Could Apple really lose the race?

[gpatrick15]

For recent converts to the Galaxy S3...have you been turned off by the cheap plasticy feel and hideous carrier logos?

While I'd love to have a screen that big, I'm not sure I'd be able to get over the build quality issues that would make it feel like a cheap iPhone knockoff (even if it is a lot bigger with some different bells and whistles). Not to mention the horrid colors aside from white --- no black?

If I went Andorid, I'd probably go the Nexus route, but the current model is already dated and isn't available on AT&T LTE (I don't think).

My Galaxy Nexus may be nearly a year old, but it doesn't feel a year old. To me, at this point the only Android phones worth getting are Nexus phones. It's the only way to go to get that iPhone like feel of quality, as the software and hardware are designed in congruence with one another. The Galaxy Nexus will be supported longer than the GSIII, plus it's near time for the new flagship Nexus to be released. Current rumors have an LG Optimus Nexus, Samsung Galaxy Nexus II, and a Sony Xperia Nexus [http://phandroid.com/2012/08/21/new...-doc-suggests-handsets-from-lg-sony-samsung/]. There will be choices this time around to pick from, which I think is a great strategic move by Google.

 

[Vegastouch]

For recent converts to the Galaxy S3...have you been turned off by the cheap plasticy feel and hideous carrier logos?

No, the plastic doesnt bother me. I always get a case on my phones as i did with this phone ( i got a clear case for now) but i also got a couple of different battery covers for this phone for which there are a slew to choose from. One is metal and the other has leather on it so they feel good and the leather gives a bit of a better grip. In fact, im not using my case with the metal back i have on it now. Yes i realize im not utilizing my NFC but i wasnt using it a lot yet anyways. I will when it becomes bigger and the GS3 is supported for Google Wallet which it isnt right now.

However, Samsung uses plastic (polycarbonate) because of the NFC. It wont work with a metal back and no, it dont work when i have the metal battery cover on it but does with other one.

Not sure what you mean by the hideous carrier logo's. I can only assume you mean the bloatware?

While I'd love to have a screen that big, I'm not sure I'd be able to get over the build quality issues that would make it feel like a cheap iPhone knockoff (even if it is a lot bigger with some different bells and whistles). Not to mention the horrid colors aside from white --- no black?

The phone is builtvery well. Its just the plastic your saying you dont like. As i said above, there are options.
There is a red version and black is coming.

If I went Andorid, I'd probably go the Nexus route, but the current model is already dated and isn't available on AT&T LTE (I don't think).

Those should be coming in Nov..unless they want to release them when the new iPhone comes out. I heard November some months back so thats why i say that.
I wanted a Nexus too but they always skimp on the specs on those. Leaving out a Micro SD card and a lessor camera but rumors say the Micro SD will be included and a better camera so thats good news.
The Nexus was always more a dev phone before but it is gaining popularity so maybe they are stepping them up now.

 

[Duckit]

I have seriously considered switching from my iPhone 4S to a Galaxy S3 multiple times. I tried out the Galaxy S3 in my local Verizon store and I liked it a lot, but I just don't think I could ever give up the reliability of the iPhone. I have also invested so much money in the Apple Ecosystem, and I would hate to have to repurchase all my apps, and transfer all of my songs from iTunes.

I don't really see Apple losing the race anytime soon because so many people just want a phone that is simple to use.

 

[Dolorian]

If I went Andorid, I'd probably go the Nexus route, but the current model is already dated and isn't available on AT&T LTE (I don't think).

I personally like the design of the Galaxy Nexus more than the S3 and is one of the main reasons why I am considering getting it instead of the S3. That and also the pure Android experience and instant OTA updates for the OS. The Nexus obviously has lower specs than the S3 but I would be willing to accept that trade off.

That said, some rumors about the new Nexus are already emerging so waiting may be the best option. There also seems to be a black S3 coming out with 64gb in the next month or two.

I'll wait for Apple to present the iPhone 5 to see what they bring to the table and also for the black S3 to come out and any info of the new Nexus to be confirmed before going Android, which will be either the current or new Nexus or the black S3.

 

[b166er]

In my opinion, Apple will be around more or less forever in terms of being a company that produces products people want to buy.

I think they will loose a lot of races, and don't forget that they spent several years far from the top. They will continue to wow people with a new product here and there I'm sure. But when that product enters it's 4th, 5th, 6th, etc generation it will plateau and the competition will be everywhere. Case in point, the iPhone. The 4S is a great phone, but there are other alternatives that are as good. A few years ago you couldn't say that.

I'm sure they will put out a new gadget every few years and just keep on rolling that way. They are doing exceptionally well, they have a ton of cash, and they have a loyal fan base. I don't expect them to go anywhere for a long time. But they will loose some races along the way for sure.

 

[Geckotek]

The restrictions I mean are things like the lack of customization and tweaks. Look at the thousands of jailbreak options that are out that Apple does not let us do to our phones, when they are capable.

That's like complaining that your refrigerator is cold and should have a hot compartment. You come to Apple because "it just works", not for customizations. And part of what makes it work is the walled garden Apple sets up. It prevents the user from doing things that would take away from the experience.

If you don't like this, you shouldn't even be debating/discussing an Apple product.

 

[Calidude]

Apple has been losing the race since Ice Cream Sandwich came out and when the iPhone 5 comes out, most of this forum will be disappointed by it and many of those people will leave to Android, Windows Phone and Blackberry 10.

We'll see the trend below continue in 2013. Android will lead the market approaching 70%, iOS will be at 16% after iPhone 5 disappoints the hell out of many people, causing Apple's first decrease in marketshare this decade, mark my words.

Windows Phone will grab 4-5% of the market after Windows Phone 8 comes out, RIM will keep 5% after Blackberry 10 comes out. Symbian will be almost fully dead with 2%, and Tizen along with Firefox OS will be fighting over the measly scraps left behind.

 

[linkgx1]

The thing is....there really isn't a race.


The day that something outsells the iPhone...is the day that we see a new revolution altogether. That's the issue. You can't just....say "oh, this is the new blah blah killer!". It doesn't work like that.

Is the iPhone a 'RAZR' killer? Not really. The problem is that people keep trying to compare things that can't be compared.

As long as the iPhone sales enough to bring lots of money, that's all Apple really cares about. Do you really thinking Mercedes-benz wants to sell as many units as Toyota? They can......and lose profit per car. It's just not that simple.

 

[Geckotek]

Apple has been losing the race since Ice Cream Sandwich came out and when the iPhone 5 comes out, most of this forum will be disappointed by it and many of those people will leave to Android and Windows Phone.

Lol. A comedian.

 

[linkgx1]

If the next iPhone is larger than the current phone, I will not upgrade. The phone is big enough in my pocket now.

I have an iPad for when I need a larger screen.

I don't need to be packing a "Note" (what a joke) as a phone.

That is such a red herring, it's ridiculous. Certainly people, like me with my big hands, need a larger phone. A tablet and phone are NOT the same though they share many similarities.

What a joke? So 10 million people apparently bought jokes.

Just because it's not YOUR need, doesn't mean their isn't a marker or larger morket for it. Stop being such a fanboy.

 

[Geckotek]

That is such a red herring, it's ridiculous. Certainly people, like me with my big hands, need a larger phone. A tablet and phone are NOT the same though they share many similarities.

What a joke? So 10 million people apparently bought jokes.

Just because it's not YOUR need, doesn't mean their isn't a marker or larger morket for it. Stop being such a fanboy.

Sure, there is a market for larger phones, but Apples sales prove the display size is either fine as it is or not a primary driver when people buy phones. You brag about 10M Notes in a year when Apple sold 37M iPhones in Q1 alone. So I won't tell you there's no market for a larger screen if you stop telling me Apple is going to fail and must increase their screen size.

Edit: and I mean "you" in the generic sense....addressing all the pro-ginormous display posters.

 

[Calidude]

Lol. A comedian.

You may be laughing now, but when you see the sales figures in 2013, you'll see that the sixth-generation iPhone will be the cause of Apple's first downturn in sales.

 

[Geckotek]

You may be laughing now, but when you see the sales figures in 2013, you'll see that the sixth-generation iPhone will be the cause of Apple's first downturn in sales.

Good luck with that. Lol

 

[linkgx1]

Sure, there is a market for larger phones, but Apples sales prove the display size is either fine as it is or not a primary driver when people buy phones. You brag about 10M Notes in a year when Apple sold 37M iPhones in Q1 alone. So I won't tell you there's no market for a larger screen if you stop telling me Apple is going to fail and must increase their screen size.

Edit: and I mean "you" in the generic sense....addressing all the pro-ginormous display posters.

But that 10M is still....10M Apple did not get. And I'm not bragging, those are facts. I have no loyalty to any which company.

Apple's sales doesn't prove anything, as we can argue Android has a larger marketshare (and let's combine all of Samsung's sales for that matter in the phone race) that is something we can say proves something.

Also, don't put words in my mouth. I never said that Apple is going to fail. You are assuming things with your fanboyish mentality.


The day that Apple has a 4''+ phone is the day you say "Apple is so good at designing phones, they waited for the perfect time. I can't go back to a smaller size!"


The fact of the matter is that there is money on the table and no company in their right mind is going to let the money stay there. Good thing you don't run a multi-billion dollar business.


And let's not forget Samsung sold 86.1 million phones compared to Apple's 'measley' 33 million units. And Android phones sold 81 million units alone.Even if you just count the smartphone division, Samsung is sitting at 38 million smart devices.So that 'wimpy' 10 million Notes sold is just part of the variety of phones they have in their market mix. Apple sold less than half of the mobile units Samsung did.If you really want to play the numbers game, let's go.

 

[Bobby Corwen]

You may be laughing now, but when you see the sales figures in 2013, you'll see that the sixth-generation iPhone will be the cause of Apple's first downturn in sales.

For now, I'm definately laughing hard. Loooool.

 

[linkgx1]

You may be laughing now, but when you see the sales figures in 2013, you'll see that the sixth-generation iPhone will be the cause of Apple's first downturn in sales.

Technically, this coming iPhone may have less sells that the other. But that's only because of the upgrade cycle...especially with AT&T being stricter with their early upgrade process.But most 4s owners (like me) should be eligible next year for a new phone so it might break records in '13.

Assuming Tim Cook doesn't make a mess of things.

 

[Geckotek]

But that 10M is still....10M Apple did not get. And I'm not bragging, those are facts. I have no loyalty to any which company.

And the same could be said in reverse. It does not diminish my point.

Apple's sales doesn't prove anything,

How do you not get that sales prove everything? It proves that those users either did not want (or did not want enough) a larger screen. Either the screen was a buying factor and therefore they chose the iPhone or it was NOT a buying factor and they bought an iPhone DESPITE all the huge screens.

as we can argue Android has a larger marketshare (and let's combine all of Samsung's sales for that matter in the phone race) that is something we can say proves something.

Android's marketshare cannot be attributed to the screen size (which is the subject at hand.)

Also, don't put words in my mouth. I never said that Apple is going to fail. You are assuming things with your fanboyish mentality.

A) I didn't put words in your mouth. Go back and read my edit once again.
B) You obviously don't know me or you wouldn't have called me "fanboyish"

The day that Apple has a 4''+ phone is the day you say "Apple is so good at designing phones, they waited for the perfect time. I can't go back to a smaller size!"

Nope, I'll either hate it or admit that I was wrong. I do praise Apple in all they do.

The fact of the matter is that there is money on the table and no company in their right mind is going to let the money stay there. Good thing you don't run a multi-billion dollar business.

Hahaha, but Steve WAS running a multi-billion dollar business and yet he CONSISTENTLY made the decision to leave money on the table. If he were alive, would you tell him to his face that he was running Apple badly and should be removed from the CEO position?! LOL

No, it's a good thing you don't run a multi-billion dollar company. You need to be a bit more observant. Many of the most successful companies have a laser sharp focus on what they do best. Apple tried once to be everything to everyone, and it almost killed the company. Then the brought Steve back and Steve cut away all the fat. He had a vision and he stuck with it....and it worked.

Criticize the decision not to make a larger screen all day long, Apple is the most valuable US company ever....even though they don't have a 5" screen.

And let's not forget Samsung sold 86.1 million phones compared to Apple's 'measley' 33 million units. And Android phones sold 81 million units alone.Even if you just count the smartphone division, Samsung is sitting at 38 million smart devices.So that 'wimpy' 10 million Notes sold is just part of the variety of phones they have in their market mix. Apple sold less than half of the mobile units Samsung did.If you really want to play the numbers game, let's go.

Again, wasn't this conversation about screen size? I'm not debating Samsung vs Apple or iPhone vs Android. You used the Note as a defense of screen size and I refuted that. In fact, it almost looks like I could use Samsung's own numbers to prove that the entire market is not looking for a larger screen...but I'm too lazy to parse the data.

Also, just curious, are those Samsung numbers for the same quarter that I quoted the Apple numbers? You failed to identify the data well.

 

[PatriotInvasion]

So Apple offers the MacBook Pro line in 2 screen sizes, the MacBook Air line in 2 screen sizes, the iMac in 2 screen sizes, and soon to be the iPad in 2 screen sizes.

So...they don't always establish the "best" screen size for all and hope everyone accepts that. Given the above, why not have the classic 3.5" iPhone along side a 4.5" iPhone and let the customers decide which one they prefer as they can with the Mac and soon the iPad?

Makes sense, no? If they did this, this entire thread would be moot for the most part as it seems screen size is the biggest reason loyal iPhone users are at least pondering the idea of getting an Android device.

 

[Tones2]

For recent converts to the Galaxy S3...have you been turned off by the cheap plasticy feel and hideous carrier logos?

While I'd love to have a screen that big, I'm not sure I'd be able to get over the build quality issues that would make it feel like a cheap iPhone knockoff (even if it is a lot bigger with some different bells and whistles). Not to mention the horrid colors aside from white --- no black?

The S3 does NOT feel cheap and plasticy to me. For one, the Galaxy S3 has a polycarbonate body, with is a much different higher end feel and build quality than normal cheap plastic. It feels sturdy to me but still extremely light. I would not trade it for the hard bulky feel heavy that the iPhone had. Yes, the iPhone feels DENSER, but certainly not BETTER. At least to me. And if you drop both the iPhone and S3, the iPhone is going to shatter, the S3 most likely not. I can tell you that from first hand experience from actualy dropping both - the iPhone about 3 feet on CARPET (2 glass cracks) and the S3 about 3 feet twice on CEMENT (not a dent).

As far as looks goes, the S3 looks a lot better in person than in pictues. The pebble blue that i have looks almost like bluish-black to me. I've actually grown to like it, plus there i a WHOLE more less top and bottom bezel on the S3, which to me make it look classier. The iPhone looks a little dated to me with huge top / bottom bezel and more squarish, but that's personal choice.

Neither of the above is a big deal to me - much bigger deals are the S3 large screen size and flexible storage options - but since you asked.

 

[PatriotInvasion]

The S3 does NOT feel cheap and plasticy to me. For one, the Galaxy S3 has a polycarbonate body, with is a much different higher end feel and build quality than normal cheap plastic. It feels sturdy to me but still extremely light. I would not trade it for the hard bulky feel heavy that the iPhone had. Yes, the iPhone feels DENSER, but certainly not BETTER. At least to me. And if you drop both the iPhone and S3, the iPhone is going to shatter, the S3 most likely not. I can tell you that from first hand experience from actualy dropping both - the iPhone about 3 feet on CARPET (2 glass cracks) and the S3 about 3 feet twice on CEMENT (not a dent).

As far as looks goes, the S3 looks a lot better in person than in pictues. The pebble blue that i have looks almost like bluish-black to me. I've actually grown to like it, plus there i a WHOLE more less top and bottom bezel on the S3, which to me make it look classier. The iPhone looks a little dated to me with huge top / bottom bezel and more squarish, but that's personal choice.

Neither of the above is a big deal to me - much bigger deals are the S3 large screen size and flexible storage options - but since you asked.

Thanks for the feedback. Honestly, the more research I've done on Android, the more convoluted and messy it sounds...increasing the likelihood I will be preordering the next iPhone. Just the frequency and chaos around which phones are eligible for OS updates...including delays on even Google's own Nexus line, is enough for me to say no thank you. Assuming the new iPhone is 4", an extra fraction of an inch in screen size on phones like the GS3 isn't enough for me to leave the comfort, familiarity, and relative "seamlessness" of the Apple ecosystem.

 

[ACbrightblue]

I still think that iOS' overall package is much more polished, the UI, the ecosystem, the rock-solid hardware, everything feels just good together. But always when I have an advanced Android device in my hands—though the UI is still crap from a design and smoothness perspective—there are hundreds of details which are just better. But again the overall package on Android looks often clumsy and tacky.

Now, Apple brings the next phone and we know through all this controlled leaks of the last weeks that the screen is slightly bigger. That's it. I've the feeling that the masses (not us) want devices with larger screens—they want 4.8" monsters like the S3. And honestly, once you used an S3 for some time you do not find it anymore clumsy and you won't call it monster anymore, it's a very slick and thin device and you can carry it most of the times with you. And: it's so convenient and large that you prefer it more and more over your tablet or iPad. And Android isn't complicated, not at all, it's just sometimes stuttery and the icons look like crap because nobody thought about forcing one style. But again, it's moving fast, the UI is changing and getting modern like Windows Phone's aesthetics. Look at iOS: it's the same design as 5 (!) years ago, the same shadows, glossiness and rounded corners everywhere, not really ugly but people like change.

So, I think that Apple maybe just lost those masses who just want a device with the largest possible screen plus best specs and attracted those who love to have an iPhone just because it's an iPhone—as a pure status symbol. Look around you in the subway, at Starbucks: what kind of people have an iPhone and who have Android? If you check versus io's comparison between the iPhone 5 vs S3 the difference gets very obvious and Apple's once terrible innovative iPhone just looks like the new dumbphone.

 

[Geckotek]

And if you drop both the iPhone and S3, the iPhone is going to shatter, the S3 most likely not. I can tell you that from first hand experience from actualy dropping both - the iPhone about 3 feet on CARPET (2 glass cracks) and the S3 about 3 feet twice on CEMENT (not a dent).

I can tell you first hand that I've dropped my iPhone 4S many times, without a case, and I've yet to have a single break. Am I lucky? Sure, I'll buy that. Will the iPhone break more often than a lighter plastic phone? Probably. Is the iPhone "going to shatter" as an absolute? Obviously not. You should avoid absolutes.

 

[fertilized-egg]

And if you drop both the iPhone and S3, the iPhone is going to shatter, the S3 most likely not.

And if you drop both S3 and a $50 prepaid phone, the S3 is going to shatter, the $50 phone is likely not. Does that mean the $50 phone is better built than S3?

 

[Tones2]

I can tell you first hand that I've dropped my iPhone 4S many times, without a case, and I've yet to have a single break. Am I lucky? Sure, I'll buy that. Will the iPhone break more often than a lighter plastic phone? Probably. Is the iPhone "going to shatter" as an absolute? Obviously not. You should avoid absolutes.

Well, my wife dropped hers also only once and it completely shattered. I have 2 broken iPhones from drops wheas no other phone I've ever owned ever broke with drops. I'm just going by my own experience. (Just as a side note, my wife also dropped her iPad on carpet and it completely shattered. Man we need stickier fingers or something.)

----------

And if you drop both S3 and a $50 prepaid phone, the S3 is going to shatter, the $50 phone is likely not. Does that mean the $50 phone is better built than S3?

We are comparing devices with relatively large screens and a lot of exposed glass. That's the relevant comparison. How easy something shatters is probably one of the most practical measures of a better build other than wear and tear effect. And I don't think either the Iphone or the S3 is going to look much worst during a normal usage cycle of 2 years or so.

So for you then, what is a PRACTICAL measure of a quality build that effects actually usage or breakage?

----------

So Apple offers the MacBook Pro line in 2 screen sizes, the MacBook Air line in 2 screen sizes, the iMac in 2 screen sizes, and soon to be the iPad in 2 screen sizes.

So...they don't always establish the "best" screen size for all and hope everyone accepts that. Given the above, why not have the classic 3.5" iPhone along side a 4.5" iPhone and let the customers decide which one they prefer as they can with the Mac and soon the iPad?

Makes sense, no? If they did this, this entire thread would be moot for the most part as it seems screen size is the biggest reason loyal iPhone users are at least pondering the idea of getting an Android device.

This is the main point of almost ALL of these screen size phone threads. If Apple puts out two sized phones, all iPhone users are happy.

 

[Geckotek]

Well, my wife dropped hers also only once and it completely shattered. I have 2 broken iPhones from drops wheas no other phone I've ever owned ever broke with drops. I'm just going by my own experience. (Just as a side note, my wife also dropped her iPad on carpet and it completely shattered. Man we need stickier fingers or something

I'm not denying they break, but you should avoid making such absolute statements as you did since they don't always break everytime they are dropped.