Nexus S vs Evo 3d vs Photon -- I need advice

**LuckyLucky** · 07-07-2011, 10:22 PM

*The only reason I'm asking here is because this board seems to be the most active of the 3 (Photon, Nexus S, and Evo 3D)*

I got my Evo 3D about 2 weeks ago. I love the device, but the battery life could be better.

The top 3 things I *need* out of a smartphone are:
1.) The OS needs to be smooth and speedy.
2.) Battery life must be good
3.) Overall size

I've heard great things about the Nexus S battery life. I'd have switched to it if it weren't for the old hardware and possible radio issues. It just seems to be only half the phone the 3D and Photon are in terms of hardware. What I do love, however, is the size (the phone isn't too big and feels amazing in your hand) and the battery life, from what I've read, is amazing even with lots of web browsing (which is probably what I use my phone for the most). The phone is pretty fast too even with the old processor, so I dont think it would be too much of a problem.

The Photon *possibly* just passed through the FCC () and it's rumored to be released this month. The battery life is rated at a longer talk time than the 3D, but we won't know for sure until reviews are out. The camera might be better than the 3D's, but more megapixels does not always mean better picture quality. It won't be any smaller than the 3D...but if the camera and the battery life are better, I won't mind the size( and it's kinda ugly

). I've heard bad things about Motoblur slowing down phones...but is as "heavy" as Sense is?

I'm not here to flame...I'm just confused. If I'm in a two-year contract, I want to be happy for the entire time (at least most of it).

If Sprint would let you exchange your phone more than once within the 30 days, I'd do it....but I can't. So, any advice is appreciated.

**Quis89** · 07-07-2011, 10:27 PM

I hate Motorola's Android offerings. MotoBlur is ugly to me. I own the 3D and the Nexus 4G and I honestly feel as though you cant go wrong with either of the two. Not having seen or played with the Photon I cant speak on it. I can only go off of the other Motorola devices out there...which I'm not impressed by in the least.

**LuckyLucky** · 07-07-2011, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by Quis

I hate Motorola's Android offerings. MotoBlur is ugly to me. I own the 3D and the Nexus 4G and I honestly feel as though you cant go wrong with either of the two. Not having seen or played with the Photon I cant speak on it. I can only go off of the other Motorola devices out there...which I'm not impressed by in the least.

The new version of MotoBlur doesn't look too bad (though the device itself is hideous). I played with the Nexus S for a bit today and it really is a nice device...it just a bit lacking. Hrmmm...I hope we see some reviews of the Photon pop up soon.

**Shenaniguns** · 07-07-2011, 11:00 PM

Owning both the NS4G and 3VO, I'd never consider NS4G over the 3VO period.

**jswinde** · 07-07-2011, 11:44 PM

Since many of you have both the NS4G and the E3D, which one do you prefer and why? What are the pros and cons of each phone? This info may help the OP and many others trying to make a buying decision. Thanks!

**Wiley_11** · 07-07-2011, 11:48 PM

You don't exchange it, you return it and start over.

**jdizzle316** · 07-08-2011, 12:35 AM

In all honesty, the nexus s is a great device. And for being a single core processor, I would say it is almost, if not just as fast as my evo3d at processing the web and applications.

I have owned both devices and would have kept the nexus s if the video recording was better. don't get me wrong, as I think the evo3d is a great phone, but id say it didn't meet my expectations for dual core. I've noticed my nexus had better scrolling thru web pages and applications than the evo

**jdizzle316** · 07-08-2011, 12:37 AM

Originally Posted by LuckyLucky

*The only reason I'm asking here is because this board seems to be the most active of the 3 (Photon, Nexus S, and Evo 3D)*

I got my Evo 3D about 2 weeks ago. I love the device, but the battery life could be better.

The top 3 things I *need* out of a smartphone are:
1.) The OS needs to be smooth and speedy.
2.) Battery life must be good
3.) Overall size

I've heard great things about the Nexus S battery life. I'd have switched to it if it weren't for the old hardware and possible radio issues. It just seems to be only half the phone the 3D and Photon are in terms of hardware. What I do love, however, is the size (the phone isn't too big and feels amazing in your hand) and the battery life, from what I've read, is amazing even with lots of web browsing (which is probably what I use my phone for the most). The phone is pretty fast too even with the old processor, so I dont think it would be too much of a problem.

The Photon *possibly* just passed through the FCC () and it's rumored to be released this month. The battery life is rated at a longer talk time than the 3D, but we won't know for sure until reviews are out. The camera might be better than the 3D's, but more megapixels does not always mean better picture quality. It won't be any smaller than the 3D...but if the camera and the battery life are better, I won't mind the size( and it's kinda ugly

). I've heard bad things about Motoblur slowing down phones...but is as "heavy" as Sense is?

I'm not here to flame...I'm just confused. If I'm in a two-year contract, I want to be happy for the entire time (at least most of it).

If Sprint would let you exchange your phone more than once within the 30 days, I'd do it....but I can't. So, any advice is appreciated.

I think you'd be happy with the nexus s, given what your looking for....maybe you can wait for the nexus prime, but that may be quite a bit away

**nkd** · 07-08-2011, 12:41 AM

at this point, dont even worry about dual core vs. single core. android doesn't really need dual core now may be when ics comes out. That is why you dont see any difference between dual core and single core at this point.

The operating system is just not that demanding. Nexus is a great phone, I would have to say after using it for a month and having a the evo 3d for a week, the battery life is about the same. Evo actually lasts me longer.

**cheechmo** · 07-08-2011, 02:01 AM

Originally Posted by nkd

at this point, dont even worry about dual core vs. single core. android doesn't really need dual core now may be when ics comes out. That is why you dont see any difference between dual core and single core at this point.

The operating system is just not that demanding. Nexus is a great phone, I would have to say after using it for a month and having a the evo 3d for a week, the battery life is about the same. Evo actually lasts me longer.

Why not worry about single vs dual core when you're tied into a two year contract? That's pretty short-sighted thinking.

I would say stick with the Evo, personally. Like others said, the Nexus is on old hardware at this point. If you're going to get a high-end smartphone, get one that is actually using current technology.

**dtblair24** · 07-08-2011, 06:07 AM

I loved the nexus, but I can't wrap my head around the idea of keeping a device that is 6 months old compared to the new EVO. I understand that the Nexus is no slouch compared to the EVO. I even did some tests with the browser and what not, and the Nexus holds its own, loading just as fast. And to my surprise, my brothers NS4G would always get a youtube video playing just a tad bit quicker than my evo3d and my dads ogEVo.

So since the NS4G is still a very capable device, I think it comes down to personal preference. The 3D and NS4G are very different when it comes down to how it feels in the hand and appearance, not to mention Sense vs stock android..

And as for the photon, f*ck that noise. I do not like motoblur. If my phone is going to have a custom skin, I would take Sense as my 1# pick. And the device itself looks like hell.

**smd4usc** · 07-08-2011, 07:10 AM

I had the NS4G for about 3 weeks before getting my 3VO. I thought the NS4G was just blazing fast on web & downloads. I did experience bad connections while in areas that have spotty coverage (my office). It would completely drop the mobile network & I would have to toggle airplane mode to get it to come back.

I now have the 3VO & it is a very nice phone. I dont see it as being on par with the NS4G. The connections have been better than the NS4G, but the rumors are that the update on 7/11 will fix the NS4G issues.

The one thing I do miss is S-Off. Now it should just be a matter of time for the 3VO, but that seems to be a theme for both phones: wait for updates to fix things....

**cgardnervt** · 07-08-2011, 07:32 AM

I say go Evo 3D!!!!

**Tenebrous** · 07-08-2011, 08:33 AM

This is a tough choice, but I think it is between the Evo 3d and Nexus - read nothing good about Motorola OS. In regards to the future, then the question becomes dual core v. NFC chip. What this means is what type of phone are you looking for? Gaming and movies, go for Evo 3d. If potential future applications (NFC) and having a solid all around phone is important, then go for Nexus S.

The big problem here is, what is the future of NFC? I read that Blackberry's will be using NFC too, but have read conflicting reports in regards to Apple. Being that Microsoft hates Android and owns a good chunk of Apple, who can say what Apple will do. Nevertheless, having Android and Blackberry phones buying into NFC technology, it seems like somewhat of a good investment for the future.

**Saneless** · 07-08-2011, 08:56 AM

For me it came down to storage, technology age, and build quality.

I needed more than 16GB. My nexus one had 16.5 (500 built in, 16GB SD) and I was running out of space. 16GB in 2011 is insulting and short-sighted.

My Nexus One came out in Jan 2010. The Nexus S is basically the Nexus 1.2. Barely an upgrade. I wanted something I'd notice and that would last more than 6 months.

Samsung's phones feel like toys, period.

**dkotoric** · 07-08-2011, 09:09 AM

I have owned the Nexus 4G, returned it to get the Evo 3D and after using the Evo 3D for a week, I took it back to pick up a nexus again. As far as Motorola, I have never been a fan before but nobody has really used it yet to give you a fair comparison.

**LuckyLucky** · 07-08-2011, 09:13 AM

Originally Posted by dkotoric

I have owned the Nexus 4G, returned it to get the Evo 3D and after using the Evo 3D for a week, I took it back to pick up a nexus again. As far as Motorola, I have never been a fan before but nobody has really used it yet to give you a fair comparison.

How were you able to do that?
I talked to two reps and they both told me that if I switched to the Nexus to try it out, I could not switch back to the 3D if I decided that I didn't like it.

**skinneejay** · 07-08-2011, 09:36 AM

Not sure how people say that 16Gigs is not enough space. What are you storing on your phone? All of my music is synced to google music so I have no need to place all of my music on my phone. I have used both phones and went back to my Nexus S. Phone runs smoother. I'm not a big fan of Sense. To much gargabe running when its not needed. Pure google is for me. First one to get new updates. I don't have carrier bloatware on my phone. I can customize it the way I want. Just as fast as the Evo 3D.

Its all personal choice. Dual core is great but right now non of the phones that have it are actually using it to its full potential. Ice cream sandwich might allow the dual cores to shine more but right now its just to show everyone they have the newest technology. I'm not even sure the New Nexus Prime is going to be dual core. I thought I read its single core phone. Could be wrong on that one.

**BlakeDW** · 07-08-2011, 09:57 AM

Originally Posted by jdizzle316

In all honesty, the nexus s is a great device. And for being a single core processor, I would say it is almost, if not just as fast as my evo3d at processing the web and applications.

I have owned both devices and would have kept the nexus s if the video recording was better. don't get me wrong, as I think the evo3d is a great phone, but id say it didn't meet my expectations for dual core. I've noticed my nexus had better scrolling thru web pages and applications than the evo

For simple things like browsing the web, you probably won't notice a difference. If you heavily multitask or run apps that require heavy processing, the Evo way outperforms the Nexus.

Passmark scores it about 30% higher as a system and almost twice as fast on the CPU. I also found that when I ran mine, it scored 5-10% higher than the scores I saw for the Evo (totally stock settings for everything, brand new fresh install of the OS).

**irock1985** · 07-08-2011, 10:32 AM

How about we try and remedy your battery life problem so that u will be have with your 3D?

Sent From My 3VO!

**stanlm2** · 07-08-2011, 10:33 AM

After using the evo 3d, I don't want to upgrade to a phone/camera in the future that doesn't have 3d. now I wish my nikon dslr could shoot in 3d, not for every shot, but some shots are really cool with it (e.g. landscapes with objects in them at many different depths).

**Altos** · 07-08-2011, 10:41 AM

I'm not a big fan of MotoBlur, but that launcher can easily be replaced, so I'm going to say go with the Photon. The Tegra 2 processor has much more power than the Snapdragon.

I personally use the Nexus S 4G, and will stick with it until the Galaxy 2 or next Nexus comes out. It does what I need, and is quick and responsive with everything that use.

**mycrownvic02#WN** · 07-08-2011, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by Altos

I'm not a big fan of MotoBlur, but that launcher can easily be replaced, so I'm going to say go with the Photon. The Tegra 2 processor has much more power than the Snapdragon.

I personally use the Nexus S 4G, and will stick with it until the Galaxy 2 or next Nexus comes out. It does what I need, and is quick and responsive with everything that use.

NO.... Unless your talking about the original evo..

**dtblair24** · 07-08-2011, 02:30 PM

Originally Posted by LuckyLucky

How were you able to do that?
I talked to two reps and they both told me that if I switched to the Nexus to try it out, I could not switch back to the 3D if I decided that I didn't like it.

Ha, I love these stories of reps flexing their power trying to tell people what they can, and cannot do. I'm pretty sure you can switch **** out, and return it, or whatever, as much as you like during that 30 day period. Sure, it can be obnoxious, especially since the phone can't be sold. But you can do what you want as long as it is reasonable to some degree.

I sold my EVO4G on ebay a month out (because I wanted top dollar). Then I bought the EVO Shift 4G, but I realized that if I am going to have a device to try out for a month, I might as well get something different, so I returned that and bought the NS4G. Then when my 3D came out, I returned the NS4G and bought the 3D. I felt a little guilty..but w.e, and if anyone tried to say anything, I could have just flat out returned it, and then go to another location.

**LegendarySoul** · 07-08-2011, 02:33 PM

I got Nexus S 4G last Saturday and had been played it since now. I LOVE IT! Battery saved my life! I tested hot it worked without charge and it's still alive 2 days!!! AWESOME!! I only check email, text, and calling. I never play game, youtube, or any apps. My bro got EVO 3D. He said he is annoyed cus his battery drain within 3 to 4 hours when he used calling and texting.

I am glad I got a right phone- nexus s 4g. I don't care about how speed it is or ram. I am just old fashion. I am 26.