Galaxy S4

[0dev]

I'm getting sick of my S4, it was buggy on the official firmware (mostly because of Knox) and it's buggy on CyanogenMod (it keeps corrupting my data partition, the camera often doesn't work, sometimes it just won't boot, etc etc), seriously considering just getting an iPhone 5S. I like Android and all but I need my phone to be reliable and this just isn't.

 

[gotluck]

It is really too bad that samsung won't facilitate any process to turn regular gs4 into the google edition. I think many would prefer it given the choice.

Htc one can. The roms just aren't the same as a full conversion. Knox has further complicated things though, common consensus is that Knox is not included on the GE.

 

[0dev]

It is really too bad that samsung won't facilitate any process to turn regular gs4 into the google edition. I think many would prefer it given the choice.

Htc one can. The roms just aren't the same as a full conversion. Knox has further complicated things though, common consensus is that Knox is not included on the GE.

There are a lot of GE ROMs on xda, problem is all of them are modded in some way by their creators and have various bugs. It really is a shame Sammy has no official GE ROM for the i9505, that'd be awesome.

 

[flybub]

This is my first Samsung phone and definitely my last. HTC Incredible, 4s, Rezound, now the only s4. Way too many bugs and lags to be considered a flagship phone. Verizon and Samsung locking down the bootloader certainly didn't put a pleasant taste in my mouth either. Shame I paid for a 16gb phone but only am able to use half of it. Next phone will either be similar to the Moto X or back to the iPhone.

 

[viskon]

I'm getting sick of my S4, it was buggy on the official firmware (mostly because of Knox) and it's buggy on CyanogenMod (it keeps corrupting my data partition, the camera often doesn't work, sometimes it just won't boot, etc etc), seriously considering just getting an iPhone 5S. I like Android and all but I need my phone to be reliable and this just isn't.

Are you updated to 4.3?

 

[0dev]

Are you updated to 4.3?

Official 4.3 made the Knox problem a whole lot worse. It kept closing my apps saying they were unsecure or some ****.

 

[viskon]

Official 4.3 made the Knox problem a whole lot worse. It kept closing my apps saying they were unsecure or some ****.

Weird. No such problems here.

Isn't Knox an optional download? I see the app in my app drawer, but I've not clicked on it.

 

[gotluck]

There are a lot of GE ROMs on xda, problem is all of them are modded in some way by their creators and have various bugs. It really is a shame Sammy has no official GE ROM for the i9505, that'd be awesome.

Yes there is no true pure GE rom for the i9505 because no one can figure out how to flash the GE modem and boot loader on i9505(if it's possible). They are all effectively ports. There are always issues on i9505 GE roms that are not present in real i9505g

 

[0dev]

Weird. No such problems here.

Isn't Knox an optional download? I see the app in my app drawer, but I've not clicked on it.

The Knox app is an optional download but Knox in the bootloader and in the OS is not. Maybe you've just been lucky with your app selection but I had multiple apps randomly close because Knox didn't like them. And as of the 4.3 update it didn't even tell me which app it closed and why, it'd literally kill off background apps, tell me something like "Knox has closed some apps because they appear suspicious" then instead of telling me which apps it just gave me a list of every app installed on my device. Helpful.

Yes there is no true pure GE rom for the i9505 because no one can figure out how to flash the GE modem and boot loader on i9505(if it's possible). They are all effectively ports. There are always issues on i9505 GE roms that are not present in real i9505g

Exactly, which makes them just as prone to their own little quirks and bugs as any other custom ROM. Which is a real shame.

 

[viskon]

The Knox app is an optional download but Knox in the bootloader and in the OS is not. Maybe you've just been lucky with your app selection but I had multiple apps randomly close because Knox didn't like them. And as of the 4.3 update it didn't even tell me which app it closed and why, it'd literally kill off background apps, tell me something like "Knox has closed some apps because they appear suspicious" then instead of telling me which apps it just gave me a list of every app installed on my device.

Come to think of it, I got the exact same message and list a few times immediately after updating to 4.3. However, I also got a pop up that asked to update a "security policy". I clicked "yes" to that and I also ticked a box somewhere in a Knox pop up that said "don't check for 30 days" or something like that. Haven't had that problem since.

BTW - how did you update? OTA , Kies or Odin? Some users who updated via Kies have reported issues.

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Off topic - since the 4.3 update, I've had a couple of apps pushed by the Play Store to my phone that I never approved. One is called Beep and Go, and the other is Ant+. And there seems no way to uninstall. Google and Samsung seem to think that they own the phone.

 

[0dev]

Come to think of it, I got the exact same message and list a few times immediately after updating to 4.3. However, I also got a pop up that asked to update a "security policy". I clicked "yes" to that and I also ticked a box somewhere in a Knox pop up that said "don't check for 30 days" or something like that. Haven't had that problem since.

BTW - how did you update? OTA , Kies or Odin? Some users who updated via Kies have reported issues.

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Off topic - since the 4.3 update, I've had a couple of apps pushed by the Play Store to my phone that I never approved. One is called Beep and Go, and the other is Ant+. And there seems no way to uninstall. Google and Samsung seem to think that they own the phone.

I got the security policy popup but it kept failing to connect even though my phone's internet connection was fine. And I got the update OTA.

Yeah Samsung loves adding random apps to your phone. There are some random games in there you won't have installed either. Probably came with the 4.3 update rather than the Play Store though. Go to Settings > Apps > All and check out all the crapware. You can disable most of it from there too, although you can't uninstall it unless you root.

 

[2298754]

I'm getting sick of my S4, it was buggy on the official firmware (mostly because of Knox) and it's buggy on CyanogenMod (it keeps corrupting my data partition, the camera often doesn't work, sometimes it just won't boot, etc etc), seriously considering just getting an iPhone 5S. I like Android and all but I need my phone to be reliable and this just isn't.

The only time I've ever had major problems with custom roms is when I forgot to do a thorough wipe of the system partition and leave old residual system files there.

 

[JaySoul]

I bought a Nexus 5 and had it for a week. Really loved Kit Kat.

Gave it back due to hardware issues and bought an S4. Love the hardware side, but definitely miss Kit Kat.

The Samsung bloatware is a bit annoying - although there are some good features - and I'm a bit loathe to root it (not a technophobe, it's just I've only had it a few weeks).

 

[Sylon]

My AT&T GS4 finally caught up with the rest of the world and updated to 4.3 today. I don't appreciate the added bloatware though. I don't give a rat's ass for the Kindle app.

But what about Lookout? Anyone use that?

 

[rockitdog]

My AT&T GS4 finally caught up with the rest of the world and updated to 4.3 today. I don't appreciate the added bloatware though. I don't give a rat's ass for the Kindle app.

But what about Lookout? Anyone use that?

I like Lookout. T-Mobile actually provides the premium Lookout suite to customers who have enrolled into their Jump program.

 

[rockitdog]

I'm getting sick of my S4, it was buggy on the official firmware (mostly because of Knox) and it's buggy on CyanogenMod (it keeps corrupting my data partition, the camera often doesn't work, sometimes it just won't boot, etc etc), seriously considering just getting an iPhone 5S. I like Android and all but I need my phone to be reliable and this just isn't.

This is exactly why I have no desire to root or mod my Android devices in any way. What others call boring I call functional and usable!

 

[cuzo]

I'm getting sick of my S4, it was buggy on the official firmware (mostly because of Knox) and it's buggy on CyanogenMod (it keeps corrupting my data partition, the camera often doesn't work, sometimes it just won't boot, etc etc), seriously considering just getting an iPhone 5S. I like Android and all but I need my phone to be reliable and this just isn't.

You're gonna hate the size of it trust me.

Have you thought about a motorola x?

 

[tbayrgs]

I'm getting sick of my S4, it was buggy on the official firmware (mostly because of Knox) and it's buggy on CyanogenMod (it keeps corrupting my data partition, the camera often doesn't work, sometimes it just won't boot, etc etc), seriously considering just getting an iPhone 5S. I like Android and all but I need my phone to be reliable and this just isn't.

You're gonna hate the size of it trust me.

Have you thought about a motorola x?

Well, that really depends on personal preference. I've used larger Android phones (4.7-5.3" displays) over the past year but recently switched back to an iPhone. I don't miss the larger size and actually like the more pocketable size of the iPhone.

I will qualify my preference though--I nearly always have a tablet with me and anything that benefits from a larger display (web browsing, video, document viewing/editing, etc) is done there. I find web browsing painful on anything smaller than a 7" display so a 5" or 4" display on my phone makes no difference. I can certainly appreciate why others prefer the larger screen on their phone--I just don't need it for what I do on my mine.

I will agree though about the recommendation for the Moto X--large display on small footprint using nearly stock Android with little if any bloat. Would likely be my choice if I was still using Android on my phone.

 

[0dev]

You're gonna hate the size of it trust me.

Have you thought about a motorola x?

I'd miss the "wow" factor of the big screen but I'd welcome the practicality of a smaller one. The 5S (and all iPhones in general) are far easier to use in your hands than the S4.

The Motorola X isn't sold in the UK so that's out of the question.

 

[viskon]

For what I use my phone for, which is browsing, reading, videos and commenting on MacRumors, I prefer the larger screens.

 

[cuzo]

The iPhone is great for people who focus mainly on communication. I think the size is more geared towards that bit I can't see people who by a iPhone for typing and browsing and do forth, it's quite small to me IMO.

 

[jrswizzle]

The iPhone is great for people who focus mainly on communication. I think the size is more geared towards that bit I can't see people who by a iPhone for typing and browsing and do forth, it's quite small to me IMO.

I use both and, given the normal viewing distance, I really don't find much difference between the 4" and 5" displays. Both are small for browsing IMO. I much prefer my rMini. Perfect size for a tablet and offers the best browsing experience given the 4:3 ratio (though not all that great for videos).

As for typing, it somewhat depends. I like the swipe typing on Android, but I can't reach the entire keyboard comfortably with one hand. On an iPhone, I can type one-handed much easier. Type with two hands - and obviously the benefit of the larger display comes into play.

Ultimately, I think we see a larger iPhone next year in addition to the current 4" form factor. Just because Apple says 4" is the "perfect size for one-handed use" doesn't mean they can't build a larger iPhone. It's easy enough to simply market it as a device for those who would rather sacrifice ease of one-handed use for the larger display. The 4" model will still be touted as the more convenient.

Its interesting to see people bail somewhat on the GS4. I wonder if reality is beginning to set in.....Samsung's "features" really aren't all that useful. And the drawbacks (bloatware, buggy awful looking software) just aren't worth the nice hardware. Especially when you can get nice hardware with better software elsewhere (GPE, Nexus devices, HTC). The Note 3's saving grace is its incredible battery life and unique "Note" features (S-Pen, multi-window, display size).

 

[cuzo]

I use both and, given the normal viewing distance, I really don't find much difference between the 4" and 5" displays. Both are small for browsing IMO. I much prefer my rMini. Perfect size for a tablet and offers the best browsing experience given the 4:3 ratio (though not all that great for videos).

As for typing, it somewhat depends. I like the swipe typing on Android, but I can't reach the entire keyboard comfortably with one hand. On an iPhone, I can type one-handed much easier. Type with two hands - and obviously the benefit of the larger display comes into play.

Ultimately, I think we see a larger iPhone next year in addition to the current 4" form factor. Just because Apple says 4" is the "perfect size for one-handed use" doesn't mean they can't build a larger iPhone. It's easy enough to simply market it as a device for those who would rather sacrifice ease of one-handed use for the larger display. The 4" model will still be touted as the more convenient.

Its interesting to see people bail somewhat on the GS4. I wonder if reality is beginning to set in.....Samsung's "features" really aren't all that useful. And the drawbacks (bloatware, buggy awful looking software) just aren't worth the nice hardware. Especially when you can get nice hardware with better software elsewhere (GPE, Nexus devices, HTC). The Note 3's saving grace is its incredible battery life and unique "Note" features (S-Pen, multi-window, display size).

My biggest gripe with the iphone is the typing, while the keyboard is accurate it's cramped due to being a little narrow. Also, if you have decent sized hands (I'm a black dude, 6 feet, 200 pounds I can't hold a iphone without a case on it due to it being really small to hold).

Also, note being able to transfer from any computer irks me a little but the software and reliability can't be touched imo. It's just not everyone uses the phone with one hand and when I type out long emails I tend to use two hands due to being faster.

Funny this is, I was just looking at a deal this guy gave me to trade my iphone for his S4 but he has a little dent on the bezel, he also wants 50 on top so I've been asking reviews of what I should do. I prefer the s4 size but I prefer HTC SENSE by a mile over touchwiz but I don't like how the one feels in the hand lol

I'll post a pic of the s4 to show what I'm speaking of.

So yeah, I'm debating.

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By the dudes thumb

 

[0dev]

My biggest gripe with the iphone is the typing, while the keyboard is accurate it's cramped due to being a little narrow. Also, if you have decent sized hands (I'm a black dude, 6 feet, 200 pounds I can't hold a iphone without a case on it due to it being really small to hold).

Also, note being able to transfer from any computer irks me a little but the software and reliability can't be touched imo. It's just not everyone uses the phone with one hand and when I type out long emails I tend to use two hands due to being faster.

Funny this is, I was just looking at a deal this guy gave me to trade my iphone for his S4 but he has a little dent on the bezel, he also wants 50 on top so I've been asking reviews of what I should do. I prefer the s4 size but I prefer HTC SENSE by a mile over touchwiz but I don't like how the one feels in the hand lol

I'll post a pic of the s4 to show what I'm speaking of.

So yeah, I'm debating.

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Image

By the dudes thumb

If you're in London PM me and I'll do a straight swap for a 5S. My S4 is in perfect condition.

 

[cuzo]

In the us