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jamezr

macrumors P6
Aug 7, 2011
16,074
19,069
US
It better be a update to 11 pro max or else.... dammit so AOD isn't just a software update it's a different screen technology? Someone help me out
I think as @Shanghaichica said it could be a software update buuuut...knowing Apple they will only make it available the new models to get people to upgrade. I cant wait I have been wait for AOD on a iPhone for a while
 

jamezr

macrumors P6
Aug 7, 2011
16,074
19,069
US
Would y'all guys/gals say that all of these newer phones(android and iphone)the past couple years are a significant upgrade over the Pixel 3? I use the 3 XL and happy with it but the camera is my thing and battery life. I would get a newer phone, even a generation old if the camera is a step up
from what I have heard is Samsung partnered with Google on on the AI algorithm for the S21 camera.
It should help with post processing. Not sure if it will be a great as the Pixel's post processing algorithms though.
 
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jamezr

macrumors P6
Aug 7, 2011
16,074
19,069
US
Here is a comparison to the S21 Ultra and Note 20 Ultra

Screen Shot 2021-01-18 at 6.51.17 PM.png


 

swarlos

Suspended
Oct 18, 2015
1,444
2,050
If it ends up being a software update wouldn't it kill the battery on the current OLED phones, because they won't have the newer OLED that can refresh way down like the Apple Watch and S21 series? An AOD always stuck at 60hz I'd think wouldn't be (as) good for battery life?

Yeah you’re right. I used a couple of AOD tweaks on my jailbroken 11 Pro Max over summer on 13.5 and man my battery took a major hit.

That’s also a reason why we didn’t get 120hz this year either because the hit on battery life was too much. I’m also excited about AOD though cause those jailbreak tweaks were awesome.
 
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Zito Abroad

macrumors 6502a
Mar 17, 2019
535
1,218
I would say, Samsung have found their signature design with the new wrap around rear camera. You can now immediately tell a Galaxy device by the back camera. That instant recognition is a good thing. For me, the whole S21 line are easily the best looking phones on the market. I honestly can't believe how much nicer these phones look from the renders and leaks. Very premium. I hope the Fold 3 takes on this design, and has the ultra camera as well. Please make it so Samsung.
 

Healer Flame

macrumors 68000
Feb 1, 2019
1,868
1,242
I would say, Samsung have found their signature design with the new wrap around rear camera. You can now immediately tell a Galaxy device by the back camera. That instant recognition is a good thing. For me, the whole S21 line are easily the best looking phones on the market. I honestly can't believe how much nicer these phones look from the renders and leaks. Very premium. I hope the Fold 3 takes on this design, and has the ultra camera as well. Please make it so Samsung.

They did excellent job disguising the ugly bump and make it look attractive
 

The Game 161

macrumors Nehalem
Dec 15, 2010
30,986
20,169
UK
It better be a update to 11 pro max or else.... dammit so AOD isn't just a software update it's a different screen technology? Someone help me out
no it won't be a software update\

if it happens it will be due to the LTPO display and that will be on the pro models only. LTPO won't come to non pro models until likely 2022 if the volume is there as the amount of panels apple will need is alot for all iPhones.
 
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Shanghaichica

macrumors G5
Apr 8, 2013
14,725
13,245
UK
I would say, Samsung have found their signature design with the new wrap around rear camera. You can now immediately tell a Galaxy device by the back camera. That instant recognition is a good thing. For me, the whole S21 line are easily the best looking phones on the market. I honestly can't believe how much nicer these phones look from the renders and leaks. Very premium. I hope the Fold 3 takes on this design, and has the ultra camera as well. Please make it so Samsung.
Samsung have been knocking out of the park with design lately. The S20 was a bit of a misstep, however the Note 20 ultra, fold 2 and now the S21 series have been stunning.

The S10 and Note 10 series were stunning too.
 

The Game 161

macrumors Nehalem
Dec 15, 2010
30,986
20,169
UK
Does AoD really sucks battery that much? Android has had AoD for years and there’s no major complaints about battery life.
It used to for me but on my fold 2 not really that noticeable but it does drain alot more on standby than my iPhone does.

Just Apple thinking battery life will be worse and they don't want things to be worse and why they will only release 120hz with LTPO. I imagine this will be why we waited for it on the Apple Watch.
 
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The Game 161

macrumors Nehalem
Dec 15, 2010
30,986
20,169
UK
It doesn’t. Apple are just using battery life as an excuse to trickle out features like AOD and 120hz refresh rates.
well 120hz is a legit reason I feel but AOD not so much. there's only so many IOS optimisation can do with 120hz on so LTPO really is needed for battery life to remain as good.
 

yui4

macrumors 65816
May 26, 2011
1,262
1,028
Preparing to dispatch my order in UK. I don’t expect it to change until sometime next week.

start counting down the sleeps!
 

Khaleesi Kendall

macrumors regular
Mar 31, 2020
198
268
If you're in a position to never move to iOS, the good news is that it seems like Apple is feeling the pressure to catch up to Android in the feature department more than ever lately.
I see that and I’m okay with it. Usually whatever features Apple copies they normally make better. So I say carry on.
 

The Game 161

macrumors Nehalem
Dec 15, 2010
30,986
20,169
UK
Preparing to dispatch my order in UK. I don’t expect it to change until sometime next week.

start counting down the sleeps!
seems they are getting released quicker than the past. getting bored with these unboxing videos seeing reviews is more worthy to view on YouTube for one.

the early photo samples look good. the zoom does seem improved on the 100x scumbag zoom
 
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yui4

macrumors 65816
May 26, 2011
1,262
1,028
seems they are getting released quicker than the past. getting bored with these unboxing videos seeing reviews is more worthy to view on YouTube for one.

the early photo samples look good. the zoom does seem improved on the 100x scumbag zoom
It would be nice but I’m not anticipating it to arrive any earlier than a day before official release in shops. That’s how I’ve found pre ordering to be with previous launches
 
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Awesomesince86

macrumors 68020
Sep 18, 2016
2,482
3,302
Just trying to figure out if I should buy the unlocked version or the AT&T variant.

If you dont plan on switching carriers during the life of the phone, then ATT is the safer route. I know they have been guilty of restricting things such as Wifi calling and VoLTE to only carrier phones in the past. Not sure if that still applies.

Otherwise, if you want the flexibility, go with unlocked. Honestly, besides the things I mentioned, they should be pretty much identical. Oh and unlcoked wont have carrier bloat apps. But thats about it.
 

rockitdog

macrumors 68030
Mar 25, 2013
2,724
1,241
If you dont plan on switching carriers during the life of the phone, then ATT is the safer route. I know they have been guilty of restricting things such as Wifi calling and VoLTE to only carrier phones in the past. Not sure if that still applies.

Otherwise, if you want the flexibility, go with unlocked. Honestly, besides the things I mentioned, they should be pretty much identical. Oh and unlcoked wont have carrier bloat apps. But thats about it.
WiFi calling is a non-issue for me so I'm not worried about that. It would be nice to have the option to switch carriers if I wanted to down the road also. But that just means I am shelling out $almost $1300 upfront ?
 

Awesomesince86

macrumors 68020
Sep 18, 2016
2,482
3,302
WiFi calling is a non-issue for me so I'm not worried about that. It would be nice to have the option to switch carriers if I wanted to down the road also. But that just means I am shelling out $almost $1300 upfront ?

Could always finance through Samsung if thats offered in your area. 0% and offered in 2-4 year plans if I remember correctly.
 

jamezr

macrumors P6
Aug 7, 2011
16,074
19,069
US
Just trying to figure out if I should buy the unlocked version or the AT&T variant.
Unlocked models get security updates and patches faster than carrier models.
Sometimes carriers get in the way of the updates.
 

Harthag

macrumors 68020
Jun 20, 2009
2,014
2,566
U.S.
Just trying to figure out if I should buy the unlocked version or the AT&T variant.
I've been in the same boat, canceled my pre-order while I decide. I've read that the Android 11 beta on unlocked S20 enables wifi calling, but don't quote me on that. Worst case scenario, while not ideal, you can buy the unlocked version and flash the AT&T firmware onto it if you need certain AT&T features.
 

Awesomesince86

macrumors 68020
Sep 18, 2016
2,482
3,302
Unlocked models get security updates and patches faster than carrier models.
Sometimes carriers get in the way of the updates.

Is that the case with Samsung now? For the longest time, Samsung unlocked phones got updates the slowest after the carriers. Word was that had an agreement with carriers to release it last. But I think thats changed in the past few years.
 
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