Captivate vs Iphone 4

[ckyllr]

I am thinking about returning my Captivate for an Iphone 4. I'm having too many issues such as using email, gps, and phone shutting off so I have no alarm in the morning. It also locked up couple times running apps, just blank black screen sometimes, and froze on couple of apps.

I got it for $199 so.. it would be a even swap for the Iphone 4. I really want to keep my Captivate and make it work but I just don't know.

I need your help to make my decision. I have played with both phones so I'm familiar enough to make a decision based on that but I do want to keep the Captivate but I just don't know what would be the right decision. I know it all comes down to IOS (lockdown) vs Android (openness) but if I jailbreak my Iphone then it would be pretty open as well.

If I get enough convincing argument to keep my Captivate then I will but from reading these forums, it seems like this phone has many issues not that Iphone 4 doesn't but I have used my wife's Iphone 4 and it's more stable and doesn't have issues that Captivate has.

Ckyllr

Please help me!

 

[~Reaper~]

i came from a 3Gs and love mine man i have not had any of the issues that are floating around (knock on wood!!!) I would take it back to the store and exchange it and see what happens if you still have issues with the exchanged one then i might consider the iphone 4
but this phone does so much more than my iphone could ever do even jailbroke. honestly there is just no comparison. this thing crushes the iphone and yes i have 3 frined that have the iphone 4 and they all hate me

HATERS LOL

 

[MrTony]

Hmmm...the locking up, blank screen and freezes just don't seem right. I wonder if maybe you don't need a new unit all together. I've had a few minor issues, but none of those. Anyone else want to chime in on that?

 

[MrTony]

i came from a 3Gs and love mine man i have not had any of the issues that are floating around (knock on wood!!!) I would take it back to the store and exchange it and see what happens if you still have issues with the exchanged one then i might consider the iphone 4
but this phone does so much more than my iphone could ever do even jailbroke. honestly there is just no comparison. this thing crushes the iphone and yes i have 3 frined that have the iphone 4 and they all hate me

HATERS LOL

HA! Funny, a guy I work with has the i4. He saw my Captivate for the first time today. His jaw dropped when I pulled up my HD copy of Clash of the Titans (my movie of choice to bring on the AWE!) on the screen. He couldn't get over how good it looked. I didn't know he had the i4 until I asked what he had. His response was "for better or worse, I have the iPhone 4". That said all I needed to hear

 

[jblaze5779]

man I dumped my i4 for the captivate. This is way better despite the problems so far.

 

[t-readyroc]

Hmmm...the locking up, blank screen and freezes just don't seem right. I wonder if maybe you don't need a new unit all together. I've had a few minor issues, but none of those. Anyone else want to chime in on that?

I would agree.

 

[ckyllr]

Thanks for the replies guys. You are right about the Captivate... it is a show piece when it wants to be. People do think that Super Amoled display is awesome.

As a media player it's awesome but.. like I said, I want the GPS to lock, better email client, (using K-9 and it's been better for hotmail and yahoo), better battery life (compared to iphone 4 it just can't hang.. I have to charge mine every night and my wife's Iphone last 3 days sometimes and she uses it all the time). I was late this morning to work because Captivate somehow turned itself off (I have no idea how this happened?) and alarm didn't go off.

Trust me, I want to keep the Captivate... my heart tells me so but my brain tells me no. Good analogy for this which my best friend agrees is that Captivate is like that Hot Chick that gets into trouble alot and you know she isn't good for you but you stick with her because she's HOT... Iphone is that dependable girlfriend you can trust... she's not like super HOT but she won't mistreat you and will always be there for you.

This is the predicament I am in........... Super Hot Chick Vs. Dependable Girlfriend.... hmmmmm

 

[ckyllr]

By the way, the issues I have doesn't happen all the time like freezing up or blank screen or shutting off. That only happened like once or twice. Now... the GPS thing is like all the time.

Another issue I keep having is that it keeps losing my wi-fi at home. It connects and disconnects.. and does this all day and night long. That drives me crazy. It's been better today though but still.

I wish I could keep both! I would have the Iphone 4 as main phone and swap to Captivate when I get bored... (continuing with my analogy here... it's like having a steady girlfriend and Super Hot Chick at the same time...hehe

 

[haison]

you should go to the advance menu of the wifi settings and change it to never sleep if that fixes the wifi issue. The default setting is it switches data to 3G when it is asleep.

 

[Intervenient]

I'm in the same position and flip flop every minute.

On one end, I have my Captivate. The colors really pop off the screen, and the community behind Android is the best one I've been involved with, hands down. It does everything I want it to, and then does more. However doing so, it starts to slow down and lag. Then it gets messages in incorrect order, and won't receive an MMS at all. The GPS doesn't work at all, and to add insult to injury, Samsung is known for their lack of support on their phones, and then AT&T has to toy with them. And then there's the DUST. Oh the dust, particles of hatred and shame that plague my device, just toying around with my OCD.

On the other hand I have the iPhone 4. Good reliable iPhone 4. No monkeying around with AT&T for nice, steady updates. You may be in a walled garden, but lets face it, they treat you pretty well inside. I'd have access to all my old apps, and several new ones are pushed out every day. The sleek form factor is topped off with the amazing Retina Display which is, IMO, better than SAMOLED. The downside is it's ran by the despicable salesman Steve, who's determined to take Apple's already image of being only for offbeat tools, and adding arrogant douche bags into the mix. Not to mention I've made enough jokes about antenna gate to make my tail go between my legs if I return.


So pick your treasure and your poison. Both are fantastic cell phones, and both have their faults. I'm leaning towards the Captivate for now, because I'm hoping the whole issue with updates is solved come Gingerbread (even if the Captivate doesn't get it), and I'll already be invested in the community.

 

[MrTony]

This is the predicament I am in........... Super Hot Chick Vs. Dependable Girlfriend.... hmmmmm

In either of these situations - DON'T TELL YOUR WIFE ABOUT IT!

 

[ckyllr]

I'm in the same position and flip flop every minute.

On one end, I have my Captivate. The colors really pop off the screen, and the community behind Android is the best one I've been involved with, hands down. It does everything I want it to, and then does more. However doing so, it starts to slow down and lag. Then it gets messages in incorrect order, and won't receive an MMS at all. The GPS doesn't work at all, and to add insult to injury, Samsung is known for their lack of support on their phones, and then AT&T has to toy with them. And then there's the DUST. Oh the dust, particles of hatred and shame that plague my device, just toying around with my OCD.

On the other hand I have the iPhone 4. Good reliable iPhone 4. No monkeying around with AT&T for nice, steady updates. You may be in a walled garden, but lets face it, they treat you pretty well inside. I'd have access to all my old apps, and several new ones are pushed out every day. The sleek form factor is topped off with the amazing Retina Display which is, IMO, better than SAMOLED. The downside is it's ran by the despicable salesman Steve, who's determined to take Apple's already image of being only for offbeat tools, and adding arrogant douche bags into the mix. Not to mention I've made enough jokes about antenna gate to make my tail go between my legs if I return.


So pick your treasure and your poison. Both are fantastic cell phones, and both have their faults. I'm leaning towards the Captivate for now, because I'm hoping the whole issue with updates is solved come Gingerbread (even if the Captivate doesn't get it), and I'll already be invested in the community.

Well said! I do agree with you wholeheartly on this. I just want to make the right choice which ultimately is which phone will make me the happiest and won't regret later on. That's why I'm torned.... I love the android platform and what it's capabilities are and potential it has on future upgrades especially Froyo around the corner.

Of course if I would have posted this on macforums... I'm sure all the apple fanbois would tell me to get the Iphone 4.

 

[DT]

iTunes is a total show stopper for me. I absolutely hate the Apple ecosystem and media management. I don't like the whole "sync" model. I like to manage my files locations like I want to.

If the iPhone had an open management system, more customization (I guess it has some via a JB), I'd probably have one, but then again, it wouldn't be an iPhone. I actually believe the hardware is the best on the market (though I do love the 4" wide[r] aspect display).

I'm also diggin' on the open source, Java platform of Android, but I realize that's a very specific thing that's not applicable to most folks.

 

[Intervenient]

Well said! I do agree with you wholeheartly on this. I just want to make the right choice which ultimately is which phone will make me the happiest and won't regret later on. That's why I'm torned.... I love the android platform and what it's capabilities are and potential it has on future upgrades especially Froyo around the corner.

Of course if I would have posted this on macforums... I'm sure all the apple fanbois would tell me to get the Iphone 4.

Nah, they'd have just posted "cool story bro" and pictures or walruses or someting Nasty bunch over there.

 

[JDM9499]

"The colors really pop off the screen, and the community behind Android is the best one I've been involved with, hands down. It does everything I want it to, and then does more."

- You just said everything on why you would want to keep your Captivate. Like others, I myself have gone from iPhone fanboy to Captivate Android fans. If your phone is lagging, it could very well be that your widgets are constantly refreshing and locating. (Sometimes folks take the processor speed for granted and think it can handle anything and everything) So taaaake it easy will ya? Maybe get rid of a couple widgets, or try not using the Touch Wiz UI (if you are currently using it).

"Samsung is known for their lack of support on their phones, and then AT&T has to toy with them."

- Give Samsung a break, they built an incredible dominating phone, with one hell of a screen and beautiful design. They EMBRACED Android, and packaged it all together very nicely for us consumers. I have a hunch that Samsung realizes the community behind Android, and I bet they are fully intent on providing support for their phones. I seriously doubt they would do such an amazing launch, WORLDWIDE for multiple carriers without having a department dedicated for supporting their Android phones. This wasn't just another 'run of the mill' phone launch, it was a massively planned, massively expensive and heavily marketed investment for their company. A huge introduction to the US. And I for one will give them a break for the GPS issue, because it sure beats having a phone with reception problems. *cough, iPhone 4*

"And then there's the DUST. Oh the dust, particles of hatred and shame that plague my device, just toying around with my OCD."

- A few people have commented already on the dust thing. I would simply return the phone for another one. I don't have any dust issues, and nothing a simple wipe or spray of condensed air couldn't take care of. The sealing on your phone may be loose or something? Worth a shot returning and seeing if that is the case.

"On the other hand I have the iPhone 4. Good reliable iPhone 4. No monkeying around with AT&T for nice, steady updates. You may be in a walled garden, but lets face it, they treat you pretty well inside."

- No! Don't get sucked back into the darkness! Come back towards the light! Or don't...I sure as heck know one thing though...it's no longer 1984.


"Both are fantastic cell phones, and both have their faults."

-Isn't that the truth. But one has a problem with the basic function of why we first and foremost bought a friggin' phone, to simply make a phone call.

Cheers.

 

[ckyllr]

- Give Samsung a break, they built an incredible dominating phone, with one hell of a screen and beautiful design. They EMBRACED Android, and packaged it all together very nicely for us consumers. I have a hunch that Samsung realizes the community behind Android, and I bet they are fully intent on providing support for their phones. I seriously doubt they would do such an amazing launch, WORLDWIDE for multiple carriers without having a department dedicated for supporting their Android phones. This wasn't just another 'run of the mill' phone launch, it was a massively planned, massively expensive and heavily marketed investment for their company. A huge introduction to the US. And I for one will give them a break for the GPS issue, because it sure beats having a phone with reception problems. *cough, iPhone 4*

I do agree with you on this. Samsung is pretty much taking a big stake in the smartphone market with the galaxy S. They want to sell 10 million world wide by end of this year. I know that it hasn't taken off like the Iphone 4 has but it does have one thing going for them and that is all major carriers are carrying it. So... with the combined sells, Samsung has to make the galaxy S work right and resolve any issues that surface. They need to get this phone working perfect to compete with the Iphone.

Oh by the way.. At&t is not really pushing this phone at all. It seems like they don't even care about it. They have the Iphone and that's all that matters. I was in one of their retail stores when the Captivate launched (July 18 on a Sunday) and the sales team only wanted to sale the Iphone 4. They were like why would you want the Captivate when Iphone 4 is the same price. I had to show couple people and demo the Captivate for them while I was waiting and those few people were impressed with it. Too bad it didn't come with Avatar to showcase the display. At least I think they were more successful with the Vibrant since that's probably the best phone that T-mobile has right now.

 

[Android_J]

iTunes is a total show stopper for me. I absolutely hate the Apple ecosystem and media management. I don't like the whole "sync" model. I like to manage my files locations like I want to.

I don't understand what you're saying. How exactly are you managing your files where iTunes doesn't let you do what you want?

iTunes lets me manage my files however I want. I can put files in any location I want on my computer. It's just a front end for easy syncing and media playback. You can't automatically sync with the Captivate unless you use some program like Kies, DoubleTwist, etc. and neither of these programs has the robustness of iTunes. You can drag and drop, but that's not true syncing and is a pain if you have hundreds and thousands of movies, music, contacts, and photos to deal with.

Give Samsung a break, they built an incredible dominating phone, with one hell of a screen and beautiful design.

Why does Samsung deserve a break? It's not like they're giving us the phone for free.

This wasn't just another 'run of the mill' phone launch, it was a massively planned, massively expensive and heavily marketed investment for their company. A huge introduction to the US.

It's nowhere near the seller the iPhone 4 was. So "massive" is relative. Not even sure it's selling close to the Droid X. And if this launch was so important, why haven't they officially acknowledged the GPS issues to reassure the owners?

And I for one will give them a break for the GPS issue, because it sure beats having a phone with reception problems. *cough, iPhone 4*

Captivate isn't exactly "death grip" proof. Plus, put a bumper on the iPhone 4 and reception issues go away. What makes the GPS issue go away on the Captivate? Messing with the supl settings and such didn't do much for me.

No! Don't get sucked back into the darkness! Come back towards the light! Or don't...I sure as heck know one thing though...it's no longer 1984.

I wouldn't exactly call Google's data mining "the light". There is no good vs evil. They're all corporations out to make as much money off of you as possible and would bleed you dry if they could.

But one has a problem with the basic function of why we first and foremost bought a friggin' phone, to simply make a phone call.

You're being overly dramatic. Hold it different or put a case on it and it's a non-issue for the iPhone 4 whereas the Captivate's GPS is flat out wonky with no real workaround. There are plenty of other android phones that don't have GPS issues. If one wants to stay with android, there's always the Droids on Verizon or the EVO on Sprint to consider.

I'm entertaining the thought of going back to an iPhone even though I've enjoyed android for the most part. Some things are definitely better on android (notifications!) but OVERALL hardware/software integration is still better on the iPhone. Apps I've used on android have been a notch lower in quality and robustness as well and adds to the overall clunky feel I sometimes get with android.

 

[CoMaToast]

So for me to show off my captivate to a person who asks.. Whats the difference between this and the Iphone.. What can this do the Iphone cant.. What would you say .. Or list


Also , how can I get some HD video on here to show off the phone.. I have NOTHING on it so far

 

[ronaldramsayii]

I am thinking about returning my Captivate for an Iphone 4. I'm having too many issues such as using email, gps, and phone shutting off so I have no alarm in the morning. It also locked up couple times running apps, just blank black screen sometimes, and froze on couple of apps.

I got it for $199 so.. it would be a even swap for the Iphone 4. I really want to keep my Captivate and make it work but I just don't know.

I need your help to make my decision. I have played with both phones so I'm familiar enough to make a decision based on that but I do want to keep the Captivate but I just don't know what would be the right decision. I know it all comes down to IOS (lockdown) vs Android (openness) but if I jailbreak my Iphone then it would be pretty open as well.

If I get enough convincing argument to keep my Captivate then I will but from reading these forums, it seems like this phone has many issues not that Iphone 4 doesn't but I have used my wife's Iphone 4 and it's more stable and doesn't have issues that Captivate has.

Ckyllr

Please help me!

Go exchange it....

 

[MrTony]

So for me to show off my captivate to a person who asks.. Whats the difference between this and the Iphone.. What can this do the Iphone cant.. What would you say .. Or list


Also , how can I get some HD video on here to show off the phone.. I have NOTHING on it so far

Lookup the term "Newsgroups" - I've had Clash of the Titans in HD on mine since the day I bought it. It makes everyone's eyes pop out!

 

[CoMaToast]

Lookup the term "Newsgroups" - I've had Clash of the Titans in HD on mine since the day I bought it. It makes everyone's eyes pop out!

Yea Im that slow.. what?? lol

 

[MrTony]

Yea Im that slow.. what?? lol

I'm sorry dude! I didn't mean to sound like a douche! The beauty of the Captivate is that you can play video in virtually ANY format. Not just MP4 or OGG. Just grab an AVI file and throw it on the phone, the native player will play 95% of the videos out there and if it doesn't, that's why you get RockPlayer from the Market!

 

[CoMaToast]

I'm sorry dude! I didn't mean to sound like a douche! The beauty of the Captivate is that you can play video in virtually ANY format. Not just MP4 or OGG. Just grab an AVI file and throw it on the phone, the native player will play 95% of the videos out there and if it doesn't, that's why you get RockPlayer from the Market!

Gotcha man, TY

Im still new to the Android world, and in some aspect it completely overshadows my 3GS in terms of what you can do.. Pretty crazy really

Ive had my Captivate for 5 days now and have yet to hook it up to the computer :/

 

[DT]

I don't understand what you're saying. How exactly are you managing your files where iTunes doesn't let you do what you want?

Trust me, I've tried all sorts of tweaks and methodologies to accommodate iTunes. I'm not some anti-Apple hardass, if something works, and it's a better solution, I'll use it. I'm pretty pragmatic with technology and I've been hands on for quite a long time (I've been in the industry 20+ years).

Anyway, here's a simple example, re: photos

We have a darling little baby girl and part of the iPhone 3G purchase a couple of years ago was for a good way to show off photos. I have really nice directories laid out, with really thorough meta tags to categories photos, etc.

In iTunes (for Windows), to sync photos, I can choose a directory and set it to recurse down or not. To add some photos to the phone it adds/removes based on the files in the directory. That may be great for people who want to plug in a device and let it just move all their photos.

However, I want to sometimes just grab a couple of photos using a directory filter (via the tags), or maybe just add a selectable range, or just a date - or sometimes I want to clear off a few pics to make room, but leave earlier months on.

I even considered a couple of 3rd party apps for iPhone photo management the iTunes system is so inflexible.

I actually use Media Monkey for music management, it's more customizable, has a much smaller footprint, great plugins and some slick reporting tools (to cross check files, names, tags, dupes, etc.). If I want some tunes on the iPod, I don't have to "sync", I can just drag an album onto the iPod and it transfers over really fast. It doesn't matter what's in my library vs. my actual file system vs. my MP3 player, I can move, copy, delete to multiple devices in any logical order/combination I choose.

I'd go so far to suggest I probably have more storage around here that _most_ people and I've never found iTunes to be helpful for managing all my photos, movies, music (I have HQ MP3 + FLAC rips of 1000+ CDs) vs. my own filing logistics.

 

[MrTony]

Ive had my Captivate for 5 days now and have yet to hook it up to the computer :/

I hope that's because you couldn't get your grubby little fingers off of it long enough!