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Although my nexus is only about 2 years old, in this day and age, it feels like it's getting outdated and old. I'm starting to get an itch to upgrade my GNex phone and wouldn't mind a few suggestions. My GNex is the first smartphone that I really started to use it as a information consumption device to browse the web, read articles and play games on. As such I've found I do spend a lot of time on it. The things that bother me most are as follows:
1. Poor battery life - even with the 2000mah samsung battery, this hardly gets me through a day without plugging it in somewhere (I don't like carrying extra batteries or a portable battery)
2. Speakers - hardly audible loudspeaker to watch any videos or youtube
3. Screen brightness - I'd say this is acceptable but not as good as it could be
4. Touchscreen responsiveness - not really jittery or lag as that was fixed with jelly bean, but the touchscreen does lag compared to an iphone. I'm not sure if that's just and android or a hardware issue
Things I do like about my Nexus
1. Stock android - for quick updates and no bloatware
2. Formfactor - I think the size is about right, I can do with a bit larger screen like the S4 but not as big as a samsung galaxy note. I want to still be able to put the phone in my back pocket.
Things that I don't really care for
1. Removable battery - I don't see myself ever taking another battery with me
2. Removable microSD card - My 16gb is fine, I never store large videos or files in my phone
3. Camera - Decent pictures are fine, I don't use the camera for anything other than posting or record photos...
4. Super high end build quality - Metal back, glass, anodized aluminum... it's nice but not necessary and doesn't really sway in my decisions
So for those of you who have used other phones, are you able to give some advice in comparison relative to the GNex. I was thinking of the samsung galaxy s4, but wasn't so sure how the battery life compares given it has a faster processor and bigger screen as well as how different the touchwiz is. The LG G2 looks promising too with the 3000mah battery, but I'm hearing mixed reviews with the software and weird button layout.
Any other suggestions on phones... I haven't looked at any of the sony line up or the HTC. If anyone has any first hand experience it would be great, especially from a GNex user.
I would hold out for the N5. I'm unfortunately on Verizon, and as of 2 weeks ago, not a single phone looks appealing to me. I wish my contract was up soon so I could get an N4 on T-MO for the time being. The HTC One is a very good phone also from what I've seen.
I might get chewed up with this comment but....
I too have been itching for an upgrade and I share similar grievances , however I've more or less made up my mind.
Likely candidate: iPhone 5S
I'm ready to jump onto the bandwagon. I've had android phones for as long as I can remember so it's definitely not bias. My reasons for choosing an iPhone over another android device are simple. I absolutely hate the build quality on most of the newer flagship android headsets...traditional plastic. Ever since the iPhone 4, apple has been paying a little more attention to build quality. Since I'm paying ~$700 on a headset anyways, I'll go for an arguably better build quality.
I don't care much for the fingerprint sensor but the new camera features are pretty nice such as 120fps @ 720p stopped down to 24 in post makes for a nice slow motion effect. I used to own a Canon 5D Mark III but had to depart from it for financial reasons and I really enjoyed photography while I owned it. I'd love to pursue that hobby again with the iPhones larger aperture and stabilization. Granted the image quality will be much more inferior to a professional DSLR, I'm sure I can get a good kick out of the improved camera.
Then, I own an iPad and I gotta say I fell in love with iOS 7's new UI design. Many critics call it confusing and childish but I think it's a right step away from leather and brushed steel textures as well as bubbly icons. As I've owned android headsets for a long time, iOS just seems like a welcomed change.
Lastly, I built my own Hackintosh last year after selling my MBP in pursuit of more processing power without the sacrifice of a limb for an apple workstation. As I run OSX on this PC, and having an iPad, my phone stands out as the odd one out. I'd like to reduce fragmentation amongst my devices.
I could care less for a 5" screen that android devices are pumping out, I don't care for the future hexa and octa core phones, and in all honestly...I'm done dealing with roots, custom ROMs and radios. No body forced me to do it sure, that's a valid point but being a college student, flashing is an addiction I can no longer fulfill. I just need something that works.
If you want to be shackled to the itunes then go for an iPhone 5S otherwise get the cheapest, value for money device the N5, which has an equivalent performance of the A7 plus the Nexus gives you a straight 2 updates insurance/ or whatever you may call, with the best dev community !
I'd be getting myself an N5, skipped the N4 for it !
iPhone 5s or N5, all the rest are inferior now, the N5 will have similar benchmarks to iPhone 5s , quad core, octocore means nothing if its not optimized an android chews the CPU an ram way more than iOS that's why apple doesn't need it, like you said roms an all that are pointless unless you have older device that Google has dropped from official updates, nothing beats latest official stock updates.
I still choose the N5 over the iPhone 5s though with its 13mp camera ect.
Ashtrix said:
If you want to be shackled to the itunes then go for an iPhone 5S otherwise get the cheapest, value for money device the N5, which has an equivalent performance of the A7 plus the Nexus gives you a straight 2 updates insurance/ or whatever you may call, with the best dev community !
I'd be getting myself an N5, skipped the N4 for it !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Being "shackled" to iTunes is not exactly a life sentence. I don't see many drawbacks/differences than with android. Then, perhaps because I've been spoiled by the Nexus, but the 2 "guaranteed" updates me a nothing to me now...I don't get on-board with the hype trains that haunt said updates.
---------- Post added at 08:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:03 AM ----------
fux0r99 said:
iPhone 5s or N5, all the rest are inferior now, the N5 will have similar benchmarks to iPhone 5s , quad core, octocore means nothing if its not optimized an android chews the CPU an ram way more than iOS that's why apple doesn't need it, like you said roms an all that are pointless unless you have older device that Google has dropped from official updates, nothing beats latest official stock updates.
I still choose the N5 over the iPhone 5s though with its 13mp camera ect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed with pretty much everything except the camera. Having more megapixels can be nice for cropping but the quality does not increase. Chances are you won't be sharing 13MP photos either. What matters most is the the sensor size, and at this time and age pretty much all mobile sensors are identical specially in low light sensitivity. Aperture is another important aspect when it comes to photography, and there really isn't much you can do with a mobile lens to actually call it a "revolutionary" improvement.
I'm waiting for the N5. It shouldn't be much longer. 2 months MAX.
I'd love to get the Note 3 but the N5 price will be hard to beat since I am on a prepaid plan.
N5 Man
I have to agree with most people so far and say to wait until the N5 will be released. There will be a ton of original dev on that device for sure.
Go with your heart.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
If I were on Verizon right now I would go with the LG G2 or the Droid Maxx. But I would wait for the Nexus 5 and see what that brings.
When I got my Galaxy Nexus (GN) it was sheer happiness. I was using a legacy Nokia Symbian candy bar and this was my first foray into unmolested Android. While all was not perfect with the GN, I was still mostly pleased. Then the fateful day occurred when I dropped the GN a little too hard and the screen shattered even though the phone was protected by a Diztronic TPU case. I now needed a new phone, but I knew the Nexus 5 (N5) would be out soon, so I kept using my shattered GN until the N5 was available and when it arrived, I realized cracking my screen was a blessing in disguise.
Without further ado, my quick major comparisons to the GN:
The N5 is FAST. REALLY FAST. It makes my GN feel like an unfinished prototype/research model that should have never been brought to market.
The N5’s GPS locks on quickly. REALLY quickly. My GN could take a minute or more at times to get a lock and, by then, my wife, annoyed, would whip out her iPhone and tell me my phone sucks.
The N5 has “awesome battery life.” While its battery life is average in general, compared to the GN it is legendary. The GN’s screen and data connection would kill the battery and it would rarely last till the afternoon if I frequently used both. With the N5 I can make heavy use of my screen and data connection and my battery will likely last the day.
Qi support. This makes number 3 above even better and there’s no jamming of Micro-USB ports into the phone and hoping I didn’t have the port upside-down (particularly when it’s dark/at night). When I’m at my desk, my phone is always charging. When a call comes in, I simply pick up the phone and then put it back down to charge when I’m done—nothing to plug in/I’m untethered. When I leave my desk for an hour or three, I have no fear of using or pushing the phone as hard as I’d like as I know I’m probably fully charged, because the phone was sitting on the charger, and I’ll have more than enough battery life for whatever I might encounter. Qi is simply elegant and something the iPhone can’t do.
LTE. While I got decent “4G” speeds on the GN—around 8Mbps down—the 20+/30+Mbps I get now alongside far better PING times is a great improvement.
The N5 has almost zero lag. It’s really that fast. My GN was almost all lag. Project Butter improved things, but the GN still has lag all over the place. I’m sure the N5 will start to slow down as newer software makes greater demands of the hardware, but, for now, this thing flies.
If you’re still using a GN, stop. It sucks, particularly when compared to a modem smart phone. Get the N5 and stop having your wife/girlfriend tell you your phone sucks, because it does.
Cheers.
GN sucks? Off course if you are comparing it to a 2 year newer phone with much better specs... Compare the Galaxy Nexus with Galaxy S2 (similar hardware) or even with newer phones but without those overwhelming specs and GN still rocks.
Maybe not everyone is rich and can affort paying up to 300$ per 2 years for a new phone... We all know that Nexus 5 is better than Galaxy Nexus in everything, I would like to say "Thank you mr obvious".
The point is, I'm happy with my GN, it has poor batery, awful speaker sound and s*tty Wi-Fi antenna but aside that it is a great phone which doesn't lag at all if you equip it with a good kernel and a stable rom. Well, it lags in heavy games or apps but I'm sure a bad optimized app will also lag in the Nexus 5.
I agree with Rayaxe. Of course the Nexus 5 is a much better phone in every aspect, but why does that suddenly mean the Galaxy Nexus sucks?
And I can say, aside from games (I don't really play very demanding games, so I wouldn't know), my phone with KitKat and Mpokang flies. It hasn't lagged at all, not once, and I can multitask without problems (in 4.3 it was painful, compared to 4.4). So I also agree that with a good ROM and kernel that's not an issue.
I still want to get a Nexus 5 (which at the moment is a bit difficult for me, because of my country's massive currency devaluation), but certainly not because I got tired of my GN or feel that it's old/sucks, etc.
AnnS said:
I agree with Rayaxe. Of course the Nexus 5 is a much better phone in every aspect, but why does that suddenly mean the Galaxy Nexus sucks?
And I can say, aside from games (I don't really play very demanding games, so I wouldn't know), my phone with KitKat and Mpokang flies. It hasn't lagged at all, not once, and I can multitask without problems (in 4.3 it was painful, compared to 4.4). So I also agree that with a good ROM and kernel that's not an issue.
I still want to get a Nexus 5 (which at the moment is a bit difficult for me, because of my country's massive currency devaluation), but certainly not because I got tired of my GN or feel that it's old/sucks, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but the Galaxy Nexus does suck.
I'm agree with your comparison. Nexus 5 is much much better than GNex.
But I think it's rude to say GNex sucks.
When GNex just launched, it's also great, isn't it?
Nexus 5 will be in a same position I believe, when the newest Nexus will get launched in the year 2015!
I still love my GNex. Gonna use it for 1 more year.
My wife is still under GN contract and the GN is still nice and getting it done.
This is like the most stupid sentence you could write.
It's like, I remember, when the Game Boy Advance came out and in the shop where I went to buy it a guy told me for 10 minutes how it was the best console ever, how awsome it was etc.
Two years after the Game Boy SP came out and the same guy told me that this was the best console ever and blablabla.
I mean, it's obvious, the upgrade of a phone has to be better than the old version (if it wasn't what kind of upgrade would it be?!), but this doesn't mean that the previous version then sucks.
And maybe you were saying the same about the N1 when the GN came out...
Thank you all for the support of GNex in this forum. I have also switched to N5.
Are you serious? I have a newsflash for you: the Xbox one is better than the Xbox 360. This is just dumb to say dude, no offence. I still love my gnex, it rocks. Its flying and of course it wont play asphalt 8 on max. But its a 2 year old phone.. This is a stupid comparison and a bad conclusion. Sorry to say that.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA Premium HD app
I think you should buy an I-Phone 5S
mrgnex said:
Are you serious? I have a newsflash for you: the Xbox one is better than the Xbox 360. This is just dumb to say dude, no offence. I still love my gnex, it rocks. Its flying and of course it wont play asphalt 8 on max. But its a 2 year old phone.. This is a stupid comparison and a bad conclusion. Sorry to say that.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
, I can play Asphalt 8 with graphics on Low without any lag (in medium it laggs a little bit) and I don't notice any difference in graphics (maybe some lights but irrelevant), the gameplay isn't affected even a bit so why should I care? I am not playing in a TV to tell the difference, in a small screen with a large resolution for its size (like GN) the graphics will always be good for the eye (at least for me and I'm not blind).
Asphalt 8 with Low Graphics > PSP Graphics... so, our Galaxy Nexus can preform really well in gaming, it's not that crap.
I think it's hypocritical to be a fan of the Nexus philosophy and upgrade every year cause of the specs. The original intent of the Nexus line was to show that it isn't about the hardware but the software ultimately delivers. That's why every Nexus phone up to the Gnex had subpar specs, and why people chose to buy Nexus devices cause of the philosophy. The only way I'm changing phones is when this one croaks and I haven't felt limited enough to ditch this phone for my uses. Especially over specs when realtime usage besides gaming is only milliseconds apart from $150 phone vs a $350-$700 phone. Anything, KitKat shows there's still potential to tap. Our brothers with the Nexus S, the HD2s would agree as much.
This thread is stupid. Gnex<3
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA Premium HD app
lonestrider said:
I'm agree with your comparison. Nexus 5 is much much better than GNex.
But I think it's rude to say GNex sucks.
When GNex just launched, it's also great, isn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought this phone due to it's hype. And frankly the S2 I feel is a better phone till today. And from launch this phone had lag issues on ICS and also grainy displays.
Battery life was also rubbish from day 1. I didn't feel it back then because I had no data plan. Speaker is also another lousy aspect of this phone. I've also had stock 4.0.1 totally made me go into a bootloop.
I went through 2 screen replacements, a battery and motherboard replacement. And today my phone reboots after using 3-5 GB of space. Does it suck? I'm afraid it sucks hard.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
I came from an iPhone 4 to a gnex when it first launched, I have to say I loved the large screen of the gnex at first because iPhones always feel tiny an narrow in comparison an still do to this day but everything else sucked about gnex.
Wow. I didn’t expect all the negativity and blind support for the GN, but I’m glad to see many here also agree with my assessment of the GN’s performance. My intention wasn’t to create a “GN sucks” thread, but, rather, to share my experience as a GN owner and enlighten my fellow GN owners as to how taken aback I was and how much better the smartphone experience is with the N5. I didn’t realize how good Android could be/how poor of a performer the GN is until I received the N5. Yes, one should expect the latest and greatest to perform better than an older model, but I chose to share my experience with the community because I am a part of the community and I wanted my fellow GN owners to know how significant this was for me, a GN owner.
As for the GN zealots, I apologize if I insulted you—feel free to keep your legacy device/I won’t make further commentary on this—but, again, the smartphone experience of a GN, compared to the N5, well, sucks, and after using the N5 I feel I was fortunate to have the display of my GN crack. Maybe you’ll get lucky as well .
you're comparing the n5 to a 2-year old phone. of course it will suck in comparison to the n5. the n5 will probably suck in comparison to whatever device is released this time in 2015.
on a tangent, though, i really wish these phones wouldn't get so big. i'd actually like a high-end phone that's not 5" or some craziness like that. i really wouldn't want to have to get an iphone just to get a high-end phone that is around the size i prefer.
naturalblue said:
on a tangent, though, i really wish these phones wouldn't get so big. i'd actually like a high-end phone that's not 5" or some craziness like that. i really wouldn't want to have to get an iphone just to get a high-end phone that is around the size i prefer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I didn’t get the N5 I would have gotten the Moto X, which it probably as close as you’ll get to a modern Nexus with a smaller screen.
I've never used a Google Nexus/Pixel before, because there are no samples in my region that I can have a run.
Is it true that the Pixel will remain buttery smooth throughout its entire lifespan (say 3 years) and is better than its competitors like Samsung in preventing rogue apps from mysteriously draining the battery over time?
I've been using Samsung all along and frankly quite tired of doing mods just to keep it fast, smooth, low-battery sucking, just like iPhone.
The only reason I've not jumped over to the Apple camp is because of the drag and drop functionality that Apple lacks.
Will the Pixel be very comparable to the iPhone in all aspects?
What will I lose (other than obvious things like the screen) by jumping from S8 to Pixel?
Lastly, when will Pixel 2 be out? Should I hold my breath for it? More interested in camera improvements.
dylansmith said:
I've never used a Google Nexus/Pixel before, because there are no samples in my region that I can have a run.
Is it true that the Pixel will remain buttery smooth throughout its entire lifespan (say 3 years) and is better than its competitors like Samsung in preventing rogue apps from mysteriously draining the battery over time?
I've been using Samsung all along and frankly quite tired of doing mods just to keep it fast, smooth, low-battery sucking, just like iPhone.
The only reason I've not jumped over to the Apple camp is because of the drag and drop functionality that Apple lacks.
Will the Pixel be very comparable to the iPhone in all aspects?
What will I lose (other than obvious things like the screen) by jumping from S8 to Pixel?
Lastly, when will Pixel 2 be out? Should I hold my breath for it? More interested in camera improvements.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1 - even after its EOL it will remain smooth, since we'll still have some dev working on it.
2 - mods other than visual customization are not needed on the Pixel XL. At least not to save battery.
3 - Hopefully the Pixel XL (although looking a little bit similar to the iPhone) will never be comparable with an iPhone.
4 - I don't own a S8 as I don't like Samsung devices, so i can't answer, sorry...
5 - Pixel XL 2 will most likely be released this autumn. Camera is already very nice in my opinion. If you have some money, go ahead. Otherwise wait six more months. It's up to you...
Cheers...
As someone who mainly used Samsung phones in past, I will not even consider S8 as anything. Why? Because of two reasons. First one is a personal requirement. I simply need a phone with smoothly working and consistent UI, which will lag the least, which will be reliable and not throw plenty FC and stuffs. And second one is a FACT. You wanna use an Android phone for real? Then use an android phone for real. Pixel IS Android. Samsung phones are Android in name. If you compare features of the two then Pixel will feel really dull, lacking in features.
Out of Pixel vs S8, I don't even see any point why in God's name would one choose the S8 over Pixel. Only one thing better is less bezels causing a huge and better display. Otherwise that glossy back panel, that fingerprint sensor positioning, a hardware second voice assistant button, jeez! And I am not even saying anything about their new Grace UI.
Pixel 2 will come out same time like Pixel 1 came out, around October.
After using Pixel for three months I have to say the phone simply rocked in most parts, incredible software experience, though still no iOS, that's why I sold it, incredible camera, that I can't forget from my mind, tremendous call quality, clean loud speaker etc., if someone really wanna buy an Android then there is no better phone, or nothing comes even close at this point.
I heard the software for the camera is lacking though. There are limited camera controls and the shutter speed can't go up to 30 seconds (not even with 3rd party Android apps). Is that true?
in addition, I noticed Samsung's weakness in GPS accuracy (this holds true from S2 days even to S8!). iPhone always gets the GPS position right the very first time and in quick time. Does the Pixel match up in this case?
dylansmith said:
I heard the software for the camera is lacking though. There are limited camera controls and the shutter speed can't go up to 30 seconds (not even with 3rd party Android apps). Is that true?
in addition, I noticed Samsung's weakness in GPS accuracy (this holds true from S2 days even to S8!). iPhone always gets the GPS position right the very first time and in quick time. Does the Pixel match up in this case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey,
Can't speak for the camera as for advanced sbot I'd use a DSLR. :good:
My GPS works well, no issue...
Your right, my SII gps.conf had to be tweaked to work properly.
Cheers...
dylansmith said:
I heard the software for the camera is lacking though. There are limited camera controls and the shutter speed can't go up to 30 seconds (not even with 3rd party Android apps). Is that true?
in addition, I noticed Samsung's weakness in GPS accuracy (this holds true from S2 days even to S8!). iPhone always gets the GPS position right the very first time and in quick time. Does the Pixel match up in this case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No manual controls. Only you can increase or decrease exposure that's it. Lowest shutter speed will be 1/4 with HDR+ I think, no less than that. And no, third party camera apps don't do **** here, all are basically meaningless.
But HDR+ as a whole is leagues ahead than other phones. I have never seen any phone capturing this much details in low light. The camera is brilliant in any way you at it. Just there are two problems, sometimes in low light it keeps focusing on the subject, and there is a blown out effect around light sources in a photo, which looks pretty bad when zoomed in.
GPS accuracy of the phone was awesome. Can't speak for iPhone but most accurate Android, fastest too, I have ever used.
I have a question too, since we are on the topic of switching. I'm thinking about switching from the s7 edge to a pixel/xl, and I was wondering are all the bootloaders for the pixel and xl unlock-able or do I have to look for a certain type?
loeffler23 said:
I have a question too, since we are on the topic of switching. I'm thinking about switching from the s7 edge to a pixel/xl, and I was wondering are all the bootloaders for the pixel and xl unlock-able or do I have to look for a certain type?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
All models directly bought from Google can be unlocked.
Verizon, EE, maybe others, not sure. You can find more infos by reading this forum, it's here if you search... Those can be unlocked if the Android version is 7.1 with an exploit called dePixel8: http://theroot.ninja/depixel8.html
On newer version, the exploit has been patched. If i was you, I'd rather look for a Google version if you want an unlockable bootloader...
Cheers...
loeffler23 said:
I have a question too, since we are on the topic of switching. I'm thinking about switching from the s7 edge to a pixel/xl, and I was wondering are all the bootloaders for the pixel and xl unlock-able or do I have to look for a certain type?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went from S7 to Pixel XL and love it, but I'll go ahead and warn you; if you want the unlockable bootloader, don't buy it from Verizon, order it from the Google Store. The Verizon model (includes getting it at Best Buy) has an permanently locked (can't be unlocked) bootloader on current firmware, but the Google Store source Pixel should always be unlockable no matter what firmware it's updated to. Hope that's accurate, I think it is, unless someone comes up with an exploit to allow unlocking the Verizon bootloader.
Although the device works well in some aspects such as the camera and speed, it is the worst I've had in terms of a "phone". The amount of dropped and missed calls is just not acceptable. Do a search on google's pixel support forum and you'll see I'm not the only one. There's also other connectivity problems like bt and wifi that just shouldn't be. Also Google is shoving more and more ads and money makers for them into everything they do. Example: maps now has a Pacman game built in. They're also making it harder and harder on developers to modify their tracking devices. So, after being an Android fanboy for the last 6 yrs, I'll be looking elsewhere when this one dies the normal death (battery already not lasting through the day like when I bought it).
Droid1019 said:
Although the device works well in some aspects such as the camera and speed, it is the worst I've had in terms of a "phone". The amount of dropped and missed calls is just not acceptable. Do a search on google's pixel support forum and you'll see I'm not the only one. There's also other connectivity problems like bt and wifi that just shouldn't be. Also Google is shoving more and more ads and money makers for them into everything they do. Example: maps now has a Pacman game built in. They're also making it harder and harder on developers to modify their tracking devices. So, after being an Android fanboy for the last 6 yrs, I'll be looking elsewhere when this one dies the normal death (battery already not lasting through the day like when I bought it).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello... If you experience one or more of the issues you describe, why not simply RMA your device? :good:
Cheers...
5.1 said:
Hello... If you experience one or more of the issues you describe, why not simply RMA your device? :good:
Cheers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because I got it from Verizon while I could still unlock the bootloader. If I get another from them I won't be able to. Also if you read some of the support forums on VZW or Google you'll see getting another phone is not the answer as some have been through 3-5. The problem lies in the way the new technology in the chip interacts with the towers. So it depends more on where where you are and if the towers have been updated which will be a long time coming in the rural areas that I work in.
Droid1019 said:
Because I got it from Verizon while I could still unlock the bootloader. If I get another from them I won't be able to. Also if you read some of the support forums on VZW or Google you'll see getting another phone is not the answer as some have been through 3-5. The problem lies in the way the new technology in the chip interacts with the towers. So it depends more on where where you are and if the towers have been updated which will be a long time coming in the rural areas that I work in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey,
Ah... I understand you. Yeah the Verizon policy is really annoying for those wanting an unlockable bootloader.
Also, what makes other manufacturers better as they should pack the same technology in their new chips as well, no?
Cheers...
Hell-to-the-nah-naaaah
Without Xposed, I won't even consider an S8.
Actually, I wouldn't even if they got LOS or AOSP ROM's.
Even back when Galaxy phones did get that type of ROM support, they were always buggy A.F.
Wasn't till I got a Motorola X Pure and Google phone till I found out what a "stable" custom ROM was.
I was rooting & ROM'ing Galaxy Skyrocket, S3, S4, Note 3, Note 4... never had such stability as since the Pure and Pixel.
Sucks too, because I want those new slim bezels, 1000 nit screen, extra water resistance and glove mode if they still have it.
dylansmith said:
Is it true that the Pixel will remain buttery smooth throughout its entire lifespan (say 3 years)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it is not true. Pixel XL uses Snapdragon 821 cpu, which is already obsolete today. The most current and fastest cpu in USA is Snapdragon 835, which is about 30% faster than 821 used in Pixel. In 3 years, this phone will be a complete hog, giving you maybe less that 15 frames per second... If Google keeps updating the OS. If it doesn't, it will stay the same speed. Ironic...
dylansmith said:
Is it true that it is better than its competitors like Samsung in preventing rogue apps from mysteriously draining the battery over time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it is not true. Pixel XL is one of the worst battery draining flagship phones on the market today. Its use of Google Assistant constantly in the background is the major source of battery drain, unless you disable it. But when you disable it, you lose a lot of functionality like the weather widget on main screen, or any other functionality associated with it. Even Galaxy S7/8, with always on display technology, drains less battery than Pixel XL. It's a battery hog. On the other hand, it's active usage battery drain is compatible with other flagship phones. But when you turn off the screen, prepare for a beating.
dylansmith said:
I've been using Samsung all along and frankly quite tired of doing mods just to keep it fast, smooth, low-battery sucking, just like iPhone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it's not true. You don't actually need to do mods to keep a 1-2 year old Samsung flagship phone running fast, smooth, and low-battery sucking. Perhaps your problems are with Google Services settings and Google's inability to fix bugs in their software. Avoid that software, use Samsung's instead.
dylansmith said:
Will the Pixel be very comparable to the iPhone in all aspects?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that is true. Google Pixel XL will be a very basic phone with limited capabilities.
dylansmith said:
What will I lose (other than obvious things like the screen) by jumping from S8 to Pixel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it is true. You will lose quite a bit. Here's a list in no particular order:
1) Infinity Display / Curved edges / sense of style / 84% screen to body ratio.
2) Best brightness and best brightness in sunlight ratings.
3) HDR screen certification.
4) IP68 water and dust proofing.
5) Gorilla Glass 5 durability.
6) Wireless charging and Fast Wireless Charging.
7) Micro SD card expansion.
8) Best in class low light camera performance. Best in class camera sharpness performance. Best in class selfie camera.
9) Bluetooth 5.0
10) Always On Display.
11) LTE-4CA, twice faster LTE.
12) Samsung Pay, which works everywhere, even without NFC terminals. Works with magnetic stripe readers, which is unique, because no other pay systems can do that.
13) Iris scanner security.
14) SpO2 meter, heart rate sensor.
15) Desktop dock option with optimized desktop OS.
16) Bixby - **** Bixby. Minus 10 points here.
So, you see? You would be losing A LOT!
nabbed said:
No, it is not true. Pixel XL uses Snapdragon 821 cpu, which is already obsolete today. The most current and fastest cpu in USA is Snapdragon 835, which is about 30% faster than 821 used in Pixel. In 3 years, this phone will be a complete hog, giving you maybe less that 15 frames per second... If Google keeps updating the OS. If it doesn't, it will stay the same speed. Ironic...
No, it is not true. Pixel XL is one of the worst battery draining flagship phones on the market today. Its use of Google Assistant constantly in the background is the major source of battery drain, unless you disable it. But when you disable it, you lose a lot of functionality like the weather widget on main screen, or any other functionality associated with it. Even Galaxy S7/8, with always on display technology, drains less battery than Pixel XL. It's a battery hog. On the other hand, it's active usage battery drain is compatible with other flagship phones. But when you turn off the screen, prepare for a beating.
...
So, you see? You would be losing A LOT!
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Click to collapse
2 things
1 - The Pixel XL gives me 7 to 8 hours SOT, location and assistant all on normally. On standby, drain is less than 1%. I call that impressive.
2 - 821 may be the "not the best" but it is still the second best. I have both the iPhone 6 (not S), and the OnePlus One (running a Snapdragon 801) and they're both still rocking it and are smooth as butter. They are both 3 years old. Nothing gets slowed down or becomes heavy and stuttering unless you're installing a crapload of useless things on it. Pixel being a Pixel will get Android O and even Android P, which will surely optimize it even further.
dylansmith said:
Is it true that the Pixel will remain buttery smooth throughout its entire lifespan (say 3 years)
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I get little pauses at times when some of my Tasker routines run, so realistically I doubt if I would describe the phone that way after three years.
I've been using Samsung all along and frankly quite tired of doing mods just to keep it fast, smooth, low-battery sucking, just like iPhone.
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I had an iPhone 7 before getting the regular Pixel. The iPhone clearly had better battery life for my usage patterns out of the box. I've made a bunch of changes to the Pixel so that it's comparable to the iPhone and my previous phone, but out of the box I would tend to expect Apple to have the edge.
Lastly, when will Pixel 2 be out?
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It will probably release during the same time of the year as the last two phones. The wiki has the announcement and first availability dates.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pixel_(smartphone)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nexus_6P
alluringreality said:
I get little pauses at times when some of my Tasker routines run, so realistically I doubt if I would describe the phone that way after three years.
I had an iPhone 7 before getting the regular Pixel. The iPhone clearly had better battery life for my usage patterns out of the box. I've made a bunch of changes to the Pixel so that it's comparable to the iPhone and my previous phone, but out of the box I would tend to expect Apple to have the edge.
It will probably release during the same time of the year as the last two phones. The wiki has the announcement and first availability dates.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pixel_(smartphone)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nexus_6P
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Click to collapse
Just curious, what changes have you made?
Rooting aside - as for the first time I do not feel a need to root a device.
A lot of my setup relies on Tasker to automatically make setting changes, so it requires root or something like AutoTools Secure Settings on an unrooted phone. My impression was that typically turning off adaptive brightness when indoors may be one of the bigger battery savers from the list. I also had issues with my phone burning through lots of battery when I left wifi on, so automatically shutting off wifi when not in use was another big battery saver, although I hadn't tried changing "Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep" before installing Tasker. I doubt if the average person would benefit much by things like turning off Google Assistant, but I was trying to get the best standby battery life that I could for the times when I just use the Pixel as nothing more than a phone for talking and texting.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=71146945&postcount=301
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.
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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.
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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.
I've used the Pixel 6 Pro on and off since November. For the most part, it has been a very good phone, but after using the S22 Ultra for over 2 months now, I realize how much better the P6P could be. The 5G reception, the charging speeds, and overall stability of the Snapdragon S22 Ultra are vastly superior to the Pixel 6 Pro. To be fair, the P6P has a cleaner software experience, better camera in some respects, and better speakers, but the essentials are done better by the S22U. Like many of us, I had hoped that the P6P would have been the Samsung flagship with stock Android, but it's turning out to have similar problems as the Exynos chips, even down to running warm. There are promises for big things in the June or July update, but each update has brought new bugs. I'm considering just selling the P6P and seeing if the Pixel 7 Pro fixes anything.
The Pixel 6 Pro is more S21 ultra though innit?
MrBelter said:
The Pixel 6 Pro is more S21 ultra though innit?
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My girlfriend has the S21 Ultra, I have the P6P, andddd everyime I grab her phone I am surprised at how smooth it is. Every. Time.
I am getting pretty tired of having to borrow my wife's 22 when I need to make a phone call.
I had the s22ultra SD variant, sold it because if the crappy UI and micro stutters I experienced constantly. Regardless of the hardware, what good is it if the software is still in beta production.
A lot of gimmicky features like bixby, knox, etc.
Samsung has potential but they suck.
there is a 300$ difference between these two phones. the s22 ultra BETTER have the better experience.
I have to say otherwise, my girlfriend has the s22 ultra and I got the P6P, I wouldn't exchange it in a thousand years. Performance wise it stutters, quite a lot, to the point of semi freezing. Charging and battery wise we both get home more or less at same time with same battery, I've disabled adaptive charging tho. The stylus is not that impressive, not good enough for note taking. Everything else is meh, I love the purity of android and came a long way, no need for duplicate apps and super updates! Câmera also so so the same quality on both, but she has clearer night pictures (more realistic), pixel pictures at night seems to overwhelm the colours a bit.
MidnightDevil said:
I have to say otherwise, my girlfriend has the s22 ultra and I got the P6P, I wouldn't exchange it in a thousand years. Performance wise it stutters, quite a lot, to the point of semi freezing. Charging and battery wise we both get home more or less at same time with same battery, I've disabled adaptive charging tho. The stylus is not that impressive, not good enough for note taking. Everything else is meh, I love the purity of android and came a long way, no need for duplicate apps and super updates! Câmera also so so the same quality on both, but she has clearer night pictures (more realistic), pixel pictures at night seems to overwhelm the colours a bit.
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Click to collapse
Don't forget the shutter speed, Samsung constantly blurs moving things in pictures whereas pixel has no issue tracking pictures of moving objects and is virtually instant from pressing the button and taking the picture
There is no doubt, in my mind, that the Pixel blows Sammy away in every category, especially camera. But not in signal reception. Unfortunately I need my phone to make and receive phone calls.
I own both and spend time in a fallout bunker. My S22 Ultra and iPhone 13 Pro Max can make calls and text. The P6P has no service. The radio hardware is most definitely the P6P's Achilles heel.
cpufrost said:
I own both and spend time in a fallout bunker. My S22 Ultra and iPhone 13 Pro Max can make calls and text. The P6P has no service. The radio hardware is most definitely the P6P's Achilles heel.
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Most reliable radio hardware I've had. Never had service dropped.
I used to have to have Tasker automatically cycle airplane mode whenever service was lost on all my prior phones, which were all Qualcomm flagships.
Paz9 said:
Don't forget the shutter speed, Samsung constantly blurs moving things in pictures whereas pixel has no issue tracking pictures of moving objects and is virtually instant from pressing the button and taking the picture
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That's something else too. While picture quality is pretty good, the picture taking experience falls behind.
Hopefully most of the issues addressed can be resolved or mitigated through software updates, I hope, also for my own sake.
TonikJDK said:
There is no doubt, in my mind, that the Pixel blows Sammy away in every category, especially camera. But not in signal reception. Unfortunately I need my phone to make and receive phone calls.
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I agree with the signal reception. I have been working from home past 2 years, so I haven't had as much time to get frustrated, meaning using it while out and about. But this phone has the absolute worst reception of any phone I have ever owned and finding out just how horrible it is as I start traveling more. I am just outside metro DC area and have a lot of experience with other phones plus friends and family. Why, just why couldn't they have stuck with a trusted chip? Verizon, fwiw. I will eventually switch to something non Google. Other parts work great, but they call it a smartphone, not a camera connection device.
Yensid eno said:
I agree with the signal reception...this phone has the absolute worst reception of any phone I have ever owned...
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I agree with ya here, however, I'm on T-Mo. So, it's definitely a problem with the modem needing some very specific code changes. But thankfully enough, these changes have finally appeared to happen about a month back on a beta version of the OS. Now, the latest beta for Android 12.1 and the latest beta for Android 13 both contain modem updates that finally make my service more functional and reliable.
The only downside here is that they won't be pushing this update OTA for another month and a half (and it also took them a while to get to this, haha).
NippleSauce said:
I agree with ya here, however, I'm on T-Mo. So, it's definitely a problem with the modem needing some very specific code changes. But thankfully enough, these changes have finally appeared to happen about a month back on a beta version of the OS. Now, the latest beta for Android 12.1 and the latest beta for Android 13 both contain modem updates that finally make my service more functional and reliable.
The only downside here is that they won't be pushing this update OTA for another month and a half (and it also took them a while to get to this, haha).
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That would be fantastic if it really helps. I am in my house right now. My old Pixel 2 XL, Wife's Pixel 4a, my last Pixel 4a5g all had excellent service here. If I turn my wifi off I can't make a damn call. Today I was fishing at a pond that is in the middle of 3 major roads, had zero service. I will wait and see what comes from this. In your opinion, what are you thinking the change is, but I don't know how to ask you to quantify it.
Yensid eno said:
That would be fantastic if it really helps. I am in my house right now. My old Pixel 2 XL, Wife's Pixel 4a, my last Pixel 4a5g all had excellent service here. If I turn my wifi off I can't make a damn call. Today I was fishing at a pond that is in the middle of 3 major roads, had zero service. I will wait and see what comes from this. In your opinion, what are you thinking the change is, but I don't know how to ask you to quantify it.
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Not sure. But I think that it has something to do with the general code requirements for this modem, as it was notoriously known for having reception problems in the past (as the Samsung S20 international variant used the same modem). It seems that Google was still recovering from the big lawsuit hit that dug into their phone development department's spending power before the Pixel 6 series had gone into production (was around $270M). I'm hoping that they are able to dig their way out of that hole by the time the Pixel 8 series is in production - as that will be around the time I upgrade my phone again, haha =P.
NippleSauce said:
Not sure. But I think that it has something to do with the general code requirements for this modem, as it was notoriously known for having reception problems in the past (as the Samsung S20 international variant used the same modem). It seems that Google was still recovering from the big lawsuit hit that dug into their phone development department's spending power before the Pixel 6 series had gone into production (was around $270M). I'm hoping that they are able to dig their way out of that hole by the time the Pixel 8 series is in production - as that will be around the time I upgrade my phone again, haha =P.
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Did a software update solve the S20 problems? I did a quick search but not seeing that exact resolution. If that update in beta right now helps a lot they may save a customer here, but I am not upgrading to a future Pixel if they put a documented problem in this phone and the solution is to upgrade out of the problem.
I have owned both and they are both flawed.
I still have the S22U and ultimately it is IMO the better option. Yes the shutter lag is annoying and OneUI has it’s frustrations too but the flaws on the Pixel are bigger, FPS was a daily frustration (and the ultrasonic FPS on samsung is just better than all optical ones IMO) auto brightness was just dumb and as other have said the radio is weaker.
I am hopeful that lessons will have been learned with the Pixel 7
I have the vanilla S22, same with everyone says, it has micro stutter on the UI frequently, and the usual Samsung not able to capture moving objects. For those reasons, I am moving to Pixel 7 Pro this year.
To be fair, the P6 Pro is in another price league. You compare an Audi A5 to a BMW 7 (significant price difference). That still doesn't excuse, however, the especially weak reception quality and temperature problems (quick overheating under stress) on a P6 Pro. Basic features need to work, full stop. And Pixels struggle with that at times.