Epic 4G Problems

[infamousjax]

Okay, I don't actually have one, but I've watched every review and I've read nearly every thread about it. I like to do my research before buying. On paper, the Epic looks amazing. However, there are a couple things that are going to drive me crazy with this phone.

- First and foremost, the capactitive buttons look extremely unresponsive. These buttons are a very integral part of the phone and they need to be perfect.

- Samsung and Sprint seem to know that the battery life isn't all that great, despite the screen being S-AMOLED (which is supposed to save battery) by offering the optional battery charger, and also in the phones settings are tons of "power saving features" that arn't found on other Android phones. From looking at a lot of the reviewers battery status screen in the 'about phone' section, the display takes up A SHIT LOAD of battery. More than most other Android phones, including my Evo.

- The notorious GPS problem could potentially be a bugger. Now, I don't know for sure if this is fixed or not on the Epic, but it seems that it still takes a while to get a lock-on your location. And coming from the Evo (simply awesome GPS power), I don't want to feel like I'm downgrading.

These are the three main things I am worried about. I hope I'm wrong, but when purchase a new phone, I always seem to speculate. If anyone has anything else to add that they might be concerned about, please feel free to add it on this thread. I'm hoping that someone with the Epic will come in and prove me wrong.

 

[Adrift]

Try it, if you don't like it, take it back.

/thread


btw, no one will have an Epic, they launch on the 31st.

 

[infamousjax]

Uh, sorry buddy but you're wrong. A lot of people have them.

 

[Adrift]

Definitely wasn't trying to be a "Smartass", I was simply making a short answer. I mean I could have typed out a long-winded post about the pros and cons of the things you listed plus given quotes from reviews, but in the end the post would have still meant "try it, if you don't like, take it back". Seriously, I didn't mean to offend you.

Just like jersey211 has said, noone here (on this forum) has an Epic 4G, the folks who have them are "pro" reviewers, and don't post here. Nor do they actually own an Epic 4G most have likely already sent back their review units and are now playing the waiting game, like us, if they are wanting to have one for themselves.

 

[Adrift]

BTW, the /thread was because all of these issues have been discussed to their fullest on this forum (and others) in other threads. It would be a waste to have to go through and try and debate the repercussions of flaws found on a phone that none of us have had first hand experience with.

So in the end we are left with a thread that noone can actually post on with 100% accuracy, we can go off reviews, but as seen in the Engadget review they can be very biased, and the reviewer can sway the entire article to reflect his opinion and liking of another device.

It is not that this thread is without merit, it is that this thread is about a week ahead of it's time to be viable. Another thread of a similar nature was recently locked by a mod because of this very fact.

 

[iwillfearnoevil]

It is not that this thread is without merit, it is that this thread is about a week ahead of it's time to be viable. Another thread of a similar nature was recently locked by a mod because of this very fact.

ditto! offering an optional battery charger means this phone has bad battery life? seriously? no other phones offer battery related accessories? also in reviews, phones are getting non-stop above average use. basically they are using all the phone's features. i think everyone is going to wish their battery on every smart phone lasted longer so who knows. other issues like gps is wait and see too.

 

[MarvinTheParanoidAndroid]

You may be interested in this thread:
http://androidforums.com/samsung-epic-4g/139107-ive-seen-touched-i-want.html

 

[TheAndroidWorks]

There will probably be things that will crop up that reviewers have not even uncovered yet. Just like all the other random issues with other phones that we have gone crazy for... companies rush the development so that we can have it in our hands as soon as possible and that means less QA testing. There has not been a perfect smartphone released YET that I know of with zero issues, and as long as we as consumers are pushing for a rapid development cycle it will just continue to happen.
At least we are out of the days like when the treo 650 was launched and it would randomly reboot about twice a day till Palm got it (mostly) squared away about 8 months later!

Either get a phone that has had 3-6 months to expose all its issues and the manufacturer gets them sorted out or just learn to deal with the fact that if you want to be an earlier adopter you are also paying big money to essentially be a beta tester!

 

[irwinm]

- Samsung and Sprint seem to know that the battery life isn't all that great, despite the screen being S-AMOLED (which is supposed to save battery) by offering the optional battery charger, and also in the phones settings are tons of "power saving features" that arn't found on other Android phones. From looking at a lot of the reviewers battery status screen in the 'about phone' section, the display takes up A SHIT LOAD of battery. More than most other Android phones, including my Evo.

This has to be the most ridiculous thing I have read so far about this phone - the fact that they offer battery chargers and looking at the battery bar on 15 min max reviews somehow means that you can tell the phone has battery life problems? seriously? PS - I have an EVO so I understand battery life issues...

 

[mattism78]

Okay, I don't actually have one, but I've watched every review and I've read nearly every thread about it. I like to do my research before buying. On paper, the Epic looks amazing. However, there are a couple things that are going to drive me crazy with this phone.

- First and foremost, the capactitive buttons look extremely unresponsive. These buttons are a very integral part of the phone and they need to be perfect.

- Samsung and Sprint seem to know that the battery life isn't all that great, despite the screen being S-AMOLED (which is supposed to save battery) by offering the optional battery charger, and also in the phones settings are tons of "power saving features" that arn't found on other Android phones. From looking at a lot of the reviewers battery status screen in the 'about phone' section, the display takes up A SHIT LOAD of battery. More than most other Android phones, including my Evo.

- The notorious GPS problem could potentially be a bugger. Now, I don't know for sure if this is fixed or not on the Epic, but it seems that it still takes a while to get a lock-on your location. And coming from the Evo (simply awesome GPS power), I don't want to feel like I'm downgrading.

These are the three main things I am worried about. I hope I'm wrong, but when purchase a new phone, I always seem to speculate. If anyone has anything else to add that they might be concerned about, please feel free to add it on this thread. I'm hoping that someone with the Epic will come in and prove me wrong.

Don't buy it?

 

[infamousjax]

Wow you all sure do get really defensive. I'm interested in this phone, and that's why I'm picking apart at all the little things that will be bothersome.. to not only me, but to you as well!

I know other phones have battery saving accessories, etc, etc. But, the battery on the Epic doesn't seem to be as good as everyone thinks it is. Like I said, this is just speculation, and if you don't agree, then that's fine. All I'm saying is that the Evo (know for being a battery-killer) didn't come with a battery charger from Sprint, and also Sense didn't add powersaving features into their UI as much as Samsung did with their implementation of Touch-Wiz. This just tells me that the battery life needs help. That's all.

Saying "just return it", or "don't buy it" doesn't contribute anything to this thread. I was just asking for some feedback from someone who had personally interacted with the device, or even some thoughts from anyone who had noticed these little things as well.

This phone is going to be awesome, I realize that. I guess why I'm so skeptical about these things is because I used to have a Moment before I got the Evo and had terrible problems with it. Putting my full trust into Samsung again with the higher premium ($250) makes me hesitate and think what could possibly go or be wrong with this device.

 

[mattism78]

I don't think we're defensive. I think you're bringing up issues that have been addressed already (on this forum). Most of us have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of this phone and sharing information with each other for months now. It is almost here, and you can either jump on board or probably have to wait months for them to get back in stock (like the EVO).

EVERY phone is going to have small issues when it's released. ESPECIALLY full featured, top tiered, smart phones. It's just whether or not if you can live with the quirks until they iron them out.

I've been through every high end smart phone made in the past 6 months. I have VERY high expectations for this device. Probably quite unrealistic ones. At this point the only thing I can really do is read/watch/wait. The proof will be once it's out and in my hands.

 

[Othan1]

Wow you all sure do get really defensive. I'm interested in this phone, and that's why I'm picking apart at all the little things that will be bothersome.. to not only me, but to you as well!

I know other phones have battery saving accessories, etc, etc. But, the battery on the Epic doesn't seem to be as good as everyone thinks it is. Like I said, this is just speculation, and if you don't agree, then that's fine. All I'm saying is that the Evo (know for being a battery-killer) didn't come with a battery charger from Sprint, and also Sense didn't add powersaving features into their UI as much as Samsung did with their implementation of Touch-Wiz. This just tells me that the battery life needs help. That's all.

Saying "just return it", or "don't buy it" doesn't contribute anything to this thread. I was just asking for some feedback from someone who had personally interacted with the device, or even some thoughts from anyone who had noticed these little things as well.

This phone is going to be awesome, I realize that. I guess why I'm so skeptical about these things is because I used to have a Moment before I got the Evo and had terrible problems with it. Putting my full trust into Samsung again with the higher premium ($250) makes me hesitate and think what could possibly go or be wrong with this device.

As a Moment owner myself, your skepticism isn't unreasonable so I can understand from where you're coming. That being said, you must realize that the EVO is just one phone. The Galaxy S series is several phone and two have been out for a while so the Epic is able to use some accessories immediately that were released at the same time the other Galaxy phones were released. And personally, I like having lots of features for power saving or anything else.

I think Sprint has learned from the Moment, too, that rushing is not a great thing. I believe that it's also the reason the phone release has been delayed at least once: they're putting it through major QA.

I've heard from a couple of Advocates (Sprint Employees who get the phone early) that the battery life is actually better than they expected and much better than the EVO's. Yes, Sprint Employees, but they are also dedicated to helping the modding community so I doubt they're just spouting the company line.

Just my opinion.

 

[MarvinTheParanoidAndroid]

As long as we don't have to cut two fingers off in order to make a phone call ;-)

 

[mrvirginia]

- First and foremost, the capactitive buttons look extremely unresponsive. These buttons are a very integral part of the phone and they need to be perfect.

they aren't unresponsive. in some vids they work like a charm, while in others it's taking a few taps.

the latter is because they aren't being hit correctly. Samsung designed them to work when hit precisely, not in the general area.

 

[infamousjax]

As a Moment owner myself, your skepticism isn't unreasonable so I can understand from where you're coming. That being said, you must realize that the EVO is just one phone. The Galaxy S series is several phone and two have been out for a while so the Epic is able to use some accessories immediately that were released at the same time the other Galaxy phones were released. And personally, I like having lots of features for power saving or anything else.

I think Sprint has learned from the Moment, too, that rushing is not a great thing. I believe that it's also the reason the phone release has been delayed at least once: they're putting it through major QA.

I've heard from a couple of Advocates (Sprint Employees who get the phone early) that the battery life is actually better than they expected and much better than the EVO's. Yes, Sprint Employees, but they are also dedicated to helping the modding community so I doubt they're just spouting the company line.

Just my opinion.

That pleases me that the Advocates have given the proverbial thumbs up to the battery life as this was one of the things that I was worried about. I've seen mixed reviews on how good it really is. Some reviewers have said that it's great, and others have said that it barely gets them past lunch time. Hopefully it's the former as I have high hopes for that S-AMOLED battery saving screen. This is the kind of input I'm looking for, thanks!

they aren't unresponsive. in some vids they work like a charm, while in others it's taking a few taps.

the latter is because they aren't being hit correctly. Samsung designed them to work when hit precisely, not in the general area.

Actually, every video I've seen of the Epic in action has shown that they are extremely unresponsive. I'm not sure what you mean by people not hitting the button right, as from my perspective there's only one way to do it. I agree that it may be due to the capacitive buttons prematurely shutting off which would in turn cause the user to push above or below where the actual button is, but even with the buttons lighted up with a direct hit, they still seem to have problems.

 

[mrvirginia]

Actually, every video I've seen of the Epic in action has shown that they are extremely unresponsive. I'm not sure what you mean by people not hitting the button right, as from my perspective there's only one way to do it. I agree that it may be due to the capacitive buttons prematurely shutting off which would in turn cause the user to push above or below where the actual button is, but even with the buttons lighted up with a direct hit, they still seem to have problems.

not sure what videos you're watching, but i've seen lots where people had no problems. here's one i just looked up real quick
@ 00:38 he hits the back button, then the menu button and they work with first touch
YouTube - Samsung Epic 4G review part 2

so again, it's from people not knowing what they're doing obviously.

edit: menu button again @ 1:51 with first press
edit: and again @ 2:21 so yah...that pretty much just shows that people aren't handling the device correctly.

 

[Adrift]

Actually, every video I've seen of the Epic in action has shown that they are extremely unresponsive. I'm not sure what you mean by people not hitting the button right, as from my perspective there's only one way to do it.

If you watch the PocketNow software review of the Epic, the reviewer continuously misses that button, saying the button is finicky. Though it is plain to see he is hitting high and left of the actual button area. When he hits it right on, he is able to hit it multiple times in quick succession without any sort of lag or missed stroke. I think once a person becomes used to the phone, and knows exactly where to hit, the buttons will be no problem what so ever.

 

[mrvirginia]

If you watch the PocketNow software review of the Epic, the reviewer continuously misses that button, saying the button is finicky. Though it is plain to see he is hitting high and left of the actual button area. When he hits it right on, he is able to hit it multiple times in quick succession without any sort of lag or missed stroke. I think once a person becomes used to the phone, and knows exactly where to hit, the buttons will be no problem what so ever.

agreed. that is prob the best vid to demonstrate to someone how to just miss the buttons all together. that guy completely failed all throughout that review lol

 

[infamousjax]

not sure what videos you're watching, but i've seen lots where people had no problems. here's one i just looked up real quick
@ 00:38 he hits the back button, then the menu button and they work with first touch
YouTube - Samsung Epic 4G review part 2

so again, it's from people not knowing what they're doing obviously.

edit: menu button again @ 1:51 with first press
edit: and again @ 2:21 so yah...that pretty much just shows that people aren't handling the device correctly.

Hmm, yeah those seems to work fine. I think the 'back' button is the one that generally has the problems in the other videos. Here's hoping that you're right about it being user error. We'll all find out soon enough. :>

 

[jersey221]

Actually, every video I've seen of the Epic in action has shown that they are extremely unresponsive. I'm not sure what you mean by people not hitting the button right, as from my perspective there's only one way to do it. I agree that it may be due to the capacitive buttons prematurely shutting off which would in turn cause the user to push above or below where the actual button is, but even with the buttons lighted up with a direct hit, they still seem to have problems.

people said the same thing about the nexus ones buttons but there fine you have to get used to where they are.they work they wouldnt release a phone if you had to hit a button continuously to get it to work.

you can always go to sprint when its released and play with a display model before you get it no one i forcing you to buy the phone.

 

[Eazail70x7]

Okay, I don't actually have one, but I've watched every review and I've read nearly every thread about it. I like to do my research before buying. On paper, the Epic looks amazing. However, there are a couple things that are going to drive me crazy with this phone.

- First and foremost, the capactitive buttons look extremely unresponsive. These buttons are a very integral part of the phone and they need to be perfect.

- Samsung and Sprint seem to know that the battery life isn't all that great, despite the screen being S-AMOLED (which is supposed to save battery) by offering the optional battery charger, and also in the phones settings are tons of "power saving features" that arn't found on other Android phones. From looking at a lot of the reviewers battery status screen in the 'about phone' section, the display takes up A SHIT LOAD of battery. More than most other Android phones, including my Evo.

- The notorious GPS problem could potentially be a bugger. Now, I don't know for sure if this is fixed or not on the Epic, but it seems that it still takes a while to get a lock-on your location. And coming from the Evo (simply awesome GPS power), I don't want to feel like I'm downgrading.

These are the three main things I am worried about. I hope I'm wrong, but when purchase a new phone, I always seem to speculate. If anyone has anything else to add that they might be concerned about, please feel free to add it on this thread. I'm hoping that someone with the Epic will come in and prove me wrong.

Two things I wanna mention. One, the Droids have power saving features in the settings. Two, the GPS locks on very fast.

 

[Khemul]

All I'm saying is that the Evo (know for being a battery-killer) didn't come with a battery charger from Sprint, and also Sense didn't add powersaving features into their UI as much as Samsung did with their implementation of Touch-Wiz. This just tells me that the battery life needs help. That's all.

It could be looked at from that perspective. It could also be looked at as HTC not really being prepared for the bad battery life of their phone. Most smart phones seem to have some battery issues (atleast when compared to non-smart phones), especially if the user doesn't think to watch their power usage. A company accepting this and taking precautions to alleviate it is not a bad sign. It doesn't necessarily mean the phone will have bad battery life, just that the company is offering options to maximize battery life.

Either way we can't really say for sure at the moment.

 

[kristv]

I think anyone who has previously owned a smart phone with a large screen or has at least done their homework on the Epic realizes that battery life is not going to measure up to non-smart phones. I think we're all generally okay with that.

Personally, I don't mind carrying an extra battery (I expect to!) and that will be my first purchase for the Epic. Folks on eBay are already selling charger/battery kits for dirt cheap there, so it won't even cost us much to get this equipment. Laptops don't last more than 2-4 hours on a single charge, Sony PSP's last about 4-6 hours so I don't find it unreasonable to think that the Epic will only last 8-10 hours considering the hardware it's equiped with and what it can do. I consider it collateral damage for all the awesomeness I'll be getting from it.

 

[novox77]

Samsung and Sprint seem to know that the battery life isn't all that great, despite the screen being S-AMOLED (which is supposed to save battery) by offering the optional battery charger, and also in the phones settings are tons of "power saving features" that arn't found on other Android phones. From looking at a lot of the reviewers battery status screen in the 'about phone' section, the display takes up A SHIT LOAD of battery. More than most other Android phones, including my Evo.

The battery status screen you refer to shows usage by percentage. So simply seeing a larger usage by the display doesn't mean that the Epic's display uses more power than other Android phones. It means that relative to all other power-consuming components, the display is a larger fraction than other androids. It could be that other components of the Epic use less power than other androids, making the screen percentage look bigger.

As an Evo owner, you should realize that battery mileage vary tremendously based on two things:

1) your settings: turning off shit you don't use/need
2) your actual usage of the phone

I guarantee you that there will be tons of complaints regarding shitty battery life with the epic. That doesn't mean that the Epic has shitty battery life. It means some people use their phones more heavily and/or they haven't optimized their settings.