[Q] Upgrade time: Prospects for S3 dev over 20 months? - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III

I've reached my upgrade date with VZW and it's time to retire our HTC Thunderbolts. We can upgrade to the S3 for $20 or the S4 for $150 (through Amazon) each. I won't bother with a highly-subjective "which is better?" kind of question but I am curious about what the prospects are for S3 custom ROMs continuing to receive love now that the new toys are likely to grab a lot of attention from developers. The thing that would weigh heavily against the budget option for me would be arriving on a dead or dying custom scene, where I'm basically left with whatever was around when the S4 dropped. That's what basically happened with my Thunderbolt when the Rezound and other phones were released, though it took about 6 months before ROM updates and bug fixes just stopped altogether for most ROMs. I haven't had time to explore all of the forums to try to take the temperature so I thought I would drop this quick inquiry to those who might know enough already to share their thoughts on the matter. If nothing else about the differences between the phones mattered to you, would the trends in ROM development alone sway you from an S3?

neverfox said:
I've reached my upgrade date with VZW and it's time to retire our HTC Thunderbolts. We can upgrade to the S3 for $20 or the S4 for $150 (through Amazon) each. I won't bother with a highly-subjective "which is better?" kind of question but I am curious about what the prospects are for S3 custom ROMs continuing to receive love now that the new toys are likely to grab a lot of attention from developers. The thing that would weigh heavily against the budget option for me would be arriving on a dead or dying custom scene, where I'm basically left with whatever was around when the S4 dropped. That's what basically happened with my Thunderbolt when the Rezound and other phones were released, though it took about 6 months before ROM updates and bug fixes just stopped altogether for most ROMs. I haven't had time to explore all of the forums to try to take the temperature so I thought I would drop this quick inquiry to those who might know enough already to share their thoughts on the matter. If nothing else about the differences between the phones mattered to you, would the trends in ROM development alone sway you from an S3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Development is obviously going to slow. S4 development is taking off quickly now.
However, just because development may be slowing down for touchwiz doesn't mean there aren't great options available. There are still great devs who are pushing out touchwiz updates constantly. Additionally, AOSP roms will constantly be updated much longer than touchwiz roms will.
The S4 is definitely a better phone, but i can't really justify paying that much more for it. I'm getting every feature I want from current custom touchwiz roms on the S3.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Not sure if I'm 100% correct but I believe the new ota broke root. That's something to factor in. You could also buy them and sell them on swappa, the cheapest is going for $515. There's also the upcoming moto x or wherever they are calling it. But then you have to wait and see if it's locked.
If I had the upgrade, I would buy them, play with for awhile and sell them and buy a cheaper s3.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

BadUsername said:
Development is obviously going to slow. S4 development is taking off quickly now.
However, just because development may be slowing down for touchwiz doesn't mean there aren't great options available. There are still great devs who are pushing out touchwiz updates constantly. Additionally, AOSP roms will constantly be updated much longer than touchwiz roms will.
The S4 is definitely a better phone, but i can't really justify paying that much more for it. I'm getting every feature I want from current custom touchwiz roms on the S3.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very helpful. Thanks.

bobAbooE said:
Not sure if I'm 100% correct but I believe the new ota broke root. That's something to factor in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's something I meant to clarify. I've been hearing all the buzz about that regarding the S4, but does that also affect the S3? It would definitely seal the deal for me if the S4 had a chance of coming out-of-the-box locked up tight. I was thinking that with the S3 being older, it's less likely to come out of the box with that particular update (assuming it applies to the S3 at all) already on it, giving me a chance to root and customize right away.

I'm sure they are still shipping phones that do not have the update. You would just need to verify the build. Not sure how easy that is though. I'm not for sure but I assume you could downgrade the update, I guess being locked effects future roms being based on the new ota. I'm sure they will root it, I hope so.
Again, I'm not 100% sure but I'm confident in that the new ota broke root.
Here's a link. http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/0...e-recent-vruame7-update-here-are-the-details/
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

I got a S3 an a S4 about two months ago like both of them.The S3 is very easy to root even with the lastest update with casual.Both are good phones but for the price the S3 is hard to beat.

May want to wait for the official moto x announcement on Aug 1. It may be priced very aggressively and leaked specs point to a phone between the gs3 and gs4.

If I'm not mistaken, s4s bootloader is locked still.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using Tapatalk 4 Beta

It was relocked by the ota.

Related

Paid retail for VZW SG3 should I get dev. edition?

I paid full off contract retail price for a VZW SG3 only to find out it has a locked bootloader. I have a couple of more days in the 14 day window that I can return it in. Should I do that and wait for the developer edition, or will there be a lack of support for it as so few people will have it? Will I be able to flash Roms and kernels created for the other carriers. Pretty much looking for opinions on whether or not it would be a waste to jump through hoops, pay restocking fees, and wait for Samsung's release just to end up in the same boat I would have been in anyway. Thanks for your opinions in advance.
You are one of many, i've spent a decent amount of hours myself trying to figure out whats the next best step.
I don't think anyone has a solid 100% answer right now, I wish there was. but here are my 2 cents:
Personally I'm debating if should return the phone and go with Sprint, problem is Sprint isn't as half as good as VZW in my area so thats a pretty big sacrifice just to be able to load custom roms, as important as it may be.
If you're in the same boat, where you don't really have another decent option, all you can do is wait and hope.
I'm sure this phone won't fall through the cracks mainly due to it's huge fan base and demand, the devs here have yet to disappoint.
Madcat81 said:
You are one of many, i've spent a decent amount of hours myself trying to figure out whats the next best step.
I don't think anyone has a solid 100% answer right now, I wish there was. but here are my 2 cents:
Personally I'm debating if should return the phone and go with Sprint, problem is Sprint isn't as half as good as VZW in my area so thats a pretty big sacrifice just to be able to load custom roms, as important as it may be.
If you're in the same boat, where you don't really have another decent option, all you can do is wait and hope.
I'm sure this phone won't fall through the cracks mainly due to it's huge fan base and demand, the devs here have yet to disappoint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, switching carriers isn't a viable option for me. My family works for Verizon (not wireless) so I get a hefty discount on my rates. I think the main thing that bugs me is I paid $600 for a phone and now I have to sit and watch the other carriers dev forums blow up with cool stuff while we are spinning our wheels. I just bought a Nexus 7 solely to tinker with as I have a Galaxy 10.1 as my workhorse. Maybe when that gets here it will help.
Anybody else in this situation? What are you going to do?
I read somewhere on this site that the non dev version was getting an update to unlock it. This was supposedly from Verizon rep. It's hard to believe since they are selling a separate dev version.
Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk 2
imtoomuch said:
I read somewhere on this site that the non dev version was getting an update to unlock it. This was supposedly from Verizon rep. It's hard to believe since they are selling a separate dev version.
Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was debunked, it's not happening; I don't remember what Android site I saw that on, though.
On another note, will people be able to install Sprint SGS 3 ROMs without any troubles on the Verizon SGS 3 Developer Edition, or is that not going to be possible? I'm thinking about getting the Developer one when it comes out, but if we're going to be retarded stepchildren compared to other SGS 3 forums, I won't bother.
imtoomuch said:
I read somewhere on this site that the non dev version was getting an update to unlock it. This was supposedly from Verizon rep. It's hard to believe since they are selling a separate dev version.
Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's been debunked. It was reps confusing bootloader unlock with global gsm unlock.
Roland Deschain said:
This was debunked, it's not happening; I don't remember what Android site I saw that on, though.
On another note, will people be able to install Sprint SGS 3 ROMs without any troubles on the Verizon SGS 3 Developer Edition, or is that not going to be possible? I'm thinking about getting the Developer one when it comes out, but if we're going to be retarded stepchildren compared to other SGS 3 forums, I won't bother.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android Authority I believe.
Roland Deschain said:
.
On another note, will people be able to install Sprint SGS 3 ROMs without any troubles on the Verizon SGS 3 Developer Edition, or is that not going to be possible? I'm thinking about getting the Developer one when it comes out, but if we're going to be retarded stepchildren compared to other SGS 3 forums, I won't bother.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly how I feel, and what I would like to know.
I read on here that the dev version has a 30 day warranty that is all. No one year manufacturer warranty like the rest so that ills it for me.

Is the Verizon GS3 still worth getting?

I was going to get this phone when it launched but gave up due to the locked bootloader issue. Now that is resolved and there are JB rom's out as well.
But now the next Nexus is probably only 2 months away and will likely ship with Key Lime Pie. Would you get this phone today, or wait?
If you're fine with your Nexus wait for the next one Imo
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Gotta love the mobile device world where you've got a 4-6 week window after launch to buy before you have to start thinking about waiting for the next best thing
blestsol said:
If you're fine with your Nexus wait for the next one Imo
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an Evo 4G which is quite outdated at this point since it won't be getting a stable ICS/JB build.
grin0048 said:
Gotta love the mobile device world where you've got a 4-6 week window after launch to buy before you have to start thinking about waiting for the next best thing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only for Android
Nexus devices and manufacturer devices are 2 different monsters. To ask if the SGS3 is still worth getting it really the wrong question to ask. It is the best phone out right now so how would it not be worth getting?
If the latest software is your thing which I thought was mine until I owned the GNEX and realized how many problems that phone had, then maybe wait to see what the next Nexus device has to offer. Even then, the S3 will still be one of the top dogs for Android I am sure.
The S3 is an amazing device and I am happy I made the switch to it. S3 with ICS is better then my GNEX was with JB. Even with the great software it had on it it did not fix the terrible camera, horrible screen, bad radio's and horrific battery life.
ECrispy said:
I have an Evo 4G which is quite outdated at this point since it won't be getting a stable ICS/JB build.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you NEED to switch to Verizon right now? If not I'd wait a few. Unless you balling enough to drop the cash for the next Nexus lol.
Sent from my gs3 using xda premium
ECrispy said:
I was going to get this phone when it launched but gave up due to the locked bootloader issue. Now that is resolved and there are JB rom's out as well.
But now the next Nexus is probably only 2 months away and will likely ship with Key Lime Pie. Would you get this phone today, or wait?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, and the SG4 coming out soon too, you might as well wait, and the Note 2 will be here soon as well.
chamberc said:
Yeah, and the SG4 coming out soon too, you might as well wait, and the Note 2 will be here soon as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SG4? lol
The Note is either a device you want or don't. I sure know I don't. I cannot imagine lugging that thing around with me all day.
One good thing about the Note though is it should stop a lot more people from texting and driving : )
I'd go for the SGIII, feature wise and development wise it's going to be one of the best phones for a while IMO.
chamberc said:
Yeah, and the SG4 coming out soon too, you might as well wait, and the Note 2 will be here soon as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont be jumping ahead its still 2012!
The Note II is not an option
I'm just a little worried that the phone development may not be as active as the other GS3 versions or the Nexus, or that VZW might find a way to lock it down again.
ECrispy said:
The Note II is not an option
I'm just a little worried that the phone development may not be as active as the other GS3 versions or the Nexus, or that VZW might find a way to lock it down again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what im seeing the Verizon version is the most active GS3 section.
ECrispy said:
I was going to get this phone when it launched but gave up due to the locked bootloader issue. Now that is resolved and there are JB rom's out as well.
But now the next Nexus is probably only 2 months away and will likely ship with Key Lime Pie. Would you get this phone today, or wait?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I were you I would wait for the next Nexus phone, since you know the development is gonna be huge. I really wanted to wait for the next Nexus, but I lost patience and got the S3. Having said that the S3 is a beast of a phone, I love it. But again if you can wait then the best bet would be to get the next Nexus.
I think ur safe either way, the Nexus always has great development but I had a terrible experience with the Galaxy Nexus, so I can't see going to another Nexus device. Even when it comes out I can't see it being any better than the S3, I picture it basically being the S3 with aosp android
Look at it like this, the Galaxy Nexus was still made by Samsung, as you seen from the lastest Nexus they weren't willing to give up the best features like camera and processers. I'm sure they are not going to give google the best features making the s3 obsolete. When the Nexus came out the s2 was still just as good if not better to be honest.
The software was the big difference between the Nexus and S2. Once the S3 gets Jelly Bean... Oh damn
10 million and counting
With the number of GS3's sold and the popularity of the ROM's (judged by post activity, download activity, etc) I would say that development for the GS3 will continue for some time. The hardware is certainly there to support it. With the unlocked bootloader there is nothing stopping the development from improving for at least the rest of this year if not into 2013. You will be happy with this phone or I'll eat my hat.
Yeah unless you are really after AOSP I would get the S3. It's a great phone and I highly doubt the next Nexus will have much better, if better at all, specs. The nexus phones don't tend to be next gen spec wise just newest software and pure AOSP builds.
The S3 is the best phone on VZW, has Verizon officially confirmed it will be carrying the next Nexus?
Google just released JB and only 1 phone has it officially and you're saying they're going to ship a phone in 2 months with KLP on it? Where do people get this stuff? Jesus.

is ICS dead?

I know HTC has said 500 times or more "ICS is on its way"
but its like 6+ months later than they said
do you think we will see ICS for our T-Bolts?
ive read a million articles, and cant find a recent-ish one
thanks a ton everyone!
and by the way can I have some opinions about the DNA or Galaxy Note 2....one of those bad boys are my next upgrade and to me they are pretty equal, but opinions would be welcome and helpful
harecurtis said:
I know HTC has said 500 times or more "ICS is on its way"
but its like 6+ months later than they said
do you think we will see ICS for our T-Bolts?
ive read a million articles, and cant find a recent-ish one
thanks a ton everyone!
and by the way can I have some opinions about the DNA or Galaxy Note 2....one of those bad boys are my next upgrade and to me they are pretty equal, but opinions would be welcome and helpful
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm doubting an official release of ICS for the Thunderbolt. I'm hoping for HTC to release more sources so that we can just build it ourselves.
And as far as those two phones go, get the DNA. Or wait until February and get the HTC M7.
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda premium
RBarnett09 said:
I'm doubting an official release of ICS for the Thunderbolt. I'm hoping for HTC to release more sources so that we can just build it ourselves.
And as far as those two phones go, get the DNA. Or wait until February and get the HTC M7.
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the only downfall with the dna in my opinion is that HTC makes it
now im not a htc hater, in fact they are the company that make me jump on the android ship, and ive loved them until I had the thunderbolt, rezound and incredible 4g
with the lack of updates from HTC im affraid to get the DNA, the best comparison is the droid razr and rezound; the razr has 4.1 ready to roll out in early Q1 2013 (there was an "accidental" ota update a few weeks back that gave a few hundred uses android 4.1, and motorola confirmed android 4.1 in early Q1) where the HTC rezound may get 4.1 but it will prolly be around june- and I honestly think thats on the early side.
but If HTC shows better upgrades ide jump over there to the DNA right now
Well if it makes you feel any better. The DNA already has sources out for it and it had them released the first couple of weeks of its release. It is very unlikely that a phone with the power that the dna has won't get updates. The problem the thunderbolt has had the whole time is dual core phones were right around the corner when it was made and HTC blew it off for more powerful hardware.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
disconnecktie said:
Well if it makes you feel any better. The DNA already has sources out for it and it had them released the first couple of weeks of its release. It is very unlikely that a phone with the power that the dna has won't get updates. The problem the thunderbolt has had the whole time is dual core phones were right around the corner when it was made and HTC blew it off for more powerful hardware.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These are my thoughts exactly.
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda premium
Oh and on another note. Verizon is partially to blame for the lack of support and ics on this device. They keep stonewalling the update because I think they know we still have unlimited and they want us off of it. If they give us the update then it is unlikely we will upgrade anytime soon. You also can't forget that this phone was the first from Verizon that has the svdo capability which the source to that has been kept under lock and key for quite some time now. I think that Verizon is protecting that info because they may resurrect it later on. This and the rezound are the only two phones that are able to talk and surf even on 3g. The others that are able to do this use volte (voice over lte) which only works with 4g.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
As much as I hate using my tbolt everyday....I will be holding on to the tbolt until the next nexus phone is released for Verizon. I've had an update available for a while and would gladly go get a S3 but the tbolt experience has pushed me to the point of...nexus or nothing from here on out.
Never realized how slow my TB is until I got a Nexus 7.
Anyway, I'm waiting for either the Galaxy S4 or the next Google/Moto phone. Maybe the HTC M7, depending on when the others are available.
viceversa said:
As much as I hate using my tbolt everyday....I will be holding on to the tbolt until the next nexus phone is released for Verizon. I've had an update available for a while and would gladly go get a S3 but the tbolt experience has pushed me to the point of...nexus or nothing from here on out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably going to be waiting awhile... There is a reason you don't see the nexus4 on Verizon
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda premium
I don't know why everyone insists on blaming HTC for lack of updates on the Thunderbolt.
It's not entirely in their hands, or I believe we would have had it long ago.
The biggest issue is actually the network itself and is what's held up many updates for various devices, in my opinion.
If you think a Nexus on VZW will make things different, THINK AGAIN.(I urge you to read the link)
No matter how good or common, or baseline a device may seem to be, it will never make the carrier any better.
Verizon just plain old SUCKS at getting updates out.
santod040 said:
I don't know why everyone insists on blaming HTC for lack of updates on the Thunderbolt.
It's not entirely in their hands, or I believe we would have had it long ago.
The biggest issue is actually the network itself and is what's held up many updates for various devices, in my opinion.
If you think a Nexus on VZW will make things different, THINK AGAIN.(I urge you to read the link)
No matter how good or common, or baseline a device may seem to be, it will never make the carrier any better.
Verizon just plain old SUCKS at getting updates out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and it wont change. ever. they have moved away from customer support because they don't need to worry about happy customers if they already have them tied down for two years. and all those issues people have disappear when its time to upgrade and the consumer is happy again. then the cycle begins again
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda app-developers app
thanks for the feedback everyone!
I know HTC isnt just to blame, BUT if you look at apple for instance (sorry for bringing them up) they can do what they want with their phones, and the carriers can pretty much shove it if they dont like it.
now my question is this, why can apple do what they want (ex no bloatware, and updates whenever they see fit) and android companies (HTC, LG, Samsung, And even Google with the case of a nexus) cant?
I left my Thunderbolt for a Galaxy Note II and I absolutely love it. It is the perfect size for me, and it still manages to sit comfortably in my pockets. The phone overall is excellent, but the two features that stand out are the stylus and the battery life.
I did not consider getting the DNA because it has an inferior screen (resolution aside,) and the battery life has been reported to be horrendous. I would say either the Note II or the GS3 are both very safe bets if you are looking to get a new phone.
As soon as my upgrade was up, I left my HTC Thunderbolt for a Samsung Galaxy Note II. I've waiting way too long for HTC or Verizon to update this phone. I've read article after article and posted on HTC's Facebook pages and no response. They've lost me as a customer (HTC, not Verizon; I'm not giving up my unlimited data!).
I suggest the Samsung SIII or the Samsung GNII. I love my Note II and think the Thunderbolt is soooooo tiny after using it (just took a look at my Thunderbolt 5 minutes ago to see what I can do with it without any service on it).
While I'm not ecstatic about HTC, I feel like Verizon is to blame here. Just look at how their policies are for everything else.
For all of you crowing about unlimited, you realize you are paying a monthly rate which includeds a phone subsidy right? Except, you get no phone. It's like "How about you pay full price for a phone, and then pay a higher rate as though you actually got a phone for free." Ooooo sign me up!
I'm not trying to be a jerk, but Verizon is getting lots of blood from you for the sake of unlimited. If you have the money, I guess its one thing, but OTOH, if money werent an issue, you wouldn't care about overage fees.
Duely blundered from my thunderdolt.
Dannar said:
While I'm not ecstatic about HTC, I feel like Verizon is to blame here. Just look at how their policies are for everything else.
For all of you crowing about unlimited, you realize you are paying a monthly rate which includeds a phone subsidy right? Except, you get no phone. It's like "How about you pay full price for a phone, and then pay a higher rate as though you actually got a phone for free." Ooooo sign me up!
I'm not trying to be a jerk, but Verizon is getting lots of blood from you for the sake of unlimited. If you have the money, I guess its one thing, but OTOH, if money werent an issue, you wouldn't care about overage fees.
Duely blundered from my thunderdolt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have two phones with unlimited data on my plan and if I took the share everything plan I would end paying $40 more a month and get less data than I actually need. Plus I still wouldn't get one of those phone subsidies you're talking about since I'm not eligible for upgrade for a while so I would definitely pay full retail for a phone before I lost unlimited. Also there are plenty of phones I could buy used that are excellent for half the price of retail or better.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
wiredmonkey said:
Never realized how slow my TB is until I got a Nexus 7.
Anyway, I'm waiting for either the Galaxy S4 or the next Google/Moto phone. Maybe the HTC M7, depending on when the others are available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm leaning towards the S4 myself. I'm done with HTC. Got a Tab 2 and I absolutely love Samsung
GT P3113 Running Sungsonic HD JB 4.1.2
HTC TB Running Urban Nonsense ROM v1.5-R3Ds
---------- Post added at 07:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:35 AM ----------
SlyG07 said:
As soon as my upgrade was up, I left my HTC Thunderbolt for a Samsung Galaxy Note II. I've waiting way too long for HTC or Verizon to update this phone. I've read article after article and posted on HTC's Facebook pages and no response. They've lost me as a customer (HTC, not Verizon; I'm not giving up my unlimited data!).
I suggest the Samsung SIII or the Samsung GNII. I love my Note II and think the Thunderbolt is soooooo tiny after using it (just took a look at my Thunderbolt 5 minutes ago to see what I can do with it without any service on it).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All vzw customers will eventually lose unlimited data. They won't let you keep it forever. Mark my words
GT P3113 Running Sungsonic HD JB 4.1.2
HTC TB Running Urban Nonsense ROM v1.5-R3Ds
Dannar said:
While I'm not ecstatic about HTC, I feel like Verizon is to blame here. Just look at how their policies are for everything else.
For all of you crowing about unlimited, you realize you are paying a monthly rate which includeds a phone subsidy right? Except, you get no phone. It's like "How about you pay full price for a phone, and then pay a higher rate as though you actually got a phone for free." Ooooo sign me up!
I'm not trying to be a jerk, but Verizon is getting lots of blood from you for the sake of unlimited. If you have the money, I guess its one thing, but OTOH, if money werent an issue, you wouldn't care about overage fees.
Duely blundered from my thunderdolt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just like other guy stated I would be paying more if I went on share everything plan I don't use a crazy amount of data but 13-20 GB a month is where I sit. I am hoping Google releases a phone every year like the upcoming xphone so I can buy it off the play store, if they are in stock that is. But I will hold onto my unlimited data as long as I can cause their share everything plan is a joke, $40 for a smart phone access fee equals $29.99+$9.99 which is what we were already paying to buy the unlimited or 2gb or 4gb all they did was slap a two cent raise and hoped no one would notice. I noticed jerks!!!!
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app
HTC deserves some blame too - it seems like they gave the update to Verizon around September, which is still ten or eleven months after ICS was released.
lukesed said:
HTC deserves some blame too - it seems like they gave the update to Verizon around September, which is still ten or eleven months after ICS was released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is true but how can we expect a company to push out an ota for a one year old device that probably 95% of the purchasers moved to a different device. We should all be happy that they got their crap together enough to give us this last one.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

cancelled my order for the S4

I'm usually the type thats the first to get something new and as soon as the s4 was available for preorder for verizon i placed an order. But after reading some reviews and with the potential of other phones coming out this summer I was second guessing myself. The real deciding factor was when I flashed MOAR's rom on my S3 that added some of the s4 features. After a day with the rom I cancelled my order to wait and see what other phones are going to come out. I'm a bit dissapointed that the S4 isn't head over heels different than the S3 to make it a no brainer for me. Anyone else in the same boat?
I'm not in the same boat, but I was reading a post in the s4 sections about how most people are only getting about 6 hours on a charge...max. Also, that the phone is real laggy even after most of the features have been shut off.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
ricecake2000 said:
I'm not in the same boat, but I was reading a post in the s4 sections about how most people are only getting about 6 hours on a charge...max. Also, that the phone is real laggy even after most of the features have been shut off.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read some of the same thing and with the nexus 4 rumored to be coming to verizon as with the HTC One, I figured it can't hurt to wait it out and see the best option out there this summer. I wouldn't be worried about the lagging though as I'm sure Samsung will have an update to fix that or worst case someone will come up with a bloat free rom that should have the phone screaming fast.
Ill wait for the galaxy note 3.... Im sure samsung will have it in a premium build
iSheep... iSheep... Meowww that's Apple VZW GSIII
I'm hoping to hear some motorola x-phone announcements soon. I might be looking to buy a nexus or x-phone (whatever the product ends up being) off contract later this year.
Restola said:
I'm hoping to hear some motorola x-phone announcements soon. I might be looking to buy a nexus or x-phone (whatever the product ends up being) off contract later this year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
only issue with what i'm reading about the X is that its going to be sold as a lower/mid end phone and not premium.
The rumors about X-phone not being high end were debunked. I'm also waiting to see that, Note 3 and next Nexus. Also in a few months we'll have phones on S800 as well as Intel SoC's.
ECrispy said:
The rumors about X-phone not being high end were debunked. I'm also waiting to see that, Note 3 and next Nexus. Also in a few months we'll have phones on S800 as well as Intel SoC's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also waiting/hoping for the xphone. I am "assuming" that's what Verizon is waiting for as well.
The note 3 will just be a big s4 unless they go with one of the new concepts which I think they should
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
ricecake2000 said:
I'm not in the same boat, but I was reading a post in the s4 sections about how most people are only getting about 6 hours on a charge...max. Also, that the phone is real laggy even after most of the features have been shut off.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just poked around the sprint, att and T-Mobile threads and most people are posting screenshots of over 4 hours of screen time. That doesn't seem bad to me!!!
I preordered my s4 and am hoping the HTC one is announced before my phone ships at the end of the month. If the nexus 4 is announced I'd prolly even give that a shot!!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
I as well have the gs4 preordered may switch if the htc one is released soon!
ricecake2000 said:
I'm not in the same boat, but I was reading a post in the s4 sections about how most people are only getting about 6 hours on a charge...max. Also, that the phone is real laggy even after most of the features have been shut off.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a brand new toy. Of course its only going to last 6 hours if you don't put it down for more than 5 minutes in that amount of time. The important part is how much screen on time and mobile data connected time they got in that 6 hours.
I too have been reading some reviews and may stick with my s3 until something else is released. Maybe the Motorola X?
Another year for Phone another year of questions
Well just like last year, I told everyone that the international version of the S3 would be the quad core and the US variant of the S3 will have a dual core.
Looks like we are facing the same dilemma, the S4 intl has an octa core and the us S4 has a quad core.....
The fact that you are comparing the S4 to Moar rom on the S3 is sad.
First you don't have 4.2.2 to utilize all the nifty stuff.
Second you don't have any of the new sensors of the S4.
and lastly, the NOTE 3 will follow the same footsteps, expect the S4 hardware with some software and rom tweaks.
I personally wanted the Note 2 but got the S3 for size.
I will not make that mistake with the Note 3!
How many of you won't buy this phone again for the terrible radio. I don't know how its not a bigger issue for most of you. Everyone with a different phone on Verizon gets much better service, especially Motorola phones.
www.ryanhortonmusic.com
Also expect the note 3 to be locked down tighter than your wife after you told her she was fat...
You mfrs rewarding Samsung and Verizon, still continuing to pay them for the phone and the service while they lock us all down tighter deserve to have your android hacker card revoked.
As a community we should be rewarding those who offer openness and shunning those who close it down.
Keep paying them for closed devices and they're gonna think they're doing the right thing.
We didn't buy moto and now look at them. We didn't buy HTC, now look at them.
Speak with your wallet. Don't buy a locked device.
My $.02
miked0602 said:
Well just like last year, I told everyone that the international version of the S3 would be the quad core and the US variant of the S3 will have a dual core.
Looks like we are facing the same dilemma, the S4 intl has an octa core and the us S4 has a quad core.....
The fact that you are comparing the S4 to Moar rom on the S3 is sad.
First you don't have 4.2.2 to utilize all the nifty stuff.
Second you don't have any of the new sensors of the S4.
and lastly, the NOTE 3 will follow the same footsteps, expect the S4 hardware with some software and rom tweaks.
I personally wanted the Note 2 but got the S3 for size.
I will not make that mistake with the Note 3!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm not comparing my s3 with MOAR saying its just as good as an s4. What I was saying was that from what I'm looking for i can live with my s3 longer now that it has MOAR over picking up the s4 right away. Yes there are more sensors, its quicker, better camera, etc... but nothing that really is something that would wow me to have to pick it up. As some people stated this is more a S3S than an S4. if the nexus 4, google x, or htc one does come out for verizon it would honestly make me consider jumping to another brand. No knock on samsung but since the s3 they made everyone else up their game.
As it seems to be at least for me, hardware advancement starting to peak. Everything now is pretty much software progression...for now.
I have the S4 on Sprint and will be coming back to get it on Verizon on the 30th. The phone is sick. I am getting at least 24 hours on a charge with over 4 hours screen on time on the stock ROM rooted. I haven't tweaked anything. Whoever said they are getting 6 hours must have been talking about screen time. Lag? What lag? I have seen none. The GPS is scary accurate: instant 10 ft and knowing exactly how fast I am driving. There are so many advancements on this phone compared to my S3 that I can't wait for community development to move on it. If I can get over 24 hours on stock, it'll probably be 3 days with something like CleanROM or Carbon.
GS3
GS3 for the win!!
Yeah I agree that phones are starting to hit a critical mass level. I was going to keep my s3 and just update the software but my wife has an upgrade so I'm gonna use her upgrade to get the s4 and give her my s3.....unless the HTC one or lg nexus 4 is released before it ships at the end of the month.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

Nexus 5 16gb vs LG G2 32gb same price!

Hi all,
I'm new to all this so please bare with me a little bit. I've used apple products for many years, but in getting a little sick of iOS7 and the lack of jaibreak. So I've decided to make the leap to android (something I never thought I would do).
I have my choices narrowed down to the Nexus 5 and LG G2. Both phones at currently available for $99 on 2 yr term. The Nexus only comes in the 16gb version while the G2 is 32gb for the same price. I'm having a tough time deciding between the two. I like the Nexus 5 because it gets the OS updates fast and won't require removal of bloat. It's also unlocked.
The G2 seems to have a slight hardware edge with battery life, camera and screen size. It's also 32gb, but it's not stock android and is carrier locked.
My question is, given the same price for both, is it better to get the nexus 5 or get the G2 and use a custom rom to mimic the stock nexus 5? Will it be a hassle to keep the G2 updated, and how bug free would the experience be?
Sorry if I'm in the wrong forum section, there's so many to choose from!
Thanks
SB
SillyBearito said:
Hi all,
I'm new to all this so please bare with me a little bit. I've used apple products for many years, but in getting a little sick of iOS7 and the lack of jaibreak. So I've decided to make the leap to android (something I never thought I would do).
I have my choices narrowed down to the Nexus 5 and LG G2. Both phones at currently available for $99 on 2 yr term. The Nexus only comes in the 16gb version while the G2 is 32gb for the same price. I'm having a tough time deciding between the two. I like the Nexus 5 because it gets the OS updates fast and won't require removal of bloat. It's also unlocked.
The G2 seems to have a slight hardware edge with battery life, camera and screen size. It's also 32gb, but it's not stock android and is carrier locked.
My question is, given the same price for both, is it better to get the nexus 5 or get the G2 and use a custom rom to mimic the stock nexus 5? Will it be a hassle to keep the G2 updated, and how bug free would the experience be?
Sorry if I'm in the wrong forum section, there's so many to choose from!
Thanks
SB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are not the same price, the G2 is like $600 because of all the monthly payments you have to make. I'd go with the Nexus 5 because once you buy it, you actually own it.
SillyBearito said:
Hi all,
I'm new to all this so please bare with me a little bit. I've used apple products for many years, but in getting a little sick of iOS7 and the lack of jaibreak. So I've decided to make the leap to android (something I never thought I would do).
I have my choices narrowed down to the Nexus 5 and LG G2. Both phones at currently available for $99 on 2 yr term. The Nexus only comes in the 16gb version while the G2 is 32gb for the same price. I'm having a tough time deciding between the two. I like the Nexus 5 because it gets the OS updates fast and won't require removal of bloat. It's also unlocked.
The G2 seems to have a slight hardware edge with battery life, camera and screen size. It's also 32gb, but it's not stock android and is carrier locked.
My question is, given the same price for both, is it better to get the nexus 5 or get the G2 and use a custom rom to mimic the stock nexus 5? Will it be a hassle to keep the G2 updated, and how bug free would the experience be?
Sorry if I'm in the wrong forum section, there's so many to choose from!
Thanks
SB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sound like you are on Sprint, right? I would say just get the Nexus 5 from the Play Store, and then sign up for the $60 BYOD on Sprint. You would end up saving more money. Also, I just don't like the LG skin, so I'm a little biased.
PS The battery life on the G2 is much much better than the N5 though, so that's something to think about too, if that's important to you.
stevew84 said:
They are not the same price, the G2 is like $600 because of all the monthly payments you have to make. I'd go with the Nexus 5 because once you buy it, you actually own it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure I follow. I'm in Canada on Rogers. I'm currently out of contract and don't really intend to switch carriers because my wife and I share a plan and she's locked in for 2 more years.
The hardware upgrade for either phone is $99 with a 2 year contract, I'm not changing plans or paying anything additional, just $99 to upgrade.
Well, if you were into the jailbreaking scene then you would most definitely be into rooting, custom roms etc. Therefore, I vote for the N5. Nexus = Endless possibilities. Also, with the new features implemented by many roms such as ParanoidAndroid, Cyanogenmod etc, you'd never get bored.
joshyth said:
Sound like you are on Sprint, right? I would say just get the Nexus 5 from the Play Store, and then sign up for the $60 BYOD on Sprint. You would end up saving more money. Also, I just don't like the LG skin, so I'm a little biased.
PS The battery life on the G2 is much much better than the N5 though, so that's something to think about too, if that's important to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On Rogers in Canada. Battery life is a little important, but i almost always have a plug nearby to charge. Memory size is also a little important.
I'll most likely be rooting the G2 to bring it to the stock level of the N5. I'm just not sure how easy that is to do.
SillyBearito said:
Not sure I follow. I'm in Canada on Rogers. I'm currently out of contract and don't really intend to switch carriers because my wife and I share a plan and she's locked in for 2 more years.
The hardware upgrade for either phone is $99 with a 2 year contract, I'm not changing plans or paying anything additional, just $99 to upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you have a tough decision to make, honestly. A huge advantage of the Nexus 5 is that it packs excellent specs into a device that is affordable off contract. Buying the Nexus subsidized on a contract kind of defeats this cost-saving advantage, as you'll end up paying quite a bit more for the device over your two year contract. Price-wise, you'd be getting a much larger subsidy if you bought the G2 on contract vs. the N5.
Now, comparing the devices: I prefer the look and feel of the N5 hardware over the G2, but the G2 has a better battery and camera. And I really dislike the button placement on the G2, though it doesn't seem to bother others. And other than these things they're neck and neck performance-wise. You'll get quicker Android updates, more xda development activitiy, and kit-kat out of the box with the Nexus 5.
I can't say much for the g2 since I haven't used it so my response would be biased.
However what I can say is go look at the G2 development forums for your carrier and compare that to the N5 development section here.
Personally I've been with the galaxy S line since its launch (Galaxy S Epic 4g, Galaxy s3 and Galaxy s4) and when the Nexus 5 launched at such a low price I just couldn't pass up the fact that its a "universal" phone where developers can create a ROM and it works for everyone easily. Where as my previous phones (and the G2) split the developers up based on their carrier. Some devs ported their ROMs to all carriers for their device and that is much respected but I feel the N5 being "universal" can't be beat if you're a software junkie like myself.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
SemiGamer said:
I can't say much for the g2 since I haven't used it so my response would be biased.
However what I can say is go look at the G2 development forums for your carrier and compare that to the N5 development section here.
Personally I've been with the galaxy S line since its launch (Galaxy S Epic 4g, Galaxy s3 and Galaxy s4) and when the Nexus 5 launched at such a low price I just couldn't pass up the fact that its a "universal" phone where developers can create a ROM and it works for everyone easily. Where as my previous phones (and the G2) split the developers up based on their carrier. Some devs ported their ROMs to all carriers for their device and that is much respected but I feel the N5 being "universal" can't be beat if you're a software junkie like myself.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am a bit of a software junkie, but only to the point where I've customized my phone just the way I like it. If I can achieve that customization with the G2 and be able to maintain it without too many bugs then I may lean towards the G2. It's hard to pass up that extra battery life and storage capacity. Ugh this is a tough choice.
I'll take your advice and check the G2 forums though!
Thanks
SillyBearito said:
I am a bit of a software junkie, but only to the point where I've customized my phone just the way I like it. If I can achieve that customization with the G2 and be able to maintain it without too many bugs then I may lean towards the G2. It's hard to pass up that extra battery life and storage capacity. Ugh this is a tough choice.
I'll take your advice and check the G2 forums though!
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your welcome. By glancing at the g2 forums I don't see a KitKat ROM, not sure if that's important to you or not.
The way I see it is go with the G2 if battery life, Camera and Storage outweigh your needs for the best software.
I don't use the camera for anything professional so the n5 camera is plenty for me, the battery life doesn't matter because I have wireless charging plates I just throw my phone on around the house. And the storage is completely different for everyone but 16gb is enough for me currently (Can't have as many 1gb games installed but never played them all at once anyway on my s4)
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
G2
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
SillyBearito said:
I'm in Canada on Rogers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say that's your biggest conundrum right there. Can't wait till my contract's up in Feb and I can go to Koodo or Virgin. Or perhaps not wait that long even and jump ship when I see a better deal
On-topic, as a noob to Android customization and a customer of Rogers, I would say go for the G2. It seems you wish to stay on-contract and you'd be getting the better deal hardware-wise.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Kesmar88 said:
I would say that's your biggest conundrum right there. Can't wait till my contract's up in Feb and I can go to Koodo or Virgin. Or perhaps not wait that long even and jump ship when I see a better deal
On-topic, as a noob to Android customization and a customer of Rogers, I would say go for the G2. It seems you wish to stay on-contract and you'd be getting the better deal hardware-wise.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate your input. It's not that I want I stay under contract, it's just more logical that way right now. And yes I fully agree on the hardware aspect. The only thing nexus has that's better is the software support. I'm eager to learn about rooting and using custom mods, buts it's hard to justify the nexus purchase just for that.
I did read somewhere that G2 will get KitKat eventually, maybe it'll get better?
SillyBearito said:
I appreciate your input. It's not that I want I stay under contract, it's just more logical that way right now. And yes I fully agree on the hardware aspect. The only thing nexus has that's better is the software support. I'm eager to learn about rooting and using custom mods, buts it's hard to justify the nexus purchase just for that.
I did read somewhere that G2 will get KitKat eventually, maybe it'll get better?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LG is planning to release KitKat eventually, but there's no set date. Also, from prior experience, if you're going to rely on official OTA updates, Rogers is the worst on releasing them in a timely manner. My prior phone was an S2 LTE (Skyrocket) and it was the last one out of the S2 family to upgrade to ICS, not to mention it was not optimized at all and actually ran worse than Gingerbread. Thankfully, it was all good when the JB update showed up but that took a while as well. Since I'm not getting KitKat on it, I bought the N5 off the play store since carriers are only carrying 16 GB.
Kesmar88 said:
LG is planning to release KitKat eventually, but there's no set date. Also, from prior experience, if you're going to rely on official OTA updates, Rogers is the worst on releasing them in a timely manner. My prior phone was an S2 LTE (Skyrocket) and it was the last one out of the S2 family to upgrade to ICS, not to mention it was not optimized at all and actually ran worse than Gingerbread. Thankfully, it was all good when the JB update showed up but that took a while as well. Since I'm not getting KitKat on it, I bought the N5 off the play store since carriers are only carrying 16 GB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see the issue there. I'm hoping to not rely on Rogers and their OTA and just root it and update it myself. That reminds me, I should prob expect even more bloat with Rogers.
Or I could just go with the nexus and never have to worry about that.
Kesmar88 said:
LG is planning to release KitKat eventually, but there's no set date. Also, from prior experience, if you're going to rely on official OTA updates, Rogers is the worst on releasing them in a timely manner. My prior phone was an S2 LTE (Skyrocket) and it was the last one out of the S2 family to upgrade to ICS, not to mention it was not optimized at all and actually ran worse than Gingerbread. Thankfully, it was all good when the JB update showed up but that took a while as well. Since I'm not getting KitKat on it, I bought the N5 off the play store since carriers are only carrying 16 GB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As noted before if you want the quickest updates (official and unofficial) than the n5 is a must, if you want to take a lot of pictures than the camera on the G2 and storage space is better at that.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Have you thought about getting a Iphone 5s on contract, selling it, then buying the nexus 5? I would do that instead of getting the nexus 5 directly from the carrier. That way you end up with extra money in your pockets since you can sell the Iphone for more then the nexus 5 costs from the play store.
hammester said:
Have you thought about getting a Iphone 5s on contract, selling it, then buying the nexus 5? I would do that instead of getting the nexus 5 directly from the carrier. That way you end up with extra money in your pockets since you can sell the Iphone for more then the nexus 5 costs from the play store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a great idea. Take a look at the resale value of the phones available without a contract. Pick the one that gives you the best profit and do that. Use the money to buy a Nexus 5 if you like the phone. I did that recently and actually have another $100 extra to spend on accessories.

Categories

Resources