But I’m still dealing with meh warranties with Samsung. And Google doesn’t have a tablet or their own watch.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Samsung Galaxy S9
- Thread starter jamezr
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
But I’m still dealing with meh warranties with Samsung. And Google doesn’t have a tablet or their own watch.
Why would Google need their own watch? Android Wear exists. Also, Samsung Gear watches are very compatible on Android phones.
One: warranties. Two: no matter what anyone says, not all Android Wear watches are updated at the same time.
And the Gear watches are nice but still miss some functionality with Android phones. And again, still don’t like Sammy’s warranty fun in the US.
Whilst I am pleased you have a result and a happy farther in-law lets not get too excited. They sold you a phone that's worth $55 for $85 and made you a happy customer and expect a future return, very clever, but never the less your problem solved and they shifted some old refurb. A Win Win for both
https://www.apple.com/iphone/trade-up/
Worth $55? I can't even get a fair condition iPhone 5s on swappa for less than $125. "Good" condition phones are going for ~$150 on Swappa but are used and the batteries are likely to start swelling on those soon too. This phone is an Apple refurbished unit which I trust 100x more than a 3rd party phone from Swappa or eBay. For what the phone is and the available channels here, $85 was a good deal. Especially for my father-in-law who is completely happy with his 5s and has no desire to upgrade.
As for future customer, I'm only on android phones right now... I'm using a S9 and Pixel 2 XL currently. But I can at least acknowledge that Apple customer support is better than other OEMs (at least in my interactions), even though I prefer other OEMs phones right now compared to apple.
Like what? It was just about fully featured when I used it with a non-Samsung device.
I’ve seen numerous issues in the forums about Gear watches not being able to use the answer function for phone calls. So that’s out for me.
I haven't had or heard of that issue, and I've used Samsung Gear watches with budget and flagship phones.
It’s all over the Pixel forums on Android Central.
I’m not bashing Android at all. I love it. I just don’t think it’s for me right now and what I need. There are just too many variables and at this stage in my life when I’m surrounded by my small army of kids, which basically run my life, I’m not really wanting to have to deal with “will this device be covered if it fails?” or “will these devices work well with each other?”
And trust me, I’ve been fighting this since December of 2015 when I decided to switch to Apple with the 6s Plus.
Google is getting rid of Android tablets for ChromeOS: https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/2/1...date-android-tablets-operating-system-replace
Go ASUS for a watch or tablet if they still make them. ASUS is fantastic.
I finally got to sit down with my husband and try and work out what this mystery app is. Well he has it, too. It’s apparently just a part of the camera app. Derp! 
So...my camera is lagging...just because...
It was so “snappy” when I got it. My husband says his is back to being fast and he’s got no lag. That’s good.
So...my camera is lagging...just because...
It was so “snappy” when I got it. My husband says his is back to being fast and he’s got no lag. That’s good.
Asus is done with Android Wear. And I like chromebooks, but don’t want to pay for the Pixelbook.
I love the s pen on the note. I wonder if you can use the spen on the s9? Just curious.
Give it some time, the Pixel line will add some lower cost phones and tablets based off the rumors. Chromebooks will evolve further in devices that will be 2 in 1 with lower price points.
I kind of feel like I’ve been giving Google a lot of time. I’ve been waiting for years for them to get a solid total ecosystem, and they still haven’t done it. It’s still haphazard.
I do like the way that new HP detachable Chromebook looks, however.
Haphazard is right. I’m actually leery of being ensnared in another ecosystem after trying to extricate myself from Apple.
It was lovely when Apple was on top of its game, but looking at the mess they let Siri become and the half-azzed product that HomePod has turned out to be (months late to release, not fully featured at release) I realize the pitfalls of putting all of the eggs in one basket.
Apple’s ecosystem is something to be celebrated when each product in it is the best it should be. But right now they all show evidence of management having fallen asleep at the wheel.
So I theoretically could be content with an iPad as my tablet, an S9+ as my phone, a Windows desktop. A Chrome “laptop”. There are ways of getting them to work somewhat together or complement each other.
It’s the wearable that snags me. I’m really into smart watches. My Apple Watch and on a few occasions my Gear watches have kept me reachable at crucial times or been indispensable in some other way. But so far it’s an Apple Watch that serves me best. That kind of keeps me tied to iPhones. Apple may have let some things languish but so did Google on the Android side. Sheesh.
Samsung is at least trying with what Google gives them. And then there’s Tizen. Their wearables just aren’t quite what I need them to be, yet.
That is so true.......I gave up my iMac for a HP AIO....sold my MBP for a Dell XPS 13.....sold my Apple TV for a Amazon Fire TV. Keeping my iPad Air as nothing Android has can touch it so far but wish it had an SD card slot.
Don’t forget there’s also one massive issue with all Samsung devices compared to the iPhone. With an unlocked iPhone you can use it on any carrier in the United States with all of the features Wi-Fi calling HD voice etc.
Take an unlocked Samsung to any carrier in the US and you’ll find most advanced functions do not work.
Take an unlocked Samsung to any carrier in the US and you’ll find most advanced functions do not work.
When Google released Android Wear they released it with the premise that it wouldn't be customizable by manufacturers. The thought behind that was that these watches would be updated pretty much simultaneously. This hasn't happened. At all. I like Android Wear...er...Wear OS. I like it a bit more than Apple's watch since you can actually get watches that look like watches and not little iPhones. But I also don't like hoping that watch/jewelry companies update their products.
Then you have Android tablets. Which are nonexistent. I do like Chromebooks, and love the idea of where they're headed. But what I want in a Chromebook isn't available right now. I would love that new HP, but I also would like to see it in person and see how it functions before I do anything with it. And I'm impatient and don't want to wait until June. And I liked the Samsung Chromebooks this year, but they, too, seemed to have issues and I heard of lots of people having to send them in for repairs with Samsung. So that kind of scared me off from a $500-ish Chromebook.
I agree about the Apple ecosystem and Siri sucks. But honestly, at this point in time, is there a better cohesive unit to be had in the tech world? I would argue that there isn't. I actually prefer Google, their services, their products, and their company on the whole. But they just can't put it all together. And don't even get me started on their 462 messenger apps and whatnot.
I actually like your idea of an Android phone, iPad, Windows desktop, and Chromebook. That is something that I've looked into a bit. But I still haven't been able to find that right combo. I really like the new Samsung phones, but I still read a lot of issues with them and just don't trust Samsung and their warranties. And then I run into what watch to get - Gear or Wear - and there isn't that one perfect option.
Sometimes it's just easier to be on the Apple train, especially when I'm married, my wife and I both work full time jobs, we have a 15 year old, a 5 year old, and twin 16 month olds, extracurricular activities, and the like, and I don't have time to be troubleshooting devices or to be without a phone.
[doublepost=1523546849][/doublepost]
This is a combo that I've looked into, as well. But that phone and watch is the sticking point...
I don't wear a watch so that part is easy for me. But I will always have an iPhone of some sort.
@Wildo6882 , you might as well be describing my life as well. I’m very heavily planted in the Apple ecosystem hardware-wise but prefer Google’s services ecosystem in many areas. While I certainly understand the feeling many have about not wanting to be entrenched in a single ecosystem, I just find the synergies between an ecosystem’s hardware and software to be a huge benefit. And this is where it so often falls down for Google for me personally.
Android as a phone OS is great, no question. Google Assistant is the best as well. But in most other areas, I just don’t feel that Google measures up. Wear OS, its developer support and the available hardware is third rate at best, maybe even 4th behind FitBit at this point. Tablets can’t hold a candle to iPads or Windows 2-in-1s. Chromebooks aren’t yet a viable replacement for a fully functional desktop OS, nor as tablet alternatives. I (mostly
) love my Nvidia Shield TV but Google shows no interest in further development of Android TV and third party dev/app support on the platform is behind every other major player (Apple, Amazon, Roku).Like you, I have an entire family of devices/services to manage and Apple makes it far easier. Google’s family sharing mechanics don’t stack up—I can’t even create Google accounts for my kids without lying about their age and then I don’t have the same level of control in regards to what they can purchase from Google Play.
As many gripes as I presently have with Apple as of late, the iPhone/Apple Watch/iPad/Mac/Apple TV combo is still better for me than any other single ecosystem or custom assortment of hardware, IMO.
Last edited:
@Wildo6882 , you might as well be describing my life as well. I’m very heavily planted in the Apple ecosystem hardware-wise but prefer Google’s services ecosystem in many areas. While I certainly understand the feeling many have about not wanting to be entrenched in a single ecosystem, I just find the synergies between an ecosystem’s hardware and software to be a huge benefit. And this is where it so often falls down for Google for me personally.
Android on phones are great, no question. Google Assistant is the best as well. But in most other areas, I just don’t feel that Google measures up. Wear OS, its developer support and the available hardware is third rate at best, maybe even 4th behind FitBit at this point. Tablets can’t hold a candle to iPads or Windows 2-in-1s. Chromebooks aren’t yet a viable replacement for a fully functional desktop OS, nor as tablet alternatives. I (mostly
Like you, I have an entire family of devices/services to manage and Apple makes it far easier. Google’s family sharing mechanics don’t stack up—I can’t even create Google accounts for my kids without lying about their age and then I don’t have the same level of control in regards to what they can purchase from Google Play.
As many gripes as I presently have with Apple as of late, the iPhone/Apple Watch/iPad/Mac/Apple TV combo is still better for me than any other single ecosystem or custom assortment of hardware, IMO.
Wow. You and I are basically 110% in agreement. That is how I feel exactly. Being entrenched in one ecosystem does somewhat bother me, but at the same time, the way everything works together and has the same level of support is very freeing. It isn't the chain holding me down like some people may think.
There's so much I agree with here. While I like the Apple gear I have, I'm drifting towards a more cross-platform environment as Apple seems to have lost the plot in some areas. I do like my iPhone + AirPods + Apple Watch, but if it weren't for the Apple Watch, there's a good chance that my S8+ could be my daily driver (for example iMessage doesn't matter to me as it's a marginal service here). I had the Gear S3 Frontier and it was almost as good, but not quite, especially when Samsung Pay isn't available here, so the Gear S3 couldn't handle payments while my Apple Watch can. I've also had a couple of Android Wears, and while I would've liked to see it succeed, it seems like Google has given up with it despite coming up with a new name just recently. For wearables it's hard to get the Apple Watch off my wrist and that also means that I won't be too far away from an iPhone.
Tablets are also something where the competition just seems to have given up. I have a 9,7" iPad Pro with the Logitech Create keyboard cover to make a nice portable almost-laptop-replacement machine, but I can't help wishing the Nexus tablet line were still a thing as those things could actually accept also mouse input when needed. My old Nexus 7 was an awesome device especially for the price, but unfortunately that line is no more. Samsung makes some rather nice tablets that I'd occasionally like to try, but unfortunately Samsung's software update pace for the tablets is really slow, and as I'm occasionally pulling my hair out with the update lag for my S8+, I wouldn't last a week with their tablet if I tried to use it for anything that has even a slight hint of productivity or sensitive data.
Finally there's actual computers. My own Mac is a mid-2011 Mac mini that's in desperate need of an update, but the 2014 model was neutered such badly that I wouldn't buy it for its 2014 price, so naturally getting the 2014 model in 2018 for 2014 price is out of the question. The laptops on the other hand are something that I'd like to get, but there's not an enticing option for me in Apple's current lineup. I strongly dislike the keyboard they're now using in all models except for the Air, which in turn is non-retina. Also the gimmick-bar in place of a proper hardware Esc key and a donglefest (I do want a USB-C port in my next laptop to futureproof it, but I want also other ports that are useful now) Thanks but no thanks. If I had to go and buy a new personal laptop today, I'd get myself some variant of a ThinkPad. I have a massive ThinkPad from my employer and a nice smaller portable one from my current customer project and oh how I love the keyboard. The way it feels and the speed and comfort I type with remind me of the laptop keyboards Apple used to make before Jony made thinness numbers 1-7 of their top 10 priorities.
Oh well, I hope Apple delivers the promised stability improvements with iOS 12 and I'm also interested in the next watch Samsung comes up with. Would the Gear S4 be the Apple Watch killer for me? It's possible, but I wouldn't bet too much on it.