[Valetinea]

It is rumored that Apple is planning to launch iPhone 5S with quad-core A7 processor. What do you think about it?

[ShortcutToMoncton]

I think the primary complaints that I see around here are more related to the iOS software, not the hardware. Although everyone seems to be craving a larger phone, the iPhone 5 is still incredibly small and light and amazing.

It's iOS people criticize, for better or worse.

[Waragainstsleep]

I really don't get this thing about bigger phones.

[Phileas]

Specs mean nothing, the experience everything.

I agree, Apple's hardware is second to none. They've just taken the eye off the ball as far as the OS is concerned. Hopefully, the recent changes, and firings, will help address that imbalance.

Speaking of hardware, has anybody seen the new HTC One? There's a worthy competitor for the iPhone right there. Stunning phone.

[Waragainstsleep]

I imagine we will see an iOS revamp courtesy of Sir Jony's last promotion but these things take time.

[jmiddel]

Originally Posted by Waragainstsleep 

I really don't get this thing about bigger phones.

Me neither, some of those big Galaxy phones are just so darn hard to hold. But then the fact that we have the new term 'phablet' means to me that some folks really want a device they can view movies etc on, while still being able to make calls. Say those who can't afford a smart phone and a tablet, or who are frequently on the go, where lugging an iPad might be onerous. I wonder what the response would be if the iPad mini came with a phone option.

[Waragainstsleep]

In the UK, I have seen more than one offer where if you sign up for a contract with a Galaxy S3 phone, they give you a Galaxy tab to go with it.

[subego]

As silly as it may sound, I think it's strongly related to hand size. I have small hands. I also prefer (have been trained by Apple) to use one-handed and do all input with my thumb. Even the 5 is a smidge too big for this. The 4 was pretty much the perfect form-factor for me ergonomically speaking.

[Valetinea]

Originally Posted by Waragainstsleep 

In the UK, I have seen more than one offer where if you sign up for a contract with a Galaxy S3 phone, they give you a Galaxy tab to go with it.

Samsung is a strong rival to apple right now. to be frank, samsung galaxy S3 is pretty good.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by subego 

I also prefer (have been trained by Apple) to use one-handed and do all input with my thumb. Even the 5 is a smidge too big for this. The 4 was pretty much the perfect form-factor for me ergonomically speaking.

This.

If I could have an iPhone 4S, but as slim as the iPhone 5, I'd be very happy.

-t

[imitchellg5]

Originally Posted by Waragainstsleep 

I really don't get this thing about bigger phones.

I went from a 4.7" Android phone to the iPhone 4S and the only thing I really didn't care for about screen size was you just had to scroll more in web pages, especially those that aren't mobile, and apps like Twitter. Having used the iPhone 5 a couple of times though, I think the added height really helps.

[Waragainstsleep]

Originally Posted by Valetinea 

Samsung is a strong rival to apple right now. to be frank, samsung galaxy S3 is pretty good.

So strong they have to give you two for the price of one.

Samsung is only making any kind of dent because they are cheap.

[ShortcutToMoncton]

Errrrr.....doesn't Samsung have something like over double the current smartphone marketshare of Apple?

[Phileas]

Originally Posted by Waragainstsleep 

Samsung is only making any kind of dent because they are cheap.

Samsung is making a dent because their phones and tablets appeal to people. Personally I don't care much for the Touch-Viz interface they put on top of Android, but their hardware is ok.

[Phileas]

Originally Posted by ShortcutToMoncton 

Errrrr.....doesn't Samsung have something like over double the current smartphone marketshare of Apple?

No, Apple just pushed them to #2 in the last quarter (IIRC).

[Phileas]

I had to make a choice between the iPad Mini and a Nexus 7 as an always-with-me ready to give a presentation at the drop of a hat device. In the end I went with the Nexus 32GB wireless Nexus. At the moment, it suits my personal needs better.

[Waragainstsleep]

Originally Posted by Phileas 

Samsung is making a dent because their phones and tablets appeal to people.

Yep. Because they're cheap.

[MacinTommy]

I'm not too worried about the next iPhone... I just want an iPad Mini with a retina display. I will buy one the day it comes out. I've been wanting an iPad for a long time - since day one in fact- but I always wanted it a bit smaller. I had my credit card ready for the mini but once I played with one - after using a retina iPhone 4 and now 5- I couldn't get over the fact that it wasn't retina. Almost like it was a downgrade. So that is what I'm waiting for.

[P]

Samsung's rise has many reasons.

• They spend more than the rest of the business combined on advertising.
• They are seen as a good counterweight to Apple by operators worried by Apple's rise.
• They toe the line for network operators in a way that other Android manufacturers don't always do (case in point is HTC, which made a big promise last year about how all their phone would be rootable and saw sales through carriers collapse as a result).
• The competition has been collapsing. Sony, Motorola and Nokia have all had problems for years and still don't seem to understand the new market, which left Samsung a huge opportunity.
• Their build quality is never bad. It's not Apple quality, but it's never terrible.
• They reclassified a lot of their feature phones as smartphones to inflate their numbers.

All in all, there is some fudging and some temporary factors, but it's not only that.

[Phileas]

Google is worried about Samsung's rise - they've recently been asking for a bigger slice of the revenue pie generated by Android.
Thus the renewed urgency of releasing Nexus phones.

[Valetinea]

Besides, new iPhone, Samsung's Galaxy S4 is also hot these days. Which one would you like more?

[ShortcutToMoncton]

Errrr, neither have even been announced, what in the world are you talking about

[Phileas]

The S4 will be launched this month, March 14th.

Supposedly quite the phone, but I really can't stand TouchViz.