Android’s KitKat photographed; we break down all the changes

Side-by-side comparisons of the old and the new.

Read the whole story

 

[Wheaty73]

I use the stock launcher. I like it and don't see a need to customise it.

Can anyone else see a iOS7 look and feel? Those icons look very Appleish! /ducksforcover

 

[xWidget]

Dilbert[/url]":7vabjmot]Serious question. How do Nexus users carry these phones around? And other large phones? Do you all have messenger bags and purses? Belt clip? Coat pockets? Back pockets and let the phone stick out the top? Cargo pants?

I carry my 4" phone in front jeans pockets everywhere I go. I don't even notice it's there, not even when sitting down. These big phones? How?! I think I'd appreciate a larger screen, but I also think I'd just leave a larger phone in the car or at home even, depending on what I'm wearing.

My 5" GS4 is barely bigger (and quite a bit thinner) than my old 4.3" Evo 3D, which in turn was much less noticeable in my pocket than my old 1.7" Samsung Rant slider from the reduction in thickness. Even in somewhat-skinny jeans the pen I tend to carry around with me is more pronounced than any of those phones. The iPhone is a fair bit skinnier but the bezels on it are still comparatively huge considering how small the screen is.

(I think you'd be surprised on what fits in most pants comfortably. About 2/3 of mine can fit an iPad Mini, although it looks completely absurd.)

 

[redleader]

Dilbert[/url]":20bk41j8]Serious question. How do Nexus users carry these phones around?

Same, as you pocket. The Nexus phones are not particularly large.

 

[OmniWrench]

Dilbert[/url]":34ilwely]Serious question. How do Nexus users carry these phones around? And other large phones? Do you all have messenger bags and purses? Belt clip? Coat pockets? Back pockets and let the phone stick out the top? Cargo pants?

I carry my 4" phone in front jeans pockets everywhere I go. I don't even notice it's there, not even when sitting down. These big phones? How?! I think I'd appreciate a larger screen, but I also think I'd just leave a larger phone in the car or at home even, depending on what I'm wearing.

My Nexus 4 isn't really that much taller or wider than my wife's iPhone 5. It's bigger, sure, but not so big that I can't shove it pretty much anywhere the iPhone 5 goes. I get a slightly larger screen, she gets the ability to use her phone totally one-handed, which is about the main concrete difference I've found between the iPhones and their larger Android counterparts (at least in terms of the Nexus stuff, I'm sure some of those monster Samsung phones are a different story). It's really not as big a deal (or a phone) as the internet makes it out to be.

 

[Donte]

Dilbert[/url]":270m0dml]Serious question. How do Nexus users carry these phones around? And other large phones? Do you all have messenger bags and purses? Belt clip? Coat pockets? Back pockets and let the phone stick out the top? Cargo pants?

I carry my 4" phone in front jeans pockets everywhere I go. I don't even notice it's there, not even when sitting down. These big phones? How?! I think I'd appreciate a larger screen, but I also think I'd just leave a larger phone in the car or at home even, depending on what I'm wearing.

Everything up to and including the large Galaxy Note series (the phones, not the tablets) fit comfortably in normal pockets, my Note 2 felt huge and silly at first, but you quickly get used to it and handle it like a regular sized phone, especially since Samsung phones are deceptively light.

 

[mohaine]

Dilbert[/url]":emy5qufs]Serious question. How do Nexus users carry these phones around? And other large phones? Do you all have messenger bags and purses? Belt clip? Coat pockets? Back pockets and let the phone stick out the top? Cargo pants?

I carry my 4" phone in front jeans pockets everywhere I go. I don't even notice it's there, not even when sitting down. These big phones? How?! I think I'd appreciate a larger screen, but I also think I'd just leave a larger phone in the car or at home even, depending on what I'm wearing.

Ah, you put it in your pocket just like a 4" phone? I mean it is only a few mm bigger in each direction. Once you add an case your 4" phone is probably bigger/thicker.

For me it is the thickness that really is an issue in perceived pocket size. I was worried about size when I first switched to my large(at the time) Vibrant but I ended up continuously checking my pocket to make sure it was there due to how thin it was.

 

[Fyrebaugh]

Dilbert[/url]":3jfh9rxs]Serious question. How do Nexus users carry these phones around? And other large phones? Do you all have messenger bags and purses? Belt clip? Coat pockets? Back pockets and let the phone stick out the top? Cargo pants?

I carry my 4" phone in front jeans pockets everywhere I go. I don't even notice it's there, not even when sitting down. These big phones? How?! I think I'd appreciate a larger screen, but I also think I'd just leave a larger phone in the car or at home even, depending on what I'm wearing.

I have the Galaxy Note original and even with the Otterbox Defender case, it fits in my front jeans pocket. I carry it there ever since the belt clip broke. I've taken this phone on cruises, to the beach, just about everywhere, and not had a problem with the size. The only time I fumble with it is if someone calls me when I'm driving, so I opted for a bluetooth headset so I don't have to pull the phone out to answer a call.

 

[Silenus]

Dilbert[/url]":3rvhfpdo]Serious question. How do Nexus users carry these phones around? And other large phones? Do you all have messenger bags and purses? Belt clip? Coat pockets? Back pockets and let the phone stick out the top? Cargo pants?

I carry my 4" phone in front jeans pockets everywhere I go. I don't even notice it's there, not even when sitting down. These big phones? How?! I think I'd appreciate a larger screen, but I also think I'd just leave a larger phone in the car or at home even, depending on what I'm wearing.

I will give you a serious answer. I carry it in exactly the same way you carry your 4" phone. Allow me to elaborate. I used to think EXACTLY like you. Back before I got my first "big" smartphone, which turned out to be a 4.3" HTC Thunderbolt, I thought anything above 4" was just going to be too big. I was kinda bummed that everything, even then, seemed to be quickly pushing to bigger and bigger screens. I gave in and nervously got the Thunderbolt. So guess what? In about two days I simply got completely used to it...and surprisingly it turned out to be a complete non issue. Carrying it in my jeans...also no problem. I too barely notice it's there because I'm used to it. Next up came the even larger overall 4.65" Galaxy Nexus (though thinner and lighter). Again...immediately get used it, no problem.

In other words. You may find that you very quickly get used to the increased size (which after a few days may simply "disappear") but you GREATLY appreciate the larger screen. I could never go back to a 4" screen now. Why don't you give it a try? You might find, like me, that your perception of 'bigness' of the big phones simply melts away after a few days...but the screen real estate remains a huge plus.

 

[ronamadeo]

Wheaty73[/url]":1o5a9jtz]
Can anyone else see a iOS7 look and feel? Those icons look very Appleish! /ducksforcover

Which icons? Other than the new phone icon and two Google icons switching from squares to circles, they are all pretty old. Many date back to Ice Cream Sandwich, which launched in 2011.

 

[jiminitaur]

Am I the only one who thinks that this is a move in the wrong direction? The JB screenshots looks much more functional and attractive to me.

 

[jwcalla]

Not a fan of this look.

I know I'm going to rat myself out here... but I think I actually prefer the carrier skins to the stock Google version. And it seems like each release gets uglier.

 

[Vampyre]

jiminitaur[/url]":2xvahui2]Am I the only one who thinks that this is a move in the wrong direction? The JB screenshots looks much more functional and attractive to me.

No, not at all. I'm with you 100% so far.

 

[StealthFocus]

(I think you'd be surprised on what fits in most pants comfortably.

That's what he said.

 

[redleader]

jiminitaur[/url]":1feil1a8]Am I the only one who thinks that this is a move in the wrong direction? The JB screenshots looks much more functional and attractive to me.

I think its supposed to look more exciting, but it also looks a bit more visually cluttered. The more stark JB style is definitely less distracting.

Then again thats just the launcher. If you like jellybean a lot, its trivial to go back to the old style. I'm more interested in the rest of the less superficial changes.

 

[kliu0x52]

Dilbert[/url]":3mkcn08a]Serious question. How do Nexus users carry these phones around? And other large phones? Do you all have messenger bags and purses? Belt clip? Coat pockets? Back pockets and let the phone stick out the top? Cargo pants?

I carry my 4" phone in front jeans pockets everywhere I go. I don't even notice it's there, not even when sitting down. These big phones? How?! I think I'd appreciate a larger screen, but I also think I'd just leave a larger phone in the car or at home even, depending on what I'm wearing.

Going from a 3.5" phone to my first 4.7" Nexus, I had the exact same concerns. Especially since I'm small. I almost didn't get the Nexus because of this. But once I got it, I got used to it immediately--literally. It's thin, light, and actually fits comfortably in my pocket. I don't feel the phone any more than my previous phone, even when sitting down. So whenever someone asks me about how I deal with a phone of that size, I just tell them to try it--it'll probably surprise them.

 

[kliu0x52]

jiminitaur[/url]":2nangnya]Am I the only one who thinks that this is a move in the wrong direction? The JB screenshots looks much more functional and attractive to me.

Yea, I'm not digging the lack of something to filter out potential distractions from the wallpaper. Instead of killing the status bar's black background entirely, why not make in translucent? Likewise with the drawer background. Perhaps JB's empty blackness was a bit too stark, but this swings too far in the other direction, methinks.

 

[flunk]

Wheaty73[/url]":1mqrl6r3]I use the stock launcher. I like it and don't see a need to customise it.

Amen to that. A lot of us use the stock launcher. What I want is simple and fast. I'm not interested in meaningless ornamentation. But everyone can do what they like, that's what's best about Android.

 

[vudaful]

The reason why people get Nexus phones isn't just to customize it to their liking, most people prefer the naked OS without all the junk and bull thats locked on the device. Not only that, but getting updates on time is a huge perk in the ever fragmentation of Android.

 

[hfm]

jiminitaur[/url]":2o4gwiz1]Am I the only one who thinks that this is a move in the wrong direction? The JB screenshots looks much more functional and attractive to me.

Can you explain what you mean with a comparison of the points in an A vs B list?

EDIT: if you look closely, you'll see strips of a gradient fade where the status bar and "back/home/menu" controls are. I would imagine it would be simple to create a wallpaper that had black strips on top and bottom to simulate the old look. There might even be an option to include those black strips in the settings but it's just not highlighted in this rather raw screenshot dump and quick quips.

 

[fishburn]

it's unclear if this means it listens even when the phone is off

Also unclear whether you will be able to play Angry Birds with the battery removed

 

[dfjdejulio]

OmniWrench[/url]":2tw1rral]I get a slightly larger screen, she gets the ability to use her phone totally one-handed, which is about the main concrete difference I've found between the iPhones and their larger Android counterparts (at least in terms of the Nexus stuff, I'm sure some of those monster Samsung phones are a different story). It's really not as big a deal (or a phone) as the internet makes it out to be.

What's the best Android phone if the ability to use it one-handed is an absolute non-negotiable requirement?

(I often use my phone on the bus, and if I couldn't use it one-handed, I'd routinely fall over on people. I also wouldn't be able use it while walking back from the grocery store.)

 

[hfm]

dfjdejulio[/url]":14ne4vzs]

OmniWrench[/url]":14ne4vzs]I get a slightly larger screen, she gets the ability to use her phone totally one-handed, which is about the main concrete difference I've found between the iPhones and their larger Android counterparts (at least in terms of the Nexus stuff, I'm sure some of those monster Samsung phones are a different story). It's really not as big a deal (or a phone) as the internet makes it out to be.

What's the best Android phone if the ability to use it one-handed is an absolute non-negotiable requirement?

(I often use my phone on the bus, and if I couldn't use it one-handed, I'd routinely fall over on people. I also wouldn't be able use it while walking back from the grocery store.)

I don't have an issue using my N4 one handed on the subway, but I do have somewhat larger hands. It's a little bit of a stretch to hit the far upper-left corner with my thumb but I can reach it.

 

[dfjdejulio]

hfm[/url]":2yrw2vgi]

dfjdejulio[/url]":2yrw2vgi]
What's the best Android phone if the ability to use it one-handed is an absolute non-negotiable requirement?

(I often use my phone on the bus, and if I couldn't use it one-handed, I'd routinely fall over on people. I also wouldn't be able use it while walking back from the grocery store.)

I don't have an issue using my N4 one handed on the subway, but I do have somewhat larger hands. It's a little bit of a stretch to hit the far upper-left corner with my thumb but I can reach it.

To offer a possible contrast: the reason I'm asking is because I'm still on an iPhone 4S, and I consider the iPhone 5 screen too large to be usable. I was very disappointed that the 5c didn't have a 3.5" screen.

Apple's recent decisions have me considering Android for my next phone. (I already have an Android tablet and set-top box.)

 

[mohaine]

icemanfan[/url]":udaff537]WOW
Android fanbois are out in full force downvoting ANYTHING that even resembles a jab at Google.

You are getting down voted because you posted a trollish comment that doesn't add anything to the conversation. Next time instead of saying "I hate this." say "I hate this because ......"

 

[hfm]

icemanfan[/url]":txd33zzg]WOW
Android fanbois are out in full force downvoting ANYTHING that even resembles a jab at Google.

OMG things are being downvoted.. someone call 911 this is serious...

 

[keltor]

I have an Xperia Z and a iPhone 5 - I cannot use the Xperia Z with one hand without hand acrobatics. I wear a US XL gloves and am a bit finger length heavy. Honest I cannot even reach all of the iPhone 5, so unless there are some GIANTs apparently posting here at Ars, I will go with the fact that the only real tier 1 phone you can use with one hand is the iPhone 5.

I'll agree with those who prefer the Jelly Bean look - I run "CM10" on the Xperia and it looks pretty nice.

 

[hyperionic]

dfjdejulio[/url]":2yok6bj8]

hfm[/url]":2yok6bj8]

dfjdejulio[/url]":2yok6bj8]
What's the best Android phone if the ability to use it one-handed is an absolute non-negotiable requirement?

(I often use my phone on the bus, and if I couldn't use it one-handed, I'd routinely fall over on people. I also wouldn't be able use it while walking back from the grocery store.)

I don't have an issue using my N4 one handed on the subway, but I do have somewhat larger hands. It's a little bit of a stretch to hit the far upper-left corner with my thumb but I can reach it.

To offer a possible contrast: the reason I'm asking is because I'm still on an iPhone 4S, and I consider the iPhone 5 screen too large to be usable. I was very disappointed that the 5c didn't have a 3.5" screen.

Apple's recent decisions have me considering Android for my next phone. (I already have an Android tablet and set-top box.)

There's nothing sub 4 inches that isn't complete garbage. I can also use my Nexus 4 one handed. I'm pretty sure I could use a Galaxy Note one handed though. All you have to do is support one end with your body instead of using the palm of your hand.

 

[OmniWrench]

ronamadeo[/url]":1cnyc83v]

Wheaty73[/url]":1cnyc83v]
Can anyone else see a iOS7 look and feel? Those icons look very Appleish! /ducksforcover

Which icons? Other than the new phone icon and two Google icons switching from squares to circles, they are all pretty old. Many date back to Ice Cream Sandwich, which launched in 2011.

It's the picture of the app drawer, I think. The blue background specifically, with the 4x5 grid full of icons and that "what page you're on" bubble row thingy does have a bit of resemblance to the iOS7 pics I've seen.... at least superficially. But all the mobile OSes have been converging lately in terms of look anyway.

 

[dfjdejulio]

hyperionic[/url]":1nqcecub]There's nothing sub 4 inches that isn't complete garbage. I can also use my Nexus 4 one handed. I'm pretty sure I could use a Galaxy Note one handed though. All you have to do is support one end with your body instead of using the palm of your hand.

Ah, I do not think that'd work for me while standing on a crowded bus, during a bumpy ride, being jostled by strangers. I need to hold it in my palm, curl my fingers around the opposite side to keep a good, solid grip on it, and then operate it comfortably with nothing but my thumb.

I was hoping the diversity of the Android ecosystem would come to my rescue here.

(Hm... it still might. I'm not sure what "complete garbage" means here. Other folks probably have requirements that I do not, such as "able to play 3D-accelerated games" and "able to play videos".)

 

[CrookedKnight]

The icons don't seem to have actually changed from ICS/JB, it's just that these are blurry photos taken with a flash, being compared to screenshots taken from within the OS, so everything comes out looking a bit brighter and less detailed.

 

[a_v_s]

dfjdejulio[/url]":1n6whqns]

OmniWrench[/url]":1n6whqns]I get a slightly larger screen, she gets the ability to use her phone totally one-handed, which is about the main concrete difference I've found between the iPhones and their larger Android counterparts (at least in terms of the Nexus stuff, I'm sure some of those monster Samsung phones are a different story). It's really not as big a deal (or a phone) as the internet makes it out to be.

What's the best Android phone if the ability to use it one-handed is an absolute non-negotiable requirement?

(I often use my phone on the bus, and if I couldn't use it one-handed, I'd routinely fall over on people. I also wouldn't be able use it while walking back from the grocery store.)

If you can't use the phone one handed, it's because you're holding it wrong. Seriously. Even my wife, with dainty hands, can use a GS4 one handed without issue.

Most people I talk to that complain they can't use the phone one handed, are holding the phone with the same grip as they hold a 3.5" phone. You can't hold it that way.

The image on the left is the traditional grip, where the side of your phone is in the center of your palm. You won't be able to reach the all edges of the screen unless you have big hands.

The image on the right, is the proper grip for a larger phone. The side of the phone is at the top of your palm. To reach the extreme left edge of the phone, all you have to do is slightly close your hand, and the phone will pivot on it's side, bringing the left edge closer to your thumb, such that you can reach all parts of the screen regardless the size of your hands. For those worried about stability, I ride the train every day. The phone is quite stable since you are squeezing the phone between your thumbs and your fingers. Or if you are uncomfortable with this grip, use the traditional grip, but use your ring finger to hit the back button instead of trying to reach with your thumb.