Nexus S vs EVO/EVO 3D

[cwisuth11]

I don't think that is crazy thinking at all. I'm in the exact same position as you. In fact, it is because I started using CM7 on my EVO that I'm considering going for the Nexus as opposed to just keeping my EVO or getting the EVO3d. 2 things hold me back a little, they are spending $200 on a phone that spec-wise is pretty much identical to my current phone and the lack of led. (yes I know I could sell my EVO and recoup at least some of the costs of the upgrade, but I'm still spending $200). But I've really become to like vanilla android and nice to be on the "fast track" for new versions.

I think a lot of it comes down to personal preference. The only reason I havent upgraded to the EVO before is I couldnt care less about being able to record in HD and the 4.3" screen is a tad too large for my taste. I've always thought 4" is the sweet spot for a smart phone and I want something that will last more than a day on 1 charge.

 

[tomy2001]

There are going to be haters on the Sprint Nexus S due to it being "old" technology (jeez, just read the discussion on Engadget) because it's not dual core, but really, most people don't really care about dual core as long as the phone just works. I just happened to pick up a Nexus S yesterday at BB. Really like the size, the screen, etc. What I am waiting to find out is the battery life on a CMDA version. If it is an improvement over the EVO (and you know the EVO 3D is not going to be better), I will seriously look at the Nexus S. Oh, and the phone (yes, I am old fashioned, I still use my phone to make calls) needs to work well too - something Samsung is not typically known for.

I have using my Epic since last September and call quality has been ok most of the time. However, if you are in an area where Sprint has a poor signal you will have drops. I do not have any problem. I have my epic rooted and bought an app Roam Control on android market. I can be on Sprint and been roaming on VZN anytime I want to.

 

[tomy2001]

i keep hearing about how u guys switch phones all the time. I dont get it. Whenever i sign up and get a phone, i have to keep it for 2 years or risk having to pay restocking fees. how do u get a new phone for under 200 every year or try them out and switch around before finalizing? A little help on this plz?

on topic, since im not sure how u guys get new phones before being eligible for upgrade, i would go with the phone that is more advanced --- Evo 3D.
Nexus S would be great if it would be able to keep up with the phones next year, but it wont.

--i get upgrade eligibilty in september, cant wait.

Next time you buy a phone don't buy it from a Sprint store go to either Best buy or the Shack the have better deals and bb doesn't have restocking fee. I believe the Evo 3D is going to be a great phone. However, I heard is going to have problems with its battery life. Right now all the smartphones from the Evo all the way to Samsung Moment have a software install called IQ in rooted world. This software sucks the life of you battery and sends to the mobile company all your information (text message,calls,websites you have visited basically they know everything you do with your smartphone. That is why I have my epic rooted and a custom rom install such as Syndicate Frozen Rom v1.1.0. The developer of this rom got rid of this malicious software.

 

[tomy2001]

It has been a tossup for me between the EVO 3d and a Nexus... i currently have an EVO and after using cyanogen 7 for a while, I'm really partial to vanilla android. The one thing holding me back from the Nexus is lack of an led for notifications. Might seem like a small thing, but I've come to rely on led notifications since my blackberry days.

Shrug, maybe I'll just stick with my EVO, don't know.

@gabbott I agree with you led notifications is very important for me as well. I am glad my epic has a led notification. Probably I will do the same as you are about to do "sticking with your Evo." I will be with my Epic for a while.

 

[Gameboy70]

Am I crazy for considering dumping my Evo?

I already have my Evo rooted and running CM7, but I really want to support the Nexus line of phones on Sprint. My fear is if sales of the Nexus S are small, Sprint will not bring the next Nexus phone to their network. The Evo and Nexus S are about equal when it comes to specs, but I do not really care about specs, it is all about the software and updates.

Crazy?

I feel exactly the same. I have CM7 on the Evo, but I'd rather have a direct line to Google updates before upgrading to Cyanogen mods. I'll lose the HDMI port, and the ability to use larger microSD cards, but I haven't used the HDMI port yet (CM7 doesn't have FullHDMI baked in yet), and I'm still using a 16GB microSD card with 4GB free. I'm happy to let other power users compete with each other on specs.

Frankly, I just prefer the more organic, unbranded design of the NS. The Evo feels more solid in the hand, but the Tmo NS I played with still feels pretty well made. I just love the idea of have a pure Google phone with integrated Google Voice.

 

[BigFace]

I'm not expert but I think the second processor is needed to render 3d movies. 3d will probably need power kinda like AVCHD for video processing. Dual core computers have a hard time with AVCHD hence "quad-core" computers were brought online.
I suspect 3d will put stress on battery power. My $0.02.

BTW. I'm keeping my 4G. None of the phones coming out are a deal breaker for what I have. :0)

 

[jnl813]

i keep hearing about how u guys switch phones all the time. I dont get it. Whenever i sign up and get a phone, i have to keep it for 2 years or risk having to pay restocking fees. how do u get a new phone for under 200 every year or try them out and switch around before finalizing? A little help on this plz?

on topic, since im not sure how u guys get new phones before being eligible for upgrade, i would go with the phone that is more advanced --- Evo 3D.
Nexus S would be great if it would be able to keep up with the phones next year, but it wont.

--i get upgrade eligibilty in september, cant wait.

This is easier than what people make it out to be. Its simple really...lets suppose you are in my shoes right now...I have the Evo, I can post it up for sale on Craigslist for around $300-$350, let suppose the Nexus come sout around ...$599, well the value on Craigslist should be around $400-450..now...if you can get a good deal, sometimes people want to TRADE because they dont like something on it ( they want an actual keyboard etc). This is just a general example, but in my case I use to switch phones every 2 months or so, until I got the Evo, then it all changed because I had found the perfect phone. BUT on Craigslist anything can happen, a real example for me would be that I sold my 80GB iPod Classic for $220, and then used that $ to buy a iPod touch 3rd gen 30GB ( I have 15GB of music on my Mac ) for $180.

Another quick example is that my wife dropped her evo and got a crack on the side ( not the screen ) so I put it up for sale on CL and sold it for $300, then went on there and bought a Evo shift for $200 brand new. Not bad. Oh and YES I will be selling both my Evo and her Evo shift on Cl once the Nexus drops so I dont pay out of pocket

 

[blacksapphire08]

I was excited when I heard that a Nexus phone was coming to Sprint so I wouldnt have to deal with rooting and whatnot, plus upgrade to a better phone. Then I saw that it was the old A8 Hummingbird, seriously??? That combined with the fact that it's a Samsung phone is a definite pass for me. Guess i'll be keeping my Hero a little longer.

 

[tomy2001]

I was excited when I heard that a Nexus phone was coming to Sprint so I wouldnt have to deal with rooting and whatnot, plus upgrade to a better phone. Then I saw that it was the old A8 Hummingbird, seriously??? That combined with the fact that it's a Samsung phone is a definite pass for me. Guess i'll be keeping my Hero a little longer.

I agree with you. However, keep in mind the Nexus S is a Google phone without any crap on it (pure Google). Also, it will be one of the first phone to get new Google OS.in the future. I can not get a new phone any time soon but if I had the opportunity I would get it. Nexus 4g will be a big time hit on Sprint. Like you said you do not have to rooted in order to get a pure experience with Google. In addition to that, it has installed the ext4 files which it makes it to be faster than the Epic. In order to have the same files as the Nexus S I have to root my phone. That is why I did it and also because I have Free tethering now that my Epic is rooted. I respect your opinon about waiting a little bit longer.

 

[Zombiemaci]

Nexus S 4G

I've worked for Sprit customer care for about 10 months now and actually just did a training course on the Nexus S today. It will not have any Sprint preloaded apps such as Sprint nav, Sprint TV, Sprint Football, and other apps of that nature. It will also have NFC for tag scanning, including subway admission, hotel rooms, and cars. Battery is 1500 MHz; same as the Evo of I'm not mistaken.

 

[nmoreman]

Question - will we have the ability to load Sprint programs, such as Navigation, if we have the .apk. I guess I would mean any .apk, such as Wireless Tethering??

If I didn't have to root, to add a few things because of open source, that would be even sweeter. Themes, etc., are fun to play with.

I'm going from Epic to Nexus purely based on size. I do not use my keyboard, and the size will fit my hands and pockets better. I will miss the LED, have never come close to using 16g of memory, so fine with that. Heck, might find an app that makes something on the phone blink as an led for messages. . .

 

[gtpimp97]

Heck, might find an app that makes something on the phone blink as an led for messages. . .

I believe that app is BLN control

 

[craquehore]

Sprint Kings/ HTC EVO 3D vs Nexus S 4G

Here is a pretty good comparison of features that should help you decide what aspects are really more important to you. For me, the EVO 3D looks AMAZING! BUT, the size is a dealbreaker, and the ability of the Nexus S 4G to be 'voice-commanded' AND be pure google/first for updates tips the scale in favor of the Nexus S for me. Here's the article link followed by the text of the article. Hope it helps y'all make a decision!

Sprint Kings: HTC EVO 3D vs Nexus S 4G

Sprint Kings: HTC EVO 3D vs Nexus S 4G

Sprint unveiled a handful of new Android smartphones at CTIA just last month and if your time to upgrade is coming up then you will no doubt be having a tough time choosing between two new flagship Androids arriving at the carrier, the HTC EVO 3D and the Google Nexus S 4G. So which one is better and worthy of being in your pocket for the next two years? Keep reading as we put both Androids head to head in a specs comparison.

Sprint Nexus S 4G vs HTC EVO 3D

Starting off with the dimensions, the HTC Evo 3D comes in a little larger and weighs more (170g vs 130g) than the Nexus S 4G. This could be due to its larger display and the 3D hardware (has dual- cameras on the rear). Design wise however it has an elegant metal body compared to the more plastic looking Sprint Nexus S 4G. Winner: Draw

Moving on to the display, the HTC EVO 3D packs a 4.3-inch 540x960 SLCD versus the Nexus S with a smaller 4-inch 480x800 Super AMOLED. Both are capacitive but the HTC Evo 3D packs a 3D capable Parallax barrier. Now the Super AMOLED display on the Nexus S 4G is reportedly better when it comes to displaying deeper blacks and is more battery friendly (but the HTC EVO 3D tries to compensate for needing the extra juice by stuffing in a larger battery i.e. 1730mAh vs 1500mAh). Winner: Draw
Under the hood though we find that the HTC Evo 3D finally tips the scale. It packs a dual-core Snapdragon processor clocked at 1.2GHz with Adreno 220 GPU. When it comes to RAM you can look forward to 1GB. As for the Nexus S 4G, it settles with a single-core 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird and 512MB RAM only. Both devices run Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Winner: HTC EVO 3D

Moving to the back we find dual-lens 3D cameras at the rear of the HTC EVO 3D. The 5-megapixel cameras features Dual LED flash while the Sprint Nexus S 4G has 5MP too but just a single camera and flash. The HTC Evo 3D is also capable of 1080p full HD video recording while the Nexus S 4G stick with 720p HD. On the front, the HTC has a 1.3-megapixel webcam and the Nexus S 4G a VGA camera. Winner: HTC EVO 3D
Other common features include WiFi, Bluetooth (HTC Evo 3D supports 3.0 versus Nexus S 4G limited to 2.1), WiMAX, USB 2.0, microUSB, Accelerometer, Compass and DLNA. The HTC Evo 3D has added HDMI out port and noise cancellation mic while the Nexus S 4G offers a gyroscope. Winner: HTC EVO 3D

Bottom line: HTC EVO 3D comes ahead

Overall while both are commendable offerings, the HTC EVO 3D has an upperhand thanks to its generous screens size with a parallax barrier for glasses-free 3D viewing, higher resolution video recording, sexier form factor and a couple of improved connectivity options over the Nexus S 4G.

 

[pelikan3]

Hi everyone,

Current Pre user PROBABLE future Android user. I've been impressed by the fact that, despite being a year old, and despite the bells and whistles of the Samsung Galaxy class phones, the EVO has remained the best rated Android phone on the market and Sprint's flagship device.

I will admit, when I leave WebOS, it will be reluctantly, and more due to the fact that Sprint and HP/Palm dropped the ball on the platform. I believe it is the best OS no one cares about and would love to see Android emulate their multitasking, because I will miss that most of all. But, be that as it may, I will only keep my Pre running on spit and nickles for so long, then it's on to a supported device.

I liked the look of the Nexus S. It has the smaller, smoother form-factor of the Pre and the My Touch, with an interface that seems more user friendly (a la the My Touch), and some pretty nice specs.

But, after "suffering" with a Pre with a 600Mhz processor (overclocked to 1.05Ghz) and 256MB of RAM, I have to admit, the EVO 3D, with the dual core processor and 1GB of RAM has it over the single core processor and 512 MB on the Nexus. Will this show any visible performance difference to the user? Will there be apps or other functionality that comes down the pipleline, that takes advantage of this and makes it worth the firepower?

Also, I've had a Samsung phone before (WAYYYY Back with the very first alleged 3G phones in the early 2000's and it got terrible reception. Has this improved?

Battery life isn't a real concern. I will use power and app management software and an extended battery (where possible) to take care of this, so it's all about the look, feel, build quality, and performance of the phone.

If you were coming from a Pre, which would YOU buy?

Thanks!

 

[McRoth]

Hi everyone,

Current Pre user PROBABLE future Android user. I've been impressed by the fact that, despite being a year old, and despite the bells and whistles of the Samsung Galaxy class phones, the EVO has remained the best rated Android phone on the market and Sprint's flagship device.

I will admit, when I leave WebOS, it will be reluctantly, and more due to the fact that Sprint and HP/Palm dropped the ball on the platform. I believe it is the best OS no one cares about and would love to see Android emulate their multitasking, because I will miss that most of all. But, be that as it may, I will only keep my Pre running on spit and nickles for so long, then it's on to a supported device.

I liked the look of the Nexus S. It has the smaller, smoother form-factor of the Pre and the My Touch, with an interface that seems more user friendly (a la the My Touch), and some pretty nice specs.

But, after "suffering" with a Pre with a 600Mhz processor (overclocked to 1.05Ghz) and 256MB of RAM, I have to admit, the EVO 3D, with the dual core processor and 1GB of RAM has it over the single core processor and 512 MB on the Nexus. Will this show any visible performance difference to the user? Will there be apps or other functionality that comes down the pipleline, that takes advantage of this and makes it worth the firepower?

Also, I've had a Samsung phone before (WAYYYY Back with the very first alleged 3G phones in the early 2000's and it got terrible reception. Has this improved?

Battery life isn't a real concern. I will use power and app management software and an extended battery (where possible) to take care of this, so it's all about the look, feel, build quality, and performance of the phone.

If you were coming from a Pre, which would YOU buy?

Thanks!

I'm a current Pre- user also. I feel pretty much the same as you do with all of this. With all the delays on the Nexus, I'm seriously looking for a used Evo to hold me over until the Evo 3D comes out. I was leaning towards the Nexus, but the more I think about the specs & keeping it for 2 years, I'm starting to tip towards the 3D. It won't be long before Android takes advantage of the dual core processor & then apps will. Once that happens single cores are going to start feeling SLOW, I think.

 

[pelikan3]

I'm a current Pre- user also. I feel pretty much the same as you do with all of this. With all the delays on the Nexus, I'm seriously looking for a used Evo to hold me over until the Evo 3D comes out. I was leaning towards the Nexus, but the more I think about the specs & keeping it for 2 years, I'm starting to tip towards the 3D. It won't be long before Android takes advantage of the dual core processor & then apps will. Once that happens single cores are going to start feeling SLOW, I think.

That's pretty much where I'm leaning with it. I have a working Pre, so I'm in no hurry. when it chips or cracks, I epoxy it. Not the sexiest solution, but it works. I also have a working (so far) spare. So, I could be good for a while. But, when I take the plunge, I want to know that I am buying effectively for the future.

Speaking of the future... since WiMax allegedly doesn't go through walls, and I live in Baltimore, the FLAGSHIP city of 4G and there is barely any to be found (3G is sketchy here too)... any word about Sprint scrapping WiMax and rolling out LTE like EVERYBODY ELSE?

 

[Gorn]

...keeping it for 2 years, I'm starting to tip towards the 3D.

For me, this is the reason to get the Nexus S. I know that during that 2-year period I will have the most up-to-date software. The minute you buy the Evo 3D, the hardware will be "old" and nobody needs dual-cores right now anyway. So, while the Nexus is less powerful, it will be more up-to-date and less incumbered by bloatware.

 

[pelikan3]

For me, this is the reason to get the Nexus S. I know that during that 2-year period I will have the most up-to-date software. The minute you buy the Evo 3D, the hardware will be "old" and nobody needs dual-cores right now anyway. So, while the Nexus is less powerful, it will be more up-to-date and less incumbered by bloatware.

You make a strong argument. But, not necessarily about the EVO hardware being "old" the minute you drive it off the showroom floor--- you could theoretically say that about anything. Remember, the EVO 4G was so ahead of its time that it is still the current, highest rated Android phone, cross carrier (beating out even other HTC Android phones), after one year. So, the EVO 3D might repeat history.

But, prefer the form factor of the Nexus S (I have a Pre, smooth and ergonomic is more my style) and I agree with the idea of always getting first dibs on updates, having voice activated everything, and, as for bloatware... I really hate the HTC sense UI. It had it's time, but other UI's are more thoughtfully laid out.

I still question though, the idea of committing to back level hardware. Consistently, new software is being rolled out on hardware that is decidedly underpowered to handle. Is 1Ghz with 512MB really still the sweet spot? Does it really have that much growing room that it can carry the day for another 2 years? Are the built in functions enough that users will be fine if new apps and/or a new OS comes out that is better suited for more memory or a dual core processor and they get left behind?

Here's what I think might be the clincher... look at all the coming roll-outs of new Android phones, cross carrier. How many of them are supposed to be single core and 512MB RAM? How many are dual core and 1GB RAM? If the trend is still towards the former, than you can count on at least a year of software releases being geared towards that spec. In my opinion, if the trend is even 50/50 towards dual core, it may behoove you to make the sacrifice on aesthetics and roll with the bigger device.

In the mean time, until my Pre finally gives up the ghost, I am keeping my $200 and waiting to see who to bet it on.

 

[craigwann]

In the mean time, until my Pre finally gives up the ghost, I am keeping my $200 and waiting to see who to bet it on.

If your pre is anything like my pre, you may be in for a wait. I know that most people have gone through a few pre's, but I'm on my first. It has a few scratches, from the time my baby nephew got a hold of it, but it's solid. No problems. Had it overclocked it's whole life, and it's been doing fine.

If I didn't have gold premier status with sprint, honestly, I might be waiting for the Evo 3D as well. I hate to say that, because I have been saying in other threads that the Nexus hardware will be fine for the new few years with google support, and I think that's true. But I have to remember, I'll be getting a new phone in a year, and others will have to wait two. It's easy for me to say the nexus will hold up when it's lifespan only has to be half as long for me.

With that said, I still say, get the Nexus. It's going to be awesome, and then we can all be buddies in the Nexus S threads for the next 1-2 years.

 

[michaelp68]

For you current Pre users inquiring, I was a Sprint Pre user for about 1.5 years. Loved the Pre and a huge fan of Web OS. My Pre was overclocked and very dialed in with Preware patches. I was hoping my Pre would survive until I had Pre 3 options. Shame on HP for taking so darn long and still not even being able to announce dates and carriers.

My Pre died a few weeks ago. It simply, and sadly, stopped working.

I took a leap of faith and switched to Android, buying an HTC Evo Shift 4G.

I'm not directly answering all of your questions, but from someone who was a huge fan of, and advocate for, Web OS, I can tell you I admit still having pangs of regret moving to Android, but that's mostly irrational. I say mostly and not completely because there's no doubt that Web OS really is more user friendly, elegant and functional as an OS. No doubt about it.

But also, I'm happy I switched and pleased with what I have. The Evo Shift is much better hardware. It feels lightyears faster/quicker/more zippy in how it opens apps and runs them, even compared with the overclocked Pre. Obviously, the amount of available apps is staggering, but also very clearly makes the device able to do more than I could with my Pre.

My brother has an Evo 4G. We've compared side-by-side his Evo 4G with my Evo Shift 4G. The battery life on the Shift is better, and even though the Shift's processor is "smaller" it seems to operate just as fast, if not faster (I think because it's newer and more efficient). Granted, the screen is smaller and there is no front camera, but I'm happier with the smaller screen and with the nice keyboard. I see the Evo Shift as an improvement over its parent Evo, IMHO.

So, do I miss the Pre? Yup. Glad I made the change? Most definitely. Think my new Android device is better than the Pre I left behind? Yes, a significant improvement in hardware, battery life, quickness/responsiveness and app options.

I hope some of that helps.