So I impulsely purchased an Idol 4S today. Gf needed to get her iPhone exchanged at the T-Mobile store. While waiting I saw the Idol 4S. I didn't need a replacement phone, perfectly happy with my 950. But it just called to me, I needed to have it as it might be one of the last windows phone ever, and it's on sale for so cheap.
In the end, we walked out the store with two phones. Used her account to buy the phone without having to buy a plan!
I'm loving the 4S so far. It's BLAZING fast compared to my 950, and even my 950XL. The fit and finish are top notch, what the 950s should have been. The metal and glass feels like a truly premium product.
Unfortunately for me, I can't use it for ~40 days. T-Mobile's policy on unlocks and I'm on AT&T. Gonna have to wait till then until I can use this gem of a device!
I really wish it had wireless charging and NFC. I've been so spoiled with wireless charging, plugging in my 950 once in a blue moon, usually for data transfer and USB OTG for flash drives. Really disappointed I can't use Wallet either. Been using NFC payment everywhere, i'd estimate 75% of all the places i shop have NFC readers. These two points really disappoint me however I'll learn to live past it. Also, the camera is TERRIBLE. Guess I was spoiled with the Lumia camera's, even my old iPhone 6 takes better photos. At least there is a dedicated camera button!
Also, I was afraid of the lower res compared to the 950, 1080p vs 1440p. But I'm happy to report that 1080p at this screen size is perfect, 1440p is unnecessary in most cases and wastes processing power. UNLESS, its for VR, which this phone desperately needs. The VR experience is great, but the screen is too low-res. Weirdly, this is where the 950/950XL shine. Watching the same YouTube video with my 950 and google cardboard and the 4S with its dedicated VR unit, the image on the 950 was SO much more crisp.
So far, I'm very happy with this impulse purchase. Glad to own a phone that feels premium again, and on my favorite OS nonetheless. I was most likely going to get a Galaxy S8 when it releases, but then 4S solves most of the problems I had with my 950, mainly the speed, the 820 chip is a screamer compared to the 808/810. Glad to know I'll be dedicated to this platform for at least another year. As long as updates are being pushed out, I'm a happy camper on WP, especially now with the 4S.