Another review which compares the photon to epic touch. They prefer the photon:
Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch (Sprint) Review - eCoustics.com
Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch (Sprint) Review - eCoustics.com
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Photon or Galaxy S2
- Thread starter snowcrash
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Your quote said the photon was easier to read outdoors. I was just agreeing. A couple of reviews did say that the galaxy s 2 was improved for outdoor visibility. If that is true, then cool beans! But yes, the photon is definitely easier to read outdoors than most handsets out today
One reviewer made that comment; while it is a reliable reviewer it is hardly conclusive or analytical. Your comment as made led me to believe you had first hand data to share. I just wanted a clarification that you were not actually adding an additional data point comparing the two phones.
busted bones
Android Enthusiast
There are a couple of Phones out already that have the same screen like the Infuse on AT&T and the Droid Charge on Verizon.
Drop Knowledge
Member
Went into the Sprint store before work today, didn't even have the GS II out on display yet. Noticeably thinner than the MoPho, and screen is noticeably larger.
Both are obviously very fast, so it was hard to really compare the two in the few minutes I played w/ the Epic 4G Touch. Much prefer the MotoBLUR on the Photon to the TouchWhiz on the Samsung, but I plan on using a launcher and eventually rooting anyway.
Engadget is giving a rave review, says it may be even better than the unlocked SG II (at least in some respects):
Samsung Epic 4G Touch review -- Engadget
Both are obviously very fast, so it was hard to really compare the two in the few minutes I played w/ the Epic 4G Touch. Much prefer the MotoBLUR on the Photon to the TouchWhiz on the Samsung, but I plan on using a launcher and eventually rooting anyway.
Engadget is giving a rave review, says it may be even better than the unlocked SG II (at least in some respects):
Samsung Epic 4G Touch review -- Engadget
I handled an Epic 4G Touch today. I have a Photon and I'm not trading it in.
The Exynos is very powerful but Samsung doesn't have any kind of software initiative to entice devs to put it to good use. They seem to be focusing on the ROM dev community which is concerned with making Android better instead of producing apps and games (I'm just sayin'). nVidia's Tegra 2 in the Photon has a growing nVidia initiative that's putting out specialized Tegra apps and games. Yes, you can run MOST of the current Tegra apps/games on other phones but you're forced to root and fiddle with Chainfire3D+plugins. It's a hassle and not all of the Tegra-optimized apps work. It's a crap-shoot.
The E4GT is thinner than the Photon. It's bigger than the Photon as well... noticeably bigger... it's a very big baby.
The E4GT's screen is larger with colors that really pop and no sign of a "screendoor" effect but the resolution is lower and it doesn't handle daylight as well as the Photon's screen. The E4GT's screen's color seems a bit too much IMHO... overdone... like a gourmet dish that has WAY too much flavor. Again, personal tastes on that one.
Software is buttery smooth. Touchwiz is more user friendly than Blur but I find it a little "Playskool-ish".
The rear camera quality is debatable. Each has strengths and weaknesses.
The mics and speakers are better on the Photon.
The Photon is a worldphone with webtop capabilities, The E4GT doesn't have either of those features. Sidenote - the Photon 4G does work with the Droid Bionic's lapdock without needing root or any mods.
The Photon's battery life is a bit better (10-20% from what I'm reading on the reviews).
Photon has a kickstand. I love kickstands but there will be kickstand cases for the E4GT.
E4GT has a 2MP FFC while the Photon's VGA.
E4GT's Exynos has NEON so it can use Skype right now. Photon's Skype client is still in the works.
The Photon's Radio hangs onto signal like bulldog. The E4GT is supposedly using the same radio as the Nexus S 4G which had some speed issues but should be fixed by now. No word on real-world radio performance yet.
The International version of the E4GT had some overheating issues. Not sure if that will be an issue with this one since it's a little thicker and bigger.
The E4GT is f#@king LIGHT. I can't decide if it makes the device feel cheap or more advanced.
The plastic back is very robust but feels a little flimsy. The Photon feels like a more durable device.
The phone is pretty snappy but so is the Photon. The real-world performance is virtually identical.
All in all, I have more confidence in nVidia and their partners making better use of the Tegra 2 than Sammy and 3rd party devs making use of the Exynos before the next gen SOCs hit. Kal-el phones are only a few short months away with the Krait and OMAP 5 SOCs following 4-8 months after.
The E4GT isn't enough to get me to give up Tegra zone apps, webtop, and worldphone capabilities.
I'll be sticking with my MoPho and I hope they'll release a mostly unchanged sequel with a Tegra Kal-el, improved screen, and some better cameras.
PS - The Photon has snazzier screen transition effects (little animations when you rotate the screen, start an app, and hit the back button). It makes the UI feel more polished.
The E4GT doesn't have those little animations. Not a huge deal but still a small point in the Photon's favor.
I just don't feel an urge to root the Photon at all and that speaks volumes.
The Exynos is very powerful but Samsung doesn't have any kind of software initiative to entice devs to put it to good use. They seem to be focusing on the ROM dev community which is concerned with making Android better instead of producing apps and games (I'm just sayin'). nVidia's Tegra 2 in the Photon has a growing nVidia initiative that's putting out specialized Tegra apps and games. Yes, you can run MOST of the current Tegra apps/games on other phones but you're forced to root and fiddle with Chainfire3D+plugins. It's a hassle and not all of the Tegra-optimized apps work. It's a crap-shoot.
The E4GT is thinner than the Photon. It's bigger than the Photon as well... noticeably bigger... it's a very big baby.
The E4GT's screen is larger with colors that really pop and no sign of a "screendoor" effect but the resolution is lower and it doesn't handle daylight as well as the Photon's screen. The E4GT's screen's color seems a bit too much IMHO... overdone... like a gourmet dish that has WAY too much flavor. Again, personal tastes on that one.
Software is buttery smooth. Touchwiz is more user friendly than Blur but I find it a little "Playskool-ish".
The rear camera quality is debatable. Each has strengths and weaknesses.
The mics and speakers are better on the Photon.
The Photon is a worldphone with webtop capabilities, The E4GT doesn't have either of those features. Sidenote - the Photon 4G does work with the Droid Bionic's lapdock without needing root or any mods.
The Photon's battery life is a bit better (10-20% from what I'm reading on the reviews).
Photon has a kickstand. I love kickstands but there will be kickstand cases for the E4GT.
E4GT has a 2MP FFC while the Photon's VGA.
E4GT's Exynos has NEON so it can use Skype right now. Photon's Skype client is still in the works.
The Photon's Radio hangs onto signal like bulldog. The E4GT is supposedly using the same radio as the Nexus S 4G which had some speed issues but should be fixed by now. No word on real-world radio performance yet.
The International version of the E4GT had some overheating issues. Not sure if that will be an issue with this one since it's a little thicker and bigger.
The E4GT is f#@king LIGHT. I can't decide if it makes the device feel cheap or more advanced.
The plastic back is very robust but feels a little flimsy. The Photon feels like a more durable device.
The phone is pretty snappy but so is the Photon. The real-world performance is virtually identical.
All in all, I have more confidence in nVidia and their partners making better use of the Tegra 2 than Sammy and 3rd party devs making use of the Exynos before the next gen SOCs hit. Kal-el phones are only a few short months away with the Krait and OMAP 5 SOCs following 4-8 months after.
The E4GT isn't enough to get me to give up Tegra zone apps, webtop, and worldphone capabilities.
I'll be sticking with my MoPho and I hope they'll release a mostly unchanged sequel with a Tegra Kal-el, improved screen, and some better cameras.
PS - The Photon has snazzier screen transition effects (little animations when you rotate the screen, start an app, and hit the back button). It makes the UI feel more polished.
The E4GT doesn't have those little animations. Not a huge deal but still a small point in the Photon's favor.
I just don't feel an urge to root the Photon at all and that speaks volumes.
I spent about 2 hours playing with both of these phones in the store; while I agree with some of what you wrote I really think the epic has better quality sound. The photon seems to marginally louder. I wonder if someone has actually done a db/spectrum analsys to determine the quality of the two with regards to sound. Anyways I have weak ears but I felt the sound on the epic was noticably crisper and clearer.
Still undecided between the two phones I'm just trying to be objective.
Still undecided between the two phones I'm just trying to be objective.
KnowProblem
Member
Could it be that the photon's scores are lower because it appears one of its two cores may be disabled?
whatsitsname
Android Enthusiast
I have use them both and no way is the Galaxy S2 better than the Photon in sound quality. That goes for earpiece and speakerphone. The speakerphone on the Photon has much better frequency range and louder without distortion. If you try to have a conversation on speakerphone with the Galaxy S2 you can hear some muffles, and lack of bass, and strained when volume is turned up.
whatsitsname
Android Enthusiast
I would like to note my Galaxy S2 has to look for signal and roaming while at my sister's home. Had a hard time making and holding onto a call. PRL and Profile was all updated. Oddly enough the 4g signal wasn't too bad and I speed was good too at the same house. My Photon was making crystal clear calls all over the house.
Thanks everyone for the comparisons to the ET4G. I think that although it's a nice phone, it's not better than the Photon where it really counts (to me): call reliability and quality, radio reliability and performance, and outdoor viewing (living in SoCal, that REALLY matters to me). Toss in the unknowns about the car dock (I really love the Photon's), and it seems like there's no good reason to consider getting the ET4G over the Photon, and many good reasons not to.
The geek in me loves the ET4G's specs, of course, but the Photon does seem like the more "practical" choice.
The geek in me loves the ET4G's specs, of course, but the Photon does seem like the more "practical" choice.
Sidewinder7
Newbie
Samsung would have to blow me away to get me to give them money for them when they don't support their devices once they release them and they did not. The Epic touch has some good things and some bad. I am very happy with the Photon and will stay with it.
drexappeal
Extreme Android User
Really, I think that these two phones bring great things to the table. Wrong or right choice is only relevant to each individual's needs. Completely agree about the need for outdoor use and visibility in socal. Mopho is a champ with that. I didn't have problems with evo, buty mopho just seems to handle viewing outside so much better.
Sycobob
Well-Known Member
I just traded my Photon for the E4GT, just figured I'd share a link to my thoughts for anyone that's curious. http://androidforums.com/samsung-epic-4g-touch/414890-first-impressions.html. It's definitely a close comparison, and I can easily see people choosing the Photon if their needs are different than mine.
drexappeal
Extreme Android User
My 1st impression, the e4gt is Gigantic! Height and width. It's super thin, but still felt uncomfortable. Took a pick next to epic I brought in for fixing.
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I figured i would chime in here, My GF and I both signed up for sprint 2 weeks ago and both of us got Motorola Photons. We both travel somewhat frequently and the world phone capabilities made it an easy choice. Its spec sheet is also impecable wich made the decision even easier to boh get them. Unfortunately our phone decision was met with some major problems.
To start both of our Photons had the "sleep of death" issue and would just shut off and not turn back on without a battery pull several times a day. After several master resets and re-imaging without change, we both exchanged them for new Photons, Just to find out in a few hours both new photons had the same exact issue and now one of them would only register 1 bar on any wifi signal regardless of how good a signal it was and wouldn't exceed 2mbps on any speed test.
immediately we went back to the sprint store and were like WTF is up with these phones. so once again they agreed to swap out out phones for new photons. Only this time one of the photons fresh out of the box would not turn on and had a dead screen. That was enough for me to say i dont trust this phone at all and just go with something else.
I was informed by the sales associate that they had Galaxy S2's in stock but he wasn't sure if he was able to sell them or not as they didn't officially go on sale for a another day or 2.
Well after speaking to the manager they agreed to let us swap our photons out for the Galaxy S2.
So for the past 3 days my GF and I havent had any issues with our Galaxy's and the phone in almost every aspect i like better then the Photon, But there are a few things in wich the Photon excels in and completely destroys the Galaxy.
To get right into it the sound quality on the Photon (ear peace, speaker, headphones, music etc.) is lightyears ahead of the galaxy. The photons audio is clear and crisp as where the galaxy is muffled and lacking any form of brightness and distorts quit easily.
The next thing is build quality, this is another aspect where the Photon comes in way ahead. Tho photon feels like a quality piece with it textured button and somewhat solid batter panel, it feels like a 600$ device is supposed to. The galaxy feels like a cheap knock off, and the battery door is so this and comes off so easily, i know factually it will break quite easily.
Everything else has to go to the galaxy though. I get much better battery life, faster 3g and 4g speeds, better signal, it has a much better display, it takes much better photos and videos, Its faster in all aspects of app and phone use, It has a much faster boot up and if you plan on keeping your phone stock it has a much better overlay then the photon.
The only downside for me is lack of world capabilities but thats really not a huge deal, and personally unless you travel over seas often (Like me) there is absolutely no point to even have that feature, you can always pick up a phone overseas cheap, its just the advantage of being able to use your daily device everywhere you go.
As of now the galaxy is the better phone IMO. If motorola picks up their game and fixes all the whacky issues with the photon then by all means the photon will have the advantage. But till then the Galaxy is the best phone sprint has to offer.
To start both of our Photons had the "sleep of death" issue and would just shut off and not turn back on without a battery pull several times a day. After several master resets and re-imaging without change, we both exchanged them for new Photons, Just to find out in a few hours both new photons had the same exact issue and now one of them would only register 1 bar on any wifi signal regardless of how good a signal it was and wouldn't exceed 2mbps on any speed test.
immediately we went back to the sprint store and were like WTF is up with these phones. so once again they agreed to swap out out phones for new photons. Only this time one of the photons fresh out of the box would not turn on and had a dead screen. That was enough for me to say i dont trust this phone at all and just go with something else.
I was informed by the sales associate that they had Galaxy S2's in stock but he wasn't sure if he was able to sell them or not as they didn't officially go on sale for a another day or 2.
Well after speaking to the manager they agreed to let us swap our photons out for the Galaxy S2.
So for the past 3 days my GF and I havent had any issues with our Galaxy's and the phone in almost every aspect i like better then the Photon, But there are a few things in wich the Photon excels in and completely destroys the Galaxy.
To get right into it the sound quality on the Photon (ear peace, speaker, headphones, music etc.) is lightyears ahead of the galaxy. The photons audio is clear and crisp as where the galaxy is muffled and lacking any form of brightness and distorts quit easily.
The next thing is build quality, this is another aspect where the Photon comes in way ahead. Tho photon feels like a quality piece with it textured button and somewhat solid batter panel, it feels like a 600$ device is supposed to. The galaxy feels like a cheap knock off, and the battery door is so this and comes off so easily, i know factually it will break quite easily.
Everything else has to go to the galaxy though. I get much better battery life, faster 3g and 4g speeds, better signal, it has a much better display, it takes much better photos and videos, Its faster in all aspects of app and phone use, It has a much faster boot up and if you plan on keeping your phone stock it has a much better overlay then the photon.
The only downside for me is lack of world capabilities but thats really not a huge deal, and personally unless you travel over seas often (Like me) there is absolutely no point to even have that feature, you can always pick up a phone overseas cheap, its just the advantage of being able to use your daily device everywhere you go.
As of now the galaxy is the better phone IMO. If motorola picks up their game and fixes all the whacky issues with the photon then by all means the photon will have the advantage. But till then the Galaxy is the best phone sprint has to offer.
drexappeal
Extreme Android User
Congrats on the epic touch. Hope Samsung increases the support.
Sycobob
Well-Known Member
Yea, there's no denying this. For me though, it's one of my favorite things about the GS2. It's like a huge slate of awesomeness. The GS2 is 130 x 70 x 10 mm while the Photon is 126.9 x 66.9 x 12.2 mm. It's only 3mm wider and taller, but it's quite noticeable.
It fits comfortably in my hands and it just feels so sleek.
drexappeal
Extreme Android User
Yeah, I don't have the smallest hands, like the burger king commercial (lol), but I don't have the biggest hands, so it was slightly on the uncomfortable side for my tastes.
Nontheless, the screen was definitely massive and clear indoors (as expected). All-in-all, Samsung made a nice device, so we'll see how their support is when it's getting closer to the 1 year mark. IF they improve, Samsung might be a consideration for my next phone.
I'm extremely happy with the MoPho and it is definitely better suited for my needs.
Congrats on the purchase.
One thing I find interesting about the epic is that it is so light and thin it will actually fit in a front shirt pocket; where the photon density makes that a difficult task (i mean it will physically fit but it doesn't feel right due to weight/center of mass.
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Oh well I think the photon has a lot of pluses but right now I'm leaning towards the epic touch. I sort of wish a phone with all the best features would come out
(thin, light, long battery life, great speakers, great reception, ...)
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Also the camera is really nice on the epic touch. Bit confused abourt sound because I actually thought the epic had slightly better sound but more than a few feel the other way. My hearing is ab it weak for high frequency so perhaps that is part of the issue.
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Also I was able to view an epic touch outdoors in very bright light; and while the photon is definitely brighter the epic was easy to read without any shading so that was a nice bonus.
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Oh well I think the photon has a lot of pluses but right now I'm leaning towards the epic touch. I sort of wish a phone with all the best features would come out
(thin, light, long battery life, great speakers, great reception, ...)
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Also the camera is really nice on the epic touch. Bit confused abourt sound because I actually thought the epic had slightly better sound but more than a few feel the other way. My hearing is ab it weak for high frequency so perhaps that is part of the issue.
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Also I was able to view an epic touch outdoors in very bright light; and while the photon is definitely brighter the epic was easy to read without any shading so that was a nice bonus.
ratchetjaw
Android Enthusiast
I have the same feelings, my photon is going back. Loving the GS2 Epic.
Ok I listened very carfully to several youtube videos with bells and xylophone and the photon was definitely better with the high tones and the galaxy had a somewhat muted sound. Not sure if this was due to a different phone or I just paid more attention. Hum.
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One thing I find interesting about the epic is that it is so light and thin it will actually fit in a front shirt pocket; where the photon density makes that a difficult task (i mean it will physically fit but it doesn't feel right due to weight/center of mass.
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Oh well I think the photon has a lot of pluses but right now I'm leaning towards the epic touch. I sort of wish a phone with all the best features would come out
(thin, light, long battery life, great speakers, great reception, ...)
-
Also the camera is really nice on the epic touch. Bit confused abourt sound because I actually thought the epic had slightly better sound but more than a few feel the other way. My hearing is ab it weak for high frequency so perhaps that is part of the issue.
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Also I was able to view an epic touch outdoors in very bright light; and while the photon is definitely brighter the epic was easy to read without any shading so that was a nice bonus.
One thing I find interesting about the epic is that it is so light and thin it will actually fit in a front shirt pocket; where the photon density makes that a difficult task (i mean it will physically fit but it doesn't feel right due to weight/center of mass.
-
Oh well I think the photon has a lot of pluses but right now I'm leaning towards the epic touch. I sort of wish a phone with all the best features would come out
(thin, light, long battery life, great speakers, great reception, ...)
-
Also the camera is really nice on the epic touch. Bit confused abourt sound because I actually thought the epic had slightly better sound but more than a few feel the other way. My hearing is ab it weak for high frequency so perhaps that is part of the issue.
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Also I was able to view an epic touch outdoors in very bright light; and while the photon is definitely brighter the epic was easy to read without any shading so that was a nice bonus.
I always put my phones in my fornt shirt pocket also, and i undertand fully what you mean, sometimes i have to double check to se if my E4GT is even still in my pocket as where the Photon had that weight where i just always knew it was there.
As far as features that you describe the E4GT has them all aside from the sound quality, which is somewhat overlookable when the rest of the phone is so awesome. I also notice much better reception with mt E4GT as it seems to hang on to signals better without bouncing around like my Photon did.
Really my only gripe with the phone is the sound quality and really is the only thing i can out right say the photon is way ahead in. Some sounds on the E4GT sound as if the speaker is blown when its not and music in general when using headphones is lacking the fullness and crispness that the Photon has. I would put the Photons sound quality along side an ipod and the E4GT down with a cheap basic mp3 player.