Please suggest between Samsung EPIC 4G or Fascinate

[Rahul Always 87]

Dear All,

I am a really new user here and I must admit that have been really fascinated by the kind of discussions that happen here. I am glad I stumbled upon this forum. I have been looking to upgrade my handset. I am using Reliance CDMA pre paid and looking for a handset which can offer me the following: -

(a) Should be of decent size (about 4") I guess

(b ) Should have good or at least decent network coverage

(c ) Should be EVDO capable

(d) Should have good built in GPS with decent cold start times

(e) Should have decent speakers so that I can listen to music on the go without resorting to use of head phones and also capable of FM if possible

I have more or less decided to go for a Samsung phone simply because I feel the AMOLED screen comes across as better as compared to the LCD of the HTC. I dont mind an HTC too if someone suggests the same but then I had one bad experience with an HTC EVO 4G where I found that the speaker of the phone generally tends to blow out at higher volumes.

If I were to make a choice between Epic 4G or Fascinate, which one would be more apt? I really would appreciate and am sorry if I have made a mistake by posting another query which might have already been answered before

Regards

Rahul

[dkaile 1,051]

^

Welcome to Rimweb Rahul,

Epic has an additional sliding hardware keyboard and is slightly thicker/heavier than the Fascinate; rest both are absolutely similar; Go for either according to your need for a KB or not;

HTC EVO3D is currently the latest here and though it lacks amoled and has lower speaker volume than epic, its top of the line and a generation ahead of both of these Sammy's and on pre-booking from the master. Search for it on the forum. (Specs in my signature)

Edited July 23, 2011 by dkaile

[Rahul Always 87]

Thanks for the reply Dhiraj. Well I have seen the EVO 3D and well it is a fascinating piece for sure but then shelling out 30k for a phone would sure make my wife raise more than an eye brow! Which is why I am not really going for the 3D. How much would a Epic 4G cost and is there anyone out here selling a brand new piece? And plus would he be willing to help in registering my Reliance No with it? I think the sliding key board kind of looks nice especially when considered with the Fascinate.

I had certain problems with an HTC Evo 4G where I was not able to make calls (the calls would get dropped in 2 secs flat whether I was receiving or making it) and I tried my best but just could not resolve it. Which is also why I would like to go for a Samsung. Atleast I can be assured of service support.

[dkaile 1,051]

^

That problem with Evo 4G is a Akey registry problem and not a problem of the handset. If you would have taken the same from some reputed seller here, it would have been solved in jiffy (and ,maybe still can be). Evo4g is a fine handset. For Epic and Fascinate I would recommend you browse the Buy/Sell Section (I just sold my Epic for a killer price of 13.5k in brand new condition) or contact some reputed seller on this forum.And the price of the Evo3d is more like 23-25k (and not 30k) here on the forum by reputed sellers like Hetal/AmitJain/Sadikk etc.

Edited July 23, 2011 by dkaile

[Rahul Always 87]

Well thanks for the reply Dhiraj. You have simply managed to increase my dilemma now. Since you have started the topic of EVO 3D, just wanted to ask. How much great is the 3D? I know it sounds like a really really stupid question but if indeed I can get a completely trouble free handset for around 23K, am sure I can go for it. Else I guess the Epic should be available for around 14-15K is what I have understood. So can someone help me in still making me arrived at a "considered" judgement. I am willing to stretch to around 22-23K MAX. That would be like maxing out my budget. I simply cannot be disappointed after spending so much. I am normal person on a normal salary and even this amount would be considered a splurge. Which is why I am like still cautious.

Again, forgive me if I am wrong in the pricing aspects but this is what I have understood. Even ebay does not offer me better options so I am like really happy to be around.

Having said all that, yes I DO want an Android. Poking around seems like fun to me but then it would happen only knowing that I would have the complete backing of people like you and other mods out here. I am sure that is what keeps this community "alive and kicking". You talk to someone who knows nothing about phones with as much civility and are willing to answer even the stupidest of doubts of the people out here.

[Genius 817]

Go for 3d evo if not the 3d part then also u have a world class hardware better than epic/fascinate that will last 1 year where as e/f are getting faded.

[Rahul Always 87]

Ok so the Evo 3D seems to be what everyone out here seems to be suggesting. Any prices what I can expect? I reside in Vizag so the shipping costs too can be included. And plus, I would not be able to commit anything till the 1st of August (Salary day!!)

[Arun 795]

[caringlover 32]

Hi,

My suggestion would be to go in for the cheapest & best Fascinate, to begin with. I had owned the set & played like anything. Getting it through from our Guru's make you quiet secure as they are always ready for help in case of any problem. Moreso spending money initially wherein you seem to be bit worried, I do agree. Instead of spending all through for a new set, my suggestion again goes for a mint condition which is almost next to new handset as I also got from one of the reputed & ultimate person Hetal Ji.

Get used to android first & when you feel like that you can swim across you have an option of selling your handset back here in the forum itself & then you can go for a new handset anytime.

Thanks

[Rahul Always 87]

Thanks for the suggestion Vishal. What I was considering is the opinion of Vinay (aka Genius+) where he seems right in saying that the EVO 3D has world class hardware and that certainly is true. A dual core processor (WOW!) is something that laptops too have just about reached and that is something which certainly sounds exciting. Yes the 3D part would wear out after the initial novelty so if someone was indeed willing to suggest a similar android mobile with similar specs (minus the 3D) and in CDMA, I would definitely think more than twice about it.

[dkaile 1,051]

^

3D is just an added feature (90% usage as it is in 2D). If you dont want to use it, dont. Right now this is the top of the line in cdma in the world. S2 cdma (only 2D) will be added in the list a few months down the line. Rest all are a generation behind.

[Rahul Always 87]

That is precisely what I was saying. I am sure that a part of the money I am spending on the phone is also because it is 3D so a phone with similar specs minus the 3D would work out cheaper? And then I can at least happily splurge money knowing it is all well spent!

[caringlover 32]

Hi,

No doubt EVO 3D is what every one today wants, all becoz of awesum specs. Recently I got it for one of my good friend but I found it on bulkier side. Neways its individual to individual decision & liking.

I would just add that nothing beats android flavour in todays time.

Thanks

Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk

[Arun 795]

Current generation phone with similar specifications without the 3D will also cost around the same... e.g. HTC Sensation 4G which doesn't have 3D or you can call it EVO 3D minus the 3D.

Anyway EPIC/Fascinate should still be fine for you if keeping up with the latest trend is not a deciding factor for you.

[@mitJ@in 256]

EVO 3D is one of the top handset as of now among all the handsets (Android). Not only CDMA, you wont even find same specifications in a GSM too.

[Rahul Always 87]

I am left speechless here. Generally if I were to open up a topic especially one that has more or less been discussed atleast in some part in some other area of the forum, there would be mods jumping up and down shouting and cursing. And here there are people who are more than willing to share their knowledge in letting a newbie have his bite of the pie! Am really thankful indeed to all of you out here.

@ Arun, well "latest" is not the issue. It is more like getting to know the system and the working of Android and well if it is with the latest piece of hardware, why not. That is just my thought process. That is all. But yes having said that, I am seriously considering the Epic 4g. Seems a nice phone with not too many hitches and more or less assured service support all over India unlike the HTC which people still don't touch even when forced to.

@Amit, yes I have realised that. So it is either I wait till the 2D version comes out or else right now go ahead with the Epic 4G and keep my fingers crossed that a more mouth watering deal does not arise in the next 2 weeks after my purchase

[rajanmehta 4,056]

As i have already been designated NARAD MUNI by my good friend Genius here >> http://www.rimweb.in...post__p__237233 , unwillingly i have to play that role.. Lolz..

Has the punny/low sound level issue been taken care in the Generation Next HTC Evo 3D?

In some cases people are not able to hear the ringtone 10 meters away in another room even in silent surrounding + low audio in Movies.. Difficulty for dialogues..

Apparently not to full satisfaction as described here > > http://community.htc...roid/f/138.aspx and around the web. HTC is replacing the phones of few..

And those QPST setting & sound enhancing apps may just be a compromise at best if the real issue is with the speaker itself rather than a software bug?

If that's the case, only a better speaker in next manufactured lot can help. HTC had the same issue unresolved in Desire for it's entire lifecycle.

And i would still agree with Arun & other's suggestion about Epic/Fascinate if the latest is not your thing..

No offence to the topic opener but don't get carried away by the NexGen thing if your Cash Flow is so tight that you'll have to depend on the next month's salary cheque for buying as confessed by you.. Techies/Enthusiasts/Money no matter people will always buy the latest one.. They are very important people to sustain/absorb the innovation chain..

As well as to keep the future flames of desires burning for the rest..

For you, Both EPIC/Fascinate are very capable phones in light of the above + what you said about entering/tasting Android World..

You won't regret buying any one of that..

[dkaile 1,051]

^

Yes, the volume is definitely lower than the epic (cant comment about fascinate) but exaggerating to that levels is not justified. I have got used to the ring levels and find them adequate for most usage conditions. I found sound volume lower while watching movies even on the epic and used the headphones which is far better way.

There are so many pluses over the Samsung hardware you mention like a much zippier dual core processor, higher ram and internal storage, flawless software management, wonderfully soft hard keys, twice as fast gps (even catches indoors), no "deep sleep" issues as reportedly blatantly on fascinate, fantastic call quality (after evrc-b ), no missing towers on data (like on epic and fascinate where the towers just disappear), better compass and the biggest is MUCH BETTER BATTERY LIFE, that overall I feel the upgrade quite worth it. I have not discussed 3D at all, as I hardly use it, but many people do and it does have it's brownie points.

But as I have already said before that NO perfect phone exists to satisfy all users and the Sammy's have their own strength; so the choice has to be made by the op based on his budget and other needs.

Edited July 24, 2011 by dkaile

[thackervijay 16]

Well as experts have already shared their share,i would say if new to android go for epic for slider keyboard and fascinate for full touch experienxe.i was in the same dileama when I joined here and finally brought faacinate from hetal patel.

[rajanmehta 4,056]

But as I have already said before that NO perfect phone exists to satisfy all users and the Sammy's have their own strength; so the choice has to be made by the op based on his budget and other needs.

Precisely. That's the same point i was making based on what the Topic OP Described about just entering Android world + Budget Issue..

Neither exaggerating anything nor discouraging anyone from HTC Evo 3D.. Just gave a correct perspective about a real issue which EVO 3D has because the OP made this statement in the first post..

(e) Should have decent speakers so that I can listen to music on the go without resorting to use of head phones and also capable of FM if possible

Getting used to ring levels and using earphones is not a substitute of "happy about it". Most people online are depressed about low sound. Lol if people have missed called due to "Deep Sleep" in Epic/Fascinate, here also they are missing it "Wide Awake", even in comparatively low noise office/home areas in US. HTC really should not have messed up on such a silly issue. Apparently this and lack of AMOLED screen would be the only two things which just about prevents it from being a complete package.

I would say sound level in Fascinate is good not extraordinary loud like what i have heard on a relative's Nokia E73. But i did not have to use headphone on it while watching movies/youtube/listening songs. And i have not changed any evrc-b settings, still call quality is excellent. I suppose good call quality is inherent in CDMA even with our al cheapo desi handsets.

Don't know about Epic/Evo 3D speaker placement but in Fascinate because it is at back surface, much of the sound will get suppressed if it's lying on a surface and one is not using a hard shell cover which can keep it few mm above the surface.

And i have never faced any "deep sleep", missing towers issue in Fascinate till date. GPS is also good and AMOLED display eye candy is very pleasing to the eye.

But i am pleasantly surprised by you catching GPS in very "close indoors" in EVO 3D as theoretically it's impossible for a GPS satellite signal to penetrate and travel very close indoors.

Has HTC changed the world by inventing something dramatic not known before or it's simply a case of aGPS taking over there?

[Genius 817]

^^^ Rajan I do get GPS signals 5-10 ft inside on iPhone, to my surprise I got inside kolkata airport where I used checkin feature of FB.

Samsung set have weaker GPS than htc, I have found iPhone geotagging nearly all my Indoor photos as well may be it remembers last outdoor coordinates .

[dkaile 1,051]

@rajan - I havn't missed a single call till date on evo3d due to the speaker. I was always catching gps indoors on my Incredible too. The gps setup of htc is much superior to samsung's which takes upto 5 minutes at some locations while the htc catches it in seconds. It uses last known gps location and a-gps to lock onto gps even indoors which I NEVER got on my sammy. But Sammy has a good screen and louder volume, that's it. In the rest HTC is beating it hands down. I had to reset my epic almost daily due to some software lag or other but with htc its pure makkhan. The overall experience and livability with a phone is an important part, and the "depression" of continuous pressing the sammy's soft keys without a response was far more than the lower volumes of htc which I can live with. However I too never faced any deep sleep issues, but was just reporting what many other's have faced on Fascinate. It's not an issue with the epic. And in some hardware specs, there's no beating the i-phone still (I see Vinay smiling). But I could never tolerate the default TouchWiz of Samsung and had reverted to sense like Launcher Prop Plus and am so happy to be back on the "original" sense. Its a trouble free experience all together. Except the lower volumes of HTC there is not a single other issue I was depressed about. And in hindsight a top notch phone is not supposed to go braying around like a chinese junk phone (Moto Defy does that job perfectly). The sophistication should be evident and we should use headphones and be polite to other's presence in the room.

In the end it will be criminal for "us" to live with a single core phone when a dual core alternative is present. Not that the OP needs to do the same. He can live with single core sammy in the meanwhile. Let the dual core sammy come and then the equations will change. In the end we are not brand loyalists but tech loyalists and that's how it should be.

QED: S2>Evo3d>epic>fascinate

Edited July 25, 2011 by dkaile

[Rahul Always 87]

Thanks everyone for their suggestions and ideas. I finally went in for the Samsung Nexus 4G from Saddik. Got it configured yesterday. Now just enjoying playing around with it. I guess I did end up wasting a lot of people's time here and want to personally thank everyone who has spared their time in trying to ensure that I was made more knowledgeable about the various options available.

Thanks once more

Warm regards

Rahul

[dkaile 1,051]

Welcome to the Samsung Android Family and unadulterated Google. Enjoy...