SOO Tempted to grab GS2 Black Friday Deal - What is your opinion?

[FLAWLESSVW]

I bought an HTC Evo Design 4G (Boost) from Radio Shack online about 2 weeks ago for $249. I'm enjoying it coming up from the little Galaxy Prevail but it is somewhat laggy.

I stumbled across the Boost Black Friday deal on the GS2 last night for $299 and am thinking for $50 more than I already paid, I should return my HTC to Radio Shack and order the GS2. Faster processor, bigger screen, better camera, more memory, better battery life, more accessories available. Seems like a no-brainer for $50.

The only thing I'm unsure of is the amount of support on here for the phone. I'm guessing the higher (normal) price point means less people using it and less devs doing custom ROMs etc for it. I'm referring to the Boost version of course; I know there's tons of development for other carriers.

What do you guys think? Pull the trigger?

 

[Codegerm]

The SGS2 is the same phone as Sprints Epic 4G Touch and any rom for that phone can be used for this boost phone since Boost is on the Sprint network after all. There are quite a few roms already out. Really the only things that identifies this phone as a Boost phone is the bloatware and they put on it (which I happily remove). I am quite happy with mine.

Codegerm

 

[FLAWLESSVW]

Ok great to get that confirmation. I caught wind of that briefly last night around 3:30am on here but my eyes were closing so I'm glad to know that is in fact the case.

I think for $50 my enjoyment will be worth it

 

[systemofadown]

Its well worth it

 

[alpha2k]

If it's any comfort at all, I personally went thru the scale of phone on boost.

I had the warp and was looking for something that didn't lockup or reboot so....I started with the warp sequent, while a better phone than the warp1 it just wasn't cutting it. So I went with the Htc Evo Design, and yet another step up in phones the HTC sense was just to proprietary for my liking, it seems it just would not let me chose what I wanted to do, and the fact it looks from reading, it's a harder phone to root. Then I went to my last effort the Samsung galaxy S2 epic 4g touch on boost.
I can personally say that of the phones this has been the best phone I have owned. I have had no regrets about getting this phone at all, it just works.
I do however dislike the fact that the roms out, most all of them that are Jellybean based roms have an issue with gps lock-on and don't seem to work right. other than that the roms are great.
I guess I'd say other than the gps issue, the roms work great, but that's no reason to ditch the phone because someone can't use a rom with it. If I use an ICS rom, then it all works great.
I wouldn't base your decision on tossing the phone over not being able to use the roms, as the phone works VERY well with stock. I use stock+root with apex launcher. I tried nova launcher but it just seems to have some quirky lagg for me, not much but ever so slightly, where as apex seems to just flow smoothly.

 

[FLAWLESSVW]

Got my tracking# today for my Black GS2, so you guys should be seeing me around! Really looking forward to it!

 

[alpha2k]

I think you'll be well pleased.
As I mentioned I haven't had a single regret really with this phone, it's the best boost has to offer, but even so, if they release a phne tomorrow, say the nexus for instance, I would be HARD pressed to tear myself away from this phone, it's just been phenomenal for me.
Only real frustration I have had personally is the fact I can't seem to get a single JB rom to work with a correct working gps, they are all plagued with the gps lock-on issue. I've tried all the fixes out to date, and I've tried pretty much all JB roms that work with this particular phone, and only found ONE rom that truly works with the gps, and that is paranoid android.
I think the main reason people aren't working on the issue/bug or fixing it is because when I ask, it seems quite a few people don't even use gps or rarely use it, where as I use it almost daily with my job, because I port cars locally so it's a must have for me.
This is not what I'd call a "real world" issue though, because other than the rom issues, stock+root works fantastic, so everything DOES work, just the roms don't wanna seem to work right except for this one I am currently on.

 

[OverByter]

The Evo V 4G on Virgin for half the price is a much better deal.

 

[alpha2k]

The Evo V 4G on Virgin for half the price is a much better deal.

Actually that's a matter of opinion really.

We can sit and argue over specs and what carrier is best and while I have never been on virgin mobile network (yes I realize it's still sprint) but I cannot speak for being on virgin myself. I have googled and read, that it seems the general consensus would be that virgin even though it's still sprint, has some issues with their network. I was going to switch over and read forums after forums about virgins network, and decided to stay on boost mobile.
This phone is not a bad phone, in fact the 2 phones are very similar in specs. The only real thing I can see is the Samsung has a bigger screen and also has more internal memory, which is a plus for me, I have since stopped using a sdcard except for backing up my stuff, and now use the internal memory. While the Evo has an hdmi slot and the Samsung does not, the Samsung does have an mhl plug which doubles as the charging port, all you need to have is the mhl dongle to go to usb or hdmi. If camera is a selling point then one has a 5mp one has an 8mp, I could go on, but again it depends on a persons taste and what they want from a phone and/or service provider.
Kinda like the Apple vs the Android debate that's been going for yrs, I personally don't dislike either, they both have their pros and cons, it really depends on the user as to what's best for said user.

I am in no way knocking htc or the evo line, they are good phones, but I question the network and why so many seem to post issues with the virgin side of the network that's all. Both phones are very nice, just depends on who you want to side with is all. I chose boost mobile and the Epic 4g touch, and have not regretted it one bit.

 

[jackbquick123]

I also did some research because I was thinking about going with the evo v after I got my crappy marquee lol but almost everyone had issues right out the box. Someone did come out with a fix for most of the network issues but I didn't want to buy something I would have to fix.
The s 2 from all I have read is great out the box and some don't even feel the need to root. I also read where most phones that came out with ics will get the jb update soon and galaxy has great support on their phones so it may be quicker than we think.
Like it was posted earlier it is a matter of choice and for me I think I will be getting the s 2 very soon.

 

[Rally 517]

best choice I made

 

[septembersrain]

I can genuinely say that Virgin Mobile has a lot of network issues and I'm not sure why.

That's why I'm using my Evo V on Wifi only and my SII with Boost Mobile on data.

They're both great phones. Just too bad Virgin Mobile has a horrible signal and inconsistent data.

 

[FLAWLESSVW]

All right NOW you guys are just killing me!
NO MORE posts until I get my phone tomorrow!!! (kidding! Keep 'em coming!) I tracked it this morning and it was in my city. Later today FedEx said "Not scheduled for delivery today" (which it's not, till tomorrow) so I guess they looked at it and said "eh, **** it he can wait" haha.

I've ready pretty much every post of-interest on this forum and am going to dive into the root sub-forum in a minute.

I'll need to root immediately since I have a lot of apps to restore with Titanium Backup. Recommendations on best root method are welcome. I'll probably find a few once I get to the root forum?

Probably not planning on flashing a ROM right away unless you guys have some strong recommendations...

I may get a case, but I will most certainly put an "Invisible Shield" type skin on it for starters and see if I need a case after that. I'm a fan of Bestskinsever. Am I looking at the right model here:
Sprint Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch Skin

Also going to get a car-dock relatively soon and am open to any recommendations. I'd LOVE to find one that has an audio out like this one:
Amazon.com: iBolt Samsung Galaxy SIII / SII In-Vehicle Charging Dock - Retail Packaging: Cell Phones & Accessories so I can use the 3.5mm into my radio. Does that dock look like it will work with our revision of the S2?

Thanks again for the help guys. Looking forward to getting this thing tomorrow!

 

[gamikzone]

i have been on virgin mobile previously and i do agree that their service has many issues, boost mobile is better by far, i had the evo v on virgin, good phone bad service, the evo design has much better service, i currently have the warp sequent its a good phone just bad battery life .

 

[alpha2k]

All right NOW you guys are just killing me!
NO MORE posts until I get my phone tomorrow!!! (kidding! Keep 'em coming!) I tracked it this morning and it was in my city. Later today FedEx said "Not scheduled for delivery today" (which it's not, till tomorrow) so I guess they looked at it and said "eh, **** it he can wait" haha.

I've ready pretty much every post of-interest on this forum and am going to dive into the root sub-forum in a minute.

I'll need to root immediately since I have a lot of apps to restore with Titanium Backup. Recommendations on best root method are welcome. I'll probably find a few once I get to the root forum?

Probably not planning on flashing a ROM right away unless you guys have some strong recommendations...

I may get a case, but I will most certainly put an "Invisible Shield" type skin on it for starters and see if I need a case after that. I'm a fan of Bestskinsever. Am I looking at the right model here:
Sprint Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch Skin

Also going to get a car-dock relatively soon and am open to any recommendations. I'd LOVE to find one that has an audio out like this one:
Amazon.com: iBolt Samsung Galaxy SIII / SII In-Vehicle Charging Dock - Retail Packaging: Cell Phones & Accessories so I can use the 3.5mm into my radio. Does that dock look like it will work with our revision of the S2?

Thanks again for the help guys. Looking forward to getting this thing tomorrow!

LOL, I know the feeling, like a kid waiting for his presents, it's a rotten feeling actually, yet good.....kinda a feeling you LOVE to hate .

I'de suggest instead of that screen protector, get the screen protector made by a company called Zagg. At best buy where I live (missouri) they sell it, and it runs approximately $20 for the screen saver, and $7.99 to put it on, and they offer re-doing it if they screw it up in any way free of charge. The screen protectors come with a lifetime warrenty, so if it like scratches or something (not that it ever will mind you) but if it ever does just email them they send you a new one for free. High price to pay, but WELL worth the price for me, as I have had like 4 on each of my phones and had my first screen on for 2 yrs without any issues, it was nice.
I now have one on my s2, and happy with it.


The charger cradle is kinda cool, that would even work using it inside in the bedroom as well. I personally haven't used that sorta holder, even as much as I use it for my job LOL, ironic I know, but just one of those weird things heh.

 

[septembersrain]

If you do get a regular screen protector, I recommend Amzer anti-glare, anti-smudge.
That's the best one you can get for pretty cheap. It's also fairly easy to put on yourself.
It doesn't bubble easily and it's easy to get the bubbles out of too.

As for a cover, I would go for anything Otterbox-ish. =]

I don't recommend letting anyone put a Zagg or Ghost Armour screen protector on your phone. I've seen too many CSR's spray WAY TOO MUCH of the alcohol on the phones.
I've seen people get their phones ruined. It's not worth the hassle of going after the company to replace it. So if you do get those, Put them on yourself or have a friend do it (If they are better at it than you are). ^.^

Most importantly.... Enjoy your new toy!!! =D

 

[FLAWLESSVW]

Zagg is the maker of Invisible Shield.
BestSkinsEver is a "knock off" of InvisibleShied/Zagg but is much better IMO and WAY cheaper.

I've been using these type of protectors since Gen2 iPods (back in the day) and have put them on just about every device I've owned. I have quite a ritual and actually do it in the bathroom with the shower running so the steam settles all the dust in the room, to give you an idea how OCD I am. I could post a whole tutorial of the way I do it if needed

I'm about to root in a second here. I'm a little worried since I saw a post where a few guys said their 4G speed dropped WAY down after rooting. But I have to root so I guess we'll see!

Otter Box is too big for my taste. Since I work in an office I'm usually pretty careful so just a basic (THIN!!!) case is what I'm after.

Input on my other stuff I mentioned is still welcome too!!!

 

[Codegerm]

I used to use an Otter box on the Blackberry I used to have since I used it at work and it was known to take a fall or two while on a ladder. It would be to bulky for this phone though. I do like that this phone has Gorilla glass though.

Codegerm

 

[bdjaddy]

Do NOT go cheap on the screen shield. Go with the Zagg. Have put them on every phone I've owned. It's the first accessory that I buy. You won't be disappointed.

 

[FLAWLESSVW]

I got the phone Thursday and absolutely love it. By far the best phone I've owned so far... no need to sell YOU guys on all the things I love about it, but I am 99.999% happy!!!!

About screen protectors; as I said - I've used both Zagg (Invisible Shield) and bestskinsever, both on numerous devices for many, many years. They are the same except for the price. If you're buying Zagg for the name that's fine, but I'd say I even prefer the "feel" of BSE as it's slightly less "tacky" feeling but the same concept. Look it up and save yourself a few $$...

But I gotta do me and tell you guys my initial annoyances (M-I-N-O-R!!! Please don't mistake me! I'm still grinning ear-to-ear :

1. When I press the power button (with phone already powered on and screen off), the screen takes a couple seconds to come on. Mildly irritating. Also happens while on a call using the proximity sensor (e.g. I take it away from my face to use the keypad...) Anyone else?

2. I read a thread here about 4G speed dropping after root (1-2mbps after root versus 10-12mbps before) and I am facing this problem. Gonna have to look into that further. Apparently it is a kernel issue and the agat FI27 stock repack resolves? Meh...

3. Text/font doesn't look as "clear" as I think it should. Changed screen mode to dynamic and switched fonts, still not great. Not horrible, but going to experiment and read more on this.

4. I miss the dev option to keep screen alive while charging. I don't keep the screen on ALL the time while charging, I manually turn it off. But while in the car, etc I want the capability to keep it on for as long as I like. This should be simple to resolve.

I read a different post where someone else also coming from the HTC Evo Design to the GS2 said the "missed HTC Sense", and thought that was crazy since most people hate sense. I have to admit, it was a well thought out interface and had a lot of nice features. I know it slowed the device down, but it was cool. I didn't know what features were part of ICS versus which were sense. I'll have to do some customizing and mess with some different launchers, etc. Probably just going to have to do a custom ROM and it will make me happy.

Again, I am totally in love with this thing. Issues #1 and #2 are really bugging me but I'm working on it. When I get the kinks worked out I don't think I'll be able to handle how awesome this thing is!!!

Oh, and why don't any newer phones have a dedicated Camera button any more!?!

 

[Cottoncheeze]

So let ne make sure u only did a basic root not any kind of roms or kernals n ur 4g sucks now? I just got the SGS2 and am trying to decide what i want to do... Or not! I had a SG Prevail rooted with the ctmod3.68 n koumakernel

 

[FLAWLESSVW]

Initially I did a basic root outlined in the sticky and my 4g speed went way down. But then I flashed the FI27 kennel and I am back up to 10mbps. Check out my latest post in this topic for details : http://androidforums.com/showthread.php?t=637007

My bet is that you could just substitute the FI27 stock repack kernel I posted about in that thread rather than the one in the sticky? Don't worry though you will be fine.
I came from a Prevail too (with a quick HTC Evo design 4g in between) and you are going to LOVE this phone man!

Sent from my SPH-D710BST using Tapatalk 2 Beta-5