the original phone?

 

[Tones2]

Most people's? Based on what?

This forum's polls. The sales figures for larger than 4" Android phones.

 

[MacDawg]

Does it become more difficult with a physically wider phone? Or what If there was just less bezel on the original phone?

There comes a point when a bigger screen brings diminishing returns for me and my current work flow

I am fine with the iPhone screen size the way it is
Of course I have a MBA and an iPad for other tasks and I am not limited to a phone only

I am not thrilled with the taller phone, but I prefer it over a 4.5 or 4.8 phone no question

As far as the bezel is concerned, I am no engineer, so I can't speak to the challenges that might bring
Just saying reducing the bezel does not address what would need to happen to actually make that work with the components inside
I happen to think Apple knows more about that than I do, and I am happy to let them work it out

 

[Geckotek]

Why do all of these people (who I seriously doubt have any special background on the subject) assume the bezel can be narrower on the sides? Are there any other phones with extremely narrow bezels someone can offer up as an example? Certainly not the often deified S3.

 

[Tones2]

Yep. Much like the retina transition. But the main point is that they would have to do this for any change in screen size. (Assuming that they are not going to drop the pixel density, of course.)

They would not have to do this for a change in screen size in keeping the same aspect ratio and having an integer multiple of the pixel dimensions. Like the same or double. A straight scaling by an integer requires no interpolation which is what takes the processing power. Keeping the same pixel dimensions and a larger screen size would obviously decrease pixel DENSITY, but how much would depend on how large. If they went 4.8" say, they'd probably have to double the pixel dimensions.

Note that for the retina display, the pixel dimensions WERE actually doubled, so straight scaling WAS possible and done on old apps, so they filled the screen and didn't look that bad. That will NOT be the case fo a 4" taller phone. There will be black screen space, which to me at least, is ugly.

 

[BaldiMac]

This forum's polls.

Forum polls don't speak for "most people."

The sales figures for larger than 4" Android phones.

Which are? And how do you control for price, features, and availability?

 

[Tones2]

Why do all of these people (who I seriously doubt have any special background on the subject) assume the bezel can be narrower on the sides? Are there any other phones with extremely narrow bezels someone can offer up as an example? Certainly not the often deified S3.

Rumors are the the Note 2's bezel will be extremely narrow, although we'll see what actually happens.

 

[BaldiMac]

They would not have to do this for a change in screen size in keeping the same aspect ratio and having an integer multiple of the pixel dimensions. Like the same or double. A straight scaling by an integer requires no interpolation which is what takes the processing power. Keeping the same pixel dimensions and a larger screen size would obviously decrease pixel DENSITY, but how much would depend on how large. If they went 4.8" say, they'd probably have to double the pixel dimensions.

Wow. Not sure where to begin. You want to quadruple the number of pixels from the current retina display! Talk about extra processing power! I thought we were trying to be realistic.

Realistically, Apple is not going to lower the pixel density of the iPhone after touting the retina display. They are not going to quadruple the pixel count at this point.

Note that for the retina display, the pixel dimensions WERE actually doubled, so straight scaling WAS possible and done on old apps, so they filled the screen and didn't look that bad. That will NOT be the case fo a 4" taller phone. There will be black screen space, which to me at least, is ugly.

And the key difference here is that the screen size remained the same! In your scenario, all the UI elements on the iPhone would get bigger. Why would Apple want to do that? Why would developers want their apps to look like that? Unless they have uncorrected vision problem, why would a consumer want that?

 

[sulpfiction]

I went through this same delimma over the last few months. I saw iOS6 and the leaked parts and was not impressed.

So I went out and bout a Verizon Galaxy Nexus. Returned because of poor battery life, Pentile screen quality, and no Jellybean.

Got myself an unlocked Galaxy Nexus. Returned because of a completely different reason. I had jellybean now and better battery life. But I missed little things about my iPhone. A few things were the mute switch, tap clock to scroll to the top anywhere in the OS, the keyboard, scrolling, zooming, text editing, screen quality, etc.

Then I thought I'll see what the hype is all about and try a Galaxy S3. I went to the store and played around with it (I had done this several times before). As I was issuing the device it was fast and nice but some of the features i.e. tap to scroll to the top did not work very well at all. Then just using the OS in general was kind of blah to me as the OP says. Widgets and all the extras are okay but not great. Plus, I will jailbreak to get what I need. So, I put the S3 down and went to the iPhone 4S display (I own a 4). As soon as I picked up the phone it felt better. Not only the hardware build quality but the software as well. I admit I am used to iOS but it was just so smooth, fast, consistent, everything worked well and looked beautiful even on the smaller screen. It sounds cliche but it was just a pleasure to use.

I don't have much invested in the ecosystem so what I described above is what is keeping me with iPhone.

Overall I am VERY glad that I tried these phones and got the geeky "itch" out of me to get a new phone. It made me appreciate iPhone even more. This is my opinion. I hope it helps.

I can't believe that I never knew tapping the clock brought u to the top of any page.

 

[born2runak]

Im in the same boat. I have had the 3g, 3gs and iphone 4 and have been really excited about each one. I wanted the 4 s but couldnt justify the price and renewing my contract. This is the first time I am really not all that excited.

I really think the masses see the iphone as a premium device, which it is. So regardless they are going to sell a ton. I also dont think that the gripe from the majority of people is not being completely redesigned, but not taking a big enough step forward. Of course we have to reserve judgement until it is announced, but it is looking more like what you see is what you get.

I absolutely love my mac and iphone and if I could afford it, an iPad. I just wish Apple would take a bigger jump forward with the iPhone. My biggest complaint is of course screen size. Ive seen many people here post " I dont want a huge screen" and thats fine but what about the people who do? Are we forced to pick up an android device knowing that we wont be fully happy with it? Or maybe some of us would be happy.

I too have been seduced by the galaxy s3, it has a gorgeous screen, its very fast , has expandable memory , and includes a lot of android features that meet and in some cases exceed iOS .
I will wait until the iphone is announced and will more than likely purchase it. But for the first time Im not 100 percent sure about that decision.

 

[Dustman]

Considering the article I just read a few hours ago saying that Apple is expected to be the first trillion dollar company, I'd say no.

 

[yourtoys7]

I would have galaxy s3 now if iPhone 5 wasn't being announced soon, but if screen is not bigger I'll be jumping ship. I love my iphone 4s and have everyone sence the beggening, but I wish 4" or 4.3" would be nice.

 

[OceanView]

OP, I was in the same boat as you.
Been a happy iPhone user for years but after seeing the leaked parts of the next iPhone I was disappointed so I jumped ship to Android and have been very happy with my Samsung Note.
I do have a bit of an investment in the iOS eco system but I can always come back to an iPhone in the future and use them again if Apple makes a better phone so don't let that stop you in your decision.

As for Apple selling a lot of phones, who cares? I use the best device that's suited for my use today and that currently is the Note.
If more people didn't blindly follow Apple just because it was Apple, they would have to innovate at a faster rate.

Hopefully Apple will make a big screen phone in the future for those that want them. Give us choices in screen size and many would come back to APPLE.

 

[THE JUICEMAN]

I can't believe that I never knew tapping the clock brought u to the top of any page.

Lol I am sorry that you have been scrolling so much. Yea anywhere in the status bar actually. And anywhere in the OS and any app. It's VERY useful. Enjoy!

 

[robdam1001]

There's a race? What "Race"?

 

[MattInOz]

There's a race? What "Race"?

Don't races have finish lines?

 

[sentinelsx]

Isn't the future dictated by mini tablet phones going to be so good? All of us being forced to use a 4.5+ inch phone with no regards to how comfortable or easy to use it is. Choice be gone, the only good "choice" according to market share is big. Sell your tvs and computers guys, the mini tablets are only what you need. If not, you are all sheep and stupid for not buying a giant calling pad.

 

[nuckinfutz]

Chances are very unlikely that Apple loses this race.


I have no jealousy about larger phones and really when I see someone with a Galaxy Note I actually laugh.

I'm not looking for a phablet. I've got an iPad that handles those duties well and a phone that needs to be pocketable.

I have a Mac which means that I rely on proper sync between my OS X and applications and my iOS devices.

To me having a Mac and moving to Android for an OS is "cutting off your nose to spite your face"

I've relied on Google services less and less and frankly Google Search delivers poor results for me.

I'm ready for the next thing and I believe that's going to come from Apple first and then everyone will go into catchup mode again.

 

[Vegastouch]

After switching to the S3 and using it for 2 months, here's what I honestly think the iPhone does better:

1) Much better overall ecosystem - meaning a single source of system updates and purchases (iTunes), better apps , music and TV selection in iTunes. Upgrades available when released through Apple instead of waiting for carrier to release them 6 months later.

2) Definitely a bit smoother in scrolling and changing screens, although it's still pretty good in Android.

3) Much better looking icon shortcuts

4) Much lower audio latency from input to output - so you can run things like guitar amp simulators. Jelly Bean solves this problem for Android, but Jelly Bean is not available for the S3.

5) Better multimedia support in text messaging

I cant agree with this one though. iTunes imo sux. I dont like it, i dont like being stuck having to use it and i dont like that i have to use it to delete thigs from my phone as it can get confusing doing multiple changes with it. IMO it is just awful having to use that and it is so much easier for me to do things with Android in that regard not having to use iTunes. And JB will be here soon enough for the S3.
And IMO, Jelly Bean is far and away more advanced than iOS6 is going to be.

And those those saying LTE was fairly new when the 4S came out...how about you still dont have 4G for cris sakes! Yeah your icon at the top may say 4G now with the 5.1 update but your still not getting it.

However, to me that's really it. The huge advantages for Android are:

1) Huge 4.8" screen - Until you use a 4.8" for a SIGNIFICANT amount of time, you don't know how good it really is. Switching back to the iPhone seems like a toy. Rich screen colors and great black level - iPhone looks totally washed out by comparison.

2) MicroSDXC storage - You can have 32 GB and a 64 GB microsd card active at the same time AND swap cards if you need more room. Plus can get 128GB when it comes out. I can finally fit my entire music collection on the phone and still have plenty of room for apps. I no longer have to manage memory.

3) Replaceable battery - I can't tell you how much I missed this. Both the S3 and the iPhone 4S battery totally suck, but I can carry a spare battery with me for the S3 and swap it when i need to. So now I never have to worry about my battery anymore.

4) Workable USB - I can plug in additional flash drives (and have an additional 128 GB if I want on top of 32GB internal and 64GB microSD), external keyboards, gaming devices, etc. Everything works.

5) Very light and thin - Feels way better in my pocket than the iPhone 4S.

6) Widgets - I do use these all of the time. Live weather updates, trigger music players, facebook updates, etc. They do not significantly afect battery life.

7) Complete customization control in the OS. You can customize so much more in Android. You can get things like swipeable skinnable keyboards, live animated backgrounds, lots of lock screen options, etc.

8) LTE, NFC, Faster Processor -All things that the iPhone 5 will probably have, but the S3 has them now.

And a lot of other things. Yes, it really just matters what's important to each person (they are both good phones), but the S3 advantages to me far outweight the iPhone advantages. And a slightly faster taller 4" iPhone 5 with a new proprietary dock is not going to make any difference.

Bolded was huge for me. Had to have the expandable slot. I do use a handful of widgets and they are great. I dont use a lot though. Love the music widgets, clock/weather, Flipboard ,my flashlight widget which turns on the very bright camera flash and is fast and easy to turn on and off, FB, my bluetooth visor device widget, Email, ....to name a few. And i like that i can disable things that i dont need to make my battery even better (which is mostly bloatware stuff but at least i can disable and it gets rid of the icons too)

 

[ixodes]

All you can do is try living with the s3 for a couple weeks or so, and see if you can survive.

I'm composing this rather slowly from my iPhone 4S.

Slow, because I was a fool & bought an S III, now I'm on life support in the hospital.

Flippin biggest mistake of my life...

 

[gta50419]

If the "leaked design" the real design of the 5, They already lost...

----------

If the "leaked design" the real design of the 5, They already lost...
But im sure they have something totally different looking for us.

 

[sentinelsx]

I cant agree with this one though. iTunes imo sux. I dont like it, i dont like being stuck having to use it and i dont like that i have to use it to delete thigs from my phone as it can get confusing doing multiple changes with it. IMO it is just awful having to use that and it is so much easier for me to do things with Android in that regard not having to use iTunes. And JB will be here soon enough for the S3.
And IMO, Jelly Bean is far and away more advanced than iOS6 is going to be.

And those those saying LTE was fairly new when the 4S came out...how about you still dont have 4G for cris sakes! Yeah your icon at the top may say 4G now with the 5.1 update but your still not getting it.

Well someone not not liking iTunes doesn't take away the fact that it does offer a very solid and robust ecosystem still not paralled by any. May be Microsoft in the future.

I also don't see huge gaping differences in core iOS vs. Jellybean after using both. To me they just have different philosophies. One could say WP7.5 isn't as advanced as the two though, but WP8 makes it toe to toe IMO.

As for 4G, my LTE S3 runs on HSPA+ because i value battery life and a cheaper 3/3.5G plan more over a couple milliseconds shaved in loading a site and expensive LTE plans respectively. And interesting thing is , I am not alone .

 

[Geckotek]

I'm composing this rather slowly from my iPhone 4S.

Slow, because I was a fool & bought an S III, now I'm on life support in the hospital.

Flippin biggest mistake of my life...

Wait, wha?!?!?