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Switched from iPhone to S4 about a Month Ago: My Impressions:

Posted on 12/5/13 at 7:45 pm
Posted by Gr8t8s
Member since Oct 2009
2579 posts
Posted on 12/5/13 at 7:45 pm
Seeing as how there are a lot of threads on here about switching/pros/cons/etc. about these phones, I figured that I would share my experiences so far having had both of them.

First, overall, I like the S4 MUCH better, so I will speak from that perspective.

Pros:
- Screen size. Awesome. This can not be overstated. I have large hands and the iPhone 5C and 5S is like a friggin wet bar of soap. The screen is worth the purchase alone.
- Customization all across the board. This is a big deal.
- Widgets are awesome
- Battery life is better
- Notifications, for the most part, are better. Not necessarily in the design and usage, but in the execution as it relates to the device and battery life.
- Seems like S-Voice understands my redneck arse better than Siri.

Cons:
- Camera isn't on the level of Apple, but I rarely use it, so I don't really care.
- The "back" button is in the bottom right hand corner. I'm left handed, it's mildly inconvenient, but that's nitpicking.
- Visual Voicemail isn't as good as Apple's, unless there's an app that's better that I just haven't found.
- The default text app is fine, but Apple's is better.
- Need a better email app. There's nothing "wrong" with the S4's, I just prefer the Apple version
- The default keyboard. After years of typing on the Apple, this keyboard screws me up. I switched to the google keyboard and all is right with the world.
- I actually kind of like the design and application of iOS Navigation better than GMAPs. GMAPs is worlds better on the actual accuracy of the maps, though. Just personal design preference.

Most of the cons are probably a result of the switch. IE, if I had started on Android, it wouldn't be an issue at all. It's more of a learning curve. Hell, there are probably even some apps out there to address my concern, I just haven't looked hard enough.

If I didn't mention something, it's because I feel that the phones are equal or I don't use that option.
Posted by SayMyName
In Your Girl
Member since Dec 2013
205 posts
Posted on 12/5/13 at 7:48 pm to
In
Posted by Gr8t8s
Member since Oct 2009
2579 posts
Posted on 12/5/13 at 7:51 pm to
Just got an assist from the other Android Thread. Textra and Contacts+ looks pretty impressive.
Posted by HailToTheChiz
Back in Auburn
Member since Aug 2010
48897 posts
Posted on 12/5/13 at 7:52 pm to
I did the same switch.... love it

Will Never go back to iPhone
Posted by htran90
BC
Member since Dec 2012
30087 posts
Posted on 12/5/13 at 7:54 pm to
swiftkey x is arguably the best keyboard for androids. There is a trial version, take it for a spin. the sales for it for $1/free come often too.
This post was edited on 12/5/13 at 7:54 pm
Posted by LSUcdro
Republic of West Florida
Member since Sep 2009
11126 posts
Posted on 12/5/13 at 7:57 pm to
<<-- cell phone board

(it's right underneath the weather board to your left)
Posted by Gr8t8s
Member since Oct 2009
2579 posts
Posted on 12/5/13 at 7:58 pm to
Me either. My wife has an iPhone 5Cheap. I get a daily reminder of why I'm happy with the S4.
Posted by Gr8t8s
Member since Oct 2009
2579 posts
Posted on 12/5/13 at 7:58 pm to
quote:

<<-- cell phone board


AKA Tech Board. Yeah, my bad

That one is pretty elusive.
Posted by michaelb1100
State of Confusion
Member since Aug 2007
3576 posts
Posted on 12/5/13 at 8:02 pm to
Try Handcent SMS

Posted by chalupa
Member since Jan 2011
6755 posts
Posted on 12/5/13 at 8:07 pm to
How do you have visual voice mail? I haven't seen that option at all on my S4.
Posted by Gr8t8s
Member since Oct 2009
2579 posts
Posted on 12/5/13 at 8:14 pm to
quote:

How do you have visual voice mail? I haven't seen that option at all on my S4.


Downloaded the App from the Play Store. It's just called Visual Voicemail. I don't really like it very much, but it beats nothing at all.
Posted by Rebel
Graceland
Member since Jan 2005
131278 posts
Posted on 12/5/13 at 8:18 pm to
Can you take slow mo video?
Posted by Hammertime
Will trade dowsing rod for titties
Member since Jan 2012
43030 posts
Posted on 12/5/13 at 8:22 pm to
quote:

Seems like S-Voice understands my redneck arse better than Siri
I rooted and have google voice. It catches every single word I have ever said. Purely amazing
quote:

The default text app is fine, but Apple's is better
Try GoSMS or other texting app
quote:

The default keyboard
If you like the iPhone keyboard, try the Swiftkey keyboard. Far and away the best because you can type regularly and swype. Predictive text is the best I have ever used



After a while, think about rooting. You'll get better battery life, have the ability to get paid programs for free, and delete bloatware to make the phone even faster

Posted by BearCrocs
Member since Aug 2013
6429 posts
Posted on 12/5/13 at 8:23 pm to
Mom has one .. Messed with it during thanksgiving ; I really like it .
Posted by WITNESS23
Member since Feb 2010
13721 posts
Posted on 12/5/13 at 8:34 pm to
There are keyboards that blow apple out of the water. AKA Swiftkey 3

And you can download any texting app you want.
Posted by shutterspeed
MS Gulf Coast
Member since May 2007
63192 posts
Posted on 12/5/13 at 8:38 pm to
Since you've opened the door, I'd like to bitch about the new iPhone OS.

Why is the cancel button located right above the + (add) button in text messaging?

Why doesn't the audio feature work consistently now after waking the phone from sleep (from the unlock screen)?
This post was edited on 12/5/13 at 8:40 pm
Posted by Hopeful Doc
Member since Sep 2010
14942 posts
Posted on 12/5/13 at 8:52 pm to
quote:

like to bitch about the new iPhone OS.


4 updates to the OS since the new one, and it is still the buggiest software I have seen used in the last 8 years or so. I think every day about selling it on eBay to whatever sucker will pay for it. Then I remember that I am lazy.
Posted by Pettifogger
Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone
Member since Feb 2012
79119 posts
Posted on 12/5/13 at 9:00 pm to
I would suggest you root that thing and go straight nexus-based ROM. I love it.

I like the S4, if I was buying today I'd get the Nexus 5.
Posted by C
Houston
Member since Dec 2007
27816 posts
Posted on 12/5/13 at 9:07 pm to
I bought a kindle fire recently for my kid and the major issues I've seen compared to iOS is how slow the response is when opening apps and the lack of certain apps for kids for iOS. I don't mind the smaller screen.
Posted by RidiculousHype
St. George, LA
Member since Sep 2007
10191 posts
Posted on 12/5/13 at 9:17 pm to
Solid post. Question: I have always had an iPhone and overall am pretty satisfied. It seems like when I see another brand of smartphone it seems "clunky" and laggy. I'd imagine this is not an issue anymore since the Samsungs seem to get good reviews?
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