Photon or Galaxy S2

[snowcrash]

I just watched a bunch of videos of the Samsung Galaxy S2 (Sprint Within) and I am torn. I have sworn off Samsung phones because their GPS units always suck and they are horrible with software updates....but wow that is a nice phone and has great reviews. I love AMOLED screens, and this one looks awesome, plus it is so thin and light weight. It certainly seems to be a more popular phone based on the number of posts on this site.

I understand it is supposed to be out very soon as well...I have already eliminated the HTC EVO 3D from consideration and while I am relatively certain I will get a Photon, I will first play with this one as well. Anyone want to talk me out of it??

 

[Rico college]

I was in the same boat as you but a few issues.
1. no kick stand or camera button. 2. Samsung's support and updates suck. 3. Lower Res screen.


Photon is a better choice for me. And who knows when if ever thatphone comes out.

 

[yankies90]

this is so funny people still arguing about Samsung's update support.
I understand Samsung's support WAS suck before they released Galaxy SII.
But after the release, they started to hear what their customers say, and people in Korea (heard from my friend who lives in Korea) are pretty satisfied with how fast Samsung fixes bugs and stuffs.

 

[Rico college]

this is so funny people still arguing about Samsung's update support.
I understand Samsung's support WAS suck before they released Galaxy SII.
But after the release, they started to hear what their customers say, and people in Korea (heard from my friend who lives in Korea) are pretty satisfied with how fast Samsung fixes bugs and stuffs.

Fixing bugs in Korea is not the same as fixing them here, not by a long shot.

 

[lite blue]

I was in the same boat as you but a few issues.
1. no kick stand or camera button. 2. Samsung's support and updates suck. 3. Lower Res screen.


Photon is a better choice for me. And who knows when if ever thatphone comes out.

but I hear the photon will have the same type of boot loader as the incredible 3 that will may make it unrootable which would push me to the s II

 

[drexappeal]

Honestly, it really depends on what your own personal needs are. The Photon really seems more geared towards business types that need a phone that will suit both their personal and business needs. If you're looking for more of a multimedia device based on certain technologies, the SGS2 might not be a bad choice.

My only warning is, don't come complaining to the forums when Samsung doesn't support the SGS 2 just like they haven't really done with their other devices before or crying about Samsung's inability to fix GPS issues. Not saying it will, but until Samsung has shown a better track record for me, personally I wouldn't even risk it at all. Motorola and HTC have shown WAY more support than Samsung, as far as mobile phones are concerned. I don't know if Samsung is willing to put as much time and interest into mobile phone support because they deal with so many other electronic products.

 

[drexappeal]

Now, if a phone would really be a contender for me to hold off on the Photon 4G, it'd be the HTC Blast!
HTC Blast - Android Forums

It's super thin w/ a 1800mah battery and 32gb internal storage w/ a 4.7 inch screen. Unfortunately, I couldn't find anything on which provider would get this though. And the other thing is, I'm not convinced this wouldn't be too tall a phone for my comfort. With that 4.7 screen, just might be stretching it too far, especially considering how much real estate there is between the screen and the buttons/top of the phone.

 

[snowcrash]

My only warning is, don't come complaining to the forums when Samsung doesn't support the SGS 2 just like they haven't really done with their other devices before or crying about Samsung's inability to fix GPS issues. Not saying it will, but until Samsung has shown a better track record for me, personally I wouldn't even risk it at all. Motorola and HTC have shown WAY more support than Samsung, as far as mobile phones are concerned. I don't know if Samsung is willing to put as much time and interest into mobile phone support because they deal with so many other electronic products.

You are right...and that is my biggest concern. I have been burned by Samsung before. I really don't ever want another Samsung phone...but the SGS 2 really has some nice specs. That said I will most likely stay in the Photon camp - but I have no data on Motorola. Are they known as having decent GPS units (HTC has really good ones) and support for their products? Haven't owned a Motorola phone since the days of the old Razr!

 

[Jceinc]

Now, if a phone would really be a contender for me to hold off on the Photon 4G, it'd be the HTC Blast!
HTC Blast - Android Forums

It's super thin w/ a 1800mah battery and 32gb internal storage w/ a 4.7 inch screen. Unfortunately, I couldn't find anything on which provider would get this though. And the other thing is, I'm not convinced this wouldn't be too tall a phone for my comfort. With that 4.7 screen, just might be stretching it too far, especially considering how much real estate there is between the screen and the buttons/top of the phone.

I'm in love

 

[Godfather13]

You are right...and that is my biggest concern. I have been burned by Samsung before. I really don't ever want another Samsung phone...but the SGS 2 really has some nice specs. That said I will most likely stay in the Photon camp - but I have no data on Motorola. Are they known as having decent GPS units (HTC has really good ones) and support for their products? Haven't owned a Motorola phone since the days of the old Razr!

When people say the GPS is bad on the Samsungs are they meaning the Samsung GPSin regards to the way way Sprint has their Sprint Navigation? Or soemthing else? Why not just use Google maps navigation? Couldnt that be added on any Android device?

 

[drexappeal]

You are right...and that is my biggest concern. I have been burned by Samsung before. I really don't ever want another Samsung phone...but the SGS 2 really has some nice specs. That said I will most likely stay in the Photon camp - but I have no data on Motorola. Are they known as having decent GPS units (HTC has really good ones) and support for their products? Haven't owned a Motorola phone since the days of the old Razr!

HTC and Motorola have the best reputation for Android phone support as far as timely OS updates and phone support overall.

 

[KnowProblem]

When people say the GPS is bad on the Samsungs are they meaning the Samsung GPSin regards to the way way Sprint has their Sprint Navigation? Or soemthing else? Why not just use Google maps navigation? Couldnt that be added on any Android device?

They don't mean the software. They mean the accuracy (of pin-pointing your location) of the built-in GPS receiver that's inside the device.

 

[drexappeal]

You are right...and that is my biggest concern. I have been burned by Samsung before. I really don't ever want another Samsung phone...but the SGS 2 really has some nice specs. That said I will most likely stay in the Photon camp - but I have no data on Motorola. Are they known as having decent GPS units (HTC has really good ones) and support for their products? Haven't owned a Motorola phone since the days of the old Razr!

No, Samsung phones have been known to have issues with GPS location signal. ALL of the past Samsung phones on Sprint have had pretty good specs (Moment and Epic 4G). That has never been the big issue. The biggest issues have been with regards to GPS signal, not separate GPS units.

As for Motorola, I haven't ever owned a Motorola phone, but I've known many that have and their phones have been very reliable. I've been a HTC user for the most part, but both phones across several providers have proven to be very good as far as mobile support is concerned.

 

[toolwarrior]

No, Samsung phones have been known to have issues with GPS location signal. ALL of the past Samsung phones on Sprint have had pretty good specs (Moment and Epic 4G). That has never been the big issue. The biggest issues have been with regards to GPS signal, not separate GPS units.

As for Motorola, I haven't ever owned a Motorola phone, but I've known many that have and their phones have been very reliable. I've been a HTC user for the most part, but both phones across several providers have proven to be very good as far as mobile support is concerned.

To be fair, it is not clear if Samsung has corrected the GPS issue. From the research I have done, it seems that they may finally have gotten a handle on this, but I did read one topic in the GS2 forum that led me to believe otherwise. However, I never seem to be able to find definitive yes or no on this topic for current Samsung phones.

Now as to the comment about Motorola being reliable, I have to disagree in my case. I have owned several of their phones. The first (a Razr 2) was a lemon from day one. My call drop issues were so bad that I was finally given a new phone. Once I got the new phone, the call drop issue stopped, but after less than one year, the micro size charge port wore out and would no longer accept the charge connector. At this day and age, a reliable charging port is a must - especially when the phones require daily charging anymore. That is my experience Moto....

 

[viber]

I can't think of a single reason to buy a GS2.

The only Samsung product I would ever consider buying would be a Nexus brand phone.

 

[drexappeal]

To be fair, it is not clear if Samsung has corrected the GPS issue. From the research I have done, it seems that they may finally have gotten a handle on this, but I did read one topic in the GS2 forum that led me to believe otherwise. However, I never seem to be able to find definitive yes or no on this topic for current Samsung phones.

Now as to the comment about Motorola being reliable, I have to disagree in my case. I have owned several of their phones. The first (a Razr 2) was a lemon from day one. My call drop issues were so bad that I was finally given a new phone. Once I got the new phone, the call drop issue stopped, but after less than one year, the micro size charge port wore out and would no longer accept the charge connector. At this day and age, a reliable charging port is a must - especially when the phones require daily charging anymore. That is my experience Moto....

I'm purely talking android phones. For the most part, the majority of Droid 1 2 3, droid x 1 2... Atrix, etc...customers have been happy and received updates in a fairly timely manner.

 

[550Horses]

Galaxy S II... That phone is sexy. Also I personally like to have a phone that i can rub in the face of iOS users. This would currently be the phone to do that. It puts an iPhone 4 to shame
Samsung Galaxy S II review -- Engadget

 

[viber]

Galaxy S II... That phone is sexy. Also I personally like to have a phone that i can rub in the face of iOS users. This would currently be the phone to do that. It puts an iPhone 4 to shame
Samsung Galaxy S II review -- Engadget

1: Android users care a lot more about what iPhone users think than the other way around, so they'd look at your phone and not care. What exactly do you intend to try and rub in their face? The low res screen, benchmarks that mean nothing?

2. iPhone5 comes out in about 10 weeks, so the iPhone4 is the least of people's concerns when it comes to phones right now. Unless you're a Verizon user that was dumb enough to buy an iPhone4.

 

[skep]

ive said it before and ill say it again, ive owned a few diff motorolas, and the updates were within a timely manner, and the GPS was MUCH more accurate. rumors of poor GPS on samsungs is true. i currently have the EPIC 4g and i do not like it at all. the motorola droid x was a much better phone. not to mention it updated to 2.3 before my epic even got 2.2.... which it is still on and still has issues. never again will i buy a samsung phone. awaiting the release of Photon and will be sticking to motorola from now on

 

[550Horses]

Things to rub in an iphone users face (any model includeing 5) 1. 4G, it was already confirmed the iphone 5 wont have it. 2. Faster processors. 3. Better sound quality (iphone has no speaker development). This also explains why thier headphones are so crappy. 4. When have you heard mass complaints of a android phone dropping calls. 5. Customization out the ass. 6. Google maps which inludes free turn by turn navigation and signifigantly better gps signal quality.

Need i say more?

 

[550Horses]

oh and google isnt a communist regimn

 

[Rico college]

1: Android users care a lot more about what iPhone users think than the other way around, so they'd look at your phone and not care. What exactly do you intend to try and rub in their face? The low res screen, benchmarks that mean nothing?

2. iPhone5 comes out in about 10 weeks, so the iPhone4 is the least of people's concerns when it comes to phones right now. Unless you're a Verizon user that was dumb enough to buy an iPhone4.

Very true. IPhone users are blinded by that phone. You could have a gold plated android phone and they would not knotice.

 

[mwarez]

I am in the same boat...I just returned my EVO 3D and I am currently trying to decide between the Photon and the SG2. From what I can gather so far, the SG2 has:

1) Faster processor than Photon
2) Better front facing camera
3) Better screen
4) Better battery life


Photon has an active Kickstand. Also, don't have to physically press a button to go back to the home screen which I like.

I am not sure how the rear camera stands up, I know the SG2 camera has had great reviews so I'm sure the Photon will have a tough time matching it.

I didn't know about the Samsung GPS issues, that is good to know about. Anything else spec wise that gives the Photon or SG2 an edge?

 

[Godfather13]

Very true. IPhone users are blinded by that phone. You could have a gold plated android phone and they would not knotice.

Hate to say it, but Evo owners are starting to seem a lot like iPhone owners. I know were all in the android family, but the Evo seems like a cult and if you mention another droid you get the evil eyes for not choosing the Evo. Just an observation.

Anyone have the slightest clue when the SG2 will even be released? I think Im still 100% riding with the Photon. I like what it offers and I just REALLY need an upgraded phone. My Hero is dying.

 

[mwarez]

Hate to say it, but Evo owners are starting to seem a lot like iPhone owners. I know were all in the android family, but the Evo seems like a cult and if you mention another droid you get the evil eyes for not choosing the Evo. Just an observation.

Anyone have the slightest clue when the SG2 will even be released? I think Im still 100% riding with the Photon. I like what it offers and I just REALLY need an upgraded phone. My Hero is dying.

What is making you choose the Photon over the EVO 3D?