Develop Bugs

Don't yell at me, help me please. Choices choices

So with all of this I have a bad taste for Samsung. Not the Note 7 because it is a real marvel of a phone, but the company that kind of down played this recall and now is fixing things in the 11th hour. No matter the %, 92 isn't 37 and I hate when companies go half way on ownership.
To that end I pre-ordered an Iphone 7 plus 256GB in jet black. For the meantime while my Note sat in a drawer, I wound up using a spare new Iphone 6 that my helpdesk guy had laying around. I made things my own by adding cards to apple pay, using a hack to get icons to move down and to the right, using the IOS 10 widget panel, GMAIL, Google cal, Google Play music, news stand etc. Here is why I need help...
Iphone Cons-
No Customization and hacks to do simple things (but then, do I actually care about that anymore)
Screen is not as nice as the Note 7 (But its damn good and I notice no resolution difference. In some ways the screen is more accurate on the 7 plus based on me seeing it on the 6s plus)
The phone is huge for a 5.5" No denying that
Apple pay is NOT Samsung Pay
No Wireless Charge (whatever because I can get a dock but its just so easy)
Back button still ****ing annoys me
Notifications are better in IOS 10 than ever but still less than that of Android
EVERYONE HAS IT
Dated physical design
No QC
Makes me feel like a woman hipster with a giant manbun
Iphone Pros-
Smooth as **** (and will be in 6 months while my note surely wont be)
Touch ID is still better than the fingerprint on the note or the iris on the note
Gonna last as long on a charge even with a 2900mah battery
Multi-task is finally better and while not google, I ask you to tell me why I would care if the outcome is identical when navigating between apps
Design while old feels really smooth, premium and aluminum is less fragile for sure
IOS10 is the first IOS I don't really mind
Google services make IOS great and in 10 you can hide factory apps
Probably a slightly better camera now
A10 Fusion is fast as hell and on their software will more than likely lap the Note even from day 1 with real life use. Definitely in 6 months though
Cases are generally better and more premium
Swiftkey makes IOS also usable
Touch ID is so fast and never misses my finger. ID integration in each app
Apps are cleaner, more sophisticated looking and have features my android apps don't
God I am getting old, but everything just works and while tinkering is fun, I find myself not missing it in IOS anymore
Raise to wake takes care of the AOD need for me
Bluetooth audio and BT battery management are exponentially better than the note
So here is the truth. I feel awful leaving android, but I have now used the iphone even the smaller older one and its still fast and smooth and enjoyable. So I know you are all heated about the topic, all generally Andy fans but I ask as a fellow techy who is getting old with a couple of kids, what the **** do I choose.
P.S. Please don't bring up S pen because its not a factor for me.

I have a replacement Note 7 and it's like butter.
No lag and such a difference. Then you can go further, a Note 7 without lag, smaller bezels than the iPhone 7 Plus my headphone jack (Sorry, couldn't resist) and the ability to cutomise until my heart is content.
Enjoy your iPhone it's a fantastic device, but it's certainly no (replacement) Note 7

You have to make the decision that works best for you in the long term. would I personally go to an iPhone? Nah, in my opinion they're phones for kids/teens and the only way to make them semi usable is to add a crap-ton of Google stuff to them, or you can just get the actual google operating system wrapped in WAYYYY better looking hardware, i don't care what anyone says, the space above and below the iPhone screen is just unacceptable. I write apps for both IOS and Android and they are "smooth" because they are so limited and clocked down that they run great, but that slows trust me. Android phones tend to be power houses and can catch here and there but I've personally never experienced the lag people speak of on Touchwiz, not even when i rooted my phones back in the day, thing is people want to add everything and tweak everything to the phone then don't understand why it hits a snag every once in a while. But again, my explosive Note 7 runs perfect, no lag or anything, its buttery smooth, and all of my Samsung phones have been even when power using them.
So at this point it comes down to preference, OS wise and aesthetically. There's no question iPhone has more mainstream appeal making acquiring accessories and stuff a lot easier, But there are no shortage of Android accessories available either, and Android is meant to customize and make your own, where as IOS is set to strict guidelines to have it always look how Apple wants it to look. For everything I've listed here and more Android is just the choice for me, preferably Samsung because they've found that perfect phone formula that seems to be tailored to me personally and professionally, but that isn't everyone's taste, fact is, there really isn't anything that you get in an iPhone that you don't already get on Android, but there's a lot on Android you cant get with iPhone.
Good luck!

alltaken123 said:
I have a replacement Note 7 and it's like butter.
No lag and such a difference. Then you can go further, a Note 7 without lag, smaller bezels than the iPhone 7 Plus my headphone jack (Sorry, couldn't resist) and the ability to cutomise until my heart is content.
Enjoy your iPhone it's a fantastic device, but it's certainly no (replacement) Note 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I noticed that also. My replacement is noticeably smoother. My last one would randomly lag and stutter. The new one is as smooth as my Exynos S7 Edge was.
Sent from my SM-N930W8 using XDA Labs

GibMcFragger said:
I noticed that also. My replacement is noticeably smoother. My last one would randomly lag and stutter. The new one is as smooth as my Exynos S7 Edge was.
Sent from my SM-N930W8 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the firmware version any different?

jackdforme said:
Is the firmware version any different?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Identical.
Sent from my SM-N930W8 using XDA Labs

jackdforme said:
So with all of this I have a bad taste for Samsung. Not the Note 7 because it is a real marvel of a phone, but the company that kind of down played this recall and now is fixing things in the 11th hour. No matter the %, 92 isn't 37 and I hate when companies go half way on ownership.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What Samsung did was extraordinary and cost them billions of dollars both in cash and lost market capitalization. Based on how few phones have overheated they could have played kick-the-can and stalled this for months or been forced involuntarily in to addressing the issue. Instead they announced within a week of identifying the problem internally that they were recalling 2.5M Note7s. Clearly some here aren't in business because to think any multi-billion dollar multinational conglomerate could recall 2.5M of anything faster or better than Samsung did is a pipe dream. They obviously had their sh!t together because the recall program they were already in the process of in the U.S. was blessed within days by the CPSC.
I've been buying Samsung products for years (mostly Note phones and tablets) and this is the first serious problem I've encountered. The Note7 was the best Samsung phone I've owned before this debacle and nothing's changed after.
Audi had a huge unintentional acceleration problem, Honda is tied directly to the Takata airbag issue, GM was involved in an ignition switch problem cover-up, and VW's getting their ass kicked for screwing with emission testing. The first three are performing extremely well and VW will be fine when the dust settles. Samsung will be fine too.

Agreed, My entire house is outfitted in Samsung, I'm a definite Samsung "Fan-Boy" and because they have never let me down and always deliver the best most innovative products. My washer, dryer, TVs, Tablets, Soundbars, BT speakers, Watches, Phones, Netbooks, charging docks etc. all Samsung - and that goes for all of my Wife's products and the rest of my family (Brother, Sister, Brother in law, Mom etc.) I sold them on their first Samsung device years and they haven't looked back. I didn't fret once over this recall, I knew it was being blown out of proportion and that Samsung was all over it the best they could be and I was going to be taken care of.
If anything my Brand loyalty has been enhanced because of this, but that doesn't mean i expect Samsung to be perfect always or say they wont ever drop the ball, But I will cross that bridge when I get there, until then Samsung is my brand, and the Note 7 is a GREAT phone and has met and far exceeded my expectations both on aesthetics and performance.
Samsung came through for us on this recall regardless of how people want to perceive their approach, so to those people: please explain how they could have done it better?

BarryH_GEG said:
They obviously had their sh!t together because the recall program they were already in the process of in the U.S. was blessed within days by the CPSC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that the recall has been handled well, unprecedented to get so many replacements produced and shipped so quickly (I have a replacement already).
However, the CPSC had this to say to BBC News:
Mr Kaye said Samsung should not have tried to do the recall by itself, saying: "Anybody who thinks that a company going out on its own is going to provide the best recall for that company, and more importantly for the consumer, needs to have more than their phone checked,"

alltaken123 said:
I agree that the recall has been handled well, unprecedented to get so many replacements produced and shipped so quickly (I have a replacement already).
However, the CPSC had this to say to BBC News:
Mr Kaye said Samsung should not have tried to do the recall by itself, saying: "Anybody who thinks that a company going out on its own is going to provide the best recall for that company, and more importantly for the consumer, needs to have more than their phone checked,"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- Says the guy who makes money and gets to push his power by issuing recalls. No different than a mechanic saying "Anyone who rotates their own tires is looking to die!"
And sure, of course they did whats best for Samsung, They have to stay is business, both by cleaning up their mess as quick as possible and to their consumers liking (because we are the reason they have a business) no company is stupid enough not to try and please the consumer with their decision.

I'm just confused on the apparent blessing of the recall followed by that statement yesterday.

I knew you all would focus here. It's the problem with forums. I'm asking for honest opinions on the two devices not about the recall. It was a catalyst and now here I am at an impasse. It wouldn't even be a thought had the recall not happened but here we are.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

jackdforme said:
Iphone Cons-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an iPhone.
---------- Post added at 06:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:26 AM ----------
jackdforme said:
I'm asking for honest opinions on the two devices not about the recall.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's different today from the year's long discussion of Android vs. iOS? The iP7+ is as big as a house, has a 1080P IPS panel, has a 2,900mAh battery, no wireless charging, no fast charging, no audio jack, and an eco-system locked down harder than Fort Knox which offers no flexibility and customization. I didn't read your "pros" summary but I'm assuming they're what's already known. What's left to say?

BarryH_GEG said:
It's an iPhone.
---------- Post added at 06:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:26 AM ----------
What's different today from the year's long discussion of Android vs. iOS? The iP7+ is as big as a house, has a 1080P IPS panel, has a 2,900mAh battery, no wireless charging, no fast charging, no audio jack, and an eco-system locked down harder than Fort Knox which offers no flexibility and customization. I didn't read your "pros" summary but I'm assuming they're what's already known. What's left to say?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean the Pro's summary would be important to have an objective look no?

jackdforme said:
Iphone Pros-
Smooth as **** (and will be in 6 months while my note surely wont be)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to disagree... Before I have my Note 7, I was using my 2011 Note 1 (ran on Samsung Jelly bean stock rom)... No lag has been felt until recently when the apps I am using often are getting more and more RAM demanding...
Samsung vs iPhone should not be seen as Android vs iOS, but then when coming to which to choose, it depends on which best suits your needs (I don't view those who chose iOS over Android are any inferior). Personally I no longer find Android exciting like it used to be, but between Android devices and iPhone, I am still an Android guy. The reason for this is simple: Android has large variety of devices which I can choose from... And this time I chose Note 7 (not because I am loyal to Samsung) as it offers various exciting functions (and ya, I like the S-Pen)... As for iPhone 7 or 7+, I found the design for these device were unappealing...

hazerXIII said:
I have to disagree... Before I have my Note 7, I was using my 2011 Note 1 (ran on Samsung Jelly bean stock rom)... No lag has been felt until recently when the apps I am using often are getting more and more RAM demanding...
Samsung vs iPhone should not be seen as Android vs iOS, but then when coming to which to choose, it depends on which best suits your needs (I don't view those who chose iOS over Android are any inferior). Personally I no longer find Android exciting like it used to be, but between Android devices and iPhone, I am still an Android guy. The reason for this is simple: Android has large variety of devices which I can choose from... And this time I chose Note 7 (not because I am loyal to Samsung) as it offers various exciting functions (and ya, I like the S-Pen)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that is a good reply. Thank you for being just up front.

It looks to me like you only want 'on the fence' replies that give you no swing towards either device. I gave you real world use in that it is very smooth on the 2nd release which I presumed would have made a huge difference to your decision considering you mentioned that all was good until the recall announcement.
People have given you material and real world examples of the recall (In my case 10 days!) but you still seem bent on assuming the recall is being handled poorly.

I've read where apple has ignored people being hurt and even killed by the iPhone since 2009. Little girl had glass on her eye from it exploding, a man had third degree burns when biking he fell on it. Others died. Look it up. They said not our fault. Samsung cares more about customers. Imo so im sticking with Sammy. I hope you all find happiness with your devices, stay safe.
Sent from my SM-N930V using XDA-Developers mobile app

Seems like we've all given the best answers we can to your question and reasons why we feel this way, ultimately the decision is yours based on what YOU like and why and how it fits into your life. The recall came up because its why you came into this dilemma in the first place.
We can tell you all day which couch your ass likes better, but in the end you're the only person who can feel the nerve endings in your ass lol, so you have make that decision based off what you like. Its like asking if I like Ham or Roast Beef more. The differences of IOS and Android are very prominent and very much talked about and public, at this point it seems you just want someone to push you in one direction or the other or give you the "go-ahead" but judging from your first post and last post, it seems like you've already chosen the iPhone and no one is gonna stop you, I choose Android wrapped in the Note 7, but that doesn't mean that's the standard everyone should live by.

That's a nice assalogy.

Overall love

Yes, yes, it's possible to love a phone. Heck, you sleep next to it, don't you? Rate this thread to indicate your love for the Samsung Galaxy S8+, all things considered. A higher rating indicates that the Samsung Galaxy S8+ is an incredible phone that you enjoy tremendously. You love it.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!

Best phone I've ever owned!

Massive, gorgeous display. Faster than my nemesis' I7. Still need tweaks for battery life, but the trade off in performance and consumer joy is worth it.

The S8+ is the best phone I ever had so far, and the battery life is excellent.
I only have two minor issues with my S8+.
1) The speaker is too easy to mistakenly cover while gaming or watch video.
2) Sometimes on the Camera, there is a slight delay between the time you press the record button and when it starts recording, ONLY when you have it set to 4K UHD recording.
Other than that, everything else is flawless for me.

I had the Verizon Galaxy S8 from the day it was released. I really like that phone. I just purchased a refurbished Unlocked S8+ from Bestbuy for $500 because I wanted to see the difference in size and battery life. I'm so happy I took a shot on the bigger brother of the galaxies.
Battery life is better than expected and the overall size is not that different to hold. However when looking at the screen real estate the S8+ is huge and that's what I love about it. With this version I know the drawback may be reasonably timed updates, but if I decide to leave Verizon with all the T-Mobile changes, I can do it an not have to invest in a phone.
Sent from my SM-G955U1 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

One Of the best mobile ever
I wanna to buy this mobile, Am so interested in this mobile to buy.

Gotta say, coming from mostly Note devices, this has to be the best phone I've ever used and owned. It's only been a couple of weeks but it's already left a big impression on me. Not only that, this is the fist phone that I've used in its stock state. No root (of course our SD doesn't have it yet, anyway) but I'm not really missing it or my S-Pen. Most of the functions my S-Pen were able to perform I can do on this phone which was a pleasant surprise. I still miss interacting with the display with the pen, though. I may move onto the Note 8 at the end of the year but right now I'm very happy with this S8 Plus.

So a quick info on my background. I have owned many Smartphones in the last 5 years, form pretty much all major brands(Samsung, Apple, Sony, Motorola). I also consider myself a Poweruser.
So this is my third Galaxy device and the first I was very happy with the S8+ for the first few weeks but I stumbled upping more and more negatives about the phone.
1. After a few hours of uptime it will start to stutter when typing fast or switching between apps.
2. The over the top animations get annoying, but if you turn them off it feels weed and even slower.
3. Battery life seems good when watching videos that are supported by the hardware decoder but most hdr stuff is not no I could not even watch The Revenant on one charge and during that the device got very warm and I encountered a few dropped frames.
4. Idle battery life is very bad (loosing 30% during the night about 7-8h) but this applies pretty much to all Android phone.
Overall it's still an amazing phone but as everything it has its downsides.

Samsung
I have never used a cell phone with the features which I am using in Samsung S8

marcdegasperi said:
So a quick info on my background. I have owned many Smartphones in the last 5 years, form pretty much all major brands(Samsung, Apple, Sony, Motorola). I also consider myself a Poweruser.
So this is my third Galaxy device and the first I was very happy with the S8+ for the first few weeks but I stumbled upping more and more negatives about the phone.
1. After a few hours of uptime it will start to stutter when typing fast or switching between apps.
2. The over the top animations get annoying, but if you turn them off it feels weed and even slower.
3. Battery life seems good when watching videos that are supported by the hardware decoder but most hdr stuff is not no I could not even watch The Revenant on one charge and during that the device got very warm and I encountered a few dropped frames.
4. Idle battery life is very bad (loosing 30% during the night about 7-8h) but this applies pretty much to all Android phone.
Overall it's still an amazing phone but as everything it has its downsides.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice , you are right ,

One last quick update.
Been reading through all the posts and replies on the latest root updates for the Snapdragon variants and after about a month now on this completely stock S8+ I can't see any practical reasons to go through the grind that is today's root method. It certainly isn't like it used to be as a long-time Samsung rooting fiend and now it just seems far more trouble than it's worth. This out of the box state is simply outstanding. Obviously, your experiences may vary but based on my user habits, and I run the hell outta my daily driver, it's been performing brilliantly with no issues. BixBye let's me remap that idiotic button without root so I'm good on that end which was the only real reason I was even contemplated rooting when it became available for this version.
I truly believe at this stage in Android and Samsung's combined software and hardware development on the S8+ things have finally matured enough where I'm not feeling that burning desire to root. Sure, there's a couple of apps here and there that I will miss having but I still have that Exynos Note 5 to kick around.
Fantastic phone. I will be considering getting the Note 8 but only because of that S-Pen. This S8+ is an amazing daily driver if and when I do make the switch.

The best phone on the market to date! Not only does the phone have excellent performance, but it's just a beautifully crafted device. I'd say the phone itself is..... art.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

perfect phone for me, i jumped from note 4 to this.

galvaliziman said:
perfect phone for me, i jumped from note 4 to this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm on the note 4 just and was wondering about screen width,do you lose much on the s8+ compared to note 4?

There are a lot of "best phone I've ever owned" on here. I hate to be that girl, but... I agree. I love the features at the software level such as being able to make all apps full screen. I also love the phone in general from a design perspective. The display and battery are both amazing.

Great buy and experience, even in stock state

The S8+ is the best phone

You must buy the s8+ if yo dont use too much the pencil.
I got to not use it but i miss it

It's an awful phone. Unfortunately. The four things that save the situation are the following.
1. The screen is simply beautiful.
2. The camera is wonderful
3. I didn't pay it
4. The Google pixel 2 XL will be ridiculously expensive here in Greece.
The bad things are:
1. Huge battery drain. I had the last Nexus that was awful and I found it's brother. Some times I have to charge it twice a day. I use Android since 2010 and I don't make experiments. I use the same applications for years so I have a very solid knowledge of what to expect.
2. Lag. I don't know why but I have. I use the unbranded Greek version. I always install the new versions with Odin. With full format. I do the same with the Nexus and and my iPhone. In the latter two everything works so smoothly and I usually don't make the upgrades in time since I am bored for the setup. But now no no no. I have done 3 formats. One the day I bought it to unbrand it, the second in August when the latest version appeard and another one last Monday. The same. Unacceptable lag. Not that it's like a 3 year phone but it shouldn't happen.

Definetly one of the best devices Samsung had made. A true upgrade in all areas from the S7. Improvements in efficiency as well as the addition of Bixby and "infinity" put the S8+ it a clear cut above the V20, G6, and Moto G5.

Need help deciding between phones (Note 9, Note 10+, Note 4) POWER USERS

Hi, I need some guidance from more knowledgeable users deciding between phones due to my lack of detailed information on the mod ecosystem of the newer Samsung devices, since I stopped paying attention after Samsung dropped features I prefer (removable battery, IR blaster, etc). I have a note 4 that was rooted and running a custom rom that worked like a champ until recently with the ZeroLemon 10Ah battery when it decided to die. I use my phone as a pocket Linux computer so stripping away most of the limitations placed on the device by the manufacturers is what I desire to do.
Can people who have owned or have detailed knowledge of the current ecosystem weigh in on the pro and cons of the note 10+ vs the note 9 beyond the basic technical differences on the data sheets? I am currently researching information regarding the following:
Software Bugs
Root support/stability (Traditional or Magisk)
MicroG support (I want as little google in my life as possible)
TWRP(or equivalent) compatibility
Tasker and Xprivacy compatibility or equivalent.
Custom Rom support(general development and extra hardware feature support like Fingerpring reader being usable by apps or Hotspot capability)
bypassing and stability of warranty voiding/feature locking measures(KNOX, SafetyNet)
Overall I just want to better understand the upper limits and issues of modification that can be achieved with each device while holding on to as much built in functions as possible.
I do not need the absolute most cutting edge technical performance from parts, but features included in the SoC or RAM capacity for software expansion that affect longevity I would want to know. I dont really mind the need to use a dongle for 3.5mm audio on the 10+ but avoiding sending Samsung the message that its removal was ok for a supposed kitchen sink device is a small consideration. I would have liked and IR blaster but that ship has sailed on the new Samsung devices regardless. I would get a battery case that adds a few thousand mAh's for the 10+ or 9 so small differences in use endurance would be heavily mitigated. If it turns out the 10+ is just a stopgap half-step until the actual refinement (Note 11?) then I can try to send in my Note 4 to Samsung and get it online for another year since paying $1000US for an experiment or obligatory product cycle launch is not really what I am looking for at the moment since I keep phones for a while. From what I read so far their product line seems to speak of artificial market segregation and I feel the base note 10 only exists to make the S and the 10+ look better while getting rid of surplus inventory of parts from other product lines. Overall it just made me wary of potential hiccups for long term use.
If you would like me to specify anything else I will do my best to answer quickly. Thanks for any help you can provide. :good:
Now im off to continue my reading and watching of reviews for these devices.
EDIT:
I didn't think It needed to be said, but can we try to keep the answers constructive instead of snarky for no reason? If you need to be snarky for no reason plz make your comment as amusing and original as possible. Thx
EDIT 2:
So in addition to the removal of the 3.5mm audio port from the N10/N10+, Samsung has seen fit to entirely remove the internal DAC from the phone. Passive USB-C to 3.5mm adapters will not function and explains why certain external DACs "may experience bugs" and why many of the external battery cases claim to support data sync but not USB-C to 3.5mm audio.
I am corresponding with a ZeroLemon representative to get them to clarify the capabilities of the 5Ah battery case and the 10Ah variant that "will be available in a few weeks". (EDIT) ZeroLemon have confirmed that their extended battery cases have no wired audio functionality with or without DAC integrated into the mix. They are reluctant to give me wiring data so I can only take the demerit at their word.
Removing the 3.5mm jack was bad enough but Samsung removing the DAC entirely is a little overboard for the cost of the device imo just to offload the cost with a $20US basic dongle you buy separately. I can understand it from a business perspective, but as a consumer I am not pleased with Samsungs development direction.

...you're serious?

In the time it took to type out that post, you could've found all your answers by researching and using Google.

dugryce said:
...you're serious?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
..

Snapdragon Note 10plus..no root no twrp..no micrgapps..no xposed.
Exynos Note 10plus better chance at all the things listed above
Note 9 great phone but the same as above.
Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

I had planned to spend the incoming month to build an answear to your questions but after a day of full thoughts I decided to spend my time doing something else.

Power users!!!!!

Your post reminds me of that commercial where a guy asks his friend if he knows any good contractors, and when he replies yes he is asked to go out and get quotes and timelines....
I can't believe you came to XDA and posted something like that without even trying to search.
My advice is go buy the new iphone 11 pro plus. I here it will do all that and and transfer your root and linux setup from your note 4 too.

dugryce said:
...you're serious?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, quite. Is there a problem with asking individuals who may already have a deep knowledge of issues and limits of these devices to give advice based on their experiences?
Mr. Orange 645 said:
In the time it took to type out that post, you could've found all your answers by researching and using Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im fairly certain I could not find detailed answers for everything I just asked in less than 3 minutes. I believe I stated in the OP that I was simultaneously doing my own research, but I also thought it wise to ask the question considering I am not all knowing and there are details I may miss or things I havent considered.
butchieboy said:
Snapdragon Note 10plus..no root no twrp..no micrgapps..no xposed.
Exynos Note 10plus better chance at all the things listed above
Note 9 great phone but the same as above.
Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate you replying to the content of the post instead of just posting sarcasm. You are the MVP of the responders thus far.
mafy31 said:
I had planned to spend the incoming month to build an answear to your questions but after a day of full thoughts I decided to spend my time doing something else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, you were going to tackle every specific question I had in detail by yourself? That would have been an epic post I would have enjoyed reading, too bad you have other engagements. Maybe next time? :laugh:
gottahavit said:
Your post reminds me of that commercial where a guy asks his friend if he knows any good contractors, and when he replies yes he is asked to go out and get quotes and timelines....
I can't believe you came to XDA and posted something like that without even trying to search.
My advice is go buy the new iphone 11 pro plus. I here it will do all that and and transfer your root and linux setup from your note 4 too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see how it would be similar on the surface. Aside from the fact that I stated I was already doing my own research and this question is supplemental to that, and this question is directed at those whom already have the information I am asking(actual contractors or people with knowledge of the trade). You might even say its also similar to asking someone who just had their house remodeled how much their contractor charged them for the work and if they did a good job.
Why would I want to own an iPhone? I think the last iDevice I owned was an iPod touch I got for free over 10 years ago and I had to jailbreak it just for it to be tolerable. Wait, are you just being snarky to avoid actually giving me any constructive information? That cant be something someone would come on to XDA to do?
pcriz said:
Power users!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I never owned a Note 4, though I would imagine the Note 9 or Note 10+ would be at least a marginal upgrade.
I had the Note 9. Now I have the Note 10+. I like it, because it does stuff well.

Mr. Orange 645 said:
I never owned a Note 4, though I would imagine the Note 9 or Note 10+ would be at least a marginal upgrade.
I had the Note 9. Now I have the Note 10+. I like it, because it does stuff well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that both devices would probably be a slight upgrade over the Note 4 aside from the removable battery, IR blaster, and 3.5mm jack(Note 10+) being absent. The Note 4 was great, its flexibility and features made me disappointed in the following iterations until the Note 7 fiasco when I finally just stopped paying attention to Samsung releases since a removable battery would have entirely mitigated the issue they faced at the time.
Cool, im glad you like the Note 10+. What particular stuff for you does it do well in comparison to your Note 9 if you dont mind me asking?

POWER USER with a Note 4........

https://lmgtfy.com/?q=note+10+vs+note+9

shollywood said:
POWER USER with a Note 4........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes......You can do a lot with a rooted note 4 with a 10Ah Battery and a custom rom with lots of quality of life tweaks(Tasker, Xprivacy, etc.) Can you only be a power user if you pay to get the newest phones every time they are released when the older phone you already own pretty much does what you want?
Mr. Orange 645 said:
https://lmgtfy.com/?q=note+10+vs+note+9
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I might have stated somewhere in my OP that I was doing my own research in addition to asking this question, but I may be wrong. I may need to close these 30+ tabs of Note 9 and 10+ related research I was doing for myself and do some Note 9 and 10+ related research for myself.
As far as not being constructive goes, that was pretty funny. I may have to use that one on someone it applies to at some point.

Tetsujin_100 said:
Yes......You can do a lot with a rooted note 4 with a 10Ah Battery and a custom rom with lots of quality of life tweaks(Tasker, Xprivacy, etc.) Can you only be a power user if you pay to get the newest phones every time they are released when the older phone you already own pretty much does what you want?
I think I might have stated somewhere in my OP that I was doing my own research in addition to asking this question, but I may be wrong. I may need to close these 30+ tabs of Note 9 and 10+ related research I was doing for myself and do some Note 9 and 10+ related research for myself.
As far as not being constructive goes, that was pretty funny. I may have to use that one on someone it applies to at some point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you liked it. One of my favorite sites.
But in all seriousness, there's some pretty in depth comparisons on YouTube from power users. I watched a few when making my decision to jump from the Note 9.
Is it upgrade from the Note 4. Absolutely. Is it an upgrade from the Note 9? I would say so. They refined the form factor from the Note 8/9, the screen is gorgeous, and it's a powerhouse.
Let me put it this way. I recently bought an nVidia Shield TV for gaming, especially emulating older gaming systems such as the GameCube (a notoriously difficult console to emulate, unless you have a gaming PC). The Shield TV is the reigning king of mobile banking powerhouses, and YouTube recommended it for emulation.
I was all excited for the Shield TV, got it set up, and it did decent. I had to fiddle with the settings, and I finally got Eternal Darkness to run DECENTLY at 720p with just a few slowdowns and stutters. It's maintained 60fps for the majority of the game, but would occasionally slow to about 40fps and the game would move like molasses. Nothing like fighting demons in slow motion.
Well, hooked up my Note 10+ to my TV, and ran the same emulator on the Note 10+ through DeX, and holy crap. It runs that game smooth as butter at 1080p. Except for one scene that stuttered for about a second, it runs at full 60fps. I'm selling my Shield TV. Why do I need it when it's inferior to my Note 10+ for gaming.
So what I'm trying to say, for functionality (S-Pen, air commands, DeX) the Note 10+ is an amazing phone. As far as power? Well, gaming is one of the most taxing things you can do with a phone, and this one doesn't even blink when heavy games are thrown at it. Now, if I crank all the Dolphin emulator options up to full, it will slow down and spit and sputter to the point it's not playable. But I think 1080p rendering at 60fps for a console game is more than impressive.
Yes, you lose root. Who needs it? Yes you lose the removable battery. I can't argue that one, really, but it hasn't bothered me in the last four years since most manufacturers did away with them. Yes you lose the IR blaster. I never used it, except in a hotel bar to put the baseball game on their TV when the bartender stepped away, LOL. What you gain compared to the Note 4 is more than worth the trade off.
Note 9 vs Note 10+ is a closer argument, but I don't regret upgrading even a little bit.

shollywood said:
POWER USER with a Note 4........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In all fairness what is a power user? You can buy the most capable phone and only use snapchat, facebook, and take selfies.
You could manage your business from an iphone 6. It's less the phone and more how you use it.

Mr. Orange 645 said:
Glad you liked it. One of my favorite sites.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see it getting a lot of use with how people are on the internet sometimes lol
But in all seriousness, there's some pretty in depth comparisons on YouTube from power users. I watched a few when making my decision to jump from the Note 9.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have watched a few at this point, but I am still watching more. Do you have anyone specific you would recommend that you think did the best job in the breakdown?
Is it upgrade from the Note 4. Absolutely. Is it an upgrade from the Note 9? I would say so. They refined the form factor from the Note 8/9, the screen is gorgeous, and it's a powerhouse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree the phones of today blow the note 4 out of the water on pure specs and many feature implementations. What keeps me on the fence is how new the note 10+ is at the moment. Im not sure how its hardware will affect the Rom/App ecosystem longterm and I would be keeping this $1000+ investment for a while in comparison to the Note 9 which can be had for hundreds of dollars cheaper, but im willing to pay the extra cost if there are no long term downsides.
Let me put it this way. I recently bought an nVidia Shield TV for gaming,.....snip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is pretty impressive. I know certain consoles are a pain in the butt to emulate efficiently because of their custom architectures. That is definitely a win for the N10+. I dont really play heavy games on my phone as I have a gaming PC so my phone gaming is largely limited to things like Townsmen, Kingdom Rush, style games along with older emulators also, but that kind of hardware capability is something you want from a device like this. I would probably play much older consoles this way so I can start and stop on the go etc. Playing Zelda on the go and continuing at home sounds appealing at this moment.
So what I'm trying to say, for functionality (S-Pen, air commands, DeX) the Note 10+ is an amazing phone. As far as power? Well, gaming is one of the most taxing things you can do with a phone, and this one doesn't even blink when heavy games are thrown at it. Now, if I crank all the Dolphin emulator options up to full, it will slow down and spit and sputter to the point it's not playable. But I think 1080p rendering at 60fps for a console game is more than impressive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I say "power" I personally mean usage flexibility, basic and advanced features, and capability for longevity through modifications once Samsung decides its of lower priority. As far as pure grunt(IPC, clock rate, etc.) I find it to be a close secondary concern while still being important. A lot of the features in the new phones were pioneered by 3rd party developers before Samsung/Google made an in-house version. In the long term being less dependent on samsung and google is best so they cant artificially limit your device when they decide you should be buying the new one so hardware that is easy for me and dedicated devs to work with is very important for me.
Yes, you lose root. Who needs it? Yes you lose the removable battery. I can't argue that one, really, but it hasn't bothered me in the last four years since most manufacturers did away with them. Yes you lose the IR blaster. I never used it, except in a hotel bar to put the baseball game on their TV when the bartender stepped away, LOL. What you gain compared to the Note 4 is more than worth the trade off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may need root(Magisk/SU access), but the specifics of the ecosystem may have shifted enough to where applications like Tasker no longer require root level access. I do need TWRP or some equivalent to work for testing roms and backups though.
The lack of a removable battery bothers me on the level that its not an option and from a function over form engineering standpoint I don't like the idea of a potentially volatile piece of technology being a major failure point of a expensive device. Both on the level of LiPo/Li-ion batteries chemically(I know they are safe generally) and not being able to disconnect a device from its power source if necessary. I know more than a few people personally over the years who had phones(and other compact devices) with internal batteries that have destroyed themselves simply because of the battery physically expanding causing damage to surrounding systems and or because a some hardware or software problem cause a loop of damage(electrical or thermal) to the device that couldnt be stopped. The entire Note 7 was an exercise in why removable power sources in general are a good idea and it cost Samsung both money and image not abiding by that principle. I will admit the theft protection aspect of a non removable battery is a bonus. I plan to use an Aquero), and other items in addition to those niche times you mentioned. The only pain was the fact the Samsung installed an IR transmitter instead of a transceiver on the note 4 so I had to work around getting all my remote codes into the phone the harder way. This was the kind of detail I worry about and why I asked this question, even though I see now many do not appreciate me asking in such a way.
Note 9 vs Note 10+ is a closer argument, but I don't regret upgrading even a little bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im glad you are happy with your purchase, and I agree that in general if there are no major flaws related to my specific usage wants/requirements that the 9 and 10+ would be a great improvement over the note 4. As far as the Note 4 still being on the table is just in the circumstance of there being data that the note 10+ represents more of a tick or a tock relative to the phones next year in which case I can just spend $100 to get it fixed and wait. The segmentation between the S10, N10, N10+, makes me wonder about the plans for the product line, but if the Note 10 is just a case of Samsung getting rid of backlog parts then its probably nothing.
Thanks for taking the time to answer and giving me your perspective. I really appreciate it. :highfive:
pcriz said:
In all fairness what is a power user? You can buy the most capable phone and only use snapchat, facebook, and take selfies.
You could manage your business from an iphone 6. It's less the phone and more how you use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that the term "power user" is a fairly ambiguous term that can mean different things to different people. I agree that you can do things with an iphone, but what they have in stability they greatly lack in operational/usage flexibility at the high end. My device I paid for telling me "no" when it technically capable of doing what I want is not something I will tolerate unless absolutely necessary.
What I personally qualify as a "power user" is having usages well outside of what most would consider "phone" use(light internet, few notes, a game or two, and some videos). This moves into the territory of Custom Roms, heavy tasker automation, regular file transfer, file hosting and streaming, hotspot usage while connected to a VPN or SSH connection, diagnostic work, remote control(TV-PC control), etc. Overall if you think of your device as more or a pocket Linux computer with phone capability as opposed to a phone with extra features that are useful/fun, you likely would fall under some metric of the "power user" umbrella. In my experience most users I have ever met fall into the latter category while many less fall into the former. There are still cases to me where you can be a "power user" if you only use one specific feature to its limits in the <10% of users range.
I understand the economics of Samsungs feature shifts, but doesnt mean I have to like it. Apple devices are simply incompatible with my usage demands, I tried to live with my brothers old Iphone X or 9 for a week and it was painful.

pcriz said:
In all fairness what is a power user? You can buy the most capable phone and only use snapchat, facebook, and take selfies.
LOl...probably NOT a power user then, no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

shollywood said:
LOl...probably NOT a power user then, no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You kind of missed the point.
Your comment that I responded to called out the note 4 and the fact that op said "power users". As if they cant exist in the same sentence...
shollywood said:
POWER USER with a Note 4........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you acknowledge the idea that a person only using a phone for social networking (regardless of the phone) isnt a "power user", then you kind of made my point for me. That it isn't the phone it's the user.
Also you seem to imply "power user" is synonymous with owning the newest phone, which I would also say is kind of a fallacy.

Regarding software bugs:
The Note 10/+ are running One UI 1.5 and coming from my S9+ running One UI 1.0, I noticed the following improvements:
1. No more bluetooth volume warning message
2. Automated switching ("Sunset to Sunrise") between Night Mode and Day(?) Mode no longer leaves minimized notifications in the wrong mode. I would look at my notification shade after the phone automatically switched back to Day Mode and a couple minimized notifications at the bottom would still be in the dark shade. I would have to toggle Night Mode on and off and turn the schedule on again to make things right (until I repeated this 24 hours later!)
3. When the notification shade is fully extended and you have to actually scroll down to go through every single one, the animation has been cleaned up so that the icons of the bottom-most notifications don't look they're falling into/out of the UI. If ever there was a case that Samsung is not Apple, this would have been it.
4. When you pull down the notification shade, the toggles are actually correct the first time you glance at them (and previously you would pull down, push up, pull down again to see the toggles as they should be.)
5. Split screen works better. The initial app docks very well to the top half of the screen and the phone understands better that all the task switching and app gymnastics you do are meant for the bottom half of the display.
6. Apps install blazingly fast.
7. My corporate IT device admin app (Blackberry UEM) does not force a series of unrelated events when installing an app (previously it would toggle bluetooth and launch a restart-PIN security screen--don't ask me why).
Those are the things I can immediately think of.

Question pairing the pixel 6 with the galaxy watch 4

So it looks like this might be my next phone but I have a few questions
1. Is it still worth it to have my samsung galaxy watch 4? I know there are a few features that you lose if you dont have a samsung device like ECG and body measurement features.
2. Is it going to be better to get the pro instead of waiting til next year to get the s21 ultra because I was thinking about that as well since the price might come down.

1. Yes keep it, you loose very little with this (if anything). You can enable blood pressure and ECG with this (currently running it on OnePlus 8Pro and it works without issues):
How to enable ECG and Blood Pressure features on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Here's how you can enable ECG and blood pressure monitoring on your Galaxy Watch 4 in all regions, even with non-Samsung phones.
www.xda-developers.com
So just some fiddling around, but you only need to do this once and you're set to go.
2. No one can tell you what is better for you but I can share how I decided to return to Google.
The most important phone feature for me always been smoothness. Long time ago I switched from Nexus 5 to Samsung Note 4. It was supposed to be a step up with the newer processor, but Sammy let me down big time.
I was shook by how much smoother the Nexus was. I was chasing for a better performance for Note 4, so I tried rooting, custom roms etc., but without luck. Nexus 5 was simply much better in that regard.
What I learned about Google phones in the long run:
I was used to getting a poorer and poorer performance from Samsung as the phone aged. With Nexus and Pixels it was always the other way around. In my experience Google phones were not that great when they got released, but in months, with help of updates, they started flying.
I loved the community support around these devices. What most called 'a plain' version of Android, happened to be as rich in functionality as I would want them to be (with help of rooting and some neat apps). Also, Google phones had the reputation of being a compromise choice. E.g. with Pixel 2 people didn't like the screen. Meanwhile I absolutely adored it because I knew there were tools that allowed you to adjust display as you like. If not the community, I would've never learned about this though.
Reviews never called full justice over these devices for some reason. I was rarely finding a review that would justify my experiences with Google phones. It felt like the reviewers were playing around with them for a couple of weeks and then putting them back to the drawer. A Nexus/Pixel in early days without rooting for me seemed like a waste (things have changed now days, I don't see a reason for rooting anymore).
I split ways with Pixel after 2XL. Although it was a really amazing phone, Pixels 3 and 4 didn't seem attractive for me with the price.
I went to OnePlus with 7 PRO which was offering a clean enough OS, smooth performance and insane screen. Really amazing phone.
8 PRO is still ok, but it never felt like a step forwards from 7 PRO (except from camera). Software updates got very slow, i'm not even sure if 8 is supported anymore, lol. I have very little to no hope in regards to the unified OS they are bringing.
I have 0 complaints about Galaxy Tab S7, so I considered Samsung 21 Ultra. I liked it when I got a chance to use it in a store. But after the atrocious experiences with Note 4 and some short time spent with Galaxy 9, 10, I still don't see myself using a Samsung phone.
In Pixel 6 video comments I saw people raging on 21 Ultra for slowness, battery issues so it looks like not much has changed unfortunately.
When I heard about Google working on a chip for Pixel, that got me excited. As long as it's at least comparably as fast as SD 865, but is smooth, I will be more than happy to return to the vanilla Android. Can't lie, I missed it.
Summarizing, if you owned a Pixel before, you should know pretty well what's to expect and whether you liked it or not. If that would be your first Pixel device, just go for it. This year seems to be the best time ever to join #TeamPixel.

BabeShaq said:
1. Yes keep it, you loose very little with this (if anything). You can enable blood pressure and ECG with this (currently running it on OnePlus 8Pro and it works without issues):
How to enable ECG and Blood Pressure features on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Here's how you can enable ECG and blood pressure monitoring on your Galaxy Watch 4 in all regions, even with non-Samsung phones.
www.xda-developers.com
So just some fiddling around, but you only need to do this once and you're set to go.
2. No one can tell you what is better for you but I can share how I decided to return to Google.
The most important phone feature for me always been smoothness. Long time ago I switched from Nexus 5 to Samsung Note 4. It was supposed to be a step up with the newer processor, but Sammy let me down big time.
I was shook by how much smoother the Nexus was. I was chasing for a better performance for Note 4, so I tried rooting, custom roms etc., but without luck. Nexus 5 was simply much better in that regard.
What I learned about Google phones in the long run:
I was used to getting a poorer and poorer performance from Samsung as the phone aged. With Nexus and Pixels it was always the other way around. In my experience Google phones were not that great when they got released, but in months, with help of updates, they started flying.
I loved the community support around these devices. What most called 'a plain' version of Android, happened to be as rich in functionality as I would want them to be (with help of rooting and some neat apps). Also, Google phones had the reputation of being a compromise choice. E.g. with Pixel 2 people didn't like the screen. Meanwhile I absolutely adored it because I knew there were tools that allowed you to adjust display as you like. If not the community, I would've never learned about this though.
Reviews never called full justice over these devices for some reason. I was rarely finding a review that would justify my experiences with Google phones. It felt like the reviewers were playing around with them for a couple of weeks and then putting them back to the drawer. A Nexus/Pixel in early days without rooting for me seemed like a waste (things have changed now days, I don't see a reason for rooting anymore).
I split ways with Pixel after 2XL. Although it was a really amazing phone, Pixels 3 and 4 didn't seem attractive for me with the price.
I went to OnePlus with 7 PRO which was offering a clean enough OS, smooth performance and insane screen. Really amazing phone.
8 PRO is still ok, but it never felt like a step forwards from 7 PRO (except from camera). Software updates got very slow, i'm not even sure if 8 is supported anymore, lol. I have very little to no hope in regards to the unified OS they are bringing.
I have 0 complaints about Galaxy Tab S7, so I considered Samsung 21 Ultra. I liked it when I got a chance to use it in a store. But after the atrocious experiences with Note 4 and some short time spent with Galaxy 9, 10, I still don't see myself using a Samsung phone.
In Pixel 6 video comments I saw people raging on 21 Ultra for slowness, battery issues so it looks like not much has changed unfortunately.
When I heard about Google working on a chip for Pixel, that got me excited. As long as it's at least comparably as fast as SD 865, but is smooth, I will be more than happy to return to the vanilla Android. Can't lie, I missed it.
Summarizing, if you owned a Pixel before, you should know pretty well what's to expect and whether you liked it or not. If that would be your first Pixel device, just go for it. This year seems to be the best time ever to join #TeamPixel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You make some really great points. If I can get those features paired with a 6 pro then I'll probably go for it. I don't normally use those features but it's just something about me if I don't get the full of experience of a device I paid $450 for. This does seem like the perfect time to move over to pixel. Battery life means a lot to me and with that 5000mah I'm pretty much sold on it. On top of that if this is anything like what apple is doing with their bionic chip then battery life should be really good.

I'm also not sure if I should do 128gb or 256gb

I plan on using my cool galaxy watch 4 with this badboy device! Cheers

I just pre-ordered mine. 128gb stormy black. Gonna put a dbrand skin on it

orlans21 said:
You make some really great points. If I can get those features paired with a 6 pro then I'll probably go for it. I don't normally use those features but it's just something about me if I don't get the full of experience of a device I paid $450 for. This does seem like the perfect time to move over to pixel. Battery life means a lot to me and with that 5000mah I'm pretty much sold on it. On top of that if this is anything like what apple is doing with their bionic chip then battery life should be really good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a galaxy watch 4 with a pixel 4xl. I use the modified apps and they work great. It's not hard at all to get them installed. Simple ADB for the watch.

gettinwicked said:
I have a galaxy watch 4 with a pixel 4xl. I use the modified apps and they work great. It's not hard at all to get them installed. Simple ADB for the watch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats good to know. I'll do that when i get it

orlans21 said:
So it looks like this might be my next phone but I have a few questions
1. Is it still worth it to have my samsung galaxy watch 4? I know there are a few features that you lose if you dont have a samsung device like ECG and body measurement features.
2. Is it going to be better to get the pro instead of waiting til next year to get the s21 ultra because I was thinking about that as well since the price might come down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if you've bought the phone yet, but you may want to hold off on that. I've been having problems - the watch (Galaxy Watch 4) and phone (6 Pro) both pair initially just fine. But if I restart my phone, the phone won't reconnect to the watch, and the galaxy wearable app seems to have forgotten the watch. The only way to reconnect them is to reset the watch completely. Considering returning the phone over it.

ailinmcc666 said:
I don't know if you've bought the phone yet, but you may want to hold off on that. I've been having problems - the watch (Galaxy Watch 4) and phone (6 Pro) both pair initially just fine. But if I restart my phone, the phone won't reconnect to the watch, and the galaxy wearable app seems to have forgotten the watch. The only way to reconnect them is to reset the watch completely. Considering returning the phone over it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have bought the phone but I dont have it yet. But that is interesting to hear. Maybe make a post about it in the GW4 forums

ailinmcc666 said:
I don't know if you've bought the phone yet, but you may want to hold off on that. I've been having problems - the watch (Galaxy Watch 4) and phone (6 Pro) both pair initially just fine. But if I restart my phone, the phone won't reconnect to the watch, and the galaxy wearable app seems to have forgotten the watch. The only way to reconnect them is to reset the watch completely. Considering returning the phone over it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That maybe android 12 issue rather then phone

ailinmcc666 said:
I don't know if you've bought the phone yet, but you may want to hold off on that. I've been having problems - the watch (Galaxy Watch 4) and phone (6 Pro) both pair initially just fine. But if I restart my phone, the phone won't reconnect to the watch, and the galaxy wearable app seems to have forgotten the watch. The only way to reconnect them is to reset the watch completely. Considering returning the phone over it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same setup as you. I don't have this issue at all. Maybe occasionally after a reboot I'll have to go the app and hit connect, but it's quick to do so.
Overall, I think the experience is what I hoped for.

BabeShaq said:
1. Yes keep it, you loose very little with this (if anything). You can enable blood pressure and ECG with this (currently running it on OnePlus 8Pro and it works without issues):
How to enable ECG and Blood Pressure features on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Here's how you can enable ECG and blood pressure monitoring on your Galaxy Watch 4 in all regions, even with non-Samsung phones.
www.xda-developers.com
So just some fiddling around, but you only need to do this once and you're set to go.
2. No one can tell you what is better for you but I can share how I decided to return to Google.
The most important phone feature for me always been smoothness. Long time ago I switched from Nexus 5 to Samsung Note 4. It was supposed to be a step up with the newer processor, but Sammy let me down big time.
I was shook by how much smoother the Nexus was. I was chasing for a better performance for Note 4, so I tried rooting, custom roms etc., but without luck. Nexus 5 was simply much better in that regard.
What I learned about Google phones in the long run:
I was used to getting a poorer and poorer performance from Samsung as the phone aged. With Nexus and Pixels it was always the other way around. In my experience Google phones were not that great when they got released, but in months, with help of updates, they started flying.
I loved the community support around these devices. What most called 'a plain' version of Android, happened to be as rich in functionality as I would want them to be (with help of rooting and some neat apps). Also, Google phones had the reputation of being a compromise choice. E.g. with Pixel 2 people didn't like the screen. Meanwhile I absolutely adored it because I knew there were tools that allowed you to adjust display as you like. If not the community, I would've never learned about this though.
Reviews never called full justice over these devices for some reason. I was rarely finding a review that would justify my experiences with Google phones. It felt like the reviewers were playing around with them for a couple of weeks and then putting them back to the drawer. A Nexus/Pixel in early days without rooting for me seemed like a waste (things have changed now days, I don't see a reason for rooting anymore).
I split ways with Pixel after 2XL. Although it was a really amazing phone, Pixels 3 and 4 didn't seem attractive for me with the price.
I went to OnePlus with 7 PRO which was offering a clean enough OS, smooth performance and insane screen. Really amazing phone.
8 PRO is still ok, but it never felt like a step forwards from 7 PRO (except from camera). Software updates got very slow, i'm not even sure if 8 is supported anymore, lol. I have very little to no hope in regards to the unified OS they are bringing.
I have 0 complaints about Galaxy Tab S7, so I considered Samsung 21 Ultra. I liked it when I got a chance to use it in a store. But after the atrocious experiences with Note 4 and some short time spent with Galaxy 9, 10, I still don't see myself using a Samsung phone.
In Pixel 6 video comments I saw people raging on 21 Ultra for slowness, battery issues so it looks like not much has changed unfortunately.
When I heard about Google working on a chip for Pixel, that got me excited. As long as it's at least comparably as fast as SD 865, but is smooth, I will be more than happy to return to the vanilla Android. Can't lie, I missed it.
Summarizing, if you owned a Pixel before, you should know pretty well what's to expect and whether you liked it or not. If that would be your first Pixel device, just go for it. This year seems to be the best time ever to join #TeamPixel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice. It does seem like a good time to join the Pixel family. Only device I've seen previously is my partner, who has a Pixel 4a, which I've used a bit, and I found it to be a impressive device.
I'll stick with it for now, maybe do a factory reset without restoring from a backup, go in fresh, and maybe that will help with this problem.

orlans21 said:
You make some really great points. If I can get those features paired with a 6 pro then I'll probably go for it. I don't normally use those features but it's just something about me if I don't get the full of experience of a device I paid $450 for. This does seem like the perfect time to move over to pixel. Battery life means a lot to me and with that 5000mah I'm pretty much sold on it. On top of that if this is anything like what apple is doing with their bionic chip then battery life should be really good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Battery life has been strange for me on the device - sometimes it's unbelievably good, other times, it seems to drain quite fast. But I haven't really kept track of my usage on those days, so it could have been something I'm doing sometimes to drain it fast.

ailinmcc666 said:
Battery life has been strange for me on the device - sometimes it's unbelievably good, other times, it seems to drain quite fast. But I haven't really kept track of my usage on those days, so it could have been something I'm doing sometimes to drain it fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can drain fast if you have weak cell service and its also adaptive battery so it could be learning your usage

gettinwicked said:
I have a galaxy watch 4 with a pixel 4xl. I use the modified apps and they work great. It's not hard at all to get them installed. Simple ADB for the watch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do u need a computer? If yes. Then Is not"simple". Lol

ajftl said:
Do u need a computer? If yes. Then Is not"simple". Lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really is dude. You turn on adb debugging on the watch, connect to it via wifi, put in like 3 commands and done. Also, if you're in XDA, this is probably the most simple thing you do to devices.
Adb connect 'ip'
Adb -s install 'ip' watch4.xxx
Adb disconnect 'ip'
Done

I have no issue with pairing. Phone and watch work good together.

General Disappointment the Pixel 6

Well after being excited to get the Pixel 6 Pro with all the hype of best pixel phone in years, i have returned the phone after finding it disappointing. Probably the phone i have been most disappointed with ever, So i have gone back to my Huawei P30 Pro
main issues are battery life, after finding the phone struggling to get through a day on a charge, after googling and finding turning off the 5g and 120hz display improves battery life. WHAT the main features of the phone drain the battery too much, battery life on P30 is 2 days for me constantly (i know peoples usage will vary), but after Lumia phones and Huawei it was like going back to Iphone 3 days barely getting 24hrs on a charge.
also the UI is terrible, how is this an improvement the notification area with the huge tiles take up so much room that you have to scroll to the right to see most of the shortcuts etc. P30 is much more intuitive and fewer steps to do the same action
The Google search bar/ assistant and clock can't be moved or resized so much for customising android, none of these restrictions on P30
Colour theming what a joke to the point of being pointless couldn't pick the colour i wanted and the choice of 4 colour LOL, P30 has a huge colour theming section and is easy pick what colour you want and away to go
You will need a case for the phone it will literally slide off everything, i know a lot pf people fit cases but you wont have any choice with the Pixel 6 or it'll end up in broke
I would go as far to say EMUI 4 was better than android 12 on the Pixel 6, only good point was the camera

Only thing I'd agree with is that Huawei makes some of the best phones and I wish they were sold for US carriers. As for this phone, it's getting better every day for me. Of course there are some annoyances here and there but battery life isn't bad for me. I still have mine on 5g and 120hz and getting 8ish hour SOT with full day use. Mostly Twitter, Reddit and cryptocurrency apps and some YouTube music. The UI I feel takes some learning and adjusting to get used to.

nighthawk626 said:
Only thing I'd agree with is that Huawei makes some of the best phones and I wish they were sold for US carriers. As for this phone, it's getting better every day for me. Of course there are some annoyances here and there but battery life isn't bad for me. I still have mine on 5g and 120hz and getting 8ish hour SOT with full day use. Mostly Twitter, Reddit and cryptocurrency apps and some YouTube music. The UI I feel takes some learning and adjusting to get used to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kinda hard to trust a device made literally by the espionage wing of a hostile foreign country...

96carboard said:
Kinda hard to trust a device made literally by the espionage wing of a hostile foreign country...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not saying I don't get that. I just really miss Huawei phones.

Podster16 said:
Well after being excited to get the Pixel 6 Pro with all the hype of best pixel phone in years, i have returned the phone after finding it disappointing. Probably the phone i have been most disappointed with ever, So i have gone back to my Huawei P30 Pro
main issues are battery life, after finding the phone struggling to get through a day on a charge, after googling and finding turning off the 5g and 120hz display improves battery life. WHAT the main features of the phone drain the battery too much, battery life on P30 is 2 days for me constantly (i know peoples usage will vary), but after Lumia phones and Huawei it was like going back to Iphone 3 days barely getting 24hrs on a charge.
also the UI is terrible, how is this an improvement the notification area with the huge tiles take up so much room that you have to scroll to the right to see most of the shortcuts etc. P30 is much more intuitive and fewer steps to do the same action
The Google search bar/ assistant and clock can't be moved or resized so much for customising android, none of these restrictions on P30
Colour theming what a joke to the point of being pointless couldn't pick the colour i wanted and the choice of 4 colour LOL, P30 has a huge colour theming section and is easy pick what colour you want and away to go
You will need a case for the phone it will literally slide off everything, i know a lot pf people fit cases but you wont have any choice with the Pixel 6 or it'll end up in broke
I would go as far to say EMUI 4 was better than android 12 on the Pixel 6, only good point was the camera
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You really should have waited a bit to try a pure aosp build. I found the google [bloat|spy]ware to be bad enough that I couldn't put my sim card in it because it was completely unusable. Running pure aosp built from source and its like a dream.
Under very heavy use since about 7am this morning (its now after 3), I'm still over 70% battery, including leaving 120hz enabled. Not 5g though, my carrier only has LTE for now.
Some of your complaints don't really matter. The quick settings pane for example is a feature of android 12, not the google build, so no matter who sells you the phone, you'll have that eventually anyway.

96carboard said:
Kinda hard to trust a device made literally by the espionage wing of a hostile foreign country...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hostile wing of USA or China take your pick

nighthawk626 said:
Only thing I'd agree with is that Huawei makes some of the best phones and I wish they were sold for US carriers. As for this phone, it's getting better every day for me. Of course there are some annoyances here and there but battery life isn't bad for me. I still have mine on 5g and 120hz and getting 8ish hour SOT with full day use. Mostly Twitter, Reddit and cryptocurrency apps and some YouTube music. The UI I feel takes some learning and adjusting to get used to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i had no where near that battery time, fully charged at 9:00am out on the mtb for 6 hrs with pics on the way normal use after that by 8:00 pm 15%
The UI is just not as intuitive, take restricting apps working in the background pixel you have to go to each app individually, P30 the settings for all apps are on one page, just simpler

2021 has been a mediocre year at best for smartphones. Android 11 and 12 forced cpu cycle eating scooped storage sucks.
After the N20U Samsung released nothing I like and their last really great flagship is the N10+ running on Q.
2021, issues with variable rate displays, 5G and scoped storage galore. The usual Samsung Fold display delamination issues. For flagship SD card support you either got to use older Samsung flagships or go Chinese.
The Pixel Pro seems to numerous rude surprises. OK, maybe it's not horrible but not a flagship level device either... it's ok at best. It's user interface is subpar as usual with no substantial speed advantage to show for it. Why not just get an Apple rather than a Pixel at this rate?
I doubt even Samsung can modify Android 11/12 enough to make it user friendly; Pixel barely tried to fix their nightmare OS.
Small wonder Pixel as such a dismal market share... they earned it.

blackhawk said:
2021 has been a mediocre year at best for smartphones. Android 11 and 12 forced cpu cycle eating scooped storage sucks.
After the N20U Samsung released nothing I like and their last really great flagship is the N10+ running on Q.
2021, issues with variable rate displays, 5G and scoped storage galore. The usual Samsung Fold display delamination issues. For flagship SD card support you either got to use older Samsung flagships or go Chinese.
The Pixel Pro seems to numerous rude surprises. OK, maybe it's not horrible but not a flagship level device either... it's ok at best. It's user interface is subpar as usual with no substantial speed advantage to show for it. Why not just get an Apple rather than a Pixel at this rate?
I doubt even Samsung can modify Android 11/12 enough to make it user friendly; Pixel barely tried to fix their nightmare OS.
Small wonder Pixel as such a dismal market share... they earned it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Note 9 owner
Everyone knows the 10 lineup was literally a downgrade in all the ways literally a minor cpu bump and a 3rd camera.
You lost iris scanner, spo2 ,heart rate , headphone jack and sd card slot on certain models.
It was also the mark of samsung making like 4 3/4 different models of phone which had worse hard ware than previous versions unless you get the top top end.
For example the fact screens on the note10 itself are worse than 9.
It literally started the mark of samsung killing off the note line with the making it a glorified Samsung Galaxy with a pen in which case then note 20ultra is worse that the galaxy 20 ultra in a lot of ways.
It's not even ahead of software updates since the note 10 lite uses the same chipset as the s9/n9 so it's easily ported to them.
So yeah the fact you said that means you literally have no clue on the state of it.
Also you think Samsung will simplify it gl they literally need to make a new ui every year because they can't do it right it's improving but still , if you don't like stock android get different launcher.
At least we know we going to get software support for a long time and direct also support

Phone is Awesome! Best purchase ever!

blackhawk said:
2021 has been a mediocre year at best for smartphones. Android 11 and 12 forced cpu cycle eating scooped storage sucks.
After the N20U Samsung released nothing I like and their last really great flagship is the N10+ running on Q.
2021, issues with variable rate displays, 5G and scoped storage galore. The usual Samsung Fold display delamination issues. For flagship SD card support you either got to use older Samsung flagships or go Chinese.
The Pixel Pro seems to numerous rude surprises. OK, maybe it's not horrible but not a flagship level device either... it's ok at best. It's user interface is subpar as usual with no substantial speed advantage to show for it. Why not just get an Apple rather than a Pixel at this rate?
I doubt even Samsung can modify Android 11/12 enough to make it user friendly; Pixel barely tried to fix their nightmare OS.
Small wonder Pixel as such a dismal market share... they earned it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you stated in so many posts you have 2 Note 10's so I can only assume that your opinion is pure speculation! Did a clean install and don't have any issues at all. When the Note 20 Ultra first came a lot of members were having issues with it to because of importing data and apps from an old phone, once they did a FDR all the problems magically disappeared! Just saying...........................

ggrant3876 said:
As you stated in so many posts you have 2 Note 10's so I can only assume that your opinion is pure speculation! Did a clean install and don't have any issues at all. When the Note 20 Ultra first came a lot of members were having issues with it to because of importing data and apps from an old phone, once they did a FDR all the problems magically disappeared! Just saying...........................
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read a lot. The Pixel UI... well each to his own is the best I can say.
The N20U has display issues caused by the variable frequency, the N10+ color rendering exceeds the N20U, S21U and likely the P6pro.
I have extremely good color perception, top 1% so I find color aberrations annoying with displays. The 10+ is near spot on even after two years of heavy usage. I'll do a color test between the new and old one to see how tight the calibration is just for kicks sometime.
The N20U is running on R, enough said.
Some of both have 5G, not worth the increased battery usage. This problem persists in most of the newest devices. Variable rate displays, 5G and especially scooped storage are not mature technologies and continue to underperform.
Stats with pics... or it never happened.
Here's what a stock N10+ Snapdragon/P variant did just today with a 4300mAh battery. About one hour is watching utube vids, the rest browsing. The N10+ isn't even breaking a sweat...

The entire pre-order mess has soured my excitement for the phone. Google showed early November delivery, now shows mid January. It seems to cut costs, Google went with outdated and inferior parts and made some strange sacrifices. Samsung always gives it's competitors last year's display tech. Android 12 feels largely incomplete, much like hipster aesthetics were put before functional changes. I have been excited to get a flagship that has a clean base, can be rooted and built upon, but if the hardware is subpar, it may not be worth it.
With Samsung phones, I've debloated and modded almost every element to my liking without even needing root. Custom themes, custom fonts, custom clock styles and placement, always on display scheduling, ability to hide the navigation bar, and endless GoodLock modules to fine tune the UI are all things stock Android 12 can't do. That said, it's always bugged me that Samsung phones have roughly 300 preloaded system apps, where stock Android has about 100. I'm debating whether to cancel the P6P preorder and wait for the S22 Ultra.

Guyinlaca said:
The entire pre-order mess has soured my excitement for the phone. Google showed early November delivery, now shows mid January. It seems to cut costs, Google went with outdated and inferior parts, and made sacrifices to keep costs down. Samsung always gives it's competitors last year's display tech. Android 12 feels largely incomplete, much like hipster aesthetics were put before functional changes. I have been excited to get a flagship that has a clean base, can be rooted and built upon, but if the hardware is subpar, it may not be worth it.
With Samsung phones, I've debloated and modded almost every element to my liking without even needing root. Custom themes, custom fonts, custom clock styles and placement, always on display scheduling, ability to hide the navigation bar, and endless GoodLock modules to fine tune the UI are all things stock Android 12 can't do. That said, it's always bugged me that Samsung phones have roughly 300 preloaded system apps, where stock Android has about 100. I'm debating whether to cancel the P6P preorder and wait for the S22 Ultra.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was comparing my 2 N10+'s, one running on 9, the other 10. The 10 variant has dozens of small apks that show on the package disabler, but they're not bloatware. Samsung deliberately moded Android 10 to make it more user friendly and functional. It runs very well.
The S21 isn't anything I want but it shreds the P6pro.
However both are having display issues. I would at least wait for the dust to settle...
Hold out until Samsung gets their act together again if you can... it may take a year or two. Latter 2022 or perhaps 2023. I wouldn't hold my breath... it may take until 2024 to arise from the ashes of mediocre and lack of features.

Guyinlaca said:
I'm debating whether to cancel the P6P preorder and wait for the S22 Ultra.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep in mind you can't unlock the bootloader on recent Samsung phones without breaking the camera completely. I had nothing against them until now but this is major BS on their part.

Ghisy said:
Keep in mind you can't unlock the bootloader on recent Samsung phones without breaking the camera completely. I had nothing against them until now but this is major BS on their part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be fair, on a Samsung, one doesn't really need root. So much debloating can be done using ADB. Many developers have found ways to utilize Samsung's theme engine and font engine to customize the phone however one prefers. I installed an AOSP theme using Hex Installer that made the UI look 95% stock.

Guyinlaca said:
To be fair, on a Samsung, one doesn't really need root. So much debloating can be done using ADB. Many developers have found ways to utilize Samsung's theme engine and font engine to customize the phone however one prefers. I installed an AOSP theme using Hex Installer that made the UI look 95% stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running 2 stock N10+'s using Samsung Galaxy mods, a package disabler, a firewall and heavily optimizing them.
That's all you need... they run great and look/function exactly how I want them too.
No plain Janes here... some assembly required.

Samsung phones are pus*y phones, pardon my language. If you can't unlock the bootloader have any kind of development opportunities, you're just a sheep. Last Samsung phones I had were the Galaxy Nexus and the Note 2. Seems like a lot of Samsung Fanboys here. I get it because we're here to talk about phones, but this is an XDA Development site - Development. It's all about development. So move forth and go forward with your beautiful Sammy phones and enjoy those locked bootloaders!

darbylonia said:
Samsung phones are pus*y phones, pardon my language. If you can't unlock the bootloader have any kind of development opportunities, you're just a sheep. Last Samsung phones I had were the Galaxy Nexus and the Note 2. Seems like a lot of Samsung Fanboys here. I get it because we're here to talk about phones, but this is an XDA Development site - Development. It's all about development. So move forth and go forward with your beautiful Sammy phones and enjoy those locked bootloaders!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
darbylonia said:
Samsung phones are pus*y phones, pardon my language. If you can't unlock the bootloader have any kind of development opportunities, you're just a sheep. Last Samsung phones I had were the Galaxy Nexus and the Note 2. Seems like a lot of Samsung Fanboys here. I get it because we're here to talk about phones, but this is an XDA Development site - Development. It's all about development. So move forth and go forward with your beautiful Sammy phones and enjoy those locked bootloaders!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I had two glasses of wine.

darbylonia said:
Sorry, I had two glasses of wine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good thing it wasn't WT 101
Stability, functionality, speed and good battery life are all that matters. This "pu$$y" phone in my hand right now has all four, it's current load is over 1.5 years old with minimum maintenance/zero updates.
Yeah, I really hate it...