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tmp0404

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 12, 2005
48
0
PA
So given what we know and what we don't, I'd like to hear comments and opinions about whether you would get the Iphone 5s or the Samsung S4. I only ask to hear some thoughts because I'll be eligible for a new phone in the May time frame, my Iphone 4s will be 2 years old so I'll probably get a new phone, just not sure which one.

I have nothing against either phone, actually the only smart phone I've ever owned has been the Iphone. The thing that interests me most about the Samsung S4 is the size of the screen, and I plan on looking at it in April when it comes out.

Thanks.
 

ManuCH

macrumors 68000
May 7, 2009
1,602
1,206
Switzerland
I'll spare you the iOS vs Android part. Plenty of other users will cover that much better than I do.

Of course I'd go for an iPhone. That's what I have and that's what I love.

I just wanted to tell you something about the alternative you proposed: don't get an S4. Seriously, it looks like a cheap plasticky phone. If you really want to go Android, get an HTC One. At least that one looks decent :)
 

Han Solo 1

macrumors 6502
Mar 12, 2013
495
11
After having had a Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Galaxy S 3, I can tell you that the screens are wonderful, but the device build is less than stellar. It feels like a kid's toy, honestly. I much prefer my iPhone 5.

If they ever go to a nice glass or aluminum build, I'll be tempted to go back. But if the iPhone ever goes to 5" screens, I think I'll be an Apple fan for life.
 

ZombiePete

macrumors 68020
Aug 6, 2008
2,410
1,253
San Antonio, TX
After having had a Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Galaxy S 3, I can tell you that the screens are wonderful, but the device build is less than stellar. It feels like a kid's toy, honestly. I much prefer my iPhone 5.

If they ever go to a nice glass or aluminum build, I'll be tempted to go back. But if the iPhone ever goes to 5" screens, I think I'll be an Apple fan for life.

Have you ever looked at the Nexus 4? The build is very reminiscent of the iPhone 4/4S design; it's a beautiful phone and it's the best of Android without all of Samsung's BS bloat.
 

jrswizzle

macrumors 603
Aug 23, 2012
6,107
129
McKinney, TX
Have you ever looked at the Nexus 4? The build is very reminiscent of the iPhone 4/4S design; it's a beautiful phone and it's the best of Android without all of Samsung's BS bloat.

Completely agree - only two things bug me about my Nexus 4....

(1) No LTE
(2) Relatively poor battery life (though with management, it can be pretty good)

Other than that, and Google's awful customer service, I quite enjoy my Nexus 4. Though I wouldn't ever give up my iPhone 5 either....I'll be a two platform user (while leaning towards iOS) for the foreseeable future.
 

SpyderBite

macrumors 65816
Oct 4, 2011
1,262
8
Xanadu
30 day return policy when you order through the carrier (in US). Why not just pick one, try it out and return it and get the other if you don't like it?

Never understood the "make this decision for me" mentality. Even just asking for opinions is going to make the decision more complicated than if you just tried them yourself and made up your own mind.
 

Han Solo 1

macrumors 6502
Mar 12, 2013
495
11
Have you ever looked at the Nexus 4? The build is very reminiscent of the iPhone 4/4S design; it's a beautiful phone and it's the best of Android without all of Samsung's BS bloat.

The Nexus 4 was a non-starter for me from the beginning because of lack of LTE. Huge step backward, in my opinion.
 

ZombiePete

macrumors 68020
Aug 6, 2008
2,410
1,253
San Antonio, TX
The Nexus 4 was a non-starter for me from the beginning because of lack of LTE. Huge step backward, in my opinion.

I thought it might bother me but it never did. AT&T's HSPA+ network is fast enough that for mobile use the differences were negligible.

----------

Completely agree - only two things bug me about my Nexus 4....

(1) No LTE
(2) Relatively poor battery life (though with management, it can be pretty good)

Other than that, and Google's awful customer service, I quite enjoy my Nexus 4. Though I wouldn't ever give up my iPhone 5 either....I'll be a two platform user (while leaning towards iOS) for the foreseeable future.

With the right kernels the battery life was pretty decent, but you're right that it required management and tweaking, which is one of the reasons that I ultimately decided to switch back to iOS.
 

F123D

macrumors 68040
Sep 16, 2008
3,776
16
Del Mar, CA
If rumors are true and the iPhone is just another S type upgrade with a better camera and processor, I'd say this is a great time to give the S4 a try. If you really hate it, you could always sell it and go back to the iPhone in the fall.
 

Han Solo 1

macrumors 6502
Mar 12, 2013
495
11
If rumors are true and the iPhone is just another S type upgrade with a better camera and processor, I'd say this is a great time to give the S4 a try. If you really hate it, you could always sell it and go back to the iPhone in the fall.

Apple appears to hold their value much better over Android devices though, given that the Android market is so saturated.
 

TheHateMachine

macrumors 6502a
Sep 18, 2012
846
1,354
30 day return policy when you order through the carrier (in US). Why not just pick one, try it out and return it and get the other if you don't like it?

You still have to pay the activation fee and some places (Like Sprint) have a 14 day return policy.

----------

Apple appears to hold their value much better over Android devices though, given that the Android market is so saturated.

That used to be true but lately the latest Galaxy devices have been hovering about 40-60 bucks underneath the latest iPhones on places like ebay. It is quite shocking really.
 

tmp0404

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 12, 2005
48
0
PA
30 day return policy when you order through the carrier (in US). Why not just pick one, try it out and return it and get the other if you don't like it?

Never understood the "make this decision for me" mentality. Even just asking for opinions is going to make the decision more complicated than if you just tried them yourself and made up your own mind.

Not asking anyone to make a decision for me, as you mention, when they come out, I'll go check one out and decide accordingly. I feel these forums are just a great place to hear comments, opinions etc. others might have and be willing to share.

I think most will agree whether buying a phone, TV, car etc. it's just great that others are willing to take their good time to reply and make a comment. I consider data gathering an important component in many of my buying decisions. Advice, whether it is positive or negative will certainly factor into a decision, but the final decision will be mine. I also appreciated yours.
 
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