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Awesomesince86

macrumors 68020
Sep 18, 2016
2,482
3,302
Besides battery life, most differences aren't felt by the end user anyway. I guess heavy gamers could see differences as well.
 

Fernandez21

macrumors 601
Jun 16, 2010
4,840
3,183
So, since I have a lot of free time, I decided to make a video showing how I made my S20 very Pixel like. For those of you that like Pixel, hope this helps. All apps are free except MT UniversNextPro font from the Galaxy Store ($1.75), but you can substitute the free Samsung Sans font if you want.

 

mjschabow

macrumors 601
Dec 25, 2013
4,924
6,239
So, since I have a lot of free time, I decided to make a video showing how I made my S20 very Pixel like. For those of you that like Pixel, hope this helps. All apps are free except MT UniversNextPro font from the Galaxy Store ($1.75), but you can substitute the free Samsung Sans font if you want.

Nice work! My Ultra gets delivered tomorrow and I thought about doing something similar, but since I'm keeping my Pixel, I'm going to keep the Samsung stock experience but download Google Messages as well and keep it running in the background so my messages still sync with my Pixelbook Go.
 

Klyster

macrumors 68020
Dec 7, 2013
2,231
2,642


So pretty much a normal Ron Amadeo Samsung review...





 

Awesomesince86

macrumors 68020
Sep 18, 2016
2,482
3,302
I appreciate the technical details they go into, but arstechnica have lost all credibility imo. They're so clearly biased towards certain companies.
 

BlueGoldAce

macrumors 68000
Oct 11, 2011
1,951
1,455
I appreciate the technical details they go into, but arstechnica have lost all credibility imo. They're so clearly biased towards certain companies.
Yep...you see it everywhere. iMore is got to be among the worst for biased reviews.

 

mjschabow

macrumors 601
Dec 25, 2013
4,924
6,239
Got my Ultra today. So glad I stuck with the super big one. One thing I noticed while taking pictures of my son is that when in 108mp camera, it somehow does a better job when he's moving. I snapped a bunch and yeah, had a few blurry ones but I was really testing it hard on not so easy situations. The camera update is really appreciated.

I think I'm still going to keep the Pixel 4 XL just because both have their strong points but I'm really happy so far now that the camera software is updated.
 
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big samm

macrumors 68000
Oct 27, 2008
1,508
341
Got my Ultra today. So glad I stuck with the super big one. One thing I noticed while taking pictures of my son is that when in 108mp camera, it somehow does a better job when he's moving. I snapped a bunch and yeah, had a few blurry ones but I was really testing it hard on not so easy situations. The camera update is really appreciated.

I think I'm still going to keep the Pixel 4 XL just because both have their strong points but I'm really happy so far now that the camera software is updated.
Same here Pixel4 Xl is my most trusted camera right now.
 

mjschabow

macrumors 601
Dec 25, 2013
4,924
6,239
Curious if any of you are using Good Lock these days. And if so, what are you specifically using it for?
 

LBInjSurfer

macrumors member
Nov 6, 2012
34
40
NJ Pine Barrens
I hope this is the appropriate thread for my post.

I've had an iPhone since the iPhone 3G was released (my first smartphone) and, by coincidence of upgrade schedule, have had a 4, 5, 6, 7+, 8+, Xs Max, Xs, and currently an iPhone 11 Pro. All I've ever known and used is iOS; however, tomorrow a Samsung Galaxy S20 will be delivered. I live in an area that has poor 4G service, but plenty of 5G (T-Mobile) signal. For the last year I've had problems with calls dropping, a buzzing/interference when I place a call, people trying to call but it goes right to voicemail, etc. about 80% of my daily use.

I switched to a Galaxy S20 5G, but have 20 days to return it and 14 days to return my current iPhone, so in the event that the S20 doesn't fix the problem, I can return it and still keep my current phone.

For those of you who use both or have used an iPhone and switched to Android or vice versa, is there anything that sticks out in your mind, advice-wise, that I should know about? I'm tech savvy and enjoy new technology, so I have no apprehensions, but being that I've used an iPhone for well over 10 years, I do not know what to expect. Also, due to the current Global health situation, going to a store and trying one out is not an option (one that I'm plenty okay with).

One thing I've read is that there is bloatware on some android phones and I want to get rid of that. Phone will be used for the following reasons:

Make calls
Texting
Check Twitter or Instagram
Listen to Podcasts and Apple Music (I was pleased to see there is an Apple Music app for android)
Email
Photos and Videos
eBay
Check the weather
Check the surf report
Google Drive for file access (never used iCloud)
I use some apps to pay credit cards and my do online banking
I use safari on my iPhone, I'm guessing it's Google Chrome on the Samsung?

Thank you in advance for any help you can provide
 

mjschabow

macrumors 601
Dec 25, 2013
4,924
6,239
I hope this is the appropriate thread for my post.

I've had an iPhone since the iPhone 3G was released (my first smartphone) and, by coincidence of upgrade schedule, have had a 4, 5, 6, 7+, 8+, Xs Max, Xs, and currently an iPhone 11 Pro. All I've ever known and used is iOS; however, tomorrow a Samsung Galaxy S20 will be delivered. I live in an area that has poor 4G service, but plenty of 5G (T-Mobile) signal. For the last year I've had problems with calls dropping, a buzzing/interference when I place a call, people trying to call but it goes right to voicemail, etc. about 80% of my daily use.

I switched to a Galaxy S20 5G, but have 20 days to return it and 14 days to return my current iPhone, so in the event that the S20 doesn't fix the problem, I can return it and still keep my current phone.

For those of you who use both or have used an iPhone and switched to Android or vice versa, is there anything that sticks out in your mind, advice-wise, that I should know about? I'm tech savvy and enjoy new technology, so I have no apprehensions, but being that I've used an iPhone for well over 10 years, I do not know what to expect. Also, due to the current Global health situation, going to a store and trying one out is not an option (one that I'm plenty okay with).

One thing I've read is that there is bloatware on some android phones and I want to get rid of that. Phone will be used for the following reasons:

Make calls
Texting
Check Twitter or Instagram
Listen to Podcasts and Apple Music (I was pleased to see there is an Apple Music app for android)
Email
Photos and Videos
eBay
Check the weather
Check the surf report
Google Drive for file access (never used iCloud)
I use some apps to pay credit cards and my do online banking
I use safari on my iPhone, I'm guessing it's Google Chrome on the Samsung?

Thank you in advance for any help you can provide
Everything you listed works just fine on the S20. In some cases even better. For example, you'll get better data speeds on the S20.

The hardest thing with the switch is that you've been on iPhone so long that you're probably used to things being set up in certain ways. You'll have to get used to a whole new way to organize. For many, the first 2 weeks are really cool and then the urge to switch back creeps in. I still fight that, sometimes daily. That by far will be your biggest challenge.

My best advice is to stay put.
 
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BlueGoldAce

macrumors 68000
Oct 11, 2011
1,951
1,455
It's very easy to block ads on android all the way down to system wide. Just a little googling and your good to go.
 

LBInjSurfer

macrumors member
Nov 6, 2012
34
40
NJ Pine Barrens
Everything you listed works just fine on the S20. In some cases even better. For example, you'll get better data speeds on the S20.

The hardest thing with the switch is that you've been on iPhone so long that you're probably used to things being set up in certain ways. You'll have to get used to a whole new way to organize. For many, the first 2 weeks are really cool and then the urge to switch back creeps in. I still fight that, sometimes daily. That by far will be your biggest challenge.

My best advice is to stay put.


MJ, Thanks for your response. Like many people, I'm banking on the next iPhone being 5G. If that is the case then I plan to return to the iPhone when a 5G model is released. I know this is 100% a first world problem, but I do have a cell phone plan and like most of us, I need to be reached by phone or text. There hasn't been a day in 10+ months that I haven't had a problem with receiving or making a call and/or text (non-iMessage). Thanks again for your input and I welcome any one else to add or confirm.
 
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Awesomesince86

macrumors 68020
Sep 18, 2016
2,482
3,302
As some of you know, I originally pre-oredered an Ultra and eventually sent it back and got a S20 Plus instead. Well, by the time I ordered my Plus the pre-order promo offers were over. Anyway, I just an email from Samsung with a $200 promo code. Not only did they honor the pre-order bonus even though my second order was after the promo end date, but they honored it for the amount on the original purchase (Ultra got $200, Plus $150).

Well done Samsung.
[automerge]1585842454[/automerge]
MJ, Thanks for your response. Like many people, I'm banking on the next iPhone being 5G. If that is the case then I plan to return to the iPhone when a 5G model is released. I know this is 100% a first world problem, but I do have a cell phone plan and like most of us, I need to be reached by phone or text. There hasn't been a day in 10+ months that I haven't had a problem with receiving or making a call and/or text (non-iMessage). Thanks again for your input and I welcome any one else to add or confirm.

Honestly, I dont see a big deal in switching between Android and iOS. They're similar in more ways than they are different at this point, which wasnt always the case. The only time I would tell someone not to switch from iOS to android (if they want to try it) is if you are entrenched in the Apple ecosystem. Apple does a wonderful job of making the iOS/Apple experience better with every additional Apple device you get. They work seamlessly with one another and once you get one device outside the walled garden that experienced starts to depreciate.

The only other case where I would say maybe dont switch to android would be if everyone you frequently contact uses iMessage. iMessage is great, but thats not really because of its features. Its because its onyl competitor in the US market is SMS which is total garbage. I find Google Chat and iMessage to be pretty comparable. The issue is that Google Chat hasnt been adopted by many people, whereas everyone with an iPhone uses iMessage.

If neither or those things apply to you, then make the switch. You'll appreciate the customization, countless hardware/software options, and it will weigh less on your wallet. Plus, you can always switch back. A lot of us here have an iphone and android phone and use both or switch back on forth all the time. Personally, I just went from a Pro Max to the S20 Plus and dont regret it at all. I also use an iPad and other than not being able to answer texts from my iPad, it hasnt really affected me.
 
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maj71303

macrumors regular
May 13, 2014
218
277
Maryland
I hope this is the appropriate thread for my post.

I've had an iPhone since the iPhone 3G was released (my first smartphone) and, by coincidence of upgrade schedule, have had a 4, 5, 6, 7+, 8+, Xs Max, Xs, and currently an iPhone 11 Pro. All I've ever known and used is iOS; however, tomorrow a Samsung Galaxy S20 will be delivered. I live in an area that has poor 4G service, but plenty of 5G (T-Mobile) signal. For the last year I've had problems with calls dropping, a buzzing/interference when I place a call, people trying to call but it goes right to voicemail, etc. about 80% of my daily use.

I switched to a Galaxy S20 5G, but have 20 days to return it and 14 days to return my current iPhone, so in the event that the S20 doesn't fix the problem, I can return it and still keep my current phone.

For those of you who use both or have used an iPhone and switched to Android or vice versa, is there anything that sticks out in your mind, advice-wise, that I should know about? I'm tech savvy and enjoy new technology, so I have no apprehensions, but being that I've used an iPhone for well over 10 years, I do not know what to expect. Also, due to the current Global health situation, going to a store and trying one out is not an option (one that I'm plenty okay with).

One thing I've read is that there is bloatware on some android phones and I want to get rid of that. Phone will be used for the following reasons:

Make calls
Texting
Check Twitter or Instagram
Listen to Podcasts and Apple Music (I was pleased to see there is an Apple Music app for android)
Email
Photos and Videos
eBay
Check the weather
Check the surf report
Google Drive for file access (never used iCloud)
I use some apps to pay credit cards and my do online banking
I use safari on my iPhone, I'm guessing it's Google Chrome on the Samsung?

Thank you in advance for any help you can provide


Well I am in the same boat you are in but have used android a bit in the past. Last 5 years though I've been strictly iOS devices in my use. I have the iPhone 11 pro max and just got the S20+ in the mail and feel that it's time to drop away from apple. They are just barely putting forth effort to innovate IMO. iOS with its static grid icon look has long worn out it's welcome. The crappy antennas and baseband chips have been frustrating in alot of coverage areas.

Locked in the apple ecosystem is a decision for you to make. I have an iPad pro, mac book air, and a apple watch series 4. All that is going to be either sold or given away to family members. Being locked into the apple ecosystem alot of people i guess love the restrictions of a walled garden. I only remember how expensive it is to stay in that ecosystem it seems and how it doesn't like to change often. Money is not the issue but the cost to restrictions does make it seem way less palatable IMO.

IMO the cheaper cost and freedom out weighs anything now I can get from apple. For the imessage crowd I say this...it's a US phenomenon as everyone else in the world doesn't use it. I'm not tethered to it at all so it's a non factor.
 

AustinIllini

macrumors G5
Oct 20, 2011
12,699
10,567
Austin, TX
Well I am in the same boat you are in but have used android a bit in the past. Last 5 years though I've been strictly iOS devices in my use. I have the iPhone 11 pro max and just got the S20+ in the mail and feel that it's time to drop away from apple. They are just barely putting forth effort to innovate IMO. iOS with its static grid icon look has long worn out it's welcome. The crappy antennas and baseband chips have been frustrating in alot of coverage areas.

Locked in the apple ecosystem is a decision for you to make. I have an iPad pro, mac book air, and a apple watch series 4. All that is going to be either sold or given away to family members. Being locked into the apple ecosystem alot of people i guess love the restrictions of a walled garden. I only remember how expensive it is to stay in that ecosystem it seems and how it doesn't like to change often. Money is not the issue but the cost to restrictions does make it seem way less palatable IMO.
I've been there. It's an expensive proposition when you realize the quality of the Android/Windows/Chrome ecosystem is littered with sacrifices and then wind up re-buying all the Apple ecosystem stuff.

For me it was worth it, though. I won't be switching back to Android until Google Pixel is on the same level as iPhone.
 

majkom

macrumors 68000
May 3, 2011
1,943
1,251
Well I am in the same boat you are in but have used android a bit in the past. Last 5 years though I've been strictly iOS devices in my use. I have the iPhone 11 pro max and just got the S20+ in the mail and feel that it's time to drop away from apple. They are just barely putting forth effort to innovate IMO. iOS with its static grid icon look has long worn out it's welcome. The crappy antennas and baseband chips have been frustrating in alot of coverage areas.

Locked in the apple ecosystem is a decision for you to make. I have an iPad pro, mac book air, and a apple watch series 4. All that is going to be either sold or given away to family members. Being locked into the apple ecosystem alot of people i guess love the restrictions of a walled garden. I only remember how expensive it is to stay in that ecosystem it seems and how it doesn't like to change often. Money is not the issue but the cost to restrictions does make it seem way less palatable IMO.

IMO the cheaper cost and freedom out weighs anything now I can get from apple. For the imessage crowd I say this...it's a US phenomenon as everyone else in the world doesn't use it. I'm not tethered to it at all so it's a non factor.
Strange, i read everywhere that imessage aint thing outside us but fir me here in czechia almost every apple user is using imessage...
 

BlueGoldAce

macrumors 68000
Oct 11, 2011
1,951
1,455
I've been there. It's an expensive proposition when you realize the quality of the Android/Windows/Chrome ecosystem is littered with sacrifices and then wind up re-buying all the Apple ecosystem stuff.

For me it was worth it, though. I won't be switching back to Android until Google Pixel is on the same level as iPhone.


I guess it depends on your perspective, right? I have jumped in and out of the Apple ecosystem for year, and I was fully in the ecosystem for the last 3 up until recently (iphone, ipad pros, macbook pro, apple tv, applewatch, airpods). The things is, despite the "ease" of use of the ecosystem, I never understood the hype. The only true differentiator I understood was the Apple Watch, which was the single aspect of the ecosystem that kept me on the iPhone for 3 years. Never-the-less, I don't have the watch anymore and I have a very mixed ecosystem of macbooks pros, galaxy s20, ipad pros, apple tv, pc, roku, fire tvs, etc, etc. I don't see a difference and maybe that is just me. I am not wedded to imessage, and I prefer google photos, and I have never seen icloud as a true cloud storage as there are superior offerings.

The iPad is still the best tablet you can buy, and I do prefer macOS over Windows 10 slight, but I really don't see the "sacrifices" you are speaking to.
 

maj71303

macrumors regular
May 13, 2014
218
277
Maryland
I've been there. It's an expensive proposition when you realize the quality of the Android/Windows/Chrome ecosystem is littered with sacrifices and then wind up re-buying all the Apple ecosystem stuff.

For me it was worth it, though. I won't be switching back to Android until Google Pixel is on the same level as iPhone.

Like others have commented, I don't see the sacrifices either. It's not as expensive to go to the android side as it is the Apple side. On Android you have a pleura of choices of devices. For the ease of use of the apple ecosystem you get a walled garden, inflexible limited customizations, and limited hardware configurations. What has worn on me is the arrogance of apple dictating what is good for the user instead of choices. Several generations of inferior antennas design and baseband chips which in a stubborn wall garden your stuck with what's provided.

I not going to come back to apple as I'm done with the inflated cost and short comings that shouldn't be forgiven like any other manufacturer. in phones apple has stopped even trying to push the envelope on design or functionality. Macs being more and more nonupgradeable by the end user. the ipad being a great tablet has them in the driver seat but.... you see firsthand the impact the surface line is having on the ipad. They are trying hard to shake the media consumption device label. They are now trying to market it as a productivity device which is not what it is. They haven't made the inroads in schools and the corporate world like they thought they would have. But that is another discussion.

IMO they are by purely based on what's happening right now will be taking a hit this year in sales of the iPhone. Their nature of always waiting for someone else to push the envelope and then so called refine the idea doesn't work when teams are collaborating remotely. Alot of things sometime get missed when you can't be side by side getting things done. IMO they will have to push back the launch or otherwise release a phone that will be a minor update like this ipad they just dump out with lidar added and mostly otherwise unchanged.
 
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