Samsung galaxy S23 and S23 ultra

[Technerd108]

I’m pretty sure s23 U would be good surviving a drop. It’s just a bit easier to protect my iPhones from impact from things hitting me when it’s in my pocket.

Today I took my SE3 to work. I realized the new WiFi my husband recently installed gives me signal all the way to the end of our property plus some, so I don’t need a cell signal out there and don’t have to worry about transferring my e Sim from my 14 Pro Max to the SE3.

If I’m going to smash a phone to bits I’d rather it be the significantly cheaper one. But I don’t think that’s going to happen. If my poor Apple Watch still manages to look pristine, the phone should survive just fine.

It was raining then snowing, so it was slippery working out there. The wheels on the cart I was using kept getting stuck in mud so I ended up carrying a lot of things like two sets of enormous bifold doors. I kept worrying my fingers would get caught or that the doors would smack against my pocket and smush my phone.

I put in 3.5 hours and called it a day. Now I have to go check in on my mom. She’s big mad I am not coming over more than once a week.

I remember when I quit my (final non-volunteer job), my coworkers asked me what I would do all day and asked how I would keep from getting bored being a stay at home mom. 🤣😂

I totally understand why you are using a less expensive phone. I would do the same thing in your situation.

Funny how much work being a stay at home parent can be. In some ways it is more work than a job since you never get time off. There is no clear delineation between the work day and when you are off work. Too bad stay at home parents don't get paid. If you pay for a caregiver or babysitter the cost can be very high but stay at home parents are free labor and vastly unappreciated.

Heavy lifting and moving objects in less than ideal conditions is a lot of work. There is the physical aspect and the mental aspect and both are a lot since heavy labor is one thing then the stress of not trying to drop or break something.

I know it is difficult when you can't visit your Mom as much as she would like but you are seeing her on a regular basis. I am sure under the anger she really appreciates you making the effort to see her whenever you can.

 

[mjschabow]

Here's another thing that I like so much more on Samsung. Their stock weather app. iOS updated theirs to no longer e integrated with the weather channel, and it's a pain to use now. Love how on Samsung I can pull up the details and if I really need more, I can click on a day and it takes me to the weather channel website.

 

[Technerd108]

Boost mobile. The quality that you can feel. So two weeks since I submitted a port out request. And 2 days since I filed a complaint with the FCC and I am still waiting.

If I don't port a number into Google Fi I will lose my discount. In a couple days I will pass my return window on the phone.

Google Fi won't extend my return window or the deadline to port my number over. I am a little upset they can't extend the time since I can't control what Boost is doing or the complete lack of any customer service on their end.

I still have a few weeks before the port deadline but this is stressing me out and I haven't been using the s23u because I am waiting for the port in to activate. I feel like just using the free trial I have from US Mobile and getting a new phone number. Then I could just port that to FI but then I will lose my main phone number I have used for several years and have the fun time of updating all my accounts and family of a new number.

I had conflicting information from Fi about using another sim in the phone. One said I would lose my discount and I told them I already used another sim when all this started two weeks ago and the rep then said it was fine until I can get the port in processed.

I have had bad luck with pre paid wireless customer service. T mobile was a nightmare and now this is a nightmare. I don't know. When you don't have issues pre paid is a great savings but when you do have an issue they seriously suck.

 

[Berries-A-Million]

I'm just being safe and using the sim card for Google Fi And using TMobile with the esim. No issues and countdown has been working.

TMobile primary and Google Fi secondary.

 

[Berries-A-Million]

The battery life on this s23 ultra is crazy good. Wanted to see how far I could go without charging it in the car. Very impressed.

 

[Technerd108]

I'm just being safe and using the sim card for Google Fi And using TMobile with the esim. No issues and countdown has been working.

TMobile primary and Google Fi secondary.

I may owe you an apology sir.

I have been dealing with trying to port my number over to Google Fi to meet the promotional requirements to keep the $600 off. It has been two weeks and still no port out pin from Boost mobile.

So I called Google Fi and they said I can use another sim card as long as I don't activate another sim card on the device. So I think you can use any sim you want if it is already activated on another device.

So I was wrong thinking that using another sim would violate the terms of the promotion. It is hard to get accurate information and I had to press them in order to get that information but now I know. Just wanted to update my error.

So now I am going to be able to test the s23u for a while.

At the end of the month either the port in will work with Boost or I will have to get another line and number and port that in to Fi. Gives me enough cushion to make sure the transfer is complete before the deadline.

 

[swarlos]

Familiarity and the marketing that suggests that you just can't get by without iOS is what really gets people, imo. And I've fallen a victim to it many times. The one thing that's helped me this time is that other than the iPhone, I had already branched away from the ecosystem. But even with that, I continue to fight the random urges to go back to iPhone. Halfway through resetting the phone to fix my battery, I almost said screw it and bought a new iPhone. I think you just have to wait out the cravings like ex smokers do.

Just saw you on YouTube!! Nick Ackerman’s video about the 10 reasons why the 14 Pro Max is better than the S23 Ultra. Your famous!

 

[swarlos]

I may owe you an apology sir.

I have been dealing with trying to port my number over to Google Fi to meet the promotional requirements to keep the $600 off. It has been two weeks and still no port out pin from Boost mobile.

So I called Google Fi and they said I can use another sim card as long as I don't activate another sim card on the device. So I think you can use any sim you want if it is already activated on another device.

So I was wrong thinking that using another sim would violate the terms of the promotion. It is hard to get accurate information and I had to press them in order to get that information but now I know. Just wanted to update my error.

So now I am going to be able to test the s23u for a while.

At the end of the month either the port in will work with Boost or I will have to get another line and number and port that in to Fi. Gives me enough cushion to make sure the transfer is complete before the deadline.

I’m soooo dumb. I returned my Fi phone and then instantly regretted it and got one from Best Buy yesterday and got a watch 5 pro but now I don’t know what to do since I’m basically paying full price now.

I’m so mad at myself for returning the phone. I really loved it this time. I had bought a classic 4 and compared it to my  watch boy was that a mistake. I was just shocked at the complete lack of apps on wearOS.

 

[ppfd]

I'm about 90% sure I'm going to pick up an S23 Ultra.
Reading that Samsung offers either 4 or 5 OS updates per phone model, is that something that concerns anyone?
I'm still using an 8 plus and if I'm looking at it right, I've got 6 iOS updates so far. I'm guessing this will be the last year for Apple to keep the 8s updated.

 

[Technerd108]

I’m soooo dumb. I returned my Fi phone and then instantly regretted it and got one from Best Buy yesterday and got a watch 5 pro but now I don’t know what to do since I’m basically paying full price now.

I’m so mad at myself for returning the phone. I really loved it this time. I had bought a classic 4 and compared it to my  watch boy was that a mistake. I was just shocked at the complete lack of apps on wearOS.

No you are not dumb. You are human. Making decisions that cost us serious money are hard and complex. There are a lot of factors. You didn't want to settle with the lack of features on the Samsung watch vs Apple watch which makes sense.

I have done the same thing as you obviously in different situations and regretted my decision later. Don't be so hard on yourself.

If you can afford what you got at Best buy then keep it and be happy and forget about the return. If it doesn't sit well with you then return the purchase from Best Buy.

I am pretty sure Samsung will have discounts in the summer time which isn't too far away. So you will have a second chance if you can wait.

 

[Technerd108]

I'm about 90% sure I'm going to pick up an S23 Ultra.
Reading that Samsung offers either 4 or 5 OS updates per phone model, is that something that concerns anyone?
I'm still using an 8 plus and if I'm looking at it right, I've got 6 iOS updates so far. I'm guessing this will be the last year for Apple to keep the 8s updated.

Apple will give 5-6 years of updates and often times longer but they don't actually have a stated policy in writing that I could find. Generally 6 OS updates are the rule.

Samsung will give 4 OS updates and 5 years of security patches.

It is close but obviously if you keep your phone more than 4 years as a general rule then a Samsung s23 Ultra might not be the best choice. Or Android in general for that matter as Samsung now offers the longest update policy of any major OEM that is officially supported in the USA at least. Other countries it may be different. I think there is another OEM that tries to make more repairable phones that lasted like 6 or more years but they are a small one with hardware that isn't even close to Samsung.

I can't remember any phone I have kept over 2 or 3 years. I appreciate long term support and still think 5 years of OS upgrades should be the minimum, specially on a phone like the Ultra but Qualcomm is partially to blame as they only support Android updates for a set period of time for each processor release.

For me personally I am happy with the update support Samsung offers. I remember when 2 years was all you got and that was pretty terrible.

No matter if it is Apple or Android OEM they all want you to upgrade as soon as possible.

So I guess I would just think on it for a bit. You can use the Ultra for the next 5 years without any problems. By then you might be ready for a new phone. At the same time maybe you really just like to use whatever you get for as long as possible. If that is the case then I would wait for the iphone 15. It should have USB c. It should get the longest term support let's say 6 years and possibly longer.

Some people use their devices even after official support ends and Samsung like Apple has been known to keep supporting their devices past the official cut off with at least security updates.

Only you can decide what is best for you.

The other factor that comes into play with Samsung devices is special promotions, sales and trade in deals. A lot of times if you take a bit of time you can find deals where if you sell or trade in your old device you can get a new one for little out of pocket so I think that plays a part in why people are okay with the shorter support window. If you upgrade every couple of years getting a new phone can cost very little.

iPhones keep their value better but the promotions are not as good and discounts on Apple phones are rare. So at least in my experience it costs more to upgrade an iPhone which makes it so people keep their iPhones longer in general. Apple generally makes very iterative updates year over year and the excellent support on software as already mentioned gives people less incentive to upgrade as often.

So in the end it is kind of a wash. But I can understand your concern for sure.

 

[swarlos]

No you are not dumb. You are human. Making decisions that cost us serious money are hard and complex. There are a lot of factors. You didn't want to settle with the lack of features on the Samsung watch vs Apple watch which makes sense.

I have done the same thing as you obviously in different situations and regretted my decision later. Don't be so hard on yourself.

If you can afford what you got at Best buy then keep it and be happy and forget about the return. If it doesn't sit well with you then return the purchase from Best Buy.

I am pretty sure Samsung will have discounts in the summer time which isn't too far away. So you will have a second chance if you can wait.

Thanks for the kind words. I’ll have to think on what to do haha.

 

[5105973]

Boost mobile. The quality that you can feel. So two weeks since I submitted a port out request. And 2 days since I filed a complaint with the FCC and I am still waiting.

If I don't port a number into Google Fi I will lose my discount. In a couple days I will pass my return window on the phone.

Google Fi won't extend my return window or the deadline to port my number over. I am a little upset they can't extend the time since I can't control what Boost is doing or the complete lack of any customer service on their end.

I still have a few weeks before the port deadline but this is stressing me out and I haven't been using the s23u because I am waiting for the port in to activate. I feel like just using the free trial I have from US Mobile and getting a new phone number. Then I could just port that to FI but then I will lose my main phone number I have used for several years and have the fun time of updating all my accounts and family of a new number.

I had conflicting information from Fi about using another sim in the phone. One said I would lose my discount and I told them I already used another sim when all this started two weeks ago and the rep then said it was fine until I can get the port in processed.

I have had bad luck with pre paid wireless customer service. T mobile was a nightmare and now this is a nightmare. I don't know. When you don't have issues pre paid is a great savings but when you do have an issue they seriously suck.

Gosh I’m sorry you’re going through all this. I’d hoped it would be resolved in your favor by now but it sounds worse. I wish I had some words of help or advice.

But I’ve been on this AT&T family plan for years now. Before that, I had my husband on my Sprint account that was subsidized by my employer. AT&T has screwed us over before, too. They’re getting better though.

I was just watching scary movies on my 14 Pro Max. I’d been watching movies on the Samsung so I thought I’d switch it up. They’re pretty equal now. Maybe movie audio is still better on the iPhone.

I was watching a movie about a mutant killer bear (Prophecy—I read the book in 1979 and it was much better than the movie). And now I’m watching…well I have no idea but it’s got cloven hoofs so it’s probably a devil. But it acts like the mutant bear so it’s almost like watching a sequel to the first movie.

I really shouldn’t watch this stuff because when I work in that building on my property there is some animal that sounds like it’s trying to break through the floor and get at me. I will go over and stomp on the floor which you’d think would make it be still or run off or something but no, it starts clawing even harder at the floor like it’s trying to come up through and get me. 😱

Anyway, watching these movies is going to have me working out there, imagining giant mutant raccoons trying to get me!

Fortunately I got as much done out there today as I can for awhile. I need to wait for a company to haul everything away then I can do some more. There’s only so much junk we can put out at one time.

Well, please keep us posted on your situation.

Sorry if this post is all over the place. I was falling asleep, so I turned off the second movie. I am going to sleep late tomorrow. For once, nobody has invited any friends over. I can be in my pajamas until noon!

Edit: I saw your later posts…am I understanding correctly that you’re okay now on your plan?

 

[petvas]

No you are not dumb. You are human. Making decisions that cost us serious money are hard and complex. There are a lot of factors. You didn't want to settle with the lack of features on the Samsung watch vs Apple watch which makes sense.

I have done the same thing as you obviously in different situations and regretted my decision later. Don't be so hard on yourself.

If you can afford what you got at Best buy then keep it and be happy and forget about the return. If it doesn't sit well with you then return the purchase from Best Buy.

I am pretty sure Samsung will have discounts in the summer time which isn't too far away. So you will have a second chance if you can wait.

I have both an Apple Watch Series 8 and a Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. I don't see any features missing from the Galaxy Watch. I see features missing from the Apple Watch (like blood pressure, BMI). Yes, there are less apps for the Galaxy Watch available, but seriously now, how many people are using extra apps on their Apple Watch? The basic stuff is available on both platforms. Having said that, I really prefer the way the Galaxy Watch detects when I am training or making a small stop. I also prefer the way shortcut apps can be placed on the right of the Home Screen.
I have also not been able to find a digital watch face that I like on the Apple Watch. On the Galaxy Watch I have found exactly what I was looking for.
Of course this is just my personal opinion.

 

[ppfd]

Technerd,
Thanks for the response. I defiantly get my money out of my phones! I bought the iPhone out right and while researching both phones is when I found out about update ratios between the two brands. I agree all makers want you to buy a new phone as soon as possible. I'm not "brand loyal" by any means and that S23 ultra is really calling me. And like most I'd be the outcast as family and most friends run iPhone's.
Price is a wash, Samsung offers a 1st responder discount and less for trade in. Apple no discount and more for trade.
Who knew picking a cell phone would be so difficult!

 

[Technerd108]

Gosh I’m sorry you’re going through all this. I’d hoped it would be resolved in your favor by now but it sounds worse. I wish I had some words of help or advice.

But I’ve been on this AT&T family plan for years now. Before that, I had my husband on my Sprint account that was subsidized by my employer. AT&T has screwed us over before, too. They’re getting better though.

I was just watching scary movies on my 14 Pro Max. I’d been watching movies on the Samsung so I thought I’d switch it up. They’re pretty equal now. Maybe movie audio is still better on the iPhone.

I was watching a movie about a mutant killer bear (Prophecy—I read the book in 1979 and it was much better than the movie). And now I’m watching…well I have no idea but it’s got cloven hoofs so it’s probably a devil. But it acts like the mutant bear so it’s almost like watching a sequel to the first movie.

I really shouldn’t watch this stuff because when I work in that building on my property there is some animal that sounds like it’s trying to break through the floor and get at me. I will go over and stomp on the floor which you’d think would make it be still or run off or something but no, it starts clawing even harder at the floor like it’s trying to come up through and get me. 😱

Anyway, watching these movies is going to have me working out there, imagining giant mutant raccoons trying to get me!

Fortunately I got as much done out there today as I can for awhile. I need to wait for a company to haul everything away then I can do some more. There’s only so much junk we can put out at one time.

Well, please keep us posted on your situation.

Sorry if this post is all over the place. I was falling asleep, so I turned off the second movie. I am going to sleep late tomorrow. For once, nobody has invited any friends over. I can be in my pajamas until noon!

Edit: I saw your later posts…am I understanding correctly that you’re okay now on your plan?

Scary movies will get to you. 😂 Lol

I like scary movies to a degree. Sometimes they are just jump scares and I don't like that or they are just too twisted. But some can be really good.

That animal sounds a little scary. Specially the fact it gets more aggressive when you make noise. I don't know where you live or how rural the area is but maybe you could have your husband take a look just to make sure it is nothing serious? Under the floor boards it could be something harmless like. Possum or squirrel but it could also be a badger or wolverine depending on where you live. Most animals retreat at loud noises. I am sure you can take care of yourself and I am not trying to scare you. I just come from the mantra better to be safe than sorry and to visually verify any threats. But that is me.

I am still dealing with Boost and have no idea when they are going to get their systems functioning again. They have their payment system sorted but if you want to makes changes to your account or leave you are out of luck. I image they are going to have a huge migration of people leaving because of the issues they have experienced. A lot of people didn't have service or got cancelled due to non payment even though they couldn't make a payment.

I can understand a few hours and at worst a few days but two weeks with no account access is a bridge too far even for me. There price was good and there cell reception was good but I can't even reach a person. All you get is a pre-recorded message and then it hangs up. No updates or any timeline on when things will be fixed.

I am using the Boost sim card in the s23u for now. If by the end of the month they haven't generated a port out pin for me then I will use another carrier for a month just to get another phone number. Then I will port that number into Fi so that I still qualify. If I don't port a number into Fi I will be charged $600.

It sucks because I am paying for the line on Fi but I can't actually use it. If I don't keep paying for Fi I will lose the discount. If I don't port the number by a specific date I will lose the discount. It will all get sorted out in the end but it is just frustrating right now.

I will let you know what happens in the end.

I like watching movies on the s23 ultra so far. Have you adjusted the dolby Atmos, played with the eq and adapt sound settings? I was able to get better sound than default by tweaking them a bit.

Enjoy sleeping in. Sounds like you deserve a rest! 🛌😴

 

[Technerd108]

Technerd,
Thanks for the response. I defiantly get my money out of my phones! I bought the iPhone out right and while researching both phones is when I found out about update ratios between the two brands. I agree all makers want you to buy a new phone as soon as possible. I'm not "brand loyal" by any means and that S23 ultra is really calling me. And like most I'd be the outcast as family and most friends run iPhone's.
Price is a wash, Samsung offers a 1st responder discount and less for trade in. Apple no discount and more for trade.
Who knew picking a cell phone would be so difficult!

As a first responder let me say thank you for your service in whatever capacity that is.

Well if you have had an iPhone for a long time it might be fun to try something different. It also might surprise you how much you like Android.

As a first responder the s pen might come in handy. The ability to draw and annotate pictures and take notes in an instant might be useful. Being able to properly sign documents, etc.

The screen is great, the speakers are great, the battery life is great. There really isn't much to complain about.

If you buy the Ultra test it out for 10 days. Get a decent case so you won't damage it and if you end not liking it, just return it.

At least then you will have a better idea if you like it.

I have a feeling you might.

Of course iphone is a great choice too. I would personally wait for the 15 because of USB c and better CPU. The a16 is good but if a17 is based on TSMC 3nm and Apple doesn't screw up the GPU like they did in the a16 it should be a good upgrade and last you that much longer.

 

[mjschabow]

Just saw you on YouTube!! Nick Ackerman’s video about the 10 reasons why the 14 Pro Max is better than the S23 Ultra. Your famous!

Haha yeah watch his "10 Reasons the iPhone 14 Pro Max is better than the S23 Ultra" and then watch "10 Reasons the S23 Ultra is better than the iPhone 14 Pro Max" and you can tell how much he was stretching for reasons why the iPhone wins.

If you're not overly attached to an ecosystem, it's not a hard choice.

 

[daveathall]

Super fast charging on this is just brilliant, less than 15% on my phone, took just over an hour to full.

 

[mjschabow]

Super fast charging on this is just brilliant, less than 15% on my phone, took just over an hour to full.

I know it's not the fastest charging phone in the world, but the 45 watt is definitely appreciated in situations where you're vacationing and just need a quick 20% boost. Throw it on the charger for 10 minutes and you're good

 

[aggie99]

I know it's not the fastest charging phone in the world, but the 45 watt is definitely appreciated in situations where you're vacationing and just need a quick 20% boost. Throw it on the charger for 10 minutes and you're good

Yep on my way back to DFW from Maui with a short layover at LAX. Phone was 25%, grabbing a coffee and quick bite to eat in the American Airlines Admirals Club with my phone plugged in and it's already back to 75%.

 

[swarlos]

Haha yeah watch his "10 Reasons the iPhone 14 Pro Max is better than the S23 Ultra" and then watch "10 Reasons the S23 Ultra is better than the iPhone 14 Pro Max" and you can tell how much he was stretching for reasons why the iPhone wins.

If you're not overly attached to an ecosystem, it's not a hard choice.

Hahaha yeah I did watch both videos and I have to agree.

 

[aggie99]

More from the S23 Ultra in Maui.

 

[Technerd108]

Okay I have been using the s23u now back and forth from the Pixel 7 Pro and at first I liked the color profile of the Pixel 7 Pro better but after a little time I seem to like the s23u better.

I turned off the adaptive battery. I don't know if it has anything at all to do with anything but I just feel like it was doing something with the display.

To people sensitive to the flicker I have a test for you to try. Maybe with a few people trying what I am about to suggest we can have an unscientific and informal test.

Try turning off the adaptive battery and see after a little while if you notice any difference in the display?

I have a feeling that the adaptive battery is doing something with dimming the display to save battery which makes the flicker worse.

I have no idea if it does anything but maybe worth a try to see if you notice any difference or I am just crazy.

I really appreciate the s23u now that I have had it for a while. I really like the big rectangular screen. The rounded corners so popular these days look nice aestheticly but in real world use the rectangular screen design just works so much better.

I have always used my phone to watch media content begrudgingly but with the Ultra I actually enjoy it. At first, I didn't understand what the difference was. It is just slightly larger than the P7P but the shape of the screen I think is the big difference.

The audio on this phone is really great too. The surround sound really works. The sound is rich and full. The P7P has pretty good speakers but the s23u is just better.

I don't know what Apple does but their phones have always had loud speakers and recent iPhones have decent bass. The s23u is the first Android phone that sounds as good to my ears but I can't test against a new iPhone 14 pro max because I don't have one so that phone might be better but I am sure the difference is a lot less than in the past.

 

[hockeyfan81]

Anyone using a case that doesn't dig into your hand when using it?