SG3 or Nexus 4

**awilisch** · 03-07-2013, 02:57 PM

So I'm switching to T Mobile and have a choice to make. OK told I can unlock my SG3 and bring it with me or I can switch to a Nexus 4. I'd more to hear thoughts on whether to switch or not and why. While I like my SG3 in not a fan of Touchwiz and the reason I'm switching is because of 3g coverage in my area. Ice heard the Samsung phones have iffy radios which could be as much of my problem as Verizon's coverage.

I would appreciate everyone's perspectives.

Thanks.
Aric

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**Greg C** · 03-07-2013, 04:45 PM

Originally Posted by awilisch

So I'm switching to T Mobile and have a choice to make. OK told I can unlock my SG3 and bring it with me or I can switch to a Nexus 4. I'd more to hear thoughts on whether to take switch or not and why. While I like my SG3 in not a fan of Touchwiz and the reason I'm switching is because of 3g coverage in my area. Ice heard the Samsung phones have iffy radios which could be as much of my problem as Verizon's coverage.

I would appreciate everyone's perspectives.

Thanks.
Aric

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Android Central Forums

I have a Nexus 4 on AT&T. The Nexus 4 is pure Android.... NO carrier added bloatware like touchwiz. The Nexus 4 comes unlocked and you can use it on any carrier that is using gsm. With the Nexus 4 you are guaranteed to always have the latest OS update straight from Google. That SGS3 doesn't even have JB 4.2.2 and mat never see it. The SGS3 and Nexus 4 are similar in specs except the Nexus has a better screen, S3 has an sd card slot and removable memory. Go with the Nexus 4.

**awilisch** · 03-07-2013, 05:37 PM

I know the spec's of the two (but thanks). I'm just trying to get some perspectives of people who might have had both. Is the radio on the Nexus 4 better than the GS3? Has anyone run into anything on the Nexus 4 that they DON'T like?

**jasongeiger** · 03-07-2013, 05:53 PM

I can't compare with the nexus 4 and I'm new to Samsung but compared to other phones in the family the radios are good. Have an S3 and a couple note 2s in the home. In my office my note 2 finally gets reception where my HTC didn't, iphones don't as well as some other Android devices. I don't know anyone with a nexus 4 so can't compare. I like the idea of a nexus but I don't like the 4 at all. If it didn't have a glass back and more on board storage it would be different. You can always get rid of touch wiz. Guess decide what you want out of a phone, don't think radios will be an issue either way.

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**NothingIsTrue** · 03-07-2013, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by awilisch

So I'm switching to T Mobile and have a choice to make. OK told I can unlock my SG3 and bring it with me or I can switch to a Nexus 4. I'd more to hear thoughts on whether to switch or not and why. While I like my SG3 in not a fan of Touchwiz and the reason I'm switching is because of 3g coverage in my area. Ice heard the Samsung phones have iffy radios which could be as much of my problem as Verizon's coverage.

I would appreciate everyone's perspectives.

Thanks.
Aric

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Android Central Forums

I am under the impression that bringing your Verizon S3 to T-Mobile is not going to go well. The networks are CDMA/LTE vs HSPA(+) and I don't think the Verizon S3 handles both.

Also, if you're already not a fan of Touchwiz, it seems like a good reason to be considering a switch anyways. In my opinion the N4 is by far the best hardware per dollar spent. For me it's not an option because T-Mobile doesn't exist in my area, but I may be moving to Jacksonville soon, and if so, T-Mobile is supposedly awesome in that area, which would make me switch.

Definitely a good idea to find out if using your existing device is even an option; but also test the network around town for a few days to make sure you'll have the voice and data coverage you'll need in your normal habits.

**xlDeMoNiClx** · 03-07-2013, 06:48 PM

If you do get the S3 I believe you can root it and flash vanilla Android onto it, plus you can get rid of all the bloatware.

**Chetan Takyar** · 03-07-2013, 06:52 PM

Nexus 4 simply because of the IPS display guaranteed updates and easy to unlock bootloader and because I said so!

**NothingIsTrue** · 03-07-2013, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by xlDeMoNiClx

If you do get the S3 I believe you can root it and flash vanilla Android onto it, plus you can get rid of all the bloatware.

I think that he already has an S3 from Verizon. That's why I think it's incompatible.

**xlDeMoNiClx** · 03-07-2013, 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by NothingIsTrue

I think that he already has an S3 from Verizon. That's why I think it's incompatible.

Hmm, must have misread. But I would have thought they would find a way of getting around Verizon's methods to stop people doing this. Unless Verizon really, really wants you to use their phones how they want you to.

**epicness4G** · 03-07-2013, 07:02 PM

I prefer the s3 because of the features. I own a nexus 4 and a galaxy note 2 and used to have the gs3 which is awesome as well. I used to be on the wagon of "stock android" but it lacks features that OEMs add on their phones. Such as s note which I use a lot. S planner. The stock google calendar sucks IMO. Also you have the motion features. The nexus 4 feels very "naked". It also does not have LTE, or removable storage. Which is a big thumbs down seeing how android OS doesn't let you store apps to the SD anymore. I'll give you that the nexus 4 does have a fantastic screen. Feels so good in the hand and its the only device that has operated so smoothly like my Iphone 5. The battery is sub par. If it were up to me I ditch the nexus 4 for an s3 but I already have a note 2 and I need two lines lol. But in the end this is just my opinion I'm not bashing the device in any way. I think it is great and the price is fantastic. Only you can make the choice.

**Chetan Takyar** · 03-07-2013, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by epicness4G

I prefer the s3 because of the features. I own a nexus 4 and a galaxy note 2 and used to have the gs3 which is awesome as well. I used to be on the wagon of "stock android" but it lacks features that OEMs add on their phones. Such as s note which I use a lot. S planner. The stock google calendar sucks IMO. Also you have the motion features. The nexus 4 feels very "naked". It also does not have LTE, or removable storage. Which is a big thumbs down seeing how android OS doesn't let you store apps to the SD anymore. I'll give you that the nexus 4 does have a fantastic screen. Feels so good in the hand and its the only device that has operated so smoothly like my Iphone 5. The battery is sub par. If it were up to me I ditch the nexus 4 for an s3 but I already have a note 2 and I need two lines lol. But in the end this is just my opinion I'm not bashing the device in any way. I think it is great and the price is fantastic. Only you can make the choice.

Yeah I would love to get a plastic phones/s

**xlDeMoNiClx** · 03-07-2013, 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by epicness4G

I prefer the s3 because of the features. I own a nexus 4 and a galaxy note 2 and used to have the gs3 which is awesome as well. I used to be on the wagon of "stock android" but it lacks features that OEMs add on their phones. Such as s note which I use a lot. S planner. The stock google calendar sucks IMO. Also you have the motion features. The nexus 4 feels very "naked". It also does not have LTE, or removable storage. Which is a big thumbs down seeing how android OS doesn't let you store apps to the SD anymore. I'll give you that the nexus 4 does have a fantastic screen. Feels so good in the hand and its the only device that has operated so smoothly like my Iphone 5. The battery is sub par. If it were up to me I ditch the nexus 4 for an s3 but I already have a note 2 and I need two lines lol. But in the end this is just my opinion I'm not bashing the device in any way. I think it is great and the price is fantastic. Only you can make the choice.

Most of your points against the Nexus 4 can be accounted to the fact that it was made as a niche product for those that want vanilla Android, and nothing else in a high-end phone. But it is great at what it does, some people just want more. Nothing wrong with that.

**epicness4G** · 03-07-2013, 07:12 PM

Originally Posted by Chetan Takyar

Yeah I would love to get a plastic phones/s

Thumbs up for you!

**Lanhoj** · 03-07-2013, 07:14 PM

Like many people, I've got both.
I say get the N4...or wait for the S4...or wait for the N5...

**Chetan Takyar** · 03-07-2013, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by xlDeMoNiClx

Most of your points against the Nexus 4 can be accounted to the fact that it was made as a niche product for those that want vanilla Android, and nothing else in a high-end phone. But it is great at what it does, some people just want more. Nothing wrong with that.

But you see the "value adds" manufacturers provide are not useful to me, if I want 1000000x more features then Touchwiz then I root and flash a custom ROM, so much better then the S3 since its geared towards the consumer.

**epicness4G** · 03-07-2013, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by xlDeMoNiClx

Most of your points against the Nexus 4 can be accounted to the fact that it was made as a niche product for those that want vanilla Android, and nothing else in a high-end phone. But it is great at what it does, some people just want more. Nothing wrong with that.

Agreed, In my opinion the nexus 4 is more for the hardcore android people, the general consumer would appreciate these "features" more than stock android. The nexus 4 is a fantastic device. But to each their own.
I ditched the iPhone not because I preferred android but because I was attracted to these features. The fact that I can add a 64GB sd card in my phone and have an extra battery for trips is what attracted me more. Each device is great in their own way.

**xlDeMoNiClx** · 03-07-2013, 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by Chetan Takyar

But you see the "value adds" manufacturers provide are not useful to me, if I want 1000000x more features then Touchwiz then I root and flash a custom ROM, so much better then the S3 since its geared towards the consumer.

That's definitely an option for those who want to do so. The majority though don't really care about bloatware or vanilla android, they just want the next best thing. Though I might start looking into rooting once I upgrade. We'll see.

**xlDeMoNiClx** · 03-07-2013, 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by epicness4G

Agreed, In my opinion the nexus 4 is more for the hardcore android people, the general consumer would appreciate these "features" more than stock android. The nexus 4 is a fantastic device. But to each their own.
I ditched the iPhone not because I preferred android but because I was attracted to these features. The fact that I can add a 64GB sd card in my phone and have an extra battery for trips is what attracted me more. Each device is great in their own way.

Definitely, if I were to win one in a contest or something I would be far from disappointed. :P Considering I still have the 3VO. Might look into the Nexus 5 if it's announced soon.

**Chetan Takyar** · 03-07-2013, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by xlDeMoNiClx

That's definitely an option for those who want to do so. The majority though don't really care about bloatware or vanilla android, they just want the next best thing. Though I might start looking into rooting once I upgrade. We'll see.

I hope I don't spark anything but Android is better due to the options like custom ROMs and wide variety of phones I'm glad I switched because as a modder iOS could not provide, and I am starting to consider an android tablet....

**epicness4G** · 03-07-2013, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by Chetan Takyar

I hope I don't spark anything but Android is better due to the options like custom ROMs and wide variety of phones I'm glad I switched because as a modder iOS could not provide, and I am starting to consider an android tablet....

Well this is an android forum most of us will agree with you. There is so much customization to be done with android. I ditched my iPad for the galaxy tab 10.1. Best decision ever.

**xlDeMoNiClx** · 03-07-2013, 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by Chetan Takyar

I hope I don't spark anything but Android is better due to the options like custom ROMs and wide variety of phones I'm glad I switched because as a modder iOS could not provide, and I am starting to consider an android tablet....

Well if someone takes offense to that they either misunderstood your intent or they're an iSheep that can't handle anyone saying Apple doesn't beat everyone else at everything.

But it is true that in terms of customization, and modding and stuff like that Android will probably always have the advantage which is why I won't be switching cause customization is a huge thing for me. I've been modding ever since the first PSP (good times.)

**Chetan Takyar** · 03-07-2013, 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by epicness4G

Well this is an android forum most of us will agree with you. There is so much customization to be done with android. I ditched my iPad for the galaxy tab 10.1. Best decision ever.

Hmm I don't know about getting an Android tab yet though, when I saw the Nexus 4 I was impressed straight away but I don't have that feeling seeing any Android tabs.
We shall see what the next Nexus 10 brings us(hope Samsung isn't manufacturing)

**epicness4G** · 03-07-2013, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by Chetan Takyar

Hmm I don't know about getting an Android tab yet though, when I saw the Nexus 4 I was impressed straight away but I don't have that feeling seeing any Android tabs.
We shall see what the next Nexus 10 brings us(hope Samsung isn't manufacturing)

Go for a surface pro

**xlDeMoNiClx** · 03-07-2013, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by Chetan Takyar

Hmm I don't know about getting an Android tab yet though, when I saw the Nexus 4 I was impressed straight away but I don't have that feeling seeing any Android tabs.
We shall see what the next Nexus 10 brings us(hope Samsung isn't manufacturing)

Hey Samsung did a great job with the Nexus 10. :P Best-feeling tablet I've ever held. Doesn't feel cheap either.

**NothingIsTrue** · 03-07-2013, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by Chetan Takyar

Hmm I don't know about getting an Android tab yet though, when I saw the Nexus 4 I was impressed straight away but I don't have that feeling seeing any Android tabs.
We shall see what the next Nexus 10 brings us(hope Samsung isn't manufacturing)

I have a Nexus 7 and had an Asus Transformer - both very solid devices. Still use the N7 every day. I got to play with an N10 and loved it, but haven't pulled the trigger on buying one because of the rumors of a refresh this spring.