Honestly, S3 LTE or standard S3?

S

Sm00thSm0k3

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I've wanted an S3 for a while now but just before my planned upgrade the LTE version was launched locally and when I queried it's availability a Vodacom rep told me that the LTE version would be exclusive to Vodaworld until January. Considering I want to move away from Vodacom renewing my contract for another 2 years is out of the question.

So right now I'm a bit unsure as to whether I should just go and get the standard (32GB) version or wait it out till the end of January when the LTE version will apparently be available to everyone else in SA and not just the Vodacom cartel. I know a lot of guys will probably tell me to just wait it out for another 1.5 months but the problem is is that I've owned a BB Bold 9780 for 2 years now and it's driving me up the wall so I'm getting a little desperate for a new handset which is not making things easier.

Spec wise the only difference is the LTE capability (obviously) and the addition RAM so performance wise I shouldn't notice a difference. LTE is also very much still in it's infancy (it will take time for proper coverage in SA) and considering I have ADSL & wifi at home I'll most likely primarily be using the online features while at home with the occasional data usage whist away.

Thoughts? Suggestions?
 
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In 2 years time will you wish you had the LTE version and just waited a month for it? Who are you planning to move to?
 
I have not really gone and checked out the specs, but if its additional ram and LTE, why not get the LTE version. Doesnt appear to be any downsides.

If its a matter of contract - and you dont want to stay with vodacom, my suggestion is buying the phone cash and going with cell c on their straight up packages on a rolling 1 month contract.
 
If you can afford having your data eaten at LTE speeds, go for it..
Otherwise the standard one is fine.
 
I have the LTE model. The additional 1GB memory makes quite a difference in overall smoothness. You can also switch off LTE and essentially then have a normal S3. Be warned though, the LTE version is a different model and ROMs/hacks from the normal S3 won't work on it.
 
Ecco said:
I have not really gone and checked out the specs, but if its additional ram and LTE, why not get the LTE version. Doesnt appear to be any downsides.

If its a matter of contract - and you dont want to stay with vodacom, my suggestion is buying the phone cash and going with cell c on their straight up packages on a rolling 1 month contract.
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This. Can't you get the phone for cash from Vodaworld?
 
Guantanamo said:
In 2 years time will you wish you had the LTE version and just waited a month for it? Who are you planning to move to?
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So your saying everyone should just stay on 3G? Your probably still rocking a 56k modem! Awsome, stick with what you know!
 
Rather wait because it will be better priced once the EXCLUSIVITY of Vodacon is gone. Vodacon is famous for their ridiculous pricing when they the only guys having a specific phone. A few months down the line you will have buyers remorse when you look around the competitors pricing.
 
LinuxMan said:
If you can afford having your data eaten at LTE speeds, go for it..
Otherwise the standard one is fine.
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??? Having LTE speeds DOES NOT mean you will use more data when you surf the net or downloading... it just means you will do it FASTER!! and THAT IS WHAT YOU WANT.

Imagine you going to download a movie of about 300MB... DO you want it to take 10 seconds or 10 hours???:confused:
 
My view, with mobile data costs you do most of your "heavy lifting" over WiFi anyway and HSDPA is plenty quick enough for the odd bit of browsing on the go.

Not sure of pricing but if the LTE is more expensive I really cannot see it's worth the extra expense.
 
AlmightyBender said:
Can't you get the phone for cash from Vodaworld?
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I could...if I had the cash. :p
I'm going on holiday in 3 weeks so shelling out a good couple of grand for a phone right now is not really an option.

As a FNB customer I was actually planning to get the S3 (standard) through them.
 
HiToKiRi said:
I could...if I had the cash. :p
I'm going on holiday in 3 weeks so shelling out a good couple of grand for a phone right now is not really an option.

As a FNB customer I was actually planning to get the S3 (standard) through them.
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Lol that is actually a better option. Thats what I have done. Earn more eBucks too :love:
 
HSDPA is plenty fast enough as was already said. I'd get the normal now.
 
flashvc said:
The additional 1GB memory makes quite a difference in overall smoothness.
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I'm sure however coming from a Bold 9780 I'm sure the standard one will be amazingly fast for me anyway. :p

ClintZA said:
My view, with mobile data costs you do most of your "heavy lifting" over WiFi anyway and HSDPA is plenty quick enough for the odd bit of browsing on the go.
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Exactly what I was thinking. I have no real need for blazingly fast speeds at the moment as most of the big downloads and updates I'll be doing at home anyway.
 
psion said:
So your saying everyone should just stay on 3G? Your probably still rocking a 56k modem! Awsome, stick with what you know!
Click to expand...

You totally missed what I said there. In 2 years time, waiting a month for the LTE version would have been worth it because LTE will be more widespread etc. Also the extra gig of RAM will help.
 
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