Samsung galaxy S23 and S23 ultra

[Tig Bitties]

I think at this stage of the game, people are either in iOS camp or Android camp for their smartphone, and I don't mean as fanboys / fangirls.

If you started off on Android phone, and were lucky to have Nexus-One then Nexus-S like me, it made me get used to and comfortable with stock Android.

But if you got an iPhone first, and only used those for years, then iOS is where your comfort zone is at.

But lets say someone like me after years of having a Nexus-One, then Nexus-S, then Galaxy Nexus, and then tried my first iPhone after those Android devices, I did not like the iPhone at all, it felt so alien and difficult to use, and the way you controlled the UI and it looked like a Fisher Price kids toy, and felt outdated right away, and were locked in the walled garden Apple likes to handcuff their sheep in, yeah I did not like the iPhone.

But if you had several iPhone's at first over the years, then hopefully saw the light, and realized Android is the better smartphone OS, but I understand you couldn't get used to it, always thinking it should be the iOS way.

A [H]ardcore iPhone user will probably never be 100% comfortable with an Android phone. And a lifelong Nexus / Pixel user will probably never really fully commit to an iPhone.

It is, what it is.

 

[Technerd108]

I completely disagree with your statement.

On the one hand you may be right that most people stick to what they are familiar with, but not everyone does.

Calling people sheep and saying iPhone or iOS felt like a toy is the exact same dismissive and condescending remarks I hear from people on both sides to prove whatever they like is better.

It is so immature and I personally am really tired of such comments people make with blinders on.

I have said it a million times both operating systems and hardware have their strengths and weaknesses. Neither is vastly superior to the other.

Why can't people like what they like without putting other people down who have a different opinion? Is it really that hard to see that everyone has different preferences and priorities in what they value and just because it doesn't match your opinion doesn't make them sheep or wrong?

I have been using Android since before donut. I have been using PC computers before Windows and Apple when it was Apple 2e. I have used Atari computers, tons of Linux/BSD distros throughout the years, every mobile OS as well including Windows Mobile and Chrome OS. I like iPhones and Android phones for different reasons. I may feel one is better than the other for a period of time but it changes. Sometimes iOS is better than Android and vice versa. Sometimes iPhone hardware is superior and vice versa.

I had been primarily an Android user and Windows user and Linux user but got Apple products throughout when I could afford them. Many times I could not.

I have enjoyed and been frustrated with every single OS I have used and all hardware types.

To choose one thing and become tribal about it is something I never understood.

Using many different devices and OS is fun. It can be frustrating and confusing at times but it keeps things interesting and you are always learning. You can navigate any OS at any time and use any hardware in almost any environment.

After many years of doing this I have come to one conclusion. Basically everything is the same but just has a different way of doing it. There is literally no difference at a fundamental level in terms of they all accomplish the same tasks. All the companies manufacture their products in more or less the same areas and in similar ways.

All the small differences get conflated as big ones by the marketing departments of different companies so they can compete but at the end of the day they are selling essentially the same thing.

So calling people names, acting superior because you own x and they are stupid because they own z is such a ridiculous argument.

You like what you like. Good. They like what they like. Good. You using what you use doesn't make you better or worse any more than them using what they use doesn't make them better or worse.

I think at this stage of the game, people are either in iOS camp or Android camp for their smartphone, and I don't mean as fanboys / fangirls.

If you started off on Android phone, and were lucky to have Nexus-One then Nexus-S like me, it made me get used to and comfortable with stock Android.

But if you got an iPhone first, and only used those for years, then iOS is where your comfort zone is at.

But lets say someone like me after years of having a Nexus-One, then Nexus-S, then Galaxy Nexus, and then tried my first iPhone after those Android devices, I did not like the iPhone at all, it felt so alien and difficult to use, and the way you controlled the UI and it looked like a Fisher Price kids toy, and felt outdated right away, and were locked in the walled garden Apple likes to handcuff their sheep in, yeah I did not like the iPhone.

But if you had several iPhone's at first over the years, then hopefully saw the light, and realized Android is the better smartphone OS, but I understand you couldn't get used to it, always thinking it should be the iOS way.

A [H]ardcore iPhone user will probably never be 100% comfortable with an Android phone. And a lifelong Nexus / Pixel user will probably never really fully commit to an iPhone.

It is, what it is.

 

[MarkX]

I completely disagree with your statement.

On the one hand you may be right that most people stick to what they are familiar with, but not everyone does.

Calling people sheep and saying iPhone or iOS felt like a toy is the exact same dismissive and condescending remarks I hear from people on both sides to prove whatever they like is better.

It is so immature and I personally am really tired of such comments people make with blinders on.

I have said it a million times both operating systems and hardware have their strengths and weaknesses. Neither is vastly superior to the other.

Why can't people like what they like without putting other people down who have a different opinion? Is it really that hard to see that everyone has different preferences and priorities in what they value and just because it doesn't match your opinion doesn't make them sheep or wrong?

I have been using Android since before donut. I have been using PC computers before Windows and Apple when it was Apple 2e. I have used Atari computers, tons of Linux/BSD distros throughout the years, every mobile OS as well including Windows Mobile and Chrome OS. I like iPhones and Android phones for different reasons. I may feel one is better than the other for a period of time but it changes. Sometimes iOS is better than Android and vice versa. Sometimes iPhone hardware is superior and vice versa.

I had been primarily an Android user and Windows user and Linux user but got Apple products throughout when I could afford them. Many times I could not.

I have enjoyed and been frustrated with every single OS I have used and all hardware types.

To choose one thing and become tribal about it is something I never understood.

Using many different devices and OS is fun. It can be frustrating and confusing at times but it keeps things interesting and you are always learning. You can navigate any OS at any time and use any hardware in almost any environment.

After many years of doing this I have come to one conclusion. Basically everything is the same but just has a different way of doing it. There is literally no difference at a fundamental level in terms of they all accomplish the same tasks. All the companies manufacture their products in more or less the same areas and in similar ways.

All the small differences get conflated as big ones by the marketing departments of different companies so they can compete but at the end of the day they are selling essentially the same thing.

So calling people names, acting superior because you own x and they are stupid because they own z is such a ridiculous argument.

You like what you like. Good. They like what they like. Good. You using what you use doesn't make you better or worse any more than them using what they use doesn't make them better or worse.

I don’t have the patience to think out and type such a long post as you did. Im not blowing smoke up your ass, I genuinely think that your post is spot on.

It grinds my gears when people bad mouth other products as they prefer something else. I started off on android as that’s what I could afford back then, now I’m fortunate I can buy any phone I like. Samsung, Apple or others but ultimately I’ve recently came to the conclusion I prefer Apple the most but they’re not perfect - none of them are. I’m retiring from the smartphone game as it has cost me thousands over the years and it’s time I wisened up.

 

[Technerd108]

I don’t have the patience to think out and type such a long post as you did. Im not blowing smoke up your ass, I genuinely think that your post is spot on.

It grinds my gears when people bad mouth other products as they prefer something else. I started off on android as that’s what I could afford back then, now I’m fortunate I can buy any phone I like. Samsung, Apple or others but ultimately I’ve recently came to the conclusion I prefer Apple the most but they’re not perfect - none of them are. I’m retiring from the smartphone game as it has cost me thousands over the years and it’s time I wisened up.

I understand.

I agree that electronics in general are sort of a dog chasing its tail. There is always the next best thing and it is never perfect.

I try to keep an open mind on OS and hardware as long as I can find a deal and sell what I already have I keep the cost of new devices fairly low. But I have found that tech improves so fast that buying top spec laptops is a waste of money. I would rather get something like a MacBook Air with mild range specs and just get a new one ever couple of years or so then buy a MacBook Pro with all the bells and whistles and try to keep it for 5 or more years.

Phones are a little different as it is something I use so much and it is a lifeline to everyone else that I tend to buy top end devices but not top specced ones. But I also take advantage of promotions, sales, trade in deals to keep my out of pocket cost low. When I can't find a deal I just wait.

I was going to get an iPhone 14 Pro Max and I had a locked 13 Pro Max base model. I needed to get rid of it because I was changing carriers but Apple trade in value was not good. Even Swappa I could not get the iPhone without paying close to $800-$1000 out of pocket and I will not do 3 year contracts or locked phones. google had a sale on the Pixel 7 Pro base model for $750 and trade in value of my iPhone was $825 way more than Apple. It made the Pixel 7 Pro free. So I got it. I also like to have a back up phone is case I have problems with my primary and had an s22 plus I got cheap from a promotional phone I traded in. Google Fi had a promotion of $600 of pre-order of the s23 ultra 512gb with 12gb ram for $599 and no trade in. Unlocked phone and only have to use them for four months. So I sold my s22 plus and got the s23 ultra for under $100 when all was said and done.

I do this with my Laptops, my tablets, and phones. I look for sales and will buy low, sell an old device as high as I can and it keeps me in new tech for a relatively low cost yearly. I don't always get the top of the line in tablets or laptops but I get decent specs and decent hardware for the cost.

I don't know how some people blow thousands on a gaming laptop or MacBook Pro and then in a year or two they get another and they either trade in for next to nothing or just keep the old one. I wish I had that kind of money but I know even if I did I wouldn't do it.

I am sorry, I have a tendency to write way too much. Lol

 

[MarkX]

I understand.

I agree that electronics in general are sort of a dog chasing its tail. There is always the next best thing and it is never perfect.

I try to keep an open mind on OS and hardware as long as I can find a deal and sell what I already have I keep the cost of new devices fairly low. But I have found that tech improves so fast that buying top spec laptops is a waste of money. I would rather get something like a MacBook Air with mild range specs and just get a new one ever couple of years or so then buy a MacBook Pro with all the bells and whistles and try to keep it for 5 or more years.

Phones are a little different as it is something I use so much and it is a lifeline to everyone else that I tend to buy top end devices but not top specced ones. But I also take advantage of promotions, sales, trade in deals to keep my out of pocket cost low. When I can't find a deal I just wait.

I was going to get an iPhone 14 Pro Max and I had a locked 13 Pro Max base model. I needed to get rid of it because I was changing carriers but Apple trade in value was not good. Even Swappa I could not get the iPhone without paying close to $800-$1000 out of pocket and I will not do 3 year contracts or locked phones. google had a sale on the Pixel 7 Pro base model for $750 and trade in value of my iPhone was $825 way more than Apple. It made the Pixel 7 Pro free. So I got it. I also like to have a back up phone is case I have problems with my primary and had an s22 plus I got cheap from a promotional phone I traded in. Google Fi had a promotion of $600 of pre-order of the s23 ultra 512gb with 12gb ram for $599 and no trade in. Unlocked phone and only have to use them for four months. So I sold my s22 plus and got the s23 ultra for under $100 when all was said and done.

I do this with my Laptops, my tablets, and phones. I look for sales and will buy low, sell an old device as high as I can and it keeps me in new tech for a relatively low cost yearly. I don't always get the top of the line in tablets or laptops but I get decent specs and decent hardware for the cost.

I don't know how some people blow thousands on a gaming laptop or MacBook Pro and then in a year or two they get another and they either trade in for next to nothing or just keep the old one. I wish I had that kind of money but I know even if I did I wouldn't do it.

I am sorry, I have a tendency to write way too much. Lol

It’s good to read, thanks for the insight.

I need to become more frugal with my money, I myself am very wasteful when it comes to money, I buy many phones. Often I buy a phone and sell a few weeks later for the next phone release for what I’m not exactly sure. Addiction is how I’d describe it and it’s not healthy or financially responsible.

My apologies for the sob story. It’s all good

 

[Technerd108]

So I have tried. I have tried to use my Pixel 7 Pro and I do love it a lot. But there is always something that pulls me back to the s23 ultra. The battery life is just so good on the Ultra with all the high settings enabled. The cameras work really well for me. The s pen has been a life saver on multiple occasions needing to sign important documents while I was away from home and it was my only device. Speed on this thing is just such a dream to use.

The Ultra is why I buy flagship phones. I know I could get away with a midrange device and I don't consider my Pixel 7 Pro a midrange device. With the exception of the Pixel 7a with 8gb ram and Tensor G2 most other midrange phones just have issues. Cameras will be really bad when you need them the most. It is when you are out in the middle of nowhere and trying to do something important that the speed becomes important. Most midrange phones(Pixel 7a excluded) will start to stutter or just freeze up. You won't get fast updates, etc.

I never realized how useful the S23 ultra could be until I pushed it to its limits and needed some of its unique features. Maybe one day Samsung will grace us with a flat screen Ultra!! I may try a Pixel 8 Pro later this year or a iPhone probably next year but I don't see a time now where I won't have an S23 ultra. You know until something else even better comes along or I get some crazy deal. LOL

 

[Technerd108]

It’s good to read, thanks for the insight.

I need to become more frugal with my money, I myself am very wasteful when it comes to money, I buy many phones. Often I buy a phone and sell a few weeks later for the next phone release for what I’m not exactly sure. Addiction is how I’d describe it and it’s not healthy or financially responsible.

My apologies for the sob story. It’s all good

We all have addictions of one kind or another. Mine is nicotine and electronics. I just have to be frugal. LOL I am a single parent so most of my money goes elsewhere. But one of the things I do is treat myself to a new device every so often if I can get the cost down to where I am not spending much out the door. Initially though I had to come up with the money to buy that first device. LOL

Sure it is probably not the best financial thing to do with your money but you could buy a new car off the lot at the end of the year and then sell at a 30% loss to get the new model early the next year. So you could do worse.

Besides if you have the money to spend and aren't being irresponsible with paying bills or other things then you worked for it so why not?

I don't drink, or use drugs. I use a vape for nicotine which I refill and I buy my vape juice when it is on sale in bulk. So my cost per month is very low. I keep my expenses down every way I can. Groceries, cell phone bill, clothes, etc. I really live a very low cost or even a poor mans life except for one area which is the tech stuff. I don't buy too many but I have two of everything. Two tablets, two laptops and two phones. I replace then as I said before. But I certainly could be more frugal too. I know a lot of people who will have one laptop or desktop and keep it 6-8 years and keep their phone for 5 years, or they get whatever free phone a carrier is offering and keep it a long time. They may have a low end iPad and keep that for 6 years. So me buying what I do is a luxury. Probably even a waste. But I enjoy it.

If I had to I could sell off half of my electronics and be okay.

So if I were you maybe I would commit to trying to time what you buy. Don't buy a new phone at the end of the release cycle. Since you can afford it maybe doing pre-orders would be a good idea and just when the new release is set sell your old device for a new one. That way you won't feel bad like you are wasting your money. You will always have the latest device and get the best resale value for your used one. Maybe put a limit to how many of each device you have at one time. Say if you own 3 phones now maybe reduce it to only two at a time and so on.

But try not to let your choices make you feel bad about yourself because then, what is the point of having electronics at all? If it just makes you feel guilty? This is why I buy things the way I do so I won't feel bad about it. Of course this is just my opinion and I am not giving you advice, just my experience. Do what you will with it.

 

[Tig Bitties]

I didn't mean to make people so butt hurt over my reply. It was a little bit of sarcasm.

I apologize if I offended anyone.

 

[5105973]

I think at this stage of the game, people are either in iOS camp or Android camp for their smartphone, and I don't mean as fanboys / fangirls.

If you started off on Android phone, and were lucky to have Nexus-One then Nexus-S like me, it made me get used to and comfortable with stock Android.

But if you got an iPhone first, and only used those for years, then iOS is where your comfort zone is at.

But lets say someone like me after years of having a Nexus-One, then Nexus-S, then Galaxy Nexus, and then tried my first iPhone after those Android devices, I did not like the iPhone at all, it felt so alien and difficult to use, and the way you controlled the UI and it looked like a Fisher Price kids toy, and felt outdated right away, and were locked in the walled garden Apple likes to handcuff their sheep in, yeah I did not like the iPhone.

But if you had several iPhone's at first over the years, then hopefully saw the light, and realized Android is the better smartphone OS, but I understand you couldn't get used to it, always thinking it should be the iOS way.

A [H]ardcore iPhone user will probably never be 100% comfortable with an Android phone. And a lifelong Nexus / Pixel user will probably never really fully commit to an iPhone.

It is, what it is.

Lol no that’s not true for me at all. I’m Bi! Lol. Bi Platform that is.

 

[Oblivion1337]

Lol no that’s not true for me at all. I’m Bi! Lol. Bi Platform that is.

For me, it is more of a transitional journey.
All platforms have its use case how the journey evolves. Kicked off with nexus series, too much play with custom ROMs and at one point decided that I needed stability and sanity with iOS for few years. Then, pixel emerges. Moved on to Series 6 and it does not serve well. 7pro is super for now in camera department. In a few weeks time, Pixel Fold will offer me multitasking.

Tech adaptation is a journey for me so far.

It is all about user's requirement. Having open heart does give the good and bad sides of both worlds.

One day, I might try Samsung again but I still fine-tuned myself to what those hardware and software offers.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Lol no that’s not true for me at all. I’m Bi! Lol. Bi Platform that is.

That just means you wear different sizes heels ? 😁

 

[5105973]

I didn't mean to make people so butt hurt over my reply. It was a little bit of sarcasm.

I apologize if I offended anyone.

Also, having known you through your writing for years I interpreted you as speaking in a representative sort of way about the way people in general approach the platform wars. And it is a war out there on unmoderated forums.

 

[Dave245]

I didn't mean to make people so butt hurt over my reply. It was a little bit of sarcasm.

I apologize if I offended anyone.

You didn’t offend me, I’ve come to the realisation that Apple own me 😂

in all seriousness i do like Samsungs S23 Ultra, I just prefer Apples ecosystem overall. Apple have me and they probably know it.

 

[Bkdodger]

Brooklyn Cyclones game

 

[5105973]

We all have addictions of one kind or another. Mine is nicotine and electronics. I just have to be frugal. LOL I am a single parent so most of my money goes elsewhere. But one of the things I do is treat myself to a new device every so often if I can get the cost down to where I am not spending much out the door. Initially though I had to come up with the money to buy that first device. LOL

Sure it is probably not the best financial thing to do with your money but you could buy a new car off the lot at the end of the year and then sell at a 30% loss to get the new model early the next year. So you could do worse.

Besides if you have the money to spend and aren't being irresponsible with paying bills or other things then you worked for it so why not?

I don't drink, or use drugs. I use a vape for nicotine which I refill and I buy my vape juice when it is on sale in bulk. So my cost per month is very low. I keep my expenses down every way I can. Groceries, cell phone bill, clothes, etc. I really live a very low cost or even a poor mans life except for one area which is the tech stuff. I don't buy too many but I have two of everything. Two tablets, two laptops and two phones. I replace then as I said before. But I certainly could be more frugal too. I know a lot of people who will have one laptop or desktop and keep it 6-8 years and keep their phone for 5 years, or they get whatever free phone a carrier is offering and keep it a long time. They may have a low end iPad and keep that for 6 years. So me buying what I do is a luxury. Probably even a waste. But I enjoy it.

If I had to I could sell off half of my electronics and be okay.

So if I were you maybe I would commit to trying to time what you buy. Don't buy a new phone at the end of the release cycle. Since you can afford it maybe doing pre-orders would be a good idea and just when the new release is set sell your old device for a new one. That way you won't feel bad like you are wasting your money. You will always have the latest device and get the best resale value for your used one. Maybe put a limit to how many of each device you have at one time. Say if you own 3 phones now maybe reduce it to only two at a time and so on.

But try not to let your choices make you feel bad about yourself because then, what is the point of having electronics at all? If it just makes you feel guilty? This is why I buy things the way I do so I won't feel bad about it. Of course this is just my opinion and I am not giving you advice, just my experience. Do what you will with it.

This is so very me! I am frugal to extremes but I go nuts for the phones.

However, I am adding fancy fish dishes to my indulgences. I skipped so many meals when I was younger trying to save up for my car (that’s still in my driveway, still runs but isn’t quite road worthy anymore) that I went down to 80 pounds for years. Not a healthy decision, but I was young and stupid and stuck in low wage jobs for years.

And all these years I only ever ate the basic grocery store fish cooked very basic ways: tilapia, cod, salmon, canned tuna, tuna helper, the occasional sushi, whatever frozen fish sticks are made of, and flounder and whatever I caught out of the Chesapeake bay whenever I could get there.

So I have been playing Animal Crossing games for a few years now and the little character catches fish I never really saw in person and makes recipes. I finally got curious about what fancy fish dishes taste like; I mean super insatiably curious.

My husband gets to eat at fancy restaurants for work lunches and dinners and found some that serve really fancy fish dishes and is taking me to them to try out fish I’ve never gotten to eat before. So I’m slowly eating my way across the Animal Crossing gourmet fish dishes!

I finally had Chilean sea bass for the first time in my life and it was amazing. I don’t have any idea how to cook fish well at home so I’m getting them at restaurants. I can’t afford to eat like this all the time, so I’m going to try for four fancy fish dishes a year until I get to eat all of them. I’m not sure how many years that will take because I don’t know how many fancy fish are out there.

I still want a medium sized SUV but judging from the face my husband makes when I say that, I better just keep enjoying the fish and the phones and consider myself ahead of the game. 🤣

 

[5105973]

Brooklyn Cyclones game

Hey how’s the air quality now in New York? I’ve been seeing some alarming photos. I’m far enough south it’s just kind of hazy and gross but nothing like what I saw on the news for New Yorkers.

 

[Bkdodger]

Hey how’s the air quality now in New York? I’ve been seeing some alarming photos. I’m far enough south it’s just kind of hazy and gross but nothing like what I saw on the news for New Yorkers.

It's cleared up a bit last few days ....the weekend has been the best since the fires

 

[SteveJUAE]

You didn’t offend me, I’ve come to the realisation that Apple own me 😂

in all seriousness i do like Samsungs S23 Ultra, I just prefer Apples ecosystem overall. Apple have me and they probably know it.

They will likely own even more next year when you find out your new Air etc may not be compatible with VP

 

[Dave245]

They will likely own even more next year when you find out your new Air etc may not be compatible with VP

VP?

 

[mjschabow]

10x Zoom edited with blue. Amazing.

 

[Technerd108]

10x Zoom edited with blue. Amazing.

Really nice photo!!

 

[SteveJUAE]

VP?

VisionPro

 

[jamezr]

10x Zoom edited with blue. Amazing.

That is definitely a keeper!!

 

[Dave245]

VisionPro

Ahh ok, i have no intention of buying the first gen. At $3,500 it‘s probably going to be closer to £4,000 in British pounds. We are less likely to get it until late 2024 anyway. I will be waiting until the second or even third gen. Doesn’t mean i wont try it out in the Apple store.

 

[5105973]

Ahh ok, i have no intention of buying the first gen. At $3,500 it‘s probably going to be closer to £4,000 in British pounds. We are less likely to get it until late 2024 anyway. I will be waiting until the second or even third gen. Doesn’t mean i wont try it out in the Apple store.

It's much more respectable than I thought it would be. I mean the machine not the price. I guess the price is what they need it to be to cover costs.

It was funny to laugh at the MacRumors renders and all the rumors made it sound pathetic. But the real presentation showed it was potentially like tech I saw in the last episode of Agents of Shield, where you think everyone from the team has reunited in a room to talk to each other. Then they take goggles and glasses off and we see where each person really is.

My husband was surprisingly excited about the potential it has. Lol I think he's excited to have the beach appear in our living room.

I miss Samsung VR. We finally threw our goggles out to the recycling center. My last phone that could work with it swelled open. I wish I had played with it more when I had the chance.

Interesting note. This post was composed mostly with the help of autocomplete on S 23 Ultra. I should used my Pixel 7a which has even better prediction. I had a major seizure last night that blew out my language center of my brain. Everything thought inside my head is intact. Getting complete flow out is work. Took a few minutes to get my arms working too.

When I saw what Google was doing with that level of helping to write I was relieved in case this happens. Swipe to type helps too.

I don't know if iPhone use caused this or I was working with a new cleaning product on work project. I've been working hard. I'm resting today. If my posts look weird that's why.