Blessed with seven Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 Okay..being new to technology, I am getting an ipad 3, looking at my first smartphones. I thought I had decided on an iphone 4s, then a few people suggested the Samsung. I like the bigger screen but...I want a phone that is easy to use, I would never appreciate a ton of stuff on it, at least not right now, I want clear calls etc.... Suggestions? I need to decide today and be done..ha! Kim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 If you are getting an iPad, I don't think you need a large screen on your phone (my opinion anyway). There is an ease-of-use factor to sticking with Apple for your phone--you will do things the same way on your two devices. I vote for iPhone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mabeline Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 If you already have an iPad, I vote for the iPhone. You only need to buy apps once and they sinc together. So anything you add on your phone when you are out and about will show up on your iPad at home. I have both and they are great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 If you're getting an iPad also, I agree with Ali above. Doing things the same way on both devices will be easier, plus you can often share apps and sync info between the two devices. I don't know if you can do that with the iPad and the Samsung, but it is a definite plus on the side of 2 Apple devices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in Appalachia Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 That's a hard one. Since you are getting the iPad, you will probably be better off with the iPhone. But the S3 is ahead technology wise. The 4s is already old. I always hate getting old tech, since tech progresses so quickly. But you can share your apps between the iPad and iPhone. If you are going to want to do that, go with the iPhone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Marple Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 I had iPhones for years as well as an iPad. My boys talked me into getting the Samsung Galaxy S 2 when it came out and my iPhone was getting quirky. I love my Samsung! I still use my iPad for surfing the web but when I'm out and about, I love to use the Samsung - the larger screen is great for my aging eyes and I find it more user friendly but that might be because of my learning style. I didn't have trouble going from the iPhone to the Samsung. I love NOT being tied to iTunes - that's probably one of the biggest advantages. My dh, though, loves his iPhone and gets frustrated with my phone. My boys now have the Samsung Notes 2 (3?) and really like them. I will be upgrading soon and will get a Galaxy S3 or a Note. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kari C in SC Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 If you are getting an iPad, I don't think you need a large screen on your phone (my opinion anyway). There is an ease-of-use factor to sticking with Apple for your phone--you will do things the same way on your two devices. I vote for iPhone. I agree. My dh has a Galaxy and I have an iPhone4. They are both great phones. I also have an ipad 2 and it is great that my phone and ipad work together. I can type a note or a calendar event on my ipad and it is poofed to my phone. If I wasn't using an ipad a lot, I'm not sure it would matter which phone I got. Incidentally, my dd is up for a new phone soon. She can get an iPhone 4 for free. My dh wanted to give her his galaxy to upgrade to the insanely big new galaxy. She is really wanting the iPhone though because of the extended battery case I have on mine. She loves that the battery never dies. I'm not sure if galaxy has an extended battery case. My dh loves his galaxy because he watches movies on it when it is slow at work. Thus he wants the even bigger galaxy! I just think that is a huge phone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkyandtheBrains. Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 We have both iPhone and an Android based Galaxy phone. Hands down the iPhone is just easier, and if you use ANY other apple products I'd get the iPhone. I don't find the android phones to be user friendly. Sure I can navigate around it just fine now, but the iPhone is much easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pixeldog Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 I agree with the other posters on utilizing the "apple environment" together....we do that. We also have an Apple TV hookup - LOVE IT! Basically, it's a projector for whatever is on your phone/ipad. You can also use Netflix, ITunes (of course) and a few other channels (no Amazon Instant Video....bummer). If I had it to do over again, I'd skip the ipad and just go with the iphone and apple tv. Reason: my son plays *way* more "educational" games than using *better* educational websites on the ipad than I'd intended because (this is important) ipad doesn't work with Flash animation. BrainPop and many other educational websites use Flash animation. The only thing that's working for us educationally on the ipad are just a couple of "educational apps". Not what I had in mind. Lots of apps for "littles", not very impressed with what's available for my 4th grader. Would sell my ipad if my sons and husbands could ever forgive me for it!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pixeldog Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 Singular.....husband......husband........although sometimes I do wish I had another choice! Or maybe a clone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pamela H in Texas Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 Okay, I have had a Galaxy 3 for several months. I contacted AT&T last week to see if there was any way I could switch back to an iphone. Just saying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elinor Everywhere Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 We have iPads, iPods, Macs, Apple TV, Shuffles......but I still prefer the Galaxy phone (I have the Note 2). It's a better phone right now. Doesn't mean Apple won't come out with a superior phone, and then so will Samsung, and then back to Apple...... ;-) FWIW, my dh spends quite a bit of time at Apple Corporate in CA, and the high-level execs love his Galaxy and always want to see it and play with it. The resolution is far superior, but that may not be important to you. If you are not "into" all the things a smartphone can do, I'd stick with Apple, since you'll already be familiar with it through your iPad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghee Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 I love having my ipad and iphone linked. I just upgraded my 4 to a 5, giving DD the old 4 as an ipod touch. The 5 is a smidgen bigger than the 4, if that helps. I looooove my iphone :p If I could afford to go all apple, I so would. I want to get everyone a MacBook to replace their laptops, but it is $$$. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNC Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 I use Google Calendar, Drive, gmail, Picasa, Evernote daily. I want a camera. I love my Samsung tablet. Should I get a Samsung phone or can Iphones use Google products well too? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghee Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 I have gmail coming to my iphone. I also use Google calendar and it syncs with my iphone calendar. ETA: My family also uses Google+ and, when I set up events on there they end up on my iphone calendar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK_Mom4 Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 I just replaced my Evil Blackberry Storm2 last week (Yippeee! Hated that phone!) I got the iPhone4s specifically because I love my iPad and I love that the phone and the iPad work together. I did not get the iPhone 5 because I don't want to mess with a different plug from what my iPad uses - 1 cord to charge them all is my motto. I really like the Galaxy S3 (DS19 has one), but the benefits of having my two go-to devices work in harmony tipped the scale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blessed with seven Posted April 16, 2013 Author Share Posted April 16, 2013 thank you everyone! I have heard google maps are so much better, can you get those on an iphone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghee Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 thank you everyone! I have heard google maps are so much better, can you get those on an iphone? You can. It's a free app. I use Mapquest's app, which is also free (and I find easy to use and accurate). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blessed with seven Posted April 16, 2013 Author Share Posted April 16, 2013 EEEEKKKK! Ok, so, if I decide I want the Galaxy s 3 (still not sure..it is a toss up), can I put the photo's and videos on my ipad? I would like the bigger screen just because I think it would be nice but..... I will not use it for a ton of stuff, still in the stone ages technologically so....this would be a beginning phone, as a matter of fact I just got my ipad today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blessed with seven Posted April 16, 2013 Author Share Posted April 16, 2013 EEEEKKKK! Ok, so, if I decide I want the Galaxy s 3 (still not sure..it is a toss up), can I put the photo's and videos on my ipad? I would like the bigger screen just because I think it would be nice but..... I will not use it for a ton of stuff, still in the stone ages technologically so....this would be a beginning phone, as a matter of fact I just got my ipad today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qtkimi Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 I love my galaxy s2 and galaxy tab. I will update to the s3 when I qualify for an upgrade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Georgiana Daniels Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 You can do ALMOST ANYTHING with a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 so not the exact same thing as you're considering. But I LOVE mine. Actually, love might not be a big enough word. This thing is amazing, the screen is amazing, and I use it for everything from photos/videos to organizational tasks, to playing music and navigating in the car. If only it could clean my house..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 I agree with the other posters on utilizing the "apple environment" together....we do that. We also have an Apple TV hookup - LOVE IT! Basically, it's a projector for whatever is on your phone/ipad. You can also use Netflix, ITunes (of course) and a few other channels (no Amazon Instant Video....bummer). If I had it to do over again, I'd skip the ipad and just go with the iphone and apple tv. Reason: my son plays *way* more "educational" games than using *better* educational websites on the ipad than I'd intended because (this is important) ipad doesn't work with Flash animation. BrainPop and many other educational websites use Flash animation. The only thing that's working for us educationally on the ipad are just a couple of "educational apps". Not what I had in mind. Lots of apps for "littles", not very impressed with what's available for my 4th grader. Would sell my ipad if my sons and husbands could ever forgive me for it!!!! BrainPop has an iPad app. My kids do BrainPop on the iPad all the time. ETA: a lot of flash-driven educational sites have iOS apps to use instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 I adore my S3!!! I hate itunes so you couldn't pay me to use an apple product plus. I had the original vibrant for 3 years before I upgraded, never had any issues with either and they do everything I want and more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pixeldog Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 BrainPop has an iPad app. My kids do BrainPop on the iPad all the time. You can only watch the movies. Can't do the games/activities on the ipad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blessed with seven Posted April 16, 2013 Author Share Posted April 16, 2013 Thanks...just realized the iphone is a lot more for insurance every month sooo....I am going to bite the bullet and get the S3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 You can only watch the movies. Can't do the games/activities on the ipad. You can do the quizzes and such though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FeFe Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 I've had a Samsung (Fascinate) and now have an iPhone. I'll choose the iPhone any day - all day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
briansmama Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 I'm admittedly not very tech savvy, so this may have changed, but when we got the iPad 2 and my iPhone 5 I remember learning that there are more educational apps available for the iPhone/iPad than android. Is this still true? If so, it may be something to consider. I love paying once for apps that go on both the iPhone and iPad, and I like having more apps to choose from (at least, I'd did then. I haven't searched lately though). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blessed with seven Posted April 16, 2013 Author Share Posted April 16, 2013 Oh my goodness, just when I decide someone else mentions something....boo hoo hoo! I just remember hating itunes and I heard that itunes does stuff to your phone automatically.... OK, is there a "child" app or security on either phone, which one would be better in that regard, child lock or security lock? If I ask questions and you all are going "what is she talking about", keep in mind I am not tech savvy at all!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mc26 Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 I have an iPad and the Samsumg Galaxy S3 phone. I love them both. They work pretty well together too--the calendar syncs, and I can get all my google stuff on both. I would definitely recommend the Samsung phone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blessed with seven Posted April 16, 2013 Author Share Posted April 16, 2013 sweet....good deal, I am done, seriously...getting the Samsung. I want the bigger screen soooo... whew. I am not reading anymore..ha! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted April 17, 2013 Share Posted April 17, 2013 I love my s3, though I'm not so crazy about most of Samsung's added apps and have disabled most of them. The native Google apps are superior across the board. Google Now is much better than s-voice and the Google keyboard is far better than Samsung's (and SwiftKey is better still). But that's the beauty of Android: if you don't like the keyboard, or the SMS program, or the calendar, you can use another. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted April 17, 2013 Share Posted April 17, 2013 one thing most people never consider when getting a phone - what happens if it gets wet. Mine fell out of my pocket and it rained heavily before I noticed. I found it the next day, but the phone was wet. I did lot of research online on what to do with a wet phone. I repeatedly read how the iphones can't be taken apart to be dried out, and many iphone users were angry. (apple is paying out on a class-action lawsuit on this issue). My Samsung galaxy nexus was able to be dismantled, dried out, put back together and charged. it works fine. I bought mine from Costco - saved about $100 because it wasn't preloaded with TONS of apps I'd never used. It does come with some, but I'd rather chose what I have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besroma Posted April 17, 2013 Share Posted April 17, 2013 I pre-ordered the S3 when they first became available. I love it. I like the larger screen, the quality of the sound, the weight, and how fast it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blessed with seven Posted April 17, 2013 Author Share Posted April 17, 2013 Okay..one more thing. I can get google maps and things on an iphone 4s? What about itunes? I found an amazon instant video app for my ipad, not sure how well it works yet but...I use AMAZON a LOT!!! For buying, instant video, prime kids shows etc.... Also...when I used to use itunes a long time ago, it was a pain, when I went back in a few years later, I couldn't transfer my music ..can't remember what happened. I love that I can get weather channel and weight watchers apps on the ipad, is all of that able to be put on a galaxy s3? Geesh, I have got to decide and be done! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagoshannon Posted April 17, 2013 Share Posted April 17, 2013 I just got my first smart phone last night. I have an iPad 2. We went with the galaxy s3. We decided on it because it has expandable memory (apple products do not). Also, the thing I don't like about the apple producs is they don't use Flash. The. Samsung does. Plus a ton of the apps are free! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blessed with seven Posted April 17, 2013 Author Share Posted April 17, 2013 Thank you guys so much for your help! Another question...if I take pics and video on my phone can I transfer it to my ipad ok, if I get the Galaxy s3? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blessed with seven Posted April 17, 2013 Author Share Posted April 17, 2013 Thank you guys so much for your help! Another question...if I take pics and video on my phone can I transfer it to my ipad ok, if I get the Galaxy s3? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted April 17, 2013 Share Posted April 17, 2013 If you weren't getting an iPad I'd say it doesn't matter just close your eyes and pick one. Since you're going to have an Apple device it makes sense to get another one, unless you don't mind buying double apps for most things. With an iPad and an iPhone you'd be able to use the same apps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted April 17, 2013 Share Posted April 17, 2013 Also, the thing I don't like about the apple producs is they don't use Flash. The. Samsung does. Plus a ton of the apps are free! Flash is going away, and eventually no devices will support Flash. Adobe is no longer developing it for Android devices. Currently the newest Kindle Fires don't support it either (I'm not sure about the original Fire). However, unlike with an Apple device, you can side load a browser that supports Flash without having to jailbreak the device. I wouldn't recommend making a decision based on Flash. There are many free apps for the iPhone too. In fact, I have several dozen apps and only paid for a few. OP, if you want to be able to use the same app on both your phone and iPad, choose the iPhone. If that's not an issue for you and/or you want the bigger screen, choose the Samsung. Anecdotal, yes, but I haven't met anyone who is sorry they got an iPhone or an Android phone. Owners of both that I know IRL seem happy (and I'm happy with my iPhone). It's really just what you like best and what works for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Marple Posted April 17, 2013 Share Posted April 17, 2013 If you weren't getting an iPad I'd say it doesn't matter just close your eyes and pick one. Since you're going to have an Apple device it makes sense to get another one, unless you don't mind buying double apps for most things. With an iPad and an iPhone you'd be able to use the same apps. I have an original iPad so this might not be relevant to the current conversation, but there are apps I have on my iPhone that do not have an iPad application and vice versa. So while an app may work on my phone (actually my old iphone), it might not work on my iPad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blessed with seven Posted April 17, 2013 Author Share Posted April 17, 2013 Thank you for simplifying that for me. Hmmmmm......I will consider.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted April 17, 2013 Share Posted April 17, 2013 I have an original iPad so this might not be relevant to the current conversation, but there are apps I have on my iPhone that do not have an iPad application and vice versa. So while an app may work on my phone (actually my old iphone), it might not work on my iPad. That's true. Some of the newer apps don't work on older devices, but she said she's getting an iPad 3. We have apps on our phones that don't work on our old 2nd generation iPod Touch. If you check the specs for an app before you get it, you can see which devices it supports. When dh has his iPhone 3GS he didn't always check, then would get frustrated when an app didn't work. And I'd get frustrated with him for not checking first. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted April 17, 2013 Share Posted April 17, 2013 Okay, I have had a Galaxy 3 for several months. I contacted AT&T last week to see if there was any way I could switch back to an iphone. Just saying. Oops. There went my theory about everyone I know being happy with their Android phones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted April 17, 2013 Share Posted April 17, 2013 I have a Samsung Galaxy and after using it for 6 months, I still found my mother's new iPhone -- which I had never used until last week -- to be easier to use. The iPhone just seemed more user-friendly, and the touch and texting seemed to work more like how I wanted it to work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Marple Posted April 17, 2013 Share Posted April 17, 2013 Another idea (yeah, like you needed more to consider I'm sure :p ): The SamsungGalaxy Note (latest version) is a phone as well as a tablet. Your iPad might just become obsolete if you got the Note. My boys each got the Note to replace phones and they NEVER use the iPad anymore. For size, it is about halfway between the Galaxy S3 and the iPad mini. As usually happens, I was getting the Note for myself (on sale for 99 cents) and they both decided that they would like to try it with the caveat that if they didn't like it, I would get it. They convinced me that there was far too much technology at stake for it to be wasted on me :p I consented and I do not see a NOTE in my future until we get another upgrade. They absolutely love the Note. I was worried that they wouldn't like it because it doesn't fit in their pockets as easily, but they make it work...somehow, because they aren't letting go. The combo phone/tablet works well for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted April 17, 2013 Share Posted April 17, 2013 My dh wanted to give her his galaxy to upgrade to the insanely big new galaxy. Thus he wants the even bigger galaxy! I just think that is a huge phone. I have to say I don't get the giant phones. I know they're popular, but I want a phone to fit easily in my pocket. If I want a tablet I'll use a tablet but to me a phone should be light and portable enough that I don't mind carrying it around when I don't have my purse with me. I have gmail coming to my iphone. I also use Google calendar and it syncs with my iphone calendar. I have all those, and use Google Maps. I also have Google set as my search engine on Safari when I go to the web (as opposed to using an app) on my phone. I hate itunes so you couldn't pay me to use an apple product plus. Ugh! I hate, hate, hate iTunes! Apple has always been known for being user friendly, but iTunes is the exception. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted April 17, 2013 Share Posted April 17, 2013 I have a Samsung Galaxy and after using it for 6 months, I still found my mother's new iPhone -- which I had never used until last week -- to be easier to use. The iPhone just seemed more user-friendly, and the touch and texting seemed to work more like how I wanted it to work. I use Hand Cent for SMS/MMS, but there are many texting apps available beyond stock. And I use a custom launcher (Nova Prime) because I like the interface better than Samsung's Touch Wiz. I love being able to customize every aspect of my phone. DH had to jail break his work iPhone to get some basic texting capabilities because Apple won't let you use another app (one of the computer systems at his work texts warnings that each look like they are coming from a separate sender, and there is no way to mass delete such messages.. a big pain if you're on call and get hundreds of them in the course of a few hours when something is wonky). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted April 17, 2013 Share Posted April 17, 2013 Ugh! I hate, hate, hate iTunes! Apple has always been known for being user friendly, but iTunes is the exception. I hear ya. I'd rather pull my own teeth than ever use iTunes again. Apple isn't any better with the "cloud". I've had a dot mac account, mobile me, and now iCloud. iCloud only works for mail because Apple chose not to make it compatible with my first generation Intel iMac... funny, but both Google Drive and Drop Box work. Apple services and software just suck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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