Galaxy SIII or Motor Razr Maxx

Razr Maxx vs. GSIII

  • Razr Maxx

    Votes: 7 8.6%

  • Samsung GSIII

    Votes: 74 91.4%
  • Total voters
    81
N

nobody_here

[H]F Junkie
Joined
Feb 1, 2006
Messages
8,878
I love to root and rom, but it appears that can mostly be done on both. I am wondering what the majority of you think would be the better choice. The tried and true Motorola hardware with undeniable battery longevity(albeit unremovable battery); or the superior screen and hardware of the Samsung? I can get the Razr Maxx this week for $69.99 or pre-order the GSIII for $169.99. I don't mind the price for a two year investment. So I don't want price to sway the vote. What say you?
 
Missing the option for waiting on the Droid-Fighter, that is Motorola's upcoming Android 4.0 ICS phone, with 720p screen, running 4.0.4, MAXX battery life, but still super thin, and Moto's new UI is supposed to be way more stripped down, than Motoblur,. Phone is due out in July/August.
 
I say go with the S3. Battery life for the Exynos based GS3 and for the S4 based (which is what our GS3 will have) HTC One X has been pretty damn good and should last you a day pretty easily. I would also say "wait for the Razr HD", but you said you love to root and ROM and no Moto phone is going to have a better dev community than any Samsung phone due to their insistence on locking their bootloaders. They can't blame the carrier anymore because Verizon had no prob letting the Gnex and Rezound on their network with unlockable bootloaders.
 
I don't want to wait too long to decide because of the unconfirmed leak that my unlimited 4G data may not be carried forward when they release the pending shared data plans. I would like to have another two years of unlimited 4G data.
 
nobody_here said:
I don't want to wait too long to decide because of the unconfirmed leak that my unlimited 4G data may not be carried forward when they release the pending shared data plans. I would like to have another two years of unlimited 4G data.
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That "unconfirmed leak" was an official statement put out by Verizon. There's no doubt about it; when they implement the new shared data plans, you will not be able to keep your unlimited data plan and will be forced into the new shared plan when you go to upgrade after that point. The only way to keep your unlimited data after that is to buy your phones unsubsidized so you're not renewing your contract and you can just stay on Verizon with your current plan.

That said, I'm sure they will announce the day they plan to implement the shared data plans at least a few days out. So you should have a small window to get get a subsidized phone and and buy you unlimited data for another 2 years at least. It seems like their GS III will launch this month since they're taking preorders this Wednesday, which surprises me because I half-expected them to hold off all major phone launches this summer until after the data plan change to force people off of unlimited data. Maybe they'll wait for the next phone in the Droid line since they care about those much more than anything else. So yeah, that just re-affirms my vote to get the GS III now. I'll bet they screw up with the Razr HD too and not put the 3300 mAh battery from the Maxx in it or something stupid. It's bad enough they insist on locking/encrypting the bootloader.
 
I personally find no reason for any phone to not have enough battery life after using my wife's Maxx. I hope they don't announce the data plans between when the GSIII is pre-ordered and when it ships. I specifically asked about that today and the rep told me if they launch the shared data after the pre-order date but after the ship date that everyone who pre-ordered will be subject to the terms at time of shipment. So pre-ordering the GSIII is not without risk.
 
nobody_here said:
I personally find no reason for any phone to not have enough battery life after using my wife's Maxx. I hope they don't announce the data plans between when the GSIII is pre-ordered and when it ships. I specifically asked about that today and the rep told me if they launch the shared data after the pre-order date but after the ship date that everyone who pre-ordered will be subject to the terms at time of shipment. So pre-ordering the GSIII is not without risk.
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Yeah, once they hit that button to enable shared data plans, there's no going back and no way for you to keep that unlimited data plan (at least for a normal tier 1 rep). So I wouldn't think pre-ordering now would help any. I don't see any point in pre-ordering anyways, it's not like the phone is going to sell out for several days like an iPhone at launch. I'm sure it will sell well, but not that crazy.

It's possible that Verizon might implement the shared data plans this month before the S III launch, but I doubt they will. I'd say it will prolly happen mid to late July, about the same time that they killed unlimited data and started the tiered plans last year. Don't ask why, it's just a hunch. I'll bet it will be right before (or on the day) that they launch the next Droid/Razr phone too :p.
 
T4rd said:
That "unconfirmed leak" was an official statement put out by Verizon. There's no doubt about it; when they implement the new shared data plans, you will not be able to keep your unlimited data plan and will be forced into the new shared plan when you go to upgrade after that point. The only way to keep your unlimited data after that is to buy your phones unsubsidized so you're not renewing your contract and you can just stay on Verizon with your current plan.
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You might think you are gaming the system by not upgrading, but Verizon could simply do what ATT did and throttle "unlimited" users after 2gb back down to 1X/EDGE speeds, thus turning your phone into a paper weight unless you move to the new plans.
 
ComputerBox34 said:
You might think you are gaming the system by not upgrading, but Verizon could simply do what ATT did and throttle "unlimited" users after 2gb back down to 1X/EDGE speeds, thus turning your phone into a paper weight unless you move to the new plans.
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I never use that much data anyways but would rather keep my options open.
 
ComputerBox34 said:
You might think you are gaming the system by not upgrading, but Verizon could simply do what ATT did and throttle "unlimited" users after 2gb back down to 1X/EDGE speeds, thus turning your phone into a paper weight unless you move to the new plans.
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AT&T's soft cap is actually 3 GBs.

They can only throttle on their 3G network. As it stands right now, they only "optimize" 3G users if they're part of the top 5% of data users on that tower and it's only temporary until network congestion clears up there (as opposed to subscribers having to wait until the end of the billing cycle like AT&T/T-Mobile users do). 4G users are not affected. This is because the FCC won't allow them to throttle on their 4G/LTE network. So, for as long as I'm on contract with unlimited data (the next 22 months or so right now), they can not touch my plan or my 4G data bandwidth without breaching my contract and/or violating the FCC's regulations.

After I get off my contract though and start buying my phones unsubsidized, then they can change whatever they want on my account since we're no longer under any contractual agreement. So it's quite possible that at that point in time, they could force me off of my unlimited data plan with no penalty whatsoever. But at the same time, I can leave them at that point with no penalties either. Which I probably would since I'm sure by then, Sprints LTE network will be somewhat widespread and I will just move to them (as long as they still offer unlimited data, which they seem pretty adamant on keeping because it's really their only differentiation from their competitors). Anyways, I'm not that worried about it right now because for almost another two years, I don't have to worry about anything changing. I'll deal with it when the time comes, then I'll finagle my way to unlimited data any way I can on Verizon, because their service and coverage is the best. Hopefully that's not true for long though, because competition is good and Verizon needs to be knocked down a peg or two, IMO.
 
The preorder of an S3 will be honored with your grandfathered unlimited data plan. This was stated by Verizon. My guess is the week after the S3 ships the shared family data plans will be announced and go into effect. The following week the fighter/MAXX HD preorders will probably be announced. I'll probably preorder the 32gb S3 for 250 as opposed to over $600 for the fighter to keep my data plan as it is.
 
Tark said:
The preorder of an S3 will be honored with your grandfathered unlimited data plan. This was stated by Verizon. My guess is the week after the S3 ships the shared family data plans will be announced and go into effect. The following week the fighter/MAXX HD preorders will probably be announced. I'll probably preorder the 32gb S3 for 250 as opposed to over $600 for the fighter to keep my data plan as it is.
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There is a grey area that concerns me though, which is the period between when you request the pre-ordered device and when it actually comes in and ships. According to the droid-life article you are referring to "they" spoke to an unnamed Verizon "PR rep" who said if you pre-order you get to keep your unlimited data. But they weren't specifically talking in reference to the scenario I am referring to.

To put that statement in context, the question was raised as it was referring to the mouse type on the preorder page at VZW that says you can get it for $199 "on a two year contract renewal and that that price requires a data pak with 2Gb of data"

According to the VZW customer service rep I spoke to yesterday, he said when you call to pre-order there is no contractual obligation on either end. You simply get your name in the queue for one. When it actually comes in and ships is when you get billed, or you choose to not accept the terms as they are on the day they attempt to bill it. VZW's entire system works around transaction dates. You can walk in a store and they can tell you anything but what is on the receipt you sign is what you agree to. What they said be damned. Same goes for phone/internet transactions.

So the grey area is between 6-6-12 and the assumed ship date of 6-21-12. According to the rep I spoke to, although highly unlikely, if you pre-order and say on 6-18-12 they launch shared data and do impose the "no grandfathered data on subsidized devices" policy, then that will be the contract terms you will have to accept on 6-21-12 if you still want the device for $199 on a two year renewal.

I find his explanation much more accurate from personal experience. The unnamed PR rep in the droid-life article was probably speaking out of pocket (they are PR after all) and they were also referring to a somewhat different scenario.
 
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My understanding is that the 16/32 GB option is onboard and leaves the microSD slot free. I do need to clarify this but I believe that 64GB is possible on this phone.
 
well shit, cant pre-order because I don't have the extra cash, was planning on having it billed to my account like usual and paying the next bill in full as that works with my cash flow....but when I called I was told "with this iconic device like the iphone" the preorders are paid in full only and regular orders have to wait until July 9th when they come in stock....

of course by then how much you want to bet they drop the shared data and I can't bring my unlimited data across....
 
nobody_here said:
"with this iconic device like the iphone" the preorders are paid in full only and regular orders have to wait until July 9th when they come in stock....
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Wait, so are they saying the phone will be for sale on the 9th? :confused:

Edit: Wow, it seems so. I'm amazed that Verizon is getting it first. This coupled with them having the Gnex first by a wide margin is quite the anomaly for them, hah.
 
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T4rd said:
Wait, so are they saying the phone will be for sale on the 9th? :confused:

Edit: Wow, it seems so. I'm amazed that Verizon is getting it first. This coupled with them having the Gnex first by a wide margin is quite the anomaly for them, hah.
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yeah, i figured VZW was getting some sort of exclusivity on it
 
umm not sure where you two are seeing it at Verizon is getting it first or any kind of exclusivity when all other carriers are supposed to get it mid/end of June lol :p. Since its July, wouldn't that make Verizon dead last?
 
onedestinazn2 said:
umm not sure where you two are seeing it at Verizon is getting it first or any kind of exclusivity when all other carriers are supposed to get it mid/end of June lol :p. Wouldn't that make Verizon dead last?
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ah, you're right, the others are claiming June 21st, not July 21st as I thought...lol
 
onedestinazn2 said:
I'd still call it a win for all US carriers looking back at how long it took to get the GS2 stateside, glad samsung up'd their game this time
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Hell yeah. I was totally prepared to see them launch at least 2-3 months apart like the original Galaxy S and S II launches.
 
I ordered the 16 GB Blue this morning. The customer service rep I talked to said that the additional 16 GB is in the micro slot for the 32 GB model. I would really like to know for certain if the 32 GB model is all onboard or 16+16 GB.
 
nobody_here said:
ah, you're right, the others are claiming June 21st, not July 21st as I thought...lol
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Apple trying to block this since they are still trying to sue google/samsung over the gnex, they are attempting to get this blocked.
 
Tark said:
I ordered the 16 GB Blue this morning. The customer service rep I talked to said that the additional 16 GB is in the micro slot for the 32 GB model. I would really like to know for certain if the 32 GB model is all onboard or 16+16 GB.
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I hope that's not true because I ordered the 32GB model..
 
I can go to the Samsung Galaxy SIII because I know today it is not available in the market but I have seen this mobile's preview and read the its features. I really like it very much and I think It is better than the Motor Razr Maxx.
 
If it comes in 16, 32, and 64 sizes...it makes it kind of hard to imagine them doing an SD card for 16 + x. Especially since 64 would mean it needs a 48GB SD card. It'll be (size) + free SD slot.


(Incidentally, I preordered the 16GB in white. I'll pull the 16GB I have in my Droid X out of it and toss it in the S3...although with Google Music, I really don't have much use for the SD card any more)
 
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After getting accustomed to the internal 32 gb memory of the GNex LTE, I can easily go without the SD card.

Everything is in the cloud, man
 
the 28nm dual core Snapdragon S4 will sip the power and still has the same size battery as the quadcore international version... nicer phone id say
 
I talked with a Verizon Rep today and he said they got new spec sheets in for the S3 that they did not have till late yesterday. The 32GB model is all onboard so he helped me to cancel my 16GB preorder and set up my 32GB order. He also informed me that the onboard slot will have cards up to 64GB like the S2. This is the Verizon medels and may not be true for all Carriers. Some sites were saying micro slot would only handle 32GB. I still have my same unlimited data plan and its stated on the order confirmation.
 
Tark said:
I talked with a Verizon Rep today and he said they got new spec sheets in for the S3 that they did not have till late yesterday. The 32GB model is all onboard so he helped me to cancel my 16GB preorder and set up my 32GB order. He also informed me that the onboard slot will have cards up to 64GB like the S2. This is the Verizon medels and may not be true for all Carriers. Some sites were saying micro slot would only handle 32GB. I still have my same unlimited data plan and its stated on the order confirmation.
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Just FYI, most phones support 64GB SD cards despite them only specifying compatibility up to 32GBs. So if the spec sheets only say 32GB cards are supported on the GS III, I'd be surprised if it didn't actually support a 64GB SD card like most phones do. I'm pretty sure even my old OG Droid worked with 64GB cards.
 
psyclist said:
the 28nm dual core Snapdragon S4 will sip the power and still has the same size battery as the quadcore international version... nicer phone id say
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I agree completely, some nerds are just obsessed with more cores tho. it's been like that forever.
 
Tark said:
I talked with a Verizon Rep today and he said they got new spec sheets in for the S3 that they did not have till late yesterday. The 32GB model is all onboard so he helped me to cancel my 16GB preorder and set up my 32GB order. He also informed me that the onboard slot will have cards up to 64GB like the S2. This is the Verizon medels and may not be true for all Carriers. Some sites were saying micro slot would only handle 32GB. I still have my same unlimited data plan and its stated on the order confirmation.
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How does Android handle a micro-SD card expansion when the /sd partition will most likely be on the phone?

That essentially makes SD card useless because Android apps will only utilize the /sd partition located in the non-removable storage part of the phone while the SD card will most likely be under the /sd-ext. Moto started doing this with their newest phones and it annoyed the shit out of me.
 
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