What does everyone think about the design Samsung has taken recently? Personally the GS3 had a great feel to it with its pebble shape.
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Galaxy S3, The pinnacle for Samsung design?
- Thread starter Zaft
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their hardware is fine. I don't know why they're criticized for that more than their software. puzzling.
I love how every Samsung device I've owned has either squeaked or makes cracking noises when any kind of pressure is applied to the device in any number of spots.
Yeah people look at the back of the phone and criticise it. As if it matters THAT much.
Or curse them for not using metal etc. My current S4 is perfectly fine design-wise.
Also the horizontal home button proved a valuable space saver.
The entire Galaxy S series looks virtually the same so no complaints about any of it, I like it all. And I know some hate on the plastic but it's a durable material that doesn't scratch or shatter easily so I don't mind that either. I do think Sony's current lineup feels a lot better in the hand but I also know the glass will break a lot easier than the plastic on my Sammy.
I will be interested to see what the Note 4 and S6 will look like now that they have a new guy running the design though. I wouldn't be against seeing a different look. Gotta change it up now and then.
I will be interested to see what the Note 4 and S6 will look like now that they have a new guy running the design though. I wouldn't be against seeing a different look. Gotta change it up now and then.
This is the quote that I think best describes Samsung's design. Samsung's hardware design is perfectly fine--very functional, ergonomic, but I don't think you'd find many people who would considering their 'design' aesthetically amongst the best in the mobile industry. And I'm not being critical of their use of plastic instead of glass or metal--but there are, IMO, many far betters designs, including those that predominantly use plastic (Moto X and G, Nokia devices, Nexus 5 are a few that come to mind).
If comparing only Samsung devices to each other, I'd personally probably vote for the Note III as the pinnacle of Samsung's design style--incredibly small bezels and I don't dislike the faux leather look, especially considering it has probably the softest touch of any Samsung. They've made a damn large phone that's pretty comfortable to use and hold.
You make a good point about the Note 3. The back was nicely done, but there was something about the blue GS3 and its metallic shine that looked great.
im digging my s4 with note3 style fake leather back (oem)
I don't think I want a phone larger than an S4
If anything my next phone may be smaller
I don't think I want a phone larger than an S4
If anything my next phone may be smaller
exactly. I actually think S4 & S5 look grand, it's software that should be criticised. Touchwiz UX on the S5 is a big step in the right direction, but underneath the launchers aesthetics they need to sort out all the bloated services running away and using up your memory. There is no reason why it has you be so memory heavy, the HTC M8 / Sense 6 is a perfect example of how ram can be optimised so it's as resource friendly as stock.
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Is that the back from the S4 black edition ?
Where did you get the fake leather back for the S4? Been looking around on eBay but can't find anything.
Yes I believe it is same as black edition, though there are 3 other colors. The one I bought does have a cutout for the tv antenna. I bought mine at a faily ripoff price from Korean gmarket. I believe gmarket is the only place where you can get the other colors.
Was following http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2646803
There were some eBay sellers selling legit backs, but I'm not sure if they are still around. I had trouble finding it on eBay last time I checked. At one point a New Jersey ebayer was selling the black version cheap.
The Galaxy S3 was absolutely the beginning. IMO the best iPhone fighter any Android OEM has offered. It was miles ahead of the iPhone 4S.
The S4 and S5 are good phones, they just are not leaps and bounds better like the S3 was compared to the 4S.
The S4 and S5 are good phones, they just are not leaps and bounds better like the S3 was compared to the 4S.
Managed to find the black edition backs on eBay but they sell for around a tenner, not really worth it just for a fake leather look IMO. Wouldn't mind one of those Korean black and gold S4's though.
Agreed it is a bit of a waste of money. I have sweaty hands and appreciate the grippyness. IMO the s4 is too big with a case
I care more about how the phone functions for my every day use. Admiring the look and feel of the chasis is far down on my list of things on my list. I've had my GS3 for 2 years now and feel that overall, it is a very good phone. I have been tempted to upgrade a few times, but with my GS3 working so well, it didn't make sense to drop a few hundred dollars on a new device. I plan to keep using my GS3 for another year.
As for the look and feel of the device, I do like it. I have replaced the back cover as I bought an extended battery recently and it had to have a different back cover to accomodate the additional thickness of the battery. Before replacing it a few months ago, the back cover held up very well. You have to look carefully before seeing the little scuff marks in the corners. The front look practically new save for finger marks, but you see that on all phones that have been used. The only really visible signs of wear an tear is the area around the camera where the metal plating has worn. There is also a small crack in upper right corner of the plastic edge. There seems to be enough support around that area from the other materials to hold everything together.
As for the look and feel of the device, I do like it. I have replaced the back cover as I bought an extended battery recently and it had to have a different back cover to accomodate the additional thickness of the battery. Before replacing it a few months ago, the back cover held up very well. You have to look carefully before seeing the little scuff marks in the corners. The front look practically new save for finger marks, but you see that on all phones that have been used. The only really visible signs of wear an tear is the area around the camera where the metal plating has worn. There is also a small crack in upper right corner of the plastic edge. There seems to be enough support around that area from the other materials to hold everything together.
Echo the sentiments of most here. The Samsung hardware has been great. Their TW UI can use a big overhaul. It uses way too much system resources IMHO. The camera in the S5 is one of the best around.
I think they get too much flak for making plastic phones. I have an M8 and it got scratched just from sitting on a table. If you have to put a plastic case on a premium material phone.....does it matter if it was plastic to begin with?
I think they get too much flak for making plastic phones. I have an M8 and it got scratched just from sitting on a table. If you have to put a plastic case on a premium material phone.....does it matter if it was plastic to begin with?
The S3 is a very good phone. It's good enough that I'm not planning to upgrade phones when my contract is up because the S3 is fine. I wish it was slightly smaller, but that's a minor quibble. I have no complaints about the UI, but I really didn't use the stock ROM much because I had it rooted and running a custom ROM after a few days.
I didn't like the S3 "pebble" look at all, to me it literally looked like a toy. Just too round.
I do like my Note 2 though. Edges are a bit more straight. I don't mind the plastic as such, but I'm not ecstatic about the chip of paint that came off one corner, leaving a matte gray spot in the middle of the fake chrome.
I'm OK with the Note 3 look. A slight step forward from the N2. The fake leather back + over-glossy fake chrome sides are a tad too much though, again these have a touch of "toy" feeling to them.
The S5 is yet another small step forward. I prefer the dimpled back to the fake leather of the N3.
In all, Samsung's phones are OK in terms of design, but no more than that IMO. The persisting front side logo is a minus in my book. And the plastic as such I do not mind, however the fake chrome/leather thing does put me off a bit. Some kind of metal rim replacing the fake chrome would be an improvement. It does not have to be all metal, but that detail would help.
If I would buy Android phones based on the design alone, I'd get a N5 or Moto X any day of the week.
I do like my Note 2 though. Edges are a bit more straight. I don't mind the plastic as such, but I'm not ecstatic about the chip of paint that came off one corner, leaving a matte gray spot in the middle of the fake chrome.
I'm OK with the Note 3 look. A slight step forward from the N2. The fake leather back + over-glossy fake chrome sides are a tad too much though, again these have a touch of "toy" feeling to them.
The S5 is yet another small step forward. I prefer the dimpled back to the fake leather of the N3.
In all, Samsung's phones are OK in terms of design, but no more than that IMO. The persisting front side logo is a minus in my book. And the plastic as such I do not mind, however the fake chrome/leather thing does put me off a bit. Some kind of metal rim replacing the fake chrome would be an improvement. It does not have to be all metal, but that detail would help.
If I would buy Android phones based on the design alone, I'd get a N5 or Moto X any day of the week.
Most don't get Samsung for the design. I wouldn't mind if they bring back the curved back design of the S3 and the iPhone 3GS. They felt the best in hand. I guess phones are too big for that design now.