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Bkdodger

macrumors 68040
Jun 6, 2019
3,624
6,050
Well I picked up a S23 Ultra yesterday. I figured what the heck, might as well play with it for 2 weeks to see if I like it. If I do, great, if I don't, I can always return it.

I bought the unlocked version at Best Buy since they had a $200 off discount on the unlocked versions.
Congrats hopefully you stick with it ..what phone you coming from ?
 
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Technerd108

macrumors 68040
Oct 24, 2021
3,061
4,311

Guess Android isn't the only mobile OS with out in the wild security vulnerabilities.

I get so tired of people saying the same thing over and over again. And I know I am going to get it here. At least Apple doesn't make money off of my data.....

Look, my point is not that iOS is bad or insecure but just that security threats are active on all platforms. Google has active exploits they are patching just like Apple.

Neither is inherently more secure from these threats. Both OS are very secure but Android has a larger surface area for attacks.

The main thing is keep whatever you got updated. Don't click on links from any text or email that you don't know the sender. Always verify any claim about any account you have by going to the official website by yourself and you will be as secure as possible. Finally don't root or jailbreak your phone and don't install apps from 3rd parties.
 

Bkdodger

macrumors 68040
Jun 6, 2019
3,624
6,050
I went with the film protector to keep micro scratches off ..look Ma no bubbles lol
8107d25da1c52e48ab8df69e763939c9.jpg
 

Technerd108

macrumors 68040
Oct 24, 2021
3,061
4,311
I went with the film protector to keep micro scratches off ..look Ma no bubbles lol
8107d25da1c52e48ab8df69e763939c9.jpg
I did the same thing. I have a epu vs tpu film protector and it was the first time I ever installed a film with no bubbles.

Film isn't perfect. I much prefer tempered glass but for micro scratches as you said it really makes a difference.

The epu scratches really easily but it actually does self heal. I got a 3 pack for $10 so I am hoping to get through a year and change it every few months. For a dollar a month I think it is worth it.

How does your fingerprint sensor react? Mine is not as accurate as before.
 

Bkdodger

macrumors 68040
Jun 6, 2019
3,624
6,050
I did the same thing. I have a epu vs tpu film protector and it was the first time I ever installed a film with no bubbles.

Film isn't perfect. I much prefer tempered glass but for micro scratches as you said it really makes a difference.

The epu scratches really easily but it actually does self heal. I got a 3 pack for $10 so I am hoping to get through a year and change it every few months. For a dollar a month I think it is worth it.

How does your fingerprint sensor react? Mine is not as accurate as before.
So far no issues with the fingerprint sensor ...it feels good but of course nothing like the glass ..you're so right replace it easily it's a good deal ..
 

Technerd108

macrumors 68040
Oct 24, 2021
3,061
4,311
Sorry my reply was a bit short sounded rude and ignored your question. I was too busy cringing how long and self indulgent the post I amended was. 😖 I was mortified anyone saw it. 😆 I’ve been operating all week on very little sleep and being loopy.

I have the stainless 45 mm sport still coming to me. It should get here tomorrow. Could have been here today, but nobody is going to be home to sign for it or receive it. So I deferred delivery to tomorrow.

Anyway…finally there is some daylight around here but not very much. This orange case has been delayed twice. It had gone out of stock right as I ordered it. I’m so excited to have it. We have been having nothing but grey days for so long. We had a couple of sunny days scattered in to remind us what spring should look like. 🙄 But most of the time it’s perpetual dark. So I needed a little sunshine here!

View attachment 2185757


And since the subject of macros came up,
I noticed some dust on my lenses and decided to leave them be and see if I could get a macro photo of them. And even in paltry daylight I was able to get a nice macro photo quite easily. Behold the glory of pocket lint! I can make out a cat dander and threads from Kleenex. 🤣

View attachment 2185756
Nice looking case. I got a cheap 3rd party silicone case and I am not sure how protective it is at the bottom of the phone where the s pen is. Is the Samsung case have a decent amount of material there? Would you mind taking a picture of it.

I am going to return the 3rd party case because one drop on that bottom corner and I think my phone would get damaged.

My inexpensive Spigen cases have a nice deep recessed area full of tpu. I know it should protect the phone and I am not risking this phone to a poorly designed case.

Off topic, you will have to show us a wrist shot of your new Apple watch. I am a bit of watch nerd. I have a titanium g shock with blue camo.
 
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5105973

Cancelled
Sep 11, 2014
12,132
19,733
Nice looking case. I got a cheap 3rd party silicone case and I am not sure how protective it is at the bottom of the phone where the s pen is. Is the Samsung case have a decent amount of material there? Would you mind taking a picture of it.

I am going to return the 3rd party case because one drop on that bottom corner and I think my phone would get damaged.

My inexpensive Spigen cases have a nice deep recessed area full of tpu. I know it should protect the phone and I am not risking this phone to a poorly designed case.

Off topic, you will have to show us a wrist shot of your new Apple watch. I am a bit of watch nerd. I have a titanium g shock with blue camo.
I will try to get a nice picture tomorrow when we have some decent light. It’s not super protective in my opinion. It’s not as thick as Apple Silicone case bottoms, from what I can tell by feel.

I like that it’s soft so when I have to carry it with my iPhone I don’t have to worry too much about scratches. My clear cases do have protruding rings attached to them.
 
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Technerd108

macrumors 68040
Oct 24, 2021
3,061
4,311
I will try to get a nice picture tomorrow when we have some decent light. It’s not super protective in my opinion. It’s not as thick as Apple Silicone case bottoms, from what I can tell by feel.

I like that it’s soft so when I have to carry it with my iPhone I don’t have to worry too much about scratches. My clear cases do have protruding rings attached to them.
Then I think it might just be the a copy of the official Samsung case. Thanks for that information. Very helpful.

If you have a chance go ahead and take the pictures but if you are too busy which I know is often the case, then I think I have enough information to decide what I will do.
 

5105973

Cancelled
Sep 11, 2014
12,132
19,733
Okay so now that I’m more awake and had some truly good light to see by, I think it’s closer to Apple Silicone than I thought. It’s definitely stiffer where the lip is by the plug than last year’s silicone case. The blue Apple case was for an iPhone 12 if I remember correctly. I do not own a silicone case for my 14 Pro Max that is made by Apple. The white case (that looks vaguely green tinged) was for my S22 Ultra.

I don’t hold much faith in silicone cases for Drop protection.
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5105973

Cancelled
Sep 11, 2014
12,132
19,733
Then I think it might just be the a copy of the official Samsung case. Thanks for that information. Very helpful.

If you have a chance go ahead and take the pictures but if you are too busy which I know is often the case, then I think I have enough information to decide what I will do.
Sorry for some reason I couldn't edit my own post for clarification after I inserted the photos.

What I am trying to explain is that the silicone appears to be about the same thickness and stiffness as with the Apple case. But look at the size difference between the two cases. In my opinion, to adequately protect the phone of that size and weight, the Samsung S23 Ultra case should have at least a couple millimeters more thickness and reinforced corners. I don't think it should be the same as that of a smaller iphone case.

It's pretty. And it's protective against scratches. But if I'm understanding your needs and expectations correctly, no I don't recommend it for you. I am mostly using it around the house because of the cheery color. When I go on vacation I will be using a more reinforced case.

P.S. my new Apple Watch arrived. It needs to be charged though. I'll set it up this evening and try to get a photo tomorrow. It seems to fit nicely but I only had it on for a minute. My husband is going to share bands with me until I am sure I am going to keep it, then I will buy a couple of bands for myself. Lol, not Hermes though! Yeesh! No! I'll wait for my birthday or Christmas or something. My husband has an old Apple leather band I can borrow.
 
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Technerd108

macrumors 68040
Oct 24, 2021
3,061
4,311
Sorry for some reason I couldn't edit my own post for clarification after I inserted the photos.

What I am trying to explain is that the silicone appears to be about the same thickness and stiffness as with the Apple case. But look at the size difference between the two cases. In my opinion, to adequately protect the phone of that size and weight, the Samsung S23 Ultra case should have at least a couple millimeters more thickness and reinforced corners. I don't think it should be the same as that of a smaller iphone case.

It's pretty. And it's protective against scratches. But if I'm understanding your needs and expectations correctly, no I don't recommend it for you. I am mostly using it around the house because of the cheery color. When I go on vacation I will be using a more reinforced case.

P.S. my new Apple Watch arrived. It needs to be charged though. I'll set it up this evening and try to get a photo tomorrow. It seems to fit nicely but I only had it on for a minute. My husband is going to share bands with me until I am sure I am going to keep it, then I will buy a couple of bands for myself. Lol, not Hermes though! Yeesh! No! I'll wait for my birthday or Christmas or something. My husband has an old Apple leather band I can borrow.

Thanks for the detailed explanation.

Exactly what I needed. Generally I don't like thick cases BUT at a minimum the case needs to be able to withstand a drop of n A hard surface otherwise it is not worth it for me.

I am pretty careful but at some point I always have one of those clutz moments where I spaz out and catastrophicly drop the phone. That is when a decent case more than pays for itself.

I hope you enjoy the new AW!
 

5105973

Cancelled
Sep 11, 2014
12,132
19,733
Thanks for the detailed explanation.

Exactly what I needed. Generally I don't like thick cases BUT at a minimum the case needs to be able to withstand a drop of n A hard surface otherwise it is not worth it for me.

I am pretty careful but at some point I always have one of those clutz moments where I spaz out and catastrophicly drop the phone. That is when a decent case more than pays for itself.

I hope you enjoy the new AW!
Yes I definitely have those moments, too. My daughter was once asked to hold my 12 mini for me. She immediately dropped it. The silicone case was badly pitted at the corner. It was fortunately a very light phone so there was no damage to the phone itself. But I don’t think a heavier phone would have fared as well. I sometimes take my chances on silicone with smaller lighter phones but rarely with the heavier ones.

My Apple Watch is very nice. The larger size suits me. It distributes the pressure more widely across my wrist so it is actually more comfortable than even my lighter aluminum 41 mm Apple Watch.

I’m a bit bloated from anti inflammatory medication and a ripping autoimmune flare up now, so I’m not sure over time how the fit will feel, but right now it’s really good!

Unfortunately something has gone awry in setup, though, because when I try to check for software updates it says I am not connected to the internet. As far as I can tell my cellular plan switched over just fine. Wi-Fi looks okay. I’m not sure what’s going on. I’ll turn it over to my husband to check out. I’m not at my best the last few days in terms of mental clarity. Poor sleep. Bit of brain fog. I don’t want to do anything that gets me involved with dealing with AT&T!
 

Technerd108

macrumors 68040
Oct 24, 2021
3,061
4,311
Yes I definitely have those moments, too. My daughter was once asked to hold my 12 mini for me. She immediately dropped it. The silicone case was badly pitted at the corner. It was fortunately a very light phone so there was no damage to the phone itself. But I don’t think a heavier phone would have fared as well. I sometimes take my chances on silicone with smaller lighter phones but rarely with the heavier ones.

My Apple Watch is very nice. The larger size suits me. It distributes the pressure more widely across my wrist so it is actually more comfortable than even my lighter aluminum 41 mm Apple Watch.

I’m a bit bloated from anti inflammatory medication and a ripping autoimmune flare up now, so I’m not sure over time how the fit will feel, but right now it’s really good!

Unfortunately something has gone awry in setup, though, because when I try to check for software updates it says I am not connected to the internet. As far as I can tell my cellular plan switched over just fine. Wi-Fi looks okay. I’m not sure what’s going on. I’ll turn it over to my husband to check out. I’m not at my best the last few days in terms of mental clarity. Poor sleep. Bit of brain fog. I don’t want to do anything that gets me involved with dealing with AT&T!
I hope you feel better. Drink lots of fluids. Anti inflammatory meds can be rather harsh.

I hope you feel better soon!

Maybe reset the watch or restore it on the Mac? I am sure your husband can get it working properly.

Glad to hear it is comfortable.

Just too bad it doesn't work with your s23 ultra. I think Apple could make a lot more money selling Apple watches to Android users if they made it compatible.

Anyway enjoy the bigger screen!
 

5105973

Cancelled
Sep 11, 2014
12,132
19,733
I hope you feel better. Drink lots of fluids. Anti inflammatory meds can be rather harsh.

I hope you feel better soon!

Maybe reset the watch or restore it on the Mac? I am sure your husband can get it working properly.

Glad to hear it is comfortable.

Just too bad it doesn't work with your s23 ultra. I think Apple could make a lot more money selling Apple watches to Android users if they made it compatible.

Anyway enjoy the bigger screen!
Thank you. I’m doing okay. I should be on the upswing soon enough.

My husband did a quick search and it was some sort of glitch people are complaining about. So we had to unpair and start all over. Then I was able to update my watch.

I’m really loving it. I do wish it could connect to my S23 Ultra.

However, I think realistically I am going to be tethered to iOS for a long time. I was just invited to a shared album of vacation photos and it’s an iOS album not Google. Not everyone I know uses iPhone but enough do that makes it hard to just say, okay I’m done here and going to Android. I know some people can do it. I’ve got all these little points of resistance.
 

Technerd108

macrumors 68040
Oct 24, 2021
3,061
4,311
Thank you. I’m doing okay. I should be on the upswing soon enough.

My husband did a quick search and it was some sort of glitch people are complaining about. So we had to unpair and start all over. Then I was able to update my watch.

I’m really loving it. I do wish it could connect to my S23 Ultra.

However, I think realistically I am going to be tethered to iOS for a long time. I was just invited to a shared album of vacation photos and it’s an iOS album not Google. Not everyone I know uses iPhone but enough do that makes it hard to just say, okay I’m done here and going to Android. I know some people can do it. I’ve got all these little points of resistance.
I totally get it. The only way I work around it is my iPad. I can send everything, FaceTime, airdrop etc with my iPad. I can also transfer files to the iPad from my S23U and send using iMessages to anyone with an Apple device.

If I didn't have the iPad I would be in trouble. Lol. When they release the new SE I will probably get one just to have an iPhone.

Until then I make do the best I can. I really love the s23 ultra so it is worth it for me to deal with the hassle for now.

I am glad you got everything sorted with the Apple watch.

Inflammatory and auto immune diseases can really be hard and often flare up with stress. You seem to be under a lot of stress even though you manage it well.

Take care of yourself and feel better soon.
 
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5105973

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Sep 11, 2014
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Well I picked up a S23 Ultra yesterday. I figured what the heck, might as well play with it for 2 weeks to see if I like it. If I do, great, if I don't, I can always return it.

I bought the unlocked version at Best Buy since they had a $200 off discount on the unlocked versions.
So, how’s it going?
 

jr866gooner

macrumors 68020
Aug 24, 2013
2,184
912
We have a married couple we sometimes travel to places with. They are supper nice and fun and we all have similar interest so everyone gets along great.
But they are Apple super fans. The love love everything about Apple. They have just about every Apple product in their homes from Apple Tv, HomePod, lighting controlled by Siri. They have iMacs, MBA, MBP, iPads, AW, iPhones.

Thye really really LOVE Apple kinda like rabid fans lol

We have seen them in a hotel lobby using their iPhones then switch to an iPad...then reach in a bag and pull out an MBA to reply to emails. Its crazy...we all kid them they are the exact customers Apple envisions.
Thye think its a complement too! :)
They will even not reply to my texts if they show up GREEN! lol

So yes people can actually love a company....

I mean I love Apple products and appreciate the quality, I love the Apple Store designs across cities and do genuinely enjoy going into an Apple Store and looking around and seeing people’s enthusiasm for the products but at the end of the day you use what suits.

I’ll hang onto my iPad if I switch to Android.

One thing I often can’t fathom is why on earth do Samsung continue to have a galaxy store alongside play store. Just put your Samsung apps into the play store and figure a way to only have then show for Samsungs….
 

MaskedCarrot

macrumors 6502
Mar 25, 2009
464
270
Northern VA
So, how’s it going?
So far so good. Took me hours to set it up and download all my apps I had on my iPhone, which is around 50. Also got all my cards on GooglePay.

I can't believe how great the finger print reader works. It works every time for me. Not everyone has deep fingerprints, that is why I think some people have issues with finger print readers. Fortunately I guess I have good ones on my fingers. :)

Haven't gotten the April update yet with the camera updates. Dunno why mine is taking so long to get it, I know it's already out.

Now I need to find a screen protector for it. I don't want to go the Whitestone route. Too complicated and involved. Plus I never liked wet installs. But I get paranoid having a phone without a screen protector on it, so I have to pick one out soon.

The case I got for it is the same brand I have on my iPhone. I got the Green phone, so I got a green case.

Amazon.com: TORRAS Shockproof Designed for Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Case [Military Grade Drop Tested] Semi-Clear S23 Ultra Case Hard Back & Soft Edge Slim Protective for Galaxy S23 Ultra Case, Alpine Green : Cell Phones & Accessories
 
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SteveJUAE

macrumors 601
Aug 14, 2015
4,511
4,750
Land of Smiles
One thing I often can’t fathom is why on earth do Samsung continue to have a galaxy store alongside play store. Just put your Samsung apps into the play store and figure a way to only have then show for Samsungs….
Have you not been reading MR Front Page stories where umpteen countries are now pursuing Apple to allow multiple stores

The Samsung store is a trusted resource for Samsung owners that often have exclusives that would be otherwise be hard to implement just in the Google Store
 

danb1979

macrumors 65816
Feb 5, 2015
1,126
1,675
Preston, Lancs - UK
So far so good. Took me hours to set it up and download all my apps I had on my iPhone, which is around 50. Also got all my cards on GooglePay.

I can't believe how great the finger print reader works. It works every time for me. Not everyone has deep fingerprints, that is why I think some people have issues with finger print readers. Fortunately I guess I have good ones on my fingers. :)

Haven't gotten the April update yet with the camera updates. Dunno why mine is taking so long to get it, I know it's already out.

Now I need to find a screen protector for it. I don't want to go the Whitestone route. Too complicated and involved. Plus I never liked wet installs. But I get paranoid having a phone without a screen protector on it, so I have to pick one out soon.

The case I got for it is the same brand I have on my iPhone. I got the Green phone, so I got a green case.

Amazon.com: TORRAS Shockproof Designed for Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Case [Military Grade Drop Tested] Semi-Clear S23 Ultra Case Hard Back & Soft Edge Slim Protective for Galaxy S23 Ultra Case, Alpine Green : Cell Phones & Accessories
I'll say again and repeat myself...

If I can fit the WD screen protector anyone can...

I fix things with a 12lb sledgehammer but manage to install the WD protectors fine...

Take your time, follow one of the many decent How To's on YT and it'll be spot on
 
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