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Is this a Good Phone

Im looking into buying a nexus s and just wanna see what ppl on these forums have to say about it. Overall is it a good phone? how's the rooting process hard? Does rooting vastly improve it like it did my hero? General opinions on the phone?
Thanks for any input

Like you, I came from a HTC Hero. Rooting isn't necessary to squeeze more performance from the nexus s compared to the hero. Having said that, it is strongly recommended to root it because it allows you to do so much more on the nexus s. In terms of performance wise, rooting does not "vastly" improve the performance.
General opinions of the phone are its great! Go get it.
The rooting process is extremely simple. Go do a quick search on the forums.

Great phone. Fairly easy to root. The guides available are great as long as you follow it verbatim. The phone itself is fast as is and has large internal memory for apps. Rooting is worth it IMO. The extra overclock and undervolt keeps the phone always running fluid and increases battery life significantly.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Thanks for the input guys...REALLY looking forward to gettin this

Im getting another one this will be my 3rd. Its def a keeper. Vanilla and constant updates 1st
Sent from my Sensational Phone using XDA Premium App

Yeah hero is probably the worst effin phone ever made in the history of all phones so any upgrade is a blessing.
And yes, the hero sucked so many balls. The slowest laggiest POS ever.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA App

fraspas said:
Yeah hero is probably the worst effin phone ever made in the history of all phones so any upgrade is a blessing.
And yes, the hero sucked so many balls. The slowest laggiest POS ever.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA App
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Click to collapse
I actually thought Hero sent the trend on how Android devices should look and function.
Anyway, imo, nexus s is the best android phone, I just got one yesterday, samoled version (dislike slcd), I love everything about the phone. It even performs better than my brother's HTC Sensation even with its dual core.
my next phone will either be the next nexus or galaxy s3.

Please delete this post.

I have the galaxy s vibrant. Would you guys still recomend me to get the nexus s? I can get one at a very good price.. But im wondering if its worth the change. Any input is welcome
Edit: sorry for the thread highjack, thought of posting here rather than creating a new thread.
Sent from my GT-I9000M using Tapatalk

bimmerboii said:
I have the galaxy s vibrant. Would you guys still recomend me to get the nexus s? I can get one at a very good price.. But im wondering if its worth the change. Any input is welcome
Edit: sorry for the thread highjack, thought of posting here rather than creating a new thread.
Sent from my GT-I9000M using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
I love my Nexus S (coming from an HTC Magic), but if you already have a Galaxy S, I don't think it's worth the trouble: they have pretty much the same hardware inside. In addition, IIRC, Galaxy S has Gorilla glass, a SD card slot, FM radio and 720p recording.
The best thing about the Nexus S is that it's vanilla Android, constantly updated and officially supported by Google. It has NFC, which the Galaxy S doesn't have, and gets better support from app developers as well. I didn't need all those hardware features the Galaxy S had: I just wanted *the* Google phone :-D.
Basically, the Nexus line is much better supported than the Galaxy S line, but if you're in XDA, I guess you won't mind flashing a vanilla ROM to your Galaxy S.

Thanks for your reply. You made good points on my deciding factor. But even if im on xda, i hate having to flash my phone all the time (my sgs is stock). I just want the latest version of android.
Here's the thing.. Someone wants to buy my sgs for $300. I have credits on my account and could get the nexus s for $308 all in. Or i can just save my credits and let it accumulate over the next few months to buy a better phone. But im really itching for a stock vanilla android phone. Decisions decisions...
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Stay with Galaxy S. As soon as you go to Nexus S, you will miss your Galaxy S. IMHO, Nexus S is a downgrade from Galaxy S. I did this mistake but within 2 weeks gladly came back to Galaxy S. But if you are too itchy, buy Nexus S and compare both head on head. Know the difference yourself and get rid of the one you find inferior compared to the other.
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rdbhalla said:
Stay with Galaxy S. As soon as you go to Nexus S, you will miss your Galaxy S. IMHO, Nexus S is a downgrade from Galaxy S. I did this mistake but within 2 weeks gladly came back to Galaxy S. But if you are too itchy, buy Nexus S and compare both head on head. Know the difference yourself and get rid of the one you find inferior compared to the other.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
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I dont think it is a downgrade, i think the point in android world is " you cant have everything"... sure, sgs has a lot of features that we dont have in nxs, but nxs also has some things over sgs... and you need to decide what you are looking for, what comes first for you...
I came from a desire hd, that in specs is worse of nxs, and i am pretty much satisfeid with it. I guess the point is: it's good to look specs, but it is only half part, the other half is about daily usage.
Back to the question, if i were you i would wait a little bit more, swap for a nealy phone, more than 6 months old... maybe you can get a sgs II or wait for the new nexus prime, i just dont know if it a good idea.. =o)
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

thiagodark said:
I dont think it is a downgrade, i think the point in android world is " you cant have everything"... sure, sgs has a lot of features that we dont have in nxs, but nxs also has some things over sgs... and you need to decide what you are looking for, what comes first for you...
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I think the only additional thing Nexus S has is flash. I have my own reservations about the quality of HTC phones after using HTC Desire for few weeks. But if the choice is between SGS and NS, SGS clearly has an edge. But again, its individual's choice. Whatever works the best for you.
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Absolutely disagree. I've had the vibrant for the last 9 months and thought it was awesome but then the lag gets unbearable because of the file system. I went in with my brother and dad and got a family plan and we got the nexus s since I thought that would be the best (hulu, Netflix, etc all came out first for it) and you get software updates first too from Google. And the phone is wicked fast. I thought I would miss touchwiz and all the quirks but you know what I did for like 3 days. And the battery life on this sucker is amazing. I think its a great buy especially for me. But each his own. People have different wants and needs and everybody needs to do their research before buying and investing in something so expensive.
rdbhalla said:
Stay with Galaxy S. As soon as you go to Nexus S, you will miss your Galaxy S. IMHO, Nexus S is a downgrade from Galaxy S. I did this mistake but within 2 weeks gladly came back to Galaxy S. But if you are too itchy, buy Nexus S and compare both head on head. Know the difference yourself and get rid of the one you find inferior compared to the other.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
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Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Well I do not disagree. Galaxy S does need a little bit of tweaking to get the full performance out of it. All I did with my SGS was to install JVO 2.3.4, root it and this changed it to a totally different phone. Yes, I use stock gingerbread launcher and keyboard instead of touchwiz or Samsung keyboard. All of this takes hardly 30 minutes.
Nexus S is definitely fast out of the box. But gorilla glass, FM radio, expandable memory slot, better video recording give SGS an edge over NS. SGS just needs half an hour more to reveal its potential.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

I wrote a review to answer this first post.
Here is a review I put together as I had same initial questions. Hope it helps.
My first experience with android was rooting a Hero, since then I enjoyed a year with a rooted EVO, but after several boot-looping experiences which I was unable to correct, the phone had become unusable, and I was forced to choose a new phone a little more premature than I would have liked. I had my heart set on the specs of the Galaxy S II but after enjoying two HTC phones and how easily they were rooted I also leaned toward the EVO 3D. I will admit here, that I was a “flash-aholic” when it came to trying out new ROMs and kernels, and would probably continue to have been so if it weren’t for the boot-loop and force closing problem I was having.
I decided to go ahead and get a Sprint Nexus S 4G instead of waiting another ten days for the EVO 3D, knowing that if I didn’t have a good experience with the Nexus, I could return it within the 30 day trial period. The Sprint rep. was very helpful and honest with his assistance, he showed me that the Nexus even in the store was not picking up as good a signal as the EVO 4G, and I expressed concern about receiving signal at my residence, as frequently I had to step outside in the back yard to have a phone conversation using the EVO.
Initial setup of the Nexus was surprisingly easy, but just as suspected the signal at home was weak, though not any worse than the EVO. A call to Sprint tech support the next day helped when they offered to send me an Airave unit, which I received in only one week and found a dramatic improvement for not only my phone but my wife’s EVO as well. Thank you Sprint!
My next adventure was whether or not to root this phone, as I held off until I decided I was going to keep it. It was a little bit of a challenge for me to set up adb capabilities on my computer but worth the research. So I was now set up to make the root possible, however, reading up on the Nexus didn’t convince me that rooting was to my best advantage at this time, so I have held off. The signal problem had been resolved, my battery life has been great, my phone is extremely fast, and tethering works right out of the box, most importantly is everything works well without bugs or any other problems. This doesn’t mean I won’t root when I see a clear advantage in the future, and fortunately rooting the Nexus is as easy as it can get.
Instead I have used ADW EX customizations to optimize this phone for my best android experience, and it is this point convincing me to keep it. The Nexus S has none of the Sprint bloat-ware profligation, and none of the manufacturer skin-ware. Using ADW EX and android widgets, I was able to customize my Nexus to suit my needs perfectly. The best part of the experience is that I got to choose how my phone worked, and my phone now operates exactly how I want it to, I might also mention that Launcher Pro would work very well also. Ah, the beauty of android.
Later the next week I went into a local RadioShack to have hands-on time with the EVO 3D to make certain I had made the best choice. I did that Sense 3 twirl thing and the rep mentioned the limitations of Nexus screen scrolling, I showed him that my phone also had infinity scrolling. He was surprised and didn’t go any further.
Sure the latest summer phones have better specs, more powerful hardware, and unique features (3D), but for me at least, they don’t really make for a better android experience than a Nexus. Here is a list of widgets I have included on my screens.
Agenda widget keeps an excellent display of my appointments.
Springpad for notes and general organization uses.
Google+ widget, as well as android system widget for general phone info.
I use Jorte calendar to fill up one entire screen.
The control widget for quick access to phone controls.
The Starbuck coffee widget cause I gotta admit, I like my coffee.
Skype video calls work excellently and I use it frequently since most phone users still don’t have Google Talk video. I have combined Facebook with Twitter using Tweetdeck, and this app I keep in an easily accessible hidden dock which contains many of my frequently used apps, one of the best features of ADW EX and used by many ROMs such as Cyanogen.
The overall flow and performance of the phone is flawless, handling multi-functioning easily, Bluetooth works very well, wi-fi at home and at my local Starbucks is good, pictures are adequate and the general feel of the phone is sleek without giving up that much on size coming from an EVO slab phone user. The idea that updates get pushed out to Nexus phones before anyone else will keep me a happy user for some time to come as the Nexus is a developer’s phone hence new applications often come to this phone first, the recent case of Skype video calling is a great example.
What do I miss most, or wished improved? I must admit I do miss that EVO kickstand, which was a nice feature though I can’t help but think it would mess with the sleekness of the Nexus. The missing sd card hasn’t been an issue for me, but I suppose it could be for others. There are times I still miss the LED notification light, though that is minor thing. I have read others complain of the back being slick and a fingerprint magnet, but I stuck an Egrip strip with a cool image to help in handling the phone better and reduce the space for smudges.
Are there better phones out there this summer? Sure, if you go by hardware specs, so if photo quality is important to you with a better camera and more features such as 3D, or if you just can’t live without that LED notification light, the Nexus may not be for you. A dual core phone is slightly faster, but hardly noticeable and does 1 second or less really make that much difference? Do they make better use of the android system though? In my opinion this is where the Nexus excels and for me that is the true strength of this phone and why I suggest giving it a serious consideration.

I would probably keep the galaxy s in favor of the nexus s, mainly because of the browser-lag issue in the nexus. It is a great phone, but I don't think vanilla android brings to the table that much you should sell your galaxy. Hardware wise you would be gaining nothing.
You almost might as well wait for the next nexus that probably will come at the same time as ice-cream sandwich (Q4). Nexus is nice because you get the updates almost immediately, but Google has indicated that there will be no major updates before the launch of ICS. So why not wait for the phone that launches with ICS?

i just LOVE nexus s... Fast smooth amazing battery life, bought it two days ago and i completely fell in love with it. Coming from htc sense i thought vanilla would feel a little "vanilla" but no sir, the speed and the battery pays off sure if ur a guy who likes to use camera a lot then sgs might be a better option, but for all other things i believe sns is better. plus the curved screen is sexy

of course, most people here recognize this phone as good one. you know this phone even been to Space. how great.. haha

Should I sell G2X and get Galaxy S II?

Hey.
Should I sell G2X and get Galaxy S II?
Is it worth it?
What are some points where G2X is better than SGS II....or any flaws you know about SGS II?
Thanks.

If you fast forward the clock about a month from now...and you factor in the probability of an official gb release and give the devs here a short time with that release, I think any spec advantage of the S2 would end up being just a side-grade. It would make much more sense to hang out a little, enjoy the g2x as it is bound to get better and better. And save the pennies up for the next upgrade to a quad core phone. I really doubt you would see any "real-world" difference in performance between the 2 phones.
Of course, depending on the severity of your screen bleed. If it's very minor like mine is, then it won't matter. Mine is so minor, I only see it visible when I'm in clockwork recovery screen. Whoopdidoo. But some others here have claimed their phone leaks all around the screen. Of course, I have yet to see any screenshots or pictures of this, so I don't buy into a lot of the "poor me" stories.

mmapcpro said:
If you fast forward the clock about a month from now...and you factor in the probability of an official gb release and give the devs here a short time with that release, I think any spec advantage of the S2 would end up being just a side-grade. It would make much more sense to hang out a little, enjoy the g2x as it is bound to get better and better. And save the pennies up for the next upgrade to a quad core phone. I really doubt you would see any "real-world" difference in performance between the 2 phones.
Of course, depending on the severity of your screen bleed. If it's very minor like mine is, then it won't matter. Mine is so minor, I only see it visible when I'm in clockwork recovery screen. Whoopdidoo. But some others here have claimed their phone leaks all around the screen. Of course, I have yet to see any screenshots or pictures of this, so I don't buy into a lot of the "poor me" stories.
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I have both and I can tell you this. SGS2 has no lag anywhere. It's the most responsive phone out there. Engadget review even says it is "Class-leading speed and responsiveness". I have installed 150+ apps. As soon as I go in the App Manager and every app and their icons are already loaded; same goes for creating an Application shortcut. There is zero lag when installing apps, period. Swiping notification bar up and down extremely smooth while installing apps. I can be copying many files in background and still be able to use the phone or play games like normal. Wait till Gingerbread for Tegra 2 then we can compare, but I doubt it will be as lagfree as SGS2. Most of those I mentioned can't be done without delays on G2X.
If you want to know more about SGS2, check out 1080p Flash videos playing in browser or 20 opened browser tabs playing Megaupload videos on SGS2.

I have 241 apps installed here and don't have any lag whatsoever.

awaisuk said:
Hey.
Should I sell G2X and get Galaxy S II?
Is it worth it?
What are some points where G2X is better than SGS II....or any flaws you know about SGS II?
Thanks.
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Click to collapse
Yes you should.

Same phone with slightly better screen, gimped with touchwiz interface. And Samsung doesn't exactly have the best track record.
Think about buying a used car. You could get a really reliable one. But you could also get a lemon. You know what problems your current phone has. And I'd say we're all pretty confident the G2x's issues will be ironed out very soon.
I would stick with the g2x.
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk

r4d14n7 said:
Same phone with slightly better screen, gimped with touchwiz interface. And Samsung doesn't exactly have the best track record.
Think about buying a used car. You could get a really reliable one. But you could also get a lemon. You know what problems your current phone has. And I'd say we're all pretty confident the G2x's issues will be ironed out very soon.
I would stick with the g2x.
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk
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I second this. I tried rooted custom roms and I ran into a bunch of constant reboots and overheating issues. Now I'm on the stock rooted 2.2 rom and I couldn't have been more please. My only gripe is that the GPS takes a little long to lock, but once it locks the phone works flawlessly. I would not spend any money on another phone unless it is something truly spectacular or its the next upcoming Nexus phone. The G2x has the specs, we just need the software to be ironed out. I honestly love this phone. I have a slight bit of screen bleed, but nothing drastic.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

do it !!!!
YES !!!! 100% yes !
But first wait until SGS2 gonna get it Cyanogen.
Or better let's wait official GB update, if it's gonna be "same ****" my next phone will be -SGS2, and after on Christmas- Nexus 3.

Once the SG2S hits the US market, bye bye G2X!

bighulk666 said:
Once the SG2S hits the US market, bye bye G2X!
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Click to collapse
Gonna switch to at&t?
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk

I'm gonna keep my G2x for a couple more months, then sell it on the bay or CL. Next, I'll use that money to finance my purchase of the Samsung Hercules, which be launching on T-mobile in late August/mid September. The specs on the Hercules put the SGS2, Sensation and G2x to shame imo.

Is the g2x ever going to get gingerbread? It's been after "before summer" for a long time. I haven't heard anything about it in weeks.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

r4d14n7 said:
Same phone with slightly better screen, gimped with touchwiz interface. And Samsung doesn't exactly have the best track record.
Think about buying a used car. You could get a really reliable one. But you could also get a lemon. You know what problems your current phone has. And I'd say we're all pretty confident the G2x's issues will be ironed out very soon.
I would stick with the g2x.
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
How does Touch Wiz gimp Android. The original Touch Wiz gimped Android but the latest version is probably the least intrusive out of any custom UI. If you don't like the looks of Touch Wiz then simply load ADW or LP. Its what most of us do on our G2X since vanilla is a little boring. Once you load your launcher of choice, Touch Wiz becomes non existant except for the features that do nothing but improve Android in a great way such as drop down notification toggles/settings, contacts list that is one of the best out there. I love how you can swipe right on a contact to call them and swipe left to start a text. So in the end. I ask you. Can you name 3 things that would get on your nerves with Touch Wiz after you load a launcher?
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

Once the SG2S hits the US market, bye bye G2X!
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Click to collapse
Gonna switch to at&t?
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk
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Why would you have to switch to ATT? I've said it before and Ill say it again. I know most of you dont believe me that my step father heads Samsungs corporate insurance division in the US. Yes, Samsung has its hands in the insurance business. Anyway, he hears a few things here and there and he recently told me, the reason why the GSII is taking so long to hit the US shores is because Samsung wants a simultaneous launch across the major carriers. He didn't know if T Mobile was included in this but he said Verizon, ATT and Sprint will all launch on the same day.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

Its still samsux
*Omnipresent* said:
I'm gonna keep my G2x for a couple more months, then sell it on the bay or CL. Next, I'll use that money to finance my purchase of the Samsung Hercules, which be launching on T-mobile in late August/mid September. The specs on the Hercules put the SGS2, Sensation and G2x to shame imo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

I say no.
Just tough it out and wait for the next Nexus.
The SGII or Hercules will only be incrementally better than G2x.

tuan209 said:
I say no.
Just tough it out and wait for the next Nexus.
The SGII or Hercules will only be incrementally better than G2x.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the next nexus will be king of all kings.

laker666 said:
Its still samsux
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
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The SGS2 just got its fourth update in two months. This one improved battery life, increased Wi-Fi signal strength, and sped up GPS lock time; three things users were asking for. Another update's due out by the end of the month bringing the phone up to 2.3.4 and integrating Google+ in to the Social Hub. How's that LG update coming along?

bighulk666 said:
Once the SG2S hits the US market, bye bye G2X!
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Click to collapse
And when is that supposed to be?

BarryH_GEG said:
The SGS2 just got its fourth update in two months. This one improved battery life, increased Wi-Fi signal strength, and sped up GPS lock time; three things users were asking for. Another update's due out by the end of the month bringing the phone up to 2.3.4 and integrating Google+ in to the Social Hub. How's that LG update coming along?
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Click to collapse
lol OP...
the reason I want the Samsung GSII is a matter of personal preference. I happen to like touchwiz, the amoled screen, and IMO Samsung phones take fantastic pictures in any lighting. I wasn't going to start a thread about it I just hang tight with my G2x until then haha.
i can't wait tho... people if you want the strength in numbers, the supply and demand iPhone users enjoy without iOS and or ****ty at&t then Samsung is the only choice. they're spearheading to the front for the number one android smart phone and I believe they can do it. haters gonna hate buy look at the aforementioned facts that I quoted or sales figures. people loving these phones all around the world
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

Should I trade my One S for Galaxy S 3

Hi the title says it all I'm thinking of trading my One S in for a Galaxy S 3 I just want to hear peoples opinions and thoughts on this matter
Sent from my HTC One S using xda premium

Specs wise they're both beasts. Enough so that it doesn't matter which one wins which benchmarks.
The most important difference is the size/feel in your hand. If the SGS3 feels good to you, then sure, go ahead.
Personally I find it too large and too plasticky. And of course anyone whose taste and opinion are different than mine is a moron.

If you want bigger and sharper screen, more storage, better/larger developing community, better support from Samsung for updates, removable battery, better 1080P recording then yes, if you're aren't bothered by those areas then no.
Although I wouldn't buy anything now, when we have the LG nexus 4 and supposedly a HTC nexus 5 (specs may be the same as the HTC butterfly), which will be announced on the 29th October.
Out of the current phones, which are on the market, I would get the one XL and RAZR HD instead of the GS 3.

Well I like the idea of extra storage space and more dev support, the fact you don't need to unlock the bootloader is a plus for me
I did go down town today and held a GS3 and it felt comfortable in the hand the size wasn't really an issue so I guess that's the decider
Sent from my HTC One S using xda premium

If I had the offer to trade my HTC One S for a Galaxy S 3 I would do it in a heartbeat lol. I still haven't even opened my One S mainly from all the bad news I read about it here.

I came from the s3 to the one s. Don't miss it. Removable battery and more storage were the only plus Imo. I like the one s feel and build a lot better. I had to run an extended battery on my s3 because there's mysterious battery drain on every rom. My buddy has a Verizon s3 and even with lte his oem battery would last twice as long as mine. It's all about personal preference and if you want a bigger phone and more storage the s3 would be good. Performance wise the phones are pretty equal.

LibertyMonger said:
I still haven't even opened my One S mainly from all the bad news I read about it here.
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Click to collapse
What bad news?
The chipping?
My black one S is still in perfect condition apart from the USB port area, had it since April.
The signal?
Never had an issue with it, signal has never been as consistent as what I would have liked, but since the last update, it is more consistent and mostly full bars instead of 3 bars and the voice reception has dramatically improved when I have H/3G data connection.
Touch button issue?
Never had that.
Only thing I am disappointed with is the support from HTC for updates, but then again there isn't much else they can improve apart from improving wifi and mobile reception even further and plus the support for the X isn't any better. The NLED sucks compared to the GS 3 NLED.
Remember just because people report problems, doesn't mean that it will apply to everyone, hardly anyone will ever come onto a forum to post the positive things, only if they have a problem, plus unfortunately there seems to be a lot of one S haters on this forum.

LibertyMonger said:
If I had the offer to trade my HTC One S for a Galaxy S 3 I would do it in a heartbeat lol. I still haven't even opened my One S mainly from all the bad news I read about it here.
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Click to collapse
You're letting the warranty go down without even using it. It would be better to find about the problem now when you still have your warranty instead of opening it two years later, finding a problem, and having to cover all the costs instead (i'm not implying it has a problem, but it could do)
Terminator19 said:
What bad news?
The chipping?
My black one S is still in perfect condition apart from the USB port area, had it since April.
The signal?
Never had an issue with it, signal has never been as consistent as what I would have liked, but since the last update, it is more consistent and mostly full bars instead of 3 bars and the voice reception has dramatically improved when I have H/3G data connection.
Touch button issue?
Never had that.
Only thing I am disappointed with is the support from HTC for updates, but then again there isn't much else they can improve apart from improving wifi and mobile reception even further and plus the support for the X isn't any better. The NLED sucks compared to the GS 3 NLED.
Remember just because people report problems, doesn't mean that it will apply to everyone, hardly anyone will ever come onto a forum to post the positive things, only if they have a problem, plus unfortunately there seems to be a lot of one S haters on this forum.
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Click to collapse
All of those haters will be gone once this phone get a little old, then the good people will stay and others will leave, and then this phone will get some good attention.
I plan on keeping this phone for a while, 2, 3 or 4 years.

Thanks Guy's very helpful info. I guess I was disappointed in the hboot issues and seeing how many are having issues after updating up to 1.14 and all. I'm used to flashing freely with my old nexus S and my new GNex and everything i read in here has been very disappointing. I just worried I made a big mistake since i got one of these for everyone in my family lol. Thanks again, I been thinking about saying the heck with it and keeping it, i just can't see the point in having 2 phones. It really is a wonderful phone for normal users. It doesn't seem to need root except for getting rid of the bloat, using root required apps, volume wake and theming. Thanks again guy's made me feel better lol.

usaff22 said:
All of those haters will be gone once this phone get a little old, then the good people will stay and others will leave, and then this phone will get some good attention.
I plan on keeping this phone for a while, 2, 3 or 4 years.
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Click to collapse
Yeah I hope so!
Likewise, although not as long. I find 4.3" too small now and want bigger! Love the note II screen, but the device is just too big to carry in my pockets and comfortably use with one hand. Plus, I personally can't see HTC supporting this phone for long as it isn't very popular and they have released a ton of other android phones and will be releasing even more in the next few months, meaning the S will get even less attention. Hope to get 4.2, but I have a funny feeling we won't or if they do, it will take forever......
Root and flash ROMs is an option. I had a read through the guides last night, after reading that we won't get JB till December (although I probably won't see JB on my phone till January) but I really cba with doing that again and flashing a new ROM every other week and then encountering annoying niggles.
So yeah, I will see what the LG nexus 4 is like and possibly other nexus devices largely due to updates/support and bigger screen. Although I do prefer sense overall compared to stock android, but I want a phone, which has good support.
Unfortunately the build quality and looks won't be anywhere as good as the S
The RAZR HD looks like a great option as well:
http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/16/3513860/motorola-stock-android-customization-verizon
LibertyMonger said:
Thanks Guy's very helpful info. I guess I was disappointed in the hboot issues and seeing how many are having issues after updating up to 1.14 and all. I'm used to flashing freely with my old nexus S and my new GNex and everything i read in here has been very disappointing. I just worried I made a big mistake since i got one of these for everyone in my family lol. Thanks again, I been thinking about saying the heck with it and keeping it, i just can't see the point in having 2 phones. It really is a wonderful phone for normal users. It doesn't seem to need root except for getting rid of the bloat, using root required apps, volume wake and theming. Thanks again guy's made me feel better lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your entire family have one, then surely you know what to expect
BTW you can disable most of the bloat by going to settings>apps>click on app you want disabled and then click "disable" in the top right corner. Although you can't disable some stock sense apps like the launcher, browser, maps etc.

The next step. Where do we go?

So.. I've been looking around. It's time for me to jump off credo mobile and go back to sprint. I fine to this forum because I honestly believe you all have the best idea of support in understanding hardware and software.
In thus, what is your next step from the shift? Sounds line the Motorola photon became a fail.. HTC evo 4g lte, maybe somewhat old now.. And the HTC one along with s4 is just around the bend.. However.. No qwerty keyboard.
So... Where do you all stand? I've had sine thoughts recently on thinking the scoffed... Iphone5 recently since jail breaking and video quality is good (audio in particular).
So yeah.. Thoughts?
PS: I still mid my shift.. However the s2 recently struck awesome with the black bean ROM
Cheers!
Sent with pride from my Baked Black Bean E4GT SPH-710.

konichwa said:
So.. I've been looking around. It's time for me to jump off credo mobile and go back to sprint. I fine to this forum because I honestly believe you all have the best idea of support in understanding hardware and software.
In thus, what is your next step from the shift? Sounds line the Motorola photon became a fail.. HTC evo 4g lte, maybe somewhat old now.. And the HTC one along with s4 is just around the bend.. However.. No qwerty keyboard.
So... Where do you all stand? I've had sine thoughts recently on thinking the scoffed... Iphone5 recently since jail breaking and video quality is good (audio in particular).
So yeah.. Thoughts?
PS: I still mid my shift.. However the s2 recently struck awesome with the black bean ROM
Cheers!
Sent with pride from my Baked Black Bean E4GT SPH-710.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im loving my lte.
The one and s4 are good, but I honestly dont feel they're worth the upgrade from what I have.
I'd wait a little longer to see what both companies are going to offer.
There's been rumors of a one-like phone coming to sprint with 2gigs of ram and sd slot.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app

Wow... This sold me.. The one sounds amazing.
http://blog.htc.com/2013/03/htc-one-distortion-free-recording/
If I didn't have to switch and I owned a 4g lte, I would do the same as you Jesus. However I'm switching providers back top sprint and taking 75 for my galaxy s2.
2gb memory cache! Yes its true.. Holy macro! Its almost like running a laptop in you're hand.. Pretty darn close.
Other good reviews on CNET that didn't seem very embellished. Though they do seem more sided with htc..lol.. Especially with well the seeking imagery.. For a tech head anyhow. Haha
The gs4 has way too big of a screen for me.. S2 was borderline enough.. Lol 4.7 vs 5 inch from HTC one and galaxy s4. Plus HTC makes way better builds
http://m.cnet.com/reviews/samsung-galaxy-s4/35627724
http://m.cnet.com/reviews/htc-one/35616143
Only thing is.. I wonder how break proof the glass is
Sent with pride from my Baked Black Bean E4GT SPH-710.

I bit the bullet yesterday and went to Metropcs. Upgraded from my beloved Evo Shift and got an LG Motion. I wasn't that impressed with the Spirit and it just didn't feel right in my hands.

at this point id just hold off and see whats announced at google i\o in may, might be wiser to just wait and get a new nexus phone with key lime pie*, whats a couple more months
(*rumored)

Im wondering if Google now owns Motorola, what that might mean for the Photon Q and the droids. Maybe they'll let us unlock the bootloaders and have a party.

I've been a mobile qwerty man since the awesome palm pure with webOS, but sometime around last year my flex cable went out on my shift and have learned to enjoy the virtual keyboard and swipe.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

SwiftKey all the way

CNexus said:
SwiftKey all the way
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You think swift is better then android's version of the swipe 4.2 KB? Not sure myself... Tried both and I'm on Android one currently
Sent with pride from my Baked Black Bean E4GT SPH-710.

Actually the KB in 4.2.2 is really good...the only issue I see with it (imo anyway) is that you can't longpress on the keys to put in numbers or symbols
Pretty sweet otherwise, but same...it's a pretty close call
The color and texture of it is also really nice

HTC One sounds promising now...
http://www.xda-developers.com/andro...rs/ShsH+(xda-developers)&utm_content=FaceBook

I've waited when the LTE and S3 came out. Now it's time for the S4 and the One. I cannot wait anymore. I need a new device. And after comparing specs, features, and reviews I've decided that I'll go for the HTC One. It's not as gimmicky as the Samsung and way better quality.
Shifted from the bottom of the rabbit hole

I like the One a lot. I'm still on the fence though. I also like the Nexus 4 quite a bit.

Chad The Pathfinder said:
I like the One a lot. I'm still on the fence though. I also like the Nexus 4 quite a bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd go with the Nexus...reading through the posts over in the M7 forums, there seem to be a lot of physical issues with the device...may just be the first couple batches that were manufactured, but at least with a nexus device, root is as easy as using fastboot
But the One they need to get S-OFF because htcdev.com is the only option right now

CNexus said:
I'd go with the Nexus...reading through the posts over in the M7 forums, there seem to be a lot of physical issues with the device...may just be the first couple batches that were manufactured, but at least with a nexus device, root is as easy as using fastboot
But the One they need to get S-OFF because htcdev.com is the only option right now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plus you have to see it like this, with HTC your going to lose a lot of features running AOSP. Its shipped with Sense for a reason :banghead:
To some that's not a big deal, but to most it will be, because we all know it will release with an outdated Android version. Not only that, its outdated due to bugs.
With a Nexus device the only way to go is up, since the only proprietary thing is MPdecision and that's released in our ota updates. Which comes just a day or so after the ota rollout. So we gain a lot, BUT don't have the option for skinned ROMs.
I look at it like this, if your going to run Sense only (and HTC has dealt with security leaks) then the One would be a great device. But if your not running Sense, get a device AOSP was built for so you don't have all the tiny bugs that will be present.
I remember back when ALL I would run on my speedy was Sense, because AOSP was buggy with MMS/camera/video etc. So I hated it, even on my DS I hated CM because it was buggy.......but my Nexus really opened my eyes.
End of rant lol
Sent from my Nexus 4

strapped365 said:
Plus you have to see it like this, with HTC your going to lose a lot of features running AOSP. Its shipped with Sense for a reason :banghead:
To some that's not a big deal, but to most it will be, because we all know it will release with an outdated Android version. Not only that, its outdated due to bugs.
With a Nexus device the only way to go is up, since the only proprietary thing is MPdecision and that's released in our ota updates. Which comes just a day or so after the ota rollout. So we gain a lot, BUT don't have the option for skinned ROMs.
I look at it like this, if your going to run Sense only (and HTC has dealt with security leaks) then the One would be a great device. But if your not running Sense, get a device AOSP was built for so you don't have all the tiny bugs that will be present.
I remember back when ALL I would run on my speedy was Sense, because AOSP was buggy with MMS/camera/video etc. So I hated it, even on my DS I hated CM because it was buggy.......but my Nexus really opened my eyes.
End of rant lol
Sent from my Nexus 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if you're looking at AOSP you gotta look at the dev support too, even if it wasn't built for AOSP and there is a lot of devs working on it the bugs will get hammered out... that was the problem with devices like the Shift. Now the s3 and Note 2 have a ton of devs but you also gotta deal with a ton of Noobs. I personally miss the small community here but having more devs is definitely a plus... but dang even with the s2 I feel like I'm always behind with what is going on. The bigger communities ate a little intimidating after being here for two years. And I know the Nexus 4 community is HUGE.

bilgerryan said:
Well if you're looking at AOSP you gotta look at the dev support too, even if it wasn't built for AOSP and there is a lot of devs working on it the bugs will get hammered out... that was the problem with devices like the Shift. Now the s3 and Note 2 have a ton of devs but you also gotta deal with a ton of Noobs. I personally miss the small community here but having more devs is definitely a plus... but dang even with the s2 I feel like I'm always behind with what is going on. The bigger communities ate a little intimidating after being here for two years. And I know the Nexus 4 community is HUGE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah today is the most I've been on xda in a few days. I've shut down my strapped gmail, and everything. I'm stepping completely back and putting things in order in my life, that's another reason I couldn't chose HTC, to many bugs/updates to work out. I have no need to ever update from what I have because its flawless....I love my Nexus
Sent from my Nexus 4

strapped365 said:
Yeah today is the most I've been on xda in a few days. I've shut down my strapped gmail, and everything. I'm stepping completely back and putting things in order in my life, that's another reason I couldn't chose HTC, to many bugs/updates to work out. I have no need to ever update from what I have because its flawless....I love my Nexus
Sent from my Nexus 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had to do that about a month ago. I've been using SuperNexus a lot which is basically what is on the N4 with some added support for extras but damn it flies. I saw an idiot spouting crap about it because he broke the back cuz it fell out of his pocket... I was like why do you think they make cases? People are dumb.

bilgerryan said:
I had to do that about a month ago. I've been using SuperNexus a lot which is basically what is on the N4 with some added support for extras but damn it flies. I saw an idiot spouting crap about it because he broke the back cuz it fell out of his pocket... I was like why do you think they make cases? People are dumb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah he's a moron! What kind of person buys an all glass phone and rocks its naked?....(granted I just stepped out to my parents and left one case, but I have a backup in my car). And expects it to stay flawless..
Sent from my Nexus 4

With sprint though the options are either the One, S4, G Pro. No nexus devices. And out of them it's either the One or G Pro. And I dunno much about the G Pro atm and I really want a new device. Lol
Shifted from the bottom of the rabbit hole
---------- Post added at 08:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:32 PM ----------
And switching carriers is a no no. I used 38gbs or so this month. ^_^ Lololol.
Shifted from the bottom of the rabbit hole

Anyone regret getting the S4?

As the title suggests, has anyone gone past their 14 day exchange policy and regretted getting the S4? I'm just curious as I have about 3 days left of my 14 days and am not completely sold on it yet.
Just to get it out of the way, I'm not a fan of aosp. Not to go into details, but I prefer touchwiz roms. With that being said, even custom roms and kernels can't completely take away some of the annoying lag and stuttering of this phone.
The only other phone I would consider is the HTC One. I can obviously pay the $35 restocking fee to get one or I have a guy locally who will do a straight trade with me. I just wanted some opinions, what do you think?
Sent from my SGH-i337 using xda premium

I am regretting it!
WizeGuyDezignz said:
As the title suggests, has anyone gone past their 14 day exchange policy and regretted getting the S4? I'm just curious as I have about 3 days left of my 14 days and am not completely sold on it yet.
Just to get it out of the way, I'm not a fan of aosp. Not to go into details, but I prefer touchwiz roms. With that being said, even custom roms and kernels can't completely take away some of the annoying lag and stuttering of this phone.
The only other phone I would consider is the HTC One. I can obviously pay the $35 restocking fee to get one or I have a guy locally who will do a straight trade with me. I just wanted some opinions, what do you think?
Sent from my SGH-i337 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am.. I came from Verizon Galaxy Nexus and have been on the S4 for 2 full months... There are some nice features on the S4, but some quirky things that REALLY drive me crazy. Given the opportunity, I would go back to my Nexus and wait for something else

I bought the GS4 very soon after it was released and wish I had waited... There arent many other phones out there as powerful as the GS4 but the new Moto X looks like and I also like the GE GS4 as I already own a 1st gen Nexus 7.. Im just glad that they figured out a root for the new MF3 firmware...

WizeGuyDezignz said:
As the title suggests, has anyone gone past their 14 day exchange policy and regretted getting the S4? I'm just curious as I have about 3 days left of my 14 days and am not completely sold on it yet.
Just to get it out of the way, I'm not a fan of aosp. Not to go into details, but I prefer touchwiz roms. With that being said, even custom roms and kernels can't completely take away some of the annoying lag and stuttering of this phone.
The only other phone I would consider is the HTC One. I can obviously pay the $35 restocking fee to get one or I have a guy locally who will do a straight trade with me. I just wanted some opinions, what do you think?
Sent from my SGH-i337 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. In fact more I use, more I feel good about this phone. And also glad that I chose this one over others. Some of the widely used the so called gimmicky features I like using all the time is smart stay, blocking mode, and ofcourse most of the features of TW stock camera. This camera takes the best panorama, period. I have Nexus camera app to take photosphere shot and now I don't miss the Nexus experience at all. But as you know no 2 individual are same, therefore its up to you whether you like this phone or not. After all you are paying to own the device therefore if you are not happy with this go for the one you think is 'money well spent'
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

I got mine completely free as do most my other phones. Definitely best smart phone I've ever had and well worth every theoretical penny I spent on it.

I returned mine... just did not like the screen. I have an Active and I'm happy

WizeGuyDezignz said:
As the title suggests, has anyone gone past their 14 day exchange policy and regretted getting the S4? I'm just curious as I have about 3 days left of my 14 days and am not completely sold on it yet.
Just to get it out of the way, I'm not a fan of aosp. Not to go into details, but I prefer touchwiz roms. With that being said, even custom roms and kernels can't completely take away some of the annoying lag and stuttering of this phone.
The only other phone I would consider is the HTC One. I can obviously pay the $35 restocking fee to get one or I have a guy locally who will do a straight trade with me. I just wanted some opinions, what do you think?
Sent from my SGH-i337 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally have not experienced any more lag or stutter than I have on other android phones (actually experience much less). I upgraded from a Galaxy Nexus i9250. That phone was slow as hell even with custom roms. The screen was **** too (after a ski trip, the cold did something to the screen and its filled with lines now. GS4 is way better.

I like the phone. I do run it rooted and stock. After getting rid of the bloat I don't think it lags that much. I love the camera and the remote function. I wanted a larger screen and this was a good compromise since I was looking at the Note II. I do have better service than my htc.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

dvsdlite said:
I like the phone. I do run it rooted and stock. After getting rid of the bloat I don't think it lags that much. I love the camera and the remote function. I wanted a larger screen and this was a good compromise since I was looking at the Note II. I do have better service than my htc.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love mine, is rooted and also get a lot battery life and removed all bloatware to make it faster:good:

Thanks for all of the responses guys! So none of you wish you had gotten the One? I don't know why the phone is so stuck in my head right now. Thoughts?
Sent from my SGH-i337 using xda premium

it's a nice phone and I don't regret buying it. I however prefer my Note 1 over it though. the screen was much better (though a lower resolution), no button on the front and tbh I spent more time on stock with the I717 than I did with the I337. I still have my 717 and when this S4 breaks as I'm sure it will, I'll swap back to the 717, get my squaretrade warranty for the S4 and just sit on the cash until something else comes out that suits my fancy. Hopefully something without a locked bootloader.

WizeGuyDezignz said:
Thanks for all of the responses guys! So none of you wish you had gotten the One? I don't know why the phone is so stuck in my head right now. Thoughts?
Sent from my SGH-i337 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have some reverse insight to add for you, because I initially picked up the One and then swapped it out for the GS4. Every phone has its quirks, and as a previous GSII and GSIII user, I couldn't live with the One's quirks:
The button placement was awkward for me. As a right-hander, I like having the power button at my thumb and the volume rocker at my index and middle finger. The One has the volume rocker lower on the right, and the power button up top.
Without a physical home button, the position of the power button makes the task of quickly checking your phone for the time etc a little more annoying.
The screen stops at the speakers, as opposed to the Galaxy series' glass fronts which go all the way. Doesn't seem like a big deal, but I would almost always get my finger caught in the nano-difference in height between where the speakers end and the screen starts while swiping down for notifications.
On the plus side, build quality on the One is excellent and the speakers just blow the S4 out of the water. The screen, while smaller, looked sharper and less saturated than the GS4's. If those are important to you, definitely check out the One. I was too used to the Galaxy series and decided to switch back to the S4 - couldn't be happier. Hope that helps!

I'm currently on my 3rd month of being a 7 year iPhone convert. I traded my iPhone 5 for a Note 2, then traded the Note for an S4. I like it. I like the feel of it in my hand despite the plastic. Screen is beautiful and the camera is excellent, My only problem is that every single AOSP ROM I flash crashes my phone like crazy. I've gone through at least 6 different AOSP ROMs to no avail. Almost like its just not meant to be. I've used CleanROM since the beginning with the KT kernel overclocked to 2.16GHz, UV'ed -50, Greenified, & Viper audio and on Saturday beat the battery life I was getting on my Note 2 with a 26hr charge. Am I happy? Yes. Can it still be improved on? But will I eventually trade it for a Note 3 when its out? Yes.

jedimyndtryx said:
I'm currently on my 3rd month of being a 7 year iPhone convert. I traded my iPhone 5 for a Note 2, then traded the Note for an S4. I like it. I like the feel of it in my hand despite the plastic. Screen is beautiful and the camera is excellent, My only problem is that every single AOSP ROM I flash crashes my phone like crazy. I've gone through at least 6 different AOSP ROMs to no avail. Almost like its just not meant to be. I've used CleanROM since the beginning with the KT kernel overclocked to 2.16GHz, UV'ed -50, Greenified, & Viper audio and on Saturday beat the battery life I was getting on my Note 2 with a 26hr charge. Am I happy? Yes. Can it still be improved on? But will I eventually trade it for a Note 3 when its out? Yes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That undervolting might be one of the reasons you're always getting crashes. Liquid smooth 2.9 is by far the best aosp rom I ever ran. Gave me amazing performance with no hiccups on the stock kernel and better battery life than any other rom I ran. Almost 7 hrs of on screen time.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app

marcoxx626 said:
That undervolting might be one of the reasons you're always getting crashes. Liquid smooth 2.9 is by far the best aosp rom I ever ran. Gave me amazing performance with no hiccups on the stock kernel and better battery life than any other rom I ran. Almost 7 hrs of on screen time.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WoW tha'ts great battery life, I need to give a try

I agree with all posts to date. And, yes aosp is not quite ready for prime time on most S4 phones. Esp 4.3. Seems like some of the older issues are still there.
I am on Omega v9 and Wicked. They are buttery smooth and lightning fast--flashed correctly of course--
I mainly got the S4 over One for screen size when web browing. And did not like the button placement either. I came from 2 rooted HTC phones, so nothing against HTC.
Luckily we have so many choices--:good:

I didn't get HTC One, because it lacked micro SD card slot. Though it also lacked removable battery option but I could have trade off of that thing. But then again HTC has shown the middle finger with the updates on their so called flagship phones. Next year when they'll release yet another flagship phone, they'll forget about HTC One even exist.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

krips2003 said:
I didn't get HTC One, because it lacked micro SD card slot. Though it also lacked removable battery option but I could have trade off of that thing. But then again HTC has shown the middle finger with the updates on their so called flagship phones. Next year when they'll release yet another flagship phone, they'll forget about HTC One even exist.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^This Too^^

I first got the S4 Active, because I thought it was an S4 that was waterproof... that phone was a big disappointment!
Lacked the SuperAMOLED display
Lacked the more powerfull CPU
and it lacked the Gen3 Gorilla glass...
(these were the dealbreakers for me)
I then traded it in for the Full S4, and loved it!
I just wish I could have kept MDL on it, (yeah, I was stupid, and took the MF3 OTA)
I did have a week + of full root+recovery, and managed to play with a few custom OS' before I reverted back to stock...
even though I am no longer able to use a custom recovery, I am very happy with the S4 and would only trade it for a MDB/MDL phone at this point.

I've bought the S4 a couple times since its been released. Even upgraded to it a few times before taking it back. Finally decided to pick a brand new one up on eBay after thoroughly checking the IMEI number. I do not think the phone is worth a full upgrade. That's why I got mine for a song brand new on eBay. One shouldn't have to root and flash a custom rom because the original phone software is way too laggy.
I don't regret getting the S4, but I know I won't be sticking with it as long as I planned. It's a great phone, but I'd like to see what the next iPhone brings to the table and the Note 3.