iPhone 5 to Samsung Galaxy S3, My Personal Experience!

[Tortri]

iPhone Bad: Lack of customization, Email not designed for real business people (we need to be able to attach files from the client, bold, underline etc?), forced integration due to closed system

To get around the email attachments use Dropbox as you can share a link after the file is uploaded. Since its business related I highly suggest you enable two way authentication which uses google authentication so no one could easily hack your password, they would have to steal your phone as well.

 

[mainca]

Ive never had a problem with Maps not loading, or whatever yours did. Maybe you didnt have GPS on? Hey i have to ask. mine comes on pretty quickly. However, no matter what you had an issue with there, it wont be better w/ Apple maps. Only worse.

I used Apple Maps, although it doesn't have all the data google has, it worked beautifully for me here in Los Angeles. I suspect this is on top of Aplle's list of thing to improve and in a very short time this will be a non-issue, I'm sure you would agree here?

The music player i like. I think the stock one is good but Poweramp is even better. Not sure where a learning curve for a music player is. Push play, pause, forward, backward, has albums and such....i dont get it but ok.

Yes, GPS was never turned off, but I was surprised it was giving me problems too being it's probably their creme de la crop feature. Most likely a fluke... I'll give you that!

I wasn't referring to the music player when I mentioned "Learning Curve", I was referring to Android/S3 experience as a whole.

You can easily get notifications on your lock screen . There are apps that will have that for you in a jiffy. Some people dont want to download a simple app for it for which i cant understand. Handcent SMS gives you a popup window for texts if you want it. All you do is check the box.

I used an app call SMS Pro, it was great! But still, when I'm driving down the freeway at 90 mph (rarely does that happen actually ) I don't even want to hit the screen, I want to glance at my phone for a second to see it it's anything important.


You just cant rely on the crap Application that is iTunes which for me....is a plus. I hate iTunes.

Really? iTunes works flawlessly, no plugging iphones anymore when on wifi for a while now, it just sees your device and you can transfer songs, back-up (to computer if you want which I do) etc while the phone is upstairs or charging somewhere. These are some of the things that make having a Mac computer and iPhone, Apple TV such a great experience, this ecosystem they create is addictive and 'Usually' work seamlessly.

I agree, Android is great! They just need more structure, less fragmentation in my opinion. That's one mans opinion coming from a consumer that depends on another competitors devices.
I'm honestly too busy to try and tweak my phone so that it does what I need it to do. I need more time to figure out how I'm going to afford that $15,000,000 home I'm going to buy before I retire!

----------

To get around the email attachments use Dropbox as you can share a link after the file is uploaded. Since its business related I highly suggest you enable two way authentication which uses google authentication so no one could easily hack your password, they would have to steal your phone as well.

I here ya.... I use Evernote, it works great for us, but assuming even if I could save a particular file from an email to Drop Box or Evernote that's an extra step involved and you have to use up more data to do this. If there was a native file system (call it iBucket for all I care) in place then that would make more sense to me.

 

[mainca]

im confused

1) text message tones do come through the headphones. I know they do because when me and my flatmates at Uni are listening to music through my S3 plugged into the stereo, the music constantly gets interupted!

2)you can tell you have a message by either:
-picking up the phone and having it vibrate in your hand
-look at the icon in the notification bar at the top
-see the yellow LED flashing

1) they do and the sound also comes through the speakers when your headphones are in. Maybe there an option to turn that off but we couldn't find it. My Droid buddy has that same issue.

2) you still are not able to glance at your phone without touching it and see who it's from, and read the entire message. This is a huge distinction.

 

[cynics]

1) they do and the sound also comes through the speakers when your headphones are in. Maybe there an option to turn that off but we couldn't find it. My Droid buddy has that same issue.

2) you still are not able to glance at your phone without touching it and see who it's from, and read the entire message. This is a huge distinction.

The iPhone will only give you the entire message if its short. More often then not I need to go into the message to read it anyway. But I agree its nice to see the message in the lock screen.

 

[Vegastouch]

1) they do and the sound also comes through the speakers when your headphones are in. Maybe there an option to turn that off but we couldn't find it. My Droid buddy has that same issue.

You have to put it in silent mode and those notification interuptions will stop.

 

[Dave.UK]

I did but it annoyed us when we were trying to sleep. I believe iPhones have this now? Please correct me if I'm wrong!
Also, I forgot to mention android is missing "Do Not Disturb".
So with Droid you have to remember to mute then unmute in the mornings.

Nope, download an ap such as Automate it - Ive got mine set so it dosent ring/flash between 10pm and 6am.

Failing that, just put the phone face down on the side!

 

[mainca]

Nope, download an ap such as Automate it - Ive got mine set so it dosent ring/flash between 10pm and 6am.

Failing that, just put the phone face down on the side!

Ok, not sure I would call that FAILED because it takes an app to do that.
Otherwise if you 're telling us it works then that's good news for Android. They should integrate this feature with their OS. Thanks for letting us all know.

 

[macsmurf]

Ok, not sure I would call that FAILED because it takes an app to do that.
Otherwise if you 're telling us it works then that's good news for Android. They should integrate this feature with their OS. Thanks for letting us all know.

I thought your first post was very interesting since I just bought an Android phone the other day (a used Samsung Galaxy S II). I have had Apple devices for years so it was very interesting to see what Android was all about. I've never owned an iPhone so this is my first smart phone, but I've had the 4th gen iPod Touch since it came out so I''m quite familiar with iOS. I also own the newest iPad.

My general conclusion is that the experience is less polished than iOS. You have to spend a lot of time playing around with the settings at first to get exactly what you want. It takes a lot of googling.

For example I had issues with auto-orientation not working correctly. It turns out I had to calibrate it for it to work properly. I had already done that but I missed that there are actually two ways to calibrate and I had only done gyroscope calibration. Horizontal calibration was also needed. It's the exact same process so there's no need to have to different steps and it really should have prompted me to do so when the phone was reset - in fact, why couldn't they just have done it from the factory? It's not as if the laws of physics changes when the phone leaves the factory floor

On the other hand, you have a lot of freedom and a lot of options. That is both good and bad. In iOS there is only one way, so the designers at Apple spend a lot of time getting their way exactly right. That is, the way that most people will agree with is right, maybe not even realizing that there were even any other way to do it.

An Android device is less opinionated - there are more ways to do the same thing, none of them are defined as The Right Way, and you can tweak to your heart's content. That invariably makes the experience more complex which can be frustrating.

That leads me to the "Do Not Disturb" feature. Apple have decided that you can enable this setting based on a schedule and you can make certain exceptions that Apple have decided are reasonable ones. If you want something slightly different, such as silence the phone based on location, there is no way to do it. In it's current form, however, it is a great, and long overdue, feature in iOS.

Google decided instead to give developers access to muting phone calls, notifications, texts, etc. and only baked in the most rudimentary of manual controls. That means you'll need to find an app that does it for you in the way you want - there are of course more than one to choose from. The one I found was called Setting Profiles which does what you want. AutomateIt can be tweaked even more but I don't really need all those extra options.

So there you have it. It can be done fairly easily but you have do a bit of work (and it existed long before iOS 6). It really stems from a fundamental philosophical difference between Android and iOS. Choice is not always good. I for one is really happy with my purchase but I have always been extremely impressed with the way Apple goes about making good design choices by actually removing all sorts of extra options that most people don't care about anyway. Sometimes you really do need those extra options, though, and with that comes complexity.

 

[wonderspark]

I think this is really interesting, and a great post. I thank you for sharing your experience.

I noticed that you tried to jump right in without really learning how to use the phone first. In fact, you jumped right into using it FOR YOUR BUSINESS without even learning it. Forgive me, but I think that was a big mistake. It's like going to a business meeting in the Middle East without knowing the language or customs... in which I'd expect to get crushed, and you should have expected the same from your experience.

I went Android in great luxury, having both an iPhone and an Android. This isn't always an option, and I will grant you that iPhones, iOS and pretty much all Apple products are designed to be simple. When I was a kid, my Mom got an Apple II something or other, and was telling me how cool it was that she could finally use computers. I was geeking out on PCs for a while, and she could not understand how I was able to do a single thing with them, because it was all too confusing and technical.

It's my opinion, but I grew up thinking Apple was for people who wanted to do things without having to learn anything new. Dare I say, people like parents and grandparents that never used anything complex previously... you know what I'm saying. Android could improve the simplicity, but then again, this is the reason so many things we unbox today have "quick start" instructions along with a full manual. Most people have become too impatient to learn how to do anything right, and just want to rip open the packaging and start using something right away. It's the reason we have films with non-stop action and fast cuts, we have to warn people that "THIS COFFEE IS HOT AS &#*@ AND WILL BURN YOU" labels and why Apple is making a lot of money on iPhones and iPads. If the day comes when all cars automatically stop when you run into traffic because of some new technology, people will walk directly into the street without thinking, and it will take some glitch with iOS 42 that allowed a car to plow over some school children until people realize that maybe we should pay more attention again.

This is extreme and dramatic, but my point is that when something goes wrong with our mega-simple tech these days, people are dumbfounded most of the time. They flock to the Apple Store with their malfunction, only to find out they should have dusted out the machine or kept it out of the sauna. Instead, they complain that Apple should have made it better... so they could think less. After all, they're multitasking! No time to learn something, unless it's something that will make them appear more interesting.

I enjoy Android, but I'm one of those people who like that sort of system, wherein you're rewarded for learning how to use it. iOS is more like being spoon-fed in many ways... waiting for the next spoonful from Mother Apple. When she says it's ok, only then is it ok. When I was in the military, there were plenty of the same type in there... just give an order so I can follow it, and please don't put me in charge! While I had the chance, I should have asked Steve Jobs how he would feel being told what he wanted, as he did with his customers. What if the company told HIM what iOS would and wouldn't do? Lose his mind? I think so. Thing is, he was in charge, called the shots, and made more money than he knew what to do with by making everything HIS way. He said something to the effect of, "Wouldn't it be neat if there was a device that could do THIS?" He made things that he liked and wanted, and found that there were millions that liked his way of doing things.

Using Android means choice and control. Something might not work exactly as you like out of the box, but you can change it so that it does, and usually way before anyone on iOS can do the same. I'm glad there are choices out there. Give me more... I'll appreciate it!

 

[ixodes]

.It's apparent to me that Android and Samsung and the rest can't match Apple's design and overall feel and intuitiveness, so they draw out all the big guns at once and keep shooting and shooting until they hit something eventually. So typical of Google especially wouldn't most of you agree?

No I strongly disagree.

I've been using both iOS & Android concurrently since their very first phones were released. While they are both smartphones, that's where the similarity ends. An analogy would be the distinct difference between OS X & Windows on the desktop.

When I suggest an Apple computer to someone who asks, I emphasize the differences & the need for that person to be willing to spend the time required to learn OS X and it's many differences from a PC.

It must be approached with an open mind, and not expected to be like a PC.

Thats why many iPhone enthusiasts fail to find the true pleasure & many advantages of Android. By comparing it directly to an iPhone they cheat themselves out of a great learning experience.

You'll notice I did _not_ say Android is better than iOS.

While I have my opinions, it's irrelevant, as we all have our preferences.

Bottom line? I continue to enjoy both, each for their respective strengths. Using two phones each on their own line suits me perfectly. I stay current with the two best platforms on the market. It's the best of both worlds.

 

[wonderspark]

Having both an iPhone and an Android *is* incredibly cool, but I find I'm using the Android for everything now. I only use the iPhone for two things these days:
1) It's my media player to pipe music to the bathroom via Airport Express during my showers, and
2) Overseas phone with prepaid SIM cards.
If not for those two functions, I'd give it to my parents.

 

[onthecouchagain]

So family members got S3's today, and it's my first time handling it extensively, both getting to know the hardware without the stupid kiosk string, and really going through the whole system indepthly.

Hardware:
It's an absolutely beautiful device both the white and the blue one, but especially the blue one. Not difficult to use one handed at all mainly due to how thin the phone is. At times, I felt my GN was a little harder to handle because it's so thick comparatively.

I totally get why people hate the plastic back. It is flimsy as heck once you detach the battery cover from the phone. I was really surprised by just how cheap it felt. I get it's for the NFC and for drops (eh, the iPHone 5 survives drops better and still uses premium materials so a bit debunked, no?) but I also get why people loathe Samsung for it.

One thing I hate -- and I mean hate hate! -- is the home button. Holding it for app switching is sloooow. And honestly, it just feels weak and flimsy, almost like one day it might get stuck in the depressed position after a press. I don't know why Samsung would take such a huge step backwards (compared to the US GSII) from reliable and hardware-free capacitive buttons to a physical button. Always thought it was a dumb move.


Software:
While TW is pretty nice and smooth, I couldn't get over the bright colorful-ness. I think someone else said it best here; it's really trying too hard to be iOS-like and far less stock Android-like. That's a shame. Having said that, it really wasn't bad and I could see myself getting use to the UI. Overall though, not horribly thrilled by it.

If I ever got this phone (which would be never) I'd certainly run a custom ROM or stock JB ROM on it.

Anyway, neat phone. I fully understand now why people are so enamored by it. It's gotten so much attention and gained so much momentum that it's almost become a household name. It's become the clear alternative to the iPhone. You either get an iPhone or you get the Galaxy SIII. Quite a feat.

 

[Tortri]

No I strongly disagree.

I've been using both iOS & Android concurrently since their very first phones were released. While they are both smartphones, that's where the similarity ends. An analogy would be the distinct difference between OS X & Windows on the desktop.

When I suggest an Apple computer to someone who asks, I emphasize the differences & the need for that person to be willing to spend the time required to learn OS X and it's many differences from a PC.

It must be approached with an open mind, and not expected to be like a PC.

Thats why many iPhone enthusiasts fail to find the true pleasure & many advantages of Android. By comparing it directly to an iPhone they cheat themselves out of a great learning experience.

You'll notice I did _not_ say Android is better than iOS.

While I have my opinions, it's irrelevant, as we all have our preferences.

Bottom line? I continue to enjoy both, each for their respective strengths. Using two phones each on their own line suits me perfectly. I stay current with the two best platforms on the market. It's the best of both worlds.

As customizable android is, some of us just get sick and tired or don't have to time to sit down and constantly fiddle with your phones software for a feature or two which might or might not be useful.

K.I.S.S.

I want a car that runs and runs good, not a car that needs tweaking all the time for a possibly good experience.

 

[ixodes]

1) As customizable android is, some of us just get sick and tired or don't have to time to sit down and constantly fiddle with your phones software for a feature or two which might or might not be useful.

2) I want a car that runs and runs good, not a car that needs tweaking all the time for a possibly good experience.

I respect that you want a simple phone. Not all of us share the same preferences.

1) This statement is a widely popular _myth_ created by the iDevices community to put down Android & make it seem complicated & hard to use. However the facts are that the current crop of Android phones don't require any modifications or tweaks to work very well.

Conversely, for the enthusiast like myself, the easily modified & customized nature of Android is very welcomed and very enjoyable. Keeping things factual clears up a lot of misinformation.

2) "needs tweaking all the time for a possibly good experience" is another _myth_ and false statement.

My Android experience has been excellent. In my household there's my Galaxy S III which I have voluntarily elected to modify for my preferences.

Then there's an unmodified S III that my wife enjoys just as it came out of the box. She also has an iPhone 4S, her third iPhone and _asked me_ unsolicited, to buy her an Android after trying mine before I modded it.

My wife represents a non enthusiast user & I'm the geek... the two of us have one thing in common. We like both platforms, each for it's strengths & the variety that choices provides us.

 

[Vegastouch]

So family members got S3's today, and it's my first time handling it extensively, both getting to know the hardware without the stupid kiosk string, and really going through the whole system indepthly.

Hardware:
It's an absolutely beautiful device both the white and the blue one, but especially the blue one. Not difficult to use one handed at all mainly due to how thin the phone is. At times, I felt my GN was a little harder to handle because it's so thick comparatively.

I totally get why people hate the plastic back. It is flimsy as heck once you detach the battery cover from the phone. I was really surprised by just how cheap it felt. I get it's for the NFC and for drops (eh, the iPHone 5 survives drops better and still uses premium materials so a bit debunked, no?) but I also get why people loathe Samsung for it.

One thing I hate -- and I mean hate hate! -- is the home button. Holding it for app switching is sloooow. And honestly, it just feels weak and flimsy, almost like one day it might get stuck in the depressed position after a press. I don't know why Samsung would take such a huge step backwards (compared to the US GSII) from reliable and hardware-free capacitive buttons to a physical button. Always thought it was a dumb move.


Software:
While TW is pretty nice and smooth, I couldn't get over the bright colorful-ness. I think someone else said it best here; it's really trying too hard to be iOS-like and far less stock Android-like. That's a shame. Having said that, it really wasn't bad and I could see myself getting use to the UI. Overall though, not horribly thrilled by it.

If I ever got this phone (which would be never) I'd certainly run a custom ROM or stock JB ROM on it.

Anyway, neat phone. I fully understand now why people are so enamored by it. It's gotten so much attention and gained so much momentum that it's almost become a household name. It's become the clear alternative to the iPhone. You either get an iPhone or you get the Galaxy SIII. Quite a feat.

Well, you spent one day or even less with it. I dont like touchwiz and use another launcher instead which to me is much better. TW imo sucks compared to Apex and Nova.
IMO people who form a concrete opinion of the phone using it like you did is really just irrelevant and i pay no attention to their feedback. Not knocking you at all but anyone who comes from iOS after years of use isnt going to master this OS in a few hours and a few days so im not calling you out, just saying.

It is very different and anybody who doesnt give at least two weeks isnt making a valiant effort imo. It isnt like every iPhone that is the same. You can make Android to your own style and your own look. Sure JB'ing an iPhone makes it better no doubt. I wouldnt have one if i couldnt jailbreak it but it still is leagues behind a rooted Android.

I have bought two different battery covers for mine which to me makes it feel better and i use no case with those which is a big deal for me because i ALWAYS use a case for my phones. There are many to choose from and are cheap. I think people associate "cheapness" with weight which is stupid imo. I dont think the GS3 feels cheap at all.

I have been using Android for 2.5 years and have installed custom ROMs on my other phone but dont feel the need to do it on my GS3. When i get JB, ill really feel i dont need it. Thats how much of an improvement it has been from Froyo.This phone runs great on ICS and is still very fast but i do agree on the home button. I dont hate it like you do but i prefer a capacitive button...even though i dont really use the home button much. I mostly use the back button.

 

[Sensamic]

So family members got S3's today, and it's my first time handling it extensively, both getting to know the hardware without the stupid kiosk string, and really going through the whole system indepthly.

Hardware:
It's an absolutely beautiful device both the white and the blue one, but especially the blue one. Not difficult to use one handed at all mainly due to how thin the phone is. At times, I felt my GN was a little harder to handle because it's so thick comparatively.

I totally get why people hate the plastic back. It is flimsy as heck once you detach the battery cover from the phone. I was really surprised by just how cheap it felt. I get it's for the NFC and for drops (eh, the iPHone 5 survives drops better and still uses premium materials so a bit debunked, no?) but I also get why people loathe Samsung for it.

One thing I hate -- and I mean hate hate! -- is the home button. Holding it for app switching is sloooow. And honestly, it just feels weak and flimsy, almost like one day it might get stuck in the depressed position after a press. I don't know why Samsung would take such a huge step backwards (compared to the US GSII) from reliable and hardware-free capacitive buttons to a physical button. Always thought it was a dumb move.


Software:
While TW is pretty nice and smooth, I couldn't get over the bright colorful-ness. I think someone else said it best here; it's really trying too hard to be iOS-like and far less stock Android-like. That's a shame. Having said that, it really wasn't bad and I could see myself getting use to the UI. Overall though, not horribly thrilled by it.

If I ever got this phone (which would be never) I'd certainly run a custom ROM or stock JB ROM on it.

Anyway, neat phone. I fully understand now why people are so enamored by it. It's gotten so much attention and gained so much momentum that it's almost become a household name. It's become the clear alternative to the iPhone. You either get an iPhone or you get the Galaxy SIII. Quite a feat.

The reason for the hardware button is pretty easy actually... a hardware button has more chances of breaking and malfunction over time. This way Samsung forces people to upgrade. Just like Apple with their hardware home button.

I've tried stock android roms like CM9 and 10. There's two problems: camera quality decreases a LOT (video recording is twice worst, with a lot of fog and pixels and very low brightness) and battery life is worst too. I'm disappointed with this. There's no use for this roms if the camera becomes so bad and you lose battery life.

That's why I'm back to touchwiz.

 

[Vegastouch]

As customizable android is, some of us just get sick and tired or don't have to time to sit down and constantly fiddle with your phones software for a feature or two which might or might not be useful.

K.I.S.S.

I want a car that runs and runs good, not a car that needs tweaking all the time for a possibly good experience.

Right ,...thats the biggest BS excuse ive ever heard in here. You dont have time to mess with your phone to customize it but you have time to post here? And please dont try and tell me you arent messing with your iPhone ALL THE TIME. Such BS.

Sorry man but you dont have to "constantly fiddle" with your Android. Once it is to your liking, it is done.

 

[onthecouchagain]

My post was obviously an impression. Not trying to sell it like the be all and end all of opinions on the S3.

Simply saying I can see why people walk away with the impressions they do of the device (good or bad).

And I ultimately praised the device, understanding why it's becoming so popular.

----------

The reason for the hardware button is pretty easy actually... a hardware button has more chances of breaking and malfunction over time. This way Samsung forces people to upgrade. Just like Apple with their hardware home button.

If that's the reason for the home button, that's a horrible reason (for any company) to do it, and all the more reason to hate it.

 

[Dave.UK]

Ok, not sure I would call that FAILED because it takes an app to do that.
Otherwise if you 're telling us it works then that's good news for Android. They should integrate this feature with their OS. Thanks for letting us all know.

Where did I mention fail?!

Does it really matter if it takes a free app? Im sure theres plenty of feature android has over ios that require an app to match it.

Just seems to me that you wanted to find a way to get back to ios and didnt put enough time into the S3.

 

[mainca]

Where did I mention fail?!

Does it really matter if it takes a free app? I'm sure theres plenty of feature android has over ios that require an app to match it.

Just seems to me that you wanted to find a way to get back to ios and didnt put enough time into the S3.

Concerning the 5 days I put into this, the fact that I even gave it a shot was a huge move for me and I believe it will be for most of us similar to my situation. My 5 days with this device was intense, I put a lot of hours into this thing. I didn't need to risk another day of possibly dropping or damming the unit therefor disqualifying my return with Att. I learned what I had to learn.

This post was about my experience and geared for those that are iPhone users thinking about switching over.

Allow me to quote the President of the United States of America, 'LET ME BE CLEAR' , I don't dislike Android, if you are super geeky or love tweaking technology to conform with your individual needs you are going to love that aspect of the Android/S3 experience. If you don't own other Apple devices that are more then lets say 2 years old or are not thinking about purchasing any Apple devices such as an Apple TV or near future gadget of theirs then this makes your move to Android even easier. What I've got out of this whole thing thanks to those of you that have posted here and beyond is that Android can, will do everything and yes, even more then the iPhone does on a task for task, basis. I have already complimented S3 on the technology.

BUT

It's the Basics of the S3 that came up short for me. The following 3 points are not debatable, in comparison to an iPhone 4 and above:

1) S3's screen does not cut the mustard for bright outdoor use, especially if you wear dark sunglasses. If you are outdoors a lot, or in a bright environment (high VLT for geek talk) the screen of the S3 WILL PRACTICALLY DISAPPEAR on you especially when comparing it to what we are use to. Although you may like that the colors of the S3 are more intense, this for me was a non issue because I do spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, I live at the beach!

2) Poor, poor, poor and did I mention poor? Battery Performance. We know it's removable. This is not a benefit unless the original battery can perform as good or better then the iPhone. It's just another moving part, a design flaw for any Apple enthusiast. I suspect these are some of the main considerations why you don't see most of these additional technologies included on any iPhone and I personally agree with that assessment assuming it's true. So maybe it's not the battery of the S3, it could be because they cram so much stuff into it. Apparently, for millions of others this is a plus, unfortunately for me it's not.

3) Apple's Ecosystem is an important layer of high consideration for those that are considering switching over, this too is not debatable. Apple's closed system assures us of this tight/streamlined compatibility with all their products. They control the whole experience, software/hardware, this we all know! This may not be important to some but it is for me and millions of Apple customers.
You will lose integration with iCloud, Airplay, iTunes, AppleTV, iMessage, PhotoShare the list goes on.
In my case, I temporarily lost that tight integration with my incredible girlfriend (she really is) as she owns an iPhone 4s. iPhone to iPhone communication along with every thing I just mentioned above was a noticeable lost to me, so consider your personal circle, your social network, do most of your friends and family have Android or iOS?


I believe it's Mr. Wonderful and his constituents that have coined the phrase, 'For that reason, and for that reason alone', I'm out.

 

[Dave.UK]

Concerning the 5 days I put into this, the fact that I even gave it a shot was a huge move for me and I believe it will be for most of us similar to my situation. My 5 days with this device was intense, I put a lot of hours into this thing. I didn't need to risk another day of possibly dropping or damming the unit therefor disqualifying my return with Att. I learned what I had to learn.

This post was about my experience and geared for those that are iPhone users thinking about switching over.

Allow me to quote the President of the United States of America, 'LET ME BE CLEAR' , I don't dislike Android, if you are super geeky or love tweaking technology to conform with your individual needs you are going to love that aspect of the Android/S3 experience. If you don't own other Apple devices that are more then lets say 2 years old or are not thinking about purchasing any Apple devices such as an Apple TV or near future gadget of theirs then this makes your move to Android even easier. What I've got out of this whole thing thanks to those of you that have posted here and beyond is that Android can, will do everything and yes, even more then the iPhone does on a task for task, basis. I have already complimented S3 on the technology.

BUT

It's the Basics of the S3 that came up short for me. The following 3 points are not debatable, in comparison to an iPhone 4 and above:

1) S3's screen does not cut the mustard for bright outdoor use, especially if you wear dark sunglasses. If you are outdoors a lot, or in a bright environment (high VLT for geek talk) the screen of the S3 WILL PRACTICALLY DISAPPEAR on you especially when comparing it to what we are use to. Although you may like that the colors of the S3 are more intense, this for me was a non issue because I do spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, I live at the beach!

2) Poor, poor, poor and did I mention poor? Battery Performance. We know it's removable. This is not a benefit unless the original battery can perform as good or better then the iPhone. It's just another moving part, a design flaw for any Apple enthusiast. I suspect these are some of the main considerations why you don't see most of these additional technologies included on any iPhone and I personally agree with that assessment assuming it's true. So maybe it's not the battery of the S3, it could be because they cram so much stuff into it. Apparently, for millions of others this is a plus, unfortunately for me it's not.

3) Apple's Ecosystem is an important layer of high consideration for those that are considering switching over, this too is not debatable. Apple's closed system assures us of this tight/streamlined compatibility with all their products. They control the whole experience, software/hardware, this we all know! This may not be important to some but it is for me and millions of Apple customers.
You will lose integration with iCloud, Airplay, iTunes, AppleTV, iMessage, PhotoShare the list goes on.
In my case, I temporarily lost that tight integration with my incredible girlfriend (she really is) as she owns an iPhone 4s. iPhone to iPhone communication along with every thing I just mentioned above was a noticeable lost to me, so consider your personal circle, your social network, do most of your friends and family have Android or iOS?


I believe it's Mr. Wonderful and his constituents that have coined the phrase, 'For that reason, and for that reason alone', I'm out.

The more you post the more it seems you didnt want android to work out. Im guessing you looked into the apple eco system before you moved across? Yes you can sync a lot of things from android, you will miss out on certain parts - thats why apple keep their system locked!

Battery is certainly debateable! Get the settings on your phone correct and install and app such as juice defender and I easily get two days heavy use out of my S3. (Calls, emails, browsing, maps and music).

Android isnt ios. People need to stop thinking they are going to be the same. If your willing to take the time to learn a new OS then things will work. You seem you wanted a quick fix and unwillin g to make it work. My opinion.

 

[mainca]

The more you post the more it seems you didnt want android to work out. Im guessing you looked into the apple eco system before you moved across? Yes you can sync a lot of things from android, you will miss out on certain parts - thats why apple keep their system locked!

Battery is certainly debateable! Get the settings on your phone correct and install and app such as juice defender and I easily get two days heavy use out of my S3. (Calls, emails, browsing, maps and music).

Android isnt ios. People need to stop thinking they are going to be the same. If your willing to take the time to learn a new OS then things will work. You seem you wanted a quick fix and unwillin g to make it work. My opinion.

That statement is incorrect about me not wanting Android to work out. So not true...

Battery is not debatable!

I wasn't looking for Android to be like IOS at all, I was looking forward to a new experience.

Apparently you like your phone, good for you! I've made my decision too, why would you continue to point out how great the Droid is? Are your feelings hurt?

 

[Vegastouch]

Concerning the 5 days I put into this, the fact that I even gave it a shot was a huge move for me and I believe it will be for most of us similar to my situation. My 5 days with this device was intense, I put a lot of hours into this thing. I didn't need to risk another day of possibly dropping or damming the unit therefor disqualifying my return with Att. I learned what I had to learn.

Well actually you didnt. I know you think you did but for you and especially for those you think 5 days is enough coming from years of iOS...you guys need more time. Why? Because of the fact you have been with iOS for years. Android is very different as you found out and there are many things you didnt discover that are being mentioned in this thread that you most likely will like a lot. That comes with time and getting comfortable with the OS.

I know you will say "i gave it a shot" but really, its night and day with these systems so you didnt give it a valiant effort imo. I think people like you in your situation need at LEAST two weeks minimum. I had an iPhone fortwo years and it took me a good two weeks to really start liking Android and leave my iPhone alone and just use my GS1 Vibrant.

It's the Basics of the S3 that came up short for me. The following 3 points are not debatable, in comparison to an iPhone 4 and above:

1) S3's screen does not cut the mustard for bright outdoor use, especially if you wear dark sunglasses. If you are outdoors a lot, or in a bright environment (high VLT for geek talk) the screen of the S3 WILL PRACTICALLY DISAPPEAR on you especially when comparing it to what we are use to. Although you may like that the colors of the S3 are more intense, this for me was a non issue because I do spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, I live at the beach!

I do agree with this. In the sunlight, the screen is almost unreadable so if you are in the sun a lot, its not good for these guys and one of only a couple of gripes i have but im not in the sun all day but yes, it is bothersome.

2) Poor, poor, poor and did I mention poor? Battery Performance. We know it's removable. This is not a benefit unless the original battery can perform as good or better then the iPhone. It's just another moving part, a design flaw for any Apple enthusiast. I suspect these are some of the main considerations why you don't see most of these additional technologies included on any iPhone and I personally agree with that assessment assuming it's true. So maybe it's not the battery of the S3, it could be because they cram so much stuff into it. Apparently, for millions of others this is a plus, unfortunately for me it's not.

Actually the battery is very good. What helps is if you go into app management and disable some of the bloatware that you wont ever use like Chat On, S Suggest, S Voice(yes i disabled that to only work when i click the icon, didnt make it disapear completely), all share play, all share controller,and some of my T-Mobile stuff and whatever else you dont use...your batttery will be a lot better. I have bluetooth on all day and wifi in a area where my signal is weak at work because it is off the freeway kinda rural ....and after a 10 hour day including an hour drive each way , my phone is usually around 65% when i get home.
With my other Android ...i had to put it in airplane mode or it would be dead by noon or close to it. Other guys that have a iP4S there need to charge their phones at least twice a day.

3) Apple's Ecosystem is an important layer of high consideration for those that are considering switching over, this too is not debatable. Apple's closed system assures us of this tight/streamlined compatibility with all their products. They control the whole experience, software/hardware, this we all know! This may not be important to some but it is for me and millions of Apple customers.
You will lose integration with iCloud, Airplay, iTunes, AppleTV, iMessage, PhotoShare the list goes on.
In my case, I temporarily lost that tight integration with my incredible girlfriend (she really is) as she owns an iPhone 4s. iPhone to iPhone communication along with every thing I just mentioned above was a noticeable lost to me, so consider your personal circle, your social network, do most of your friends and family have Android or iOS?


I believe it's Mr. Wonderful and his constituents that have coined the phrase, 'For that reason, and for that reason alone', I'm out.

I dont blame you for going back. Its what you are comfortable with. I hate iTunes so i was happy to be away from it. There are alternatives to everything you mentioned above but you need to know what they are and use them to even get comfortable...except for Apple TV. Not sure what the big deal is with that anyways.

Again, not knocking you but guys like you rarely give it a long enough chance and then bash it...not everyone as some did here but the biggest reason for long time iPhone users to going back are they didnt try it long enough..and thats ok, but one day you may have to if Apple keeps up this pace of falling further and further behind.

 

[Dave.UK]

That statement is incorrect about me not wanting Android to work out. So not true...

Battery is not debatable!

I wasn't looking for Android to be like IOS at all, I was looking forward to a new experience.

Apparently you like your phone, good for you! I've made my decision too, why would you continue to point out how great the Droid is? Are your feelings hurt?

Not at all, but I do get frustrated when you say a point isnt debateable when clearly it is. Have your settings set correctly will increase battery time. Use an app such as juice defender will increase battery.

 

[Markyboy81]

A couple of points I'd like to add after my 3 days with the s3, coming from the iPhone 4s.
I had the first chance to test the screen in bright sunshine today (i live in the uk!) and to be honest it wasn't that bad. Ok so it wasn't the brightest but I had no trouble reading the screen and writing messages. In fact it was far better than I expected.
Secondly, battery life has been on par with my 4s so far, and that's without making any kind of effort to save battery, something I was very conscious of with the 4s. I've installed juice defender but haven't enabled it yet. I wanted to fully test the battery without it first.
It's looking more and more likely that I'll keep this phone and try to sell the iPhone. The only thing that's doubting this is the email support, which I've found to be poor both with yahoo and exchange. I'm currently trialing moxier mail which works well for Exchange but isn't an ideal solution, and will ultimately cost be money in the long run. I guess I took the email support with the iPhone for granted.