The Samsung Galaxy S8 Is Our Pick For Best Smartphone of 2017

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2017 for the Samsung Galaxy S8 / S8+

     Last year was an exciting year for smartphones.  Google debuted the Pixel 2.  Samsung debuted the Galaxy S8, after an explosive affair with the Galaxy Note 7 in 2016.  Samsung also debuted the Galaxy Note 8 in the second half of 2017.  Last year even saw the rebirth of Blackberry and Nokia.  There was even a new player, Andy Rubin's Essential.  Last but not least, Apple debuted the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and what was rumored as the tenth anniversary iPhone aka the iPhone X.  There were a great deal of other contenders on the market, but these were the big players in the market.  While, there were a lot of good devices, there can only be one best smartphone for 2017.

     There are many different ways to determine what makes a smartphone the best.  The way we determine the best smartphone is one that is the easiest to use as a daily driver that also brings the best in productivity.  We believe that smartphone is the Samsung Galaxy S8.  The Samsung S8 has a good feel with a prefect size, a beautiful display, and all the software one needs practically to use it right out of the box.  One of Samsung's best apps is Smart Switch.  With the Smart Switch app, the user can transfer almost everything from their old phone into their new phone.  It can also transfer from an iOS device, but as it is iOS and not Android, not everything can be transferred completely.  So, if the user has an older Samsung or an Android device from another manufacturer, they can copy the old device to the new device and it would intuitive for the user since it's practically the same.

Samsung Galaxy S8

     The Samsung Galaxy S8 debuted with a near bezel-less display, and does not have an awkward notch like the Apple iPhone X or the Essential Ph-1.  We feel this was a good trade off as it might of increased the bezel on top, but it doesn't take away from the display and seem like a piece of the movie that is playing is missing.  Like the Galaxy S6 and the S7 before that, the Galaxy S8 does not have a back plate or even a removable battery.  The S8 does have a headphone jack.  While some may agree with Apple that the headphone jack is ancient technology, choice is always good for the user. Aside from the near bezel-less display, the Galaxy S8's design is an evolution from the Galaxy S7, and the S6 before that.  Samsung may have wanted consumers to feel that the S8 was a revolutionary design with their unboxing campaign, but is the S8 really that much different from the S7 or even the S6?  The back of the device looks pretty much the same with the camera, flash, and heart beat sensor.  The only addition is the fingerprint sensor right next to the camera.  Speaking of the fingerprint sensor, Samsung really designed it in an awkward position.  It is fairly easy to smudge the camera while trying to reach for the sensor.  It's too bad Samsung was unable to debut the sensor beneath the display.  If the rumors are true, it appears Samsung is unable to put the sensor beneath the display on the Galaxy S9 as well.  While we can't give high marks to Samsung on the fingerprint sensor, we can give them high marks for the virtual pressure sensitive home button.  We say virtual because the button is no longer a hardware button.  The virtual home button is pressure sensitive, and even if it is not on the display, it will still act as a home button if you press firmly where the home button should be.  The virtual navigation buttons so far has not given us trouble.  Another feature that Samsung included is that it is possible to pin the navigation controls so it will not automatically hide them.  In the US, the Galaxy S8 is powered by Qualcomm's 10nm Snapdragon 835 processor.  The Galaxy S8 is fast and opening a bunch of apps does not seem to slow it down.  Samsung has heard the complaints about bloatware and some of the apps that came pre-installed on Samsung smartphones now need to be downloaded from the Galaxy Apps store.  The device comes pre-installed with the usual Google apps such as Google Maps, Chrome, Gmail, and others.  It also comes with Samsung and service provider apps.  We liked some of the pre-installed apps such as Smart Switch that we mentioned earlier, Secure Folder, Samsung Notes, and Email.  We were impressed with Samsung's Email app.  It was able to automatically configure server settings better than the Mail app in our experience.  One of the most touted features for the Galaxy S8 was Bixby, but it wasn't very impressive.  Bixby still was not available when the Galaxy S8 debuted, and even when it did, it had some issues to be ironed out.  Bixby is much better now, but we still find ourselves preferring Google Assistant over Bixby.  

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

     Bixby one of the most touted features wasn't the only thing on mind at Samsung.  The Galaxy Note 7 was one of the biggest setbacks for Samsung Mobile.  It was highly praised device, but ended up getting discontinued due to battery issues.  Samsung did not want to repeat that mistake, and the Galaxy S8 did give Samsung some redemption, but will the Galaxy Note 8 finish the year for Samsung on a high note or will it go up in flames like the Galaxy Note 7?  So far, the Galaxy Note 8 is another highly praised device and what brought down the Note 7 does not seem to be an issue for the Note 8.  The big difference between the Galaxy S8 and the Note 8 is the features that the spectacular stylus adds to the device and the dual camera.  Samsung has really improved the stylus so much that it really feels like the user is using a pen on the touchscreen device.  Writing and signing notes and documents on the Note 8 feels like a using a paper and pen.  If work requires you to be constantly on the go, the Note 8 should be on the top your list or least on your list.  With Samsung's Write on PDF app and the S-pen, signing documents is easy as pen and paper.  Everything is saved on the device.  If you suddenly need to take notes, just take out the S-Pen and you can write notes without even having to unlock the device.  Using Smart Select, you can add the number you just wrote to your contacts.  You can also use Smart Select to write notes on images and send them to your coworkers to let them know what is wrong.  Samsung's Galaxy Note series is the best smartphone for productivity, but we're giving it an honorable mention because of its size.  While the bezel-less display does make it smaller, we prefer the smaller size of the Galaxy S8.  If Samsung had come out with a Galaxy Note 8 mini that had all the features of the 6.3" Galaxy Note, we would of picked that as the smartphone of 2017.  A big display is great for reading documents or watching videos, but in our minds, a smartphone should be easy to hold and do most things with only one hand.  It should be able to fit in a pocket without feeling bulky.  We shouldn't need to have to buy a holster because the smartphone will take up too much room in our pockets.  We would welcome a 5.7" Galaxy Note with our pocketbooks.

     Speaking of pocketbooks, this list wouldn't be complete without mentioning Apple's iPhone X.  It's the smartphone that most consumers were anticipating and takes the biggest chunk out of buyer's pocketbooks.  With a price starting at $999 USD, it's the most expensive out of the three smartphones.  Apple confessed that the iPhone X was originally slated to debut in 2018, but with Apple's impressive engineering teams they were actually able to make a debut in 2017.  In our minds though, the iPhone and especially the iPhone X isn't really a smartphone.  It's really a multi-media device.  It's not really geared for productivity or tech geeks in our opinion.  In a way, it's actually an evolutionary extension of the iPod.  Unlike the Galaxy Note, the biggest feature of the iPhone X is actually its TrueDepth camera system.  Yes, we're not considering the bezel-less display with a notch as one of its biggest features cause a lot of phones already have it.  On a side note, the iPhone X's OLED display is by Samsung.  The TrueDepth camera system is impressive and projects over 30,000 invisible dots to map a user's face.  It allowed Apple to replace TouchID with FaceID.    TrueDepth also allowed Apple to create what its calling Animojis.

The Poo Animoji

TrueDepth will scan the user's face and give Animojis the exact expression that is on a user's face.  Animojis can also be recorded with sound.  Isn't that a neat new feature?  It is, but it doesn't improve a user's productivity.  It's just for fun and that's one of the reasons why we think that the iPhone X is really a multi-media device.  Apple has also had to make a lot of changes because the iPhone X is the first iPhone that does not have a home button of any kind.  Our guess is that they don't want consumers to think the iPhone has become a copy of Android if they added virtual navigation buttons and another way to emphasize how easy iPhone to use is to eliminate even the home button as well.  Due to the lack of a home button, users have had to learn the new way of doing things and it does take some getting use to.  Also due to the lack of the home button, turning off the device is a two button process.  It requires the power button and one of the volume buttons!  Also, still need to swipe to shutdown the device like all the iPhones before it.  It makes us wonder why didn't Apple make Siri a two button process since the user can already activate Siri by saying 'Hey Siri.'  By the way, instead of holding the home button, the new way is to hold the power key.    If the changes in navigation bother you, and you're not interested in Animojis, we recommend you consider the Apple iPhone 8 instead.  It's got most of the improvements of the iPhone X, but without the TrueDepth or the new way to navigate that requires some time to get use to.  Another interesting decision by Apple is that their response to features that Samsung has had for years is rather timid.  It's great that they finally have wireless charging, but how come multi-window is still only on the iPad and not the iPhone?  

     Like last year, this year should prove to be an interesting year for smartphones.  It'll be interesting to see what Samsung will come up with to counter Apple's iPhone X.  Rumors going around the Internet is that Samsung will debut Galaxy S9 earlier to do battle with Apple's iPhone X.  We disagree with this assumption.  Instead we believe that the rumored Galaxy X is the unicorn that will battle the iPhone X.  DJ Koh, Samsung's President of Mobile Communications Business has already stated in 2017 that Samsung is trying debut the Galaxy X in 2018.  Rumors are saying that this may not happen due to complexity.  However, we feel that the Galaxy X is the answer to Apple's iPhone X because the Galaxy S9 will be improved over the S8, but it'll be an evolutionary device.  When Apple debuted the iPhone X, they not only touted that the new iPhone was technologically advanced, but it's the most innovative since the debut of the iPhone.  Pictures of cases for the Samsung Galaxy 9 have started showing up on the Internet and they do not appear to be that much different from the Galaxy S8.  This means that the Galaxy X will be more innovative than the Galaxy S8 because it will be the first foldable smartphone from a mainstream manufacturer.  Later in year, Samsung as usual will debut the Galaxy Note 9 to join the Galaxy S9, and Apple will debut the next iPhone.  The question is, will the next iPhone be the iPhone 9 or will it be the iPhone XI?  The other question is will Apple debut a more inexpensive iPhone or will all designs forthcoming be an evolution of the iPhone X?  The other is question is will the successor to the iPhone X be as exciting as the iPhone X when it debuted or will be another downer like the iPhone 7?

Best Smartphone for Q4 2012 on Sprint

The Samsung Galaxy S III is one of the most advanced smartphones currently on the market. It'll get even better when it gets Samsung's Premium Suite upgrade. It's a little bit on the large size being that it is 4.8 inch smartphone. Apple's iPhone is a better size at 4 inches in our opinion, but it suffers growing pains. It's like watching an analog video on an HDTV, black bars show up when old apps are used on the new larger iPhone 5. No matter the size of the device, Android doesn't have this issue. While Apple improved iOS with the notifications shade, Android has long had this feature. What separates Samsung's Galaxy S III from other Android phones and even the Apple iPhone are motion gestures. One of the motion gestures we really like is Samsung's Smart Stay. It keeps the display on when you're looking at and turns off the screen when you're not. It makes a whole lot of sense compared to the display sleep setting. This is especially useful when reading an e-book. Apps either use the sleep setting and turn off the display while you're reading, or it forces the display to stay on and drain your batteries. With Smart Stay, the smartphone only needs to keep the display on when you are looking at it. Another neat motion gesture is Direct Call. Just pull up the contact and take the phone to your ear and it'll automatically call that contact. What happens if you miss a call? If the phone is face down and the screen is turned off, Smart Alert will vibrate the phone when you pick it up to let you know that you've missed calls. There are even more motion gestures but these are the ones we liked. The Galaxy S III also has other features such as Google Maps. It's practically on every Android phone, but the S III's large screen makes it easier to use. It's one of Google's crown jewels and there isn't a better solution unless you're talking about actual GPS navigation devices like Garmin's Nuvi. Apple Maps is like beta and in its infancy, but Apple is working on improving it. Another feature the Galaxy S III has an advantage over iPhone 5 is NFC. We're actually surprised and not surprised that Apple did not include NFC with the iPhone 5. We're not surprised thou because Apple seems to like proprietary solutions, and their war on Android is probably another reason why they didn't include it. With NFC, the user can tap to pay if they're using Google Wallet or ISIS. Another way NFC is used is Samsung's S-Beam. S-Beam is where the user taps the phone with another Samsung smartphone with NFC to share pictures and files. With a powerful processor, microSD card slot, user replaceable battery, and a multitude of neat and innovative features, the Samsung Galaxy S III is our pick for best overall smartphone on Sprint.

Sprint has some other great smartphones to choose from. The LG Optimus G is powerful and has a beautiful display but an embedded SIM and battery and no microSD slot is disappointing. Another smartphone to consider on the Sprint network is the Apple iPhone 5. The iPhone 5 has grown compared to the 4S and now has a 4 inch display. The larger display allows an extra column of icons on the home screen. Despite some growth, it's still smaller than the LG Optimus G or Samsung Galaxy S III, so it's easier to hold. If you don't mind being locked into Apple's ecosystem, the iPhone 5 is a great smartphone for making calls, listening to music, and watching videos. The iPhone use to have a bigger selection of apps then Google's Android, but they've caught up.  There's pretty much no difference in selection of apps for Android and iOS. Another issue as we mentioned earlier is that Apple Maps is still in its infancy and looses out to Google Maps. The iPhone 5 also currently no longer has a better selection of accessories then Android either since the roll out of the new lightning connector. The bottom line is if you don't mind being locked into Apple's ecosystem and investing into proprietary accessories then the iPhone 5 is beautifully crafted smartphone with an equally beautiful Retina display.

UPDATE:  The new Google Maps app has made it to the iTunes App Store on 12-12-12.  

Best Smartphone for Q4 2012

After eating that delicious stuffed turkey and taking a nice short vacation, we're coming down to the last stretch. If you're thinking of giving a smartphone or just curious what is the best smartphone out there, we're here to help.

Best Overall Smartphone

Google LG Nexus 4

It might not be the most feature packed smartphone out there, but this smartphone truly is the best overall smartphone out there.  Armed with the latest version of Android, version 4.2 Jellybean, the Nexus 4 is elegant and powerful.  The biggest plus is that the Nexus 4 is unlocked, and we're big fans of unlocked smartphones.  Another plus is that the Nexus 4 is sure to get upgraded promptly to the next version of Android since it's a pure stock install of Android.  It's available from Google Play or your nearest T-Mobile store.  It's such a hot seller that Google has had trouble keeping up with demand.

The Samsung Galaxy S III is also a good choice, and it wouldn't be a bad buy if you decided to buy one of these bad boys instead of the Nexus 4.  You're probably wondering why we didn't pick the Samsung Galaxy Note II instead of the Galaxy S III.  While the Galaxy Note II is another wonderful phone, most people would probably be happier with the Galaxy S III's size and don't need all the features that the Galaxy Note II provides.  We feel its better to get a phone that fits the users' needs and not all the bells and whistles you're most likely not going to be using most of the time, if ever.

Best Consumer Smartphone

Apple iPhone 5

If your idea of a smartphone is making calls, listening to music, watching videos, and don't mind being limited to the Apple ecosystem and accessories then the Apple iPhone 5 is the phone for you.  The iPhone use to have a bigger selection of apps then Google's Android, but they've caught up.  There's pretty much no difference in selection of apps for Android and iOS.  The iPhone 5 also currently no longer has a better selection of accessories then Android either since the roll out of the new lightning connector.  Apple Maps is improving every day but its still a work in progress.  Google Maps still has an edge over Apple Maps.  The biggest plus for the iPhone 5 is the beautiful Retina display.

In the next segment of our Best Smartphone series, we'll be discussing the best smartphone for AT&T.  Stay tuned, you may be surprised at our picks.

App Spotlight: TWC TV

Time Warner Cable TWC TV App for Android and iOS

Two Year Contract or Prepaid? What's The Better Value?

In the market for a new phone or looking for a better plan? There is a good chance you may be overlooking one of the best deals. A common mistake that is made by consumers is to buy a phone that they really don't need and sign a two year contract. Is a two year contract really a good option? Just like choosing a phone, one must consider what type of plan they really need. Is the phone being used for work or pleasure? Is the phone only being used in case of emergencies? Is the phone a present for that son or daughter that is college bound? Is an Apple iPhone the right choice or is it marketing at work? If the phone will only be used for emergencies or just to chat then a simple cellphone is all one really needs. Buying a smartphone would be a waste of money. What if you've done a lot of consideration and figured that you need more then jut a simple cellphone, and actually will use data more then you will to talk? If this is the case, there are a lot of factors that will need to be considered. The first question of course will be what smartphone to get. The Apple iPhone is on the list for most consumers. Most carriers are selling the 16GB Apple iPhone 4S for $199 with a two year contract. This sounds like a great deal and very few high-end smartphones can be purchased lower then $199 with a two year contract. Another option is an Android smartphone. Unlike Apple's iPhone, there are many Android powered smartphones to choose from. While not the most powerful Android smartphone, Google's Galaxy Nexus by Samsung is a good choice. Since it's a Nexus phone, it was also the first one to get the new Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS. It also compares fairly well with the Apple iPhone. Google is selling the Galaxy Nexus from the Google Play store website at $349. This puts the advantage in iPhone's court since the Galaxy Nexus cost 150 more. After choosing the smartphone, the next step would be to choose the plan that best fits the user. AT&T has a one time activation fee of $36.00. The smallest Talk plan is 450 minutes for $39.99/ month. There is a 30MB data plan for $20 and a 3GB data plan for $30/month. We will pick the 3GB plan since our scenario is a consumer that will be using data more than calling. This brings the total for a Apple iPhone 4S at $305.98. On Virgin Mobile, a prepaid Sprint MVNO, an iPhone 4S will cost $649.99. There is no activation fee. The closest plan is the $35/month that comes with 300 minutes and unlimited messaging and data. Virgin does use throttling and caps "full speed" at 2.5 GB per month. This brings Virgin's total to $684.99. Now let's look at that Galaxy Nexus by Samsung. It's an unlocked GSM phone, so we'll be looking at T-Mobile's Monthly 4G prepaid plans. Like Virgin, T-Mobile also uses throttling. T-Mobile Monthly 4G unfortunately doesn't have a voice plan that comes close to AT&T's two year contract or Virgin Mobile. The closest plan is T-Mobile.com and Wal-Mart Exclusive $30/month plan that comes with 100 voice minutes and unlimited text and web, but you're limited to 5GB of 4G data. A SIM card will need to be purchased from T-Mobile's website for $0.99. This brings T-Mobile Monthly 4G's total to $380.98. Out of the three, the Apple iPhone 4S on AT&T with two year contract has the lowest upfront cost. Virgin Mobile has the highest upfront cost of the three. Now lets compare the monthly cost of the three. AT&T would be $69.99 per month and $769.89 for eleven months. Virgin Mobile is $35 per month, but there's a $5 dollar discount if you allow them to automatically charge your credit card. Eleven months on Virgin would be 385. T-Mobile is $30 per month and $330 for eleven months. The monthly cost really adds up and iPhone on AT&T comes out as the most expensive. After one year, the iPhone on AT&T will cost $1,075.87. Virgin Mobile's total is $1,068.99. T-Mobile comes out the cheapest at $710.98. Despite the Galaxy Nexus being an unlocked phone, unlocked phones are more expensive, the Galaxy Nexus on T-Mobile Monthly 4G came out to be the cheapest option.