I was hesitant at first to get the Nexus S. It wasn't much better on paper than the Vibrant Galaxy S I owned. So far I've been very happy. The experience of a clean 2.3 install is amazing. The carriers are shooting themselves in the foot by installing bloatware and the handset manufactures are shooting themselves in the foot by modifying the skin.
I could have waited for 2.3 from Samsung but I lost faith in them. Too many promises broken over time. TouchWiz is junkie and to much to support. Samsung doesn't care about keeping the experience up to date, they'd rather I just buy a new phone. So I'm voting with my dollars and getting a phone from someone who will update it. (I do see the irony in that Samsung actually manufactured the Nexus S)
But I also am apprehensive about the Nexus S. There is no Best Buy in my town that sells T-Mobile service. I had to argue with the cell phone sales rep who told me the only way to get one was to order online. Turns out they were in a closet behind another box. How is a non-technical person going to behold the beauty of such a phone when it's not even out on the show floor.
"...I love my Nexus One and was hesitant to replace it but the Nexus S looks like the exact same phone, just better..."
Same phone? Really?
I was really looking forward to the S to replace my N1 but no matter how I slice it I keep coming up disappointed on the hardware. No SD slot, no trackball/touch-pad, no notification light, all items I use regularly. I really want to continue the pure Google experience and immediate updates but as of today I prefer the Desire Z specs over this phone by a significant margin. I am feeling really torn so I'm going to keep the N1 for awhile I guess.
I am surprised at the feature regression yet, my Droid has no trackpad, I have never used the D-Pad, the same SD card has been in my phone for a year and then some.
Here, the Pay As You Go model is £549.95 and the Pay Monthly model is free from £30/month with the usual low low usage caps (and in some cases apparently no internet allowance included at all?).
However the sim-free model is a slightly more reasonable £430, on the same website. The page is harder to find. I have absolutely no idea why anyone would order the PAYG "model" (as in it's exactly the same phone) instead of this + a free sim card from any provider.
I tried a Nexus S demo phone the other day, and was disappointed (comparing it with an iPhone 4). The Nexus (and most all Android) phones are jerky compared with iOS. It's also not as responsive. An example, when I zoom in to a webpage it takes a second to respond and then it zooms with a jerky motion. Android doesn't seem to respond as fast to swipes as well. I've had the G1, Nexus One, Evo 4g... and they've all been horrible to me. The biggest advantage Android has over the iPhone is price and a wide selection of handsets. I'm hoping Android 3.0 will bring a big design overhaul.
I believe 3.0 will be the big UI overhaul. In looking at the change list in 2.3 it seems to me they really focused on cleaning up core issues with the OS. You'll see most of these listed under categories like "for game developers" but I expect they are also in the process of rewriting the UI to use all the new low-level functionality as well.
>An example, when I zoom in to a webpage it takes a second to respond and then it zooms with a jerky motion.
I just sat here trying to reproduce that on any normal web page and couldn't, on my Nexus One. No matter where I go I get perfectly smooth zooming synchronous while I'm pinching, no kind of lag or delay whatsoever. The only place I got anything remotely like lag was by turning Flash on and going to a flash heavy web site. I can't imagine that the Nexus S is worse than the Nexus One.
I'm not sure the perceived "improvements" (especially regarding to the speed) is due to hardware or software upgrades, as NS is still the only official 2.3 game in town.
Hardware wise, Nexus S doesn't have a spec that can totally blow you away. But when N1 came, it was clear that N1 was the king, and it was so for quite a while.
The speed improvements are both. Hummingbird is a crazy beast but the low level touch improvements are showing. There is visible lag on my Mom's stock Droid 2.2 phone with few apps. Running a preliminary build of CM+AOSP 2.3 on my Droid is unbelievable. Same CPU speed, but my Droid now handles like a Droid X. It's truly, truly crazy.
The UI enhancements are subtle but have a huge effect. This feels like a bigger upgrade than 2.0 -> 2.2 was... (and this is just a AOSP build two days after source was released).
The difference between the Nexus One and Nexus S is that when the Nexus One came out not only was it the best spec'ed Android phone you could get, but it would be the best spec'ed for some time.
While I think you can argue that the Nexus S is the best spec'ed Android phone today (and I think there's an argument to be made against it, with phones like the Epic 4G that includes 4G support, while the S doesn't have HSPA+, a really odd omission), it seems pretty clear that this will be pretty short lived... we've already seen leaks of phones like the Optimus 2X that will be out shortly
All he said was that there is a higher learning curve to the bottom buttons and that purchasing apps was slightly more difficult. All of this was in self-contained in a single paragraph.
What are you talking about? I only see one complaint and it was that purchases are hard. Maybe relatively, but I can buy an app in less than 30 seconds, certainly not that hard.
He compares it to an iPhone experience. Personally, I don't prefer the iPhone experience and I think this is the most polished and responsive Android yet. I think it is smooth like the iPhone but without sacrificing the UI/navigation paradigms and organization that I've come to love about Android (and coincidentally, many iOS->Android converts find they enjoy after getting over the initial "but it's not how the iPhone/Win7/Mac/whatever works" feelings).
To elaborate, everyone has expressed disappointment that this wasn't the major re-GUI that everyone was expecting, but the touches of color and black-ification is really quite nice when you see it in person. The light highlite at the bottom of a scrollable list, the new notification bar and consistent icons... it all feels really really nice on my Droid. I can only imagine how gorgeous it is on an AMOLED screens where the black is really black.
The lack of HD video recording absolutely blows me away. How could they _remove_ features from the Nexus S line? Make the damn thing a half millimeter thicker if you have to and it will still be thinner that the old version plus a Flip video.
I think it's more likely that he means taking a photo of yourself is easier with the front camera, as you can see the image on the screen as you do it.
Easiest way is to buy the device at Best Buy and then go to a physical T-Mobile store and setup an account. Go prepaid or request the deprecated "Even More Plus" plan - they still can set one up if you ask. Saves you about $10/month.
Yeah, I'm also interested in getting a smartphone on prepaid (or postpaid, whatever, I don't care as long as I don't have to sign a contract). I hear it's possible with this phone, but I'm having trouble finding out all the info.
Though actually, having spent the last week carrying around an iPod Touch in a large building with wifi, I think perhaps I'm better off being unable to access my email.
If you want pre-paid, just call and they'll mail a sim out to you. I did that and ported my ATT number over with no problems. They can't do pre-paid in store, I don't think.
I've had a similar experience with my Droid (as has my girlfriend). It's super flaky, and it feels like it has gotten worse over time, rather than better.
Whether it's the hardware or Android, I'm not sure, but what I am sure of is that I won't be buying another Android phone when my contract's up. I just don't want to risk having another phone as glitchy as this one.
I just recommended a Droid 2/X/whatever the latest version is to a client because they advertise support for Exchange. Supposedly it works great, etc. etc. Anecdotes seemed to indicate it worked fine on Froyo so I had her get something with that.
Then she emails me saying she can't get it to work, and apparently the Moto ROM has some issue that can make it difficult to get Exchange support working. Makes me seriously bummed out and feel bad inside.
My wife and I have G1s running CyanogenMod 6.1. Mine works pretty well, but my wife is having pretty constant issues, and has with all the ROMs we've installed. These include the wrong app launching, text messages going to the wrong people, unbearable slowness, and more. The only conclusion I can reach there is that her phone is defective.
Let me guess, running Motorola's stock ROM? I'm so sorry for you. Funny, my mom uses her Droid all the time for gaming, emails, news, and doesn't even manage to have the problems you're having.
"Wrong apps launch when I press their buttons". What? Come on, I've never heard of that and have no idea how that would even be possible unless you're using LP/ADW.Launcher's custom shortcut functionality...
EDIT: I think I know what people are referring to, especially after reading one of the child comments here... when you are using an App, it can use an Intent to launch an Activity of another application to provide some piece of data. If you leave during that flow and come back to the original app... it can appear that you are still in the secondary app launched by the first.
It's not the "wrong" app, you just left the application in an awkward place and Android is trying to help you out.
[+] [-] Supermighty|15 years ago|reply
I could have waited for 2.3 from Samsung but I lost faith in them. Too many promises broken over time. TouchWiz is junkie and to much to support. Samsung doesn't care about keeping the experience up to date, they'd rather I just buy a new phone. So I'm voting with my dollars and getting a phone from someone who will update it. (I do see the irony in that Samsung actually manufactured the Nexus S)
But I also am apprehensive about the Nexus S. There is no Best Buy in my town that sells T-Mobile service. I had to argue with the cell phone sales rep who told me the only way to get one was to order online. Turns out they were in a closet behind another box. How is a non-technical person going to behold the beauty of such a phone when it's not even out on the show floor.
[+] [-] unknown|15 years ago|reply
[deleted]
[+] [-] 51Cards|15 years ago|reply
Same phone? Really?
I was really looking forward to the S to replace my N1 but no matter how I slice it I keep coming up disappointed on the hardware. No SD slot, no trackball/touch-pad, no notification light, all items I use regularly. I really want to continue the pure Google experience and immediate updates but as of today I prefer the Desire Z specs over this phone by a significant margin. I am feeling really torn so I'm going to keep the N1 for awhile I guess.
[+] [-] hugh3|15 years ago|reply
Why were you really looking forward to replacing a phone that still works with a new one that's basically the same?
[+] [-] jackolas|15 years ago|reply
[+] [-] drivebyacct2|15 years ago|reply
The notification light is a bummer though.
[+] [-] SandB0x|15 years ago|reply
The link from http://www.google.co.uk/nexus/ takes you to: http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/mobiles/mobile-phones/NEXUS...
Here, the Pay As You Go model is £549.95 and the Pay Monthly model is free from £30/month with the usual low low usage caps (and in some cases apparently no internet allowance included at all?).
However the sim-free model is a slightly more reasonable £430, on the same website. The page is harder to find. I have absolutely no idea why anyone would order the PAYG "model" (as in it's exactly the same phone) instead of this + a free sim card from any provider.
http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/mobiles/choose-tariff/NEXUS...
By the way, I've been using the giffgaff sim-only network for a month and recommend you take a look. Unmetered internet usage is the big one.
[+] [-] bsk|15 years ago|reply
[+] [-] dave1619|15 years ago|reply
[+] [-] 51Cards|15 years ago|reply
[+] [-] zmmmmm|15 years ago|reply
I just sat here trying to reproduce that on any normal web page and couldn't, on my Nexus One. No matter where I go I get perfectly smooth zooming synchronous while I'm pinching, no kind of lag or delay whatsoever. The only place I got anything remotely like lag was by turning Flash on and going to a flash heavy web site. I can't imagine that the Nexus S is worse than the Nexus One.
Are you sure you were really using a Nexus S?
[+] [-] sandipc|15 years ago|reply
[+] [-] fredliu|15 years ago|reply
Hardware wise, Nexus S doesn't have a spec that can totally blow you away. But when N1 came, it was clear that N1 was the king, and it was so for quite a while.
[+] [-] drivebyacct2|15 years ago|reply
The UI enhancements are subtle but have a huge effect. This feels like a bigger upgrade than 2.0 -> 2.2 was... (and this is just a AOSP build two days after source was released).
[+] [-] kenjackson|15 years ago|reply
While I think you can argue that the Nexus S is the best spec'ed Android phone today (and I think there's an argument to be made against it, with phones like the Epic 4G that includes 4G support, while the S doesn't have HSPA+, a really odd omission), it seems pretty clear that this will be pretty short lived... we've already seen leaks of phones like the Optimus 2X that will be out shortly
[+] [-] tvon|15 years ago|reply
[+] [-] numbchuckskills|15 years ago|reply
[deleted]
[+] [-] gcheong|15 years ago|reply
[+] [-] ghempton|15 years ago|reply
[+] [-] drivebyacct2|15 years ago|reply
He compares it to an iPhone experience. Personally, I don't prefer the iPhone experience and I think this is the most polished and responsive Android yet. I think it is smooth like the iPhone but without sacrificing the UI/navigation paradigms and organization that I've come to love about Android (and coincidentally, many iOS->Android converts find they enjoy after getting over the initial "but it's not how the iPhone/Win7/Mac/whatever works" feelings).
To elaborate, everyone has expressed disappointment that this wasn't the major re-GUI that everyone was expecting, but the touches of color and black-ification is really quite nice when you see it in person. The light highlite at the bottom of a scrollable list, the new notification bar and consistent icons... it all feels really really nice on my Droid. I can only imagine how gorgeous it is on an AMOLED screens where the black is really black.
[+] [-] pkulak|15 years ago|reply
[+] [-] tocomment|15 years ago|reply
If so that's awesome.
[+] [-] Toucan|15 years ago|reply
[+] [-] tocomment|15 years ago|reply
[+] [-] barake|15 years ago|reply
[+] [-] hugh3|15 years ago|reply
Though actually, having spent the last week carrying around an iPod Touch in a large building with wifi, I think perhaps I'm better off being unable to access my email.
[+] [-] pkulak|15 years ago|reply
[+] [-] ryanto|15 years ago|reply
[+] [-] mr_november|15 years ago|reply
[+] [-] joshu|15 years ago|reply
[+] [-] AndrewDucker|15 years ago|reply
[+] [-] kyleslattery|15 years ago|reply
Whether it's the hardware or Android, I'm not sure, but what I am sure of is that I won't be buying another Android phone when my contract's up. I just don't want to risk having another phone as glitchy as this one.
[+] [-] cookiecaper|15 years ago|reply
Then she emails me saying she can't get it to work, and apparently the Moto ROM has some issue that can make it difficult to get Exchange support working. Makes me seriously bummed out and feel bad inside.
My wife and I have G1s running CyanogenMod 6.1. Mine works pretty well, but my wife is having pretty constant issues, and has with all the ROMs we've installed. These include the wrong app launching, text messages going to the wrong people, unbearable slowness, and more. The only conclusion I can reach there is that her phone is defective.
[+] [-] drivebyacct2|15 years ago|reply
"Wrong apps launch when I press their buttons". What? Come on, I've never heard of that and have no idea how that would even be possible unless you're using LP/ADW.Launcher's custom shortcut functionality...
EDIT: I think I know what people are referring to, especially after reading one of the child comments here... when you are using an App, it can use an Intent to launch an Activity of another application to provide some piece of data. If you leave during that flow and come back to the original app... it can appear that you are still in the secondary app launched by the first.
It's not the "wrong" app, you just left the application in an awkward place and Android is trying to help you out.
[+] [-] martythemaniak|15 years ago|reply
[+] [-] aristidb|15 years ago|reply