Why Android is Better than Symbian?

[Demache]

I've liked both Symbian and Android. But when it comes to going against each other, Android wins. Its far more modern, and has a lot going for it, especially with it being so open. I still keep my Symbian phone (E63) around, in case I need GSM service, and that it still makes a good music player and has an incredible battery life with it in offline mode (I haven't charged it in a couple weeks and it still has 1/3 battery left).

The only thing that my E63 did better than my Android, was video recording. And not necessarily because the camera was better, in fact, it was worse. But my Nokia used .WAV sound instead of .AMR sound, and .WAV is FAR better quality. .WAV sounds about Youtube quality (not great, but okay), and .AMR sounds like listening through a tin can. That seems to be more of a HTC thing though, than a fault with Android itself. Motorola Androids tend to have excellent audio.

 

[whs37]

Yeah, I modified it a bit. Hopefully it's a bit more readable and nicely designed.

Very good. That looks a lot better. Thanks.

 

[whs37]

But my Nokia used .WAV sound instead of .AMR sound, and .WAV is FAR better quality.

That is to be expected because .wav is uncompressed. But .wav takes a lot more bytes to store - 10 to 25 times the amount than e.g. .mp3. Here is an interesting article explaining the different audio codecs.

 

[EarlyMon]

The new Android recording codec is AAC - finally. AMR is kinda sucky. It was partially HTC's fault, but also partially Android's fault - the earlier native portions were limited in their audio codecs and the phone makers had no reason to license the better stuff or even support the software development when free in the short term when they could simply wait for Gingerbread and just have it as a library call.

Without a pro mic, just the phone's built-in mic - there's no way I can imagine a good compression codec sounding any different than WAV/AIFF(*), because once you exceed microphone capabilities with the codec, it can't matter. And depending upon the actual stuff being recorded and the codec settings, then even the mic may not matter.

AAC in that article says Apple fans are likely to have lots in that format. Perhaps. There's a myth that AAC is an Apple codec - it's really just the follow-on standard to mp3.

(*)Actually, by definition, any recording is compressed and anything digital is compressed further. But by convention, it's popular to call the least compressed as uncompressed, even though that's not really true. That's your fun fact for the day.

 

[whs37]

The new Android recording codec is AAC - finally. AMR is kinda sucky.

That is interesting. I guess they picked it because it is free (no licensing required), also used for MPEG4 video and it is "Apple compatible". Quality should be OK. It is supposed to be better than MP3.

 

[EarlyMon]

Actually, on an Apple, you usually have to download Perian - The swiss-army knife of QuickTime components to get the AMR codec.

And the newer HTCs are now recording in H.264, no MPEG4 option anymore - even though they're still at Android 2.2.

 

[whs37]

Actually, on an Apple, you usually have to download Perian - The swiss-army knife of QuickTime components to get the AMR codec.

And the newer HTCs are now recording in H.264, no MPEG4 option anymore - even though they're still at Android 2.2.

Yeah, this is a real circus. Google removes H.264 from Chrome and Microsoft puts it back - LOL ( Microsoft Adds (Symbolic) H.264 Support with Chrome Extension ). I wonder what Google plans concerning H.264.

 

[EarlyMon]

yeap - that totally surprised me

 

[vector636]

SO, the best thing of Android over Symbian is the enhanced user experience and the interface. hmmm Nokia trying to cope it with Meego coz Nokia itself thinks that Symbian is bad by default to compete with Android.
I simply love Google and their futuristic approach. They purchased Android inc. in 2005 for a small amount and made it the world's best-selling smartphone platform

 

[Drhyde]

SO, the best thing of Android over Symbian is the enhanced user experience and the interface. hmmm Nokia trying to cope it with Meego coz Nokia itself thinks that Symbian is bad by default to compete with Android.
I simply love Google and their futuristic approach. They purchased Android inc. in 2005 for a small amount and made it the world's best-selling smartphone platform

Meego is practically vaporware. I can only vaguely recall one phone with it. I don't know if Nokia thinks Symbian is bad, just more that they're hard-headed about the whole affair.

I'd say another edge for Android is that it has become the bleeding edge of technology in the mobile space. Where once this was a domain of Nokia, Motorola, and Apple, Android phones are pushing limits not thought of just a few years ago. Google has a very unique approach to their OS and its paying dividends so long as the sue-happy competition doesn't cause it to grind to a halt.

 

[Guamguy]

You are missing the point. If there are no connections, I can't use Google sky!
I need to store charts to have them available and there is no way to do that. If you want no light pollution, you go to dark sky sites. If you are out of line of site of a tower, you have no service.
Yes, I have no trouble where I have service.
Am I required to do my vacations where I have service only?

Without internet connection, your Android phone isn't any worst, and still a heck of a lot better than your Symbian S60 without any connection. With an internet connection, it becomes much much better even more.

I have used my Android phones for trips abroad without any data connection. They work wonderful as camera, voice and text only phones.

There are apps that will work independently of data or can work offline by caching data before hand.

Its not like there are a few astronomy and astrology apps on Android, there is probably more of such than in Symbian S60. And Symbian S60 doesn't have anything remotely to Google Sky Maps. in fact, something like Google Sky Maps can't be done on Symbian S60.

By the way I've owned Symbian S60 phones, and the disparity with Android is mighty big.

Also your insistence on GSM and T-Mobile is trapping. Just because they don't have service in your area doesn't mean others don't. Just because you don't see cell towers doesn't mean there is not. Modern cell towers can be surprisingly small nowadays.

 

[mindwalker]

I'm still waiting for the MWC to see if Nokia is unveiling the first MeeGo phone. A brand new OS from scratch aimed at the portable devices world might be a much better solution than Symbian which can hardly evolve since it still must target low end devices.
Besides MeeGo should be able to run QT applications. I just recently downloaded QT with its QT Quick high level language and it's simple to create cool good looking apps with neat effects, transitions, gestures, etc. So I can only expect a booming of quality apps using this.

However I haven't really tried Android yet.

I own a Nokia 5800 and while it gets the basic stuff done, it's quite underpowered compared to what's out there today.

 

[vector636]

I own a Nokia 5800 and while it gets the basic stuff done, it's quite underpowered compared to what's out there today.

I also used a Nokia 5800 for a few days . Its resistive touchscreen really s
*cks. pretty unresponsive.

 

[mindwalker]

It's just different.. I find it works pretty well if I use my thumb's fingernail or any fingernail for that matter
When I tried and HTC I was typing all wrong cause I was using my fingernail still when you're supposed to use your finger.. just a matter of getting used to 2 slightly different methods

 

[zuben el genub]

No - with a bring your own phone on TM, I don't have to have a data plan. I can use wifi only. With Verizon once, and didn't trust them.
And I've seen warnings in Moab, UT. If you can't see the LaSals, you have no service. Don't care which carrier. Lost all connection while driving across the Navajo rez years ago. With Verizon then. Mountains and Canyons
Lots of 4WD activity there.

 

[zuben el genub]

bout Sky Maps - There is a program called Styletap that will let you run Palm programs. I had Astromist. I ran it on the C6. It wouldn't run full screen.
I found really good charts in PDF and they work very well on the Apollo. I can edit them to suit me. That is where the touch screen excels. And you have more choice for readers with Android.

I just bought an Audubon bird guide from Market. It is self contained, but it is far superior to anything available for Symbian.

I agree about the touch screen not being responsive on the Nokia.

I'm finding some Google accounts I can get to on the phone are great - others can get lost.

I also use the internet in my own way. I don't need GPS - I can read a map, and prefer to. The constant chatter and having to look at the thing while driving bothers me. And I have a Garmin. Otherwise, I can find direction by sun and stars. Also tell time that way. I don't watch movies - they bore me. I am not a fan of Twitter and Facebook, or Youtube either. I'm an info junky for my interests.

The phone is there for calls, and a way to get all the information I desire when I want it without having to carry 4 or 5 books. If the OS allows me to work my way, then it's superior in my book.

I've put Skype on the Nokia, and I have it on the Apollo.

 

[zuben el genub]

What did you download QT for? The phone? I just saw where it has been released for the PC, so maybe you will get some better apps.

 

[Guamguy]

Oh you got a C6? That's the one with the sliding keyboard. That's a nice phone for sending messages, keyboard and a nice body construction. I thought of gifting one to a friend or relative before.

 

[zuben el genub]

I gave the C6 to my daughter. She is going back and forth between England and the States. The C6 will let you select wifi only, plus since it was unlocked, all she has to do is get a local sim. I managed to get Skype for it and it works.
I do like the new Apollo, but Samsung is torking me off. It's not an American phone, so I can't use Samsung's US site. That means that I can't even buy accessories. At least Nokia would sell accessories and apps to everyone. You just got a different page according to country and carrier.

I bought the Beam PDF reader. I liked the controls on it. The one for the C6 plodded. Got that app sorted out for Astronomy. GS is OK for live view, but is a pain when you are hunting for an object. I found some excellent charts in PDF, which work much better with the faster screen on the Apollo. Since the charts are PDF, I can edit them in Adobe Illustrator.

I also bought Audubon Bird Guide. Anyone that is interested in putting out a guide or how-to book should check that out! It's as good as a hard copy for reading, and even better since the bird's song is included!

The main objection I have to a lot of the Android Apps is the description doesn't give you enough information! Symbian had a lot of independent sites for the sis files, and they usually did give the info. Ovi, like market, didn't give it, either. But since most people just see the app as something they want, they download willy-nilly and don't care about size, workings, etc. Then they complain to the carrier or the phone mfg. I'd blame Apple for that.

BTW - I do read system requirements. You had to with Symbian.

 

[mindwalker]

What did you download QT for? The phone? I just saw where it has been released for the PC, so maybe you will get some better apps.

I downloaded the QT SDK for my PC in order to develop apps using their QML (part of QT Quick) framework. It's a high level programming language that allows you to quickly create nice looking UIs with cool effects which integrates with Javascript or C++ for its core functionality.
Some of the examples are pretty cool... they have some simple games with minimal code... but it also works pretty well for web-enabled stuff.. heck it even has a component that is a web browser in itself

You can then compile your app to run on your PC, phone, etc. But you'll need the QT library to go with it but then the new Nokia phones should have it within them. For the existing ones, it's an extra download.

Regarding Skype for Nokia... dunno how it works with Android, but on my 5800 it works well if I have 10 contacts... if I have 400 then it lags beyond usable...

 

[zuben el genub]

Skype for Android works OK. We were playing with both phones and everything was working. Will not have that many contacts. Just a way to keep track of one or two people.

 

[whs37]

Has anybody tried Google Talk in 3.0 yet?

 

[Guamguy]

I gave the C6 to my daughter. She is going back and forth between England and the States. The C6 will let you select wifi only, plus since it was unlocked, all she has to do is get a local sim. I managed to get Skype for it and it works.

I know. I've seen the C6 here. All our phones here are unlocked. All my Androids are unlocked too. For their price, they are nicely built and styled phones.

I do like the new Apollo, but Samsung is torking me off. It's not an American phone, so I can't use Samsung's US site. That means that I can't even buy accessories. At least Nokia would sell accessories and apps to everyone. You just got a different page according to country and carrier.

Which is true.

The main objection I have to a lot of the Android Apps is the description doesn't give you enough information! Symbian had a lot of independent sites for the sis files, and they usually did give the info. Ovi, like market, didn't give it, either. But since most people just see the app as something they want, they download willy-nilly and don't care about size, workings, etc. Then they complain to the carrier or the phone mfg. I'd blame Apple for that.

BTW - I do read system requirements. You had to with Symbian.

There are many independent sites that lets you know about Android apps. Like Appbrain, Androlib, GetJar, Handango. The new Android Market is also a leap away from the Ovi Store when it comes to presenting information. There is now the new web or browser based Android Market where you can browser for app and download apps that are pushed straight to your phone wirelessly.

There is just simply a huge difference in the sheer number and quality of Android apps vs. Symbian ones. Symbian apps tend to be very basic because they are forced to run under very tight RAM requirements and deal with the different configurations of Nokia phones. You have to make an app to somehow run on an N97 Mini, then a 5800, then an E72 then an N86, and when you realize just how different these phones are, its just crazy. So you're programming for the least common denominator, the most common factor among these phones.

 

[zuben el genub]

I've used Getjar for Symbian. They were pretty good. I didn't realize they had Android.

Just because push is available, doesn't always mean it's better. Take the Google Sky App. Even using manual, it jiggles too much. Astromist ran on the old Palm platform. You could control your telescope via bluetooth or infrared, put up any kind of circles from Telrad to CCD, excellent moon map, track Jupiter, Saturn satellites, etc. w/o push. Just math. And that's old tech by now. Developer has it on Iphone and pad now, and people are pleading for Android. I suppose this would go for anyone who needs a static chart.

I have found most of my preferred info - Astronomy, nature, geology in PDF. I bought the Beam Reader as it was the easiest to control. This means I can just carry a camera and the phone and have most of my information available at a touch.

A lot of people are looking for "cool." And if your needs don't match their "cool", they can be quite nasty. I've seen more understanding here than on some of the other forums. You have quite a few ex-palm PDA users. You have fanboys, but they either get squelched or they are more reasonable than the usual younger group.

I'm all for any OS that doesn't make assumptions and can be configured for most tastes.

 

[Guamguy]

I don't see how Google Sky Maps jiggles. Neither does it "push". It syncs, and its fast, as a lot of other astronomy apps tend to be slow. It is essentially an augmented reality application. Everything works like a gyroscope, determines real time position based on accelerometer, GPS and compass. Sky Maps works by pointing the phone to one direction in the sky, then it will determine what is the current star pattern in that direction all in real time. It will even find you the planets and stars beneath the horizon.