G+_Tim Thomas Posted May 13, 2017 Share Posted May 13, 2017 So I've had my Galaxy S8 for almost 2 weeks and I wanted to share my thoughts. First I want to say that so far I really like it, but, I am coming from a Note 4 and S5 so I am trying to put my excitement in perspective. With that being said, I do have a concern. Too much Samsung. I love Google and most of its offerings. They work great, sync between devices, pair up nice with my Smartwatch, ect. I never liked how Samsung has so many apps that duplicate Google's apps. The main problem for me is that the Samsung apps are getting better. They are actually kinda nice. You almost forget about using Google. The thing is, to take advantage of all its features, you need to buy all Samsung products. You need a Samsung Smart Tv, a Gear s3, a Samsung refrigerator, a galaxy tab s3.... If you want to use your favorite Google Apps, its all fine and dandy, but, you lose some funtionality. I have decisions to make. For example, I have a Sony Smartwatch 3. It works great with Google apps, not so much with Samsungs apps. I either use Google's apps, and lose phone functionality or use Samsung apps and lose watch functionality and features. For me, I feel almost forced to go all in on Samsung. I rather go all in on Google. I like choice and Google offers that. Android is the OS I fell in love with many years ago. It almost feels dirty using this phone. I think I will sell this one and get the Pixel 2 if it's any good. It seems like the right thing to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_L I Posted May 14, 2017 Share Posted May 14, 2017 Can you give examples of the more functionality with the Samsung apps? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Tim Thomas Posted May 14, 2017 Author Share Posted May 14, 2017 Lionel D For example, when using the stock messenger app, my Smart watch can only reply via voice, but if I download a second sms app, Google Messages, I can send and receive text , even from the watch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Joseph Cappellino Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 But, what functionality do you lose if you use the Google apps? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Tim Thomas Posted May 15, 2017 Author Share Posted May 15, 2017 Joseph Cappellino? you don't really lose functionality per se, its just that you have to download and use duplicate apps on your phone. I'm my opinion, its takes away from the user experience a bit. One thing I have noticed is that if you are doing something that requires you to redirect to the browser, the S8 no longer includes Chrome as an option. Only Samsung internet. Usually when I get a new Samsung device I get rid of every bit of Touchwiz I can. But with the Samsung Experience being kind of nice this time around, I find myself not wanting to do all that this time around. Especially since with the AT&T version being hard to get Rooted and ROMed the phone's get a mix match feel with constant reminders that you still are using a Samsung phone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Joseph Cappellino Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 Gotcha. All the more reason to get a Pixel! ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Tim Thomas Posted May 15, 2017 Author Share Posted May 15, 2017 Joseph Cappellino I am really considering selling this s8+ on Swappa when the Pixel XL 2 comes out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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