iPhone 5 user switching to android..What phone should I get? S4, HTC one, or wait?

[enokara]

Hi everyone!

This is the first time I am joining an android forum and I am looking forward to making some friends. I am planning on switching from AT&T to Sprint. I currently have the iPhone 5. One thing I have been hating about my iPhone 5 is the battery life. It is terrible.I need a phone with awesome battery life. I have also become very bored with iOS. Last Thursday, I went to the store without researching what phone I should get, and I chose the S4 because of their promotion. Buy one S4 and get one free. They didn't have them at the store so I have to pick them up on Tuesday. I went home that night and did some research and thought HTC One is pretty bad a**. Those speakers and body design are just amazing. Now they are having a promotion regarding HTC One. Also buy one get one free. So I need some help deciding on which phone I should get, or should I wait a month or two for the new phones coming to compete the iPhone 5s? I wasnt really wowed by the Moto X.

I guess I chose the S4 because of all the extra software features. Since this is Android, is it possible to get some features from s4 onto the htc one? Features such as scrolling by tilting phone and touching phones to transfer files. What I seem to want is the htc one design with s4 features.

It seems like today's best choices are between an S4 and HTC One. I read somewhere that HTC will be releasing an HTC ONE Max to compete with Note 3 but date is not announced so I am not sure how long I should wait. The design of HTC One with a bigger screen would be bad a**. What do you guys think I should do?

 

[techisking]

Bumping the phones is an NFC thing, not exclusive to samsung. The tilt to scroll might not be available on any other android device unless there's some kind of root, kernel hack, you get the drill. I respect your interest for those features, but let me tell you they are not all that great mostly gimmicks that you likely won't use past the first couple of days. I wouldn't base my phone choice off of those. That being said, I'm personally a stock android guy so I would totally root for Google Play Edition of any of those devices, but you may not care. Battery life I hear gs4 would be the way to go but I haven't heard any real complaints from HTC One users. I would get the HTC One, it won't have the samsung load of s-blah blah blah features but you may be able to find replacements if you look hard enough.

 

[asanatheist]

Hi everyone!

This is the first time I am joining an android forum and I am looking forward to making some friends. I am planning on switching from AT&T to Sprint. I currently have the iPhone 5. One thing I have been hating about my iPhone 5 is the battery life. It is terrible.I need a phone with awesome battery life. I have also become very bored with iOS. Last Thursday, I went to the store without researching what phone I should get, and I chose the S4 because of their promotion. Buy one S4 and get one free. They didn't have them at the store so I have to pick them up on Tuesday. I went home that night and did some research and thought HTC One is pretty bad a**. Those speakers and body design are just amazing. Now they are having a promotion regarding HTC One. Also buy one get one free. So I need some help deciding on which phone I should get, or should I wait a month or two for the new phones coming to compete the iPhone 5s? I wasnt really wowed by the Moto X.

I guess I chose the S4 because of all the extra software features. Since this is Android, is it possible to get some features from s4 onto the htc one? Features such as scrolling by tilting phone and touching phones to transfer files. What I seem to want is the htc one design with s4 features.

It seems like today's best choices are between an S4 and HTC One. I read somewhere that HTC will be releasing an HTC ONE Max to compete with Note 3 but date is not announced so I am not sure how long I should wait. The design of HTC One with a bigger screen would be bad a**. What do you guys think I should do?

I've had all three phones. My choice was the S4. In the event that features become too much of a bother, you can always turn them off.

As far as S4 features going unto the HTC One: Most if not all of S4's unique features are kernel/hardware level meaning they can't be replicated on other android devices.
The HTC One is pretty good, but if the camera is important to you, then avoid it like the plague. I thought the camera did an okay enough job, it seriously doesn't even compare to the S4.
If you got any questions let me know.

 

[garublador]

As far as I can tell the big advantage of the Moto X will be the voice features that can be activated when the phone is idle. I'm not sure how much testing has gone into how badly this drains the battery, but they supposedly have hardware in there to help minimize the impact of always on voice recognition. Hardware and storage-wise it doesn't seem to be as good as the One or S4.

There must be dozens of One vs. S4 threads and what I think it boils down to is your storage needs, sound and camera. Do you want more internal storage for the money or an external uSD slot? Do you care about the external speakers? How will you be using the camera? If you can answer those questions you'll be a lot closer to figuring out which phone is better for you.

 

[chirag05]

I would suggest you to buy S4. It has some mind blowing features that mostly account for hardware not hus software. It has the heavier processor than HTC ONE. After Nexus line up if there's any company who receives the latest update is Samsung so that could be another reason to choose S4. I bet the features you are talking about you are just knowing half of them. There are other cool features too. But if you want a phone that has metal body, slightly better camera than go for HTC ONE but that doesn't mean S4 camera is d. It takes the Incredible pictures with it which you must have tried it in the store I guess.
iPhone 5s or 6 - the next iPhone may be better than the previous version but I'd don't think it would be able to compete with One and S4. Plus the mai reason to not by the next iPhone for u is you are bored with IOS. no doubt the enjoyment of customization only comes at Android.
Whatever you buy don't forget to inform us.

Sent from my GSIII

 

[Golfdriver97]

Hi everyone!

This is the first time I am joining an android forum and I am looking forward to making some friends. I am planning on switching from AT&T to Sprint. I currently have the iPhone 5. One thing I have been hating about my iPhone 5 is the battery life. It is terrible.I need a phone with awesome battery life. I have also become very bored with iOS. Last Thursday, I went to the store without researching what phone I should get, and I chose the S4 because of their promotion. Buy one S4 and get one free. They didn't have them at the store so I have to pick them up on Tuesday. I went home that night and did some research and thought HTC One is pretty bad a**. Those speakers and body design are just amazing. Now they are having a promotion regarding HTC One. Also buy one get one free. So I need some help deciding on which phone I should get, or should I wait a month or two for the new phones coming to compete the iPhone 5s? I wasnt really wowed by the Moto X.

I guess I chose the S4 because of all the extra software features. Since this is Android, is it possible to get some features from s4 onto the htc one? Features such as scrolling by tilting phone and touching phones to transfer files. What I seem to want is the htc one design with s4 features.

It seems like today's best choices are between an S4 and HTC One. I read somewhere that HTC will be releasing an HTC ONE Max to compete with Note 3 but date is not announced so I am not sure how long I should wait. The design of HTC One with a bigger screen would be bad a**. What do you guys think I should do?

Welcome to the forums!
I would highly suggest going in and playing with the devices, which is usually the most fun part.

The features on the S4 are exclusive to Samsung. They do seem kinda cool to have, but be advised, they take up a lot of Internal space. For a 16 GB phone, you are looking at having about 9GB for you to use.

Both are solid devices though. Let us know which you choose.

 

[STARGATE]

I wasn't sure which one was better; the HTC One or the Galaxy S4.

Finally, after a lot of research and playing with both devices on the stores every chance I got, I wrote down a list of pros and cons.

Another list with my needs and wants for my next phone. At the end, I went with the GS4 even though the HTC was $50 cheaper. That was back in July 1 and I'm happy with my decision.

I suggest you do the same as me as far as comparing/playing with the devices in store.
Write down a list of your needs and wants and the pros and cons.

Both are great devices.

Sent From a Galaxy S4 Away!

 

[chirag05]

Whatever we guys recommend but gotta admit one thing. this year both the companies did their job incredibly well. Both thr devices are great to have. The best thing when anybody comes across the choice between these two devices - you can't go wrong with either of the phone. Both are extremely cool and good to have. Though, one have slight edge over the other.

Sent from my GSIII

 

[andymacnexus]

Hi I've just switched from iPhone 5 (after 7 years of iOS) and very pleased with android. I wanted stock android plus LTE so went for S4 google edition. The great thing is you have a lot of choice but personally I like stock android and will keep my eye on the new nexus 5. Its great that you can make a choice. All the best

 

[chirag05]

I think Samsung Galaxy S4 is best because it's price is lower than Iphone 5. All features of IPhone 5 are found in galaxy S4. It is most demanding smart phone .It's price is Rs.- 33,999/-
shopbychoice.
Features:-

1. 5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED Touchscreen with 441 ppi
2. Full HD (1080p) Recording and Playback Support
3. Samsung Adapt Display; Samsung Adapt Sound; and Auto Adjust Touch Sensitivity
4. Octa Core (1.6 GHz Quad + 1.2 GHz Quad) Processor
5. Android v4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) OS
6. Samsung Smart Scroll; Samsung Smart Pause; Air Gesture and Air View Support
7. Dual Shot; Sound and Shot; Drama Shot; Eraser and Dual Recording Support
8. NFC Support
9. Group Play; Story Album; S Translator and Optical Reader Support

I hope this information will help you choosing best phone.

Agree. I'm also Galaxy fan because it respect and love innovation jot blind day buying the gadgets.
When did S4 drop to Rs 34K? I thought it must be around 38-39K.

Sent from my GSIII

 

[STARGATE]

Hi I've just switched from iPhone 5 (after 7 years of iOS) and very pleased with android. I wanted stock android plus LTE so went for S4 google edition. The great thing is you have a lot of choice but personally I like stock android and will keep my eye on the new nexus 5. Its great that you can make a choice. All the best

Welcome to Android and to the forums! :thumbup:

And yes, it's great to have choices. :thumbup::beer::beer:

Sent From a Galaxy S4 Away!

 

[enokara]

Id like to thank everyone for taking the time to post a reply. After doing some research and reading your replies, I will get the S4. I should pick it up in the afternoon today. One thing that has me concerned is the storage space you mentioned. Sounds like I will only have 6 gb to play with. Ill make sure to order a micro sd card from amazon for my media and maybe an extra battery. I keep reading about people getting the stock android version(google play edition or something) Is that a different phone? Or if I get bored with Samsungs features, can just install that os my self? What do you guys think about cyanogenmod mod?

Again, thank you all for replying. I cant wait to pick up my phone later today.

 

[chirag05]

Id like to thank everyone for taking the time to post a reply. After doing some research and reading your replies, I will get the S4. I should pick it up in the afternoon today. One thing that has me concerned is the storage space you mentioned. Sounds like I will only have 6 gb to play with. Ill make sure to order a micro sd card from amazon for my media and maybe an extra battery. I keep reading about people getting the stock android version(google play edition or something) Is that a different phone? Or if I get bored with Samsungs features, can just install that os my self? What do you guys think about cyanogenmod mod?

Again, thank you all for replying. I cant wait to pick up my phone later today.

Glad you made the right and wise call. Yup micro SD card is needed with S4 but I don't think battery is necessary unless you use it heavily. First give it a try and if it drops and doesn't last for a day then buy it. Keep all the unnecessary apps and services off. For example - use power saving Mode when not doing something that needs constantly high power, turn ur email, chat on and other apps that you don't use usually. This will add a lot of juice to ur phone.

Sent from my GSIII

 

[garublador]

I keep reading about people getting the stock android version(google play edition or something) Is that a different phone?

Yes. It's one you have to buy off contract (i.e. pay $650 for) and it's not available on Sprint. If you don't like the Samsung features you can always just turn them off. If you don't like the launcher you can always switch to Nova or Apex (which I'd probably do with a GE phone, anyway). The real advantage of those phones is they get the newest version of Android quicker. I'm not sure it's worth paying $400+ extra for that unless you were planning on buying off-contract, anyway.

AFAIK, right now there isn't a way to install custom ROMs on the latest firmware version on the S4. Your customization options are already way beyond what you got with iOS even without rooting or changing ROMs.

 

[enokara]

I understand now, thanks for explaining. Yea I got the one on contract with sprint. I just got the phone Playing with it now. I noticed it has a ton of apps that I dont need/want. Bloatware? Is that what you call it? I need to figure out which ones I can remove. What are some apps that you guys think an android user must have?

 

[Golfdriver97]

I understand now, thanks for explaining. Yea I got the one on contract with sprint. I just got the phone Playing with it now. I noticed it has a ton of apps that I dont need/want. Bloatware? Is that what you call it? I need to figure out which ones I can remove. What are some apps that you guys think an android user must have?

I got rid of Yahoo, and the extra Google apps like books and movies.

Sent from a SlimROM S3.

 

[STARGATE]

I got rid of Yahoo, and the extra Google apps like books and movies.

Sent from a SlimROM S3.

Yup! :thumbup:

Also disable most or all of the Sprint apps. I only left Sprint TV app enable because my kids watch Disney Channel there and I watch ESPN.
There are several Samsung apps that you can disable too if you're not going to use them.

Sent From a Galaxy S4 Away!

 

[jpriest007]

I understand now, thanks for explaining. Yea I got the one on contract with sprint. I just got the phone Playing with it now. I noticed it has a ton of apps that I dont need/want. Bloatware? Is that what you call it? I need to figure out which ones I can remove. What are some apps that you guys think an android user must have?

Hello welcome to the light side. One good app is Mr. Number, you can set it to block unwanted calls and text. With the options sending the call straight to voice mail or just hanging up on them. Here is a PlayStore link https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mrnumber.blocker

 

[andymacnexus]

The Google edition S4 gives you pretty much the S4 hardware without the bloat software as its stock android. But you do pay a premium for this phone. I use S4gpe normally and it's very good, you can use one of the app launchers to make your phone more like stock android and turn off some of the Samsung apps. Its a great phone , enjoy, I'm looking fwd to seeing the nexus 5 release details to o:thumbup:

Sent from my Nexus 4 using AC Forums mobile app