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Did anyone switch from Thunderbolt to Charge?
- Thread starter rcyphermd
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- samsung droid charge
durangojim
Android Enthusiast
Im thinking of it for yhe battery life, screen, and hopefully better gps and call quality.
thepedestrian
Lurker
Just switched. I am much happier. I could make the Thunderbolt last all day, but it annoyed me that I felt like I was fighting the battery all the time. I don't need to worry about that as much with my Charge. GPS, voice to text, external speaker, and call quality all better on the Charge. I liked Sense but wasn't in love with it, so switching to Touchwiz didn't break my heart. Biggest drawback for me is the lack of notification light, not quite sure why it's missing.
Very happy I switched. And I live in a 4G area so it's nice to be able to keep the speeds all the time as opposed to only turning them on when I really need to, like with the Thunderbolt.
Very happy I switched. And I live in a 4G area so it's nice to be able to keep the speeds all the time as opposed to only turning them on when I really need to, like with the Thunderbolt.
sean76
Android Expert
So to you it looks like a positive jump in your book. Hope I feel that way after I get mine on Tues....
I have the TB and agree with you that I do not use the phone as designed because I am trying to conserve the battery. Do not like the weight of it either.
I stopped by to try the charge at VZ last night.. I did notice a lag between home screens that the TB does not have. Is that from the less ram, their UI, older processor, or all the above?
I had the DC for 1 day and went back to TB. Here's why:
1. Lag in home screen and some apps after use because of less RAM and older file system on DC
2. Still experienced 4G/3G back and forth switch. When DC switches to 3G no longer can you have dual use of voice and data; voice and data is only on 4G
3. Browser freezes often on web pages with flash
4. After close comparison the DC is inferior to TB because of RAM, file system, processor and lack of being able to force 4G or 3G radio.
5. No kickstand on DC, this may seem trivial but I used it often.
What I loved about DC over TB
1. Screen, it was beautiful but only noticeable when side by side, however it was easily viewable in the sun.
2. Boot up was so much quicker
3. Didn't experience reboot or text issues
4. Better battery life, much much better
Reasons I can live with TB issues:
1. HTC provides updates and fixes more often, Samsung historically rarely ever provide fixes and updates
2a. TB issues are more software/firmware related or 4G network related which can be fixed through updates. TB is expected to get Gingerbread this summer, so far no expected firmware update for DC.
2b. When TB is in 3G the battery lasted for about 16 hours which is an indication of 4G consumption which means update can fix battery life.
3. Better file system and more RAM which means quicker app access and better speed during utilization.
4. So far with new TB phone and OTA update only issue seems to be battery life on 4G network.
1. Lag in home screen and some apps after use because of less RAM and older file system on DC
2. Still experienced 4G/3G back and forth switch. When DC switches to 3G no longer can you have dual use of voice and data; voice and data is only on 4G
3. Browser freezes often on web pages with flash
4. After close comparison the DC is inferior to TB because of RAM, file system, processor and lack of being able to force 4G or 3G radio.
5. No kickstand on DC, this may seem trivial but I used it often.
What I loved about DC over TB
1. Screen, it was beautiful but only noticeable when side by side, however it was easily viewable in the sun.
2. Boot up was so much quicker
3. Didn't experience reboot or text issues
4. Better battery life, much much better
Reasons I can live with TB issues:
1. HTC provides updates and fixes more often, Samsung historically rarely ever provide fixes and updates
2a. TB issues are more software/firmware related or 4G network related which can be fixed through updates. TB is expected to get Gingerbread this summer, so far no expected firmware update for DC.
2b. When TB is in 3G the battery lasted for about 16 hours which is an indication of 4G consumption which means update can fix battery life.
3. Better file system and more RAM which means quicker app access and better speed during utilization.
4. So far with new TB phone and OTA update only issue seems to be battery life on 4G network.
robrecht
Android Enthusiast
I'm very happy with my ThunderBolt, despite some issues. I've always carried a couple of spare batteries with my phones--now I just use them more frequently.
Still, I thought about the Charge until I read a review that said that it was kind of kludgy or slow or stuttering or something like that. I could not tolerate that. Also, the few times when I've played with the newer Samsung smartphones, the OS did not seem as intuitive and easy as Sense. Cannot understand why the Charge is so expensive.
I'm not a Samsung hater, BTW. The Sammy i760 was probably my favorite phone of all time. A friend of mine still has one and everytime I see her I can't resist the urge to play with her phone a little bit to remind me of how much I liked it.
Still, I thought about the Charge until I read a review that said that it was kind of kludgy or slow or stuttering or something like that. I could not tolerate that. Also, the few times when I've played with the newer Samsung smartphones, the OS did not seem as intuitive and easy as Sense. Cannot understand why the Charge is so expensive.
I'm not a Samsung hater, BTW. The Sammy i760 was probably my favorite phone of all time. A friend of mine still has one and everytime I see her I can't resist the urge to play with her phone a little bit to remind me of how much I liked it.
Maelstrom'
Newbie
I test drove my wife's Thunderbolt. We were both overdue for upgrades so I let her pick first since I was on the fence. She didn't mind the weight, but the battery life *was* horrible. It didn't matter if we were in 4G or 3G areas. Battery lasted 4 to maybe 6 hours. I know the T-bolt has the option of buying a better battery but from what I hear it does not fit flush with the battery compartment on the phone. She exchanged it for an iphone 4.
I waited...and waited...and waited for the Droid Charge. I got mine at a Verizon store in the Dallas Metroplex area yesterday morning. The VZ rep said I got the first Charge sold (I was first in line) in that particular store. Much better experience in my opinion. Some reviewers complain that the Charge feels cheap because it is light and the backing is plastic. I don't mind it at all. Incidentally, the guy behind me (second in line) was returning a T-bolt to buy a Charge, and his primary complaint wasn't battery life but bulkiness of the phone. Go figure. In any case, "light" is good in my book. It's solid, but I wouldn't want to test that theory by dropping it too many times. I got the holster/cover combo from the VZ store. It seems decent enough in terms of adding some protection. The first thing that pops out at you with the Droid Charge really is the beautiful screen with it's vibrant colors. The Droid Charge is fast as heck (I don't appreciate any lag). The speed seems about equal to the T-bolt to my casual eye. The camera on the Charge bests the T-bolt in my opinion. They both have 1.3/8.0 megapixels but the Charge's photos have better resolution.
Most importantly the battery is *reliable*. My Droid Charge lasts a whole day in 4G coverage with a little over 10% to spare. I'm new to the Droid OS, but people have told me that you really do need to charge daily with android phones.
All in all, it comes down to taste. If you add in the extra $50 for a stronger battery then the Thunderbolt & Charge are basically equal when it comes to price. As long as Verizon's 4G LTE network remains relatively symptom free, then they are both great choices. I notice some of the harder core users seem to prefer the T-bolt due to bench marks and such, but that's strictly anecdotal. Not exactly a scientific survey.
No, I didn't and I had the TB for 2 months. After talking to the manager and 3 exchanges he waved the full price and paid the $50 difference. But 14 day return reset and exchanged it for the TB again and was refunded the 50 plus no restocking fee. I'm happier with the TB.
This is very true for the Charge. Seems that a different chipset is in the TB to allow voice and data on 3G.
Lator
Yes I just switched from the HTC Thunderbolt to the Samsung Charge today. I haven't even had it a full day yet so I can't fully attest to the battery life yet, but the guy at Verizon told me the Charge's battery was definitely better than the Thunderbolt or LG Revolution.
The only thing I miss about the Thunderbolt so far is the kickstand, but not a huge deal to me. Although I loved the features of the Thunderbolt, I had to charge it about 3 times a day. I bought the extended battery but didn't use it much because it made the phone feel like a brick.
The only thing I miss about the Thunderbolt so far is the kickstand, but not a huge deal to me. Although I loved the features of the Thunderbolt, I had to charge it about 3 times a day. I bought the extended battery but didn't use it much because it made the phone feel like a brick.
dieselducy
Lurker
I just did. I bought a DC off ebay for 288$ it was rooted and runs MUCH better with a VERY long battery life. However, the DC seems to take longer to charge than the tbolt..
quantumandroid
Newbie
I did, but only because verizon just sent me one without me asking. Went through 6 tbolt returns and offered to buy a new tbolt. They offered a charge after 3, but I said no because I thought it lacked processing power. I gave it a chance. I was in awe of how beautyful the screen was, definitely the best on the market. I changed the keyboard because of the spell correction. It is better for gaming, apps, and listening to music (better amp). It is slightly slower in general web search, but dolphin and opera can cure most of that. All this talk of sense being great, it is but honestly I have no problem with touchwiz. I might put a new launcher on it, but honestly there really is not much difference. I was skeptical, but now I am a believer, I cant give up the screen, better sound through headphones, better touch response, I just really like it. Im trying to find out if there is a 1 step root so I can overclock and adjust memory. At that point I could say it a much better phone than the tbolt. I thank verizon for shpping me one. And this phone has had zero issuies so far. Hopefully 2.3 is here soon.
GrammieDroid
Member
I haven't had TB but Granddaughter has it (she bought it herself and pays her own data) but at seventeen I think it would have to be surgically removed from her beautiful fingers. Anyway she saw my latest live wallpaper on and was shocked to her toes. "Grandma, you KNOW that will REALLY SUCK your BATTERY!!" I don't read the TB forum but I will take that as a clue. She has something figured out cause like I say, it is always in her hands. I do notice that when she is at home, she uses it with it plugged in. I feel like there are lots of awesome phones out there. Daughter has the Dinc2 and it is pretty fast too. To me, the Charge IS a Cut above the rest!
Nurseferatu
Member
Got a Thunderbolt and bought the extended battery/case at the same time because I KNEW I'd need it.
With the extended battery the performance was pretty good. What did ME in was the weight and the big fat obnoxious bump-out in the back. THE THING WEIGHED A TON. I hated it in my hand and when I put that thing in my back pocket it looked like my butt had a tumor. It was like carrying a phone from the 1990's.
It wasn't fun. Made me depressed.
So I got a Charge. It's very light! I know it's plastic, and that turns some people off, but I don't mind. I'm getting pretty good battery life with the standard battery (I am a heavy user). I got the extended battery too, and I'm very pleased. The design is easier for me to hold and just is more attractively designed. In addition--and I didn't expect this--some of the apps are better, at least IMHO. In particular, I like the way the Contacts and Mail apps are designed. I'd only had HTC phones before so this was a surprise. For a home screen I love Go Launcher Ex, so I loaded that by default.
I like my Charge. Bottom line: MUCH lighter, better battery life, and even with an extended battery it's easier to handle.
With the extended battery the performance was pretty good. What did ME in was the weight and the big fat obnoxious bump-out in the back. THE THING WEIGHED A TON. I hated it in my hand and when I put that thing in my back pocket it looked like my butt had a tumor. It was like carrying a phone from the 1990's.
It wasn't fun. Made me depressed.
So I got a Charge. It's very light! I know it's plastic, and that turns some people off, but I don't mind. I'm getting pretty good battery life with the standard battery (I am a heavy user). I got the extended battery too, and I'm very pleased. The design is easier for me to hold and just is more attractively designed. In addition--and I didn't expect this--some of the apps are better, at least IMHO. In particular, I like the way the Contacts and Mail apps are designed. I'd only had HTC phones before so this was a surprise. For a home screen I love Go Launcher Ex, so I loaded that by default.
I like my Charge. Bottom line: MUCH lighter, better battery life, and even with an extended battery it's easier to handle.
macman24
Newbie
Yes; I did and now realize that was a big mistake. I should have kept it. I have had nothing but issues with the Droid Charge. Random reboots, unable to get a good 4G connection and my biggest gripe; not being able to use the Mobile Hotspot feature. At least when the Thunderbolt received an update that took care of the MH issues. The Droid Charge has yet to receive a current update.
Never again a Droid Charge!!!