Phones Sold iPhone today, got a cheap Droid, second thoughts on getting S3

[asr10 user]

So I sold my iphone 4 today and had full intentions on buying an S3. After learning about the possibility of many used phones becoming blacklisted in a few months (the insurance/non payment scam). I decided I cant buy a used S3, so that put me into the new and $600+ range only.

Now I currently have cash to buy the S3, but really have second thoughts. I can buy a freaking 3rd gen iPad for even less than the S3. And my cheap $120 Exhibit 2 4g can tether out the box, so i'm thinking of keeping the beater phone and just getting an iPad instead.

I have lots of money tied up in iOS apps so I would like some sort of iOS device to use them. But I also already have an HP Touchpad that I am more than happy with as a tablet.

So I am stuck in a dillema. Keep the beater phone and wait til the next Nexus/iPhone 5/cheaper S3 and get an iPad since I would be able to use it anywhere. Or just get an S3 and be done with everything.

On another note, is the S3 screen really dark? Seems like when I goto the stores to play with it, the screen isnt that bright even with full brightness, but most other Galaxy model phones have very bright screens.

 

[Orange Furball]

Galaxy nexus from the play store, and if you want another tablet the Nexus 7

 

[jeffe]

So I sold my iphone 4 today and had full intentions on buying an S3. After learning about the possibility of many used phones becoming blacklisted in a few months (the insurance/non payment scam). I decided I cant buy a used S3, so that put me into the new and $600+ range only.

Now I currently have cash to buy the S3, but really have second thoughts. I can buy a freaking 3rd gen iPad for even less than the S3. And my cheap $120 Exhibit 2 4g can tether out the box, so i'm thinking of keeping the beater phone and just getting an iPad instead.

I have lots of money tied up in iOS apps so I would like some sort of iOS device to use them. But I also already have an HP Touchpad that I am more than happy with as a tablet.

So I am stuck in a dillema. Keep the beater phone and wait til the next Nexus/iPhone 5/cheaper S3 and get an iPad since I would be able to use it anywhere. Or just get an S3 and be done with everything.

On another note, is the S3 screen really dark? Seems like when I goto the stores to play with it, the screen isnt that bright even with full brightness, but most other Galaxy model phones have very bright screens.

what carrier are you on?

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Also, where did you read about used phones being blacklisted in the future? I've always bought used between phones while waiting for something to come out and never worried about it being blacklisted after the fact.

 

[The iGentleman]

So I sold my iphone 4 today and had full intentions on buying an S3. After learning about the possibility of many used phones becoming blacklisted in a few months (the insurance/non payment scam). I decided I cant buy a used S3, so that put me into the new and $600+ range only.

Now I currently have cash to buy the S3, but really have second thoughts. I can buy a freaking 3rd gen iPad for even less than the S3. And my cheap $120 Exhibit 2 4g can tether out the box, so i'm thinking of keeping the beater phone and just getting an iPad instead.

I have lots of money tied up in iOS apps so I would like some sort of iOS device to use them. But I also already have an HP Touchpad that I am more than happy with as a tablet.

So I am stuck in a dillema. Keep the beater phone and wait til the next Nexus/iPhone 5/cheaper S3 and get an iPad since I would be able to use it anywhere. Or just get an S3 and be done with everything.

On another note, is the S3 screen really dark? Seems like when I goto the stores to play with it, the screen isnt that bright even with full brightness, but most other Galaxy model phones have very bright screens.

I'm assuming you're on T-Mobile. If so, don't let the stories scare you, your phone won't be blacklisted. They eventually will go to blacklisting stolen and lost phones in the future, but that won't affect you. I wouldn't recommend keeping a beater phone for any extended period of time. I just simply value my time and experience too much to be relegated to that. I'd go with the used S3 as you originally planned.
As for your question about darkness. No, the screen is fine. The thing about screen brightness is, there's a setting for brightness, then there's a setting for automatic screen adjustment based on the image being displayed on the screen. With that turned on, your screen can still turn itself down to a degree even if you have it set to full brightness. Also some apps can have their own brightness control too. All in all, the screen is plenty bright.

 

[RMXO]

So I sold my iphone 4 today and had full intentions on buying an S3. After learning about the possibility of many used phones becoming blacklisted in a few months (the insurance/non payment scam). I decided I cant buy a used S3, so that put me into the new and $600+ range only.

Now I currently have cash to buy the S3, but really have second thoughts. I can buy a freaking 3rd gen iPad for even less than the S3. And my cheap $120 Exhibit 2 4g can tether out the box, so i'm thinking of keeping the beater phone and just getting an iPad instead.

I have lots of money tied up in iOS apps so I would like some sort of iOS device to use them. But I also already have an HP Touchpad that I am more than happy with as a tablet.

So I am stuck in a dillema. Keep the beater phone and wait til the next Nexus/iPhone 5/cheaper S3 and get an iPad since I would be able to use it anywhere. Or just get an S3 and be done with everything.

On another note, is the S3 screen really dark? Seems like when I goto the stores to play with it, the screen isnt that bright even with full brightness, but most other Galaxy model phones have very bright screens.

I'm guessing you were looking at one of the variants of S3's from an US carrier?

I have the international S3 i9300 & the screen is very bright when brightness is turned on to the max. I've yet to check out the US variants so I can only comment on the S3 i9300.

I would suggest you look into the international S3 i9300 besides the US variants. Unless, you are on Sprint or Verizon, then stick with the US variants.

If you are considering an used S3, I would ask the seller if he is doing the insurance scam or not. Ask for his IMEI & check with your carrier if it has been blacklisted. Not sure if the seller will give you his IMEI but hopefully he/she will be honest if they are doing the insurance scam or not.

I would check with xda-developers marketplace forums & see if you can find an used S3 within your budget. I would say majority of the sellers are just like you & I. But, there can be scammers on the boards but they get pointed out very quickly.

Since you have lots of $ tied to iOS apps, I would stick to it & use your beater phone until the next gen of Nexus comes out. Or, you can bite the bullet & start building up your android apps.

I'm not sure if you are a gamer or not. But, with Chainfire's 3D app & plugins, most if not all games would be playable on both your S3 & HP TP.

 

[asr10 user]

My iPhone is on ATT (still active until Aug 2nd) and I got the prepaid $30 unlimited walmart/t-mo plan for the beater droid which ill eventually port my ATT number to. I really would have loved to stay on ATT (grandfathered data and 28% coca cola FAN acct) but throttling at 3gb makes ATT useless to me.

Yes, I think I would get the S3 international just so I know I wont ever have to worry about the blacklisting.

I know the blacklisting thing might not be a big deal, but to hear stories of their craigslist/ebay phones working for months and then all of a sudden go dead, really really scare me. It's too much of a gamble for me at $500+ for the S3.

I also forgot to add that I do have a Nexus 7, but really I love iOS and feel strange without it, even though its only been a few hours.

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I was looking at the Galaxy Nexus from the Play store. But after tax and shipping im close to $400, I might as well do the S3 at that price.

 

[fox10078]

I was looking at the Galaxy Nexus from the Play store. But after tax and shipping im close to $400, I might as well do the S3 at that price.

Naw pure Google exprience is by far worth it, Miles and miles ahead of S3. Hardware wise it's not as good, but pure software is godly.

 

[Orange Furball]

Naw pure Google exprience is by far worth it, Miles and miles ahead of S3. Hardware wise it's not as good, but pure software is godly.

Well if he's not afraid of flashing, aokp and cm9 roms are godly. I'm using cm9 on my galaxy note right now and its just like the nexus speed wise.

 

[jeffe]

My iPhone is on ATT (still active until Aug 2nd) and I got the prepaid $30 unlimited walmart/t-mo plan for the beater droid which ill eventually port my ATT number to. I really would have loved to stay on ATT (grandfathered data and 28% coca cola FAN acct) but throttling at 3gb makes ATT useless to me.

Yes, I think I would get the S3 international just so I know I wont ever have to worry about the blacklisting.

I know the blacklisting thing might not be a big deal, but to hear stories of their craigslist/ebay phones working for months and then all of a sudden go dead, really really scare me. It's too much of a gamble for me at $500+ for the S3.

I also forgot to add that I do have a Nexus 7, but really I love iOS and feel strange without it, even though its only been a few hours.

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I was looking at the Galaxy Nexus from the Play store. But after tax and shipping im close to $400, I might as well do the S3 at that price.

If you love IOS you'll probably want to wait it out so you don't have regrets if the new iphones turns out being something you might be interested in.

 

[RMXO]

I stand by my advice you on checking out Xda-developers marketplace for devices. You can buy or sell Android, iOS, Windows or whatever to your hearts desires. It's really worth checking out & they've made it easy for you to sell your devices & there are lots of good people on the there.

WTB (Want to Buy)

http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1322

WTS (Want to Sell)

http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=476

If you decide to check it out, head on over to the International S3 i9300 forums. You can check out reviews, whatnots & development for the phone. The current hit is CM10 (Jelly Bean 4.1) & other ROM's made from it.

I'm currently running Paranoid 1.9.1 which allows me to run Jelly Bean in phablet (phone &/or tablet) mode.

I'm RMXO on that board too so either PM here or there & I'll gladly help you out. Remember to check the sellers feedback. The more you sell, the more feedback you get.

If you really miss iOS then either wait for the next iP revision or just get an iPad. Plenty of choice for you & GL in your decision.

 

[Orange Furball]

I stand by my advice you on checking out Xda-developers marketplace for devices. You can buy or sell Android, iOS, Windows or whatever to your hearts desires.

False. While it is good, OP should be careful. Tread lightly and be smart. Also, do NOT trade with anyone on this list https://www.dropbox.com/s/1lyf7wdmcc5gvn3/scammers on xda.txt

Those are known scammers. I traded on there once and all went well because I got the guys phone number and email so we had other means of communication besides XDA messaging system.

Here is what you can sell:
Phones
Tablets
Phone and tablet accessories.

That's is. Not anything you want.

What you can't sell:
Ipods
Mp3 players
Laptops
TVs
Gaming consoles
Computers
Anything not on the "can sell" list.

If you need any help or advice pm me and I'll help you not get screwed.

 

[RMXO]

When I said your hearts desires, I should of said phones & tablets instead to be clear.

 

[Orange Furball]

When I said your hearts desires, I should of said phones & tablets instead to be clear.

I got in trouble for trying to sell an iPod so its a touchy subject for me sorry if I sounded rude, I didn't mean to!

 

[RMXO]

I got in trouble for trying to sell an iPod so its a touchy subject for me sorry if I sounded rude, I didn't mean to!

Yes, it's true you can't outright sell some of the items you listed but you can trade your ipod, laptops & other gadgets but they must be in a trade. People offer ipods, laptops, consoles & other gadgets all the time in trades. I've seen someone trade their Apple 13" MBP for a Nexus 7. I've received offers of ipods, laptops, cameras & consoles for some of the phones/tablets I've sold on there.



No worries, I didn't take it that way.

 

[asr10 user]

I actually got an S3 and its great so far. The screen really isnt as bright as I wished, but im getting used to it. Is there anything I can do besides turn auto off, turn all the way up, and disable automatic switching with the background?

I didnt know how I would feel about touchwiz, but I kind of like some of the features it has. Makes me want to wait and just use it until the official SG3 4.1 update comes out.

Anyone know if I can switch the long press of the home button and the double press of the home button to not be recent apps and s-voice?

 

[Jb07]

I actually got an S3 and its great so far. The screen really isnt as bright as I wished, but im getting used to it. Is there anything I can do besides turn auto off, turn all the way up, and disable automatic switching with the background?

I didnt know how I would feel about touchwiz, but I kind of like some of the features it has. Makes me want to wait and just use it until the official SG3 4.1 update comes out.

Anyone know if I can switch the long press of the home button and the double press of the home button to not be recent apps and s-voice?

-Many reviews said the screen of the GS3 wasn't as bright as an iPhone, but it shouldn't be too much of a problem.
-If I were you, I would replace Touchwiz with Apex Launcher. That's what I use on my GS2 and it's very fast.
-I'm sure you can change what the home button does through the settings.