One of many S2 vs. S2 skyrocket threads: diff circumstances

[docintraining]

Hey Android Nation,

I am new to this world, moved up from a bb bold.
I need your help with something.
I bought my s2 for at&t on oct 7th.
Therefore, I have until 1 day after the Skyrocket releases to go back in and change the phone.

Although I love this phone, if there is any chance I can future proof myself I would like to take it.

A little about my uses. I use it heavily for email, music, and internet based apps, not so much for gaming or much for the camera.

So far from reading the other threads, I have garnered that although the processor has more ghz in the skyrocket, it still is not much of an upgrade.
The reason that I am thinking about the upgrade is that I do live in Washington DC for med school and will be here for the next few years. Therefore, I will be able to take full advantage of the LTE network.

Do you think this is reason enough to upgrade. Is the supposed downgrade in resolution or the snapdragon processor a big enough con that you would not advise the upgrade?

Please help. I do not know much about Android phones but I love the customizability that comes with them so I would rather get a great phone now than wait for something like the Iphone next year.

And yes, I am fully aware that Android is moving fast so its only a matter of weeks before the next best Android piece comes out. Making this upgrade now would give me piece of mind if it'll futureproof me just that much.

Let me know! sorry for the long post.

 

[Xphyle]

What's up, Doc? (see what I did there?)

What a conundrum. I have an SII and I got mine on October 10. I am in your same boat. But after reading Engadget's review of the T-mobile LTE model (the same one that AT&T is getting), I decided against upgrading.

The reasons I will not upgrade are as follows:

1. The Xenos processor is faster than the Snapdragon in benchmark tests, esp for gaming. So yes, I do use the phone for gaming. This is a big one.

2. The battery life on the T-mo version was worse than the current ATT GSII.

3. Lastly, I don't see LTE coming to my area (Cleveland burb) anytime soon.

However, if your area is getting LTE soon, then you might want to upgrade. Make sure your data plan can handle the increased data usage. I came from iPhone 4, so I have the unlimited plan for $30. But I was grandfathered in.

The Engadget review also stated that the T-mo phone broke speed records for them when they were loading web pages and surfing the net. Again, this sounds like a plus for you. I would imaging email would be fairly quick for you as well.

Lastly, the T-mo phone is slightly larger with a slightly larger battery if I recall.

Just depends on what you feel is most important. Head over to Engadget and look up that review. The guy who wrote it does a good job pointing out the pros and cons. Hope that helps.

X

 

[jslanger]

I've been debating this same thing over the last week...I have an old iPhone 3GS and really want to upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy S II. Then I saw the release about the Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket.

So I've been eagerly awaiting any news about the actual specs of the Skyrocket. I have been going through several "hands-on" published late yesterday and today. They all appear to confirm that the Skyrocket does, in fact, have the dual-core 1.5 Ghz Snapdragon processor instead of the Exynos.

Samsung still hadn't posted this on their website as of yesterday (it just said 1.5 Ghz dual-core processor). Which I think is odd--wonder why they "hid it."

The reviews of the T-mobile Samsung Galaxy S II, which has the same processors, are generally poorer than the AT&T or Sprint versions and have lower benchmarks...

Not sure what I'll do--should I stay with AT&T and get the SGSII or go to Sprint...or get the Skyrocket. I'm still on the fence, but a little disappointed too...

 

[jsntrenkler]

I think if you live in a LTE Market it's worth considering the new device, otherwise the Current SGS2 is a much better bang for the buck.

 

[jslanger]

I think if you live in a LTE Market it's worth considering the new device, otherwise the Current SGS2 is a much better bang for the buck.

Definitely agree. However I live just outside DC...and they are supposedly going live on Sunday with LTE for DC. Thats what makes me WANT the Skyrocket....being a little more future-ready is definitely nice, but the extra cost and the (reportedly) poorer performance with the different processor argues against. Not sure what I'll do just yet. I may have to check the store on Sunday and report back.

 

[propsizzle]

S2 and the skyrocket are very similar. they will be very similar in the performance arena. the main differences are, the skyrocket will get worse battery life... the skyrocket's screen is bigger, but will look slightly worse due to being the same res as the S2... and the skyrocket will have LTE.

if you care about battery life and super crisp res, then stay with the S2 (or get the S2). if you want a bigger screen or LTE, get the skyrocket.

i want the LTE. though it will be useless most of the time, since i'm grandfathered unlimited, i'd rather have LTE than HSPA+.

 

[realized]

Skyrocket will get Ice Cream Sandwich, not sure about the current SGS2?

 

[docintraining]

hey people,

thanks for the input. i should have mentioned that i was grandfathered in so i will be able to take full advantage of the LTE.

i guess the decision for me comes down to whether or not i want the slightly less resolution of the screen and the lesser battery performance, or the LTE. every other argument for me is a stalemate between the two phones.

what to do what to do

also, if it is more likely that the skyrocket will get the ICS update than i will definitely be getting this phone

 

[realized]

also, if it is more likely that the skyrocket will get the ICS update than i will definitely be getting this phone

Ice Cream Sandwich for Samsung Galaxy S2 Skyrocket and HTC Vivid confirmed | Ubergizmo

 

[docintraining]

Ice Cream Sandwich for Samsung Galaxy S2 Skyrocket and HTC Vivid confirmed | Ubergizmo

man...you guys are fast..
thank you so much. i know i joined the right side in upgrading.

hmmmm sooooo, i think im going to swap...now im getting excited.
i will definitely have to go and see what the difference is in the screens at the store before i pull the trigger

 

[JonnyRedcorn]

We just got the demo of the skyrocket in and honestly I hate the design/feel of the phone...the gs2 feels much nicer. If the skyrocket gets ICS we GS2 owners should as well...has anything been confirmed?

 

[Mr. Ed]

interestingly enough...the test skyrocket we had had better battery life and was much more stable.

slight lag was noticeable compared to the exynos (overall) but it handled everything we threw at it like a champ (including games)

I want the LTE... the screen looks amazing...I noticed no difference in display quality between the two

feel free to join us over in the skyrocket threads (celox)

 

[PfcBgd]

Mr. Ed, much more stable? Can you be more specific?

 

[Mr. Ed]

Mr. Ed, much more stable? Can you be more specific?

Tons of force closes/rebooted on the sgs2

The skyrocket never had 1

 

[agentasian]

I am also looking to switch from my (borrowed) iPhone 3GS.

I decided to get the Skyrocket i727.

1. My only decision really is which version - AT&T or international?
I'm not planning on signing on to a 2-year contract with AT&T - in fact I might actually be out of the US for most of its use.

I am currently in China, so I can buy the international version (a little pricier). On one hand, I think that the AT&T branded version will have better customer support. On the other hand, the international version should have pure Android (albeit Gingerbread).

So PRO v CON to me:
ATT Pro:
Better customer support
Cheaper

Intl Pro:
Pure Android CORRECTION: NOT STOCK ANDROID -- TOUCHWIZ vs ATT
Faster update to ICS (no AT&T delay?)

***ALSO:
2. I'm assuming that I will need an AT&T SIM card to access blocked Android Apps (even just Android Marketplace), while in China. Does anyone know if this is true?
3. Does anyone else know of any additional concerns or difficulties with international Androids in the US and/or China?

Thanks! First post!

 

[Deleted User]

^

The International version does not have stock Android, it has TouchWiz 4.0 on the International GS2, GS2 LTE and GS2 HD LTE. If you travel as much as you are mentioning buying a locked US phone doesn't make much sense.

 

[agentasian]

^

The International version does not have stock Android, it has TouchWiz 4.0 on the International GS2, GS2 LTE and GS2 HD LTE. If you travel as much as you are mentioning buying a locked US phone doesn't make much sense.

Of course, I forgot about TouchWiz! I had planned to get it unlocked immediately - you have the choice to purchase Intl or US-spec phones here at the electronics marketplaces - and they unlock onsite.

1. On second thought, even if I purchased the ATT-version in the States and brought it abroad unlocked...would unlocking void the warranty and thus void AT&T customer service?

2. Since I can't get stock Android. Which would you all prefer - AT&T or TouchWiz? I have been playing with my friend's intl Sensation S and I like Sense UI, but I haven't really spent much time with any AT&T Android.

Thanks for the input!

 

[jslanger]

Hey docintraining: Any decisions on your part? Just curious what your decision process was, as I'm in a similar boat.

PS--What part of training are you in (I'm a Gen Surg resident. Just curious)?

 

[PfcBgd]

Well, that was much easier than what I expected. Let me right away say that I understand my opinion is completely subjective .
I went in today to compare the original GS2 with the skyrocket and quickly decided not to exchange. First, there's no LTE in my area, and even if there was I don't think I would've cared too much for it. As far as my internet usage on the phone goes, I use it for e-mail and a few mobile web pages/apps (mostly news) (around 400MB of data per month). For that, HSDPA+ is plenty fast...Those of you who are in the LTE areas and use your data much more, my opinion on this is clearly completely irrelevant.
Now, for the phone alone. I think there's a reason beyond shelf space why the original S2 was not on display next to the skyrocket. To me, the resolution is an issue for the skyrocket, and it really does seem to be a bit too low for the 4.5 inch screen...the display simply looked uglier (and this goes for the phone design as well). Also, just flipping between screens, the original seemed significantly smoother to me even though I had a few more (basic) widgets than the skyrocket on display. Sure, the skyrocket is still plenty smooth, but still...just seems a bit odd to put that 1.5 processor in that is slower (at least in some things) than the 1.2GHz in the original.
Finally, the price...exchanging the phone would run me 135+ cost of a case, which would pretty much double what I payed for the one I have right now. So, I simply didn't want to pay almost $150 for something that is to me not only not better but a pretty obvious downgrade.
So, maybe if money is not an issue to you or you are not exchanging the phone + LTE is available to you, skyrocket may be the way to go. Otherwise, it's pretty easy to make the case for the original.

P.S. I have pretty stupid fat fingers, so the only advantage of a bigger screen to me would be that I'd have a smaller chance of hitting a wrong letter when typing. But this is equivalent to an old person getting an awful resolution gigantic monitor because they cannot see well .

 

[copdocpvd]

the Skyrocket also has .3GB more ram onboard, that's gonna' be the kicker for me

Now if Target would just get them in!

 

[mncooper]

***ALSO:
2. I'm assuming that I will need an AT&T SIM card to access blocked Android Apps (even just Android Marketplace), while in China. Does anyone know if this is true?

I'm also in China and planning on getting the GS2. You can access the apps market using your computer so I would have thought that would give you the required access - I haven't got my GS2 yet and I've never had an android phone before so I'm not sure how it works. If you want access directly on your phone, then yes, you will need an OS sim card (prepaid one should work)

 

[docintraining]

Hey docintraining: Any decisions on your part? Just curious what your decision process was, as I'm in a similar boat.

PS--What part of training are you in (I'm a Gen Surg resident. Just curious)?

hey!
so i pulled the trigger on it. picked up the skyrocket today!
so far, i have not noticed any choppiness that people have spoken of.
what i did notice is that the network is faster. pages load up a quicker than on the s2 original.

another weird peculiarity is that the max RAM is less than on the s2. (im referring to the RAM status window)

screen is just as brilliant. i played some of the videos i recorded from my s2 original and they look just as good.

another few tidbits, i feel that the expanded screen size makes it a lot easier to type, i used to make tons of mistakes in texts with the other s2. not so much with the skyrocket. also, the UI seems to be a little crisper, there are some animation/"flashy" elements of the UI that were not present in the other s2...nothing major, just little things here and there.

my decision was based solely on me spending the next 2 years living and workin in DC for med school. i just started by the way! MSI.

I paid an extra 80 including the restocking fee they charge here but that's ok. I don't change phones until my contracts expire so im set for the next 2 years atleast!

I disagree with above poster regarding the screen just looking uglier. What I did prefer about the old s2 was the squarish form factor. this one is obviously curved and will definitely need a case as it can easily slip out of your hand.

Hope that helps.

P.S. Anyone know of any way to get rid of all of this AT&T crapware?...thats the only depressing part about this new phone!

 

[jslanger]

hey!
so i pulled the trigger on it. picked up the skyrocket today!
so far, i have not noticed any choppiness that people have spoken of.
what i did notice is that the network is faster. pages load up a quicker than on the s2 original.

another weird peculiarity is that the max RAM is less than on the s2. (im referring to the RAM status window)

screen is just as brilliant. i played some of the videos i recorded from my s2 original and they look just as good.

another few tidbits, i feel that the expanded screen size makes it a lot easier to type, i used to make tons of mistakes in texts with the other s2. not so much with the skyrocket. also, the UI seems to be a little crisper, there are some animation/"flashy" elements of the UI that were not present in the other s2...nothing major, just little things here and there.

my decision was based solely on me spending the next 2 years living and workin in DC for med school. i just started by the way! MSI.

I paid an extra 80 including the restocking fee they charge here but that's ok. I don't change phones until my contracts expire so im set for the next 2 years atleast!

I disagree with above poster regarding the screen just looking uglier. What I did prefer about the old s2 was the squarish form factor. this one is obviously curved and will definitely need a case as it can easily slip out of your hand.

Hope that helps.

P.S. Anyone know of any way to get rid of all of this AT&T crapware?...thats the only depressing part about this new phone!

DC for med school? What do ya know...thats where I am....GW to be exact.
Good luck! MS1 is the worst in terms of slugging through. MS2 is better because you get to learn clinical stuff.

Something to keep in mind in 2 years (or maybe even next year) is that some phones work better than others in the hospitals. At GW, ONLY Sprint worked within the walls of the hospital until AT&T and Verizon put repeaters on the roof. Ask around and test your phone out over the next 2 years, and at the different places you will rotate. Things like the ORs can block out most signals.

And thanks for your updates on the phone. I'm likely going to pick one up in the next few days.

 

[docintraining]

DC for med school? What do ya know...thats where I am....GW to be exact.
Good luck! MS1 is the worst in terms of slugging through. MS2 is better because you get to learn clinical stuff.

Something to keep in mind in 2 years (or maybe even next year) is that some phones work better than others in the hospitals. At GW, ONLY Sprint worked within the walls of the hospital until AT&T and Verizon put repeaters on the roof. Ask around and test your phone out over the next 2 years, and at the different places you will rotate. Things like the ORs can block out most signals.

And thanks for your updates on the phone. I'm likely going to pick one up in the next few days.

wow, small world indeed. im at GW med too!

so far just the typical gw hospital med issues, something that most hospitals ive been in have had.
there is a deadzone on the second floor of ross hall though.

we've probably crossed paths at some point in this area. very cool.

MSI is definitely a battle. i feel like if i can make it through this, i should be good.

im glad at&t decided to put the repeaters because im attached to a family plan and it doesnt seem likely that i will switch services any time soon. hopefully at&t comes through and lets me take advantage of the LTE.

thanks for the well wishes! i hope we run into each other maybe at Grand Rounds or something.