Which would be the best buy among these? - Galaxy Note II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Which would be the best buy among these? - Galaxy Note II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I have a note 2 and I'm more than happy with it. My friend wants to buy a new phone. We have narrowed it down to : lg g2 note 3 s5 and nexus 5 with leaning more towards s5 since my friend is not very happy about the size and weight of note 3.
we checked all the things including battery, availability of roms, overall performance and still can't decide. it has to work for at least 2 to 3 years.
which one would you people suggest..
also, how much should we care about lte before buying a phone..esp in india
thanks.. please suggest any other phone if you think is worthy

Spock66 said:
I have a note 2 and I'm more than happy with it. My friend wants to buy a new phone. We have narrowed it down to : lg g2 note 3 s5 and nexus 5 with leaning more towards s5 since my friend is not very happy about the size and weight of note 3.
we checked all the things including battery, availability of roms, overall performance and still can't decide. it has to work for at least 2 to 3 years.
which one would you people suggest..
also, how much should we care about lte before buying a phone..esp in india
thanks.. please suggest any other phone if you think is worthy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is always a possibility that anyone can get bored with any phone. When this happens, Samsung phones are forcing you to make a choice; either live with it or lose your warranty by flaging KNOX (or buy a new phone but that's not an option all the time). If we consider Samsung was the most open company in the Android world in the beginning, providing open bootloader with every phone and encouring people to install anything now it turned into a company that does NOT share any usefull info with developers and enabling the highest security on the mobile world even for a basic rooting process.. So basicly they are mocking with people by saying "we still keep the bootloaders open, you can install anything; ıf you CAN" as they get richer...
In my opinion that's scary. Watching what Samsung turned into in time isn't nice. Besides, their way of NOT giving updates to their old phones are making more poeple misarable. So, it's always a big risk of hoping a Samsung phone to be up to date.
On the other hand, if your friend goes with G2 or Nexus 5, then can say "What the hell" if the company decides not to give updates after a while. Actually, we all know Nexus 5 will be on the stage for at least another more year so no problem.. I don't think anyone would hope any less for G2 either..
Long story short, eliminate Samsung phones. They come with many features inside but even better alternatives are already out there for everyone to install any Android device.

Related

Poll: Reason we as people buy a new phone and whats the motive/selling point

Wanted to start a unusual Poll thread about
Why we buy the latest and greatest phones and whats the motive or reasoning behind it?
Not just about the galaxys or s4..even any device...
Whats become the selling point for you as a "INDIVIDUAL" in your case for instance?
Like many of us phone junkies admit we have had to have it the day it drops.. whats the biggest reason and is it a sickness.
Do our old phones really not do what a phones meant to do at the end of a day? just because a new one has taken its place?
Maybe its cause of the new look
Maybe it's due to the rumored batt life
Maybe its a new design
And maybe its just a habit
For me its about the always improving batt life of upcoming devices. ..
Old phones were plagued with batt life issues i believe now we are overcoming that.
Also for me and the s4 it wasnt the cam that sold me I felt the ir blaster was a very unique feature.
What's your reason?
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app

I'm a tech junkie so I love having the latest and greatest. I also recently became hooked to root and flashing roms/mods and the development on my previous phone (S3) slowed down a lot. So here I am lol
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app

lojak29 said:
Wanted to start a unusual Poll thread about
Why we buy the latest and greatest phones and whats the motive or reasoning behind it?
Not just about the galaxys or s4..even any device...
Whats become the selling point for you as a "INDIVIDUAL" in your case for instance?
Like many of us phone junkies admit we have had to have it the day it drops.. whats the biggest reason and is it a sickness.
Do our old phones really not do what a phones meant to do at the end of a day? just because a new one has taken its place?
Maybe its cause of the new look
Maybe it's due to the rumored batt life
Maybe its a new design
And maybe its just a habit
For me its about the always improving batt life of upcoming devices. ..
Old phones were plagued with batt life issues i believe now we are overcoming that.
Also for me and the s4 it wasnt the cam that sold me I felt the ir blaster was a very unique feature.
What's your reason?
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's almost like a compulsion. I rarely impulse buy and I can take weeks to finally decide on my purchases. I read reviews, speculations, I memorize the specs of all my choices and compare them. The compulsion part comes in because once I get the idea in my head that I really want something I will find a way to get it; I'll make myself believe I need it... I actually almost hate when it comes time to buy a new toy because I put so much time into the pre-purchase. On the other hand, it's also a type of rush. As far as selling points go, it's usually something small and trivial that makes me decide which way to go. Buying my 1st droid I was torn between an LG Nitro and the GS2. I had my mind made up that I wanted the S2 and while in-store I played with both of them. I liked the LG's screen a little bit better and that was the one I bought. The whole reason I got the S4 is because around January I had decided I was going to buy the S3. I had already worked out a deal with a friend to buy his and everything; then I realized the S4's release was very near. In fact, the purchase of this device was the easiest one I've made in quite some time because I had already done the legwork and research on the S3, The hardest part was waiting for release... then deciding which carrier's version to buy, whether to switch carriers or buy outright, etc etc.

Its better to be addicted to new technology then crack. Haha really though it's a hobby for me. Something I enjoy. One can have the fastest and newest features. Plus I like to learn about new technology and development.
Sent from My S4 in BEASTMODE

My current phone, a Galaxy S 1, has super slow NAND, and that affects performance quite alot with newer apps being larger than they were 3 years ago.

I use my phone more than any other device I own. I haven't played my PS3 in months and I barely use my tablet. I chose to buy this device because I wanted to get rid of my Galaxy Nexus before it became obsolete. I work and purchasing something like this does not have an effect on my finances because I can afford my gadgets. I know some people just have to have the latest even if it they have to change their lifestyle in order to do so.
I love customizing my phone, but now that I have this device I don't feel the need to. I wish I had bought the Nexus 4 instead. They have a very active community that is all about helping each other out and they are very loyal to their brand. Seems like most of the people who I have seen in the T-Mobile section are teenagers.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2

I'm buying a new phone when my old one breaks or becomes too old/slow/buggy for my needs. And I always buy the top of the line models just because I think they'll serve me longer. For example I don't really need a quad core cpu now, but in 2 years from now it might become a minimum requirement to run Google Maps.

lordcheeto03 said:
It's almost like a compulsion. I rarely impulse buy and I can take weeks to finally decide on my purchases. I read reviews, speculations, I memorize the specs of all my choices and compare them. The compulsion part comes in because once I get the idea in my head that I really want something I will find a way to get it; I'll make myself believe I need it... I actually almost hate when it comes time to buy a new toy because I put so much time into the pre-purchase. On the other hand, it's also a type of rush. As far as selling points go, it's usually something small and trivial that makes me decide which way to go. Buying my 1st droid I was torn between an LG Nitro and the GS2. I had my mind made up that I wanted the S2 and while in-store I played with both of them. I liked the LG's screen a little bit better and that was the one I bought. The whole reason I got the S4 is because around January I had decided I was going to buy the S3. I had already worked out a deal with a friend to buy his and everything; then I realized the S4's release was very near. In fact, the purchase of this device was the easiest one I've made in quite some time because I had already done the legwork and research on the S3, The hardest part was waiting for release... then deciding which carrier's version to buy, whether to switch carriers or buy outright, etc etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Feel just like you man. I have had almost 40 different phones in the past few years. Any high end phone I have probably bought....drives the wife crazy. Funny thing is that I'm not an impulse shopper with anything else but phones. I can walk to the AT&T store right now and chances are I'm walking out with something new.....so I try to avoid them lol
Sent from my GT-I9505G using xda premium

I bought it for the prompt and timely updates from Samsung and T-Mobile.

I'm still in therapy trying to figure out what the cause of this 'have to buy new device sickness' is. I'll post back in a couple of years when I get off the couch
But seriously, I enjoy having a newer version of my current device because it's something new, even if the changes are subtle. But I've always gotten the newer version usually months later, mostly due to not being eligible for a subsidized device under contract for 22 months, for example, with Sprint. But with T-Mobile, I'll be able to get the newer device when available due to their 'No Contract' option with annual eligibility for a new device, and twice a year eligibility for newer devices with the 'Jump' program, although newer versions of the same device, S2-S3 and S3-S4 for example, drop once a year. My last few devices have been Samsung upgrades. But I can change manufactures if the model warrants it, and then it would be possible to upgrade maybe twice a year. But Samsung Galaxy series have been berry, berry good to me
With the above being said, you'll NEVER see me waiting on a line outside the store waiting to get a new device the day it comes out, and obviously you won't see me in a tent overnight or for days on end waiting to be one of the first to get a new device. Now that's a Sickness, imho :silly:
I'll wait a few days or weeks until the device is available without the lines, or when it's back in stock.
Now back to the 'couch' already in session lol!

I bought the phone because I am a huge fan of the newest technology. I skipped on the one simply because the button layout, HTC sense, and the screen being a tiny bit smaller. Having the latest technology intrigues me (and poor impulse control lol) to buy these new gadgets.
As of now I'm really only interested in Samsung and Nexus devices unless something else over shadows those. There's no real good reason for upgrading every time a new phone is available for me. A phone from a year or two ago would suffice but I just have to have the latest and greatest. Its definitely an American mentality.
It's easier to click "thanks" than type it.

I'm still using my Galaxy S1 and after 2.5 years the battery is almost gone.
The phone has become really slow and hangs a lot.
Thus, I just ordered a new S4

I had a LG G2X for over 2 years. Always hated the camera and screen size, but when it first came out it was good. Got slower and slower over the months. Got to the point where if I downloaded an app over 30mb it wouldnt run on the phone so I gave up on it. Looked up all kind of reviews of the S4 for about 2 months before I dished out the cash for it.
The things that one me over were:
Camera
IR Blaster
Performance specs
& Support I THOUGHT it was coming with.

stevessvt said:
I bought it for the prompt and timely updates from Samsung and T-Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hahaha. Then you bought it for the wrong reasons. Lol

current phone g2x POS , dead pixel (so line on the screen), intermittent Bluetooth cut out when backlit buttons light up or go out. and general nvidia/lg crappy build support for drivers.
going to s4 on the 16th as soon am my contract is over. root remove bloat and be happy.
i replace a phone when it no longer dose what i need it to do. g2x issues gps / Bluetooth , forced to use stock roms if you want to be able to make calls and having working Bluetooth if you made the mistake of updating the base band to get gps working.....been waiting for my contract to be done for the last 2 months i can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel 8 more days and i can retire the g2x to become a backup mp3 alarm clock and gps nav device...

For me its a hobby to get new phones. I havent use any phone for more than 6 months.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using xda premium

I LOVE tinkering and twiddling with my devices. I generally keep a phone over a year or until a badly thought out mod kills it, but last phone had next to no development. I kinda splurged on this one. It's my first very high end one and I LOVE it. Made me realize that almost all the mods I've been doing on various phones were to get them closer to the level this one is.

wanna hear a story i work at a cellphone retail store my boss love iphones
the first time i got a phone was a blackberry slow as **** then i went to sprint and got 2 option the 4s or the galaxy s2
i went with the s2 of course i hate iphones
since then i learn about rooting,flashing etc
xda has the best customer service lol
since then i had the s2,s3,note 2 and now the note 3
why i buy samsung phone easy to customize root,removal battery and sd card
im a music junkie and no other phone has what Samsung phones offer,
i play with all new device since i work in a cellphone retail but in the end samsung for me
sorry for my bad english and bad grammar

Well I have always purchased Android phones, and I picked up the Galaxy S4 after my Galaxy Nexus bit the dust.. switched to T-Mobile to get the unlimited data and I've been incredibly happy with them so far

I like to have the it phone so people admire it, and ask me to customize theirs.
To make $ rooting and flashing it has to be a phone a lot of people have.
For me it's been g1, g2, Hercules, s3, s4. Samsung will likely have the next one: s5
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

About ready to ditch Samsung...(darn it)

My current phone is a Note 4. I've been a Sammy user since Galaxy was introduced (started with Captivate, as I"m on AT&T.)
So, interestingly, I"m not very happy with the Note 4:
AT&T issue - Not rootable. (I don't care any longer for custom ROMS, but miss some capabilities that root offers)
I have several little crazy issues, but 2 main ones are: Google voice prompt speaker whistles with feedback when first say 'OK Google' (Got a replacement and same issue on it); Can't get any app to consistently read texts over BT while driving.
I think the bloatware is causing some performance problems for me. I have disabled several and it did help.
I have a LOT of apps installed. Always have. Counting bloatware that may not be disabled, I have around 150.
Oh, also, I have lots of problems with Pandora on this phone. When the accessory is launched from my car, often it fails. When I play Pandora app, it often quits playing if it is not the front/active app. Very annoying.
If multitasking, it definitely has strong lags.
So I was thinking that the Note 5 would be my final phone for a while (actually thought that about this one). But I read that the 4GB is half used up on initial boot. So, I'm thinking I need to move to something less bloated. I don't have any confidence that the Note 5 would be rootable, I did have confidence that it would be eventually on the Note 4...but it's taking a long time.
Given my large app list, I'm thinking thatI should not settle for less than 4GB . Less bloat may help that issue...look at a pure Android experience maybe. (Of course chasing that via a custom ROM may be an alternative...but we know the status of that on the Note 4. Plus, in the past I've tried a lot of different ROMS, including popular 'stable' ones, and they ALL have bugs.)
I'm hoping to get something that works much better hands free. Haven't had much luck with that with any of my Android phones. I had much better luck with that way back when I was on Microsoft's phone OS, before Windows phone...with Microsoft's Voice Command.

Thinking of switching to Tmobile. Trade in the Note 4 for a Moto X style. Great specs for $399. It'll be easy to pay off. Service monthly payments will be cheaper then att.
But I've invested money in a gear vr and cases. Still deciding and looking at other devices.
Also most Samsung phones on Tmobile are or at most times get root.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

I'm waiting for the official launch of the Note 5, and if it doesn't have the expandable memory as its being reported, then I'm a definite bye-bye Samsung. And no matter what, never again AT&T.

DARKCHYLDX101 said:
Thinking of switching to Tmobile. Trade in the Note 4 for a Moto X style. Great specs for $399. It'll be easy to pay off. Service monthly payments will be cheaper then att.
But I've invested money in a gear vr and cases. Still deciding and looking at other devices.
Also most Samsung phones on Tmobile are or at most times get root.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually considered purchasing a TMobile one when I got this one. Could still sell/change...but I've lost confidence in the Samsung brand working. I hear good things about the Moto phones. I'm considering the Pure...but given my penchant for a lot of apps (none of them games), I'm thinking I need 4 GB RAM.
I don't want to change to TMobile due to less coverage. I have considered moving to Verizon to bet better data speed in my area (St. Augustine, FL), but they would cost me more than AT&T, and I'm not sure I would get better data speeds.
Kamau54 said:
I'm waiting for the official launch of the Note 5, and if it doesn't have the expandable memory as its being reported, then I'm a definite bye-bye Samsung. And no matter what, never again AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds pretty much for sure it won't have the SD. But even if it does, in my case, I'm just ready to move away from Samsung. Of course, I could find I have as much trouble getting what I want it to do with any of them.
I checked on the Moto site, and it says we can test for 14 days and return for free if not happy. I may just give that a whirl.

There is no expandable memory on the Note 5

Kamau54 said:
I'm waiting for the official launch of the Note 5, and if it doesn't have the expandable memory as its being reported, then I'm a definite bye-bye Samsung. And no matter what, never again AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used the note 5, it's the same memory as the s6, you shouldn't be surprised. And you should have no hope for root or an unlock on any att or verizon phone. Seriously, you all know what to expect, but the phone from tmobile or the international version.

fortillian said:
There is no expandable memory on the Note 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, as I said, that's what is being reported.
thanitos said:
I used the note 5, it's the same memory as the s6, you shouldn't be surprised. And you should have no hope for root or an unlock on any att or verizon phone. Seriously, you all know what to expect, but the phone from tmobile or the international version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No surprise to me. That's part of why I'm ditching Samsung. Maybe my posts haven't been quite clear about that though.

I got to see and hold the note 5, just confirming the reports of no expandable media.

The point of this thread is .... ?

I feel you big time. I also love big ole sammy, but bloat is a huge problem. I have been using the GS6 edge for the last week and I will say I love it. My note 4 is sooooo sssluuggish. Its gets frustrating. I also have a lot of app.s. Maybe that is the problem. I got this to be my everyday device. A phablet. But I am really leaning the direction of just having my nexus for reading/gaming and a phone for social. That has really been working for me this past week. The GS6 Edge is very snappy and the less bloat on these new phones help a lot. I aloso disabled a bunch and put on nova on and call me speedy gonzalez because I am flying.

Yep me too! My next phone will definitely have to be the One plus Two or Moto X 2015. It all depends on what I can get my hands on first. I love Samsung, but if I can't have my freedom on what I wanna do with my phone, there's no point of having an android version of an iPhone. Because if those were my only two options, iPhone would be my first choice. I choose Android because of Root, and customization. Not stupid Knox and carriers locking the bootloader crap. I wish I would've kept my jailbroken iPhone if I knew that were the case. So yeah definitely One plus Two, maybe Moto X if it's unlockable and rootable

Since some Notes are locked down and others not,shouldn't everyone's anger be placed on the carrier? Obviously AT&T and Verizon are the ones at fault. If you like the Note series buy unlocked or go for the guaranteed unlocked Nexus. I have both so when I want to mess around I have the Nexus and sometimes it's nice to trade off to the full featured Note. It really is the best way to go and keeps my anger to a minimum. I have to say with the Nexus you never have these back and forth games and you can do whatever you want without worrying about an update locking you out for the long term.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

fbauto1 said:
The point of this thread is .... ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is general discussion about att note 4. This is what op is doing. Please be more kind to people.

fbauto1 said:
The point of this thread is .... ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the purpose is more obvious than your contribution to the thread.
dagolith said:
This is general discussion about att note 4. This is what op is doing. Please be more kind to people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, generate discussion. I think it's been pretty successful at doing that.

May try T-Mobile Note 4 - Root...
Before I abandon Samsung, I may try abandoning the AT&T version of the Note 4.
I haven't been interested in putting on ROMS (did that a lot on previous phones, and I find even for those that are touted as 'solid', there are always one bug or another), but maybe that is what I should do. Been reading on various ROMS over on the T-Mobile forum.
So, if I do this, next I need to decide whether to abandon TW (I do like some of the features...), then if not, whether to install a KitKat or LP ROM. I may try one or both of those options, then if not happy, try AOSP.
Then if not happy, maybe by then there will be reviews out on others I'm considering...although the Nexus has to arrive. From what I'm seeing, it'll be October before that gets out.

My anger is with ATT for being locked down and even more so Samsung. Their greed is borderline criminal IMHO. There is absolutely no reason why the Note 4 and Edge cannot have the updated Touchwiz. Wish I had stuck with my Nexus 6, but only gave up on it because it didn't take advantage of the big screen and Android M took care of that. Been trying to trade my Edge for a G4 or N6 for weeks now.

Still seriously confused why some st**id carriers locked down phones? Should have make some research before trading my trustworthy Note 3 for Note 4 at&t. I don't see this device having unlocked bootloader soon G4 callling

I had faith they would break it and be able to root it. Seems that the developers for Samsung or AT&T is finally getting ahead of our developers and winning that battle.
I no longer have faith the AT&T will get rooted.
In fact, it's starting to feel like the leanings are headed to no root more and more.

ewingr said:
I had faith they would break it and be able to root it. Seems that the developers for Samsung or AT&T is finally getting ahead of our developers and winning that battle.
I no longer have faith the AT&T will get rooted.
In fact, it's starting to feel like the leanings are headed to no root more and more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol also 2nd ur opinion. I gave up on this phone been root able, deal is the phone is fast still so I don't have the need to root lol but I do have a gear s from att?which I would like to one day install a Droid port but sucks is att and locked. Stupid carrier

yemkoid said:
Still seriously confused why some st**id carriers locked down phones? Should have make some research before trading my trustworthy Note 3 for Note 4 at&t. I don't see this device having unlocked bootloader soon G4 callling
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The locking of bootloaders is to exponentially increase security in order to gain military, government and corporate contracts...which they did. Verizon and AT&T Samsung devices were rated highest in security in today's market. T-Mobile and Sprint chose not to most likely because they do not have the coverage country-wide to encourage those sales.

I've lost all hope for rooting this phone

I find it so mind boggling that after checking these forums daily since the phone was released there is still no (permanent) root for this phone. Am I wrong for thinking this? With all the brains and experience out there you would think something would have happened by now. I seriously think there is a permanent root solution out there and it's being kept a secret from the rest of us. Sorry for ranting, I have no one else to explain my frustration to besides the people here. Have a nice day.

I hear ya, which is why I am going to sell my Note4 and get another phone. No more Samsung Android phones for me unless i change to T-Mobile which will never happen due to lack of reception at my house.

I'm switching to T-Mobile and sticking with LG once this contract is up, at&t and Samsung can go fly a kite.

You could sell yours and get an unlocked t-mobile version. I am frustrated too, but the only solution at this point is to be proactive. Peace!

Yeah I'm not doing a Samsung phone again.. sure it may have the best screen and what not, but I'll gladly take up to date android OS/root/recovery over that. You could sell your note 4 for about 350, then ebay a t-mobile version, or put in another 100 and get the new nexus or moto x pure

Yeah I'll see what T-Mobile can do for me to switch, I've read they will pay up to $300 for your phone and up to $350 for early termination fees in the form of a credit if you switch, Not too bad of a deal. AT&T if you're reading this, double middle fingers to you assholes.

Hate to add to the same type of replies however I can't agree more with all of you. Not just about root either. Updates come to us so slow and this device has always had slightly more lag then my s4. Pretty sure i'm either going straight to the source with the Nexus line or switching over to iOS. I'll miss the spen but at least the current Nexus phone has AMOLED.

I am with ya too. Once my contract on my At&t Note 4 is up in 2017. I am thinking about switching to whatever Nexus device is out, or a budge device like the OnePlus or Moto G, so I could root it or customize it as I choose.
.

trick
Anyone going to try Google FI? Or any phone recommendations?

jaydiamonds said:
Anyone going to try Google FI? Or any phone recommendations?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's probably going to be so limited to a few major cities for quite a long time. If the price makes sense and the quality is there then absolutely. Building an entire mobile network that is capable of reaching 99% of the country is extremely expensive and time consuming. The 4 major carriers have been working on it for 20 years and they are still building towers like crazy.
As for phone recommendations, I recommend looking at all the variables in the equation and make your decision accordingly. For me, checking to see if root has any progress or is already available is at the top of my list, followed by the device itself. To sum it up, some phones aren't very practical (nexus 6) but they excel in **** that matters to me (first to get system updates and easily rootable).

Thanks!
playerone_ said:
It's probably going to be so limited to a few major cities for quite a long time. If the price makes sense and the quality is there then absolutely. Building an entire mobile network that is capable of reaching 99% of the country is extremely expensive and time consuming. The 4 major carriers have been working on it for 20 years and they are still building towers like crazy.
As for phone recommendations, I recommend looking at all the variables in the equation and make your decision accordingly. For me, checking to see if root has any progress or is already available is at the top of my list, followed by the device itself. To sum it up, some phones aren't very practical (nexus 6) but they excel in **** that matters to me (first to get system updates and easily rootable).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I will never get sucked into the samsung hype ever again. This phone has generally received good reviews since day one, and I honestly have hated it since the day I obtained it. I had an S4 before this note 4, and I have to say that I hated that phone too. The hardware is awesome, and the software is sub-par bull poo poo. Every samsung phone I have ever had has had problems. Namely with the GPS, among other things, but I think any problem I have ever had with a samsung phone could have been solved with custom firmware. I know this is as much, or more so, a carrier issue as well as a manufacturer issue. The manufacturer puts crap software on the device, then the carrier locks it down so that you are stuck with it. The note 5 looks flashy as hell, but I will not get sucked in again! C'mon Nexus!!

Isn't the Note 5 already rooted with working TWRP? I don't understand how that phone could be rooted so fast and the Note4 will never be.

cozpolt said:
Isn't the Note 5 already rooted with working TWRP? I don't understand how that phone could be rooted so fast and the Note4 will never be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the t-mobile, sprint, international versions; all have an unlocked bootloader. The Verizon and att versions have a locked bootloader with a sha-256 key. If you read the att version does not boot if tried to root.

Even without perma-root (or root at all for those on LP like myself), this is still a darn good phone. Shame I can't use my gamepad properly, but at least I've only a year left before I can go for something else. Honestly, even with a chance of never getting root, I'd still get a Note 6 (when that comes, I mean).

That new nexus 6p is where I'm heading. Samsung really screwed us :/. On my note 2 I ran pure stock android because it's smooth as hell! I have to be stuck with Samsung's nonsense running the background with the note 4... Can't wait for the nexus 6p to drop. I'll be first in line!

UrbanLagoon said:
That new nexus 6p is where I'm heading. Samsung really screwed us :/. On my note 2 I ran pure stock android because it's smooth as hell! I have to be stuck with Samsung's nonsense running the background with the note 4... Can't wait for the nexus 6p to drop. I'll be first in line!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not Samsung, AT&T and Verizon are who is screwing you. They made the choice to lock everything down for more profits.

I finally gave up and sold my AT&T Note 4 for a T-Mobile variant. The difference is night and day, I was having severe battery drain, and normally would be <20% by the end of the day today, for the first time I haven't had to charge my phone overnight, and the battery is still at 65%. It drained 1% overnight for 8 hours.
Custom ROM and Kernels make a HUGE difference. Now I don't have to keep power saving mode on, which also increased lag and I can actually go a day without having to charge my phone and I get all the other benefits of root. Definitely will not buy another Samsung phone with a locked bootloader, I was getting ready to switch to an iPhone because I was so unhappy with the Note 4 performance and battery life.

I am on the ATT next program. Do I have to pay off phone before I sell it?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using xda premium

KennyG123 said:
Not Samsung, AT&T and Verizon are who is screwing you. They made the choice to lock everything down for more profits.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I meant to say was. Samsung also screwed us with the note 5.. They let their customers know they are headed into the iLame direction. I left apple after 4 years because it lacked tons of features. I'm assuming Samsung will drop the s pen on the note 6 and turn it into a $99 Samsung Pencil that you will have to buy on the side by the looks of it hahaha.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT: Samsung will ask all global partners to stop sales and exchanges

Official Statement:
"We are working with relevant regulatory bodies to investigate the recently reported cases involving the Galaxy Note7. Because consumers’ safety remains our top priority, Samsung will ask all carrier and retail partners globally to stop sales and exchanges of the Galaxy Note7 while the investigation is taking place.
We remain committed to working diligently with appropriate regulatory authorities to take all necessary steps to resolve the situation. Consumers with either an original Galaxy Note7 or replacement Galaxy Note7 device should power down and stop using the device and take advantage of the remedies available."
Source: https://news.samsung.com/global/sam...note7-while-further-investigation-takes-place
What are you Note 7 holders gonna do next?! "Don't forget to answer the poll! "
A second recall is on the way: http://www.samsung.com/us/note7recall/ <-------- "Updated on Oct. 10 2016"
And I am still waiting my preorder!

This did not need another thread.

andyahs said:
This did not need another thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not? It's the newest info and there is no real "note 7 burn discussion thread". I'm just curious why the thread is bad actually. It's an important information, that shouldn't be buried in a 20 site thread.
Btw. link to the news: https://news.samsung.com/global/sam...note7-while-further-investigation-takes-place

I returned mine and my wife's to att for complete refund.. I now have an axon 7 on order and she has the oneplus 3 coming..

chanter100 said:
I returned mine and my wife's to att for complete refund.. I now have an axon 7 on order and she has the oneplus 3 coming..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah ... right when I can get a new phone this problem comes up and now I don't really have something to get... need a good camera and > 5.5"...
- note 7 > flames
- pixel > too expensive (could buy it, but I won't because the price itself is an insolence...)
- LG v20 > no release in europe for now
- moto z > cam not that good
- Sony Z5 > no alternate firmware / root without loosing some cam quality etc.
- One Plus, Axon, HTC ... > bad cams in comparison
Right now I even thing about getting a nexus 6p (like my wife, nightshots are awesome and cheap to get). Still will wait a bit how this disaster plays out for samsung. If they can fix it, the note is not off the table.

Same as my thoughts! You can answer the poll then
Thank you!
Maerad said:
Yeah ... right when I can get a new phone this problem comes up and now I don't really have something to get... need a good camera and > 5.5"...
- note 7 > flames
- pixel > too expensive (could buy it, but I won't because the price itself is an insolence...)
- LG v20 > no release in europe for now
- moto z > cam not that good
- Sony Z5 > no alternate firmware / root without loosing some cam quality etc.
- One Plus, Axon, HTC ... > bad cams in comparison
Right now I even thing about getting a nexus 6p (like my wife, nightshots are awesome and cheap to get). Still will wait a bit how this disaster plays out for samsung. If they can fix it, the note is not off the table.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Hmmm... This really is a bummer. I got my N930FD through EBay and have no idea what to do lol.

...But there's a poll!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Im going to turn my two in and go to something else... Im really pissed about it cause i love this phone, and nothing else compares....

NIKKOTUASON said:
Hmmm... This really is a bummer. I got my N930FD through EBay and have no idea what to do lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If Samsung ceases total production on it or even if they put out a v3 .. they would have to replace it for you since it's now a pariah. I'd call them and get them to exchange it for an S7 Edge. It IS the very least they could do. I really, really wanted this 2nd battery to be the fix and we could move on. Alas, that sh** ain't happening.

Im going to have to ask for a full refund. No need to try thirst note 7.

aergern said:
If Samsung ceases total production on it or even if they put out a v3 .. they would have to replace it for you since it's now a pariah. I'd call them and get them to exchange it for an S7 Edge. It IS the very least they could do. I really, really wanted this 2nd battery to be the fix and we could move on. Alas, that sh** ain't happening.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya this truly is a $hit storm. I love this unit as it runs perfect I'm still actually using the original unit but since all these new inconvenience it's getting frusting especially if ever they decide to stop supporting and updates. :crying:

So, will we be able to exchange the S7 Edge loaners for Note 7's once they are deemed safe again?
I know it's a hassle, but I really like this phone. I don't even care about Nougat or future updates other than security updates...

Samsung can stick the 25$ gift card/credit up their a$$. I wasted countless hours in the last 2 months on this phone. Great phone but not worth all this BS.
I suppose I will hold onto it until the v20 hits. Hopefully it's not hard to obtain since many will be jumping the sinking Samsung ship like I am.

I want to keep the Note 7. I don't want any other device. I'll replace it again if needed but I want another Note 7. There is no other device comparable to the Note. Maybe by some miracle we can get a unlocked bootloader edition Note 7 by chance. Just think how awesome custom Roms could be for this device.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N930A using Tapatalk

JMat76 said:
I want to keep the Note 7. I don't want any other device. I'll replace it again if needed but I want another Note 7. There is no other device comparable to the Note. Maybe by some miracle we can get a unlocked bootloader edition Note 7 by chance. Just think how awesome custom Roms could be for this device.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N930A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would have to wonder how much time and effort Samsung will put into this device with future updates...the community around this device will be small as well, which won't bode well for custom roms.
I was waiting for my wife's carrier to get the Note 7 in stock to get one (they had already discounted it to $0 on a 2 year contract, and her contract was up). I have and love my S7 and it has me spoiled.
If anyone can name me a 5.5in amoled screen or larger phone with awesome camera, sd card slot and good water resistance, I'll bite. I'm not a fan of the big curves of the S7 Edge

Guess I'm on track with having the S7 Edge for 2-3 years, then getting the Note 9 or 10...
Wonder what the tech will be then?

I agree with that, I am not giving up mine, but am worried about the future of updates. I have the ATT one, and they suck on updates anyways. That scares me more than the phone popping.

jonrobertd said:
I agree with that, I am not giving up mine, but am worried about the future of updates. I have the ATT one, and they suck on updates anyways. That scares me more than the phone popping.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The way I see it, samsung will not put too much effort into updating it...because they DID say to return it completely or exchange it...as a business if i have sent out such notice, i will not expect buyers to dive at it once again (upon a second recall) if ever released...with that information, i will put my energy elsewhere to bring in profit...rather than a sinking ship.
adding sammy delay in update to that of the carrier...we are looking at nouget in 2 years lol

Over the past 2 years the Note series and S series phones have become very closely related, almost identical besides the s-pen and software. I wouldn't doubt for Samsung to scrap the note line altogether after this and have the S8 and new S8+ with included s-pen. Nightmare from the note goes away and they continue on with their successful S series. They've already had a Note 8 before so they had to change something with the name anyway. Just an idea.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N930A using Tapatalk

I think they push a FW update again, disabling the phone if you do not power down yourself.
But yes, I can wait... again....

This phone still worth buying in 2017?

Simple question. I asked the same question on another phone I'm interested in, got some good response, am asking it here.
I need a new phone, battery is getting hinky on my HTC One M8 plus the camera is ca-ca and I need a better camera for my job because I have to use the phone's camera quite often.
Out of principle, I simply don't want to spend more than $350 or so for a phone. I toyed with the idea of going over to the dark side with an iPhone, but I'm not going to spend that much money for a phone, I've got other things I need/want to spend money on instead of phones that cost more than some cars I've driven in my life. I'm also too invested in Google's ecosystem and I just prefer Android.
I also need to be on VZW's network. Have toyed with going GSM, I need to stay with Big Red.
Phones within my price range that I'm interested in are an HTC 10 (my last two phones have been HTCs and I've liked them), a Moto X Pure (that's the other phone I asked this question about), a Samsung S7 (all that glass scares me to death, I'm a klutz and the brick-like cases my phones reside in bear that out), Moto G4 Plus or the new Moto G5 Plus (which is having all kinds of issues on the VZW network unless you disable HD calling) — and this one, which really really intrigues me.
I know it's three years old, but I see that there's still a vibrant community supporting it, I've seen people online call it "the best phone Samsung ever made and probably ever will make," and the specs are still righteous compared to newer and flashier phones.
I don't care about new and flashy, my phone is a tool, period, and I need it to work for me.
The Note 4 also apparently is rootable ... I've never owned a non-rooted phone, have never rooted one myself although I've flashed ROMs. (I've got a line on a mint used one running Noble Rom; can anyone tell me about stability of that?)
So after this long-winded drivel, I repeat the question ... this phone still worth buying in 2017?

Depends what you're looking for I guess. If you're looking for a decent phone for around $200, it's decent. Beware the emmc failure error though, these things seem to choke themselves out at either exactly one year or exactly two years after purchase. Not all of them but a large enough percentage that its worth mentioning.
Edit:Also this is anecdotal but I suspect that refurbished note 4s don't have real gorilla glass. I dropped my note 4 easily hundreds of times from around 3 feet, sometimes with some force, with only the s view cover fit a case. The screen never had problems until insurance replaced mine due to failing emmc, then it cracked on the first drop after that.
Sent from my LG-LS997 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 07:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:19 PM ----------
Also, if you get it I would use one of the newer note rom TouchWiz ports
Sent from my LG-LS997 using Tapatalk

Modtronix said:
Note 4 is very rootable including the V variant many active devs for it. Sprint model here and was an amazon purchase. Been rock solid. Many of the others you mentioned are nice as well. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it is as well . great device lotta development and now I saw they go for $149 new . Will it hang with the Note 8.....no of course it won't it is almost 5 yrs old now but it at 149 unlocked its less than 1/8 th the projected price of the note 8 .

There are lots of reasons to love the Note 4. Replaceable battery, holds up to 256GB micro SD, IR support, big bright screen, rootable with Magisk support, great ROMs from anything from nearly stock to basic 7.11 versions. If you like to use your spen, get a Touchwiz ROM.
I bought my first one on the day of release. Since then, I've bought nine more over the years for friends and family. All (except one) has been rooted and are running newer ROMs. The holdout is my daughter who thinks rooting is bad. Kids, you can't teach them anything ... ugh! However, they are difficult (shall I say tricky) to root, it's well worth it. I bought the N7 when it was released. Had it two weeks. Hated the 'edge' because I would pull that out accidentally, or couldn't close with the X because my finger was right on the edge. I was sorta glad to return it. Needless to say, I bought a refurbished N4 on Amazon and several more since then. My neighbors wanted new phones, but didn't want to pay $600+ for them. I talked them into the N4 and set them up. They love them, but don't use half of the features. Newer phones are slimmer, not as wide, but that never bothered me. The only reason I would want a newer model would be for more RAM, however I like having the extra cash in my pocket, so I'm perfectly happy and will continue with the N4 series as long as I can.

Note 4 well worth the money!
I definitely recommend the note 4 it is an amazing phone best phone i have ever had! You will be very happy if you do decide to purchase im rooted and using twrp and custom rom! I also read a article talking about how people have decided to stick with the note 4 instead of upgrading to note 5 or 7 this is because the note 4 was way ahead of its time because of the harware that is used in it. The phone has a very good processor i highly recommend this phone!

i bought an LGV20 this week, thats going to be sold, and the note 4 will continue to be my daily driver...at least until the note 8 comes out

This phone is spectacular. I have 2. Never any problems at all outside of my own rooting quandaries. Only complaint is front facing cam. I'm not into selfies but if I get decent haircut and I want to remember it or just notate something stupid like my teeth for my own personal use, the front facing cam sucks.

prw94 said:
Simple question. I asked the same question on another phone I'm interested in, got some good response, am asking it here.
I need a new phone, battery is getting hinky on my HTC One M8 plus the camera is ca-ca and I need a better camera for my job because I have to use the phone's camera quite often.
Out of principle, I simply don't want to spend more than $350 or so for a phone. I toyed with the idea of going over to the dark side with an iPhone, but I'm not going to spend that much money for a phone, I've got other things I need/want to spend money on instead of phones that cost more than some cars I've driven in my life. I'm also too invested in Google's ecosystem and I just prefer Android.
I also need to be on VZW's network. Have toyed with going GSM, I need to stay with Big Red.
Phones within my price range that I'm interested in are an HTC 10 (my last two phones have been HTCs and I've liked them), a Moto X Pure (that's the other phone I asked this question about), a Samsung S7 (all that glass scares me to death, I'm a klutz and the brick-like cases my phones reside in bear that out), Moto G4 Plus or the new Moto G5 Plus (which is having all kinds of issues on the VZW network unless you disable HD calling) — and this one, which really really intrigues me.
I know it's three years old, but I see that there's still a vibrant community supporting it, I've seen people online call it "the best phone Samsung ever made and probably ever will make," and the specs are still righteous compared to newer and flashier phones.
I don't care about new and flashy, my phone is a tool, period, and I need it to work for me.
The Note 4 also apparently is rootable ... I've never owned a non-rooted phone, have never rooted one myself although I've flashed ROMs. (I've got a line on a mint used one running Noble Rom; can anyone tell me about stability of that?)
So after this long-winded drivel, I repeat the question ... this phone still worth buying in 2017?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got my Verizon Note 4 about 2.5 years ago and I still like it a lot. I did have the failing motherboard problem, but Samsung fixed it completely for only $70. It's working great now and I'm hoping to keep using the phone for at least another two years.
So, yes, I would certainly consider buying another Note 4 today. The only caution I would take is to make sure I bought a brand new one. Otherwise you are likely going to be buying someone else's phone with a failing, or soon to be failing, motherboard. Perhaps a phone that has been refurbished by a very reputable company could be acceptable (e.g., from Samsung, or Verizon), but I would want to make sure it has a very good warranty (preferably much longer than 90 days). I definitely would not buy a used phone that is being sold as-is (even if the buyer claims it works fine).
I have seen new Note 4 phones advertised on Amazon for about $300. Refurbished phones seem to be going for about $200 (but I think the extra $100 is well worth the cost for a new phone).
I've never rooted my Note 4. It sounds like versions from some carriers are easier to root than others. If you are on Verizon it sounds like it may be rootable, but it is more difficult. I would read the Verizon specific threads on rooting the Note 4 if you intend to buy a phone specifically for rooting. Personally I really don't feel the need to root the phone. For me it works fine (although I do use a custom launcher so I can customize the look and feel). I also disable any bloatware that I never use. Unfortunately you can't completely remove the bloatware without root.

The Note 4 is still an amazing phone whether you want to use it stock and unrooted or whether you want to root and flash roms. Be advised tho this particular model is a pain in the rea to roo but keep at it and you'll get it done no problem.

Personally? I can't find a phone to replace it. For me, I'm network flexible, and I've considered a V20 on TMO, but honestly I can't find a reason to switch. Rarely if ever do I feel like I need more ram, and that's basically the only significant feature that the v20 would pose for an upgrade. And I'd miss EVERYTHING ELSE about the samsung. Reasons to buy it? Cheap, plenty of power left in the processor/ram category IMO, REMOVEABLE BATTERY (this is something I can't stress enough for me personally. And I can not stand that newer models don't have it.) IR support (why would they get rid of this, why?! why?!?!) and its TWRP/root capable. Again, something I can hardly stand to live without. My phone is ad blocked, xposed, etc... I'll be eating out and I'll start changing TV volumes and my friends just get this WTF look on their face... And I can't find a newer phone to beat it, that has all the same features, and can still be TWRP. My opinion? Yeah, it IS the best phone, and maybe the last GOOD phone samsung ever made. I know there's tradeoff arguments to be made. But they'll drag me to the grave with my note 4. No way I'll be switching until the last boat leaves the dock, and the phone simply can't function in society any more. Hopefully by then, there will once again be another option with removeable battery, IR, TWRP.... but we can only hope.

For what its worth, I switched from a note 4 to the v20. I miss the stylus occasionally but there's a solution for screen writing included with the phone. I like the v20 more
Sent from my LG-LS997 using Tapatalk

I've had mine since about 6 months after release. It was a decent phone when it was still locked, but once we got root, it became a phenomenal device. I've been eligible for upgrade for over a year, but I haven't seen a new phone I'm willing to replace it with. Getting hard to find removable batteries and SD cards. I'm curious about the upcoming Pixel 2, but mostly I'm just hoping my phone will last forever.
At this point, if it dies, I'll probably hunt down another Note 4.

I think the note 4 has been a decent phone. I purchased mine new in 2015. It's always had a really poor camera that dosent auto focus without shaking it repeatedly (common issue). It's also had a round of boot looping, which could only be corrected with a factory reset. After boot looping and other random crashing issues where it suddenly powers off. I've decided to move to an LG v20. P. S. You can buy a brand new note 5 for 259.

For fun, thought I'd drop in now that 2018 is looming.
I love my Note 4 (T-Mobile). I'm a flashaholic, and there's plenty out there (though my ext sd card makes Marshmallow roms my preference, since Nougat keeps wanting to reformat the 128g sd I have in this thing!).
I've flashed a few dozen different roms on this thing and it doesn't mind at all. Bought it used off ebay (I didn't know about the emm memory mess back then, which would have given me some pause even if ebay does favor the buyer). But it runs perfectly for me. I use a rubber case because I'm paranoid.
Reasons I really like this phone?
1. big screen.
2. durable.
3. REMOVABLE battery.
4. External SD card slot (at least 128g works just fine, maybe even more?)
Reasons to not go with it?
1. Ya gotta have the newest and shiniest.
2. Small but real possibility you'll run into the emmc memory issue (if you do, get your money back from whoever sold the phone to you and/or chuck it in the trash - game over).

I love the Note 4 and was thinking about rooting it. It's the longest I've ever had a phone. Been about 3 years now and it still runs strong for daily use. Most people don't even use a phone for its full potential. It's a tool for their social media, snapping a few pics, browsing the web, paying some bills (which we all hate), getting directions, etc. As a daily driver, it's been great and I can't find a reason to upgrade to a flashier new phone for $800 plus. I'm the type that if it still works well, then there's no point in replacing it. It still performs as well as middle of the pack models even 4 years after it's release. And the 515ppi 5.7" screen with 2k quality doesn't make the phone feel dated at all. Only the style of the phone feels dated but most of us have a case on it anyway. So hopefully with a new 3220mah battery and a root, this phone will last me a little longer since it still does what I tell it to and with T-Mobile LTE, which is nearly 2 times faster than Sprint, and WiFi through Verizon Fios keeps it snappy and feeling smooth.

Develop Bugs

welcome