Hope this is a lesson for OEMs like Apple, Samsung, HTC, etc.
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Galaxy S7
- Thread starter nviz22
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Hope this is a lesson for OEMs like Apple, Samsung, HTC, etc.
HTC might fold at some point. They released their best phone ever and it's not even cutting corners. It has all the latest specs and the cleanest skin on the market. Their Nexus isn't out yet, so it remains to be seen if they can capitalize on the 6P success. Apple is getting a little less complacent though. 32GB min storage, a $399 iPhone SE with great specs outside the screen size and resolution. Samsung isn't going to get less complacent anytime soon. They want to get you on their top tier hardware and give little software support.
More motivation to switch to the unlocked S7E.
July Android security update released for Samsung flagship smartphones with 44 patches and 4 closed exploits
http://www.phonearena.com/news/July...with-44-patches-and-4-closed-exploits_id82943
Recently, security researcher Gal Beniamini recommended that Android users looking for reliable security should limit their choice of smartphones to Samsung and Nexus-branded handsets, as they are the only ones regularly receiving security updates.
Once again, Samsung cannot be blamed for this (not directly anyway). They are keeping up.
What is happening, Tmobile? You were doing so well.
July Android security update released for Samsung flagship smartphones with 44 patches and 4 closed exploits
http://www.phonearena.com/news/July...with-44-patches-and-4-closed-exploits_id82943
Recently, security researcher Gal Beniamini recommended that Android users looking for reliable security should limit their choice of smartphones to Samsung and Nexus-branded handsets, as they are the only ones regularly receiving security updates.
Once again, Samsung cannot be blamed for this (not directly anyway). They are keeping up.
What is happening, Tmobile? You were doing so well.
If the iPhone and Nexus don't temp me away (and based on rumors, it's not looking promising), I think I'll find a way to get the S7E unlocked. Maybe finally JoD to HTC 10 or even the Note 7 to give those a shot, then return during the 14 day window and just eat the $50 restocking fee. Then i'll either try to get the S7E unlocked during some Black Friday or holiday deal, OR if I'm really enjoying whatever phone I jump to, I'll wait for the S8/Edge (unlocked, of course).
Speaking of, I know it's early, but I wonder what Samsung has in store for the S8/Edge in 2017.
-I'm hoping to see an even leaner/cleaner upgrade from the Note 7's Grace UX, which is looking great. I think as Android N and TouchWiz come to a crossroads, the software decision will become easier. TW is getting leaner; Android N is getting features first introduced by TW.
-Embedded fingerprint scanner into the front panel. That or go capacitive. It's high time to move on from physical home buttons.
-All the obvious processor, RAM, SSD, and camera improvements. 6GB RAM not necessary, but not going to say no to it either.
-Better & louder speakers. Perhaps too much to hope for dual speakers? They don't have to be front-firing. They could take a page out of HTC and incorporate some sort of bottom firing bass, and a higher frequency speaker up front?
-Slight redesign. I don't think they need to go crazy here, and I hope they don't. Just aesthetic tweaks here and there, but I don't foresee them moving too far away from such an established design. And frankly, I'm okay with that. I love the two glass-panel sandwich phone look, and nobody does it better than Samsung. New colors are always welcomed.
I can't think of much else. On a more carrier contract-related note, hopefully Samsung exercises their might on the carriers a bit more. Would love to see less carrier bloatware, less carrier interference with software and security updates (Samsung has been pretty good about security updates; it's the carriers that are slowing it down), or just start outright selling unlocked versions from the get go (like HTC). And if not, then at least a month or so after initial release (like Apple). Three months is long, but fine, too. As long as unlocked options continue to be a trend, it's good.
Samsung's highest profit in two years comes thanks to the S7
"it's expecting its second quarter operating profit to reach 8.1 trillion won ($7 billion), thanks to its smartphone business."
https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/07/samsungs-highest-profit-in-two-years-comes-thanks-to-the-s7/
"it's expecting its second quarter operating profit to reach 8.1 trillion won ($7 billion), thanks to its smartphone business."
https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/07/samsungs-highest-profit-in-two-years-comes-thanks-to-the-s7/
And this is why I push people to either the Nexus or iPhone. As much as I think the HTC 10 is amazing, carriers can and will hold back updates.
One slight caveat is people are saying Protection Plus is not applicable to the new US unlocked phones that were just released. This is a bit puzzling and maybe it could be the systems (where you enter your IMEI) are not updated, but sounds like customer support is giving the same answer. Other companies are adding extra protection with unlocked phones (uh-oh, nexus protect), perhaps Samsung will invest some of their profits in getting a warranty program together here.
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Or don't buy HTC 10 via a carrier
Unlocked and rooted, anything is possible. Out of the box though, yes you are correct.
I didn't even think about warranty and whatnot. So does Samsung not have any type of warranty on their unlocked phones?
But yes, it'd be wise of Samsung to implement some sort of protection plan like what others are doing. Especially if unlocked phones are going to become more common.
Well if for sure comes with the standard warranty (the unlocked international versions are not eligible for standard warranty in the US). So that is good.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung...ack-onyx/5286503.p?id=bb5286503&skuId=5286503
- Warranty Terms - Parts:
1 year - Warranty Terms - Labor:
1 year
http://www.samsung.com/us/owners/protection-plus/
Something you typically wouldn't buy with a carrier phone on lease, but for sure has benefit when dropping a wad of cash for an unlocked phone you plan to use for a while.
Samsung Protection Plus covers mechanical and electrical breakdowns after the manufacturer's warranty expires, and accidental damage. It provides a quick and easy solution and allows up to two replacements in a 12 month period for accidental damage claims.
What devices are eligible?
Eligible devices include Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Note 4, Samsung Galaxy Note edge, Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S4, Galaxy S5, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. Supported carriers are AT&T, MetroPCS, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon.
Ah, I see. So Samsung is rejecting Protection Plus to owners of unlocked devices? Even the ones bought from their own website?
Yes, that is what I am gathering. Samsung seems to be saying it is a "carrier only" benefit. Even if you purchase from their own site unlocked for the US bands, you are not eligible. I truly wouldn't expect it to stay that way. Seems very counter-productive to selling unlocked phones.
This is probably a kink that isn't fixed since this phone just came out. Probably not an easy way to purchase yet, combined with a few customer service reps not knowing what to say. This will be fixed. Samsung isn't that dumb.
Canadian Carriers are truly pathetic when it comes to updates. The S7 has received only 1 update since release so far and that update introduced Android system drain which previously was not present.
To give you an idea of just how bad they are. The S6 has yet to receive marshmallow while the S5 has already received marshmallow ahead of the S6 for some reason. They have postponed the S6 update multiple times, first the expected date was in April, then June and now there is no ETA.
I'm almost debating flashing the international software on my S7E but I'm not sure if it will trigger Knox and void my warranty.
To give you an idea of just how bad they are. The S6 has yet to receive marshmallow while the S5 has already received marshmallow ahead of the S6 for some reason. They have postponed the S6 update multiple times, first the expected date was in April, then June and now there is no ETA.
I'm almost debating flashing the international software on my S7E but I'm not sure if it will trigger Knox and void my warranty.
Galaxy S7, S7 edge now receiving July 1 security patch from T-Mobile
http://www.androidcentral.com/galax...mpaign=Feed:+androidcentral+(Android+Central)
http://www.androidcentral.com/galax...mpaign=Feed:+androidcentral+(Android+Central)
Well, that's more like it. I wonder what happened with June.
And hopefully this means they're back on track each month. They only missed June so far.
Supposedly Tmo found some bugs and reset for July. Monthly patches are essentially continuous delivery, and will take some adjustments.
Meanwhile folks in the comments linked are saying nothing has shown up on the unlocked US versions. This is interesting, but still early in the month.
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Yeah, it'll be interesting to see how well the unlock versions keep up with these security patches. Tmobile is usually really great at each month's security updates (with the exception of June, but if you're saying it's for good reason, then so be it, I guess). They usually push it out at the top of the month (first week or so).
If the unlocked version don't keep up just as well then there's no point in switching my Tmobile S7E to an unlocked S7E.
So your Samsung phone beat my Nexus 5X when it comes to getting the July patches. The end is near, it was nice knowing you all.