esn
Android Enthusiast
Maybe you don't know how to use the Fascinate LOL!
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Fascinate vs Incredible
- Thread starter Optimus Droid
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- samsung fascinate
Maybe you don't know how to use the Fascinate LOL!
FragDroidX
Android Expert
Or perhaps you don't know how to use the Incredible or the X.
Your post is nothing more than the remarks of a Fanboy or Fangirl and has no basis in fact. Its ok to like your device buts it not ok to spread FUD. Your post is as useless as useless gets. While I agree the Fascinate is a decent device it certainly is not perfect and has its fair share of issues which is backed up by this and several other forums.
Take your spat to pms, neither of you are helping the OP at this point.
The Fascinate has issues, so does the X, the Dinc and every device as you said. However, the average consumer probably won't notice the majority of these "issues." For instance, Bing is not a real problem that the average user will notice. The average android fanboi, sure. The lag is on every device in some area, and again the average consumer won't notice it or care unless the device is locking up to the point it needs a battery pull or takes minutes to respond. Search any forum and you will see complaints of various "issues" for every android, blackberry, or iphone iteration. Everyone's mileage will vary.
The OP is looking for the general consensus, not peoples arguments.
The Fascinate has issues, so does the X, the Dinc and every device as you said. However, the average consumer probably won't notice the majority of these "issues." For instance, Bing is not a real problem that the average user will notice. The average android fanboi, sure. The lag is on every device in some area, and again the average consumer won't notice it or care unless the device is locking up to the point it needs a battery pull or takes minutes to respond. Search any forum and you will see complaints of various "issues" for every android, blackberry, or iphone iteration. Everyone's mileage will vary.
The OP is looking for the general consensus, not peoples arguments.
iPenguin
Well-Known Member
As if there aren't enough comparison threads, I've got another one. An HTC Incredible vs. Samsung Fascinate thread. These are completely my OWN experiences and may or may not echo the sentiments of a majority of users, but I hope that someone's decision is aided by this comparison, as mine was by the numerous others that the Forums hosts.
I have owned my Incredible since late May of this year, and recently decided I wanted something a little something in a phone. About two weeks ago I ended up with a Fascinate on my doorstep, and have been sitting on my decision ever since, and recently decided on the Fascinate. But I also want to post what I like, and don't like, about the two devices to help others in their decision, as I said.
HTC Incredible vs. Samsung Fascinate:
Design: This is really up to you. I liked the design of the Incredible- red accents, soft-touch and contoured back (made for nice grip). I also like the design of the Fascinate because it is so slim and light. I actually think my Inc feels heavy now, which by no means is it.
The Fascinate is taller and wider than the Incredible, though thinner, but still feels good in the hand and is easily pocketable. The Inc is even more compact and still comfortable, and the design makes it sit in your hand nicely.
To each their own. Some may think the Fascinate feels cheap and plastic-y. I don't. I think it feels very solid and is aesthetically pleasing, as is the Inc. While the Incredible does tend to squeak when I press the sides of the battery cover, the Fascinate is not without it's faults, being that the back attracts fingerprints like no other and shows scuffs more easily.
*Side-note: I occassionally find myself reaching for a non-existent optical trackpad on the Fascinate, but over time less frequently. For those new to the realm of smartphones, you probably won't care. For those transitioning from another device with one, there may be an adjustment period.
Software: Sense vs. TouchWiz. To me, Sense is very heavy. I don't care for it. But I oddly enough like TouchWiz! Call me crazy. I don't much care for the iPhone like square icons in the app-drawer, but the little TW elements (WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, Airplane in the notification bar) I'm quite fond of.
Admittedly though, TW does not give the same silky-smooth scrolling and transitions as Sense does. My Inc always flowed into the next homescreen, while the Fascinate sometimes (very rarely) hesitates, although both were extremely snappy in browser testings, being almost neck-and-neck. For some having Sense is a must, but I've found LauncherPro and Beautiful Widgets or Fancy Widget curb my Sense cravings just fine.
But the Samsung Widgets are garbage. Put one on your homescreen and you're asking for stuttery scrolling and minor lag. Sense widgets are in every way superior, if you ask me. Also keep in mind some Fascinates have utterly useless GPS' that is supposed to be fixed with a software update.
Call Quality: The Fascinate wins this one for me. The Incredible never had unusable quality, but I came to notice that, on my end, the voice of the person I was talking to dropped in and out for split-second intervals, which became increasingly irksome. I often had to say "What", leading to slightly annoyed callers. But there were never complaints of poor voice-quality on the other person's end.
On the receiving end of the Fascinate, I have had nothing but crystal-clear calls. No crackles, echos, or tinny noises. I'm pretty pleased with it. On the other end (first day) a caller did say my voice sounded static-y, but have had no recurrences since.
Screens: First, you have to decide whether you want a 3.7 or 4 inch display. This is the reason I decided I wanted to try a new phone. While 3.7 is just fine, for what I do on my phone 4 inches was perfect. The .3 inches may not sound significant, but it makes all the difference. Keep in mind, though, that a bigger screen means a bigger phone, as mentioned in the Design section.
Whether AMOLED or SAMOLED, you are getting an absolutely GORGEOUS display. Stunningly rich colors, deep blacks- I couldn't go back to an LCD even if I tried. But it's the small differences that set them apart, so here goes. The Fascinate's Super AMOLED is significantly brighter. I've found the lowest brightness setting to be adequate when outside, as long as the sunlight is not too harsh. But on the Incredible, the lowest brightness renders the screen nearly invisible, and even half-brightness is barely enough in moderately sunlit conditions.
As far as color reproduction, my Fascinate gives white whites, blue blues, etc., and the Inc gives all colors a mix of blue tint (but I realize the Fascinate has tints on some devices too). The Samsung phone, as advertised, has an insane contrast ratio. While the HTC is up there, it tends to look more "naturally" impressive with colors, while the Fascinate awes with an "in your face" sharpness.
As far as text viewing, both are about equally as sharp, with a slight edge going to the Fascinate, but I after getting used to the Pentile display on the Incredible I could really care less about the pixelation. As you use either device it just becomes normal.
*Side-note: Interestingly enough, my dad preferred the more natural (but still beautiful) display of the Incredible when watching movies, my sister thought they both looked weird, and my girlfriend thought the "Avatar people look prettier" on the Fascinate.
Battery-Life: Not much to say here. My Fascinate beats my Dinc in any battery test. Full screen brightness, movie play-back, gaming. The Incredible's battery-life is very sub-par. 2 and half days on the Fascinate, most of a day on the Incredible.
Again, hope this helped. Just wanted to throw something together for you guys either deciding whether to stick with your Incredible or pick up a Fascinate. Either way you're getting two of the best phones out right now and I'm sure you'll be happy any way you go!
I have owned my Incredible since late May of this year, and recently decided I wanted something a little something in a phone. About two weeks ago I ended up with a Fascinate on my doorstep, and have been sitting on my decision ever since, and recently decided on the Fascinate. But I also want to post what I like, and don't like, about the two devices to help others in their decision, as I said.
HTC Incredible vs. Samsung Fascinate:
Design: This is really up to you. I liked the design of the Incredible- red accents, soft-touch and contoured back (made for nice grip). I also like the design of the Fascinate because it is so slim and light. I actually think my Inc feels heavy now, which by no means is it.
The Fascinate is taller and wider than the Incredible, though thinner, but still feels good in the hand and is easily pocketable. The Inc is even more compact and still comfortable, and the design makes it sit in your hand nicely.
To each their own. Some may think the Fascinate feels cheap and plastic-y. I don't. I think it feels very solid and is aesthetically pleasing, as is the Inc. While the Incredible does tend to squeak when I press the sides of the battery cover, the Fascinate is not without it's faults, being that the back attracts fingerprints like no other and shows scuffs more easily.
*Side-note: I occassionally find myself reaching for a non-existent optical trackpad on the Fascinate, but over time less frequently. For those new to the realm of smartphones, you probably won't care. For those transitioning from another device with one, there may be an adjustment period.
Software: Sense vs. TouchWiz. To me, Sense is very heavy. I don't care for it. But I oddly enough like TouchWiz! Call me crazy. I don't much care for the iPhone like square icons in the app-drawer, but the little TW elements (WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, Airplane in the notification bar) I'm quite fond of.
Admittedly though, TW does not give the same silky-smooth scrolling and transitions as Sense does. My Inc always flowed into the next homescreen, while the Fascinate sometimes (very rarely) hesitates, although both were extremely snappy in browser testings, being almost neck-and-neck. For some having Sense is a must, but I've found LauncherPro and Beautiful Widgets or Fancy Widget curb my Sense cravings just fine.
But the Samsung Widgets are garbage. Put one on your homescreen and you're asking for stuttery scrolling and minor lag. Sense widgets are in every way superior, if you ask me. Also keep in mind some Fascinates have utterly useless GPS' that is supposed to be fixed with a software update.
Call Quality: The Fascinate wins this one for me. The Incredible never had unusable quality, but I came to notice that, on my end, the voice of the person I was talking to dropped in and out for split-second intervals, which became increasingly irksome. I often had to say "What", leading to slightly annoyed callers. But there were never complaints of poor voice-quality on the other person's end.
On the receiving end of the Fascinate, I have had nothing but crystal-clear calls. No crackles, echos, or tinny noises. I'm pretty pleased with it. On the other end (first day) a caller did say my voice sounded static-y, but have had no recurrences since.
Screens: First, you have to decide whether you want a 3.7 or 4 inch display. This is the reason I decided I wanted to try a new phone. While 3.7 is just fine, for what I do on my phone 4 inches was perfect. The .3 inches may not sound significant, but it makes all the difference. Keep in mind, though, that a bigger screen means a bigger phone, as mentioned in the Design section.
Whether AMOLED or SAMOLED, you are getting an absolutely GORGEOUS display. Stunningly rich colors, deep blacks- I couldn't go back to an LCD even if I tried. But it's the small differences that set them apart, so here goes. The Fascinate's Super AMOLED is significantly brighter. I've found the lowest brightness setting to be adequate when outside, as long as the sunlight is not too harsh. But on the Incredible, the lowest brightness renders the screen nearly invisible, and even half-brightness is barely enough in moderately sunlit conditions.
As far as color reproduction, my Fascinate gives white whites, blue blues, etc., and the Inc gives all colors a mix of blue tint (but I realize the Fascinate has tints on some devices too). The Samsung phone, as advertised, has an insane contrast ratio. While the HTC is up there, it tends to look more "naturally" impressive with colors, while the Fascinate awes with an "in your face" sharpness.
As far as text viewing, both are about equally as sharp, with a slight edge going to the Fascinate, but I after getting used to the Pentile display on the Incredible I could really care less about the pixelation. As you use either device it just becomes normal.
*Side-note: Interestingly enough, my dad preferred the more natural (but still beautiful) display of the Incredible when watching movies, my sister thought they both looked weird, and my girlfriend thought the "Avatar people look prettier" on the Fascinate.
Battery-Life: Not much to say here. My Fascinate beats my Dinc in any battery test. Full screen brightness, movie play-back, gaming. The Incredible's battery-life is very sub-par. 2 and half days on the Fascinate, most of a day on the Incredible.
Again, hope this helped. Just wanted to throw something together for you guys either deciding whether to stick with your Incredible or pick up a Fascinate. Either way you're getting two of the best phones out right now and I'm sure you'll be happy any way you go!
kenyu73
Well-Known Member
Very nice write up indeed! I switched from the Incredible to the Fascinate (still have the DInc) and I've having a tough time letting go of the Incredible. I've had Sense since the Eris first came out as well as day one of the Incredible release.
Here are my observations.
Performance
The Incredible is a 1ghz Snapdragon and the Fascinate is a 1ghz Hummingbird. Some very good articles tend to lend the the Hummingbird out performs the Snapdragon.. but barely and not noticeable by users. However, the Fascinate is very laggy and stutters in a lot of areas of the software (settings, home screens, etc). However, with the upcoming 2.2 Android and the new JVM JIT is probably the real difference.
Not sure if the 2.1. vs 2.2 is the difference between the widgets on the home screens being laggy.
I also have SeePU (CPU app) installed on both the Dinc and Fascinate and the CPU tends to remain a lot lower on the DInc then the Fascinate... maybe because of the 2.1 vs 2.2 differences.
Sense vs TouchWiz
Sense has about 2 years experience on TW. Sense is a lot more integrated to other Sense components and to the core Android processes. The widgets are far more useful. However I do like the Buddies widget in TW... its better then Sense's "favorites" widget. Each iteration of Sense brings some amazing features, but I'm sure every new TW iteration will bring better widgets and more streamlined integration.
TouchWiz has one fault that's bugging me right now... if you add a single 1x1 widget to the home screens, it hangs lower then the other icons (ie: SMS Unread Count doesn't line up).
Trackball/Optical pad
Ugh... I... can't... live... without... it.... <pant> <pant>. I'm used to using it to back up on spelling mistakes. Just need to re-learn I suppose.
Menu/Home/Back/Search
The lights turn OFF way to quickly.. like 5 secs and they're off. This is a PITA in the dark when I'm trying to guess where the back key is ( i keep hitting home). oh, the Home and Menu keys are reversed between the DInc and SF... grrrr! (=
Bing/Vz Navigator
I want Google integrations, not Bing. I can hack/root my phone, but the search key will always pull up Bing search. Supposedly getting changed in next big update.
Battery
I had a rooted/custom ROM on my Dinc and my battery lasted a good solid two days. My 1st day with the Fascinate, I was in the hospital with my Mother... I was using the internet and reading a book on Kindle for about 3 hours on/off. My battery went from 75% to 15% warning by 12:00pm. I swear I would have only lost 20-30% max on my Dinc. To early to tell right now I suppose.
Summary
I'm still having a hard time letting go of my familiarity of the Dinc. I'm used to Sense and find my self nic-picking TW.
Might be I need to just hold out for 2.2 and TW updates that would probably come with it.
Here are my observations.
Performance
The Incredible is a 1ghz Snapdragon and the Fascinate is a 1ghz Hummingbird. Some very good articles tend to lend the the Hummingbird out performs the Snapdragon.. but barely and not noticeable by users. However, the Fascinate is very laggy and stutters in a lot of areas of the software (settings, home screens, etc). However, with the upcoming 2.2 Android and the new JVM JIT is probably the real difference.
Not sure if the 2.1. vs 2.2 is the difference between the widgets on the home screens being laggy.
I also have SeePU (CPU app) installed on both the Dinc and Fascinate and the CPU tends to remain a lot lower on the DInc then the Fascinate... maybe because of the 2.1 vs 2.2 differences.
Sense vs TouchWiz
Sense has about 2 years experience on TW. Sense is a lot more integrated to other Sense components and to the core Android processes. The widgets are far more useful. However I do like the Buddies widget in TW... its better then Sense's "favorites" widget. Each iteration of Sense brings some amazing features, but I'm sure every new TW iteration will bring better widgets and more streamlined integration.
TouchWiz has one fault that's bugging me right now... if you add a single 1x1 widget to the home screens, it hangs lower then the other icons (ie: SMS Unread Count doesn't line up).
Trackball/Optical pad
Ugh... I... can't... live... without... it.... <pant> <pant>. I'm used to using it to back up on spelling mistakes. Just need to re-learn I suppose.
Menu/Home/Back/Search
The lights turn OFF way to quickly.. like 5 secs and they're off. This is a PITA in the dark when I'm trying to guess where the back key is ( i keep hitting home). oh, the Home and Menu keys are reversed between the DInc and SF... grrrr! (=
Bing/Vz Navigator
I want Google integrations, not Bing. I can hack/root my phone, but the search key will always pull up Bing search. Supposedly getting changed in next big update.
Battery
I had a rooted/custom ROM on my Dinc and my battery lasted a good solid two days. My 1st day with the Fascinate, I was in the hospital with my Mother... I was using the internet and reading a book on Kindle for about 3 hours on/off. My battery went from 75% to 15% warning by 12:00pm. I swear I would have only lost 20-30% max on my Dinc. To early to tell right now I suppose.
Summary
I'm still having a hard time letting go of my familiarity of the Dinc. I'm used to Sense and find my self nic-picking TW.
Might be I need to just hold out for 2.2 and TW updates that would probably come with it.
The things I miss on my incredible.
-Custom Roms... I know we will have them shortly on the SF
-Power button on the top.
-HTC Sense Facebook and E-mail integration. Some of the other sense stuff i can live without
-The most of all is the notification LED.
-Android 2.2
Reason I like the SF more that the Incredible.
-Screen. The screen on the SF is bigger and better
-The back cover creaking when I touch it. The incredible felt cheap to me and made creaking noises
-I can now set my phone down and not worry about the camera lens getting scratched.
-Battery Life. I had the Siedo extended battery and it helped a little but i barely got 25 -30 hours with minimal use. On the SF I can squeeze close to 40 -45 with minimal use.
-Docks available for the SF.
This is just a quick list.
-Custom Roms... I know we will have them shortly on the SF
-Power button on the top.
-HTC Sense Facebook and E-mail integration. Some of the other sense stuff i can live without
-The most of all is the notification LED.
-Android 2.2
Reason I like the SF more that the Incredible.
-Screen. The screen on the SF is bigger and better
-The back cover creaking when I touch it. The incredible felt cheap to me and made creaking noises
-I can now set my phone down and not worry about the camera lens getting scratched.
-Battery Life. I had the Siedo extended battery and it helped a little but i barely got 25 -30 hours with minimal use. On the SF I can squeeze close to 40 -45 with minimal use.
-Docks available for the SF.
This is just a quick list.
Androider93
Newbie
Good thread 
This is/has helped me a lot so far. Thanks!
This is/has helped me a lot so far. Thanks!
iPenguin
Well-Known Member
Thanks Frisco! I was concerned it was a bit wall-of-textish, so hearing otherwise is great. And thanks for the thread name-change?
Thank you.
I think that the average user would most likely never be able to tell the difference between a "Snapdragon" or "Hummingbird". It isn't until processes become more intense, in my experience, that the differences are obvious. But the processor in my Incredible is definitely more than capable right now.
I also don't think that the stuttering from the Fascinate (although mine has virtually none) is a Snapdragon vs. Hummingbird thing, but a Sense vs. TouchWiz.
I completely agree. Sense has time on it's side. I think from what TW started out as, it has matured immensely, and I hope it continues to.
The thing that bothered me about Sense was just how closely integrated to the core Android processes it was, which caused lots of "broken" ROMS during the Inc's early days. Then again, I also commend Sense for how well it works (being so integrated). Kind of backwords, but that's just me.
LOL. Exactly the reason I miss it. It gets better... I hope.
I actually like that the buttons turn off. But then again I like TW too... and the iPhone (WAIT WHAT? Maybe not...)
I've changed my search key to use Google using instructions for a post somewhere around these forums... I'll post it up if I find it.
EDIT: See if this helps you out. You have to rename the Bing.apk and... well here it is: http://forum.androidcentral.com/fascinate-roms-hacks/34872-compilation-root-remove-bing.html
Ugh. Custom ROMS. I miss them so much. Flashing has got to be one of the things I enjoy most about phones. Slightly off-topic, but I checked out the Incredible development section at XDA yesterday. And wow. Tons more ROMS since I was last over there. But I have no doubt we'll get some... eventually.
I am currently deciding between the two devices so thanks everyone for all of these observations! I do have a few questions:
1. What is the main difference between Sense and TouchWiz?
2. Has it been decided when the Fascinate will get the 2.2 update?
3. What do people mean when they talk about "rooting" or customizing the ROM on their phone?
Thanks!
I do have a few questions:1. What is the main difference between Sense and TouchWiz?
2. Has it been decided when the Fascinate will get the 2.2 update?
3. What do people mean when they talk about "rooting" or customizing the ROM on their phone?
Thanks!
I thought i heard that the Fascinate will receive 2.2 sometime before the end of October, but i'm probably wrongI am currently deciding between the two devices so thanks everyone for all of these observations!
1. What is the main difference between Sense and TouchWiz?
2. Has it been decided when the Fascinate will get the 2.2 update?
3. What do people mean when they talk about "rooting" or customizing the ROM on their phone?
Thanks!
Rooting is granting special permissions to you, so you can do things that you wouldn't normally be able to do without root such as removing bloatware, running custom Roms, overclocking and such
iPenguin
Well-Known Member
I am currently deciding between the two devices so thanks everyone for all of these observations!
1. What is the main difference between Sense and TouchWiz?
2. Has it been decided when the Fascinate will get the 2.2 update?
3. What do people mean when they talk about "rooting" or customizing the ROM on their phone?
Thanks!
1. A bit difficult to answer. There are entire articles and 15 minute YouTube videos dedicated to running through Sense alone. They are just meant to make Android look "nicer", and offer little shortcuts and different layouts. I suggest searching around the forums or watching videos demoing these two overlays.
2. It was said the international Galaxy S would be getting 2.2 this month, but no dice. It has since been moved to October, but seeing as we would likely get Froyo AFTER the original SGS, we'll probably see it November/December, which lines up with the "Froyo before the end of the year" rumor.
3. I explain rooting like this: Pretend Verizon sells you a phone. Equate the phone to a house. You can get into the house, but some of the doors inside are locked, i.e. your phone has little "locked doors" inside of it. By rooting, you are allowing yourself the capability to break into those other rooms, or the recesses/more advanced functions of your phone.
ROMS are images you flash on your phone. Again, with the the house example, you have a house with yellow walls. And you want green. So you paint it green. ROMS can optimize processes in your phone, change how the user interface look, give you newer versions of Android before release- pretty much anything is possible with the amazing devs we have.
Hope I didn't dumb it down too much or confuse you.
iPenguin
Well-Known Member
I like to root. But it doesn't mean you need to. The worst thing you could do is not know what you're doing and render your phone inoperable. Do your research first, and for that I would suggest heading over to xda developers forums and going to the development section in the Samsung Fascinate sub forum. Be careful and good luck!
kenyu73
Well-Known Member
Why, right here for the Incredible (Fascinate doesn't have any yet...)...
HTC Incredible - Android Forums
There is a "rooting" sub-forum, you'll have to search around, but there are some good how-to threads.
HTC Incredible - Android Forums
There is a "rooting" sub-forum, you'll have to search around, but there are some good how-to threads.
Thanks for the great thread. I am eligible for upgrade Nov 1. Coming from an Eris, I am reluctant to get into anything again that is laggy. I just can't take another bad experience like this for another 10 months.
I touch the screen and nothing happens. I turn the screen and nothing happens. I flick the screen and nothing happens.
I touch the screen and nothing happens. I turn the screen and nothing happens. I flick the screen and nothing happens.
iPenguin
Well-Known Member
The Fascinate is not anywhere near that laggy. My is perfectly fine- doesn't stall except when pushing the back button too fast (but that's an Android thing) or lock up. Some phones are rotten apples in the bunch and might give some users headache, but with either this phone or the Incredible you're getting extremely snappy and responsive devices. If you have any questions just ask away.
SirKronan
Android Expert
Holy batman. If your fascinate does that, it's BROKEN.
Seriously, the Fascinate and the Eris are not even in the same league, I mean, we're talking a difference of MILES. Believe me, I know firsthand. I am sitting here with my FOURTH Eris in a box. The Fascinate is a different class. Twice the processor power. More RAM. A GPU that the Eris lacks. A record-breaking screen (contrast, brightness, black levels). Equal or better battery life than the Eris. A much more responsive and accurate touch screen. Better reception. Better call quality. Gazillion times better dialer.
The list goes on and on, my friend. If your experience with Android has largely been with the Eris (as mine had, until the Droid X and Fascinate), then you have seen the WORST that Android has to offer.
I'm not kidding. The worst. People are still rocking and loving their original MotoDroids, which are older than the Eris, if I remember right. The Eris had a nice screen. And it also had a nice ... well ... that's about as far as I get.
The Fascinate (a.k.a Galaxy S) and Droid X are both the cream of the crop in Androidland right now. I promise you that.
indianajonze
Well-Known Member
the .3 bigger screen advantage for the fascinate is flawed. if you line the two phones together side by side and align the screens from the top, you'll see that the fascinate's menu icon area is far larger than the incredibles with sense. the useable screens are just about identical actually
iPenguin
Well-Known Member
But that's assuming the only thing you do is stay on a homescreen. Web browsing or video watching makes a huge difference to me personally.
I spend very little time on the homescreen. Games, movies, and browsing, and anything you do off the homescreen, its much better.
