Got a problem finding the ideal phone

[shortylickens]

I liked the body on my Z1 Compact, but didnt care that much for Sony software.

I like the software that came with my Note 2 and samsung generally seems to have nice features, even the stuff in Settings is better than on most other phones. But their bodies are kinda crummy and all their top end models have huge screens.

Is everyone finding the S5 comfortable in their pants pocket? Does the case scratch easily? Is an S5 Mini scheduled any time soon?

 

[gmaster456]

You could run a different launcher or see if there are any custom roms available for the Z1 compact.

 

[sweenish]

I can almost guarantee that an S5 mini would be terrible compared to a Z1 compact.

Sony is one of the only OEMs that actually puts flagship in the smaller devices. The S5 mini will likely be gimped beyond what is reasonable.

 

[Oyeve]

I just gave up on my S5 2 days ago. I went back to my note 3. Launcher would randomly crash, missed phone calls, etc etc. The only thing i will miss is the camera. Will sell or give to son but my son loves his S4.

 

[jmai87]

I honestly don't see what the big issue is with non-OEM software. They all are kind of terrible, but you can easily get rid of it by running a 3rd party launcher. When I look at new phones, I look at everything but the software because I know I can modify it to my liking anyway, so it's not a huge deal.

I was seriously contemplating the Z1 compact as well. Seems like the only reasonably sized Android phone with high end specs...

 

[shortylickens]

I honestly don't see what the big issue is with non-OEM software. They all are kind of terrible, but you can easily get rid of it by running a 3rd party launcher. When I look at new phones, I look at everything but the software because I know I can modify it to my liking anyway, so it's not a huge deal.

I was seriously contemplating the Z1 compact as well. Seems like the only reasonably sized Android phone with high end specs...

It is. Nobody else makes a high end mini phone right now. Having carried around the Note 2 I think I could easily move to the S5 and be happy with a smaller body thats also water resistant.

 

[gorcorps]

I just gave up on my S5 2 days ago. I went back to my note 3. Launcher would randomly crash, missed phone calls, etc etc. The only thing i will miss is the camera. Will sell or give to son but my son loves his S4.

I'll take it

I'm sure your son would LOVE the Galaxy s4 active I have instead of that crummy s5...

 

[jhansman]

I opted for the S4 when my S3 bit the dust. Love it, and would buy again in a minute. Got a good deal from (gasp!) AT&T on it as well. Great phone; perfect size and weight, definitely feels like an upgrade to the S3. My only complaint (always) is all the crap AT&T and Samsung load up on the poor thing. When it's out of warranty, I'll root it and either put on a custom ROM or just pull off all the cruft.

 

[96Firebird]

Is everyone finding the S5 comfortable in their pants pocket? Does the case scratch easily?

I've had my S5 for about a month now, and it fits fine in all my pant's pockets. In one pair it almost shows, but that is unique to that pair of jeans. I don't find the size to be that big of a deal, even coming from my comparably small Galaxy Nexus. I'm not sure what you mean by case scratching easily. I have a case over mine, was cheap and does fine. If you mean the back cover, I don't think that will scratch easily.

 

[s44]

I opted for the S4 when my S3 bit the dust. Love it, and would buy again in a minute. Got a good deal from (gasp!) AT&T on it as well. Great phone; perfect size and weight, definitely feels like an upgrade to the S3. My only complaint (always) is all the crap AT&T and Samsung load up on the poor thing. When it's out of warranty, I'll root it and either put on a custom ROM or just pull off all the cruft.

You can disable basically everything without root. Just go to Application settings.

But by the time it's out of warranty, you may not be able to root it any more! Exploits are getting scarcer and scarcer. Since Towelroot doesn't trip Knox, and SuperSU disables Knox, I'd just leave it rooted and plan to Odin back if you need a warranty return.

 

[jhansman]

You can disable basically everything without root. Just go to Application settings.

But by the time it's out of warranty, you may not be able to root it any more! Exploits are getting scarcer and scarcer. Since Towelroot doesn't trip Knox, and SuperSU disables Knox, I'd just leave it rooted and plan to Odin back if you need a warranty return.

Not really. When you chose Uninstall/Disable apps, far too many are unavailable for that action. Keep in mind, this does not uninstall the vendor/provider apps, only hides them. If I could rid myself of Flipboard alone, I'd be happy (what a PITA app). It's OK; I can wait until it's out of warranty, or just go with a Google offering. I can live with (and use) the Gapps.

 

[dawheat]

Not really. When you chose Uninstall/Disable apps, far too many are unavailable for that action. Keep in mind, this does not uninstall the vendor/provider apps, only hides them. If I could rid myself of Flipboard alone, I'd be happy (what a PITA app). It's OK; I can wait until it's out of warranty, or just go with a Google offering. I can live with (and use) the Gapps.

If you have root, you can use Titanium Backup to either freeze any app or convert it to a user app so you can disable it.