All about Samsung Galaxy S4

[lothar]

yes TouchWiz is horrendously ugly, so ugly that its almost fashionable. Android lag/animation jankiness in general when multitasking is quite bothersome, not solely a tw issue.

I don't have any lag or animation jankiness when multitasking on my Nexus 4 with CyanogenMod.
So yes...TouchWiz, Sense, and the other bloated Android skins then are clearly the problem.

 

[saratoga172]

Sprint released an update (MDC was release, MDL was the update) that fixed the lag issue for those who had that on their S4. I'm not positive about the other networks, but it's worth looking into.

Thanks for the info. Wasn't aware it was so widespread. I'm on Verizon. Ultimately I'd prefer a custom rom since I won't use much default TouchWiz stuff but I'm still leaning towards taking it back. Had I went from my Gnex to the SGS4 I'd be ecstatic and love the phone. It's a nice device, nice hardware, light and amazing screen.

But I don't think I can wait and I almost feel excited to get back on my iPhone. I've got it JB with some hacks that enhance the experience...and it's completely smooth.

Battery was better on the S4 though.

 

[s44]

Is it using 4G?

Yes.

So it turns out that adding the toggles Verizon (spit!) took out is really easy:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42004806

 

[trmiv]

Yes.

So it turns out that adding the toggles Verizon (spit!) took out is really easy:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42004806

Nice. Worked great!

 

[rcpratt]

hmm

i just noticed the 4G symbol is on even though its connected to my home wireless. it wouldnt do that with the galaxy 3.

does this mean i'm still useing 4g? and why?

Yeah, this was discussed and a resolution provided earlier in the thread...search for it.

 

[olds]

Yeah, this was discussed and a resolution provided earlier in the thread...search for it.

Screw that. I added a data toggle and I'll turn it off that way.

 

[s44]

Wait, you don't want to freeze Verizon bloat?

 

[olds]

Wait, you don't want to freeze Verizon bloat?

If you're talking to me, I already did.
I left a few thing that I am not sure if I'll use yet. I'll freeze the rest as I go.

 

[rcpratt]

Screw that. I added a data toggle and I'll turn it off that way.

Well, there's a more automatic solution that won't require toggling, but ok.

 

[olds]

Well, there's a more automatic solution that won't require toggling, but ok.

It requires searching a multi page thread. The toggle took 5 seconds in HDWidgets.

 

[trmiv]

Yea but it also requires you toggle it every time you're on wifi. Get rid of the caller id name app and that 4G icon is gone forever on wifi. Automagically.

 

[olds]

Yea but it also requires you toggle it every time you're on wifi. Get rid of the caller id name app and that 4G icon is gone forever on wifi. Automagically.

Not concerned about the icon. I don't want it using data unless I tell it to.
Or are you saying if the icon is gone, it's not using data?

 

[trmiv]

The reason the icon was there was because the app was using mobile data not wifi data. I guess the way the app is designed since it's supposed to give you the names of verizon customers. If you're on wifi it shouldn't be using mobile data unless you lose connection. I mean there's no reason you can't toggle data if that's what you want to do. I like having it on though because it transitions a lot quicker from wifi to data when I leave the house.

 

[olds]

The reason the icon was there was because the app was using mobile data not wifi data. I guess the way the app is designed since it's supposed to give you the names of verizon customers. If you're on wifi it shouldn't be using mobile data unless you lose connection. I mean there's no reason you can't toggle data if that's what you want to do. I like having it on though because it transitions a lot quicker from wifi to data when I leave the house.

I see, thanks. Disabled it.

 

[dlock13]

So if anyone wants to trade me for my DNA + Cash, I would gladly do so!

 

[trmiv]

As an aside, but pertinent to the GS4, the Xposed Framework is an awesome addon:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1574401

I installed the App Settings module and shrank down the enormous notification buttons in Touchwiz using per app DPI.


And if you're on Touchwiz, you can try NottachXposed which will let you tweak a bunch of settings (like the notification bar clock/battery icon/text colour/etc.).

This app really does rock. Changed out my battery icon, and changed the notification toggles to the Android blue. Looks sooo much better.

 

[lopri]

Hope you remembered to disable iMessage first...
This won't cover *all* of it, but definitely disable everything that says "AT&T".

What does iMessage do? No, I didn't disable iMessage. I set up new Google accounts (gmail) for my parents and simply have AT&T transfer contacts from their iPhones.

 

[lopri]

Here is an automated de-bloater:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2258904

This is a list for the S3 (or a link to the thread anyway), the S4 shouldnt be too different.

Thank you!

 

[trmiv]

So what cases are people using? I've settled into an Urban Armor Gear aero case. Very protective, but low profile. Love this case. My favorite case looks wise is the Slims Amor cases though. But damn are they slippery.

BTW, If anyone interested in a Dodger Blue Spigen Slim Armor that I had on my phone for like 2 minutes, let me know. I LOVE the way this case looks, but for me it's just too slippery so I've got to let it go. I know I'd drop my phone with this in it. I'd hate to let it sit around collecting dust.

 

[Germanic]

Do you guys drain your battery really low before charging?

I heard this is beneficial for battery life.

 

[aphex]

Hey all,

Just switched from an iPhone 5 to the Galaxy S4, my first android. So far i've been loving the phone and android in general. I will say its not as intuitive to just pick up and know how everything works, but then again it can do quite a bit more and I had 3-4 iPhones in a row so I am just used to iOS. Overall though I am much happier with this phone than the iPhone.

Just curious - is there a way to change the look of the dialer app? That stark white burns my eyes Loved the look of the dialer in the HTC one.

 

[ChronoReverse]

Do you guys drain your battery really low before charging?

I heard this is beneficial for battery life.

Quite the opposite. It's better for modern lithium ion batteries to shallow charge so just plug in whenever.


@aphex
For now you can only change it if rooted. You could try an alternative dialer app instead like Dialer One.

 

[mosco]

What does iMessage do? No, I didn't disable iMessage. I set up new Google accounts (gmail) for my parents and simply have AT&T transfer contacts from their iPhones.

If iMessage wasn't turned off, it means that the phone number is possibly still registered with Apple as a iMessage end point. That means if people with iPhones messages that number, your parents will never get the messages.

 

[Germanic]

Quite the opposite. It's better for modern lithium ion batteries to shallow charge so just plug in whenever.


@aphex
For now you can only change it if rooted. You could try an alternative dialer app instead like Dialer One.

Do you have a source to back up what you're saying?

 

[waggy]

any good car docks for this yet?