After two weeks, I'm about done with the Galaxy S4. Despite using launchers to mask Touch Wiz, you cannot escape it. They overcomplicate the interface. Previous Android phones that I either owned or tested were the Nexus 4, 5, HTC One, Moto X and Moto G. Before those, it was the Note II. I wasn't a fan of the Note II and at the time, I though it was due to the size. Having tried the GS4, the experience is so far removed from stock Android, which I do enjoy.
Samsung makes the best selling Android devices. The displays are big, vivid and awesome. User replaceable batteries and expandable memory are user-friendly options. Coupled with aggressive marketing, I see why people buy them. Having said that, Google needs to find a way to regain control of their OS. Looking at the numbers, peoples opinion of that platform is based on Samsung and HTC's interpretation.
Yesterday, I pulled the SIM card from the GS4 to a Moto G. Common tasks like pulling down the navigation window was no longer an assault on my eyes. Coupled with what I felt was a phone that was too big, I quickly realized that the GS4 is not the droid I'm looking for....
Motorola has a one-day sale on their old, but quite good and customizable Moto X. Bamboo, white and silver for the win. Convenience of nanoSIM compatibility is also a bonus.
