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widgeteer

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Yes, it's a preference just like anything else. Wanting Touch ID and/or preferring it on the front is also a preference. But we know what the general preference will be among the general population.

But again, as I mentioned price and specs aside. Most will choose the larger display in a smaller device footprint. Anyone would lose their money if they bet against that.

That's a separate conversation. Of course the new iPhone will be the most popular iPhone. But you had asked why anyone would choose the 8 Plus over the X, and there are very compelling reasons for that choice.
 

LIVEFRMNYC

macrumors G3
Oct 27, 2009
8,878
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That's a separate conversation. Of course the new iPhone will be the most popular iPhone. But you had asked why anyone would choose the 8 Plus over the X, and there are very compelling reasons for that choice.

Price and Specs aside, as I stated twice already, because the focus of your comment was on the bezels. I gave you a legit example of why lack of bezels matter. Everything else is just noise about the actual phone itself.









[doublepost=1506532443][/doublepost]Finally the TW update that I got on the S8+ several weeks back has finally reached my Note 8. :)


New TW.jpg
 
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Oohara

macrumors 68040
Jun 28, 2012
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Yes, it's a preference just like anything else. Wanting Touch ID and/or preferring it on the front is also a preference. But we know what the general preference will be among the general population.

But again, as I mentioned price and specs aside. Most will choose the larger display in a smaller device footprint. Anyone would lose their money if they bet against that.
But whether the X display is larger than that of the 8 Plus is also a matter of preference. Because - the X display is taller and may have a larger area, but it is quite a bit narrower. To me that equals smaller, because all content viewed in portrait mode will be smaller in scale. You may see more of the content of a web page for example - but text, photos etc will be smaller. So, I would definitely prefer the 8 Plus even though it's bulkier.

That's why I'm also not that blown away by the 'omfg dat screen to bezel ratio' factor of the Note 8, because that screen although 6.3" on the diagonal is still just a hair wider than the 8 Plus screen - with the extra width being effectively negated by the curved edges which warp the content beneath and add glare to those areas.

The evolution to a more efficient screen to bezel ratio is still lead by the Mate 9 which has a 5.9" screen in 16:9 aspect ratio with a footprint not notably larger than that of the 5.5" screened iPhone 8 Plus. That blows me away far more than the Note 8 in terms of display size evolution, which is why I'm currently looking at moving to the one year old Mate 9 instead of going with any of the new flagships.

That's according to my preference regarding display format though. Others use their phones differently and will better appreciate the longer display format of the X, Note 8 and seemingly all other upcoming flagship phones.
 
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widgeteer

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Price and Specs aside, as I stated twice already, because the focus of your comment was on the bezels. I gave you a legit example of why lack of bezels matter. Everything else is just noise about the actual phone itself.

You gave an example of why the lack of bezels matter to someone with that preference. Which has been my position, bezels pro or con aren’t a feature.
 

LIVEFRMNYC

macrumors G3
Oct 27, 2009
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But whether the X display is larger than that of the 8 Plus is also a matter of preference. Because - the X display is taller and may have a larger area, but it is quite a bit narrower. To me that equals smaller, because all content viewed in portrait mode will be smaller in scale. You may see more of the content of a web page for example - but text, photos etc will be smaller. So, I would definitely prefer the 8 Plus even though it's bulkier.

That's why I'm also not that blown away by the 'omfg dat screen to bezel ratio' factor of the Note 8, because that screen although 6.3" on the diagonal is still just a hair wider than the 8 Plus screen - with the extra width being effectively negated by the curved edges which warp the content beneath and add glare to those areas.

The evolution to a more efficient screen to bezel ratio is still lead by the Mate 9 which has a 5.9" screen in 16:9 aspect ratio with a footprint not notably larger than that of the 5.5" screened iPhone 8 Plus. That blows me away far more than the Note 8 in terms of display size evolution, which is why I'm currently looking at moving to the one year old Mate 9 instead of going with any of the new flagships.

That's according to my preference regarding display format though. Others use their phones differently and will better appreciate the longer display format of the X, Note 8 and seemingly all other upcoming flagship phones.


It's a preference of how a feature is implemented of any specific device that you like or dislike.

IMO, 16:9 is overrated. 18.5:9 on the Note 8 is better for watching movies, which most are shot in 21:9. 16:9 shows larger black bars on my iP7+ vs my Note 8. Now most videos on Youtube are still 16:9 or less, but plenty of content providers are changing that. Watching Netflix, Amazon, and etc, is actually a better fit on the Note 8 ratio.

You gave an example of why the lack of bezels matter to someone with that preference. Which has been my position, bezels pro or con aren’t a feature.

It's a feature, every feature is dependent on preference. I don't understand this preference logic that you're trying to argue. It's like me saying iCloud sync or iMessage is not a feature because I don't prefer it. Some people don't prefer video recording at 60fps, does that make it no longer a feature?

There's only one thing everybody does more than look at the display, and that would be holding and inputting touch onto the phone itself. So whether a specific person likes a specific design or not, design is still a feature.
 
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spinedoc77

macrumors G4
Jun 11, 2009
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People keep saying stuff about the bezels as though it means something. That is purely a form factor preference, it's not a function, it's not a feature, it's not anything. If you feel it "looks" outdated, then buy something you think looks cooler.

So much for Apple fans being the ones who are slaves to marketing, eh?

I disagree, there is more to it that aesthetics. I can fit a smaller phone into my pocket or hold it one handed much easier, for example. Smaller bezels may not be important to you, but to some of us it is. Well much more than some of us seeing the entire industry trend towards smaller bezels.
[doublepost=1506535046][/doublepost]
Smaller device footprint is, again, a preference. There are plenty of people who prefer bezels/don't care because it gives them a purchase with which to hold the phone.

Why someone would prefer the 8 Plus:

  • Same/slightly bigger viewable display area
  • Does not have that notch, which in landscape could be distracting to some.
  • Touch ID vs Face ID
  • Software profile for the X appears to be that of the 8, not the larger screened 8 Plus; which means no double panes in email and settings, no home screen rotation, etc
  • You are essentially a beta tester for a brand new form factor and software profile due to the notch and new ID unlock. Granted, for a segment of people (myself included) early adoption is the name of the game, but at 1K you might be wary if this thing is your lifeblood daily driver.
So there are a few reasons. The above isn't mean to be a criticism of the X. It's just not a slam dunk between the two phones is the point. I know that was the knee jerk reaction upon the X's announcement but as we find out more about the X, and the 8 Plus in daily use, the X does not profile to be a "better" version of the previous generation but a thing unto itself.

Those reasons you listed all sure sound like "preferences" to me, at least in how you defined it in terms of having smaller bezels. Anything really can be construed as a "preference", whether it's a faster SOC, larger screen, etc.
[doublepost=1506535144][/doublepost]
You gave an example of why the lack of bezels matter to someone with that preference. Which has been my position, bezels pro or con aren’t a feature.

OK what would you consider a "feature" and not a "preference"?
 

widgeteer

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I disagree, there is more to it that aesthetics. I can fit a smaller phone into my pocket or hold it one handed much easier, for example. Smaller bezels may not be important to you, but to some of us it is. Well much more than some of us seeing the entire industry trend towards smaller bezels.

So you mean some people prefer it and some folks don't/don't care then? Interesting concept.

Those reasons you listed all sure sound like "preferences" to me, at least in how you defined it in terms of having smaller bezels. Anything really can be construed as a "preference", whether it's a faster SOC, larger screen, etc.

Incorrect. A faster SOC is a feature that enhances using the software, which is why the phone exists. Bezels are a physical/asthetic preference.

OK what would you consider a "feature" and not a "preference"?

I answered above. Items that improve the nature of the phone's usage are features. How a phone is shaped is a preference. Some folks love bezel-less designs. some folks will love the notch. Some will hate the notch. Some folks prefer FPS on the back. Some on the front.
[doublepost=1506535910][/doublepost]
It's a preference of how a feature is implemented of any specific device that you like or dislike.

IMO, 16:9 is overrated. 18.5:9 on the Note 8 is better for watching movies, which most are shot in 21:9. 16:9 shows larger black bars on my iP7+ vs my Note 8. Now most videos on Youtube are still 16:9 or less, but plenty of content providers are changing that. Watching Netflix, Amazon, and etc, is actually a better fit on the Note 8 ratio.



It's a feature, every feature is dependent on preference. I don't understand this preference logic that you're trying to argue. It's like me saying iCloud sync or iMessage is not a feature because I don't prefer it. Some people don't prefer video recording at 60fps, does that make it no longer a feature?

There's only one thing everybody does more than look at the display, and that would be holding and inputting touch onto the phone itself. So whether a specific person likes a specific design or not, design is still a feature.

Incorrect. You're not bringing anything new to this conversation so I'll bow out. You just want to prove the device you like is superior and ignoring that what you find superior is a preference, not a specific feature.

Enjoy your device. It's not anyone else's job to validate that purchase decision. ;)
 

LIVEFRMNYC

macrumors G3
Oct 27, 2009
8,878
10,987
Incorrect. You're not bringing anything new to this conversation so I'll bow out. You just want to prove the device you like is superior and ignoring that what you find superior is a preference, not a specific feature.

Enjoy your device. It's not anyone else's job to validate that purchase decision. ;)

You mean tap out. ;)
 
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Oohara

macrumors 68040
Jun 28, 2012
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It's a preference of how a feature is implemented of any specific device that you like or dislike.

IMO, 16:9 is overrated. 18.5:9 on the Note 8 is better for watching movies, which most are shot in 21:9. 16:9 shows larger black bars on my iP7+ vs my Note 8. Now most videos on Youtube are still 16:9 or less, but plenty of content providers are changing that. Watching Netflix, Amazon, and etc, is actually a better fit on the Note 8 ratio.



It's a feature, every feature is dependent on preference. I don't understand this preference logic that you're trying to argue. It's like me saying iCloud sync or iMessage is not a feature because I don't prefer it. Some people don't prefer video recording at 60fps, does that make it no longer a feature?

There's only one thing everybody does more than look at the display, and that would be holding and inputting touch onto the phone itself. So whether a specific person likes a specific design or not, design is still a feature.

Well, OK sure that's a preference. But your original question was "Pricing and specs aside, why would anyone choose the larger iPhone 8 Plus with a smaller display vs the smaller iPhone X with a larger display?" and what I did was answer that by saying that for me and those who prefer 16:9, the X display isn't essentially larger.

Overall though it seems that the public prefers the 18:9 screens, so I'm probably in the minority :)

Regarding 16:9, I don't have a particular preference for the aspect ratio as such, but I do want as wide a screen as possible in a manageable footprint. That is currently better provided by the 16:9 Mate 9 than the Note 8 does now and the X will.

Granted though, if watching movies/vids is more important than the size of content viewed in portrait, then 18:9 will do you better than 16:9.

Anyway, I'm not out to talk anyone out of anything, slamming the X, or arguing just for the sake of it - just pointing out that the X screen isn't a given choice for everyone just because it has a mathematically more efficient screen to bezel ratio than other phones.

It's all good.
 
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LIVEFRMNYC

macrumors G3
Oct 27, 2009
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Well, OK sure that's a preference. But your original question was "Pricing and specs aside, why would anyone choose the larger iPhone 8 Plus with a smaller display vs the smaller iPhone X with a larger display?" and what I did was answer that by saying that for me and those who prefer 16:9, the X display isn't essentially larger.

Overall though it seems that the public prefers the 18:9 screens, so I'm probably in the minority :)

Regarding 16:9, I don't have a particular preference for the aspect ratio as such, but I do want as wide a screen as possible in a manageable footprint. That is currently better provided by the 16:9 Mate 9 than the Note 8 does now and the X will.

Granted though, if watching movies/vids is more important than the size of content viewed in portrait, then 18:9 will do you better than 16:9.

Anyway, I'm not out to talk anyone out of anything, slamming the X, or arguing just for the sake of it - just pointing out that the X screen isn't a given choice for everyone just because it has a mathematically more efficient screen to bezel ratio than other phones.

It's all good.


I haven't looked into the actual display width itself. I do know that the Note 8 and iP7+ is near identical in display width. But the Note 8 display is taller, which can create an illusion of it being a much narrower display in comparison to most 16:9 displays. The Mate 9 display is noticeably wider regardless of what ratio is has, the ratio has little to do with the display's actual width size.
 
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Voodoochild346

macrumors regular
Aug 16, 2015
118
130
It's hilarious how people have latched so hard on the bezel thing. As Note 8 user who has big hands and uses the phone almost exclusively one handed, the amount of false touches and edge activations I got my first day was getting really annoying. Until I got my case and then that all went away. Bezeless phones only make sense if you plan on using your phone with a case and want the overall smaller footprint. Otherwise you have to deal with a frustrating experience. I know many iPhone users don't use cases. In that instance, it makes a lot of sense to give the user something to hold so they can actually use the phone and not just show it off.
 

spinedoc77

macrumors G4
Jun 11, 2009
11,488
5,413
So you mean some people prefer it and some folks don't/don't care then? Interesting concept.




Incorrect. A faster SOC is a feature that enhances using the software, which is why the phone exists. Bezels are a physical/asthetic preference.



I answered above. Items that improve the nature of the phone's usage are features. How a phone is shaped is a preference. Some folks love bezel-less designs. some folks will love the notch. Some will hate the notch. Some folks prefer FPS on the back. Some on the front.
[doublepost=1506535910][/doublepost]

Incorrect. You're not bringing anything new to this conversation so I'll bow out. You just want to prove the device you like is superior and ignoring that what you find superior is a preference, not a specific feature.

Enjoy your device. It's not anyone else's job to validate that purchase decision. ;)

You are just twisting semantics around. Smaller bezels but a larger screen is definitely more than just aesthetics. Having a smaller device in your hand or pocket is very useful. Smaller bezels "IMPROVE THE NATURE OF THE PHONE'S USAGE" (your words). Although I don't particularly agree with your definitions, having smaller bezels, by YOUR definition, is a feature.

Additionally, how am I saying the device I like is superior? You can't come into a discussion with an inferiority complex, we are just on a forum talking about smartphones. Is the device I like superior FOR MY NEEDS? Absolutely, that's why I'm putting down my hard earned money on it. If you prefer larger bezels, find the larger bezels more functional maybe for more grip, less false touches, etc, then more power to you, that device IS superior for your use case scenario.

You realize it's a dirt dumb, silly argument though. Do you truly care that I view smaller bezels as a feature? Seriously, step back and assess the worth of going into a multi page argument about truly nothing. Yes it sounds like a Seinfeld episode. Anyhow you are correct, the only person who can validate what I find functional is myself. /peace
[doublepost=1506540885][/doublepost]
You mean tap out. ;)

:p:p
 
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widgeteer

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You mean tap out. ;)

That showed me.
[doublepost=1506548810][/doublepost]
You are just twisting semantics around. Smaller bezels but a larger screen is definitely more than just aesthetics. Having a smaller device in your hand or pocket is very useful. Smaller bezels "IMPROVE THE NATURE OF THE PHONE'S USAGE" (your words). Although I don't particularly agree with your definitions, having smaller bezels, by YOUR definition, is
You can't come into a discussion with an inferiority complex

Ohhh wanna bet? ;)
 

Voodoochild346

macrumors regular
Aug 16, 2015
118
130
No amount of reading will change how your one sided fanboy views look on here. Keeps me entertained though.
For my use case it was irritating while I was waiting for my case to come in. I like to use my phone in bed a lot and I kept having to reposition my grip because I kept activating the edge toggle. Sitting up with it was fine though. I hold the phone in an unconventional manner since I have big hands. U kinda have the phone resting on my pinky with the other 3 fingers on the back and I operate it with my thumb. I can see how it wouldn't be an issue for most people though. Since I put my car in it, it hasn't been an issue at all. It's the best phone I've ever owned by far.
 

torana355

macrumors 68040
Dec 8, 2009
3,633
2,734
Sydney, Australia
For my use case it was irritating while I was waiting for my case to come in. I like to use my phone in bed a lot and I kept having to reposition my grip because I kept activating the edge toggle. Sitting up with it was fine though. I hold the phone in an unconventional manner since I have big hands. U kinda have the phone resting on my pinky with the other 3 fingers on the back and I operate it with my thumb. I can see how it wouldn't be an issue for most people though. Since I put my car in it, it hasn't been an issue at all. It's the best phone I've ever owned by far.
Activating the edge toggle is very different from false touches. You can adjust the edge panel position to stop that from happening. The S8 and Note 8 both have fantastic palm rejection, False touches are a thing of the past. Yet Zipster, who i doubt has even used a Samsung phone has started with false touches being a downside to small bezel phones, its laughable.
 

Voodoochild346

macrumors regular
Aug 16, 2015
118
130
Activating the edge toggle is very different from false touches. You can adjust the edge panel position to stop that from happening. The S8 and Note 8 both have fantastic palm rejection, False touches are a thing of the past. Yet Zipster, who i doubt has even used a Samsung phone has started with false touches being a downside to small bezel phones, its laughable.
I see what you mean. I guess if was more the edge panel. If was really only an issue for me when I used it in bed. Apart from that I didn't have much issue using the phone naked other than how slippery the phone can be if you have oil on your hands and touch the aluminum sides.
 
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MRU

macrumors Penryn
Aug 23, 2005
25,370
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a better place
For my use case it was irritating while I was waiting for my case to come in. I like to use my phone in bed a lot and I kept having to reposition my grip because I kept activating the edge toggle. Sitting up with it was fine though. I hold the phone in an unconventional manner since I have big hands. U kinda have the phone resting on my pinky with the other 3 fingers on the back and I operate it with my thumb. I can see how it wouldn't be an issue for most people though. Since I put my car in it, it hasn't been an issue at all. It's the best phone I've ever owned by far.

I find all edge devices awkward to handle in bed especially as you tend to hold slightly differently as you are ostensibly tilting the device forward as your laying down and the grip changes from sitting in the palm to resting on the grip of your fingers instead. This can be exacerbated if holding in landscape.

(Following is adressing the comments posted by users not singling out individuals)

Whilst the S8 & S8+ did significantly improve false touches over previous edge incarnations, its not really true to say they have been eliminated as the defense painted against Zipsters trolling would argue.

Likewise some here have said it hasn't been an issue since 2015, That too is not true, the S7E suffered a lot from false touches.

So much so for me personally that I ended up having to go from the edge model back to regular S7 to alleviate my own issues with it.

Whilst I appreciate people like to refute silly comments from trolls; let's not start radically bending the truth folks from one big distortion field to another distorted one.

False touches are a reality. But importantly are being improved upon with each device revision. However they will likely remain an issue for some users as device sizes ever increase and the hand gymnastics required to actually grip the device in differing scenarios - such as laid down in bed or holding on landscape with small top and bottom bezels, whilst simultaneously trying to not block bottom firing speakers etc. pose genuine and real ergonomic problems for many.

There has been great feedback from users who went from an S8/+ who had issues with edge ergonomics to the S8 Active for that flat screen and chunkier but easier to grip design. I just wish Samsung still at least offered a flat choice in the Note series.
 
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