*** The Official Samsung Galaxy S4 Thread ***

[estebanrey]

Why do people think a good 'design' only includes looks and not ergonomics or button placement?

Watch from 1:10 where he compares the design of each phone and see how bad the XZ is once you get past it's "good" looks.

 

[Danger Phoenix]

To be honest I prefer the curvy design rather than a simple rectangular one, so S4 all the way for me

 

[dbmzk1]

The S4 is by far the best designed phone for actual usability out of the top-end phones, including the iPhone 5.

It is also, at least in my opionion, one of the best looking. The XZ is too square, it looks horrible and the back glass is a no-no. The iPhone is boring, although very well made. The HTC One is a nice effort, but doesn't really do it for me.

It's just down to opinion really!

 

[Robbo]

Why do people think a good 'design' only includes looks and not ergonomics or button placement?

They don't think that, but maybe they'd like the best of both worlds?

Up against some other phones, the S4 does look pretty cheap and child-like.

I actually found the Xperia Z to be pretty plasticky and a bit naff, it's certainly not on the premium build level of the iPhone 5 and HTC One at least.

 

[m4rk84]

The S4 has the most functional design of pretty much any phone, it's just been let down a bit by another tacky Samsung finish. It's a shame but I still think the S4 has a much better design then the S3.

 

[mattyg]

The S4 is by far the best designed phone for actual usability out of the top-end phones, including the iPhone 5.

It is also, at least in my opionion, one of the best looking. The XZ is too square, it looks horrible and the back glass is a no-no. The iPhone is boring, although very well made. The HTC One is a nice effort, but doesn't really do it for me.

It's just down to opinion really!

Why do people think the iPhone is well made.
Is it because it feels solid?

I remember years ago in particular a Sony Cd player that a salesman tried to sell me telling me that it weighed a ton so that shows its good quality. When in effect sony used an old transformer that was huge.

The iphone feels solid which is great until you drop it. Nothing gives/flexes and judging from my friends that have iphones its a one time deal. Drop it and its knackered.

I'd rather have a phone that was well made and had possibly designed with a little misuse thrown in that wont break so easily

 

[grudas]

They don't think that, but maybe they'd like the best of both worlds?

Up against some other phones, the S4 does look pretty cheap and child-like.

I actually found the Xperia Z to be pretty plasticky and a bit naff, it's certainly not on the premium build level of the iPhone 5 and HTC One at least.

yup XZ feels no better than my s2 does really.. but for w/e reason i like the way it feels in hand and button placement is perfect! i guess im used to my s2's boxy design.

 

[Robbo]

Why do people think the iPhone is well made.
Is it because it feels solid?

This was more applicable to the iPhone 4 and 4S, not so much the 5. Mostly because the backs shattered fairly easily.

The 5 feels well made as it's all metal and very sturdy (not because of the weight - it's not heavy). It's no ergonomic masterclass, but this isn't an issue due to the size. It also looks the part in my opinion, front and back.

It actually performs really well in drop tests, not that I'm one of these people who buys a phone based on what will happen if I drop it - that's a lottery, even with a case on.

 

[m4rk84]

I think often people mistake 'premium feel' for 'well-made' I would say both the S4 and iPhone5 were equally 'well-made' however it's very difficult to argue the S4 feels as premium as the iPhone5.

Premium feel and image is the area where Apple makes most of it's cash, I don't think any other manufacturer comes close to Apple in this regard. HTC have clearly been making an effort, however for some reason it seems to be unsuccessful.

 

[Danger Phoenix]

Looking/feeling solid means nothing what so ever. The ratio between S3 and iPhone 4/4S/5 is always equal between my friends and people at work, and I have seen far more broken iPhones then I have S3s.

Now it could be that iPhone users do not look after their phones, but at the same time hints to the fact that although the Samsung may feel cheaper in the hand (to me it doesn't) it doesn't mean that it is worse in any way or you are getting less for your money.

I think often people mistake 'premium feel' for 'well-made' I would say both the S4 and iPhone5 were equally 'well-made' however it's very difficult to argue the S4 feels as premium as the iPhone5.

Premium feel and image is the area where Apple makes most of it's cash, I don't think any other manufacturer comes close to Apple in this regard. HTC have clearly been making an effort, however for some reason it seems to be unsuccessful.

The feeling of premium is subjective and opinion based. I think my S3 feels more premium than the iPhone 5 purely because it suits my preferences better and therefore I feel like I'm getting my monies worth.

 

[Robbo]

Looking/feeling solid means nothing what so ever. The ratio between S3 and iPhone 4/4S/5 is always equal between my friends and people at work, and I have seen far more broken iPhones then I have S3s.

Now it could be that iPhone users do not look after their phones, but at the same time hints to the fact that although the Samsung may feel cheaper in the hand (to me it doesn't) it doesn't mean that it is worse in any way or you are getting less for your money.

That's not what I said though, I'm not saying the iPhone is better built than the S3. The S3 is very well made and I've always said that, it does feel sturdy but it doesn't have a premium feel to me at least.

The S2 is a rugged phone (yet it can still break easily if you're unlucky), the S3 isn't so much. The plastic can damage quite easily and in many drop tests it actually comes off worse than the iPhone 4S... nevermind the 5. This is mostly down to the size of the screen and how close it is to the edges, it shatters more easily - which could mean the S4 is even less drop proof.

The feeling of premium is subjective and opinion based. I think my S3 feels more premium than the iPhone 5 purely because it suits my preferences better and therefore I feel like I'm getting my monies worth.

This isn't the kind of premium we're talking about though, you've basically said you think the S3 is a better phone or whatever therefore it feels more premium...

If you can't see why the HTC One and iPhone 5 feel more 'premium' (in the context of feeling expensive/better quality), then I'm rather confused.

 

[Richdog]

If you can't see why the HTC One and iPhone 5 feel more 'premium' (in the context of feeling expensive/better quality), then I'm rather confused.

Robbo, no need to go to any lengths explaining this to someone. The iPhone and HTC One obviously do feel more premium due to the better, denser materials and unibody design. No-one in their right mind would argue against that, and there are a couple of people trying to in this thread that are essentially talking nonsense.

 

[estebanrey]

If you can't see why the HTC One and iPhone 5 feel more 'premium' (in the context of feeling expensive/better quality), then I'm rather confused.

Because for some reason people believe aluminium is an expensive material?

Oddly, I've never seen someone pickup a 500 ml bottle of Coke and say "you know this just doesn't feel as premium as a can does".

I understand the whole glass/aluminium = premium things exists, I just don't see what logic is behind it.

 

[Robbo]

Because for some reason people believe aluminium is an expensive material?

Oddly, I've never seen someone pickup a 500 ml bottle of Coke and say "you know this just doesn't feel as premium as a can does".

I understand the whole glass/aluminium = premium things exists, I just don't see what logic is behind it.

Well, you clearly don't understand then. Also what a hilariously bad analogy.

Robbo, no need to go to any lengths explaining this to someone. The iPhone and HTC One obviously do feel more premium due to the better, denser materials and unibody design. No-one in their right mind would argue against that, and there are a couple of people trying to in this thread that are essentially talking nonsense.

Mm. :/

 

[mrk]

It should be added that while aluminium might feel premium it isn't in terms of quality or source price. Wasn't there a materials breakdown page where it was shown that the polycarbonate Material used in the back cover of the S2 (and above as well I suppose) was actually more expensive than aluminium? Makes sense considering how tough and bendable it is.

 

[m4rk84]

Metal feels more premium, it's most certainly not a rule that makes it better. In fact plastic really is a more suitable material for a phone in terms of function imo.

However in terms of look, finish and feel I don't really see how people can make an argument for plastics being better in terms of 'premium'.

 

[Danger Phoenix]

Robbo, no need to go to any lengths explaining this to someone. The iPhone and HTC One obviously do feel more premium due to the better, denser materials and unibody design. No-one in their right mind would argue against that, and there are a couple of people trying to in this thread that are essentially talking nonsense.

Metal feels more premium, it's most certainly not a rule that makes it better. In fact plastic really is a more suitable material for a phone in terms of function imo.

However in terms of look, finish and feel I don't really see how people can make an argument for plastics being better in terms of 'premium'.

I disagree. As I said, the feel of premium is subjective. What you find to be premium may not be the same as what I find to be premium. True that a lot of people may find metal is more premium than plastic, but that is not a fact... purely their opinion. I'm not sure if I can explain it properly, but I prefer the plastic because it just feels so much better in my hand... it just feels warmer/softer than cold/hard metal.

On the same note, if I took the carbon fibre Bugatti Veyron and put an inch think steel unibody shell on it, would it be more premium? That moves me onto what mrk posted...

It should be added that while aluminium might feel premium it isn't in terms of quality or source price. Wasn't there a materials breakdown page where it was shown that the polycarbonate Material used in the back cover of the S2 (and above as well I suppose) was actually more expensive than aluminium? Makes sense considering how tough and bendable it is.

Some people look at premium as cost, quality, appearance... it is all subjective and opinionated. The housing of the S4 does indeed cost more than the others and is pretty tough. I tried the bend test on the back panel of my S2 (I had bought the extended battery so had a spare back cover) and I was surprised how much punishment something that looked so flimsy could take.

In short you are still incorrect... what you might think is not premium may not be the case for everyone. My opinion is that the S3 looks/feels and the S4 looks (not felt it yet) more premium... that is my opinion and therefore it is obviously not wrong. If you think the iPhones/HTCs are more premium then so be it.

 

[estebanrey]

Well, you clearly don't understand then. Also what a hilariously bad analogy.

You sound like a school kid who's just been asked to justify why Justin Bieber is better than the Beatles..."You just don't understand, he just is"

Like I said I understand that the notion of aluminium/glass coating = more premium exists, I'm asking for a rational explanation for it.

My Coke example wasn't an analogy, I was talking about aluminium, you know like they make tin cans out of? I was merely pointing out that it's a really cheap material available in abundance. It's so cheap that the cheaper 330ml drinks come in it, whilst at larger sizes you're more likely to get plastic. Now shouldn't that be the other way around if aluminium is the more expensive..I mean 'premium' material?

I can understand premium when it's reflected by price, I can understand why a phone made out of gold would be more premium than one made out of tin, or why one made out of plastic would be more premium than one made out of paper mache. What I don't understand, or rather can't explain with logic, is why when it comes to phones and laptops there's this faux set of rules people seem to abide by which is neither based on price of the material or it's characteristics. (and rarely apply to any other purchase)

 

[Danger Phoenix]

You sound like a school kid who's just been asked to justify why Justin Bieber is better than the Beatles..."You just don't understand, he just is"

Like I said I understand that the notion of aluminium/glass coating = more premium exists, I'm asking for a rational explanation for it.

My Coke example wasn't an analogy, I was talking about aluminium, you know like they make tin cans out of? I was merely pointing out that it's a really cheap material available in abundance. It's so cheap that the cheaper 330ml drinks come in it, whilst at larger sizes you're more likely to get plastic. Now shouldn't that be the other way around if aluminium is the more expensive..I mean 'premium' material?

I can understand premium when it's reflected by price, I can understand why a phone made out of gold would be more premium than one made out of tin, or why one made out of plastic would be more expensive than one made out of paper mache. What I don't understand, or rather can't explain with logic, is why when it comes to phones and laptops there's this faux set of rules people seem to abide by which is neither based on price of the material or it's characteristics.

That is because there is no logic... it is personal preference and therefore is no right or wrong answer. There are no rules

If Robbo/Richdog want to contest my opinion on what I think is premium then they are more than welcome to, but as it is my opinion my case still stands.

 

[Robbo]

You sound like a school kid who's just been asked to justify why Justin Bieber is better than the Beatles..."You just don't understand, he just is"

Like I said I understand that the notion of aluminium/glass coating = more premium exists, I'm asking for a rational explanation for it.

My Coke example wasn't an analogy, I was talking about aluminium, you know like they make tin cans out of? I was merely pointing out that it's a really cheap material available in abundance. It's so cheap that the cheaper 330ml drinks come in it, whilst at larger sizes you're more likely to get plastic. Now shouldn't that be the other way around if aluminium is the more expensive..I mean 'premium' material?

I can understand premium when it's reflected by price, I can understand why a phone made out of gold would be more premium than one made out of tin, or why one made out of plastic would be more premium than one made out of paper mache. What I don't understand, or rather can't explain with logic, is why when it comes to phones and laptops there's this faux set of rules people seem to abide by which is neither based on price of the material or it's characteristics. (and rarely apply to any other purchase)

No, I just know better than to spend ages arguing with you as you'll never change your opinion no matter what I say.

Richdog already pointed out the reasons above, I'm also not surprised you've started with the idiotic remarks and rolleyes as per usual.

I thought you'd be bright enough to understand what people mean when they say the iPhone/HTC have a more premium feel, but I guess not.