Would you buy the reg s4 again, or the active if you had chance?

[hosta]

I'm picking up either - an S4 Active tomorrow - $215.00 with tax included. No case.

or

A regular S4 with a case (defender) for around $200.00 tonight.

I'm having a really difficult time deciding which to get. Unfortunately they've left out a couple of "cool" options that I would like to have on the Active version. For instance, no dual shot and a couple of premium camera options. I really don't care about the software other than the camera.

Now, the pros of the Active version are there, but I'm not sure if they're $50.00 more "there" and that's without a case! It's just waterproof, not drop proof.

Now that I've waited for the Active to release, I'm thinking the regular S4 was the best route in the first place.

Decisions decisions... Thanks!

 

[itsallgood]

I haven't seen the SGS4 Active in person, just some Youtube videos. The only things the Active has over the SGS4 is look and and the ability to be splash proof. (You can get the splash proof with an Outterbox case.) If you have a case on either phone, you don't see the built quality. I say look at what your really looking for and long term until your next upgrade. If you do go with the SGS4 and are a gamer and download big files, get the 32GB version. It has 24GB of personal storage, as opposed to the 9 GB on the 16GB version.

 

[hosta]

I haven't seen the SGS4 Active in person, just some Youtube videos. The only things the Active has over the SGS4 is look and and the ability to be splash proof. (You can get the splash proof with an Outterbox case.) If you have a case on either phone, you don't see the built quality. I say look at what your really looking for and long term until your next upgrade. If you do go with the SGS4 and are a gamer and download big files, get the 32GB version. It has 24GB of personal storage, as opposed to the 9 GB on the 16GB version.

Yeah, that's kind of the way I'm feeling now as well. Not as much of a payoff as I thought there would be.

Okay, so I'm game for the 32gb version if it's worth the extra $80.00 - Hey, eighty bucks is eighty bucks, lol! There's no discount for the 32gb version - It's straight up $250.00. The 16gb version is $168.00.

Isn't it possible to run the games off a 64gb card?

I currently do not have a "real" smart phone but I know I would like to play games. Truthfully, 8gb of "personal" space does not seem like much - that is unless it is possible to use the SD card like a HD.

Thanks!

 

[itsallgood]

As of right now, you can't move apps to SD card. I have heard they are pushing out an update that would enable this feature, but I haven't received it yet. The only things you can move to SD card is music, pictures, documents. (Not Google Play music, its stored in internal storage.) You can't even move books, newspapers or comics to SD card either. I ended up taking back the 16 GB version for the 32 GB version because of the space issue.

Edited: Forgot to mention that you don't have an option to choose the location of storage, internal or SD card. My Atrix 4G, which is what I upgraded from, had this feature. I could choose to store everything, including some apps, on the SD card. I hope they change this soon. Its a step backwards as far as storage flexibility is concerned for such a great super phone.

 

[jdCaptivate]

Samsung is going to push out an update on the apps2SD, from what everyone is reporting. It has been an option on all their phones, dating back to the first Galaxy's, last Android update (I forget which it was). Why they disabled it, with the latest phones, who knows?

They've heard the backlash. Just a matter of waiting on them, but it WILL be restored.

 

[lotus49]

Samsung is going to push out an update on the apps2SD, from what everyone is reporting. It has been an option on all their phones, dating back to the first Galaxy's, last Android update (I forget which it was). Why they disabled it, with the latest phones, who knows?

They've heard the backlash. Just a matter of waiting on them, but it WILL be restored.

They didn't, Google did. It apparently caused problems for some people or phones although it never caused me any trouble.

If you are prepared to root your phone and have a fast reliable SD card, this is all a bit of a non-issue as there are simple ways round the restrictions (eg using foldermount).

 

[jdCaptivate]

They didn't, Google did. It apparently caused problems for some people or phones although it never caused me any trouble.

If you are prepared to root your phone and have a fast reliable SD card, this is all a bit of a non-issue as there are simple ways round the restrictions (eg using foldermount).

Interesting.

Have a SanDisk 32gb UHS-1/Class 10 card, so yeah... its pretty fast. Don't think I'm going to root, however. I had my fun with the Captivate. Turned into an addiction and I was flashing constantly with every new revision, from like 2 or 3 different ROMS.

Not really an issue for me. Heck, I've still got almost 9gb left on the phone, and 30gb on the card. Though, I've deleted my music collection a couple times. Haven't decided if I want to keep it on there... so many music apps and I've already heard everything I own.

Do you know if this is related to the original issue with the SII and the larger (32gb and up) cards? I remember when I got mine (the SII, then the SII Skyrocket), lots of people were having issue with some Class 6 and almost all Class 10 cards.

 

[Szadzik]

Interesting.

Have a SanDisk 32gb UHS-1/Class 10 card, so yeah... its pretty fast. Don't think I'm going to root, however. I had my fun with the Captivate. Turned into an addiction and I was flashing constantly with every new revision, from like 2 or 3 different ROMS.

Not really an issue for me. Heck, I've still got almost 9gb left on the phone, and 30gb on the card. Though, I've deleted my music collection a couple times. Haven't decided if I want to keep it on there... so many music apps and I've already heard everything I own.

Do you know if this is related to the original issue with the SII and the larger (32gb and up) cards? I remember when I got mine, lots of people were having issue with some Class 6 and almost all Class 10 cards.

No problems with any ccards on this phone so far.

 

[rushmore]

Whichever offers a 32gb version. I prefer a true fix for storage space rather than a semi fix that invites its own unique problems.

 

[sntaylor]

I'd consider looking for the zoom version if it's a camera you like ;-)

I'm quite happy with the standard s4, if I did snorkeling I'd get the active, but think the Mrs is considering the zoom as we both like our pictures!

 

[Shocky]

Camera is better on the regular S4 and I don't like the physical buttons on the Active.

They didn't, Google did. It apparently caused problems for some people or phones although it never caused me any trouble.

If you are prepared to root your phone and have a fast reliable SD card, this is all a bit of a non-issue as there are simple ways round the restrictions (eg using foldermount).

It caused problems for people who continued hot swapping sdcards when using apps2sd and then couldn't figure why some of the apps didn't work.

 

[WalkaboutDavid]

As of right now, you can't move apps to SD card. I have heard they are pushing out an update that would enable this feature, but I haven't received it yet. The only things you can move to SD card is music, pictures, documents. (Not Google Play music, its stored in internal storage.) You can't even move books, newspapers or comics to SD card either. I ended up taking back the 16 GB version for the 32 GB version because of the space issue.

Edited: Forgot to mention that you don't have an option to choose the location of storage, internal or SD card. My Atrix 4G, which is what I upgraded from, had this feature. I could choose to store everything, including some apps, on the SD card. I hope they change this soon. Its a step backwards as far as storage flexibility is concerned for such a great super phone.

You can store google play music but it is a bit convoluted. I download to my PC then move to the SD card via ISync.

At first, I thought the 16gb was no issue. Having lived with the limited functionality of the sd card, I now see it as a major problem.

 

[TheyCallMeBT]

I would still go regular S4 after seeing how the active model looks. I don't think it is as attractive a device and I prefer the button scheme on the regular model.

 

[ironass]

According to GSMArena the Galaxy S4, i9295, Active comes with a TFT screen and an 8MP camera with, "Aqua mode", but no Dual Shot and is around 18% heavier with an Internal storage of 16 GB (11.2 GB user available).

Samsung I9295 Galaxy S4 Active vs. Samsung I9505 Galaxy S4 - GSMArena.com

 

[cybertec69]

I'm picking up either - an S4 Active tomorrow - $215.00 with tax included. No case.

or

A regular S4 with a case (defender) for around $200.00 tonight.

I'm having a really difficult time deciding which to get. Unfortunately they've left out a couple of "cool" options that I would like to have on the Active version. For instance, no dual shot and a couple of premium camera options. I really don't care about the software other than the camera.

Now, the pros of the Active version are there, but I'm not sure if they're $50.00 more "there" and that's without a case! It's just waterproof, not drop proof.

Now that I've waited for the Active to release, I'm thinking the regular S4 was the best route in the first place.

Decisions decisions... Thanks!

What makes you think the Active is drop and dent proof, it is water proof and dust proof, it is made exactly like the regular S4, except for those two features, minus the 13 megapixel camera and no Super Amoled screen. Saying you will either get the Active "without a case", or a regular S4 with "a case to protect it" , makes no sense. Why do people get this impression that because the phone says "active" it is drop proof, same as when the manufacturer says the glass it is made of Gorilla "fortified" glass they think that is not shatter proof "lol".

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active Preview - YouTube

Truth About Gorilla Glass (Ultimate Galaxy SIII Destruction!!!) *REPAIR VIDEO IN DESCRIPTION!!!* - YouTube

 

[WalkaboutDavid]

What makes you think the Active is drop and dent proof, it is water proof and dust proof, it is made exactly like the regular S4, except for those two features, minus the 13 megapixel camera and no Super Amoled screen. Saying you will either get the Active "without a case", or a regular S4 with "a case to protect it" , makes no sense. Why do people get this impression that because the phone says "active" it is drop proof, same as when the manufacturer says the galss it is made of Gorilla "fortified" glass they think that is not shatter proof "lol".

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active Preview - YouTube

Truth About Gorilla Glass (Ultimate Galaxy SIII Destruction!!!) *REPAIR VIDEO IN DESCRIPTION!!!* - YouTube

Yup. Samsung has actually meet no claims whatsoever about the phone resisting drops etc. good for somebody who lives near the beach, but that is about it.

Does look like it will have a less slippery exterior though.

 

[cybertec69]

Samsung is going to push out an update on the apps2SD, from what everyone is reporting. It has been an option on all their phones, dating back to the first Galaxy's, last Android update (I forget which it was). Why they disabled it, with the latest phones, who knows?

They've heard the backlash. Just a matter of waiting on them, but it WILL be restored.

That will NOT happen, it is not Samsung that disabled it, it is a Google security measure.

 

[cybertec69]

Yup. Samsung has actually meet no claims whatsoever about the phone resisting drops etc. good for somebody who lives near the beach, but that is about it.

Does look like it will have a less slippery exterior though.

You mean near a lake or pool, not the beach, Saltwater will destroy the phone.

 

[WalkaboutDavid]

You mean near a lake or pool, not the beach, Saltwater will destroy the phone.

I was talking about sand.

I do live near the beach. Never go in the water but cycle on the bike path every weekend. A sealed phone could be nice although I just keep it tucked away and it has never been a problem.

 

[WalkaboutDavid]

That will NOT happen, it is not Samsung that disabled it, it is a Google security measure.

I thought the install on an SD card was already available in Germany?

 

[cybertec69]

I was talking about sand.

I do live near the beach. Never go in the water but cycle on the bike path every weekend. A sealed phone could be nice although I just keep it tucked away and it has never been a problem.

Also sand WILL scratch the screen.

 

[ironass]

I thought the install on an SD card was already available in Germany?

and... Russia, Spain, Romania and Nordic Countries!

 

[rushmore]

If near water tight, it also means near air tight as well. Seems the heat will build up more than the regular S4, which already can get toasty.

 

[oleb84]

What makes you think the Active is drop and dent proof, it is water proof and dust proof, it is made exactly like the regular S4, except for those two features, minus the 13 megapixel camera and no Super Amoled screen. Saying you will either get the Active "without a case", or a regular S4 with "a case to protect it" , makes no sense. Why do people get this impression that because the phone says "active" it is drop proof, same as when the manufacturer says the glass it is made of Gorilla "fortified" glass they think that is not shatter proof "lol".

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active Preview - YouTube

Truth About Gorilla Glass (Ultimate Galaxy SIII Destruction!!!) *REPAIR VIDEO IN DESCRIPTION!!!* - YouTube

I think you need to re-read the OPs post. He clearly states its waterproof, not drop proof. The 2 prices quoted are just comparison prices the shop is advertising.

 

[WalkaboutDavid]

I think you need to re-read the OPs post. He clearly states its waterproof, not drop proof. The 2 prices quoted are just comparison prices the shop is advertising.

I think he was reacting to the idea of not needing a case if you have the active.