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$150 for Nexus 7-like specs w/ MicroSD slot AND HDMI out

About a month ago I noticed a story about an HP 7" tablet with decent specs, but it's low resolution screen and poor build quality made it weak competitor. So, I just found out that Walmart will be selling a Tegra 3 tablet with similar specs to the Nexus 7 for $150. The kicker is that it has a microSD slot, rear-facing camera AND HDMI out.
http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/23/hisense-sero-7-lt-pro-tablets/#continued
I was waiting for news about the follow-up to the Nexus 7, but with nothing on the horizon I'm tempted to check out one of these tablets. The ability to hook the tablet to my TV for gaming with a Bluetooth controller outweighs the fast Android updates. Especially it if manages to get some developer support.

For $99 I might have to check one out.

ED2O9 said:
About a month ago I noticed a story about an HP 7" tablet with decent specs, but it's low resolution screen and poor build quality made it weak competitor. So, I just found out that Walmart will be selling a Tegra 3 tablet with similar specs to the Nexus 7 for $150. The kicker is that it has a microSD slot, rear-facing camera AND HDMI out.
http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/23/hisense-sero-7-lt-pro-tablets/#continued
I was waiting for news about the follow-up to the Nexus 7, but with nothing on the horizon I'm tempted to check out one of these tablets. The ability to hook the tablet to my TV for gaming with a Bluetooth controller outweighs the fast Android updates. Especially it if manages to get some developer support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just recently heard about this and I am extremely intrigued by this tablet (Hisense Sero Pro is the one for $150).. I was considering riding it out for a new Nexus 7, have been tablet-less for a bit now, but it was not a huge priority for me as it seems that chance has slowed down. Seeing this tablet and the specs, for such a great price, seems too good to be true in a way. I am hoping some people are going to get their hands on it over the next few days and hear some reviews. That price tag and those specs are tempting me :laugh:

Few custom ROMs and unknown update frequency.

Luna_Sky said:
Just recently heard about this and I am extremely intrigued by this tablet (Hisense Sero Pro is the one for $150).. I was considering riding it out for a new Nexus 7, have been tablet-less for a bit now, but it was not a huge priority for me as it seems that chance has slowed down. Seeing this tablet and the specs, for such a great price, seems too good to be true in a way. I am hoping some people are going to get their hands on it over the next few days and hear some reviews. That price tag and those specs are tempting me :laugh:
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Click to collapse
I too feel the temptation, however imagine how you would feel if everyone upgraded to the new Nexus 7 with a full HD screen and you were stuck with a $150 device that was on par with the N7 minus the giant user base. I think those looking to upgrade should hold on for now.

Sd card
Being able to use a TV doesn't do anything for me but having the card reader built in..
This is something Nexus will likely never have.
I think the 7 inch size is just about perfect.
Now if I just had a reason to go to Wal Mart...
If I did & could check out one of these out.. there could go next week's lunch money.

Although... the name "Hisense Sero Pro" doesn't sound nearly as awesome as the infamous Ainol Fire.

I just picked up the Pro for $150 beans but haven't opened it up yet. Wally gives you 15 days to return, so I'm gonna' see if the tab gets any XDA love. If it does, I'll still keep my N7 but give my Gtab 2 to my wife replacing an aging Nook Color.
I'm hoping that its similarity to N7 specs makes it easy to root and build roms. I don't even know if the bootloader is locked or not??? Hopefully, some people will start to buy it and we see some development feedback over the next few days. :laugh:
Looks like a pretty solid tab for the bucks and even if the current N7 comes down to about $150, if the Hisense gets any decent dev support, it will still be a good deal with the extra features that aren't available on the N7.
EDIT: In another thread, someone suggested giving motochopper a try for root. It looks like motochopper for the N7 doesn't unlock the bootloader, so you don't lose your data. But, who knows if it will work for the Hisense, maybe I'll give it a try if no other solutions materialize over the next few days. Stuff like this travels fast on the internet, so I'm optimistic.
Mike T

Looks like a very good tablet for the price, has good features would definitely pick one up if I get a chance. It would make a very good present for my girlfriend as she always wanted something like a nexus 7
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

webdroidmt said:
I just picked up the Pro for $150 beans but haven't opened it up yet. Wally gives you 15 days to return, so I'm gonna' see if the tab gets any XDA love. If it does, I'll still keep my N7 but give my Gtab 2 to my wife replacing an aging Nook Color.
I'm hoping that its similarity to N7 specs makes it easy to root and build roms. I don't even know if the bootloader in locked or not??? Hopefully, some people will start to buy it and we see some development feedback over the next few days. :laugh:
Looks like a pretty solid tab for the bucks and even if the current N7 comes down to about $150, if the Hisense gets any decent dev support, it will still be a good deal with the extra features that aren't available on the N7.
Mike T
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I am having no luck thus far finding a place locally that I could buy it.. It seems the Wally site is not even showing an option to buy it online, though it is listed on the site. If you get the chance to open it up soon and try it out, PLEASE share your thoughts with us if you are able to.

Luna_Sky said:
I am having no luck thus far finding a place locally that I could buy it.. It seems the Wally site is not even showing an option to buy it online, though it is listed on the site. If you get the chance to open it up soon and try it out, PLEASE share your thoughts with us if you are able to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As mentioned, I'm probably gonna' hold off on opening it for at least a few days. It looks like for the time being, Wally only has it available in-store. Maybe, they're waiting for more allocation from Hisense before they make it avail online. I guess I'm fortunate that I have 2 fairly large Walmart stores within a few miles of each other. Hopefully, you'll find one soon.
If you haven't already seen this, here's another XDA thread you can follow. I'm sure over the next few days, we'll see more people buying them, therefore, more info and hopefully...ROOT! :good:
EDIT: Sorry, forgot the link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2284022
Mike T

Local Walmarts have them. BUT. They keep them "in the back" for some reason and had none on display. Be persistent and it might help to take along a model number and UPC. Crazy good deal so far.

TonyBigs said:
Local Walmarts have them. BUT. They keep them "in the back" for some reason and had none on display. Be persistent and it might help to take along a model number and UPC. Crazy good deal so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I mentioned in a previous post, my local Walmart had them in display cases with other tabs. I guess as usual, YMMV.
Also. forum member tharien has already managed to gain root. Those that are interested, check out link below and please click the thanks button for him. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=41803251&postcount=37
EDIT: Root and CWM recovery have been achieved!
Mike T

Nothing but the Nexus brand for me for as long as I'm with Android. Never used the HDMI on my Iconia and I only used the back camera like 5 times in 2 years. Though I think I'd get this to replace my mother's aging Nook Color. No need to spend extra money on shipping for something that she wouldn't notice.

As someone mentioned earlier - having the SD card is something that a Nexus device is extremely unlikely to ever have, so if there's at least root, I'm probably in for this one.
I'm testing an AT&T Galaxy S 4 right now (coming from my Nexus 4....) and it's a work device, so I can't root. I've actually been impressed with things I'm able to do nowadays without needing root. The only things I'm hating is the notification drawer garbage and ability to use custom lockscreen shortcuts like I have on CM10.1. Other than that, I've been able to do everything I need to get it to look pretty much like my Nexus 4 does. Oh, and being unable to remove the AT&T and Samsung crapware are a pain, too.

I bit the bullet and picked one (the PRO) up today sight unseen.
Holy Crap.
It's a SOLID build, feels good, LOOKS GOOD. Pretty much Pure Google. It does have a Sams and Walmart app on it (which can be EASILY uninstalled). stuck in a 64gb card and.. wow. Oh, incase you wonder, the extra button on the screen... screen shot button.
This is a winner. Just need to find a case for it (It's a TINY bit wider and longer than the N7)

Box UPC
In case anyone else is having trouble with their local walmart looking this up, the actual UPC on the box is: 854098003418
The "Walmart Product Code" (551515189) from Walmart.com came up in their scanner at my local store, sort of, but didn't actually tell if they had any inventory or not. The clerk was nice enough to unlock and check the cases without me needing to ask. They had 4 BTW, 3 now, in Coralville, IA.

This one was in the case, right next to the Nexus 7's and 10's (irony thy name is WalMart) about 15 of the LT and 8 or 9 PRO. Now anyone know of a case that will fit?
Additional irony, stack of Nexus 7 chargers (hi power ones, with usb cable) clearance out at $10.

Just checked it and YouTube it. Looks very nice and all. Nice specs and price (Pro one). I would buy the Pro one if I didn't already have my Nexus 7. With that HDMI, I'll be killing hard in DeadZone on my big led tv. Ty and bookmarked.

Anyone know if this will be sold in Canada? I don't think they are selling it here, at least not yet.
Sent from XDA app

opinion: would you buy the gear S3 now or wait to see if they release a new model?

Title sums it up, just curious what those most familiar with the device thinks? Seems to me to be pretty solid device still but I would hate to buy one in the next couple of months and the the S4 drop.
If there is a thread on here like this I missed, my bad. I did search and didnt find one.

Samsung introduced​ a new model a few weeks ago at IFA rather than update the Gear S3. So the Gear S4 may be a year away. Not much is happening on the Android Wear front, the iWatch still isn't compatible with non Apple devices, the new Fitbit looks like a bust. So there isn't much competitive pressure for Samsung to update it's flagship watch.
After wearing the watch everyday for almost a year, I don't think there is much Samsung can do to improve the hardware, except increase battery life. They could add enhancements to Tizen, encourage more 3rd party app development, improve Gear Manager. But none of this requires new hardware. I don't have a crystal ball, Samsung could do something shocking with the S4 like give it a rectangular screen or make it AW compatible. But I doubt they will do anything along those lines. I think improvements in the S4 will be a minor.

Sounds spot on. Ordering one in the next few weeks....thank you!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

I had the same dilemma, until I was lucky to discover a weekend offer at Samsung UK online, that had the S3 discounted by 100 pounds. There was the answer for me. So far, absolutely no regrets! BTW, I fully agree with afblangley's post above (#2).

I just got a used S3 frontier with LTE for $190 from eBay ... so I would say now is a good time as the price is coming way down.

Looking into the LTE vs Bluetooth only version. Read several threads and since I have never had the option not to take my phone and stay connected its hard to say if it would be worth it for me personally. The slower or non-existent software upgrades (I am speculating) from AT&T would be a concern. I am not sure I would want to be stuck with bugs and less features as a trade off to have LTE.
If you have the BT version, do not have your phone with you, and are not near a wifi will you get any messages you missed while disconnected the next time you attach to wifi? Im guessing not and the only way you will know about those messages is the next time you have your phone and check...is this correct?

gocats7 said:
Title sums it up, just curious what those most familiar with the device thinks? Seems to me to be pretty solid device still but I would hate to buy one in the next couple of months and the the S4 drop.
If there is a thread on here like this I missed, my bad. I did search and didnt find one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want a good smartwach, buy it. You can wait for s4, s5 and still are without a smartwach. Bought mine yesterday. Was not sure if it is the right decision had s3, s sport and fitbit ionic in mind. Now, after one day I am pretty sure s3 is the right choice.
Gesendet von meinem SM-G955F mit Tapatalk

I was concerned about this as well. Luckily I was given $150 in giftcards to Macy's and I used it on the watch at $299. I gave up wearables when I sold my Series 2 Apple Watch because there was nothing that interested me. Let me tell you, people say the Apple Watch is king, but no no....the S3 is so nice. I've had it less than a week and I LOVE it. It looks great, does all and more than the AW does. I am mostly sad that I didn't get the watch during the 8 months or so I had the S8+ because I think it pairs better with Samsung phones. I have it connected to a V30. It gives all I want it this way though.

Taking into consideration the s3...After selling my trustworthy gear s...
But the gear 2 and neo were launched at mwa at the beginning of the year...February. ..its already November. ..
What are the chances of a s4 launch in February?
According to most reviews gear sport is not a follower of s3..but a part between the gear s and gear fit..
Sent from my GT-N5120 using Tapatalk

Buy a watch with android wear from a brand that care about their customer more than their business plan from their board room.
this laggy ****ty watch need a mayor overhaul. me needed to remind it constantly to connect to simple things like wifi and bluetooth earplugs is making me feel like a retard.
Samsung phones is a no go from S3/S4 cause of the poor quality, now this.
I hate companies making ****, dropping beta software into it and start developing the next gen **** to put beta software into.

Well just bought the Gear S3 Wifi BT. Went to bed 98% woke up 94%. Before I went to bed I turned off the AOD. Then back on during the day. I don't keep wifi on. No clue what "Redman77" is talking about. I LOVE this thing. I have a Android Ware v2. I can understand why some would want Aware vs Samsungs. But "laggy"? I cant see it at all. Customer care.. please.. one can say that about ANY company. So far.. not a problem at all. I feel for those that do have problems.
Android ware v2 didnt offer what I wanted. Walking running driving "speed" sleeping.. yeah.. kicks right in. LOVE THIS watch. Best I have ever had.

And be sure that all of your devices now and future have supported apps ready to roll on tizen.
Realy anoying to find out that android wear have all the goodies and you stuck with old/no supported apps at best, and no app support on others.

Redman77 said:
And be sure that all of your devices now and future have supported apps ready to roll on tizen.
Realy anoying to find out that android wear have all the goodies and you stuck with old/no supported apps at best, and no app support on others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What kind of goodies? I came from AW 2. Never looked back. The whole UI is much better. And the apps I used are also on tizen. Any specifics? See if I can look into AW in future.

First thing comes to mind is Sonys camera app. And of course a Samsung rep would blame Sony.
But that changes nothing. Software that fewer customers use will always be prioritized last if ever.
---------- Post added at 10:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:06 PM ----------
My wifi connection is not seamlessly going to different networks.
Spotify hangs, need restart of watch.. Not enough to close app from reason apps. Probably related to wifi.. But should start when wifi gets going

Galaxy watch forum?

Can't find the forum but anyone else ordered one? Not expecting it until 6th.

bonerp said:
Can't find the forum but anyone else ordered one? Not expecting it until 6th.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already ha e mine.

I don't think it's getting a forum? I should be getting my 46mm today.

Bum the previous gears do.
You guys us? Let us know how you find it...

Any links to buying unlocked LTE galaxy watch

Tidbits said:
I already ha e mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Feedback?

The reviews from people who have purchased it are mixed. Everyone to seems to love the watch, fit and finish. Lots of people complaining it doesn't have MST and reducing stars on it for that reason in reviews. I mean, you must know that it doesn't have MST before you buy it, right? It was known well before release. Apparently, Best Buy lied and UPS turned it over to USPS so I will be getting it tomorrow. Luckily, I don't care about MST, I don't plan to pay from my watch, I still find it more convenient to pop my debit card into the chip reader lol. I've been behind people waving phones and apple watches over the terminals and taking way too much time. I'd rather not inconvenience those behind me for no reason.

jah said:
Feedback?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love it overall. I am replacing my Gear S2 with it. Already lasts longer than that is all I could hope for.

I'm surprised I can't find a Galaxy Watch forum either. I absolutely love the watch though.
I came from using a Fitbit Ionic and while that was decent, this is just miles ahead. The biggest thing for me, as dumb as it is, I love the fact that it looks like a real watch and not a funky square. I got a stainless steel band on Amazon for around 15 bucks and it makes it look even better.

Rev_Nev said:
I'm surprised I can't find a Galaxy Watch forum either. I absolutely love the watch though.
I came from using a Fitbit Ionic and while that was decent, this is just miles ahead. The biggest thing for me, as dumb as it is, I love the fact that it looks like a real watch and not a funky square. I got a stainless steel band on Amazon for around 15 bucks and it makes it look even better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Gear Fit2 Pro. I can't wait for my watch to arrive tomorrow. I know it will be a huge upgrade.

i had the frontier s3 lte and the galaxy watch now. both 46 mm.
out of the gate the new watch has a much longer battery life. the longest i had it off charge was 2 days of use. this is with all radios on, max screen brightness (10) and not disabling anything. when i put it on charge at the end of day 2 it still had 40% left. the s3 would have died a day ago.
the build quality is upped over the s3 and it looks damn good. bezel rotation seems improved over the s3.
i knew about mst well before i purchased the watch. its a bummer since i was used to it on the s3, but its not a big enough CON to keep me from purchasing it. more and more sites I go to use the newer tech anyway so its not been an issue.

Bwahahaha. Smart watches. Carry on.

Semantics said:
The reviews from people who have purchased it are mixed. Everyone to seems to love the watch, fit and finish. Lots of people complaining it doesn't have MST and reducing stars on it for that reason in reviews. I mean, you must know that it doesn't have MST before you buy it, right? It was known well before release. Apparently, Best Buy lied and UPS turned it over to USPS so I will be getting it tomorrow. Luckily, I don't care about MST, I don't plan to pay from my watch, I still find it more convenient to pop my debit card into the chip reader lol. I've been behind people waving phones and apple watches over the terminals and taking way too much time. I'd rather not inconvenience those behind me for no reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree man. It's a pain when they have to wave their gadgets two, three or even more times at the reader
It's even worse with the starbucks cards !! Use your credit card for christ sake!
...end of rant, aaah so refreshed. :laugh:

Jesiah said:
I totally agree man. It's a pain when they have to wave their gadgets two, three or even more times at the reader
It's even worse with the starbucks cards !! Use your credit card for christ sake!
...end of rant, aaah so refreshed. :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:laugh::laugh: right? I got my watch today, already in love with it! Gear Fit2 Pro was nifty, but this is a whole new world!

I have the LTE 46mm version. Although it is supposed to work stand alone it requires a paired digits plan @10 bucks/mo and can only have the LTE service activated if you have a samsung S7 or better. Spent over 4 hours with store employees and T-Mobile tech support before they figured it out. IPhone LTE support will be added sometime in the future. Unfortunately I have a Note Edge (essentially a note 4) so I'm screwed as far as getting LTE activated. T-Mobile is a pain. If it can work stand alone it should be able to be activated. Other than the LTE issue I do like it.

i have the 46mm lte galaxy watch. i dont need the main phone to be with it.
the watch has its own REAL phone number. ive called people and have had people call me directly on the watch.
i had this same setup with the s3 frontier.

rickpub said:
I have the LTE 46mm version. Although it is supposed to work stand alone it requires a paired digits plan @10 bucks/mo and can only have the LTE service activated if you have a samsung S7 or better. Spent over 4 hours with store employees and T-Mobile tech support before they figured it out. IPhone LTE support will be added sometime in the future. Unfortunately I have a Note Edge (essentially a note 4) so I'm screwed as far as getting LTE activated. T-Mobile is a pain. If it can work stand alone it should be able to be activated. Other than the LTE issue I do like it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't they just use a demo to get you started? Like just pop your sim in a S8 set it up and switch back to a note 4 and be out the door?

80 hours in on my first charge and 52% battery left. This thing is nuts. I have wake up gestures on, NFC/Bluetooth on and brightness at 8. Its crazy good.

Tidbits said:
Couldn't they just use a demo to get you started? Like just pop your sim in a S8 set it up and switch back to a note 4 and be out the door?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would think so but apparently their demos are just that, demos. Also my sim is too large to fit so they would have to change sims. Still, you would think it would be easy enough.

I've received a delivery notification and its this I'm waiting for from Samsung - comes tomorrow. Was scheduled for 6th following pre order.

Returning Home? Back to Sammy?

Haven't had a Note since I sold my note 5 to get a Nexus 6p.. I always loved that phone, the specs, and then pen, but really coveted a vanilla Android experience for a while there. After being torn between nexus, pixel, and OnePlus phones for the last three or four years I've been really considering the 20 ultra..
Verizon is offering me 550 for trade in on the pixel 4 XL and some other incentives if I agree to a 2-year $22 a month payment type thing period sounds like an incredible deal especially including the trade-in value for that 4xl, knowing that even the unlocked 128 gig version and mint condition is probably not going to go much more than 450 if that....
They are requiring me to sign up my family for unlimited, I think I can live with that. Does this seem like a good deal or are there other avenues? I figured out the payments and it was a little under $500 plus the value of my pixel 4 XL..
Definitely have missed the note series something fierce over the years. Any tips? Anybody going caseless? I'm a pretty minimal phone guy, tend to enjoy the spigen thin case for the d brand grip.. definitely enjoy minimalist things but definitely want to increase the grip.. am I dumb for considering this switch or is it a no-brainer?

kickenwing13 said:
Haven't had a Note since I sold my note 5 to get a Nexus 6p.. I always loved that phone, the specs, and then pen, but really coveted a vanilla Android experience for a while there. After being torn between nexus, pixel, and OnePlus phones for the last three or four years I've been really considering the 20 ultra..
Verizon is offering me 550 for trade in on the pixel 4 XL and some other incentives if I agree to a 2-year $22 a month payment type thing period sounds like an incredible deal especially including the trade-in value for that 4xl, knowing that even the unlocked 128 gig version and mint condition is probably not going to go much more than 450 if that....
They are requiring me to sign up my family for unlimited, I think I can live with that. Does this seem like a good deal or are there other avenues? I figured out the payments and it was a little under $500 plus the value of my pixel 4 XL..
Definitely have missed the note series something fierce over the years. Any tips? Anybody going caseless? I'm a pretty minimal phone guy, tend to enjoy the spigen thin case for the d brand grip.. definitely enjoy minimalist things but definitely want to increase the grip.. am I dumb for considering this switch or is it a no-brainer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correction, today's random Verizon chat guy is telling me that doesn't qualify for me even though we just spent two hours going over the unlimited plan based on what last night's rep told me.

The 10+ is still a powerful Note if you can get a good deal and don't mind the fixed refresh rate and slightly slower processor/memory. Go with the 512 gb version and 5G if you need it. I would leave it running on Pie as it's a stable, fast platform with no scoop storage to waste cpu cycles and battery.
Both Notes lack the latest bt chipset and can never support AptX-HD. The most advanced HQ codecs they will ever support is LDAC and SSC. A major Samsung audio upgrade fail. Using the bottom mounted C port for HQ audio is cumbersome at best.
I've been considering upgrading to the 20U. However the price tag, issues with protecting its huge square cam hump,the same bt lackluster audio as the 10+, display complaints and the fact it's running on Q dampen my enthusiasm. My 10+ still is a fast, fun machine that's now fully optimized... so Sammy is that all you got?
Do Not use either without a good case; the only thing they love to do more than corner hit is faceplant. With an almost nonexistent bezel these heavy phones can be easily damaged by a drop onto a hard surface. I recommend the Bolt case. Easy to hold, use and takes a beating like Ali.
A screen protector is highly recommended after the factory installed one (if present) wears out. It saved my screen more than once from marring.
The curved screen on both phones makes finding a screen protector/case much more difficult.
However I make good use of the curved portions with the app One Handed Operation plus... so I've come to really like it.
Both are fun, big, capable machines with drop dead gorgeous displays that are positively addictive to use.
As for deal breaking, tell that reject wannabe used car salesman to go pound sand... AT&T is the next best bet as far as coverage in the US in rural areas.

blackhawk said:
The 10+ is still a powerful Note if you can get a good deal and don't mind the fixed refresh rate and slightly slower processor/memory. Go with the 512 gb version and 5G if you need it. I would leave it running on Pie as it's a stable, fast platform with no scoop storage to waste cpu cycles and battery.
Both Notes lack the latest bt chipset and can never support AptX-HD. The most advanced HQ codecs they will ever support is LDAC and SSC. A major Samsung audio upgrade fail. Using the bottom mounted C port for HQ audio is cumbersome at best.
I've been considering upgrading to the 20U. However the price tag, issues with protecting its huge square cam hump,the same bt lackluster audio as the 10+, display complaints and the fact it's running on Q dampen my enthusiasm. My 10+ still is a fast, fun machine that's now fully optimized... so Sammy is that all you got?
Do Not use either without a good case; the only thing they love to do more than corner hit is faceplant. With an almost nonexistent bezel these heavy phones can be easily damaged by a drop onto a hard surface. I recommend the Bolt case. Easy to hold, use and takes a beating like Ali.
A screen protector is highly recommended after the factory installed one (if present) wears out. It saved my screen more than once from marring.
The curved screen on both phones makes finding a screen protector/case much more difficult.
However I make good use of the curved portions with the app One Handed Operation plus... so I've come to really like it.
Both are fun, big, capable machines with drop dead gorgeous displays that are positively addictive to use.
As for deal breaking, tell that reject wannabe used car salesman to go pound sand... AT&T is the next best bet as far as coverage in the US in rural areas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I live in one of those counties where AT&t literally doesn't work in my hometown, a small village on a main highway. Family has just been on Verizon so long. Good deal, it would be nice if there was enough competition too go back and forth always taking the best deal like people started doing with TV providers. Thank you for the in-depth breakdown, that certainly slowed down my upgrade train. Been sitting there going back and forth in and out of Samsung website considering ordering since I left the Verizon store.
Currently on the pixel 4 xl. Love it. Just getting frustrated with the face unlock. Being that at work I'm always in a mask. Considered waiting for a Black Friday OnePlus 8 pro deal, still miss my seven pro sometimes just because it ran like a dream and the 12 GB variant

kickenwing13 said:
Unfortunately I live in one of those counties where AT&t literally doesn't work in my hometown, a small village on a main highway. Family has just been on Verizon so long. Good deal, it would be nice if there was enough competition too go back and forth always taking the best deal like people started doing with TV providers. Thank you for the in-depth breakdown, that certainly slowed down my upgrade train. Been sitting there going back and forth in and out of Samsung website considering ordering since I left the Verizon store.
Currently on the pixel 4 xl. Love it. Just getting frustrated with the face unlock. Being that at work I'm always in a mask. Considered waiting for a Black Friday OnePlus 8 pro deal, still miss my seven pro sometimes just because it ran like a dream and the 12 GB variant
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just can't imagine going to a Hertz refresh rate screen after being on 90 Hertz for the last year and a half or so

kickenwing13 said:
Unfortunately I live in one of those counties where AT&t literally doesn't work in my hometown, a small village on a main highway. Family has just been on Verizon so long. Good deal, it would be nice if there was enough competition too go back and forth always taking the best deal like people started doing with TV providers. Thank you for the in-depth breakdown, that certainly slowed down my upgrade train. Been sitting there going back and forth in and out of Samsung website considering ordering since I left the Verizon store.
Currently on the pixel 4 xl. Love it. Just getting frustrated with the face unlock. Being that at work I'm always in a mask. Considered waiting for a Black Friday OnePlus 8 pro deal, still miss my seven pro sometimes just because it ran like a dream and the 12 GB variant
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T is a pain too.... as they are partnered with Samsung in ways which seldom serves the customer well. In the US they are Verizon's leading competitor with almost as good coverage.
If you can wait, I would for the next generation or even longer.
If not go with the 10+ or 20U whichever you like more. The 10+ will come loaded with Pie hopefully, if so stay on it. I still don't consider Q an upgrade. Pie has been stable and secure for me for over a year.
If you have an account with Verizon talk to their retention dept or whatever they call it. They can offer deals that sales can't many times. Keep beating at them... as long and as many calls as it takes. Time is on your side if you use it.
One of Samsung's greatest charms is customization and no other Android matches it. It's a very desirable smartphone especially if you want to make look it and act like you want it to.
No 3rd party launchers or rooting needed.
Do get PD MDM package blocker to kill the bloatware, block updates you don't want and more.
The way I get around the unlock trash is by not using it; 2 taps the 10+ is on, 2 taps it's off.
Saves resources, time and frustration.

Can we confirm the unlocked version works fine on verizon? I was hoping to get Wi-Fi calling but I do have a network extender so I'm sure there are workarounds like Google voice to do some Wi-Fi calling if I really needed it. Everything I read says it has the technical capabilities but Verizon is making it hard. Can anyone confirm?

blackhawk said:
AT&T is a pain too.... as they are partnered with Samsung in ways which seldom serves the customer well. In the US they are Verizon's leading competitor with almost as good coverage.
If you can wait, I would for the next generation or even longer.
If not go with the 10+ or 20U whichever you like more. The 10+ will come loaded with Pie hopefully, if so stay on it. I still don't consider Q an upgrade. Pie has been stable and secure for me for over a year.
If you have an account with Verizon talk to their retention dept or whatever they call it. They can offer deals that sales can't many times. Keep beating at them... as long and as many calls as it takes. Time is on your side if you use it.
One of Samsung's greatest charms is customization and no other Android matches it. It's a very desirable smartphone especially if you want to make look it and act like you want it to.
No 3rd party launchers or rooting needed.
Do get PD MDM package blocker to kill the bloatware, block updates you don't want and more.
The way I get around the unlock trash is by not using it; 2 taps the 10+ is on, 2 taps it's off.
Saves resources, time and frustration.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Considered the note 10 plus .. going to start seeing a lot more of them but I guess I'm just worried about that screen. I really have enjoyed 90 hertz. Just having a hard time convincing myself that going back to 60 hertz for anything would be an upgrade no matter how much I would enjoy the pen and Samsung pay and some of the other things that I haven't had a chance to play around with

kickenwing13 said:
Unfortunately I live in one of those counties where AT&t literally doesn't work in my hometown, a small village on a main highway. Family has just been on Verizon so long. Good deal, it would be nice if there was enough competition too go back and forth always taking the best deal like people started doing with TV providers. Thank you for the in-depth breakdown, that certainly slowed down my upgrade train. Been sitting there going back and forth in and out of Samsung website considering ordering since I left the Verizon store.
Currently on the pixel 4 xl. Love it. Just getting frustrated with the face unlock. Being that at work I'm always in a mask. Considered waiting for a Black Friday OnePlus 8 pro deal, still miss my seven pro sometimes just because it ran like a dream and the 12 GB variant
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kickenwing13 said:
Considered the note 10 plus .. going to start seeing a lot more of them but I guess I'm just worried about that screen. I really have enjoyed 90 hertz. Just having a hard time convincing myself that going back to 60 hertz for anything would be an upgrade no matter how much I would enjoy the pen and Samsung pay and some of the other things that I haven't had a chance to play around with
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't say myself as I never had a refresh rate faster than 60hz. Smoother scrolling be nice...
The 10+ has zero display issues though and may be brighter than the 20U. The fact that the 10+ 512 gb is holding its price well is telling.
Since I have the 10+ running on Pie, the OS is a prime consideration for myself. I have it optimized now, it's a fast, stable, efficient platform as are the apks I'm using. Add to that there's more online support for 10+ (including older Notes) and Pie. Frequently that's what I use to help solve many issues. The cost and learning curve to go to the 20U simply aren't worth it.
Samsung didn't provide enough incentive.
Will you have 5G in the foreseeable future? The 5G variants add more sauce to the goose for trouble.
Q definitely does mean trouble especially after Playstore requires scope storage for all apps. My office app which is free would fail and no equalilant alternatives exist. Some of my favorite apks that use overlays be killed as well.
Google made another mess... I don't have to play in it.
Keep researching the different lines.
No rush though as it will be a buyer's market for quit some time
Do what serves you best and pick which features you want the most.
Either model will be fun or simply wait for a better one to come out.
Here are some current screen shots making use of Good Lock apps, stock Samsung launcher/theme/icon packs with Color Wallpaper apk providing the wallpaper.

blackhawk said:
Can't say myself as I never had a refresh rate faster than 60hz. Smoother scrolling be nice...
The 10+ has zero display issues though and may be brighter than the 20U. The fact that the 10+ 512 gb is holding its price well is telling.
Since I have the 10+ running on Pie, the OS is a prime consideration for myself. I have it optimized now, it's a fast, stable, efficient platform as are the apks I'm using. Add to that there's more online support for 10+ (including older Notes) and Pie. Frequently that's what I use to help solve many issues. The cost and learning curve to go to the 20U simply aren't worth it.
Samsung didn't provide enough incentive.
Will you have 5G in the foreseeable future? The 5G variants add more sauce to the goose for trouble.
Q definitely does mean trouble especially after Playstore requires scope storage for all apps. My office app which is free would fail and no equalilant alternatives exist. Some of my favorite apks that use overlays be killed as well.
Google made another mess... I don't have to play in it.
Keep researching the different lines.
No rush though as it will be a buyer's market for quit some time
Do what serves you best and pick which features you want the most.
Either model will be fun or simply wait for a better one to come out.
Here are some current screen shots making use of Good Lock apps, stock Samsung launcher/theme/icon packs with Color Wallpaper apk providing the wallpaper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks dude period pretty sold right now but at least talked into waiting till Black Friday and seeing if they sweeten the pot a little.. if not I may just make a sideways move and go with the pixel five, get the rear fingerprint sensor back which I think is my most missed feature

You are welcome kickwing13.
Major weakness with the P5 is storage.
Even 250 gb isn't enough for me. Currently I have roughly 1 tb of storage, 220 gb alone are used for .wav files.
The P5's blue tooth supports AptX-HD but not LDAC?
That may not matter but it limits your bt audio options.
Samsung on the other hand has their propiatory SSC and LDAC as well but sadly no AptX-HD (or higher) hardware support. The weak bt chipsets in the new Sammy's really ticked me off.
Good wishes making the choice that best suits your needs.
Even with these new big bad phones it you still need to make compromises

blackhawk said:
Can't say myself as I never had a refresh rate faster than 60hz. Smoother scrolling be nice...
The 10+ has zero display issues though and may be brighter than the 20U. The fact that the 10+ 512 gb is holding its price well is telling.
Since I have the 10+ running on Pie, the OS is a prime consideration for myself. I have it optimized now, it's a fast, stable, efficient platform as are the apks I'm using. Add to that there's more online support for 10+ (including older Notes) and Pie. Frequently that's what I use to help solve many issues. The cost and learning curve to go to the 20U simply aren't worth it.
Samsung didn't provide enough incentive.
Will you have 5G in the foreseeable future? The 5G variants add more sauce to the goose for trouble.
Q definitely does mean trouble especially after Playstore requires scope storage for all apps. My office app which is free would fail and no equalilant alternatives exist. Some of my favorite apks that use overlays be killed as well.
Google made another mess... I don't have to play in it.
Keep researching the different lines.
No rush though as it will be a buyer's market for quit some time
Do what serves you best and pick which features you want the most.
Either model will be fun or simply wait for a better one to come out.
Here are some current screen shots making use of Good Lock apps, stock Samsung launcher/theme/icon packs with Color Wallpaper apk providing the wallpaper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How's the under the screen ear piece speaker working out?

Limeybastard said:
How's the under the screen ear piece speaker working out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works fine on calls. Ok for vids but if you want anything the sounds good you need put the Buds in.
For music it's dreadful... not really a surprise*.
Any improvement on the 20U?
*this is on the 10+

blackhawk said:
Works fine on calls. Ok for vids but if you want anything the sounds good you need put the Buds in.
For music it's dreadful... not really a surprise*.
Any improvement on the 20U?
*this is on the 10+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never owned a note 10 plus to compare with to be honest. I'm wondering if it didn't work out well hence the n20u didn't implement this type of ear piece. The note 10 plus has the pen on the correct side though? ?

Limeybastard said:
I never owned a note 10 plus to compare with to be honest. I'm wondering if it didn't work out well hence the n20u didn't implement this type of ear piece. The note 10 plus has the pen on the correct side though?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My first Note, it's on the right side.
Lol, the power button isn't though and they forgot the 3 5 mm jack they use to raze Apple for removing. Maybe the next Note will have the spen going through the middle of the screen... for convenience.

blackhawk said:
My first Note, it's on the right side.
Lol, the power button isn't though and they forgot the 3 5 mm jack they use to raze Apple for removing. Maybe the next Note will have the spen going through the middle of the screen... for convenience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd hazard a guess they'll put it back to the right side.

Limeybastard said:
I'd hazard a guess they'll put it back to the right side.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You never know what that box of rabid gerbils will brain storm next... maybe all the buttons will be on the right side.
The button thing doesn't really bother me but the 3.5 mm jack does.
No jack makes audio diagnostics harder too. Lol, that cost Samsung an open box special from me... suck it up Sammy.

Took advantage of 300 of through Best Buy. Probably could have held off until Thanksgiving but was happy with 300 off

kickenwing13 said:
Took advantage of 300 of through Best Buy. Probably could have held off until Thanksgiving but was happy with 300 off
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best buy has the unlocked with no activation available currently for 1099 plus tax. According to their black friday flier they'll have 450 off with activation later for black friday probably off the original msrp of 1299.. But by the time you pay for a months of service and stop service etc get unlocked blah blah that savings figure will shrink.
In any case I personally wouldn't even consider a single sim device, especially at this price point.

Limeybastard said:
Best buy has the unlocked with no activation available currently for 1099 plus tax. According to their black friday flier they'll have 450 off with activation later for black friday probably off the original msrp of 1299.. But by the time you pay for a months of service and stop service etc get unlocked blah blah that savings figure will shrink.
In any case I personally wouldn't even consider a single sim device, especially at this price point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understandable for sure. I'm sure something better will pop up closer to Thanksgiving and I'll kick myself a little bit. But still excited, this is as future proof as any device I could get in 2020 for my needs and it keeps me from having to use my 2012 Galaxy note 10.1 anytime I want to mess around with an s pen.

General So, I pulled the trigger and...meh. *UPDATED*

First of all, thanks again so much to all of those who helped me with my question of whether I should upgrade from my Gear S3 - your input was greatly appreciated, and my ultimate decision in no way invalidates it - I agree with all of the points you made. But after finally pulling the trigger and picking up a GW4 Classic 46mm, all I can say is... meh.
Nothing about the watch 'wowed' me. In fact, there wasn't even anything that I really liked, unlike my Gear S3. OK, maybe having Google Maps is cool, and I'm sure once we get Google Assistant - but right now, out of the box - meh. Plus, there were too many things that irritated me.
This watch is expensive - even with a $100 Best Buy discount - and that skinny, cheap @$$ed band (in only one size too!) really irritated me (although, TBF, it is comfortable). I've realized the health features are more of a gimmick to me than actually useful features (and the main ones aren't even natively available in Canada).
I hated the look of the Wear interface. I hated that the number pad is not optimized for a round watch like in Tizen. I couldn't find one watch face I really liked. Not one. (And what's with that stupid initial that's always present on the stock watch face, even when you customize your initials??)
I love the punchy, blue Frontier face on my Gear S3 - those mostly greyscale stock GW4 watch faces don't do anything for me. Sure, I might be able to find one from a dev, make one, etc. - but I shouldn't have to, and when I shell out big $$ for a piece of tech, I expect it to have at least something I love, and a few things I really like.
The GW4, at least in it's current state, does nothing (or perhaps more accurately, nothing that I need) that my Gear S3 doesn't do. My Gear S3 will continue to suit my needs just fine for the foreseeable future.
I completely understand why others might like it's design, features, etc. - but, for me, I realize now I was just eyeing it and buying it because it's new and shiny and, for my money, it's got to do more than that. It should at least impress me, 'wow' me somehow, in some way - and it doesn't. It's going back. Sorry guys.
*UPDATE* OK, so - I decided to keep it after all. Well, I did return the first one, but then they went on sale for a lower price in addition to the $100 trade-in discount, so I couldn't resist at that price. And I figured I should give it more time, and see how things go. Not gonna lie, I tried out the Google Maps navigation on the bike today, and was thoroughly impressed, with the directions on my wrist and voice turn-by-turn through my Galaxy Buds - so, finally a 'wow' feature.
*UPDATE #2* GBoard is a treat too - the swipe typing and voice input are so much better/easier to use than T9.
Anyway, thanks again everyone for all the advice, your experiences etc. - let's see how Samsung and Google do with this thing.

Have you heard of paragraphs? I don't think anyone is going to read that unformatted wall of text.

shawkes said:
Have you heard of paragraphs? I don't think anyone is going to read that unformatted wall of text.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, sorry - I guess I'm not used to writing such long posts, and it's kinda hard to break up a rant - but good point, fixed that.

Thanks for the writeup.
Interesting to see everyone's reviews, quite a few have your take on it. Personally, I upgraded from a gen 1 Moto 360 so I this was a definite nice upgrade.
While it would be nice to have Google assistant, I rarely use it (and don't see using Bigby either) so it's not a game changer for me. Love being able to use Gpay on it though. I was having issues with Riru and being able to use Gpay on my phone for a while so being able to pay with the watch was a life saver.

Having upgraded fro Gwa2 to gw4c, I must say that the watch is indeed an upgrade, save for the battery life though. I was charging my Gwa2 every 3 4 days for the first 1.5years of ownership and once every 2 3 days the last months before it died on me while swimming.
Considering tho that I only spent 75euros to get the gw4c 46mm (I got a credit from Samsung for the cost of the Gwa2, instead of them repairing it, which was WAY too perfect for me since it happened one month before the gw4 official release), I can only say good things for the watch; if I could only stretch the battery to charge it every two nights, for the time being it barely makes it.

rmiles7721 said:
Thanks for the writeup.
Interesting to see everyone's reviews, quite a few have your take on it. Personally, I upgraded from a gen 1 Moto 360 so I this was a definite nice upgrade.
While it would be nice to have Google assistant, I rarely use it (and don't see using Bigby either) so it's not a game changer for me. Love being able to use Gpay on it though. I was having issues with Riru and being able to use Gpay on my phone for a while so being able to pay with the watch was a life saver.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I was looking forward to using GPay (in addition to Samsung Pay) as I have a credit card linked to GPay that Samsung Pay won't accept - but it turns out that GPay can't use that card for tap payments either.
I do think Google Assistant will be useful for starting navigation, making calls etc., as it is simply so much better and accurate than Bixby.

thanito said:
Having upgraded fro Gwa2 to gw4c, I must say that the watch is indeed an upgrade, save for the battery life though. I was charging my Gwa2 every 3 4 days for the first 1.5years of ownership and once every 2 3 days the last months before it died on my while swimming.
Considering tho that I only spent 75euros to get the gw4c 46mm (I got a credit from Samsung for the cost of the Gwa2, instead of them repairing it, which was WAY too perfect for me since it happened one month before the gw4 official release), I can only say good things for the watch; if I could only stretch the battery to charge it every two nights, for the time being it barely makes it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know my rant may leave the wrong impression for a lot of folks, so I just want to be clear that there is no question that the GW4 is an upgrade over its predecessors, especially my old Gear S3 - what I was really trying to say is that my Gear S3 does all the basic things I need it to do (notifications and calls while my phone is in my daypack on the bike, and Samsung Pay, even with international phones that can't use Samsung Pay). And I like the look and feel of it and Tizen better.
But beyond that, the folks who provided advice as to whether to upgrade or not were absolutely right, the GW4 is definitely an upgrade - I just struggle with justifying the cost when the Gear S3 does what I need it to do already, and so many things about the GW4 bugged me. Samsung is imitating Apple more and more it seems, and being cheap as f*ck doing it, too (i.e., just compare the Gear S3 box to the GW4, the chargers, the straps - and for less money!).
I should add that battery life and charging times were two areas where I was pleasantly surprised. I was expecting the worst, but I found that the watch charged fairly quickly, and battery life wasn't as bad as I was thought it would be (although nowhere near the 3+ days I get on the Gear S3 of course).

You already know from my previous post I did the same transition and did have similar thoughts about the differences between the Gear S3 and the GW4 but for me it was worth the change. From reading across XDA and Reddit on the GW4 it is definitely not meeting everybody's expectations. There is a good deal of room for Samsung to improve the software (not unexpected for me given the Tizen journey) and this is an area it is not fulfilling expectations. Battery life is another as again there does appear room for better optimisation but I am not very optimistic about that.
More than happy with my transition, the benefits of working Samsung Pay, physical size and feel and fulfilling all the uses I put the Gear S3 to makes it a win for me. The only drawback thus far has been the slightly less (on average about 12 hours less than the Gear S3) battery life.
Getting a £115 trade in for the Gear S3 also tipped the balance in terms of overall value of the change.
Regards

spangelaregreat said:
You already know from my previous post I did the same transition and did have similar thoughts about the differences between the Gear S3 and the GW4 but for me it was worth the change. From reading across XDA and Reddit on the GW4 it is definitely not meeting everybody's expectations. There is a good deal of room for Samsung to improve the software (not unexpected for me given the Tizen journey) and this is an area it is not fulfilling expectations. Battery life is another as again there does appear room for better optimisation but I am not very optimistic about that.
More than happy with my transition, the benefits of working Samsung Pay, physical size and feel and fulfilling all the uses I put the Gear S3 to makes it a win for me. The only drawback thus far has been the slightly less (on average about 12 hours less than the Gear S3) battery life.
Getting a £115 trade in for the Gear S3 also tipped the balance in terms of overall value of the change.
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, thank you so much spangelaregreat, your posts were very helpful, especially your review under Review/Comparison (Gear S3) & Mods. I definitely wondered (and still wonder, as I haven't actually made the trek back to Best Buy yet) if I shouldn't give it more time. I may still change my mind, not least because I know you're right, the GW4 is still new, and will no doubt improve rapidly, and I know I might regret it if I take it back. I'll be sure to let folks know if I do. Thanks again!

No problem.

I just rec'd my GW4-44mm late yesterday afternoon. I quickly set it up and swapped out my GA2 for it. I'd agree there's very close to zero wow factor since they are so similar physically, and One UI makes them operate similarly too. I purchased the GW4 because of the things Tizen can't do...namely Google Maps (when you're out walking or biking), Google Pay (my cards aren't supported on Samsung Pay), Google Keep. The display also seems a bit blacker/sharper but it's subjective.
So, it does what I expected it to, but it's a point upgrade. Unlike with Tizen, the watch can actually get better if there are more and different apps.

mickliq said:
I just rec'd my GW4-44mm late yesterday afternoon. I quickly set it up and swapped out my GA2 for it. I'd agree there's very close to zero wow factor since they are so similar physically, and One UI makes them operate similarly too. I purchased the GW4 because of the things Tizen can't do...namely Google Maps (when you're out walking or biking), Google Pay (my cards aren't supported on Samsung Pay), Google Keep. The display also seems a bit blacker/sharper but it's subjective.
So, it does what I expected it to, but it's a point upgrade. Unlike with Tizen, the watch can actually get better if there are more and different apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed - and this is something I was very conscious of as I weighed my decision - that is, as much as I like Tizen, it's a dead end, whereas as much as I dislike Wear OS, it can only (hopefully) get better.
I will be very disappointed however if Samsung and Google don't sort out the bugs, and bring Google Assistant to the GW4.

mickliq said:
I just rec'd my GW4-44mm late yesterday afternoon. I quickly set it up and swapped out my GA2 for it. I'd agree there's very close to zero wow factor since they are so similar physically, and One UI makes them operate similarly too. I purchased the GW4 because of the things Tizen can't do...namely Google Maps (when you're out walking or biking), Google Pay (my cards aren't supported on Samsung Pay), Google Keep. The display also seems a bit blacker/sharper but it's subjective.
So, it does what I expected it to, but it's a point upgrade. Unlike with Tizen, the watch can actually get better if there are more and different apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get Google Keep to work, mine just keeps saying syncing?

I didn't do anything special. I went into the Watch Play store, picked "apps on phone", selected Keep (among others), and when I first launched it, it asked me what account I wanted to sync.

Returned mine Watch 4 as well. Not much improvement over my Galaxy Watch 3. It maybe has sharper display, but I would love slightly bigger display area.

carlitos66 said:
Returned mine Watch 4 as well. Not much improvement over my Galaxy Watch 3. It maybe has sharper display, but I would love slightly bigger display area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would definitely hang on to a Watch 3 for a while - my Gear S3 is 5 years old! I have swapped out the battery though - not sure how easy that is to do on the Watch 3. Yearly upgrades are out of the question for me, regardless.

See my update in the original post above - decided to keep the GW4 after all, and see how it goes.

jtOttawa said:
*UPDATE* OK, so - I decided to keep it after all. Well, I did return the first one, but then they went on sale for a lower price in addition to the $100 trade-in discount, so I couldn't resist at that price. And I figured I should give it more time, and see how things go. Not gonna lie, I tried out the Google Maps navigation on the bike today, and was thoroughly impressed, with the directions on my wrist and voice turn-by-turn through my Galaxy Buds - so, finally a 'wow' feature.
*UPDATE #2* GBoard is a treat too - the swipe typing and voice input are so much better/easier to use than T9.
Anyway, thanks again everyone for all the advice, your experiences etc. - let's see how Samsung and Google do with this thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree with you on the Google Maps integration. I did not believe I would ever use this when I got watch. Without even thinking about this I was getting directions on my phone to a destination 3.2 miles from me in Chicago last weekend. I was walking. I was holding up my phone and walking and when I got to the street where I needed to turn at the watch vibrated. I looked at the watch and it showed that I needed to turn. I quickly realized I did not have to have my phone out at all. So nice to just walk along without holding up my phone glancing at my watch whenever it vibrated.
Thankfully there is option to turn off auto launch when driving. To me this is annoying as hell

fliptwister said:
I have to agree with you on the Google Maps integration. I did not believe I would ever use this when I got watch. Without even thinking about this I was getting directions on my phone to a destination 3.2 miles from me in Chicago last weekend. I was walking. I was holding up my phone and walking and when I got to the street where I needed to turn at the watch vibrated. I looked at the watch and it showed that I needed to turn. I quickly realized I did not have to have my phone out at all. So nice to just walk along without holding up my phone glancing at my watch whenever it vibrated.
Thankfully there is option to turn off auto launch when driving. To me this is annoying as hell
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks fliptwister - I'm thinking this will also be particularly useful when travelling and exploring a new city, etc. - not having the phone out in some cities would be a lot safer, as well as easier and less distracting.
BTW, I should receive that AliExpress watch band you posted about by Monday - when I do I'll be sure to upload a pic and let you know what I think in that thread about the bands. EDIT: Just got it, in fact - should be able to post about it in a few minutes.

carlitos66 said:
Returned mine Watch 4 as well. Not much improvement over my Galaxy Watch 3. It maybe has sharper display, but I would love slightly bigger display area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is where I'm leaning. I'm tempted by the SpO2 sleep monitoring, so I may trial to see if that's accurate enough. But that seems to be the only improvement over GW3. Well, and I'm really interested to see if two of my WearOS apps work, except it sounds like most apps aren't compatible without some development tweaking to work with WearOS3.
So waiting to see if Google/Fitbit have cooked anything up. Otherwise, I guess maybe I'll wait for the GW5...