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Open Forum => Off-Topic => Topic started by: Master KChief on March 12, 2013, 03:41:46 AM
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Samsung is announcing its next phone on Thursday the 14th.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- 5 inch screen
- Plastic with aluminum sides
- 'Boxier' than S III
- LCD screen, not AMOLED
- May have eye-tracking or head-tracking software
- 13 Megapixel camera
- US quad-core processor; international 8 cores.
So...who's getting one? :)
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With a plastic case I have to ask, how durable is that phone and how long can I use it before my hands feel like they are on fire...when I don't have my Droid Pro in its Otter case I get maybe 20 minutes of use before it's hot to the touch...but with that case its nigh indestructible...
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With a plastic case I have to ask, how durable is that phone and how long can I use it before my hands feel like they are on fire...when I don't have my Droid Pro in its Otter case I get maybe 20 minutes of use before it's hot to the touch...but with that case its nigh indestructible...
For comparison, the SIII which the best selling smartphone in the world, was completely plastic so that's actually a step up.
I'm a little disappointed in it not being an AMOLED screen but hopefully this is for price reasons.
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My S3 still does everything I need it to. No reason for me to upgrade yet.
Besides, Verizon would make me pay full price for the phone if I want to keep my unlimited data. >:(
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For comparison, the SIII which the best selling smartphone in the world, was completely plastic so that's actually a step up.
You'd think that since the SIII was the 'best selling smartphone in the world', Samsung would splurge and use better materials for its new phone. ::) It will still feel cheap compared to the iPhone and HTC One. And cheap always appeals to the most common denominator.
Detail added: US gets quad-core processor, international gets eight cores!
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I am planning to get a smartphone in the next couple of weeks. I had been planning on getting the S3, but I will probably take a look at the S4. I'm still currently using a non-smartphone so either one is going to be a huge step up for me. 8)
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I just hope they improve the mobile assistant. Siri is way ahead of the S-Voice, mostly because she is more entertaining (if anyone has an iPhone 4S or 5, you should ask Siri how much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood), she sounds less robotic, and she can understand common vernacular a little better. To be fair, I haven't looked into the features of the S3 as much as the iPhone, but even though I have never been an Apple guy, but I do like the iPhone 5 a lot more than I thought I would, and maybe even a bit better than the S3.
My S3 still does everything I need it to. No reason for me to upgrade yet.
Besides, Verizon would make me pay full price for the phone if I want to keep my unlimited data. >:(
Eventually all of the other (read: inferior) companies will make you do that too, and then Verizon will be ahead of the curve in both coverage AND pricing. And then my job security and annual bonuses go up... 8).
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If the new phone includes Google Now that's an improvement in the "sounds like a robot" category, the voice assistant on google now is the most "real person" sounding voice simulation I've ever experienced. I don't know about the quality of the assistant itself as I don't have a data plan on my tablet and generally don't use voice assistants at all.
You'd think that since the SIII was the 'best selling smartphone in the world', Samsung would splurge and use better materials for its new phone. ::) It will still feel cheap compared to the iPhone and HTC One. And cheap always appeals to the most common denominator.
Detail added: US gets quad-core processor, international gets eight cores!
You can take that out of quotes since it is the best selling smart phone in the world and yeah they could use heavier materials, but given the size of the phone an all metal and glass SIV would also be a brick to carry around and it keeps costs down.
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Not necessary, since it's blatantly false:
http://bgr.com/2013/02/20/iphone-5-sales-q4-2012-332052/ (http://bgr.com/2013/02/20/iphone-5-sales-q4-2012-332052/)
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*sigh* math is wonderful, yes in Quarter 4 of 2012 the Iphone 5 outsold the SIII, however when you take in to account the total sales of the SIII compared to the total sales of the iphone 5 since their respective launch dates, the iphone is behind. They sold more in quarter 4, this was not enough however to overcome their quarter 3 sales deficit of 15 million. The Galaxy has sold 40 million units since it's introduction last may, compared to the so far 33.4 million reported for the iphone 5
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Oh so now we're creating new stipulations and framing it as you choose. -_-
Unfortunately that does not deviate from the fact every market research firm recognizes that the SIII is not the best selling smartphone at the present moment. Even the 4S had a greater market share than the S3 last quarter. ::)
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The stipulation is total sales of each phone, not total sales within this 3 month time frame, total sales. The Galaxy SIII has moved more units that the Iphone 5 since their respective launches. This isn't changing any stipulations at all, I said the SIII is the best selling smartphone in the world and it is. It has sold more units than the iphone 5.
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The stipulation is total sales of each phone, not total sales within this 3 month time frame, total sales.
Apparently your interpretation of 'best selling smartphone' is vastly different from market research analysts. Goodbye SIII, hello iPhone 5. Hail to the king!
The Galaxy SIII has moved more units that the Iphone 5 since their respective launches.
Yup, lets try to tout a self-imposed title for a device that had 4 more extra months of sales over the iPhone 5. Brave move there. ::)
This isn't changing any stipulations at all, I said the SIII is the best selling smartphone in the world and it is.
You're a) changing the stipulations from what is widely recognized by research firms and b) adding an addendum and framing it as you choose after being shown hard facts the SIII isn't the best selling smartphone.
It has sold more units than the iphone 5.
Come see me when you have anything comparable to 4S sales, which is still in Apples current device portfolio.
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I am planning to get a smartphone in the next couple of weeks. I had been planning on getting the S3, but I will probably take a look at the S4. I'm still currently using a non-smartphone so either one is going to be a huge step up for me. 8)
Little birdy told me the HTC One is the "new" best thing...comes out in a few weeks i believe.
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I am planning to get a smartphone in the next couple of weeks. I had been planning on getting the S3, but I will probably take a look at the S4. I'm still currently using a non-smartphone so either one is going to be a huge step up for me. 8)
Little birdy told me the HTC One is the "new" best thing...comes out in a few weeks i believe.
I had too many issues with my HTC Thunderbolt to give HTC another chance...I'd suggest sticking to Samsung or Motorola for Android phones.
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Aaaaand the Samsung event is a wrap. Here's what we have on the S4:
-5.3 inches long, 2.7 inches wide. 5 inch screen, full HD, super AMOLED screen
-4G network, 100 Mbps down 50 Mbps up
-Main camera 13 megapixel, front 2 megapixel
-Built in 16 GB storage, option for 32 and 64
-Micro-SD slot for extra 64 GB
-Dual camera can take photos/shoot video with both cameras simultaneously
-Can add audio to images
-Drama Shot: Camera can take up to 100 shots in 4 seconds and creates a collage in one frame
-S translator
-S Voice Drive: S4's answer to Apples Siri
-Group Play: Share songs and play them on as many as 8 other S4 phones
-ChatOn: Adds video chat for up to 3 people by using both cameras
-Built-in health software that tracks heart rate and body fat
-No details on launch date, compatible carriers, or price
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(https://www.cactusforums.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nairaland.com%2Fattachments%2F996343_CUsersstudentDesktopSpecifications-In-Samsung-Galaxy-S4_jpgbd92ba530da6b850b6acbf1f6469ac3c&hash=b0a502ed12fbae56852e06fa2204c31a322e51b0)
I think this is it?
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Not exactly surprising since it's the "next gen" but the US version of the SF was recently benchmarked and it nearly doubled (http://news.yahoo.com/samsung-galaxy-4-crushes-iphone-5-other-leading-140501633.html) the iPhone 5's score on geekbench
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Amazing. Now I want to see the benchmark score for the international version with its delicious 8 cores.
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It probably wont be any high, the architecture is pretty unique, you only ever use 4 cores at a time because it has 4 high power cores that you would use for games and other such apps and then 4 low power, battery saving cores that get used when you're texting or using the web or something.
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I'm a little late to this party, as usual.
I had too many issues with my HTC Thunderbolt to give HTC another chance...I'd suggest sticking to Samsung or Motorola for Android phones.
QFT. My wife's HTC was a nightmare, so she insisted on something different. She ended up getting the Galaxy Note II, which she loves.
Due to my financial state, I am always a tech (or two) behind. I just picked up the Galaxy SIII, which I find very useful and efficient. I thought I would hate touch screens, because my wife's HTC touch screen was annoying problematic. I had been using a flip BlackBerry all along. However, the Galaxy's (and likely iPhone's too, FWIW) touch screen responds in a way that works for an old man with fat fingers.
My son uses the Motorola Droid Razr M, which he enjoys, if for no other reason than to have the volume jacked high so that we all hear the "DRRROOOOIIIIIIIIDDDDDDDD" sound for notifications.
On a side note, related to my tech antiquity, I have enjoyed my new PS3. There are a surprisingly large number of great family/kids games on PSN. Also note that I am about to buy my first flat-panel TV and move up to HD. Woo-hoo! ;D
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Also note that I am about to buy my first flat-panel TV and move up to HD. Woo-hoo! ;D
:o This is more than a tech or two behind. I think you just officially joined the Craig and Stamp club. ;D
What models have you been looking at? I'd be interested to take a look at any prospective candidates you have.
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What models have you been looking at? I'd be interested to take a look at any prospective candidates you have.
I could start another topic on that if you prefer. This is your thread, so you can choose.
I actually wanted feedback for a TV. You know me.... I don't buy things on a whim (other than Shamrock Shakes and Cadbury Cream Eggs). ;)
I don't want a cheap TV that has lots of HDMI outputs, but will only last a couple of subpar years. I was thinking Samsung, since they seem to have good reviews. I like Sony, but I can get a bigger TV for the same price with Samsung. LG has mixed reviews, so I don't know what to think.
I am looking to stay under $400, and the further the better. I think 42" would be just about right size-wise. I would like a "smart" TV that has Wi-Fi, or some way to access Netflix without a computer. If I can get one that has computer connections, like a monitor port or Ethernet, that would be nice too. I would like at least two HDMI ports, but preferably more.
I do NOT want 3D. They give me a headache. And I don't want a plasma TV because of the awkward lighting in my living room.
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I would like a "smart" TV that has Wi-Fi, or some way to access Netflix without a computer. If I can get one that has computer connections, like a monitor port or Ethernet, that would be nice too. I would like at least two HDMI ports, but preferably more.
No need to get a "smart" TV when your PS3 already does all the internet related things you would like to do.
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I am looking to stay under $400, and the further the better. I think 42" would be just about right size-wise. I would like a "smart" TV that has Wi-Fi, or some way to access Netflix without a computer. If I can get one that has computer connections, like a monitor port or Ethernet, that would be nice too. I would like at least two HDMI ports, but preferably more.
You're going to be hard pressed to find a quality smart TV for under $400. If you have a way to access the internet (a PS3 would be perfect), you'll cut down on price significantly.
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I don't want a cheap TV that has lots of HDMI outputs, but will only last a couple of subpar years. I was thinking Samsung, since they seem to have good reviews. I like Sony, but I can get a bigger TV for the same price with Samsung. LG has mixed reviews, so I don't know what to think.
It always comes down to Sammy vs Panny when it comes to the best HDTV's. I prefer Panny's because they have unparalleled contrast ratios and infinite black levels. Samsung, however, makes incredible LCD's and LED's.
I am looking to stay under $400, and the further the better. I think 42" would be just about right size-wise. I would like a "smart" TV that has Wi-Fi, or some way to access Netflix without a computer. If I can get one that has computer connections, like a monitor port or Ethernet, that would be nice too. I would like at least two HDMI ports, but preferably more.
I do NOT want 3D. They give me a headache. And I don't want a plasma TV because of the awkward lighting in my living room.
You will find this (http://reviews.cnet.com/best-33-42-inch-hdtvs/) incredibly useful for what you're looking for. Please be aware $400 for something around a 40 inch is on the extreme low-end for a decent quality HDTV, so you will probably have to compromise with some of the options you wanted. As others have mentioned, a HDTV with Wi-fi and ethernet ports are in most cases completely unnecessary, so I wouldn't worry about that at all. And while you have a preference for Samsung, it wouldn't hurt to look at other tv models either, especially if they're recommended by an expert at CNET that has thousands of hours testing HDTVs and over a decade of experience doing it on CNET. About the only preference I would say to not compromise on is the choice of plasma...plasmas are usually known to not do well under certain lighting conditions, so I would say stick with an LCD or LED as you mentioned.
After looking through all these TV's and doing some extensive research myself, you've got some good options here. If you want to strictly stick to your budget, I've narrowed it down to 3 TV's you should definitely look into, with some quick summaries:
TCL L40FHDP60
TV Type: LCD
Screen Size: 40 inches
Refresh Rate: 60hz
Cheapest brand new in-store price: Best Buy/Home Depot - $399 + tax
Cheapest brand new online price: Ebay - $399 + free shipping
Toshiba 40E220U
LCD
40
60hz
Store: Kmart - $369 + tax
Online: Kmart - $369 + tax + free shipping, Ebay - $429 + free shipping
Toshiba 40L5200U
LED
40
120hz
Store: Walmart - $449 + tax
Online: Ebay - $399 + $19 shipping
If I had to pick only one and give you a decision straight from the gut...I'd probably go with the L5200U. LED and that tasty refresh rate is what draws me to it. But honestly, you really can't beat any of these tv's in absolute value and the most bang for your buck. I encourage you to very very very very very THOROUGHLY review each of these tv's on the CNET website...each review is a literal goldmine of information, offering a review of every single minute detail about the tv, even ranging to pre and post calibration tests. I read the reviews myself, but wish to read them more in-depth later so I can give a more reasoned judgment on which one has the prestigious MKC Seal of Approval. I also plan to do a synopsis on the other tv's on that list that are just a bit outside your initial price point, as from what I looked at I believe there are some killer steals there if you drop just a little more cash...for instance, I do know some of those are indeed Smart tv's. For now, I must sleep...I've spent close to 3 hours on this, and I still haven't gone to sleep yet from yesterday. ;D But this was fun. I shall return!
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I'm glad I could bring you this much fun. ;D
For the record, I have always taken your suggestions very seriously, and I appreciate your dedication to being helpful in all technological areas.
Let me clarify my price point. When I bought my cell phones, I used Dell.com since I have a preferred account as an educator. They had the best deals on my new Verizon phones by far, and (as always) I had been looking for several months. I say this because besides the great deals on the phones, they also gave me a $50 Dell e-Gift Card for each phone. I am in the process of getting them to combine the three cards into one $150 credit (which they said they can do). I figured this would be my chance to actually buy a new TV. I realize that Dell has a higher base price than say Wal-Mart, but I was hoping with the credit that I could beat even the retailers.
With that said, I was hoping to get feedback on technical specs (like refresh rate) and brands. Dell seems to focus on Sony, Samsung, LG, Vizio and Sharp. They do not carry Toshiba or TCL (whom I have never heard of). To give an example of what I was looking at:
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A6796976 (http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A6796976)
It is $529, but with my gift cards it would only be $379. Plus I would get another $150 e-Gift card. ;)
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All my research...my beautiful research...in vain... :'(
TCL is China's largest HDTV manufacturer. While that does not hold true at all over here, you can usually find them at Best Buy buried in the corner with the other 'lesser-known' brands, like Westinghouse.
Well this whole Dell scenario makes your decision a whole lot easier then. Here is the CNET review for the TV you have picked out: http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/samsung-un40eh5300/4505-6482_7-35159629.html (http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/samsung-un40eh5300/4505-6482_7-35159629.html).
There are two TV's from the CNET list that are in the Dell store:
Samsung UN40ES6500
CNET Review: http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/samsung-un40es6500/4505-6482_7-35117946.html (http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/samsung-un40es6500/4505-6482_7-35117946.html)
Dell Store: http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A6795221&baynote_bnrank=0&baynote_irrank=0&~ck=baynoteSearch (http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A6795221&baynote_bnrank=0&baynote_irrank=0&~ck=baynoteSearch)
Samsung UN40EH6000
CNET Review: http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/samsung-un46eh6000/4505-6482_7-35159621.html
(http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/samsung-un46eh6000/4505-6482_7-35159621.html)Dell Store: http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A5733314&baynote_bnrank=1&baynote_irrank=0&~ck=baynoteSearch (http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A5733314&baynote_bnrank=1&baynote_irrank=0&~ck=baynoteSearch)
Now, there is something very interesting about the HDTV you originally picked. Take this excerpt from the CNET review of the tv you picked, which I linked above:
CNET did not review the Samsung UNEH5300 series, but we did review a similar product, the UNEH6000 series.
According to Samsung's site, the main difference between the two is that the UNEH5300 has Samsung's Smart TV suite, whereas the UNEH6000 has a 120Hz refresh rate and slightly better picture quality specifications. Based on our review of the UNEH6000, however, we don't expect those improved specs to make much difference in the overall picture quality of the two TVs -- in other words, we expect the UNEH5300 and UNEH6000 to have roughly the same picture quality.
It goes into further detail on how largely identical both tv's are, and even how the 5300 series beats the 6000 series in some aspects (yes, the 6000 has a better refresh rate, but the added smoothness makes it look more artificial in this case.) Anyways, it just amazed me how you were able to essentially pick one of the top rated HDTVs in its class on CNET. By pure luck. Or was it...? :o
I would encourage you to read the first CNET link I provided for you on the 5300, as it goes more in-depth on the differences and vast similarities between it and the 6000. One big thing is the 5300 has the Smart TV suite while the 6000 does not. It also has more HDMI and USB ports than the 6000 as well. I would read over the 6000 review too, as you will see more technical specs and reviews that will of course directly relate to the 5300 as well. You might also want to look at the other tv on the list, the ES6500...but as it is 3D capable and a higher pricepoint, I don't expect you to give it much thought. :)
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So back to the topic of phones...I got my S3 a couple days ago and I love it. Granted it's my first smartphone so it probably wasn't going to take much to impress me, but it's been a ton of fun and I look forward to learning all the tricks and functions. 8)
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Couldn't wait for the S4, could ya... ;)
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FWIW the new HTC One is being reviewed as everything people were expecting the S4 to be.
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FWIW the new HTC One is being reviewed as everything people were expecting the S4 to be.
"Oooo... ahhhh.... That's how it always is at first. Then later comes the running... and screaming..."
-Ian Malcolm from Jurassic Park: The Lost World
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Couldn't wait for the S4, could ya... ;)
Nah, I'm typically not a "have to have the latest and greatest" person. Like I said, this is my first smartphone so I'm just going to get used to utilizing one before going all out for the absolute top of the line. I've heard so many good things about the S3 and I was perfectly content to go with something I knew was a quality product. 8)
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"Oooo... ahhhh.... That's how it always is at first. Then later comes the running... and screaming..."
-Ian Malcolm from Jurassic Park: The Lost World
You know companies change over time right? HTC has been getting nothing but positive reviews for most of their new phones. Even the ones running windows phone 8.
Nah, I'm typically not a "have to have the latest and greatest" person. Like I said, this is my first smartphone so I'm just going to get used to utilizing one before going all out for the absolute top of the line. I've heard so many good things about the S3 and I was perfectly content to go with something I knew was a quality product. 8)
Might have been a good idea to wait till the S4 just for the price drop on the S3 though, although it may have already happened after the S4 announcement.
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You know companies change over time right? HTC has been getting nothing but positive reviews for most of their new phones. Even the ones running windows phone 8.
I was actually referring to the hype that surrounds new technology in general. I could say the same for the Wii U. ;)
I did the same as Guardian. I'm happy with my G3, which was already proven over time. Being the first at anything is not always the best plan. Sometimes there are glitches that are not fixed until later. There are, of course, those that do work out just fine, and live up to the hype. But I learned from mistakes like Beta vs. VHS, and HDD vs. Blu-Ray - sometimes it is best to wait.