Samsung Galaxy SIII

[blairh]

I know there are currently two active threads on this forum regarding the SIII, but I figured I'd start a new one with hopes that we can simply stick to the device itself and not an OP making silly statements that starts off a war of words. Hopefully we can use this thread much like the HTC One X thread in this forum.

With that established, my initial reaction post-keynote was one of wild disappointment regarding this device. I thought it was a less appealing alternative to the One X. However after reading some reviews, I'm starting to turn the corner and think it's actually superior to the One X.

Now, there is still a lot that needs to be established. First and foremost I'm curious as to what exactly the LTE model will look like and come with regarding capacity, etc. Will Americans get a neutered 16 GB device or will we hopefully get our choice of 16/32/64.

There has also been talk that North America will not get the physical home button, but I'm going to simply assume that we will unless proof shows we will not.

Here are my impressions of where the SIII excells over the One X based on the official reviews I've been able to track down.

* Physical home button
* Superior camera
* Potential for 16/32/64 internal memory
* Battery percentage indicator
* No camera bump on the back
* Replaceable battery
* MicroSD card option

Vlad from The Verge gave the screen his approval. It appears to be a slight notch below the One X however most likely just as good if not better than a retina display.

The plastic backing isn't much of a concern for me. It appears to be durable and feels good in your hand. It won't be as nice to look at versus the matte polycarbonate of the One X, but still, not a huge difference IMO.

It's also well documented that the One X has issues with multitasking in that the device often refreshes when returning to something (like returning to a text you already begun) and loses whatever you had already created. I'll assume the SIII does not have this issue.

I'm still leaning towards getting the next iPhone this fall, but much like the One X, I will be very excited to handle the SIII once it's available in the States to see what it's all about.

 

[aztooh]

Based on recent Samsung releases, I'd bet that the US version of the S3 will not have the physical home button. But like you said, no way to know for sure until there's some solid proof.

 

[ChrisTX]

If you know that there are 2 currently active threads on the subject, and considering this is an iPhone forum. It would be wise to contribute to those threads rather than making a new one.

 

[blairh]

If you know that there are 2 currently active threads on the subject, and considering this is an iPhone forum. It would be wise to contribute to those threads rather than making a new one.

I disagree. Those are sloppy SIII threads with a lot of bickering. I like to think this thread can stick to discussing the SIII and not yelling at the OP.

Secondly, this is an iPhone forum however we should always welcome a discussion regarding a main competitor. I certainly don't want a dozen SIII threads here, but spare me any disdain for an intelligent discussion regarding one of the iPhone's main rivals.

 

[ChrisTX]

I disagree. Those are sloppy SIII threads with a lot of bickering. I like to think this thread can stick to discussing the SIII and not yelling at the OP.

Secondly, this is an iPhone forum however we should always welcome a discussion regarding a main competitor. I certainly don't want a dozen SIII threads here, but spare me any disdain for an intelligent discussion regarding one of the iPhone's main rivals.

Fair enough, but I just don't see anything being discussed here that hasn't already been done before. With that being said bring on the SIII, because that means we're that much closer to the next iPhone in the fall! Will be nice to compare the 2 leading smartphones rather than comparing the S3 to the older 4S.

Sorry, not trying to attack you, or this thread. I just always see the same threads being posted here numerous times rather than people contributing to the current ones.

 

[matttye]

I really love the device but I'm not willing to buy it sim free when I'm only eight months into my two year contract. I may get it further down the line or I might just skip it.

I really love the gestures that the new touchwiz brings, some are very useful and intuitive.

 

[sviato]

Seeing as how US carriers love to butcher Android phones and make them all look the same, I'm sure the US version of the S3 will not have a physical button but instead the same 4 capacitive on the bottom of the screen that everyone loves (hates).

Also, Peddle Blue > White for this device

 

[blairh]

Fair enough, but I just don't see anything being discussed here that hasn't already been done before. With that being said bring on the SIII, because that means we're that much closer to the next iPhone in the fall! Will be nice to compare the 2 leading smartphones rather than comparing the S3 to the older 4S.

Sorry, not trying to attack you, or this thread. I just always see the same threads being posted here numerous times rather than people contributing to the current ones.

Well, that's a pretty obtuse way to look at things. You might want to let the thread grow before proclaiming it's nothing new. I think this forum needs a clean thread if you will where we can discuss this device with little mud slinging. I'm not taking it as an attack, but I'd rather start a new thread than contribute to one that I feel is less than ideal to start with.

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Seeing as how US carriers love to butcher Android phones and make them all look the same, I'm sure the US version of the S3 will not have a physical button but instead the same 4 capacitive on the bottom of the screen that everyone loves (hates).

I would never consider a four capactitive Android device. I really like the fact that the SIII has that physical home button and I hope the NA model keeps it.

 

[aztooh]

Seeing as how US carriers love to butcher Android phones and make them all look the same, I'm sure the US version of the S3 will not have a physical button but instead the same 4 capacitive on the bottom of the screen that everyone loves (hates).

Also, Peddle Blue > White for this device

You don't think they'll go the way of the Nexus and have on-screen only the 'buttons'?

 

[Technarchy]

Pentile displays sucks period.

Samsung supports phones for months, not years like Apple.

Samsung has the worst radios in the business.

Updates...lol

Android depreciates like a rock because the market knows the phones are junk or glorified junk like the galaxy line.

Better apps, more apps, better looking apps on the iPhone.

 

[Vegastouch]

I know there are currently two active threads on this forum regarding the SIII, but I figured I'd start a new one with hopes that we can simply stick to the device itself and not an OP making silly statements that starts off a war of words. Hopefully we can use this thread much like the HTC One X thread in this forum.

With that established, my initial reaction post-keynote was one of wild disappointment regarding this device. I thought it was a less appealing alternative to the One X. However after reading some reviews, I'm starting to turn the corner and think it's actually superior to the One X.

Now, there is still a lot that needs to be established. First and foremost I'm curious as to what exactly the LTE model will look like and come with regarding capacity, etc. Will Americans get a neureted 16 GB device or will we hopefully get our choice of 16/32/64.

There has also been talk that North America will not get the physical home button, but I'm going to simply assume that we will unless proof shows we will not.

Here are my impressions of where the SIII excells over the One X based on the official reviews I've been able to track down.

* Physical home button
* Superior camera
* Potential for 16/32/64 internal memory
* Battery percentage indicator
* No camera bump on the back
* Replaceable battery
* MicroSD card option

Vlad from The Verge gave the screen his approval. It appears to be a slight notch below the One X however most likely just as good if not better than a retina display.

The plastic backing isn't much of a concern for me. It appears to be durable and feels good in your hand. It won't be as nice to look at versus the matte polycarbonate of the One X, but still, not a huge difference IMO.

It's also well documented that the One X has issues with multitasking in that the device often refreshes when returning to something (like returning to a text you already begun) and loses whatever you had already created. I'll assume the SIII does not have this issue.

I'm still leaning towards getting the next iPhone this fall, but much like the One X, I will be very excited to handle the SIII once it's available in the States to see what it's all about.

According to the release dates i got from T-Mobile, there is going to be a 16 & 32GB version and of course a Micro card slot to add more capacity. You can get a 32 GB class 10 micro card for $32.99 and they make a 64 GB SDXC card and if you search around they are anywhere from $45 to $70 on Amazon.

Much cheaper than getting more capacity from Apple

As for the physical home button....the US version in the Galaxy S series has never come with that button so ill assume it holds true again.

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Well, that's a pretty obtuse way to look at things. You might want to let the thread grow before proclaiming it's nothing new. I think this forum needs a clean thread if you will where we can discuss this device with little mud slinging. I'm not taking it as an attack, but I'd rather start a new thread than contribute to one that I feel is less than ideal to start with.

----------



I would never consider a four capactitive Android device. I really like the fact that the SIII has that physical home button and I hope the NA model keeps it.

Why Not? I dont like the physical home button and would rather have the capacitive button. I think it looks better first of all without the button. You are going to have other capacitive buttons anyways so why not make them all capacitive? And you may only get three buttons instead of four. The 4th on mine is just a search button that if you hold down, it brings up multiple options like your SMS app, voice search(which will be S voice on GS3), Soundhound and friendcaster...a facebook app. The One X has three buttons.

I dont see why you would be dead set against it. Ive never had any trouble at all with any of my capacitive buttons...unlike the physical home button on the iPhone.


Also want to add that im fine with a clean thread for this too but i expect it to turn sour like the rest with fanboy bashers.

 

[Vegastouch]

Pentile displays sucks period.

Samsung supports phones for months, not years like Apple.

Samsung has the worst radios in the business.

Updates...lol

Android depreciates like a rock because the market knows the phones are junk or glorified junk like the galaxy line.

Better apps, more apps, better looking apps on the iPhone.

Well gee, the phone does many other things without apps from the app store. And if you need apps, there are over 500,000 of them. Im sure that is enough for most.

 

[Technarchy]

Well gee, the phone does many other things without apps from the app store. And if you need apps, there are over 500,000 of them. Im sure that is enough for most.

Its not just quantitiy, but quality as well.

iOS apps get the larger budgets, better R&D, and more professional development because iOS gets developers paid.

There is very little money in android development and is shows in android app maturity, sophistication, and quality.

And lets not forget pentile displays are total ****. If you love dot matrix printers, then pentile is for you.

 

[ste1164]

Unless you have your eye on the screen you won't notice the pentile on the display as its HD.

 

[Technarchy]

Unless you have your eye on the screen you won't notice the pentile on the display as its HD.

That's the same thing people always say about pentile displays and they always look like ass.

Maybe someone will do a 3000x3000 resolution screen and pentile will finally work well. Till then, no thanks.

Even at viewing distances, you can tell something is funky with pentile displays, as anyone that has touched a Galaxy Nexus will tell you.

 

[ChrisTX]

Unless you have your eye on the screen you won't notice the pentile on the display as its HD.

Assuming you're using the phone, where else would you have your eyes?

 

[Vegastouch]

Its not just quantitiy, but quality as well.

iOS apps get the larger budgets, better R&D, and more professional development because iOS gets developers paid.

There is very little money in android development and is shows in android app maturity, sophistication, and quality.

And lets not forget pentile displays are total ****. If you love dot matrix printers, then pentile is for you.

Image

Bro many of the SAME developers are making the SAME apps for Android You want to pay more, cool! Pay more. I dnt need to spend $50 on a navigation app to make it good because i dont need to. It comes free and it works good.

As for the pentile display....it looks fine from where im looking at it. Im not going to use a huge magnifying glass. Maybe you can find a retina display that is blown up 500 times to show off.

 

[Technarchy]

Maybe you can find a retina display that is blown up 500 times to show off.

Done. And guess what, the retina display still looks good. Pentile displays look like balls up close and far.

 

[chiefpavvy]

Its not just quantitiy, but quality as well.

iOS apps get the larger budgets, better R&D, and more professional development because iOS gets developers paid.

There is very little money in android development and is shows in android app maturity, sophistication, and quality.

We have a winner!

It isn't rocket science. Android users are cheap skates any way...they don't buy any (or very few) apps and don't want to spend a buck on anything. iOS users are willing to actually pay for apps, which is why developers flock to iOS and often -- as you state -- even where the same app is available on both platforms the iOS version is vastly superior.

 

[sviato]

You don't think they'll go the way of the Nexus and have on-screen only the 'buttons'?

I think all Android phones should go this route and only have the onscreen buttons on the front of the device. But seeing as how the S3 that was announced doesn't have this (and neither do most phones after the Galaxy Nexus release), I doubt that the NA version will be like the Nexus.

 

[lordofthereef]

Bro many of the SAME developers are making the SAME apps for Android You want to pay more, cool! Pay more. I dnt need to spend $50 on a navigation app to make it good because i dont need to. It comes free and it works good.

I am a big proponent for Android, in case my other posts didn't make that clear. But I must say that there are a higher number of quality apps on iOS, having used both platforms, especially if you are into gaming (I have stated in another thread that this may be changing as we have more gaming based Android sets launching nowadays). My point is that it's not about "wanting to pay more" as you argue. For those that are more into "production" style apps, I would say that Android offers them for less, but the difference still isn't leaps and bounds. I have probably spent less than $50 on either store (Apple's versus Google's) and that is downloading a plethora of things from every genre of app.

As far as navigation apps, there are some free apps on the appstore that work very well. I still prefer Google's Naviagtion app, but apps like Wave do their job, are actually more fun to use than any other GPS app I have ever seen, AND they are free.

 

[VulchR]

If you know that there are 2 currently active threads on the subject, and considering this is an iPhone forum. It would be wise to contribute to those threads rather than making a new one.

Agreed. There is an 'Apple, Industry and Internet Discussion' forum and it would seem to be better placed there. Actually, I wish MR would bite the bullet and simply create a new subforum for comparing iPhone/iOS to other phones and OS's.

No disrespect to the OP, and FWIW it is an interesting thread. It's just at one point today 4/5 of the top threads had nothing to do with the iPhone. This is not AndroidRumors.

 

[blairh]

Why Not? I dont like the physical home button and would rather have the capacitive button. I think it looks better first of all without the button. You are going to have other capacitive buttons anyways so why not make them all capacitive? And you may only get three buttons instead of four. The 4th on mine is just a search button that if you hold down, it brings up multiple options like your SMS app, voice search(which will be S voice on GS3), Soundhound and friendcaster...a facebook app. The One X has three buttons.

I dont see why you would be dead set against it. Ive never had any trouble at all with any of my capacitive buttons...unlike the physical home button on the iPhone.


Also want to add that im fine with a clean thread for this too but i expect it to turn sour like the rest with fanboy bashers.

I simply prefer one physical button versus four capacitive. In fact I find the four to be utterly annoying. If I had to use capacitive buttons, I'd prefer three over four. And if the SIII has only two with one main physical button, I'd prefer that.

Question remains if North America is getting a different placement of buttons. I don't think it's a given simply because of past differences. Like I said before, if they opt for four capacitive, I wouldn't even consider the SIII.

I prefer physical buttons over capacitive in general.

The fact that I could potentially add a 64 GB MicroSD card to the SIII makes the amount of onboard storage a moot point.

 

[Sensamic]

I agree with OP. I want a SGS3 vs iPhone thread, not another iOS vs Android thread, so please everybody stick to the phones and don't start another useless war of which OS is better.

Personally, I think 4.8 is too much. When I held the SGS2 I thought 4.3 was awesome, perfect size. I hate the physical button since my iPhone 4 home button is almost broken after 1 year of use, so I would prefer capacitive buttons.

TouchWiz is horrible. I had a Omnia HD with TouchWiz and it was painful.

The thing about S Voice is that it won't get any better unless Samsung dedicates a LOT of time and effort on improving it via updates, something I seriously, seriously doubt...

Battery doesn't seem too good either after reading some reviews. 7 hours of heavy use?? I get a full day of heavy use on my iPhone 4, which has the best battery life I have ever seen.

On the review they also say that auto focus doesn't work too well in video mode.

I was hoping for more, but I understand that nowadays you can't get any more better specs. Quad core is useless right now. I would prefer dual core optimized.

 

[Vegastouch]

I am a big proponent for Android, in case my other posts didn't make that clear. But I must say that there are a higher number of quality apps on iOS, having used both platforms, especially if you are into gaming (I have stated in another thread that this may be changing as we have more gaming based Android sets launching nowadays). My point is that it's not about "wanting to pay more" as you argue. For those that are more into "production" style apps, I would say that Android offers them for less, but the difference still isn't leaps and bounds. I have probably spent less than $50 on either store (Apple's versus Google's) and that is downloading a plethora of things from every genre of app.

As far as navigation apps, there are some free apps on the appstore that work very well. I still prefer Google's Naviagtion app, but apps like Wave do their job, are actually more fun to use than any other GPS app I have ever seen, AND they are free.

Not argueing many apps arent better on iOS. He said only iPhone users are willing to pay. First of all i dont need to pay for a better navigation and there are also MANY jailbreakers that dont pay for apps thru installer so that troll is wrong again.

I dont play games much on a phone and im sure many are better on iOS but i dont really know for sure. I gave that nod anyways to the other guy who is an admitted iPhone nerd(Dodge...something). However, there are a lot of HD games on Android too. They have over 500,000 apps. Isnt like it is slim pickins.