iPhone 4s Vs Samsung Galaxy S II

[neash]

A question for all the geeks out there. Cannot decide between iPhone 4s and Samsung Galaxy S II. I have been a longtime iphone user, so would love to keep all my apps. On the other hand the Galaxy looks pretty neat. I think the deciding factor would be the voice integration. How does Siri in the iOS compare with Google's voice recognition?

TIA

 

[Elan]

Don't know if you saw this article that I posted previously:

http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/42401/iphone-4s-vs-samsung-galaxy-s-2

 

[neash]

I did see this thanks. I was wondering specifically about the speech recognition. Since it is integrated into the iOS, it works seamlessly with the native apps like weather, calendar, alarm clock, etc. Does google's voice recognition do that? Maybe I should go to the store and check it out.

 

[MichaelColey]

I've been impressed with Siri's integration into iOS 5 on the iPhone 4S and the breadth of things it can respond to. It's well integrated with all the main built-in apps, but it's functional elsewhere also because it also adds a microphone icon to the keyboard and all you have to do is tap that and speak and it'll transcribe what you say. I've used that quite a bit with third party apps. Give it a test-drive. I'm sure you'll be impressed.

I can't speak for the Galaxy or Google's voice recognition since I've never used or seen it, but I'm extremely happy with Siri and the iPhone.

 

[LUVourMarriotts]

I used to be an Android user and loved my phone at the beginning. But, it crashed all the time (OS not completely stable yet) and the battery life was horrible. I know people with newer Android phones that say the same 2 problems still exist.

I am now an iPhone user and love it. As far as Siri vs Google voice recognition, you can pretty much get both on the iPhone. I don't have the 4S, just a 4. But I have the Google app, which allows me to talk whatever I want and it spits out a google response, on screen.

The one thing that I really miss from Android was the Google Navigation, which I thought was stellar with the voice nav, etc. I've found some apps on the iPhone (free) that replace that, but not as good. Other than that, so much happier with iPhone. And, recently ordered my wife the 4S.

 

[Elan]

Just thought I'd mention that the Galaxy Nexus (with Android 4.0 and a 4.65" AMOLED HD screen) is due out next month.

 

[stevedmatt]

I have no personal experience with an IPhone, but the voice recognition on the Samsung Galaxy S2 is amazing IMO.

The biggest thing I noticed when just looking at an IPhone 4 and my Samsung side by side was the quality of the display. The IPhone owner was amazed at my screen.

I've had the Samsung for about a week, so I am still trying to get used to it, but it is quite cool and a huge upgrade from my Palm.

 

[neash]

I have no personal experience with an IPhone, but the voice recognition on the Samsung Galaxy S2 is amazing IMO.

The biggest thing I noticed when just looking at an IPhone 4 and my Samsung side by side was the quality of the display. The IPhone owner was amazed at my screen.

I've had the Samsung for about a week, so I am still trying to get used to it, but it is quite cool and a huge upgrade from my Palm.

Great to hear that. Is the voice recognition well integrated? Can I talk to the phone? like text to speech for messages?

 

[Corman]

new operating system has been announced for android. I am impressed with the new features.
Android just keeps getting better and better.

 

[harris.margaret9]

I got an iPhone 4 and I must say that I loved using it, but iPhone 4S is a disappointment and so I am going for Samsung Galaxy S2. I am happy from all the reviews, ill surely buy it in the next month.

 

[stevedmatt]

Great to hear that. Is the voice recognition well integrated? Can I talk to the phone? like text to speech for messages?

Speech to text works very well. I have to enunciate a little better at times, but if I speak clearly, it is almost flawless.

I just recently tried to use the voice command feature for calling and texting a person just by speaking their name. I think I may have too many contacts because I often get the wrong contact. They do say that this feature works better with a high quality bluetooth.

 

[timeos2]

As a LONG time Palm user I must say the Android is good, but not as well integrated with contacts/calendar as the Palm is. But the speed (4G - something the iPhone unbelievably does NOT have nor can it be upgraded!) makes up for other not quite perfect implementations. As you say it gets better everyday so I'm happy with mine.

I do miss the compact size of the Palm as well as the true, dedicated keyboard but WOW - the Android with Verizons 4G is just blow you away fast and that makes the other issues practically disappear. Plus I've found the battery life - a big question on Android & other 4G phones - to be excellent on the Bionic. Easily 8-10 hours with near all day use - 12+ if you are just making a few calls & an occasional check of email & web.

A HP seems to have killed Palm (for now) so the Android is a very acceptable option & far better than the iPhones I've tried. The 4s is a joke - it is barely an upgrade over the 4 and certainly not worth paying more to upgrade if you have a 4 already. Far better to go with something different & up to date with one of the many Android choices.

 

[neash]

As a LONG time Palm user I must say the Android is good, but not as well integrated with contacts/calendar as the Palm is. But the speed (4G - something the iPhone unbelievably does NOT have nor can it be upgraded!) makes up for other not quite perfect implementations. As you say it gets better everyday so I'm happy with mine.

I do miss the compact size of the Palm as well as the true, dedicated keyboard but WOW - the Android with Verizons 4G is just blow you away fast and that makes the other issues practically disappear. Plus I've found the battery life - a big question on Android & other 4G phones - to be excellent on the Bionic. Easily 8-10 hours with near all day use - 12+ if you are just making a few calls & an occasional check of email & web.

A HP seems to have killed Palm (for now) so the Android is a very acceptable option & far better than the iPhones I've tried. The 4s is a joke - it is barely an upgrade over the 4 and certainly not worth paying more to upgrade if you have a 4 already. Far better to go with something different & up to date with one of the many Android choices.

I agree with the 4G speeds, but I am an Apple fan, so I am biased
Besides I was at the ATT store today and tested the Galaxy S 2. I like everything about it, except its speech recognition. I have heard they have made it better in the next version of the OS.

 

[siesta]

HTC Amaze is capable of faster 4g speeds. Samsung has a wider, nicer screen but "regular" 4g speed.

To answer OP, id take either the htc or samsung over the apple 4gs

 

[MichaelColey]

The 4s is a joke - it is barely an upgrade over the 4 and certainly not worth paying more to upgrade if you have a 4 already.

I would have to respectfully disagree. I upgraded from a 4 to a 4S. The camera is considerably better, and Siri is incredible. It's twice as fast (although that's not something you can easily see) and it has twice as much storage. (I'm disregarding the iOS 5 improvements, which are very nice as well, since you don't need a 4S for those.)

My wife isn't eligible for an upgrade yet, and she's quite jealous.

I think the perceived value would have been higher if they had called it an iPhone 5 rather than an iPhone 4S, but Apple definitely delivered a solid upgrade either way.

 

[lvhmbh]

Google is bringing out the Galaxy Nexus (Samsung) in November. After reading a review I have told my DH that I want one. Don't like his Iphone and have a Samsung now.

 

[neash]

There's also the Droid Razr coming out next month.
But I am just not getting excited about android. I think I will stick with the iPhone.

 

[irish]

so NOT a geek, but love my iphone 4s. then again, i am a devotee of APPLE!!

 

[Elan]

Early review of Galaxy Nexus:

http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/42661/samsung-galaxy-nexus-pictures-preview

 

[lvhmbh]

Thank you Elan - now I really know I want it! :whoopie:

 

[timeos2]

Supposedly the new Razr from Motorola - lighter, thinner & far more featured than the iPhone 4s is due in the next 2 weeks. A real show stopper.

 

[pwrshift]

You guys drive me crazy and are probably the reason I'm still using a 4 year old Blackberry Curve. Every time I get interested in changing I read here about all the features of the next new phone due in another month or so and when it's announced I read it's not up to par and there's a better one coming in another month. So I wait delay wait delay...etc.

 

[timeos2]

You guys drive me crazy and are probably the reason I'm still using a 4 year old Blackberry Curve. Every time I get interested in changing I read here about all the features of the next new phone due in another month or so and when it's announced I read it's not up to par and there's a better one coming in another month. So I wait delay wait delay...etc.

Like the old days of BETA vs VHS and the seemingly monthly improvements in each format you have to pick a moment in time - a phone that meets your needs - and be happy with it for 2-3 years. If you've gone 4 since a change whatever you choose will be a monstrous upgrade for you that should serve you well for years if you make a move.

It will also get replaced with "faster, smaller, better" model within a few weeks...

 

[lvhmbh]

DH and GS are getting the 4S - mainly because DH's Iphone crashed all the time.
ATT seemed to think it was the antenna on the phone as my Samsung was merrily holding all calls. We could sit side by side and I'd be yakking away and he'd be swearing because his dropped. Anyway, they upgraded hoping to alleviate the problem. GS's didn't drop but he wanted the new one and since it was virtually free..... Linda

 

[Jolie11]

Hmm, If were I, I would like the iPhone 4S. The iOS 5's new feature iCloud and iMessenge really attracted me.
And can get many apps for it:
http://www.enolsoft.com/blog/best-free-iphone-4s-apps/