Quote:
Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm
Okay, and I obviously think the Nexus 4 is number one and the S3 isn't. Don't know why you didn't like that, since you seem to understand it's personal preference.
I'm not a guy that roots phones, wouldn't even know where to begin but I can't imagine going to that ugly overlay Samsung puts over Android. I've used an S3 on several occasions and I much prefer pure android.
Whatever, personal choice, right?
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With the hardware all now running things without issue, it does come to software and usability.
Have a Note II currently, and never liked the Samsung interface on previous S2 a couple years ago. The on screen menu on the Stock Note 2 takes up so much of the lower phone, so I looked for options without rooting.
Easy fix, Nova Launcher. So much more customizeable, and minimalist, very close to stock andriod IMO in look and feel, but the ability to tweak some of those little things like grid size, resizing widgets and a lot of little things that you can play with, not available with Touchwiz or pure stock Android. Speed is adjustable, and better too.
So,outside of my shaw email on the stock app (which I could change), and things such as the options menu, there's very little that I actually am exposed to Samsung-wise...3rd party SMS, Chrome Browser. Gmail App. Samsung guts and features (like Multiview) are still there behind the scenes and easily accessible.
If (ok, when) I switch to the next phone, it will be about the physical specs as always, but with the higher end phones all able to run smoothly now, its about the other things that software tweaks can't over come. That's camera, and physical dimensions, premium feel and screen resoultion. Update on the Nexus devices as well, especially if they move to whatever 5.0 software will be called later this year, is a factor.
The Note 2 is great phone, and can deal with the size as I have. The pen is handy more then I would think, and things like Multiview are awesome when required, and its a beast of a phone as far as specs. But, still not the most mobile of devices and the plastic-ness isn't my cup of tea. However, in winter, not really that mobile myself too much...easy to use on the train to and from work. Plus winter means always having a jacket pocket to throw it in to. But come summer, and when out and about more, a smaller form factor would be better.
Anyways, those not happy with the stock software experience/appearance, try a non-stock launcher like Nova. Makes a huge difference.