I was the previous owner of the the Samsung Galaxy S1 and the S2. I skipped the S3 but got the S4. All the phones I got were the international unlocked versions. Samsung left a very sour taste in my mouth with the S4 because it was stuck on Android 4.4.4 for a long long time despite Android 5.0 being released. I eventually gave up the wait and moved over to the Nexus 5 which I'm still rocking now. I love the quick updates and the monthly security updates too. The S5 didn't seem that much better than the S4 so I skipped it and the S6 seemed dreadful due to the changes they made so I skipped that. However the S7 has gotten me interested again for the following reasons:
1. Much bigger battery.
2. Expandable storage is back after the S6.
3. (Supposedly) much reduced bloatware.
4. One of the best displays on any smartphone (as reported by http://www.displaymate.com).
5. A really nice design and they didn't increase the phone screen size (I loathe manufacturers who keep increasing the phone screen size. Admittedly, 5.1" is still bigger than I'd like but only just).
The only thing I have concerns about is how slow Samsung may be with releasing future Android OS updates for the phone. My experience with the S4 and what I've heard about the S5 and S6 is that Samsung are pretty good with updates for the first 4 months of their new phone's release. Mainly because a delayed update during this period would really hurt their sale numbers. However, after 4 months, they really drag their feet and it's almost like it's become the lowest priority. I know it'll never be as good as Nexus but how good are Samsung compared to other manufacturers?
Edit: I've rooted and done custom ROMs in the past but I'm really reluctant to go down this path again.
What do people think?
Techno79 said:
I was the previous owner of the the Samsung Galaxy S1 and the S2. I skipped the S3 but got the S4. All the phones I got were the international unlocked versions. Samsung left a very sour taste in my mouth with the S4 because it was stuck on Android 4.4.4 for a long long time despite Android 5.0 being released. I eventually gave up the wait and moved over to the Nexus 5 which I'm still rocking now. I love the quick updates and the monthly security updates too. The S5 didn't seem that much better than the S4 so I skipped it and the S6 seemed dreadful due to the changes they made so I skipped that. However the S7 has gotten me interested again for the following reasons:
1. Much bigger battery.
2. Expandable storage is back after the S6.
3. (Supposedly) much reduced bloatware.
4. One of the best displays on any smartphone (as reported by http://www.displaymate.com).
5. A really nice design and they didn't increase the phone screen size (I loathe manufacturers who keep increasing the phone screen size. Admittedly, 5.1" is still bigger than I'd like but only just).
The only thing I have concerns about is how slow Samsung may be with releasing future Android OS updates for the phone. My experience with the S4 and what I've heard about the S5 and S6 is that Samsung are pretty good with updates for the first 4 months of their new phone's release. Mainly because a delayed update during this period would really hurt their sale numbers. However, after 4 months, they really drag their feet and it's almost like it's become the lowest priority. I know it'll never be as good as Nexus but how good are Samsung compared to other manufacturers?
What do people think?
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If you want fast updates, go with the nexus 6P/nexus 5x. Pretty sure the S7 won't be updated to Android N until February of next year (if not later depending on how much new stuff there is). Or wait for the next Nexus. Samsung really sucks when it comes to updates, but luckily the stock firmwares are usually fast and smooth enough for me not to care about not having the latest version.
FWIW the international S6 received marshmallow officially last month before any of the carrier branded ones.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
Samsung is the slowest with updates, and they usually filled with problems, on mine Note 5 i tried now the Android 6.0.1 rom and had few major problems, roll back to 5.1.1.
dew.man said:
FWIW the international S6 received marshmallow officially last month before any of the carrier branded ones.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
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Which is why I only go for SIM free phones because carrier branded phones just add another layer of complete ball ache and bureaucracy to an already problematic OS update process. So not to be mean anything, but comparing the update delay to carrier branded phones doesn't really say much at all.
Derpling said:
Samsung is the slowest with updates, and they usually filled with problems, on mine Note 5 i tried now the Android 6.0.1 rom and had few major problems, roll back to 5.1.1.
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It's a real shame because Samsung has so much potential. They've got a lot of budget to throw more resources (or acquire the resources if needed) to get more timely updates. If they did, they would gain so many more consumers as they'd appreciate the better support. Samsung have a very short sighted strategy at the moment.
You right and many users smart and even sheeps throwing them to the pit, i had many GS3 and 4 heck even S5 users that swore never to use samsung, and while they all like my Note 5 and agree it's the best phone atm, they never buy it just because they know that sammy is behind with it, literally with updates.
I can see it in my own eyes, October was the last time i got an update, Note 4 users left in the dust, while G4 G3 got Android 6 running for 3 months.... only now some S6 and edge variants getting 6.0.1.
Derpling said:
You right and many users smart and even sheeps throwing them to the pit, i had many GS3 and 4 heck even S5 users that swore never to use samsung, and while they all like my Note 5 and agree it's the best phone atm, they never buy it just because they know that sammy is behind with it, literally with updates.
I can see it in my own eyes, October was the last time i got an update, Note 4 users left in the dust, while G4 G3 got Android 6 running for 3 months.... only now some S6 and edge variants getting 6.0.1.
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Everyone keeps on putting the slow updates on Samsung when indeed, they just push the updates to the carriers and it is the carriers that drag there feet so that customers get pissed off and just change devices. Remember that the carriers have to add there bloat to the updates, it is not just Samsung.
That right for carrier versions, i'm talking about internation unlocked model like mine, N920C.
Carriers slow it down, but samsung has more interrest in making you buy a new phone than updating a one or two years old phone. Just look at apple or sony, there you see how also older phones get an update.
Samsung never honoured the 18 month update cycle for Note 3 either.
Their SW update process is broken - either on purpose or alternatively due to lack of competence/resources.
Regardless, if you buy Samsung, you will not be first to get major updates (X.0), sometimes you don't get for your model at all (even though 18months is officially promised) and the security patches you pretty much need to hunt down / patch yourself.
So, buyer beware.
It's ok to delay the update if they gonna optimize it further, but i don't feel it's the case with 6.0.1 as it have some weird bugs and apparently new "feature".
Samsung never details the updates and they never honored the security updates, mine n920c last update was in October some were lucky and got January security update.
They really should stop selling devices until they can support them, you buy the best product they can make to receive the worst support ever, low end sammy phones never get any updates.
After thinking about it lots and doing a lot of googling about the topic, as much as I really do love what S7 will bring to the table, it is Samsung crappy software support that has put me off. It's unacceptable that Samsung provides such poor support for their flagship phone.
I've decided to hold out for the 2016 Nexus phone. I'm sure it won't be as advanced as the S7 but that'll be a small downside compared to the much better software support.
I truly hope someone at Samsung is reading this so they can take note as to how much poor software support is hurting their profits.
If you want fast updates then Nexus but my personal opinion is that Sammy isn't too bad on the update front. They do release a load of phones and with all their skins etc a fair amount of work is required before they can push out their flavour of new updates.
Sent from my XT1580 using Tapatalk
The longest I have kept a phone over the past few years is 8 months lol, so I'm not too worried about updates as sad as that is. If this phone turns out to be especially great, I could see myself keeping it for a year, but I can't really imagine keeping a phone for 18 months or two years. Although my wife and I do want to have a baby within the next year, so maybe my priorities will change and I will stop caring about having the latest phone. I am an Android and iOS app developer by profession though, so I sort of use that to justify buying phones all the time.
Related
So I was a bit impressed with the LG V10 when it first debuted so I picked it up especially after seeing the Note 5 specs, I do have to say the LG V10 did blew me away for at least the first 2-3 months plus the free battery and 200GB sd card made it a no-brainer for me, Now 10 months later my phone is having so many issues and especially after the Marshmallow update which caused some many issues with battery life, performance and heating issues (that's just me not sure if anyone had the same issue) with that being said I will be switching to the Note8 since at this point internal battery is no longer important to me and Samsung was really smart about bringing back the SDcard which to me is #1 on my priority list.
So are you switching? If so why?
I won't be switching for awhile. I'm not upgrading to quickly anymore. It's hard for me to justify a new phone that probably only has an upgraded CPU that won't really affect anything I do on my device. Waterproofing and the other updates are nice but I really don't need it. I'm enjoying root(which may get even more difficult on nouget) right now and I'll take a wait and see approach for now.
Sent from my LG-H901 using XDA-Developers mobile app
If I switch to anything it will be the V20 depending on what the specs are.... Waiting for someone to leak something besides the very vague leaks we have so far.
The main thing I like about the note 7 is the waterproofing but I just don't think I can go to non removable battery until it's the absolute only option. I love my zerolemon too much.
Sent from my pretty nifty brand new LG V10
I'm not.
Taking a break from AMOLED screens. Every unit i've had since the Galaxy Nexus, Note 3 and N6 has had burn in within 4-5 months. LGV10 does get em, but they go away since they're less susceptible to them.
I'm also way happy with V10 camera and build. Note 7 did catch my eye with the icon theme feature but have not seen anything that I need to upgrade to. V20 I probably wont but it all depends on looks and if it has a similar build to the V10 (solid)
V20 will be my next purchase. The Note 7 looks amazing, but $900 for a locked device is unacceptable and very Apple (or anti Android) imo.
I do wish LG would use a super AMOLED screen or come up with a alternative tech that is just as vibrant.
Also it would be nice if they moved the lower navigation buttons off the screen and into the black portion that serves no purpose other than making the current v10 bulky and long.
I'm staying with Lg for the double tap to wake device alone.
I might get the V20 depending on price, special offers or specs. Otherwise I'm still very happy with my V10.
Someone mentioned this before, but I am re-stating it. 900 for knox and locked down phone will not be very popular with this community. Samsung is becoming very apple-ish. Samsung is also very slow with their updates. it is shipping with Marshmallow, I think. Without root, and a locked bootloader, you have to wait for Samsung/T-mobile to release Nougat.
Probably will be switching. My V10 has been acting crazy since the MM update. It freezes randomly, feels like its burning my leg when I have it in my pocket, have had the battery drop from 100% to 90% in 15 minutes at times without the screen on, and random apps will crash one day then work fine the next. Never had problems with Lollipop.
Battery drain is ridiculous and there was a time in life I wanted root on all my phones but honestly its not a deal breaker anymore.
Honestly the Note 7 and the V220 both have me worried. I enjoy ad blocking. That in itself is high priority on my list. Im not heavily concerned about open bootloader, but root is a must. Samsung has recently been severely locking down their devices, but I think android 7.0 is gonna be worse with the system checks on boot. They were saying with a locked bootloader you phone "possibly" wont boot if it doesn't pass certain checks. I also remember 7.0 has the capability to uninstall malicious apps, no matter where the source came from. I don't know what they consider malicious, but I'm pretty sure the ad king, would file ad blocking under that category.
agentscuba314 said:
Honestly the Note 7 and the V220 both have me worried. I enjoy ad blocking. That in itself is high priority on my list. Im not heavily concerned about open bootloader, but root is a must. Samsung has recently been severely locking down their devices, but I think android 7.0 is gonna be worse with the system checks on boot. They were saying with a locked bootloader you phone "possibly" wont boot if it doesn't pass certain checks. I also remember 7.0 has the capability to uninstall malicious apps, no matter where the source came from. I don't know what they consider malicious, but I'm pretty sure the ad king, would file ad blocking under that category.
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I myself is concerned with the future of handsets after all we buy these and we own them and we should have the right to root, unlock and modify our devices.
maxmotos said:
I myself is concerned with the future of handsets after all we buy these and we own them and we should have the right to root, unlock and modify our devices.
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Anything short of leasing a device, we should have the capability of unlocking the bootloader, similar to what HTC/Nexus has for their devices.
The Note 7 looks nice but is way too expensive!
Sent from my LG-H901 using XDA-Developers mobile app
After purchasing a s8 from Tmobile by means of an insurance claim ($175) plus jump, something dawned on me. All the new none hardware features the s8 flaunts had been running and running solid on my s6 edge plus for over 2 months and were no longer awe inspiring. After 2 days with my new sleek looking beast I instantly knew no way did I want to pay $800 for a phone I basically had for 2 months, with a locked bootloader, and doomed by Samsungs slow update rollouts. After owning all Sammy phones since the s2 I traded in the s8 for for the LG V20. I must say the trade off has been absolutely worth every bit of the $300 dollars I saved and more. The only advantage Ive seen of the s8 is the snappy 835. Yes I didn't say the screen because ive had burn in with every phone i ever had. Everyting else(that matters to homosapiens) is pretty much advantage LG. I cant belive Ive been as much a fanboy as the I$hit apple fan boys all these years. I will miss my favorite devs from through the years and you guys who showed love to a noob. My bags are packed, Im off to the other side and without a note 8 in sight no plans of returning.
mookiexl said:
After purchasing a s8 from Tmobile by means of an insurance claim ($175) plus jump, something dawned on me. All the new none hardware features the s8 flaunts had been running and running solid on my s6 edge plus for over 2 months and were no longer awe inspiring. After 2 days with my new sleek looking beast I instantly knew no way did I want to pay $800 for a phone I basically had for 2 months, with a locked bootloader, and doomed by Samsungs slow update rollouts. After owning all Sammy phones since the s2 I traded in the s8 for for the LG V20. I must say the trade off has been absolutely worth every bit of the $300 dollars I saved and more. The only advantage Ive seen of the s8 is the snappy 835. Yes I didn't say the screen because ive had burn in with every phone i ever had. Everyting else(that matters to homosapiens) is pretty much advantage LG. I cant belive Ive been as much a fanboy as the I$hit apple fan boys all these years. I will miss my favorite devs from through the years and you guys who showed love to a noob. My bags are packed, Im off to the other side and without a note 8 in sight no plans of returning.
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Farewell, I'd do the same but for universal usability of Samsung Pay, and that I have to stop phone whoring, 8+ is not a bad phone to hang with
But I'm excited for you [emoji106]
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
mookiexl said:
Running solid on my s6 edge plus for over 2 months and were no longer awe inspiring.
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I went from a Note5 to Note7 and then for obvious reasons ended up with a S7e. The move from N7 to S7e was like going from a BMW to a Chevy Impala with the S7e being much more similar to my Note5 than Note7. I can't even imagine comparing a S8 to a S6. I'm getting a Note8 but moved to a S8+ in the interim because I just couldn't handle the S7e and how outdated it felt; especially after my brief stint with a N7.. I can't imagine comparing a S8 to a S6. But to each their own.
We tend to become crazy with new updates
BarryH_GEG said:
I went from a Note5 to Note7 and then for obvious reasons ended up with a S7e. The move from N7 to S7e was like going from a BMW to a Chevy Impala with the S7e being much more similar to my Note5 than Note7. I can't even imagine comparing a S8 to a S6. I'm getting a Note8 but moved to a S8+ in the interim because I just couldn't handle the S7e and how outdated it felt; especially after my brief stint with a N7.. I can't imagine comparing a S8 to a S6. But to each their own.
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Not comparing but the s6 edge plus does have a 5.7 screen and I was using the s8 port for months with all features working so there was no newness about the s8 for me besides the smoothness. The note 8 is where its at though.
mookiexl said:
Not comparing but the s6 edge plus does have a 5.7 screen and I was using the s8 port for months with all features working so there was no newness about the s8 for me besides the smoothness. The note 8 is where its at though.
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You can put the 580HP V8 engine from a 2017 COPO Camaro in to a 2015 V6 stripper. What you'll have is a two-year old V6 stripper with another car's engine. For me and I'm assuming quite a few here the annual move to the next generation flagship is about the sum of the parts not one particular feature or single piece of s/w. After using it for a while now I think the S8 (I have a S8+) is Samsung's greatest work to date. Even with some of its issues. There are people who for whatever reason can't or won't justify moving to the next big thing. That's OK but don't try to use whatever rationale supported that decision on others. Value is in the eye of the beholder.
Mmkay
badrsj said:
Farewell, I'd do the same but for universal usability of Samsung Pay, and that I have to stop phone whoring, 8+ is not a bad phone to hang with
But I'm excited for you [emoji106]
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
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I stay for the gearvr, but the S8+ is a very nice phone if you have an unlocked BL. Had an unlocked BL not been available from Samsung , I would have gone elsewhere. In the future I'll likely buy the standalone VR and buy another manufactures phone because they do seem like they are trying to move away from an unlocked BL.
All the while too, I'm waiting for google to put out a better asop hardware phone together featuring an amoled display and external sd card slot, they have always be behind the 8-ball with that, the best phone they ever put out with the S4 GPE for obvious reasons.
I have an old S6 Edge and the software, on the latest 7.0 is snappy and almost the same as my S8+, besides bixby and some other featured. By no means do they compare, but with the new software lately, even old phone seem to be zippy. My old Note 4, which hasn't gotten 7.0 is slow to a crawl. The new TouchWiz helps a great deal.
As for the lack of an unlocked bootloader and root, it is a bummer. But it cannot be discounted that this is the best phone out right now, in almost every aspect
I made the mistake of buying an S6. I jumped from it asap. I went BACK to a Note 4.
When the Note 7 came out, I bought one ASAP. I ended up with an S7e and wish I had just gone back to my Note 4 instead.
Now I have an S8, and am a little more happy, but i'll be getting a Note 8 day one.
cantenna said:
All the while too, I'm waiting for google to put out a better asop hardware phone together featuring an amoled display and external sd card slot, they have always be behind the 8-ball with that, the best phone they ever put out with the S4 GPE for obvious reasons.
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I think you'll be waiting a very long time....
Google would rather you use their storage services than have the convenience of an SD Card.
Source: the history of Nexus/Pixel devices.
ticholas said:
I think you'll be waiting a very long time....
Google would rather you use their storage services than have the convenience of an SD Card.
Source: the history of Nexus/Pixel devices.
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I can compromise on an sd but then i want 256 GB internal and much better hardware quality then they have been putting out.
Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk
Funny thing, I had a V20 which was absolute ****. I purchased the Exynos S8+ and I've never been so happy! I've never owned a Samsung before because I HATED the button layouts (the back was switched with recent) and just over all screamed cheap to me. Now with this phone.. The best!
Hi everyone
Is the S7 [exynos] worth buying now? I can get it for around ₹22k(330$), brand new with warranty. Or should I go for newer ones like oneplus 5T [~500$]. I'm not planning to root it & use stock rom. Hardware seems good, my other considerations being battery life, software & camera. Any suggestions are welcome..
I have just bought mine, cause now the price is good. I bought a golden S7 and I´m very happy. It´s worth buying. My previous phone was a 2y old S6. These phones rock! 4gb Ram, this back camera, ip68, this processor... u can´t go wrong!
I just got my S7 from Bestbuy At&t for $12.66/mo. love it. Good battery life, great screen, wireless charge. Not easy finding a good screen protector though.
If you plan on staying on stock, then you should focus on both device's specs:
https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=7821&idPhone2=8912
As you can see both devices, even if they are one year apart(launching date wise) they are almost similar.
In this case, I think you are better off going for the S7. I'll always go for a Samsung first.
fast96 said:
I just got my S7 from Bestbuy At&t for $12.66/mo. love it. Good battery life, great screen, wireless charge. Not easy finding a good screen protector though.
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Try Skinomi protectors, I've used them in various phone and they really good.
I purchased it on 7th Feb 2018
I just bought mine yesterday from Flipkart!
got it for Rs 23,000.
The only good options were (according to price range of Rs. 25,000)
Moto x4 , Honor 8 pro, Moto z1, Galaxy s7
I choose this because of
1. Super Amoled 2k display
2. Camera (having dual pixel technology)
3. Guaranteed update to oreo by April 2018
As you know It has all the ingredients of a everyday smartphone, i.e 4GB ram , top of line processing power, 32gb storage, Hybrid sim slot.
For me the screen and camera are the main reasons
I have installed google camera app v4 and it has significant improvement over the photos clicked.
Hope this helps
Super_Commando said:
Hi everyone
Is the S7 [exynos] worth buying now? I can get it for around ₹22k(330$), brand new with warranty. Or should I go for newer ones like oneplus 5T [~500$]. I'm not planning to root it & use stock rom. Hardware seems good, my other considerations being battery life, software & camera. Any suggestions are welcome..
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Click to collapse
Definitely no. This device is now 2 years old. Just wait a few months, there would be tons of better devices in this price range.
ZeroCGTI said:
Definitely no. This device is now 2 years old. Just wait a few months, there would be tons of better devices in this price range.
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There's always going to be a better phone coming out in a "few months" and you'll end up waiting forever. I initially thought about waiting as well, but I ran out of patience and got mine at a great price. And I have no issues whatsoever. Innovation on mobile has plateaued so there's no point waiting. My only complaint is that we might not get Android P or even 8.1.
ZeroCGTI said:
Definitely no. This device is now 2 years old. Just wait a few months, there would be tons of better devices in this price range.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any suggestions for upcoming better devices..
Sent from my Moto MAXX using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Still the only phone out there that's "small" and has wireless charging, ip68, enough ram, large battery, microsd, amoled, and no curved edge. Not a single other phone! if mine broke I would have to buy another S7
buy it after s9 is announced this month end, should see another price drop on the s7.
Is it worth buying is not the question; the question is more WHERE is it worth buying. As a US S7 (Snapdragon) owner with an MVNO, the answer is equivocal for two reasons:
1. An Exnyos-based S7 has no warranty support in the US; technically, it's a "gray market" phone (only Snapdragon-based S7s are permissible (per Samsung USA). If you want US warranty support, stick with Snapdragon-based S7 series. While you lose out on the wider support of the AOSP and TWRP features with a Snapdragon-based S7, S7+, or S7edge, you are not dead in the water - there ARE fusion firmwares available (stang5litre running an MM fusion firmwarew, and Project L - a Nougat-based fusion firmware). I am running L myself, and it's not any harder to install than an AOSP ROM is on phones that permit them (I came from AOSP on the Galaxy Nexus - which is now my alternate). I'm with Tracfone, the largest MVNO in the US, and can choose between Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile under normal circumstances (I went with T-Mobile, because my IMEI is blacklisted on VZW due to the phone's previous owner)
2. Naturally, outside of the US, your situation is different - which I get. However, all the S7 models will get Oreo; the weird part is that it was announced for older model phones (S6 series) first - which has resulted in much scratchage of heads and chins. The issue therefore is patience (ours).
i would wait till the s9 comes so that the s8 gets cheaper... i like the s8 more due to the battery having more output after a year. on the s7 you will get like 70% battery after a year use and with the s8 you will get around 95%
i bought it as it was the cheapest phone for max price of 300 USD.The Honor 8 was on the fritz plus its getting oreo.Could not beat that price
I purchased a s7 from flipkart yesterday, i paid 23k for it n i am very happy with it, i preferred s7 over moto x4, z2play and iphone se because of these reasons:
1) S7 is a flagship product from 2016, and its worth buying a flagship product over some mid range phone, it gives u a premium feeling.
2) S7 has THE best smartphone screen, its 2k and an insane 577ppi, which is in fact more than that of iphone x,note 8 and s8
3)Out of the box, it has android 6.0 but its upgradable to 7 and 8 as well, but we have to wait till April.
4)This Phone rocks a 4gb ram, it has a sd card slot, ip68 water resistance,12 mp camera and even ois,octa core cpu, fast charge,otg,heart rate sensor and so on
In short we can never call s7 an obsolete device, it meets all the standards of 2018 mobiles and in most cases it surpasses them, it still gives a tough challenge to todays flagships like iphone x, note 8, s8, nokia 8, one plus 5t and so on. So if ur budget howers around 20-23k i would highly recommend buying this beast, u will never regret ur purchase
Absolutely it is worth buying. I have a s8 (exynos) with a s7 (exynos) as a backup. If the s8 didn't exist or I didn't want to spend s8 money on a phone, the only phones on the market in Feb 2018 I would consider would be the S7 and XZ1 Compact. The S7 has the highest DPI screen on the market (STILL) and the smallest body (excluding the XZ1 Compact) with a high end processor. It has a high screen/body ratio for a 16:9 phone, made better by hardware buttons. It has strong development support for custom roms including the ability to run both S8 and N8 roms. It has a camera only slightly worse than the S8.
Go for the S7. You will not regret it. I have been the owener of one S7 for almost one year, and I dont regret it. This phone is the best in his price range.
The S7 is better than any budget/mid phone of 2017-2018 and even some current flagships,it's the best phone i've ever had, got mine on late september 2017, fast, amazing screen, great camera,4gb of RAM,ip68,sd card slot and so on. This phone is a beast, one small detail is that battery life could have been a "little bit better" but no big deal it gets me trought the day with 50% left sometimes more, for me the S7 is still worth in 2018 and even 2019, it's one of the best devices ever made if you ask me, reminds me of the days i had the LG G2 it was my favourite device, now it's the S7 i just love it.
Having owned most of the Samsung S-line phones since day one (missing only S6 and S8) many would probably call me a fanboy. And since you asked this in the S7 section, odds are that most of the other replies are from fans as well.
I really like the S7. Yes, battery life could have been better but that's almost the only beef I have with it. However, for a new buyer, particularly one interested in camera performance and unwilling to install custom roms, I'd give this warning:
The S7 is nearing the end of its support cycle. We will get android 8 and maybe 8.1 if we're lucky, but after that odds are we'll not get any android updates and I have my doubts as to how long Samsung will keep supplying security updates (maybe 2 more years, but could be less). I know many people do not consider this particularly important, but anybody should ask themselves, how much sensitive information they have stored on or have access to through their phones. As soon as those updates stop, you quickly become easy prey for an attack. Despite the awesome hardware of the phone, I would consider buying something else, even at a premium, to avoid this risk.
---------- Post added at 04:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:26 PM ----------
Having owned most of the Samsung S-line phones since day one (missing only S6 and S8) many would probably call me a fanboy. And since you asked this in the S7 section, odds are that most of the other replies are from fans as well.
I really like the S7. Yes, battery life could have been better but that's almost the only beef I have with it. However, for a new buyer, particularly one interested in camera performance and unwilling to install custom roms, I'd give this warning:
The S7 is nearing the end of its support cycle. We will get android 8 and maybe 8.1 if we're lucky, but after that odds are we'll not get any android updates and I have my doubts as to how long Samsung will keep supplying security updates (maybe 2 more years, but could be less). I know many people do not consider this particularly important, but anybody should ask themselves, how much sensitive information they have stored on or have access to through their phones. As soon as those updates stop, you quickly become easy prey for an attack. Despite the awesome hardware of the phone, I would consider buying something else, even at a premium, to avoid this risk.
Best phone in cheap price range. I think phones perfect. It's as good/better than the iPhone 7. Basically a small/one hand use phone and quite powerful.
Anyone considering the S10 or S10+? Why or why not? They're offering a $550 trade in with Pixel 3 XL, so just more curious what people are doing and why.
I'm considering it. Not sure if I can actually pull the trigger on a Samsung device.
Try it out in the store first, I had the s4 after my Galaxy Nexus, that was unlocked and had stock Android flashed, then the s5 which was rooted, but only years after I got rid of it, they got the bootloader unlocked.
The s5 was fast, but it doesn't hold a candle to stock Android.
If you won't miss the stock sounds, UI, apps, root, etc. Then go for it, I consider most of that stuff bloat and a lot of the exclusive features would go unused by me.
My own opinion, but everyone has their own taste.
dchurch85 said:
Anyone considering the S10 or S10+? Why or why not? They're offering a $550 trade in with Pixel 3 XL, so just more curious what people are doing and why.
I'm considering it. Not sure if I can actually pull the trigger on a Samsung device.
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After the S9+, I'm done with Samsung. I always end up going back to Google devices. I had an S8+, Pixel 2 XL, S9+, and now Pixel 3 XL. Samsung just keeps making it harder and harder to modify MY PHONE, and I think that I should have the right to root, etc., when I pay for the phone outright. I enjoyed my Exynos S9+, dont get me wrong, but the Pixel is so much easier. Here in the US, you need to buy an international Samsung if you want to do anything with as far as Roms go, but then you loose functionality because the phone is not built for use in USA. There are ways to make things work, but it is tedious, and time consuming, then Samsung changes crap each time they update. Also, its to the point now that the Snapdragon processors are out performing the Exynos processors.
Phone looks pretty sick but still not enough to convince me to switch to sammy phone. Its a sammy........
lucky_strike33 said:
Phone looks pretty sick but still not enough to convince me to switch to sammy phone. Its a sammy........
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Been with Sammy for so many year. Please no more. Happy with them, even happier with Google.
I still look forward every time to pick up my phone, turn it on and use it,. Loving it. I dont even have a need for Pix 4. I can easily go stay with it for another year. Knowing me id get P4 tho.
But yeah no more Samsung for me. My brother is getting one tho
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do i like locked bootloaders? lmao
I have been very disappointed with my xl 3. I am getting either the s10 or LG v8
What is an S10? Until Google locks the bootloader, I wouldn't be able to tell you what other phones are out there.
I am on Pixel 3 and its been only like 2weeks now. Before this was using a S9+. Best in Pixel 3- rooting and using custom roms with hell lot of features and the bestest camera in the smartphone market now. Cons speaker and display.
Pros of S9+, the best display on a smartphone and speakers tuned by Harmon. Speakers are like the best I have heard ln a smartphone. But worst ever front camera for a flagship, it literally paints everybody in the scene.?
I'm not into locked bootloaders and phones that take 6+ months to update software. My TMo Note 8 is still waiting for official Pie o arrive. I don't care how amazing the hardware is if the software is 1/2 a year or more behind all the time.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
It’s very tempting but the updates are really slow with samsung even if it’s the international version.
I am proud of Pixel 3 getting updates first and all. Unfortunately Pie has been buggy since release and I feel like I have been beta testing the phone for them. I see Samsung's slower release as a more mature release after what Google has fixed.
garyHal said:
I am proud of Pixel 3 getting updates first and all. Unfortunately Pie has been buggy since release and I feel like I have been beta testing the phone for them. I see Samsung's slower release as a more mature release after what Google has fixed.
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Not sure which bugs you refer to, but my phone has run in top notch condition since day one. Good luck with your Samsung. All you have to do is look at the Note 9 forums to find million of complaints about the software. The only mature thing about their software is the release date because as per the many forums on XDA there is a ton of stuff wrong with it.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
Eudeferrer said:
Not sure which bugs you refer to, but my phone has run in top notch condition since day one. Good luck with your Samsung. All you have to do is look at the Note 9 forums to find million of complaints about the software. The only mature thing about their software is the release date because as per the many forums on XDA there is a ton of stuff wrong with it.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
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I have posted my issues on this forum before. Such problems include:
1) lag even after the most recent update
2) I restart my phone daily and on several occasions, the phone restarts to a dead black screen instead of Android
3) the clock on the status bar is stuck, restarting the phone fixes this
4) "always on display" gets stuck
5) LTE connection is bad. Instead of dropping down to 3g, it stays on "No Data" state.
I've got both the pixel and note 9, I've also had the s8 and s9+ wasn't impressed with them but I am with the note. The screen is amazing, no notch and the pen is a huge plus. I'm leaning on keeping my note for now and getting rid of the pixel. I've got the international one so bootloader is unlocked barely any bloat. Then maybe getting the S10+
garyHal said:
I have posted my issues on this forum before. Such problems include:
1) lag even after the most recent update
2) I restart my phone daily and on several occasions, the phone restarts to a dead black screen instead of Android
3) the clock on the status bar is stuck, restarting the phone fixes this
4) "always on display" gets stuck
5) LTE connection is bad. Instead of dropping down to 3g, it stays on "No Data" state.
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Other than a rare lag when first opening the camera, I can honestly say I haven't had any of these issues on my phone. I guess which apps you use has a lot to do with it also, but it sounds to me like you got a bad Apple. Maybe the Note 9 is better for your use, but my Note 8 experience is crap (slow and painfully laggy). Good luck.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
I sold my P2XL & bought an S9+. They are good phones but I couldn't wait for the P3XL to come out. I'm happy with my Pixel. Everything I did with the S9+ was tweaking it to be more like a Pixel, both with looks and adding Google apps to use instead of the Samsung apps. I had duplicates of a bunch of apps. I tried to like Bixby but that was hopeless. I use the camera quite a bit, nothing like the Pixel's that I've ever used.
dmb219 said:
I sold my P2XL & bought an S9+. They are good phones but I couldn't wait for the P3XL to come out. I'm happy with my Pixel. Everything I did with the S9+ was tweaking it to be more like a Pixel, both with looks and adding Google apps to use instead of the Samsung apps. I had duplicates of a bunch of apps. I tried to like Bixby but that was hopeless. I use the camera quite a bit, nothing like the Pixel's that I've ever used.
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I am confused. You sold your Pixel 2 and now you couldn't wait for the Pixel 3? What phone are you using now?
garyHal said:
I am confused. You sold your Pixel 2 and now you couldn't wait for the Pixel 3? What phone are you using now?
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That wasn't very clear. I had a P2XL, sold it and bought an S9+. I used that until the P3XL came out. I sold the Samsung and bought the new Pixel. I take good care of my phone, keep the packaging & accessories in the box. I got a pretty good price for the last few phones I sold on Swappa. It makes it easier than paying big money for a phone every year. I probably got 70% of the cost after 9 or 10 months of use.
I'm not sure if I'd like to continue using Samsung, now that the snapdragon versions can't be bootloader unlocked anymore.
I find it extremely frustrating not being able to downgrade my OS from bad updates.
I'm also very frustrated not to be able to do full nandroid backups (including EFS).
Not having any custom roms is also very disappointing.
If exynos didn't have such bad idle battery life, I'd use exynos.
At this point, I think the only thing I'm attracted to on the samsung devices is the color from their amoled.
Good or bad, I'd like to hear you snapdragon users give your opinion on how happy you are with the current samsung snapdragon devices, what would be your ideal alternative device to samsung? And why?
Also, let me know if you're a generic user or hardcore enthusiast.
I've had a Note since the Note 4...which was an absolutely amazing device in my opinion. Most of the stuff I own are Samsung products...except for my laptop. They have quality products...but every year I find it harder to justify the price tag...considering all the competition there is now...amazing devices for much less. I currently have the Note 10 now but I don't really think I'll upgrade to the next one next year. Especially with how far OnePlus devices have come among other devices. Maybe the next Pixel will be worth the upgrade. I used to root, custom roms and all that as well. But, for me it's mostly the price tag that's turning me away from Samsung.
Back in the day of ****ty OEM skins, I was a crack flasher and used TWRP & TiBU almost daily. But Samsung One UI has come a long way since Touchwiz. I actually enjoy using the stock ROM and don't feel the need to immediately wipe it with something else. It already offers 95% of what I'd fix with a custom ROM. I honestly don't miss wiping it and starting all over with each new version of a custom ROM. All of my important files are stored in the cloud or email, and I don't use any apks that are unavailable outside of the Play Store, apk mirror or other web sites, so no need to backup those. I use Adguard which does a great job, so no need to root just for adblocking. I use CCSWE App Manager to disable bloatware that I will never use. My Note 10 battery lasts all day every day, so no need to flash tweaks/mods to eek out more juice. Overall, I really have no need to root anymore. But if I absolutely *had* to root my phone today, I'd probably go with something from OnePlus. I had a P2XL which was a great phone for its time, but the new Pixels are just meh imo. Their camera system is the only thing that sets them apart. The rest of the phone is underwhelming and overpriced for what you get.
Yeah Samsung screens are amazing, and so is there hardware. Example i was trying to WI-FI Direct Joker to my mates Huawei P20 or something can't really remember exact model around 7/8 mins in it was around 40% ish percent i had a phone call i had to run, so i came back 20 mins later used WI-FI direct again we must have got up to 60% this was well over ten mins he had to shoot see what I’m trying to say yeah Huawei, Apple and all the other manufactures are good,
But you can’t beat Samsung hardware. i WI-FI directed the joker it's 2.4 gig file size from my Tab S SM-T705 LTE which is 5 years old to my Note 9 in under 3 mins also my Tab S 8.4 picks up most Wi-Fi hotspots i work in a car park i have tried few year old iPhone and Huawei witch is last year’s model its co-workers phone they pick up eff all i would have to go out of the car park to pick up the hotspots while my Samsung Tab S from 2014 picks up all the free Wi-Fi networks Apple Huawei use trash hardware Samsung hardware Rocks!
People think yeah I’m paying half of what Samsung is charging but when it comes to little things that actually matter in real world usage that's where Samsung is leaps ahead of the competition.
Samsung Snapdragon bootloaders have been locked for years. I used the Note 8 as my primary device for 2 years, and have been using the Note 10+ since release date. The battery life just keeps getting better. I haven't had a reason to root since the Note 4. Android updates don't seem to change much in recent years, they mainly just make the overall system smoother. I've never felt like a previous version was better than the recent update. Overall, I'd rather give Samsung my money to keep making quality products with premium hardware. I also use Dex daily with my Surface Pro.