Galaxy S7

[Truefan31]

Yeah who knows how their contracts are drawn up and negotiated. I wonder if it's done per year as they release devices? Or is it a mutli-year thing?

Either way, the next chance Samsung can, they ought to start stretching their clout. Who knows how tough the carriers will be though with their stance. Tricky field, but I hope they get it done.

Didn't ATT reject the HTC 10? I mean, Samsung can't afford something like that to happen. A big part of their success and reach is because they're available from every carrier. Maybe this is why HTC releases unlocked devices. They know they won't be in every carrier store so they gotta get it out somehow (Samsung should still release an unlocked version though!).

We shall see if they can come through here in the next year or so. I wouldn't hold my breath though. Luckily Tmobile is the least offensive.

In my experience now those negotiated contracts are typically a yearly thing from most oems and carriers. As of a few years ago there were multi year contracts though. Now it allows for flexibility depending on certain things like economic factors, costs, etc.

Im only speaking for the us here but I remember Verizon playing relative hardball sometimes. Because they had the most customers and subjectively the better network, they would try the hardest to put as much bloat on phones while giving the least discount to oems.

 

[Truefan31]

I disagree, Samsung has the momentum and the money. What the hell is AT&T going to sell besides iPhones if they don't have Samsung? And I do think if Samsung put out their own store (ala Google and HTC) in the US, with payment plans, support, warranty, etc, people would use it. They know the brand enough and have loyal users now.

This is the time when Samsung needs to tell AT&T and Verizon..'we are selling an unlocked phone in the US without your branding or bloat. You can sell that in your store too with your payment plans. But we don't need your subsidies any more, and your crapware is hurting out bottom line. If you don't want to sell it fine, we are setting up our own distribution channel."

I think if Samsung thought they could do their own stores with support successfully they'd have done it by now. It's not easy. The supply chain and logistics of it alone makes it difficult. Are they prepared to service all Samsung products? Not just the s7, what about the s6, s5, s4, etc? All the tablets? What about computers and laptops? They don't really have their own software so can they service Samsung products running Windows or chrome os? There could be a disconnect.

The feeling is that they need each other. Att and Verizon. You're talking over 150 million customers. Can't really just brush them aside. Even Apple depends on carriers for market availability. The bloat u see on a Samsung or any noniphone means the carriers have helped offset the cost to the oem. Selling unlocked through your own channel can be a double edged sword. The company is footing the whole cost of the phone. So it better sell, and sell well because added to that the carriers are less inclined to sell your products.

 

[MadeTheSwitch]

Another $30 from Samsung

Samsung will give you a $30 gift card if you make three payments using Samsung Pay between April 15 And May 10

Not for me. Once again Bank of America debit cards are annoyingly excluded from the offer. At this rate Samsung will never get me to use Samsung Pay because I refuse to use it unless I get an offer. So we are at an impasse.

 

[SteveJUAE]

I think if Samsung thought they could do their own stores with support successfully they'd have done it by now. It's not easy. The supply chain and logistics of it alone makes it difficult. Are they prepared to service all Samsung products? Not just the s7, what about the s6, s5, s4, etc? All the tablets? What about computers and laptops? They don't really have their own software so can they service Samsung products running Windows or chrome os? There could be a disconnect.

The feeling is that they need each other. Att and Verizon. You're talking over 150 million customers. Can't really just brush them aside. Even Apple depends on carriers for market availability. The bloat u see on a Samsung or any noniphone means the carriers have helped offset the cost to the oem. Selling unlocked through your own channel can be a double edged sword. The company is footing the whole cost of the phone. So it better sell, and sell well because added to that the carriers are less inclined to sell your products.

Can you please explain "The bloat u see on a Samsung or any noniphone means the carriers have helped offset the cost to the oem"

As outside of advance orders which equally apply to Apple I do not understand this mechanism you imply. I thought bloatware was simply additional features to add a perceived value or some apps to increase revenue for the carriers. How's it a kickback to OEM's manufacturing costs ?

The OEM's are already stumping up the whole cost of the phone surely and this is why carriers also suffer on new releases as they have an initial huge outlay which trickles back over the term of the lease/contract. This is now further complicated for carriers with the newer more frequent trade-ins etc as they have to now forecast the residual value of phones +6 months from now with all the risks associated with market trends etc which has to be factored in to the consumer costs now. Get it wrong and they can easily loose millions, therefore you can bet there are health margins factored in.

Make no mistake all this great customer care, 30 day returns, trade-in/ups etc, shops on every corner and low initial outlays, we pay for and non more so than Apple which is why it's rated very highly on support as it's a product that can sustain the extra premium paid by the consumer.

 

[Truefan31]

Can you please explain "The bloat u see on a Samsung or any noniphone means the carriers have helped offset the cost to the oem"

As outside of advance orders which equally apply to Apple I do not understand this mechanism you imply. I thought bloatware was simply additional features to add a perceived value or some apps to increase revenue for the carriers. How's it a kickback to OEM's manufacturing costs ?

The OEM's are already stumping up the whole cost of the phone surely and this is why carriers also suffer on new releases as they have an initial huge outlay which trickles back over the term of the lease/contract. This is now further complicated for carriers with the newer more frequent trade-ins etc as they have to now forecast the residual value of phones +6 months from now with all the risks associated with market trends etc which has to be factored in to the consumer costs now. Get it wrong and they can easily loose millions, therefore you can bet there are health margins factored in.

Make no mistake all this great customer care, 30 day returns, trade-in/ups etc, shops on every corner and low initial outlays, we pay for and non more so than Apple which is why it's rated very highly on support as it's a product that can sustain the extra premium paid by the consumer.

I'm referring to carrier related apps. Depending on deals negotiated, oems can get kickbacks from carriers in return for things like carrier apps being preloaded on devices. In return these apps generate revenue for the carriers as well. It's why carrier stores typically tried pushing a noniphone whether it's extra incentives or just better commissions. Ultimately carriers make money on service first and foremost but it's these deals that make it lucrative for both oem and carrier.

 

[SteveJUAE]

I'm referring to carrier related apps. Depending on deals negotiated, oems can get kickbacks from carriers in return for things like carrier apps being preloaded on devices. In return these apps generate revenue for the carriers as well. It's why carrier stores typically tried pushing a noniphone whether it's extra incentives or just better commissions. Ultimately carriers make money on service first and foremost but it's these deals that make it lucrative for both oem and carrier.

You can go to Apple or Samsung and say put my sim in your box or put my logo on something, which may be an additional cost/revenue for OEM's

Samsung may well get paid for customising their software to include specific additional apps which is slightly more than Apple does, however Apple also removes apps or features for carriers, which they may well get paid for this customisation.

However I believe that all this customisation is simple part of the conditional negotiated bulk purchase price for pre-orders which I bet Samsung is far more freely accommodating than Apple. Considering Samsung choose to make more variants of the same model implies that they are more set-up to freely adopt other options.

I agree carries will push for products that contain potential/additional revenue stream, if Apple do not facilitate this that's their loss and for those that do not like bundled apps their gain. Not for one second do I believe Apple do this for their consumers and I suspect that the carriers get these tweaks for free (on the hope of more sales push resulting in more re-orders) so there is even less incentive for Apple with its already strong sales.

I think this is just a scheme Samsung is willing to play with the Carriers in so far the carrier gets something for free with potential revenue and Samsung hopes the customisation costs and more is covered by additional sales. I suspect it's very hard to quantify if it generates any significant revenue for OEMS and probably why Apple do use this practice.

 

[Truefan31]

You can go to Apple or Samsung and say put my sim in your box or put my logo on something, which may be an additional cost/revenue for OEM's

Samsung may well get paid for customising their software to include specific additional apps which is slightly more than Apple does, however Apple also removes apps or features for carriers, which they may well get paid for this customisation.

However I believe that all this customisation is simple part of the conditional negotiated bulk purchase price for pre-orders which I bet Samsung is far more freely accommodating than Apple. Considering Samsung choose to make more variants of the same model implies that they are more set-up to freely adopt other options.

I agree carries will push for products that contain potential/additional revenue stream, if Apple do not facilitate this that's their loss and for those that do not like bundled apps their gain. Not for one second do I believe Apple do this for their consumers and I suspect that the carriers get these tweaks for free (on the hope of more sales push resulting in more re-orders) so there is even less incentive for Apple with its already strong sales.

I think this is just a scheme Samsung is willing to play with the Carriers in so far the carrier gets something for free with potential revenue and Samsung hopes the customisation costs and more is covered by additional sales. I suspect it's very hard to quantify if it generates any significant revenue for OEMS and probably why Apple do use this practice.

I'm not sure I understand your first paragraph?

I'm not aware of carriers taking off apps on an iPhone. From the thousands of iPhones I've seen from all different carriers they've all looked the same to me. Can you elaborate? I've definitely never seen carrier bloat added to the iPhone.

I think if Samsung is more accommodating, which id agree because you see the carrier bloat on their phones, it's because it benefits both parties. These oems get benefits from having these carrier loaded apps and carriers get additional revenue. Again it's why employees and managers are nudged to sell these devices. Apple is in a position where they can dictate moreso than others to carriers how their devices are sold. It's the buying power they have, and carriers accept it because they know the iPhone sells well and at the end of the day the bread and butter is service. I wouldn't say Apple does it for the consumer either, rather that they like to control the experience. To happy iPhone owners, it's a benefit.

My experiences show me these oems do get a benefit. I wouldn't say it's a scheme. They benefit each other.

 

[jamezr]

You can go to Apple or Samsung and say put my sim in your box or put my logo on something, which may be an additional cost/revenue for OEM's

Samsung may well get paid for customising their software to include specific additional apps which is slightly more than Apple does, however Apple also removes apps or features for carriers, which they may well get paid for this customisation.

However I believe that all this customisation is simple part of the conditional negotiated bulk purchase price for pre-orders which I bet Samsung is far more freely accommodating than Apple. Considering Samsung choose to make more variants of the same model implies that they are more set-up to freely adopt other options.

I agree carries will push for products that contain potential/additional revenue stream, if Apple do not facilitate this that's their loss and for those that do not like bundled apps their gain. Not for one second do I believe Apple do this for their consumers and I suspect that the carriers get these tweaks for free (on the hope of more sales push resulting in more re-orders) so there is even less incentive for Apple with its already strong sales.

I think this is just a scheme Samsung is willing to play with the Carriers in so far the carrier gets something for free with potential revenue and Samsung hopes the customisation costs and more is covered by additional sales. I suspect it's very hard to quantify if it generates any significant revenue for OEMS and probably why Apple do use this practice.

Just so you know......truefan31 is just here to paint Android or Samsung in a negative light whenever he can. He has admitted he doesn't like or own Android phones. He really really doesn't like Samsung and has admitted it several times.
But say something even slightly negative about Apple........and he defends apple right or wrong. Say you want an added feature or improvement on an iphone and boom there he is defending apple like it is a personal attack of some sort.

 

[SteveJUAE]

I'm not sure I understand your first paragraph?

I'm not aware of carriers taking off apps on an iPhone. From the thousands of iPhones I've seen from all different carriers they've all looked the same to me. Can you elaborate? I've definitely never seen carrier bloat added to the iPhone.

I think if Samsung is more accommodating, which id agree because you see the carrier bloat on their phones, it's because it benefits both parties. These oems get benefits from having these carrier loaded apps and carriers get additional revenue. Again it's why employees and managers are nudged to sell these devices. Apple is in a position where they can dictate moreso than others to carriers how their devices are sold. It's the buying power they have, and carriers accept it because they know the iPhone sells well and at the end of the day the bread and butter is service. I wouldn't say Apple does it for the consumer either, rather that they like to control the experience. To happy iPhone owners, it's a benefit.

My experiences show me these oems do get a benefit. I wouldn't say it's a scheme. They benefit each other.

I was just pointing out mods are not exclusive to Samsung, Apple do accommodate but to a lessor degree and equally benefit

FaceTime is removed from IPhone in certain countries, Apple Pay where it's not supported, but as you note no bloat is added although there may be some additional language features in some regions.

There may be some minor benefit to OEM,s that include bloat but I think this is minimal and far more in the carriers favour, hence your IRL experience.

 

[Truefan31]

I was just pointing out mods are not exclusive to Samsung, Apple do accommodate but to a lessor degree and equally benefit

FaceTime is removed from IPhone in certain countries, Apple Pay where it's not supported, but as you note no bloat is added although there may be some additional language features in some regions.

There may be some minor benefit to OEM,s that include bloat but I think this is minimal and far more in the carriers favour, hence your IRL experience.

Oh ok I wasn't aware outside of the us. I think Apple Pay is a matter of the bank/merchant approving it though.

I'm not saying just Samsung. It's why I said noniphones.

 

[Truefan31]

Just so you know......truefan31 is just here to paint Android or Samsung in a negative light whenever he can. He has admitted he doesn't like or own Android phones. He really really doesn't like Samsung and has admitted it several times.
But say something even slightly negative about Apple........and he defends apple right or wrong. Say you want an added feature or improvement on an iphone and boom there he is defending apple like it is a personal attack of some sort.

I'm not here to do anything but give my perspective from experience. I guess I'll say it again, I don't hate android or Samsung. Lol my wife uses a Samsung laptop for school right now. Not that it matters but I've probably used more Samsung products than most people here. I think it's funny you think I hate a device or company. The only one taking it personal seems to be you, calling me a hater, apologist, etc.

 

[jamezr]

I'm not here to do anything but give my perspective from experience. I guess I'll say it again, I don't hate android or Samsung. Lol my wife uses a Samsung laptop for school right now. Not that it matters but I've probably used more Samsung products than most people here. I think it's funny you think I hate a device or company. The only one taking it personal seems to be you, calling me a hater, apologist, etc.

I am only going by your words that you have said time and time again here on MR. I have not called you any of those names....
So which Samsung phone do you own? When was the last time you had an Android phone? Are you planning on getting any of the new flagship phones out there now?

 

[SteveJUAE]

Oh ok I wasn't aware outside of the us. I think Apple Pay is a matter of the bank/merchant approving it though.

I'm not saying just Samsung. It's why I said noniphones.

Agreed not just Samsung but Apple is not 100% excluded either on being paid to add carrier items ail be it to a lessor degree or just in packaging

Don't know much about Apple pay, we also do not have Samsung pay here, we had a carrier pay service for small items for over 10 years, not as sophisticated as new offerings but essentially the same for shops and gas/petrol stations and topping up friends pre-paid phones credit.

 

[Truefan31]

I am only going by your words that you have said time and time again here on MR. I have not called you any of those names....
So which Samsung phone do you own? When was the last time you had an Android phone? Are you planning on getting any of the new flagship phones out there now?

Really? You haven't accused me of being a hater and/or apologist? I'm pretty sure I've never said I hated either Samsung or android. I was discussing oem/carrier agreements when you chimed in with your opinion of me, I guess everyone feels that way since you seem to speak for everyone like you claimed in another thread.

I don't own a samsung phone. Honestly the G5 was intriguing but I'm more intrigued by the m10. I used to like htc phones, even back to the windows mobile ppc lol.

 

[jamezr]

Really? You haven't accused me of being a hater and/or apologist? I'm pretty sure I've never said I hated either Samsung or android. I was discussing oem/carrier agreements when you chimed in with your opinion of me, I guess everyone feels that way since you seem to speak for everyone like you claimed in another thread.

I don't own a samsung phone. Honestly the G5 was intriguing but I'm more intrigued by the m10. I used to like htc phones, even back to the windows mobile ppc lol.

I am only going by what you say about yourself. You have said it several times you don't own and don't plan to own and Android device and you do not like Android. Your words......you have said you hate Samsung but I can't find the post now. But you have said repeatedly that you don't like Samsung and Android. So you say allot that certain phones intrigue you. Is that just to participate in the discussions? Or are you going to get an Android phone?

 

[Truefan31]

I am only going by what you say about yourself. You have said it several times you don't own and don't plan to own and Android device and you do not like Android. Your words......you have said you hate Samsung but I can't find the post now. But you have said repeatedly that you don't like Samsung and Android. So you say allot that certain phones intrigue you. Is that just to participate in the discussions? Or are you going to get an Android phone?

So I can't be curious about tech? If I decide to try any device, so be it. Again I don't think I've said I hate Samsung or android, don't think I've said I don't plan to ever own an android device either.

I don't feel like I have to own all these devices to participate in a thread. I guess you feel that way? That's why you own and keep like 5 phones? That's fine if you do. But it doesn't make me feel inferior in any way.

 

[jamezr]

So I can't be curious about tech? If I decide to try any device, so be it. Again I don't think I've said I hate Samsung or android, don't think I've said I don't plan to ever own an android device either.

I don't feel like I have to own all these devices to participate in a thread. I guess you feel that way? That's why you own and keep like 5 phones? That's fine if you do. But it doesn't make me feel inferior in any way.

Those are the same reasons why people want changes on their iphones. You have called me out on why i have an iphone if I want changes or describe Apple in any kind of negative light. Just for the record I call Samsung out as well not just Apple. First hand experience is always best when discussing products. What are your first hand experiences with Android phones? When was the last time you had one?

 

[nviz22]

That sucks! This is where Samsung needs to do better and by pass carriers much like Apple and send security and feature updates straight to their phones.

Yeah, one of the reasons why Samsung is close yet so far. I might actually flip my S7 Edge now and just get a cheaper android for software updates. I am interested in the HTC 10 now since it's a little cheaper + full unlocked device that supports T-Mobile Wi-Fi Calling and VoLTE.

 

[epicrayban]

Yeah, one of the reasons why Samsung is close yet so far. I might actually flip my S7 Edge now and just get a cheaper android for software updates. I am interested in the HTC 10 now since it's a little cheaper + full unlocked device that supports T-Mobile Wi-Fi Calling and VoLTE.

HTC 10 is a great alternative option to the S7 and Edge, in my opinion.

The Android choices are getting incredible. Between the more affordable ranges like the 5X/6P, to the higher end ranges like HTC 10 and Samsung offerings. Then you have niche and innovation by LG.

If Motorola (and Sony??) offer great options, too, it's going to be nuts.

EDIT: Plus, Chinese OEMs are entering the fray too with some interesting options too. Huawei, especially.

 

[jamezr]

Yeah, one of the reasons why Samsung is close yet so far. I might actually flip my S7 Edge now and just get a cheaper android for software updates. I am interested in the HTC 10 now since it's a little cheaper + full unlocked device that supports T-Mobile Wi-Fi Calling and VoLTE.

From what I have read so far from reviewers...i don't think you could go wrong with the HTC 10. It sounds like a good phone!

 

[Truefan31]

Those are the same reasons why people want changes on their iphones. You have called me out on why i have an iphone if I want changes or describe Apple in any kind of negative light. Just for the record I call Samsung out as well not just Apple. First hand experience is always best when discussing products. What are your first hand experiences with Android phones? When was the last time you had one?

I was actually curious as to why you kept an iPhone. What about it makes you keep it and use it as a daily driver. Others provided some well thought out answers imo. You seemingly decided to not answer directly, instead calling me a hater, saying you answered it when I never really got a clear explanation as to why you enjoy your iPhone, at least compared to others. I think ultimately you said because you want to. That's cool. You bashing both Samsung and Apple was irrelevant to actually answering the question but again that's cool. Nobody can tell anyone what to do here.

Last time I had an android phone? The lg stylo. Basically got it free.

 

[jamezr]

I was actually curious as to why you kept an iPhone. What about it makes you keep it and use it as a daily driver. Others provided some well thought out answers imo. You seemingly decided to not answer directly, instead calling me a hater, saying you answered it when I never really got a clear explanation as to why you enjoy your iPhone, at least compared to others. I think ultimately you said because you want to. That's cool. You bashing both Samsung and Apple was irrelevant to actually answering the question but again that's cool. Nobody can tell anyone what to do here.

Last time I had an android phone? The lg stylo. Basically got it free.

Ah...so what is your daily driver then? Did you use the LG Stylo as your daily driver?
I have stated why i like my iphone time and time again in a lot or threads. I just wasn't going to do it for you because you demanded me to and told me not to have an iphone if I didn't have anything nice to say about Apple.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Yeah, one of the reasons why Samsung is close yet so far. I might actually flip my S7 Edge now and just get a cheaper android for software updates. I am interested in the HTC 10 now since it's a little cheaper + full unlocked device that supports T-Mobile Wi-Fi Calling and VoLTE.

Are you guys really that sensitive about updates, whilst I sympathize from my up to date S7 is it that really significant better smoother than had I not received the update that it would force me to consider lessor alternatives

Whilst I agree we are not typical users and have an above average interests and I have used many HTC devices even before when they were branded as Imate's, would you not be equally frustrated by these lessor spec devices.

 

[Truefan31]

Ah...so what is your daily driver then? Did you use the LG Stylo as your daily driver?
I have stated why i like my iphone time and time again in a lot or threads. I just wasn't going to do it for you because you demanded me to and told me not to have an iphone if I didn't have anything nice to say about Apple.

I didn't demand anything. How can anyone on an Internet forum demand anything from another?

I've said you don't have to answer. Doesn't mean I'm not going to ask. I was curious as to why you kept using the iPhone.

I have an iPhone right now. I had the stylo for about a month. Didn't keep it, ended up selling it to a customer.

 

[epicrayban]

From what I have read so far from reviewers...i don't think you could go wrong with the HTC 10. It sounds like a good phone!

GET IT, JMERZ!


But in all seriousness, the HTC 10 is an excellent alternate option to Samsung. It hits on all the notes that's missing from Samsung. They both trade strengths. Great counter option.

Personally, I think Samsung edges them out just a bit more. I find I can't go without wireless charging anymore. The convenience is too great to go back. And I love that it's waterproof. It's such a worry-free luxury. Plus, I genuinely find great use out of TouchWiz's little extra features.

Conversely, HTC is offering a cleaner OS that'll probably mean faster updates. Selling unlocked is great, too. Plus, HTC has the advantage of better speakers, a better home button implementation (come on Samsung/Apple. Let's move beyond physical home buttons, please), better button placement (I'm used to it now, but still hate that the back button is on the wrong side on Samsung devices), and a few other advantages.

Again, just a lovely counter option to Samsung. Great job by HTC. Even I'm tempted...

Hopefully it sells well and gives HTC some more life and drive. Competition is going to make the Android space insanely good. Hopefully this means Samsung cannot rest on their laurels.