Ready to buy the S3 but then I compared screens

**Noldorian** · 07-25-2012, 12:14 AM

I've got an iPhone 4, I'm ready to make the leap to a sweet piece of Android awesomeness (please, spare me the label of iSheep - I use what I like, not what marketing tells me to buy). Anyway, I did all the research on the S3 vs. One X and ultimately decided that the S3 better suits me (mainly because of the battery and SD card avail).

I had read consistently that the screens were very similar -- almost all the reviews say the One X's was superior but not by much.

Then I finally went to my local AT&T store and compared them side by side, brightness turned to max on both and no screen protectors on either unit.

The One X's screen freaking blew me away. I didn't think it was a little bit better than the S3's as the reviews suggested...I thought it was a *lot* better. The S3's screen was practically dim by comparison. I wasn't sure if there was something wrong with that particular S3 floor model...so I compared the One X to another S3 in the store. Same comparison results. And this latter comparison was by the store windows with daylight streaming in.

I'm not making any conclusions here other than that I'm a sucker for a great screen and One X has sold me. It's screen is simply stunning and the S3's display wasn't nearly as good.

When I jump to Android, I'll be going with a One X.

**LesMiserables** · 07-25-2012, 02:46 AM

The one x has an awesome screen. I've never had a complaint about mine. If screen size isn't an issue, look at the Motorola Atrix HD screen as well. That mobile phone also has a beautiful display. Either way enjoy your new android device.

**HOLLYWOODANT215** · 07-25-2012, 02:50 AM

I will take great multi tasking over a glitchy phone with a great screen

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**corydorcutt** · 07-25-2012, 03:02 AM

This is why my S3 has been sitting on top of it's box since the 3rd day after I bought it. From somebody who has both phones, go for the One X. It's screen is like crack for the eyes.

I will take great multi tasking over a glitchy phone with a great screen

The S3 has plenty of it's own glitches. As to multitasking, if you're enough of a power user that it bothers you, just install CM9.

**opec** · 07-25-2012, 03:05 AM

Yeah, the screen on the one x cannot be overhyped. It's in its own league.

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**ryanr509** · 07-25-2012, 03:15 AM

This more of preference since both screens are both very high PPI.

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**corydorcutt** · 07-25-2012, 05:19 AM

Originally Posted by ryanr509

This more of preference since both screens are both very high PPI.

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PPI is not what makes the difference in this case. The subpixels are spaced more than twice as far apart, reducing clarity. The S3 AMOLED is dimmer, and the contrast is massively over saturated. I guess if you prefer a dimmer screen with less clarity that turns dark colors to total black and utterly fails reproduce accurate color and can have images burned into the screen if you leave it on too long or keep it on max brightness, then yes it is a matter of preference. The S3 certainly has some advantages, but the display is not one of them.

**ItsaRaid** · 07-25-2012, 07:17 AM

@Noldorian
I did the exact same thing. Right now, the One X display is the Industry Leader. Listen to your eyes, and not all this techno puke.
The other important eye opener, it appears that the OneX has less "Complex" issues than the S-3.
Also, Samsung is taking features off the phone to avoid locking horns with those aholes at Apple. Their doing it in their OTA updates.!

Lastly, and Hopefully, the OneX will see JB 4.1 soon, and with regards to the Apple Patent Craziness, it appears that the One X is less of a "target" to Apple, than the Galaxy S-3 right now.

**varsityhacker** · 07-25-2012, 02:53 PM

If you are coming from an iPhone you will not be satisfied with the SG3 display, the HOX is the only phone I have seen that can compete and beat the iPhone display. As Crack said if you are competent get the HOX and flash the CM9 rom. Beats the SG3 and TW.

**ryanr509** · 07-25-2012, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by crackberrytraitor

PPI is not what makes the difference in this case. The subpixels are spaced more than twice as far apart, reducing clarity. The S3 AMOLED is dimmer, and the contrast is massively over saturated. I guess if you prefer a dimmer screen with less clarity that turns dark colors to total black and utterly fails reproduce accurate color and can have images burned into the screen if you leave it on too long or keep it on max brightness, then yes it is a matter of preference. The S3 certainly has some advantages, but the display is not one of them.

Therefore that would be the preference of SLCD over samoled?

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**jonathanm1978** · 07-25-2012, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by crackberrytraitor

PPI is not what makes the difference in this case. The subpixels are spaced more than twice as far apart, reducing clarity. The S3 AMOLED is dimmer, and the contrast is massively over saturated. I guess if you prefer a dimmer screen with less clarity that turns dark colors to total black and utterly fails reproduce accurate color and can have images burned into the screen if you leave it on too long or keep it on max brightness, then yes it is a matter of preference. The S3 certainly has some advantages, but the display is not one of them.

Aren't you forgetting to type "if you leave X image on the screen for X amount of time" at the end of that?

I'll go ahead and answer that, YES, you are. People who aren't falling in love with every other nitpicky comment you made about the SGS3 will shudder in fear and repel the phone because they are now scared they'll burn images in it by using it.
For God's sake, please state some factual statements with SOMETHING to back it up instead of just throwing crap out like verbal diarrhea...if you're going to make these statements, put something that someone can go and see for themselves, instead of just your word (which is ultimately biased since you are most likely using the HOX, and this IS the forum for the HOX after all)

I would at least have the decency to only point out the good aspects of my favorite phone, NOT slam the phone I have never had in my hand like it's a piece of junk with that will self-detonate in your hands.

The OP sounds pretty decided on what is going to be their choice, and if that OP TRULY wanted an unbiased opinion, would've posted this an area that would see SOMETHING besides HOX-only users or HOX-biased users...like maybe in the CARRIER SECTION instead???!!!?!?!

(I might be a bit biased towards my phone, since I'm actually USING IT..but if someone asked about another phone in the SGS3 area, I wouldn't SLAM their other choice just because I think mine is SOOOO much better. And if I DID have something negative to say, I'd at LEAST take the time to Google the sh*t I'm slinging instead of expecting everyone to believe me just because I said so.)
C'mon, really.

**corydorcutt** · 07-25-2012, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by ryanr509

Therefore that would be the preference of SLCD over samoled?

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Therefore that would be a preference for a superior screen over an inferior screen. A display that produces accurate colors, good clarity, a high level of brightness and has no risk of burn in is superior to one with less accurate colors, poorer clarity lower brightness and a significant chance of burn in, at least from a technical standpoint. You may prefer your Pentium 1 windows 98 laptop to a quad core ultrabook with windows 7, but the ultrabook is technically a superior machine.

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**corydorcutt** · 07-25-2012, 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by jonathanm1978

Aren't you forgetting to type "if you leave X image on the screen for X amount of time" at the end of that?

I'll go ahead and answer that, YES, you are. People who aren't falling in love with every other nitpicky comment you made about the SGS3 will shudder in fear and repel the phone because they are now scared they'll burn images in it by using it.
For God's sake, please state some factual statements with SOMETHING to back it up instead of just throwing crap out like verbal diarrhea...if you're going to make these statements, put something that someone can go and see for themselves, instead of just your word (which is ultimately biased since you are most likely using the HOX, and this IS the forum for the HOX after all)

I would at least have the decency to only point out the good aspects of my favorite phone, NOT slam the phone I have never had in my hand like it's a piece of junk with that will self-detonate in your hands.

The OP sounds pretty decided on what is going to be their choice, and if that OP TRULY wanted an unbiased opinion, would've posted this an area that would see SOMETHING besides HOX-only users or HOX-biased users...like maybe in the CARRIER SECTION instead???!!!?!?!

(I might be a bit biased towards my phone, since I'm actually USING IT..but if someone asked about another phone in the SGS3 area, I wouldn't SLAM their other choice just because I think mine is SOOOO much better. And if I DID have something negative to say, I'd at LEAST take the time to Google the sh*t I'm slinging instead of expecting everyone to believe me just because I said so.)
C'mon, really.

I own both phones, so your points about me never having held the phone or being biased are invalid. In that aspect, I'm less biased than you. As I said, the S3 has many strengths, but the screen isn't one of them. XDA is awash with burn in issues. The status bar and launcher often burn in after just a few weeks. When I emailed Samsung, they actually told me that to avoid this issue, I should avoid keeping the phone at max brightness. Yes that's right, they suggest that I actually disable a standard function of the phone and make the screen look even worse to avoid permanently damaging the phone.

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**ryanr509** · 07-25-2012, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by crackberrytraitor

Therefore would be a preference for a superior screen over an inferior screen. A display that produces accurate colors, good clarity, a high level of brightness and has no risk of burn in is superior to one with less accurate colors, poorer clarity lower brightness and a significant chance of burn in, at least from a technical standpoint. You may prefer your Pentium 1 windows 98 laptop to a quad core ultrabook with windows 7, but the ultrabook is technically a superior machine.

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Except your not comparing an old Nokia with 50ppi vs the one x u are comparing 2 of the better screens in the business. the s3 has great clarity unless your eyes don't work. Some ppl prefer the saturated colors the actual blacks that samoled produces and the pop it produces. I not trying to argue its better or worse I'm saying they both have their pros and cons. U are acting like the s3 has a ty 4 year old screen or something

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**corydorcutt** · 07-25-2012, 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by ryanr509

Except your not comparing an old Nokia with 50ppi vs the one x u are comparing 2 of the better screens in the business. the s3 has great clarity unless your eyes don't work. Some ppl prefer the saturated colors the actual blacks that samoled produces and the pop it produces. I not trying to argue its better or worse I'm saying they both have their pros and cons. U are acting like the s3 has a ty 4 year old screen or something

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I'm comparing it to the worst screen on any of the high end smart phones coming out this season. Even the 100 dollar atrix HD has a better display. The screen on my One X is better to the point where it makes me hate using my S3. I'm not saying that the S3 has a terrible screen, I'm just saying that the One X's is significantly better. The S3 has a good screen. The One X has a "HOLY CRAP, WOW!" Good screen. The S3 has TWICE the space between subpixels. It is instantly noticeable, unless, to use your words, your eyes don't work.

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**ryanr509** · 07-25-2012, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by crackberrytraitor

I'm comparing it to the worst screen on any of the high end smart phones coming out this season. Even the 100 dollar atrix HD has a better display. The screen on my One X is better to the point where it makes me hate using my S3. I'm not saying that the S3 has a terrible screen, I'm just saying that the One X's is significantly better. The S3 has a good screen. The One X has a "HOLY CRAP, WOW!" Good screen. The S3 has TWICE the space between subpixels. It is instantly noticeable, unless, to use your words, your eyes don't work.

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On my nexus I have no problems with being able to see pixels. On my RAZR it is noticeable but with such high PPI I don't see any. I'll agree the slcd is clearer but not enough for me to turn down getting a superior phone. They both have pros and cons. Either way we are comparing pretty much the Lamborghini and Ferrari of smart phones right now so either way u are getting a top notch device it just comes down to what u prefer

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**corydorcutt** · 07-25-2012, 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by ryanr509

On my nexus I have no problems with being able to see pixels. On my RAZR it is noticeable but with such high PPI I don't see any. I'll agree the slcd is clearer but not enough for me to turn down getting a superior phone. They both have pros and cons. Either way we are comparing pretty much the Lamborghini and Ferrari of smart phones right now so either way u are getting a top notch device it just comes down to what u prefer

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I think you have poor eyesight then. I can see pixels in my One X and most definitely my S3, which has the same display as your nexus.

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**ryanr509** · 07-25-2012, 06:40 PM

Originally Posted by crackberrytraitor

I think you have poor eyesight then. I can see pixels in my One X and most definitely my S3, which has the same display as your nexus.

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I can see them but its not like they are jumping off the screen and making it look bad. Coming from my RAZR this screen is excellent

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**Noldorian** · 07-25-2012, 07:39 PM

Originally Posted by varsityhacker

If you are coming from an iPhone you will not be satisfied with the SG3 display, the HOX is the only phone I have seen that can compete and beat the iPhone display. As Crack said if you are competent get the HOX and flash the CM9 rom. Beats the SG3 and TW.

I think that's exactly what I'm going to do. I just put CM9 on a TouchPad I had lying around it's super-nifty.

**kygator13** · 07-25-2012, 08:34 PM

Originally Posted by varsityhacker

If you are coming from an iPhone you will not be satisfied with the SG3 display, the HOX is the only phone I have seen that can compete and beat the iPhone display. As Crack said if you are competent get the HOX and flash the CM9 rom. Beats the SG3 and TW.

My girlfriend has a 4s and my screen kills it imo. I'm not an apple hater, but the one x display looks much crisper to me. Maybe it's just the size difference that makes it better to my eyes.

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**jonathanm1978** · 07-25-2012, 08:54 PM

I just bought a 55" 3D LED TV last week. I should say that if we were talking about TV's that are expected to last anywhere from 5-7 years (minimum), this would be a major issue with screens being made more "future-proof"....but WE ARE NOT.
We're talking about a phone, whose technology will be outdated and beat by something newer and more hip in 3 months...so with that in mind...this talk of "I got a secret, I see dead peop---I mean pixels" is BS.
If I was going to keep a phone for 5 years, I would look at the screen and make sure it's able to last that amount of time. But I'll be doing good to keep the same phone for 24 months...more than likely at 22..or even 19 months I'll be upgrading to something new...

So for that, I don't understand this ..

**ItsaRaid** · 07-25-2012, 09:08 PM

At the end of the day, it's just a phone, and, BTW, I had both side by side, and the OneX display blew the S-3 out of the water. There is a article on Anand Tech that measures.white brightness in nit. The OneX measured 507 the S-3 measured 277.. and that's fact.

**Noldorian** · 07-25-2012, 09:22 PM

Originally Posted by jonathanm1978

this talk of "I got a secret, I see dead peop---I mean pixels" is BS.

No.

You're saying it's BS because you have the S3 and you feel like your being personally attacked because of your choice.

You're not -- at least by me, you're not.

I think the S3 is a phenomenal device. I think it has some very distinct advantages over the One X.

The display isn't one of them per my opinion. I'm not stating this as object fact. I'm not saying people who can't see the difference have poor eyesight (as people above seem to be slinging that about).

I'm simply saying that I can see a definitive difference in the screens between the One X and the S3 and that the One X is superior.

I have no agenda here. I'm merely making an observation based on personal experience.

**ryanr509** · 07-25-2012, 09:35 PM

Originally Posted by ItsaRaid

At the end of the day, it's just a phone, and, BTW, I had both side by side, and the OneX display blew the S-3 out of the water. There is a article on Anand Tech that measures.white brightness in nit. The OneX measured 507 the S-3 measured 277.. and that's fact.

Which when it comes down to it both are perfectly acceptable to use. Some ppl are gonna prefer samoled some are gonna prefer slcd not like your picking between a 10 year old blackberry and the one x. Its a win win both phones are awesome and u can't go wrong with either

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**PrincessKick** · 07-25-2012, 09:40 PM

Originally Posted by varsityhacker

If you are coming from an iPhone you will not be satisfied with the SG3 display, the HOX is the only phone I have seen that can compete and beat the iPhone display. As Crack said if you are competent get the HOX and flash the CM9 rom. Beats the SG3 and TW.

Originally Posted by kygator13

My girlfriend has a 4s and my screen kills it imo. I'm not an apple hater, but the one x display looks much crisper to me. Maybe it's just the size difference that makes it better to my eyes.

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I agree. I had the RAZR Maxx for 13 days but returned it mainly due to the screen being worse (although larger) than the iPhone 4 I was using. I've had both Android phones (original Droid [stolen], droid Eris [gave to husband], Droid X) and the iPhone 4. I like Android just not the phones. I decided to try the One X on AT&T while retaining my iPhone 4 on Verizon. The One X screen is to die for. Gorgeous. Unfortunately the phone was quirky. The multitasking was crap. I had a build issue too. I had the opportunity to buy an iPhone 4S (gave the 4 to my high schooler) so I opted to go with that for now. I'm hoping that HTC will come out with a more polished One X. I think that the screen size is probably part of why the One X screen looks better. The colors are also a bit more vivid and it's just brighter. The One X is the only smartphone screen that I've been able to actually see in the bright TX summer sun. Even with the brightness all the way up it's harder to see the iPhone's screen.