Re: Verizon Galaxy S III First Impressions/Reviews
Yeah, I know force is really what's important when thinking of this situation, but I was really just replying to subscribe to the thread. My upgrade comes in 3 weeks and the SG3 is certainly my top choice.
Completely fair - with my picking of nits, I neglected to add my review:
Aesthetics
The phone is really nice. After actually seeing the colors, though, I kind of wish I had gone with white. The blue isn't bad, but the finish on the button stands out a little and it is a little closer to purple than I'd like.
Screen
The screen's big and gorgeous. I had a Thunderbolt previously so I don't have a ton of screen size shock, but it is noticeably larger and sharper.
Hardware
It feels good in the hands, and is unbelievably light. I love the center button, but am not too happy with the power button placement. I still reach towards the top of the device instinctively (and have large enough hands to reach it) before I remember that it's not there. Then, I reach to the side and invariably also toggle the volume rocker. I have noticed that the phone gets kind of hot when the screen's been on for a while or the processor's been really active, but it's not too bad (not like the Thunderbolt, which doubled as a skillet...)
Phone - including bluetooth & speakerphone usage
I've had it 24 hours and I haven't made a call yet...
Overall User Interface (including TouchWiz)
I am pleasantly surprised with the default launcher. I'm a big fan on infinite scroll, and the ability to hide apps in the drawer is really nice. I'm generally annoyed that it always makes a shortcut for newly installed application on the home screen, but it's easy to get rid of those. I'd prefer the app launcher button to be centered or movable, but overall, I haven't felt the need to install a replacement launcher.
I'm really bugged by the ongoing notification for wi-fi, and am supremely annoyed that the phone will ask you to connect to a known network if it finds it, regardless of what settings you have to the contrary (I have every option I can find checked off not to notify me about wifi networks, and it still pops up with "you are in range of a known network. Would you like to connect?", with the options of "Always connect", "Yes", and "remind me later". Ugh!)
I'm not a huge fan of the green for the battery and the active notification toggles, but it's not a deal breaker. Outside of these things, I love the overall configurability of the OS, though, and have had good luck with the face unlock and the smartstay. There are too many options really buried, however, which makes it a bit of a chore to find what you're looking for.
Widgets
I'm only using the weather/clock widget from Touchwiz (which has a pretty great transition from the lockscreen clock). Nothing else really appeals to me. I am a little surprised there isn't a contact widget, but it's not too big a deal for me.
Signal quality (Compared to other devices)
It's a little better than my Thunderbolt based on 1 day's use, though nothing too drastically different.
Battery Life
It seems to be pretty good, but I'll need to run it for a few days to really get a feel for it.
Performance
Everything is really fast. I have had good luck with every game I've tried so far, and the launcher and transitions have been silky smooth.
Keyboard's
I don't mind the keyboard and much as others seem to (I usually run swype, but haven't needed to so far). The prediction isn't great, and I'd prefer to have a long hold go to punctuation instead of a shift function. It's still perfectly usable so far, though.
Camera (both still & video)
I want to turn off the camera sound, but haven't found that option yet. Otherwise, it's great. The shutter speed is fantastic.
How the Galaxy S III compares to your previous smartphone (if applicable)
Better in every way (except for the lack of a kickstand). It's lighter, faster, has a nicer screen, and a better camera than the 'bolt. I think this will surprise no one, though.
Disappointments (if any)
I'm not a huge fan of the button layout. I hate the emphasis on wifi Verizon has put into the software. Other than that, it's a great phone.
The biggest synopsis for me is that I am on the fence about whether I will root this. On the 'Bolt and the DInc, it wasn't really a question, but stock feels good enough to me so far that it's at least a question again.