Samsung Galaxy vs iPhone 8?

[Bill Gates Jr.]

I know this is a Mac Forum, all things Apple, but bear with me. Although I do have an iMac and iPad Air 2,I still have an old Samsung flip phone. No text, no data. Never used it for anything else but phone calls. Ok, I'm 73. When I was in Vegas recently my daughter used her Samsung 5 to program driving directions for me using WAZE. I want something like a smaller iPad with roaming and phone capability I've never texted so not sure if I need that but I guess that is like email. Not sure why I would need data. When would I use that/ and finally which of the two brands is the better choice...and why? Should I wait for the iPhone 8?

Pete

 

[chscag]

Moved your post here as it is not a switcher subject.

Your question above is hard to answer. The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 and 8+ are available right now, however, both phones use the Android system which is very different from iOS (which the iPhone uses). The iPhone 8 will likely be announced on September 12th so you should wait to see what that is all about.

You stated you wanted something like a small iPad with roaming and phone capability. The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 and 8+ are very large phones with bright easy to see screens. The only drawback to the Samsung is that it uses the Android system and software for Android in my opinion is not up to par with Apple. But that's just my opinion.

BTW, both phones will set you back anywhere from $970 to over $1000 for the top of the line models.

 

[badshoehabit]

If you only want navigation, why not a plug-in satnav? Much cheaper than a smartphone and negligible running costs (regular updates). You get voice directions as well as visual if sight is an issue.

 

[ferrarr]

I agree with Sue, a stand alone navigation unit would be the better option. Here is a recent review, https://www.cnet.com/topics/gps/best-gps/

 

[pm-r]

As a mid 70s pensioner who also uses an old Samsung flip phone, I'd also suggest that both the Samsung Galaxy and iPhone 8 considerations are probably complete overkill and expensive to operate and maintain.

As for navigation, why not just use your iPad?
I use an old iPad 2 for some navigation stuff just using various maps and its GPS abilities.

They work just fine for an old geezer.




- Patrick
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[Slydude]

Good idea Patrick. I did that with my first gen iPad shortly after it came out and amazed the delivery guy. The store was about an hour away from our home. He was generally familiar with our area but had difficulty understanding the specific directions till I pulled up a satellite view. Next thing I knew we had four or five guys standing around slack jawed looking at the screen.

BTW you mid seventies pensioners need to slow down a bit. A few more good ideas like that and the fifty somethings won't be able to keep up. At least this one won't anyway.:Blushing:

 

[chscag]

You guys do realize that an iPad will not provide GPS capability unless it's a cellular model? And using an iPad in an auto as a GPS unit is just not practical because of its size. A stand alone nav unit would be better.

Also, since our OP lives in Hawaii he's surrounded on all sides by the ocean. You can hardly get lost anywhere on the island of Oahu. I know, I spent 8 years there working for our favorite Uncle.

 

[pm-r]

You guys do realize that an iPad will not provide GPS capability unless it's a cellular model?

Hmmm…??? I didn't know that but then I read stuff like this… just to confuse folks like me:

POSTED: 11/01/2013 OPTIONS
The GPS module is built into the cellular module, so if you buy a Wi-Fi version, there is no GPS capability.

GPS does not entirely rely on a cellular signal; it only speeds up synchronization. Even without any cellular service, GPS will still work fine

.

COMMENTS:
GPS does not require cellular service to work. What Apple did do is if you do have cellular services the cell towers can augment the GPU signal (getting better accuracy). This is useful in cities where the signal could be blocked or faint. On the open rural roads you won't need a cellular service to have GPS services.

https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/148307/Is+there+a+GPS+in+the+iPad+Air

I did forgot that my iPad 2 does have both. I've also added a more permanent SIM card as well for $10.00cdn/month via Bell Mobility.




- Patrick
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[chscag]

I don't know where Apple is getting all that propaganda from but I can tell you that without cellular, GPS just does not provide accuracy or sometimes no signal. My older iPad 3 (now gone) had cellular and navigating with it was almost impossible. I can't imagine trying to do it without cellular.

Anyway, as I stated above the OP lives in Hawaii. Not difficult to navigate there regardless of which island you live on. Sooner or later you're gonna wind up in the ocean! ;P

 

[pm-r]

I don't know where Apple is getting all that propaganda from but I can tell you that without cellular, GPS just does not provide accuracy or sometimes no signal.

Hmmm…??? That's a bit odd as I used my iPad 2 for several years without any cell SIM card and the GPS driven Navionics.app and others I tried with our boating was dead, spot on for accuracy. Like within about 10-20 feet of actual location and even worked fairly well on the basic land street maps that it wasn't even really designed to work on.

But AFAIK, it also has a builtin GPS chip.

Anyway, maybe the OP could give his iPad a tryout with some GPS type apps or maps.




- Patrick
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[chscag]

Anyway, maybe the OP could give his iPad a tryout with some GPS type apps or maps.

Good idea. There are several turn by turn apps with voice that are advertised in the iTunes App store. A couple are by subscription only and are localized.

 

[Bill Gates Jr.]

Yes, I live in Hawaii, but I'm moving to Las Vegas early next year. That's why I would need navigation capabilities.
My iPad Air 2 is connected when I'm at home through my home Wi-Fi. Once I leave home it is not connected like a cell phone so cannot track my route. Is there a way to make it like a cell phone with roaming capabilities ?
I could buy a Garmin or something similar, but would I have to pay extra for roaming capability ? Is there a monthly or yearly fee ?
I just thought, why not just upgrade to a smartphone and have nav capabilities plus.
Last month when I was at the Las Vegas airport waiting for my flight, I was reading a newspaper. Everybody else were on their smartphones checking news or whatever. Now I know how the dinosaurs felt. Pete

 

[chscag]

Some folks say that you can use a WiFi iPad to provide navigation, however, folks that I know and from my own experience you really need cellular to take advantage of the nav apps available for iOS. You asked earlier about the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 phone... As far as I'm aware it has to be preordered and you would have to purchase it outright or on contract with a carrier.

If you're moving to Vegas next year why don't you wait until you get there and see what's available from the carriers that operate in that area. I lived there for 2 ½ years and never had a problem getting around without a Garmin. I also lived in Oahu for 8 years and just followed the wind to get around.

 

[badshoehabit]

Last month when I was at the Las Vegas airport waiting for my flight, I was reading a newspaper. Everybody else were on their smartphones checking news or whatever. Now I know how the dinosaurs felt. Pete

They can change your life, for the better in my view. Camera, internet, maps, library, all in one small device.

 

[pm-r]

Is there a way to make it like a cell phone with roaming capabilities ?

You could sure just add an iPad GPS add-on module. There are several versions and varieties available and even bluetooth options to tie in with other devices.

Google it for more info or start here:
http://www.larrytalkstech.com/add-gps-to-your-ipad-2-wifi/







- Patrick
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[DavidKashton]

During my year in a half stint with Android I tested out almost all of their phones over there and a few Samsung. I even owned one of the S8 models most recently before I swapped fully back over to Apple. I think if you are deeply rooted to Apple and IOS that Android will not be quite as enjoyable to you due to how drastically different both Android and IOS are from each other unless you are just wanting an entirely fresh change and outlook on your mobile device. I will definitely say Samsung has a beautiful screen resolution but their skin they use that sits on top of stock android touch wiz is nowhere near as fluid and smooth as Apple IOS. On the other hand if you want a lot of customization options then you may like Android and Samsung.

I owned both the S7s which I did not keep very long because of touch wiz being choppy and sticky and then I decided to try the S8 and just never warmed up to it and I lost a lot on the resell of that phone too.

That’s a tough one to answer because if you are looking for something huge the the Note 8 would be the android device to get right now. Before I made the move back over to Apple full blown I had briefly considered the Note 8 due to it having the S Pen for taking quick notes with. In the end I just missed IOS too much. Good luck on your decision. Both are great devices.