Will consider a Galaxy S IV...

[Technarchy]

The last android phone I owned for any length of time and actually enjoyed before Switching to Apple was the Galaxy SII, Sprint model, which was the best model.

Since Apple is in refresh mode with the 5S for 2013, I get to play with another device. I'm considering BB10, WP8 and the GSIV

However, before I commit to a GSIV some things need to happen.

1. Those horrible, Amoled screens need to go. They are some of the worst on any flagship device and far behind the Lumia 920, iPhone 5 and HTC One X. There needs to be a massive improvement to Amoled displays or switch to IPS LCD

2. The current 1.3 watts, 224 candelas per square meter screen brightness on the GS3 terrible. Even the iPhone 4 doubles that with a screen brightness of 541 candelas. I would prefer at least 400 - 500 candelas per square meter. For sure not below 400.

3. It must be an Exynos based SOC. No Qualcomm. If it isn't Exynos it's not a real Galaxy.

4. Ship with the most current iteration of android out the gate.

5. Battery life of at least 8hrs of web browsing LTE, 10 hours of web browsing over Wifi, and at least 8.5 hours of 3G talk time. This is the level of performance of an iPhone 5 so the GSIV needs to match that.

6. Physical home button remains in place.

7. At least 300 PPI

8. Hotspot, since it needs to provide internet to an iPhone 5 and iPad.

Optional wants:
-Polycarbonate Uni-body construction to up the feel in quality
-Touchwiz UI elements are brighter with less drab colors
-More hardware acceleration across the UI to keep things smooth and responsive even if all screens are loaded up with widgets
-White color option
-LED light notification
-More Google Now/Google Voice search, Less S-Voice, which is horrid
-Indifferent to screen size
-720P works, 1080P would be interesting

 

[Sensamic]

Whaaaaaaaat????

But I've read so so many posts of you disliking Android...

Only a few months after and you are already bored with ios?

Hmmmmm...

 

[onthecouchagain]

-Indifferent to screen size

I think this is the closest thing to "the 4 inch screen is too small" we'll ever hear Technarchy say.

: )

 

[TheHateMachine]

The last android phone I owned for any length of time and actually enjoyed before Switching to Apple was the Galaxy SII, Sprint model, which was the best model.

Since Apple is in refresh mode with the 5S for 2013, I get to play with another device. I'm considering BB10, WP8 and the GSIV

However, before I commit to a GSIV some things need to happen.

1. Those horrible, Amoled screens need to go. They are some of the worst on any flagship device and far behind the Lumia 920, iPhone 5 and HTC One X. There needs to be a massive improvement to Amoled displays or switch to IPS LCD

2. The current 1.3 watts, 224 candelas per square meter screen brightness on the GS3 terrible. Even the iPhone 4 doubles that with a screen brightness of 541 candelas. I would prefer at least 400 - 500 candelas per square meter. For sure not below 400.

3. It must be an Exynos based SOC. No Qualcomm. If it isn't Exynos it's not a real Galaxy.

4. Ship with the most current iteration of android out the gate.

5. Battery life of at least 8hrs of web browsing LTE, 10 hours of web browsing over Wifi, and at least 8.5 hours of 3G talk time. This is the level of performance of an iPhone 5 so the GSIV needs to match that.

6. Physical home button remains in place.

7. At least 300 PPI

8. Hotspot, since it needs to provide internet to an iPhone 5 and iPad.

Optional wants:
-Polycarbonate Uni-body construction to up the feel in quality
-Touchwiz UI elements are brighter with less drab colors
-More hardware acceleration across the UI to keep things smooth and responsive even if all screens are loaded up with widgets
-White color option
-LED light notification
-More Google Now/Google Voice search, Less S-Voice, which is horrid
-Indifferent to screen size
-720P works, 1080P would be interesting

1. Supposedly the new phone will be using Samsung's new PLS LCD tech.

2. This is a SAMOLED issue that should be fixed with the rumored PLS LCD tech.

3. Haven't heard any info on this but all the regional variants of the Note II use Exynos AFAIK.

4. Timing could screw this one up. However Samsung seems to be upping their game on this department lately.

5. My GS3 has some good battery time. Can only imagine the newer tech would only increase capacity.

6. Samsung does like their home button.

7. One of the current limitations of their SAMOLED tech is how they cannot up the res anymore. The shift to PLS LCD is to achieve a 1080p screen, plus the rumor mill is also talking up a 5" screen.

8. All the current Galaxy phones have hotspot and any Android phone can hotspot for free with root.

Unibody probably will not happen, Touchwiz will probably still be ugly, S Voice will still suck... however White is most likely going to be a choice and I do not think there has ever been an Android device without a LED.

 

[Technarchy]

Whaaaaaaaat????

But I've read so so many posts of you disliking Android...

Only a few months after and you are already bored with ios?

Hmmmmm...

I've been with android longer than iOS FYI.

I wouldn't call it bored, but I don't do simple refreshes. If I had a 4, I would have skipped the 4S. I own a 5 and will skip the 5S. Own an iPad3, and have no interest in getting an iPad4.

And I could just as easily go BB10 or WP8. Each of those have their own list of requirements before I would consider them as well.

----------

I think this is the closest thing to "the 4 inch screen is too small" we'll ever hear Technarchy say.

: )

Well I know there is no way I will get less than what I have, and I know it will be huge so no point in fretting over it.

4.9" - 5.0" is probably going to be what Samsung settles on.

----------

1. Supposedly the new phone will be using Samsung's new PLS LCD tech.

2. This is a SAMOLED issue that should be fixed with the rumored PLS LCD tech.

Just did a quick look-up of Samsung Super PLS

-Further improvement in viewing angle
-10 percent increase in brightness
-Up to 15 percent decrease in production costs
-Increased image quality
-Flexible panel

Seems like a positive upgrade over AMOLED displays, which really is the biggest flaw with the GS3.

 

[onthecouchagain]

The S4 is definitely on my radar, as well. Very excited to see its unveiling. Given the Nexus 4 was so affordable (for an unlocked phone), if the S4 impresses enough, I may sell the N4 and sign up for the S4 instead. The only one thing that sucks about going with the S4 is the two year contract...

Can't wait to see what happens. I think Samsung has really proven their merits this past year. They've earned some of my trust.

Also, I don't know if having immediate updates is just that important anymore. It's gotten to a point where immediate updates requires a lot of caveats.

 

[Beeplance]

I will consider it if Samsung releases a Pink version in my country. I know they released a Pink Galaxy S III in Korea exclusively, but I don't want to travel there just to get one.

Specs don't matter that much to me. I know Samsung will pack in some great stuff in there. Hope the screen isn't too big :x

 

[Technarchy]

The S4 is definitely on my radar, as well. Very excited to see its unveiling. Given the Nexus 4 was so affordable (for an unlocked phone), if the S4 impresses enough, I may sell the N4 and sign up for the S4 instead. The only one thing that sucks about going with the S4 is the two year contract...

Can't wait to see what happens. I think Samsung has really proven their merits this past year. They've earned some of my trust.

Also, I don't know if having immediate updates is just that important anymore. It's gotten to a point where immediate updates requires a lot of caveats.

Here is my thing with updates. Matias Duarte is really digging into the way android runs and presents itself, so that it runs more efficiently even on typical blah android phones. And he's done a solid job. We've got jelly bean on a beater euro spec GS1 here and it runs infinitely better than Gingerbread.

So if android continues to run with leaner and cleaner code, that assures Samsung flagship devices, which are complete hardware overkill, should see monumental improvements to performance, services and features.

I don't expect iOS update speed, but there is no good reason for Samsung to sit on updates for more than 4 months.

 

[onthecouchagain]

I will consider it if Samsung releases a Pink version in my country. I know they released a Pink Galaxy S III in Korea exclusively, but I don't want to travel there just to get one.

Specs don't matter that much to me. I know Samsung will pack in some great stuff in there. Hope the screen isn't too big :x

As mentioned it'll likely be a. 4.99" screen, which imo is too big. I find my Nexus 4 already more unwieldy compared to the Galaxy Nexus. And it's only a .5" screen difference! That extra width makes everything just a hair out of reach in one handed use. :T

----------

Here is my thing with updates. Matias Duarte is really digging into the way android runs and presents itself, so that it runs more efficiently even on typical blah android phones. And he's done a solid job. We've got jelly bean on a beater euro spec GS1 here and it runs infinitely better than Gingerbread.

So if android continues to run with leaner and cleaner code, that assures Samsung flagship devices, which are complete hardware overkill, should see monumental improvements to performance, services and features.

I don't expect iOS update speed, but there is no good reason for Samsung to sit on updates for more than 4 months.

For the first time ever, you and I are in total agreement

 

[dkersten]

I would consider a S4 if it had a larger screen with a smaller or same sized footprint as the S3.

 

[Beeplance]

Here is my thing with updates. Matias Duarte is really digging into the way android runs and presents itself, so that it runs more efficiently even on typical blah android phones. And he's done a solid job. We've got jelly bean on a beater euro spec GS1 here and it runs infinitely better than Gingerbread.

So if android continues to run with leaner and cleaner code, that assures Samsung flagship devices, which are complete hardware overkill, should see monumental improvements to performance, services and features.

I don't expect iOS update speed, but there is no good reason for Samsung to sit on updates for more than 4 months.

I think no one can disagree with the statement in bold. Sometimes the hardware overkill may still not be the best, and it assures a quality experience nonetheless.

Price point may also be another issue I'm looking out for. Don't think Samsung will price it as aggressively as the Nexus 4.

 

[Diseal3]

I think no one can disagree with the statement in bold. Sometimes the hardware overkill may still not be the best, and it assures a quality experience nonetheless.

Price point may also be another issue I'm looking out for. Don't think Samsung will price it as aggressively as the Nexus 4.

I don't think the 2 phones are aiming for the same market. The Galaxy line has proven it's success with each iteration and it's reached as many carriers worldwide that I can think of. Although the no contract price of the nexus 4 is nice, Samsung with the IV just needs to pump out another amazing phone for it to sell well. Given the first time there is this much excitement for a samsung device, I'm sure they won't disappoint.

 

[Beeplance]

I don't think the 2 phones are aiming for the same market. The Galaxy line has proven it's success with each iteration and it's reached as many carriers worldwide that I can think of. Although the no contract price of the nexus 4 is nice, Samsung with the IV just needs to pump out another amazing phone for it to sell well. Given the first time there is this much excitement for a samsung device, I'm sure they won't disappoint.

Oh yeah, guess you're right. I'm already looking forward to it, but I'm currently viewing a S III review video on YouTube right now XD

I never liked Android prior to 2012, but this year I felt Android has improved by leaps and bounds, while Apple is hardly moving at all. Nowadays I recommend Android phones to my friends instead of the iPhone.

Apple really needs to buck up. If iOS 7 doesn't have anything intuitive, I think it will really mark the beginning of "Game-over" for them.

 

[onthecouchagain]

I don't think the 2 phones are aiming for the same market. The Galaxy line has proven it's success with each iteration and it's reached as many carriers worldwide that I can think of. Although the no contract price of the nexus 4 is nice, Samsung with the IV just needs to pump out another amazing phone for it to sell well. Given the first time there is this much excitement for a samsung device, I'm sure they won't disappoint.

There was quite a lot of buzz and hype and excitement for the s3 as well. It won't be anything like what the s4 will be getting though...

----------

Don't forget all that talk of a flexible aka indestructible screen that they might use for the s4 too... Wild stuff.

 

[Vegastouch]

The last android phone I owned for any length of time and actually enjoyed before Switching to Apple was the Galaxy SII, Sprint model, which was the best model.

Since Apple is in refresh mode with the 5S for 2013, I get to play with another device. I'm considering BB10, WP8 and the GSIV

However, before I commit to a GSIV some things need to happen.

1. Those horrible, Amoled screens need to go. They are some of the worst on any flagship device and far behind the Lumia 920, iPhone 5 and HTC One X. There needs to be a massive improvement to Amoled displays or switch to IPS LCD

2. The current 1.3 watts, 224 candelas per square meter screen brightness on the GS3 terrible. Even the iPhone 4 doubles that with a screen brightness of 541 candelas. I would prefer at least 400 - 500 candelas per square meter. For sure not below 400.

3. It must be an Exynos based SOC. No Qualcomm. If it isn't Exynos it's not a real Galaxy.

4. Ship with the most current iteration of android out the gate.

5. Battery life of at least 8hrs of web browsing LTE, 10 hours of web browsing over Wifi, and at least 8.5 hours of 3G talk time. This is the level of performance of an iPhone 5 so the GSIV needs to match that.

6. Physical home button remains in place.

7. At least 300 PPI

8. Hotspot, since it needs to provide internet to an iPhone 5 and iPad.

Optional wants:
-Polycarbonate Uni-body construction to up the feel in quality
-Touchwiz UI elements are brighter with less drab colors
-More hardware acceleration across the UI to keep things smooth and responsive even if all screens are loaded up with widgets
-White color option
-LED light notification
-More Google Now/Google Voice search, Less S-Voice, which is horrid
-Indifferent to screen size
-720P works, 1080P would be interesting

lol, not too picky are we? I dont care if you get a S4 or not. It should be a great phone whether or not it meets your approval and the only stipulation i have is i dont want the overall size of the phone to be bigger than the GS3 because that is as big as i want to go. So the rumors it will have a 4.99" screen and stay the same size is great news to me.
I also wouldnt mind if they got rid of the physical home button but it isnt a deal breaker.

I do think the WP8 phones are pretty damn nice too but as much as i like them, Android is doing many good things for me to switch to Windows.

I dont mind the AMOLED screens and IPS is nice but even some with a IPS screen on the N4 dont think it is better than the GS3 screen. Only thing i dont like is it is very hard to see the screen in sunlight.

We'll see what they do with them soon enough.

 

[Beeplance]

Heard some rumors that it'll come with Android 5.0?

 

[Damolee]

Wouldn't bother. Your going to need 3GB Ram to get a clean experience that you get on an iOS device. Samsung absolutely pillage their handsets with bloatware, it's sickening. You can't switch most of it off neither so are forced into running a custom rom.

I loved the GSIII but there are just too many inefficiencies with it.

 

[Beeplance]

Wouldn't bother. Your going to need 3GB Ram to get a clean experience that you get on an iOS device. Samsung absolutely pillage their handsets with bloatware, it's sickening. You can't switch most of it off neither so are forced into running a custom rom.

I loved the GSIII but there are just too many inefficiencies with it.

Interesting. Can you quote a few examples?

 

[bmt134]

I'll take user replaceable battery and microSD over unibody anyday.

 

[Black Magic]

I'll take user replaceable battery and microSD over unibody anyday.

Why would you want to be able to replace the battery? If it works the way it should and have long battery life then why mess with it? Carrying batteries around or buying bigger batteries means that piece on the phone was a failure to begin with.

 

[nickchallis92]

Why would you want to be able to replace the battery? If it works the way it should and have long battery life then why mess with it? Carrying batteries around or buying bigger batteries means that piece on the phone was a failure to begin with.

because any battery wears and it's useful if you know you wont be near a plug socket in a few days (camping or something)

 

[Diseal3]

Oh yeah, guess you're right. I'm already looking forward to it, but I'm currently viewing a S III review video on YouTube right now XD

I never liked Android prior to 2012, but this year I felt Android has improved by leaps and bounds, while Apple is hardly moving at all. Nowadays I recommend Android phones to my friends instead of the iPhone.

Apple really needs to buck up. If iOS 7 doesn't have anything intuitive, I think it will really mark the beginning of "Game-over" for them.

I agree with everything only I think game-over for Apple will be a lot harder than not revamping the OS. They have people that don't care and are happy with what the current iOS has. It will make it harder to catch up and people will eventually realize there is something better.

There was quite a lot of buzz and hype and excitement for the s3 as well. It won't be anything like what the s4 will be getting though...

----------

Don't forget all that talk of a flexible aka indestructible screen that they might use for the s4 too... Wild stuff.

There is no doubt there was a lot of buzz for the S3 I'm using it now over my 5 and the 5 will probably see eBay here soon. What I mean is the Galaxy line is gaining its much deserved traction and that's thanks mostly to the S2 and especially the S3. I'm actually excited and will certainly pre-order the S4 as soon as I can on Verizon. Not looking forward to that locked bootloader though, hopefully Samsung drops a hint again.