Ativ S issues?

Forums › Legacy mobile platforms (Windows Mobile, Palm OS, Web OS, Symbian, Meego, Blackberry) › Ativ S issues?

zaptor

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#130842 30-Sep-2013 10:58

Looking at a bigger screen phone.

Samsung Ativ S looks appealing. Hoping it will drop further in price.
Considered the Lumia 920 because of the recent price drops. But, after reading about the heat and battery issues, I think I'll give that a pass.

Anyone have any issues with the Ativ S?

Please, I'm asking people who actually have the phone (I can google just as well as the next guy).

TIA.

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#904977 30-Sep-2013 11:03

better software with Nokia Amber update, Nokia HERE Drive and Maps etc on the Nokia is something to consider

Battery and heat issues, no problems in the recent phone updates in my experience

zaptor

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#904985 30-Sep-2013 11:16

nathan: better software with Nokia Amber update, Nokia HERE Drive and Maps etc on the Nokia is something to consider

Yeah, it doesn't seem Amber makes a difference for everyone. Seems a bit hit and miss. Mind you, that was just from the top Google links I get. Perhaps, I'm looking in the wrong place?

nathan:
Battery and heat issues, no problems in the recent phone updates in my experience

Are you referring to WP's in general, or the Ativ S?

zaptor

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#904988 30-Sep-2013 11:23

Note:
I'm fairly big on low maintenance phones & OS. I'm looking outside iOS because I'd really like a big screen phone, and WP seems like a decent alternative (outside of the Nexus). Also, I can't stand crudware.

Wade

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#904989 30-Sep-2013 11:24

The 920 is a class act, don't worry about a few squeaky wheels complaining as there are far greater number of content users who don't go online and go on about it, they are a great handset that you will enjoy

jfanning

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#904994 30-Sep-2013 11:28

I have a Ativ S and a Lumia 820, I prefer the software, and battery life (and weight) on the 820, I prefer the screen size on the Ativ S.

And GRD2 doesn't seem to have been released for the Telecom Ativ S yet

billgates

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#904999 30-Sep-2013 11:32

Have close to 40 Samsung Ativ S deployed in the company. No issues. However I would take a Nokia over any other Windows Phone OEM anyday due to the ecosystem support that Nokia brings.

Also the Nokia Lumia 920 issues has been long fixed AFAIK.

Take a look at Nokia Lumia 625. It's a mid range priced phone but specs are good. It's also 4G capable.

Do whatever you want to do man.

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zaptor

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#905003 30-Sep-2013 11:36

Wade: The 920 is a class act, don't worry about a few squeaky wheels complaining as there are far greater number of content users who don't go online and go on about it, they are a great handset that you will enjoy

What are your experiences of the heat and battery issues?
Did Amber make a significant difference for you?

Initially when I was researching the 920 initial impressions were very positive. Then I started reading about the heat and battery issues, and the tweaks to get around them (for some).
I agree, there are people who will always moan about little things. So, I guess I look at the noise:no-noise ratio. There's a lot of noise when it comes to the 920, not so much with the Ativ S. Perhaps that's because there a more 920's? (who knows).

zaptor

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#905006 30-Sep-2013 11:39

jfanning: I have a Ativ S and a Lumia 820, I prefer the software, and battery life (and weight) on the 820, I prefer the screen size on the Ativ S.

And GRD2 doesn't seem to have been released for the Telecom Ativ S yet

Interesting. I have read elsewhere that the Nokia apps are preferable. Also, read that a couple of Nokia apps actually work on the Ativ S.

Which Nokia apps in particular do you think are deal breakers?

nathan

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#905010 30-Sep-2013 11:44

HERE Drive+
HERE Maps
Nokia Pro Cam

The HERE maps stuff is available on other WP devices in a few other countries but not NZ

zaptor

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#905015 30-Sep-2013 11:50

billgates: Have close to 40 Samsung Ativ S deployed in the company. No issues. However I would take a Nokia over any other Windows Phone OEM anyday due to the ecosystem support that Nokia brings.

Also the Nokia Lumia 920 issues has been long fixed AFAIK.

Take a look at Nokia Lumia 625. It's a mid range priced phone but specs are good. It's also 4G capable.

Yes, I did come across some good comments regarding the 620/625.

However, I'm not keen to downgrade the screen resolution from my iPhone (3.5" @ 960x640 vs 4.7" @ 800x480).
Also, the price difference between the 626 vs 920 is negligible (I can get the 920 cheaper from a big name retailer than I can a 625).

I don't actually use that many apps tbh. Perhaps I need to investigate the Nokia apps a little more - can't any of them be run on a Ativ S as well?

Wade

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#905019 30-Sep-2013 11:58

zaptor:
Wade: The 920 is a class act, don't worry about a few squeaky wheels complaining as there are far greater number of content users who don't go online and go on about it, they are a great handset that you will enjoy

What are your experiences of the heat and battery issues?
Did Amber make a significant difference for you?

Initially when I was researching the 920 initial impressions were very positive. Then I started reading about the heat and battery issues, and the tweaks to get around them (for some).
I agree, there are people who will always moan about little things. So, I guess I look at the noise:no-noise ratio. There's a lot of noise when it comes to the 920, not so much with the Ativ S. Perhaps that's because there a more 920's? (who knows).

I changed phones pre-Amber so can't comment however whilst i had a 920 it did quite warm during high drain activities however it was indifferent to any other phone i have used in similar circumstances, i used my phone fairly heavily and battery life was more than satisfactory.

I would expect the Ativ S captive market is far smaller than the 920, the 920 was afterall the WP8 showcase phone and attracted huge global interest.

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andrewNZ

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#905046 30-Sep-2013 12:55

I've had my 920 about two months now, it's been good.

I've had issues twice when it chopped through the battery like you wouldn't believe with no use. I suspect the first time it may have misrepresented it's charge state as full when it wasn't. The second time it claimed <60% charge after 1-2 hours, I rebooted it and it came right, (>90%).

I had once when I received phone calls and the caller heard nothing unless it was on speaker. A reboot sorted it out.

I was using Tomtom on the iPhone, Drive+ is better IMO.

Drive is better because
- It's free, and the 920 includes ALL available maps free.
- It shuts up and lets you drive, no instructions to turn if the road only goes that way.
- You can browse the navigation map. You just drag it around for a look and tell it when you're done.

Tomtom is better because
- It does lane guidance.
- It does multi stop trips.

All things considered I love my 920.

zaptor

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#905055 30-Sep-2013 13:12

andrewNZ: I've had my 920 about two months now, it's been good.

Have you got Amber installed? If so, does it make any difference?

andrewNZ:
I've had issues twice when it chopped through the battery like you wouldn't believe with no use. I suspect the first time it may have misrepresented it's charge state as full when it wasn't. The second time it claimed <60% charge after 1-2 hours, I rebooted it and it came right, (>90%).

I had once when I received phone calls and the caller heard nothing unless it was on speaker. A reboot sorted it out.

Curious. Since then, no more issues?
Can you recall if you did anything which might have stopped the above from re-ocurring? (Amber update etc)

andrewNZ: All things considered I love my 920.

I really want to believe I won't have any issues with the 920 (if I purchased it).
I'm assuming the 920 will be better supported than the Ativ S going forward.

Still, I'm having trouble shaking off the issues some have had.

Wade

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#905068 30-Sep-2013 13:25

My last four phones have been HTC One, Nokia 920, Samsung S3 and S2, if you research them you will find screeds of "common" problems however i have had problem free use from all.

One common issue all have encountered is occasional rapid battery discharge, in pretty much everytime it has been a new update or a particular app that has misbehaved rather than a hardware fault, it happens, an app keeps the CPU cranking or holds GPS or whatever, it is either a one off thing or an update is quickly pushed out rectifying the issue, no biggie really

If you are concerned you should consider buying a local telco handset from a retailer that can provide a dependable aftersales service, you might pay a bit more but you will have more peace of mind

zaptor

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#905124 30-Sep-2013 14:01

Wade: My last four phones have been HTC One, Nokia 920, Samsung S3 and S2, if you research them you will find screeds of "common" problems however i have had problem free use from all.

One common issue all have encountered is occasional rapid battery discharge, in pretty much everytime it has been a new update or a particular app that has misbehaved rather than a hardware fault, it happens, an app keeps the CPU cranking or holds GPS or whatever, it is either a one off thing or an update is quickly pushed out rectifying the issue, no biggie really

Fair enough.

Wade:
If you are concerned you should consider buying a local telco handset from a retailer that can provide a dependable aftersales service, you might pay a bit more but you will have more peace of mind

I was actually looking to source from a big name retailer for that very reason.
However, I don't want to go through the hassle of taking it back for (possibly ongoing) repairs should issues did arise. Not that the reseller wouldn't deal with the problem, just the hassle of being without the phone. I've been through enough warranty episodes (within and post) over the past couple of decades that I'm at the stage of appreciating things that just work.

Mind you, I'm still thinking about it. So, may take the "risk" after all.

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