Bit of a predicament.. iPhone 4 vs. Samsung Captivate(NOT WHAT YOU THINK take a look)

[Jare]

(LONG POST AHEAD)

So here's my story and maybe some of you can help me out with this.

Basically, ever since I bought the iPhone 3g from Rogers in December of 2009, it's been nothing but replacements. After (7) iPhone 3G 8GB replacements all for hardware defects (fried battery, non-responsive touch screen etc) Apple upgraded me to an iPhone 3GS (16gb). All was well for about a week until issues arose (battery fully drain after 3 hours on STOCK settings) and a multitude of DIFFERENT issues after replacing the phone. I had (15) iPhone 3GS replacements. After giving up on that device, I waited for Apple's latest product, the iPhone 4. I decided to purchase it with hopes of actually getting a good phone. Which was true, for a few days. That's when the phone shocked me. Yes, it gave me a small electrical shock when I answered a call, it had no case and it was my finger touching the sim tray that caused the shock. I got it replaced and then we started the whole cycle of replacements. (7) iPhone 4 replacements in 2 weeks. I had a bad experience with my last genius bar appointment since they seem to dislike me there. The rep was rude, insulted my wife and refused to replace the phone (will not go into detail about this). My Current iPhone 4 has a huge battery issue which I will not go into detail about. I never jailbreak my devices, I generally only load games/apps on them. But the games I do not play often, or daily. Maybe once or twice a week for 20 minutes on the bus. The majority of the time I use the iPod/Phone/Texting.

After speaking with Rogers, Apple Corporate etc they eventually are allowing me to return my iPhone 4 32GB even though it's PAST it's return date. Also, Rogers is offering to reset my HUP so I can pick a new phone. Now here come's the issue.

The ONLY GOOD ALTERNATIVE to my iPhone 4 (minus the problems) is the Samsung Galaxy S Captivate. I'm a bit weary about switching phones because although I had problems with my iPhone 4, it did EXACTLY what I needed it to do. Was a great iPod, had great games and a wide app selection. But with my iPhone 4 I've felt that it isn't a strudy phone. I'm always constantly worried about dropping it, or breaking the screen/back panel. It just feels like a device you have to baby 24/7 otherwise it will get damaged. This is a huge issue for me as I have other things in life that I need to focus my attention on and am getting sick of this whole game of babying my phone. I work in construction so there is a HIGH risk that I will smash the iPhone 4 on accident daily.

With the Samsung Captivate I'm worried I wont get enough battery life to power me through the day, and that the music player wont be great. I NEED a music player to keep the bus ride to work seem less tedious. Driving is not an option as my car is a gazz guzzler and a 1.3 hour drive to work everyday would cost too much.

Here's what I use my iPhone 4 for on a daily basis:

• Text Messaging
• Push Email (a MUST)
• iPod (NEED music for the 2 hour bus ride every morning to work)
• Games (keeps me entertained on the bus)
• Phone Calls (Obviously)
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instant Messaging

With the Captivate, only a few things excite me with the phone. Swype for one, as I have gotten bored of texting on the iPhone 4 and feel that it is more a CHORE then anything. Another thing is a fresh OS for me to play with. I like the fact that with the Captivate, I may NOT have to baby the phone as much. It looks like it can take more abuse then the iPhone 4. Android has some customization abilities that iPhone 4 does not have. I like the idea of widgets instead of just a huge ass grid of icons like on my iPhone 4. It just get's so plain.. I'm not really a huge app person either to be honest, even though I have over 100 games on my iPhone, I play maybe two, once a week.

I really don't know what to do. I'm worried that if I do actually make the switch from iPhone 4 -> Captivate I'll regret it. I'd hate to have to carry two devices (iPod + Captivate).

Anyone wanna help me out? Should I take the dive? (If I do I cannot go back unless I'm shelling out 700+ for the 32GB iPhone 4). Should I just suck it up and keep what I have?

Edit: One last thing. I'm also very used to iOS and I'm worried that making the switch to Android would feel more like a downgrade and not work in ways I need it to. Also I'm worried about things like LED flash, decent camera and lack of video calling (though I never use it) may make me regret my decision. I have to stick with this phone for atleast a year.. maybe two.

Edit 2: Here's some REQUIREMENTS for either device that I need the below must be exceptional or near exceptional:

• Quick text messaging
• Music player
• Speakerphone quality
• Reception/Stability
• Instant push email
• Social Networking & IM.
• Durability

[Little Dragon]

the Captivate can do all that but for your specific needs, i'd say stick with the iphone. wayyyyyyyyyyy better selection of games, battery life is a bit better and, to me, the music player is the same for both.

just get a heavy duty case like an Otterbox

[Winkle]

(LONG POST AHEAD)
Here's what I use my iPhone 4 for on a daily basis:

• Text Messaging
• Push Email (a MUST)
• iPod (NEED music for the 2 hour bus ride every morning to work)
• Games (keeps me entertained on the bus)
• Phone Calls (Obviously)
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instant Messaging

The Captivate can do all of the above. I don't know why you think its music player will suck especially when Apple's iPod playback software is far from being the best.

[Jare]

the Captivate can do all that but for your specific needs, i'd say stick with the iphone. wayyyyyyyyyyy better selection of games, battery life is a bit better and, to me, the music player is the same for both.

just get a heavy duty case like an Otterbox

A heavy duty case (or a case that adds any bulk for the matter) would essentially make me end up leaving my iPhone 4 at the jobsite somewhere safe, and not be able to keep it in my pocket. That's another issue as well. I can't lug around a phone that's super thick in my pocket as I do a lot of movement (construction) and it would obstruct my job.

[Jare]

The Captivate can do all of the above. I don't know why you think its music player will suck especially when Apple's iPod playback software is far from being the best.

I guess because of how iTunes works. My music goes there, it syncs, I'm done. I don't convert things and all my music is generally mp3's so I'm not worried about conversion.

I just don't like the idea of having to mount the device (captivate), drag music, messed up song names/etc.

[tietherope]

I can't answer your question as I know I have a huge bias towards Android and would never touch an iPhone, but I must say, with all those problems you are definitely one of the most loyal Apple customers I have ever seen. No matter what brand, if I had that many issues I would be long gone.

[Jare]

I can't answer your question as I know I have a huge bias towards Android and would never touch an iPhone, but I must say, with all those problems you are definitely one of the most loyal Apple customers I have ever seen. No matter what brand, if I had that many issues I would be long gone.

It's not so much loyalty, it's more so the product does EXACTLY what I need it to do. When it works.. that is. Which is why I'm even considering this. If it was normal circumstances (IE I just got bored of the phone) I'd keep the iPhone 4. But all of these issues, the horrible Apple Store experience, etc I really am considering Android (as it's the only viable alternative).


Edited thread with a bit more information, FYI.

[Winkle]

I guess because of how iTunes works. My music goes there, it syncs, I'm done. I don't convert things and all my music is generally mp3's so I'm not worried about conversion.

I just don't like the idea of having to mount the device (captivate), drag music, messed up song names/etc.

There are plenty of music management software avaliable for Android and Samsung phones, I wouldn't be too worried about it. I'm not that big of a fan of iTunes frankly. I suggest you google around and get an idea of what options are avaliable.

[Jare]

There are plenty of music management software avaliable for Android and Samsung phones, I wouldn't be too worried about it. I'm not that big of a fan of iTunes frankly. I suggest you google around and get an idea of what options are avaliable.

Can you name me something with a seamless experience?

[Tig]

You had 29 iPhones malfunction on you? Nothing is impossible but I would say that's damn near close. Maybe you're radiating EM waves ?

Anyway, since you're not that big on Apps, I think the Samsung would be a good replacement. Functionality wise it's just about on par with the iPhone.

[Jare]

You had 29 iPhones malfunction on you? Nothing is impossible but I would say that's damn near close. Maybe you're radiating EM waves ?

Anyway, since you're not that big on Apps, I think the Samsung would be a good replacement. Functionality wise it's just about on par with the iPhone.

Both me and a few Apple Corporate Executives over the phone came up with one of two assumptions:

1) Quality control at my local apple store is FAIL.
2) Extremely bad luck.

Apple has a record of all my replacements and couldn't believe it when they looked at my case history. No one even BELIEVED my word until they saw the case.

Edit: About apps. The reason I'm not big on them is because I have to LOAD an app, have an extra icon, etc. It doesn't just add a function. But I guess thats what apps are supposed to do.

[sixteen12]

Doubletwist will give you a very similar feel to itunes with an Android phone.

The Galaxy S looks to do exactly what you want. If you start putting on videos it has a bigger screen and the ability to play more video types, thus less conversion for you. It can also be expanded to 48 GB.

[enon]

After

(7) iPhone 3G 8GB replacements
(15) iPhone 3GS replacements
(7) iPhone 4 replacements

That is 29 iPhones...WTF?

Maybe you shouldn't be allowed anywhere near any kind of iPhone. Forget bad luck with defects, it could be just you. Does your body put out an EMP wave every week? You should get a medical examination done.

What is this about babying the iPhone, you should leave your phone in your car or locker or bag or whatever if you are working in construction, else get ready to buy a new iPhone (again). Complaining that "you have to focus on other things and you are sick of babying your phone" and then you mentioned your job afterwards was just funny.

Maybe you should give up on cell phones all together, it will save you so much hassle.

[Winkle]

Can you name me something with a seamless experience?

Unfortunately no, can't help you there. I generally dislike any music management software, I prefer dragging them folder-to-folder the old-fashioned way :P

I don't have an Android phone either, but I know Samsung has their own music management software, wouldn't hurt to look into it.

[Tig]

OP, read this comparison between the I4 and Samsung. It came down to a virtual tie, but the reviwers have the nod to the I4 because of the larger app library and because they liked the "feel" better. Plus the I4 has a known antenna hardware issue.

http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/...xy-svs-evo-4g/

edit: Oh and another thing, I read that android devices come with a native gps turn-by-turn app that is very good and completely free