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Mozahsuf

Newbie
Dear respected community of android sages,

I am interested in Ice Cream Sandwich more than I am in the Galaxy Nexus. My question is what about other smartphones should indicate whether that phone has the capacity to not only simply run ICS, but to run it smoothly and effectively? Even as smooth as the Galaxy Nexus? For example it bothers me that a phone I am considering, the Galaxy S2, is more than 5 months old while the ICS is brand new. Does that not suggest that a Galaxy S2 once upgraded to ICS might experience some hiccups simply because it may not be able to handle some of the newer innovations in the ICS OS?

That leads me into another question: what new phone, or relatively new phone, based on its general hardware and/or memory capacities, would be able to go toe to toe with the Galaxy Nexus in terms of the flawless functionality of the ICS OS? I understand the Motorala Razr is expected to run ICS early next year, but I am limited to at&t phones. So I would welcome any suggestions for phones that keep in mind my carrier restriction. (Does anyone know if HTC is cooking up something for at&t that will compete with the S2 and/or Galaxy Nexus? HTC holiday anyone...?)

Thanks,

literate novice
 
you are asking questions about an OS that was just announced and not even released (I dont think the source code was fully released yet, although I could be wrong). Like any of the previous google OS releases, many phones on the market can run the newer OS. If you compare the Nexus Prime's hardware to the GS2, they are very similar and I dont see why the GS2 can't run ICS smoothly.

You need to relax about ICS. You are a while from seeing that update on existing phones. If you want it really bad, wait for the Nexus to be released. Otherwise, you'll be safe with the GS2.
 
If they release ICS and it won't run on the GS2, then it won't run on much, lol. I would imagine the hardware is more than sufficient to run ICS.
 
Thanks to all for the helpful responses.

Just to clarify: I am aware that older models still receive updates, but a simple update is not my concern. I am interested in the seamless functionality of that update on a (presumed) older device. For example the S2 does not have NFC, nor is it LTE-capable. So my question revolves around how ICS will adapt itself to a device that was not created with the ICS in mind.

For example I bought the old MyTouch 3G for Tmobile when it was released around mid-to late 2009. Once it received its update some months later, the performance suffered severely in terms of speed and even functionality (an increase in the ever annoying "force close" notifications, something I must admit that I've never experienced on my family's iPhone devices). So that's what I am worried about: how well will an update work, especially one so massive as the completely different ICS OS, on a phone not created with that OS in mind.

@NYYDynasty: I am not anxiously awaiting this update or anything, just trying to make a judicious decision. I am about to join a family plan on AT&T, so just trying to look ahead so that I do not regret my choice of a phone.
 
Mozahsuf said:
Thanks to all for the helpful responses.

Just to clarify: I am aware that older models still receive updates, but a simple update is not my concern. I am interested in the seamless functionality of that update on a (presumed) older device. For example the S2 does not have NFC, nor is it LTE-capable. So my question revolves around how ICS will adapt itself to a device that was not created with the ICS in mind.

For example I bought the old MyTouch 3G for Tmobile when it was released around mid-to late 2009. Once it received its update some months later, the performance suffered severely in terms of speed and even functionality (an increase in the ever annoying "force close" notifications, something I must admit that I've never experienced on my family's iPhone devices). So that's what I am worried about: how well will an update work, especially one so massive as the completely different ICS OS, on a phone not created with that OS in mind.

@NYYDynasty: I am not anxiously awaiting this update or anything, just trying to make a judicious decision. I am about to join a family plan on AT&T, so just trying to look ahead so that I do not regret my choice of a phone.
Click to expand...
First, the GS2 is NFC capable. Its just turned off for whatever reason.

Second, I'm going to say this again - just because ICS isn't designed for a particular phone, doesnt mean it wont run it well. You seem to be concerned about running ICS to its full potential. In that case, wait for a phone with ICS on it. End of story.

if you're already trying to prevent yourself from 'regretting' your phone choice, then you wont be happy with anything unless it has ICS on it. In my opinion, you've already made up your mind about what to get.
 
@NYY

You're right about me being concerned with the ICS, I started this entire thread with that admission.

Anyways, since you have the S2 would you be able to summarize what you feel are the pros and cons of the device? How is the data service on At&T? i've read some painfully harrowing descriptions of slower than slow speeds and hope that isn't the case. I reside close to Chicago.
 
i can only tell you about the NY area. Data speed sucks around here. Once I leave the NY area, my data speeds are pretty good.

I'll start with the cons, since thats an easier list:

-some phones have shipped with screen issues. if you look at a dark image, you'll see lines and slight discoloration on the screen. I have this problem but its not noticeable unless i'm viewing a black image.
-battery life is MUCH better than my previous Captivate but still needs improvement.

thats pretty much it, as far as the cons and I'm not concerned about battery life since I'm always around a charger of some sort. The GPS is pretty damn good, screen is very vivid and clear, call quality is great (no dropped calls). I couldn't be happier with any other phone, at the moment.
 
From what I understand the galaxy s2 actually has more superior hardware than the galaxy nexus. The only thing that worries me is the fact that ICS was designed to work on screens with 1280x720 res. while the galaxy s2 only has a 800x480 or whatever...but I think the s2 will more than handle ICS.
 
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