Phones iPhone 4S vs Galaxy S3

[hot spare]

Apple apologists talk about Android before/after iPhone. But they never talk about the mobile phone itself. Did Apple invent the mobile phone?

Did people forget about Martin Cooper and Motorola?? Where was Apple when Motorola was driving the industry forward? Let's see how Apple can do without the mobile phone..

Apple and Samsung and everybody else is ripping-off Motorola. I say Motorola should stop all other companies to stop making mobile phones, because they bloody invented it. Apple will be the first company steal ideas and products from someone else and would act as if they actually invented it.

Typical Apple: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/05/us/david-gelernter-discusses-patent-claim-against-apple.html?_r=2

 

[matttye]

Last time I checked a quarter consists of 3 months. You really think Samsung is giving an update in the first month of the quarter?

Good luck with that.

Probably not but we don't know for sure, so saying it's "too late" when it's potentially only two and a half months is silly.

 

[randomnut]

I have a lot of friends who have Android phones and everyone has the same complaint about it: Buy an android device and it's immediately deprecated. You will struggle to get software updates for it, it's pretty much dead on arrival.

Whilst personally I prefer the usability of iPhone, I had a Galaxy S 2 for a work phone for 6 months and there are two things I really miss about it. The larger screen (it really did make a difference) and that thing where you can swipe down and have easy access to turn wifi, bluetooth etc off. That was such a bonus as I was always having to toggle wifi, bluetooth etc.

I did find the build quality was like a fisher price toy, and have held the S3 and whilst it is miles better than the 2, it still feels plasticky and far from the premium device its price tag suggests.

Personally, i'd go for the iPhone for the longer software support and what feels like much better build quality. But you really just need to try the two devices to see what suits you better.

 

[matttye]

I have a lot of friends who have Android phones and everyone has the same complaint about it: Buy an android device and it's immediately deprecated. You will struggle to get software updates for it, it's pretty much dead on arrival.

Whilst personally I prefer the usability of iPhone, I had a Galaxy S 2 for a work phone for 6 months and there are two things I really miss about it. The larger screen (it really did make a difference) and that thing where you can swipe down and have easy access to turn wifi, bluetooth etc off. That was such a bonus as I was always having to toggle wifi, bluetooth etc.

I did find the build quality was like a fisher price toy, and have held the S3 and whilst it is miles better than the 2, it still feels plasticky and far from the premium device its price tag suggests.

Personally, i'd go for the iPhone for the longer software support and what feels like much better build quality. But you really just need to try the two devices to see what suits you better.

You don't even need to use the notification bar to configure settings now, you can use NFC tags if you like.

I've got a tag in my car that disables wifi, enables Bluetooth, turns my ringer/notification/media volumes up full and opens spotify. I just tap my phone on the tag. Its so convenient!

Flagship Android phones (at least from Samsung) typically get at least one update. The S2 was updated to ice cream sandwich but I doubt it will get jelly bean. The S3 should get jelly bean but I doubt it will get key lime pie. If you go the unofficial route and install custom roms, you can usually get like five versions of the software. If its possible to run on the hardware, someone in the dev community will do it.

 

[Vegastouch]

I have a lot of friends who have Android phones and everyone has the same complaint about it: Buy an android device and it's immediately deprecated. You will struggle to get software updates for it, it's pretty much dead on arrival.

Whilst personally I prefer the usability of iPhone, I had a Galaxy S 2 for a work phone for 6 months and there are two things I really miss about it. The larger screen (it really did make a difference) and that thing where you can swipe down and have easy access to turn wifi, bluetooth etc off. That was such a bonus as I was always having to toggle wifi, bluetooth etc.

I did find the build quality was like a fisher price toy, and have held the S3 and whilst it is miles better than the 2, it still feels plasticky and far from the premium device its price tag suggests.

Personally, i'd go for the iPhone for the longer software support and what feels like much better build quality. But you really just need to try the two devices to see what suits you better.

Depreciation only matters to kids who dont have jobs and/or rely on selling their old device to help pay for another. Its not like it isnt worth anything. Its just that they want every penny they can get out of it.

----------

You don't even need to use the notification bar to configure settings now, you can use NFC tags if you like.

I've got a tag in my car that disables wifi, enables Bluetooth, turns my ringer/notification/media volumes up full and opens spotify. I just tap my phone on the tag. Its so convenient!

Flagship Android phones (at least from Samsung) typically get at least one update. The S2 was updated to ice cream sandwich but I doubt it will get jelly bean. The S3 should get jelly bean but I doubt it will get key lime pie. If you go the unofficial route and install custom roms, you can usually get like five versions of the software. If its possible to run on the hardware, someone in the dev community will do it.

That is a GS3/ICS feature and a app in the play store? That would be pretty cool and one id want.

 

[randomnut]

Depreciation only matters to kids who dont have jobs and/or rely on selling their old device to help pay for another. Its not like it isnt worth anything. Its just that they want every penny they can get out of it.

No. If I sign up to an 18 or 24 month plan I expect my device to be supported for the length of that plan. It is simply unacceptable to buy a device and then it simply be forgotten about by the manufacturer.

Although there are some features I miss from Android and I wish Apple would implement, the simple fact that I am guaranteed updates for around 2 years with an Apple device means that they will get my custom.

Allowing devices to be abandoned upon release is simply bad practice.

----------

You don't even need to use the notification bar to configure settings now, you can use NFC tags if you like.

I've got a tag in my car that disables wifi, enables Bluetooth, turns my ringer/notification/media volumes up full and opens spotify. I just tap my phone on the tag. Its so convenient!

Now THAT is very cool, and with my usage patterns would be very very useful. if only Apple would make changing these settings so easy. One can dream..

 

[mbell1975]

No. If I sign up to an 18 or 24 month plan I expect my device to be supported for the length of that plan. It is simply unacceptable to buy a device and then it simply be forgotten about by the manufacturer.

Although there are some features I miss from Android and I wish Apple would implement, the simple fact that I am guaranteed updates for around 2 years with an Apple device means that they will get my custom.

You buy a device for how it works when you buy it, not how it will work in the future. If you buy a phone with ICS, will it stop working when JB comes out? No, it won't. At least you get the FULL Android update with your phone. Its not like they leave key features out to force you into upgrading like Apple does. Thats the real ripoff. Besides, you can always root and install a custom ROM running the complete new version of Android if for some reason your carrier wasn't going to update you. An option you will never have with an iPhone...

 

[randomnut]

You buy a device for how it works when you buy it, not how it will work in the future. If you buy a phone with ICS, will it stop working when JB comes out? No, it won't. At least you get the FULL Android update with your phone. Its not like they leave key features out to force you into upgrading like Apple does. Thats the real ripoff. Besides, you can always root and install a custom ROM running the complete new version of Android if for some reason your carrier wasn't going to update you. An option you will never have with an iPhone...

Absolutely not. That's like saying it's acceptable to have Mac OS or Windows and never receive security or other updates whatsoever. The longer it is left the more vulnerable the device is to attacks.

Even without adding features by not updating the OS and keeping it up to date it is simply dangerous to have any personal information on. I refuse to commit to either a 1.5/2year plan or shell out £450 for a device which won't be updated and is more of a risk as time goes on.

Given the complex nature of phone operating systems these days not updating it for a reasonable amount of time is simply taking customers for granted and not giving a damn about their security.

 

[cwwilson]

May seem a little late for me, but I finally got some good quality time with a 4S (friend of mine's). I have to say, it does put my 4 to shame and I honestly did not expect it to be that fast and smooth. When you launch an app, it just springs into action, practically zero loading times. Folders open up without a hint of animation lag and the multitasking tray pops up effortlessly. Siri worked very well as it should, and even the browser on the same wifi connections was loading pages seconds faster. It felt like I was running a micro iPad, handling everything I could throw at it without breaking a sweat. My 4 running 5.1.1 is not awful but all the little things add up big time and made me salivate for a 4S badly. Even the front face camera has autofocus (or face detection, still better than the 4's) and you can't compare the main cameras, 4S one is so much more clear and powerful. I've taken over 1,000 photos on my 4 and I think the camera is just about done lol but the 4S is a whole new beast.

Now, about the S3. I haven't got to use one sadly, they're more difficult to come across at this time. I am in the market to ditch my Lumia and there was three phones I was look at, the S3 and 4S are two, and the Galaxy Nexus was the other (good pricing on them at the moment). The S3 looks to be the best phone on the planet from some reviews, while other are not quite so hyped. Giant screen compared to the iPhone and great screen tech as well. Supposed to be a benchmark killer too, right? I was looking on eBay for some and they're just not there to be had. Is the phone ever coming out? All I've seen is that the release keeps getting pushed back. I know the phone is a total demon but Samsung has got to get this thing out, there's a very high demand for them. I hope to get some face time with this device soon so I can see how it compares to the 4S. Might just happen to be Android winning me back over.

 

[SirLance99]

No. If I sign up to an 18 or 24 month plan I expect my device to be supported for the length of that plan. It is simply unacceptable to buy a device and then it simply be forgotten about by the manufacturer.

Although there are some features I miss from Android and I wish Apple would implement, the simple fact that I am guaranteed updates for around 2 years with an Apple device means that they will get my custom.

Allowing devices to be abandoned upon release is simply bad practice.

You forget that those contracts are with the carriers who don't have to give you the upgrades. Other places in the world don't have contracts.

 

[mbell1975]

Although there are some features I miss from Android and I wish Apple would implement, the simple fact that I am guaranteed updates for around 2 years with an Apple device means that they will get my custom.

So you are cool with Apple leaving the biggest feature from ios5, Siri, off the iPhone 4? No reason AT ALL the iPhone 4 couldn't run it, Apple wants more of your money. Oh and lets not forget all the features from ios6 the iPhone 4 will never see Like I said, at least with Android you get the FULL OS, not some half assed version missing the best features.

 

[Vegastouch]

Absolutely not. That's like saying it's acceptable to have Mac OS or Windows and never receive security or other updates whatsoever. The longer it is left the more vulnerable the device is to attacks.

What are you talking about? You can get Lookout in the Market and it is a security app that updates like all the other apps do. Your saying ICS is going to leave you vulnerable to attacks if you dont get a update to JB?

 

[SirLance99]

So you are cool with Apple leaving the biggest feature from ios5, Siri, off the iPhone 4? No reason AT ALL the iPhone 4 couldn't run it, Apple wants more of your money. Oh and lets not forget all the features from ios6 the iPhone 4 will never see Like I said, at least with Android you get the FULL OS, not some half assed version missing the best features.

I didn't say that. My quote didn't go through right. I agree with you.

 

[randomnut]

So you are cool with Apple leaving the biggest feature from ios5, Siri, off the iPhone 4? No reason AT ALL the iPhone 4 couldn't run it, Apple wants more of your money. Oh and lets not forget all the features from ios6 the iPhone 4 will never see Like I said, at least with Android you get the FULL OS, not some half assed version missing the best features.

But that's just it. You DON'T get the full OS. You don't get anything at all. The majority of the time a handset is DOA and you don't get updates unless you hack about with it, root it, and install some rom found elsewhere on the internet.

That's beyond the majority of typical users - if you get a new device it should provide you with regular security updates at a minimum.

The fact of the matter is Android suffers from hideous fragmentation and just sitting back and telling manufactures it's OK to just abandon your handset once it's released is only going to make it worse. Stop simply sitting there and taking it...

----------

What are you talking about? You can get Lookout in the Market and it is a security app that updates like all the other apps do. Your saying ICS is going to leave you vulnerable to attacks if you dont get a update to JB?

I'm saying that releasing a device and then abandoning it when it is running a full version of Linux (which Android essentially is) without any patches is foolish. It should be a integral part of the OS and not a separate manually downloaded app like you are implying it is, with a plan to provide updates for a set period of time.

If operating systems never had vulnerabilities or issues found with them there would never be any need for updates or service packs or anything of the sort. The world would be all candy and rainbows.

 

[swoosh0217]

I'm not here trolling but just sharing my own opinion...

I just old my Tmobile G2X not more than a week ago so I went to the Tmobile store to check on the Samsung Galaxy S3. The screen looks sharp and is slightly better than the S2 side by side. I noticed that the brightness was all the way full but when I go to the browser, it looks a bit dark. Im not sure if the store's lighting was just too bright for some reason. The phone was fast and not laggy at all. The phone was a bit too big in my opinion. I have small hands so texting with one hand will be a struggle.

Overall, I was impressed with the phones responsiveness but aside from that, the plastic design and the big screen made me had second thoughts. So I walked out of the store without a new phone.

2 days later, I ended up getting a 4S, jailbroke and unlocked it right away with gevey. I took the risk of getting EDGE connection with my 2GB data plan from Tmobile. Is it worth it? Yes in my opinion. For some reason, there's something about the iPhone designs, how I hold it in my hand, how I always get amazed when I see the retina display and the simple functionality of the phone.

Since this 4S was a great buy for me, I plan on keeping it and just get the new version this fall.

 

[matttye]

That is a GS3/ICS feature and a app in the play store? That would be pretty cool and one id want.

Yep. I use "NFC Task Launcher" from the play store. It costs about 1GBP if I remember rightly. I bought it and can't see the price now!

The NFC tags themselves I bought for roughly 8GBP for ten (including delivery), but prices will differ depending on where you live.

If you get some, get "NTAG203" not "ultralight" tags. NTAG203 tags support more bytes which allows you to perform more actions.

 

[Exio]

Absolutely not. That's like saying it's acceptable to have Mac OS or Windows and never receive security or other updates whatsoever. The longer it is left the more vulnerable the device is to attacks.

Even without adding features by not updating the OS and keeping it up to date it is simply dangerous to have any personal information on. I refuse to commit to either a 1.5/2year plan or shell out £450 for a device which won't be updated and is more of a risk as time goes on.

Given the complex nature of phone operating systems these days not updating it for a reasonable amount of time is simply taking customers for granted and not giving a damn about their security.

Yes, phone attacks are so very common...

Also do you know how easy it is to root and install the current up to date versions of android? Thanks for Google leaving their platform open and very dedicated Dev's who enjoy the freedom, it is very easy. Unlike on the Apple side, where 4 guys spend months looking for a loophole to output a jailbreak.

Now I know why you own an iphone. Your one of those people who can't do anything themselves and are afraid of technology.

Also if your so concerned about getting OTA updates the moment they come out, just buy a Nexus.

----------

HAHAHAHAA wow...you're either completely unfamiliar with WM and BB's or completely unfamiliar with iOS.

Oh really?

Looks familiar

 

[randomnut]

Yes, phone attacks are so very common...

http://www.forbes.com/sites/adriank...roid-malware-quadruples-between-2011-an-2012/

http://www.mobiletoday.co.uk/News/21422/Android_malware_threats_surge.aspx

http://securitywatch.pcmag.com/none/298206-android-malware-spikes-in-2012

http://www.techradar.com/news/phone...infecting-through-legitimate-websites-1079133


Yeah, thanks Google for being sooooo open


Back under your bridge...

 

[kevinof]

The stock browser has its own brightness control which I switched off. Makes the screen too dim.

... The screen looks sharp and is slightly better than the S2 side by side. I noticed that the brightness was all the way full but when I go to the browser, it looks a bit dark. Im not sure if the store's lighting was just too bright for some reason.

 

[Mr D]

Probably not but we don't know for sure, so saying it's "too late" when it's potentially only two and a half months is silly.

"Probably not" is a bit hopeful. And like people said, it'll be the international version first most likely.

We all know damn well it will not come out the 1st month of Q4, this is bout the same faith you put in when buying a lottery ticket. It's like calling someone a "silly" for not playing the lottery.

----------

Extremely late? We are in Q3 now. But, regardless, where has it been posted that the S3 would get JB at any specific timeframe? And is this the int'l or US version? I doubt anyone with a US S3 will get JB any time soon, since the carriers take an extra 6 months to load their crapware onto it and then certify it.

Sorry, but what are your standards for early? Have your standards stooped that low where waiting 3 months for a minor update is ok?

 

[Exio]

http://www.forbes.com/sites/adriank...roid-malware-quadruples-between-2011-an-2012/

http://www.mobiletoday.co.uk/News/21422/Android_malware_threats_surge.aspx

http://securitywatch.pcmag.com/none/298206-android-malware-spikes-in-2012

http://www.techradar.com/news/phone...infecting-through-legitimate-websites-1079133


Yeah, thanks Google for being sooooo open


Back under your bridge...

2 ways to get infected on android:
1. Malicious Apps
2. Malicious websites (rare)

Ways to avoid them?
Download "Lookout" for android and don't be a dumb ass.

Can you not do either of those?

 

[Mac.World]

http://www.forbes.com/sites/adriank...roid-malware-quadruples-between-2011-an-2012/

http://www.mobiletoday.co.uk/News/21422/Android_malware_threats_surge.aspx

http://securitywatch.pcmag.com/none/298206-android-malware-spikes-in-2012

http://www.techradar.com/news/phone...infecting-through-legitimate-websites-1079133


Yeah, thanks Google for being sooooo open


Back under your bridge...

I'm not a fan of leaving information out, even if it is for Android. But these links are from so called security companies crying wolf in order to sell a product. They aren't wrong, malware is prevalent for Android, but there is a caveat.
In order for the majority of this malware to make it on to a users phone, they first have to go into the phones settings and check off a box to allow downloads from 'unofficial' sites. How many non-tech smart Android owners do this, I don't know? And then assuming you allow an Android phone to accept an .apk from an uninown source, you still have to go through the process of checking a box that will allow the download to occur, after the user has looked at the permissions the .apk is asking for.

I took this from one of the articles you posted:

Most malware is found in third-party app marketplaces, so if you download apps only from Google Play (formerly called Android Marketplace), then you’re dramatically reducing your chances of being exposed to malware...

Now I am not saying the Android Marketplace is safe and free from malware, like the app store has been, but it can be just as safe, if the user is educated enough to understqnd permissions.

I make assumptions in my opinions in this post. I have no facts to back anything up. This is simply what I believe, which is, if you go to seedy websites on an Android phone and download shady apps, Much like a pc, you can expect to get infected.

 

[randomnut]

2 ways to get infected on android:
1. Malicious Apps
2. Malicious websites (rare)

Ways to avoid them?
Download "Lookout" for android and don't be a dumb ass.

Can you not do either of those?

The fact that malicious websites affecting Android are on the rise is a pretty troubling trend. The fact that you can open your device up to all kinds of malware by changing one setting is pretty dangerous.

Having to then go and install antivirus, antimalware software on your phone sucking up your already limited processing and battery resources just to keep your phone safe, hmm I know which side i'd rather be on.

In fairness though you saying that operating systems don't require patches or updating and that it's completely fine to run an internet connected OS for however long on a completely vanilla system pretty much says everything and has invalidated any of your insightful 'input' in one fell swoop. Well done!

 

[matttye]

"Probably not" is a bit hopeful. And like people said, it'll be the international version first most likely.

We all know damn well it will not come out the 1st month of Q4, this is bout the same faith you put in when buying a lottery ticket. It's like calling someone a "silly" for not playing the lottery.

----------



Sorry, but what are your standards for early? Have your standards stooped that low where waiting 3 months for a minor update is ok?

I happen to have the international version so I hope it does come first!

Not really. Samsung is pretty quick at releasing updates - at least for us (not so much for the us market). The galaxy nexus came out in November and Samsung started rolling ics out for the S2 in March. If the timescales for this are the same, we can expect to see jb by November. However, this time Google has given out a platform developer kit to hardware manufacturers so they should be able to get it out more quickly.

 

[Mr D]

I happen to have the international version so I hope it does come first!

Not really. Samsung is pretty quick at releasing updates - at least for us (not so much for the us market). The galaxy nexus came out in November and Samsung started rolling ics out for the S2 in March. If the timescales for this are the same, we can expect to see jb by November. However, this time Google has given out a platform developer kit to hardware manufacturers so they should be able to get it out more quickly.

So you think a quick update is 4+ months?