I am planning to buy the Samsung Infuse 4G off ebay but have few queries beforehand..
1. In order to get the maximum out of the phone, is it better to remain on stock or upgrade to any custom ROM ?
2. Through some other forum, i read that i will lose the feature rich stock camera (???) and h/w acceleration (in videos and games) if i choose to go with a custom ROM. How true is it ??
3. I see that on ebay, used Infuse go for 240-260$ while new / mint ones for 260-300$, are these prices right ?
4. If the Custom ROM here is built over a leaked official ROM then will the h/w acceleration and the stock camera still be available ?
1. From what I've been reading it's better to use a custom rom due to performance tweaks and potential battery conservation. Currently I'm using the MIUI rom and am loving it. More fluid than stock and also great themes that take advantage of the beautiful display. I've also tried Zeus, MitRa, and CM7.
2. Not entirely sure on that one, but you could check out the Android Development Forums and look at the roms. Many are based off stock and I would presume use the stock camera app, MIUI does not however.
3. I just recently purchased an infuse off ebay used for 250. It had no scratches or scuffs and came with an otterbox case and charger. So far, I have not had any problems with the phone itself. Before deciding to buy, however, I would definitely look on craigslist as well as ebay. I regret buying from ebay since I saw a one go for 240 on craigslist nearby. But, depending on the condition I've seen used go for anywhere between 200-270, while new is around 300.
4. Same as question 2, I'm not too sure. But it does seem to make sense since it's based off stock.
Just wait and get a Galaxy Note I'm sure u will get more bang for your buck
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App
I have to agree and say you wait and hold out for a Galaxy Note. It will be one of the 3 highest spec phones in the U.S. when its released in spring. And if your able to get it on upgrade or on a new contract, it will probably cost less than a used Infuse off eBay or c-list. That said, the time you will spend waiting will allow you to save up cash. Its also going to be lte. So you will have better speeds than our hspa + speeds. Also there's the thing about ICS upgrades. It will have it. So that's my two cents. If you are absolutely itching to get something now, do what I do and go into the ATT store every weekend for a month to fool around with phones till they don't feel new to you anymore. that should keep you for a few more months.
P.s. iPhone 5 is probably due in summer also. Its just a waiting game but at least this time you have some serious choices that are actually worth waiting for because these specs (galaxy note) are really going to be solid for at least the next 1+ years whereas our infuse really wasn't going to out spec much for longer than 6 months when it was released.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App
Yes Galaxy Note is something i am too eyeing. But i do not wish to buy anything on contract as i am going to be in US only for few more months and will be then going back to my home country India where the Note is available now (in fact available for past 1-2 months) for around 30,000 Rupees (around 600 USD).
I am sure there wont be unlocked phone available in US and mostly i will have to go with the ATT branded ones. Just that i hope to get one at good price.
Btw when is the Note expected to launch in USA.
no problems with hardware acceleration on custom roms as they are modded stock rom, also market apps can do it better for video playback (dice player) if you must run an open source rom like cm7 or miui. and from what I gather the open source camera apps got as good or better than the Samsung one. the open source app might not take 8mp pics and I'm not sure about video recording but it should have much of the features that the infuse has.
I think the open global performance (3d gaming) on the Samsung based roms is better but that's about it.
then the decision making comes down to what you want/need. the infuse comes boxed with an mhl adapter for HDMI but custom gingerbread kernels don't have this feature working. this means if you want gingerbread and HDMI you are stuck with an att leak based rom and the non modded kernel for that leak. also the open source roms don't have working audio over Bluetooth but have a Bluetooth stack that supports more protocols so they support standard gaming controllers.
the things you mentioned were true on the galaxy s when open source roms came out on it, the nexus s was not nearly as feature rich as the galaxy s but with market apps and 3rd party development the differences are much less significant now.
rak007 said:
Yes Galaxy Note is something i am too eyeing. But i do not wish to buy anything on contract as i am going to be in US only for few more months and will be then going back to my home country India where the Note is available now (in fact available for past 1-2 months) for around 30,000 Rupees (around 600 USD).
I am sure there wont be unlocked phone available in US and mostly i will have to go with the ATT branded ones. Just that i hope to get one at good price.
Btw when is the Note expected to launch in USA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
note is out in spring time. probably would be cutting it very close, however i will tell you right now that 600$ u.s. is pretty good for an unlocked version. and if they already have it in india then just get there, with it unlocked already--it would save time messing with root and that stuff. thats what i would do. it may come preloaded with hindi/sanscrit fonts too!
Looks like you are on tmobile if so you would not be able to get 3g/4g on an att phone just thought I would throw that out there
brorex said:
Looks like you are on tmobile if so you would not be able to get 3g/4g on an att phone just thought I would throw that out there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes i am on Tmobile and not getting 3G/4G is fine.
As it is i plan to use the Infuse in India when i go back.
Related
Hello XDA,
My name is Robert Oortwijn and I currently have a Samsung Star. So I want to get a new phone and am deciding between the S3 or Nexus 4, nothing else. I have enough money to buy one of the two
So for the last month I have been looking, searching, watching stuff regarding the S3 and Nexus 4. From comparisons to single reviews.
What I want really is to have a good phone. It will be my first Android phone and smartphone.
My closest friend got the Galaxy S3 Pebble Blue and I really like the big screen and color. What I also like is the ability to have the battery removed and extend storage. Then again I also really like the Nexus 4 for getting the latest updates and being stock Android.
Sadly my concern is this. The glass back which from my impressions breaks really fast. A 1m drop or just ticking your phone against a table will crack it. Secondly is the bit smaller size of the screen. The Nexus 4 has a 4,7 inch compared to the S3 4,8 inch. It becomes even less because of the on-screen based buttons. This trough isn't a issue. I like on-screen and S3 style buttons.
What I just can't is making a decisions. Both are amazing phones where the one has something I like and the other doesn't and vice versa.
I would like to ask XDA to give some opinions and reasons why I should pick one of these two phones.
While 16GB is in my opinion enough for apps, maybe 3 games and music? I have like 4GB of music on my PC, I do like the extra storage but then again the N4 offers stock android and such.
I hope XDA will be the one able to help me. I tried many forums but only got one responds and those weren't really helpful.
Greetings :laugh:,
Robert Oortwijn
Nexus 4
Sounds like you've already given a lot of thought about which phone you want to choose or select and you've already researched the options that each phone has. But it comes down to what's important to you. If expandable storage and removable battery is important to you or if you think you can live without it. I personally don't own either device but I know you'll get die hard fans on both sides saying that their phone is the best and why. But in the end it's really your opinion that matters because you'll be the one who has to live with the phone. I am trying to make the decision myself as to which one I would choose and I go back and forth.
Personally if you're thinking of the S4, I would opt for the NOTE II instead. I haven't heard any legitimate complaints about it. And even some people who own the N4 or S3 are trying to sell their phone and get one. Plus it has a 5.5" display!
But it really does come down to what you think is important. I too have music that I think is so important to transfer onto my storage on my phone but Google music player can sync your music on your PC to your phone. And I use spotify more than than the copied music on my phone. With spotify, @ $10 a month, you have unlimited access to virtually any artist or album out there. Albums are available on spotify the same day the CDs are released. Plus you can download playlists to your phone over wifi that you can listen to without using data.
Hope this helps.
Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2
Nexus 4
Personally I would go for the Nexus 4. Stock Android is important for someone like me who makes little apps.
I love samaung for all dives and i using s5302
Sent from my GT-S5302 using xda app-developers app
I have a Galaxy S3 and a good friend with the Nexus 4. My questions for you are these:
- Do you plan to use the stock OS or are you going to be using custom roms?
Despite being a little behind (and not as far behind as some phones/manufacturers) the latest Google release, Samsung's version of Jelly Bean is very nice and not wildly different. Though, for more options and control, I recently got into using custom roms. If you're going to go that route, the sd card slot is a fantastic way to save music, videos, documents, backups, and more. Also, the ability to put custom rom install zips on your external sd card means you can run a superwipe during rom installs that support it.
- Are you going to be using a phone upgrade option on your plan or signing an all new contract with your carrier?
You usually only get the contract renewal/upgrade discount every couple of years, so if you're going that route and want the Galaxy S3, I advise you wait until the GS4 comes out (if you're in the US, that's in a few weeks to a month or so depending on carrier - Verizon still hasn't said when theirs will be available, but the others are saying this month they will be taking orders). No point using your discount options on a year old phone when the new one is almost here.
- Do you want to make use of the usb host functionality (usb "on-the-go" as it's sometimes called in the marketing materials) available on many newer phones and tablets?
This allows your phone to host usb devices like thumb drives, keyboards, mouses... almost anything. All you need is a cheap adapter to go from your micro usb port to a standard female usb port (I got mine for about $5). If you want this functionality, it doesn't work on the Nexus 4 despite Google's plan to include it. LG messed it up and it doesn't work properly (a hardware problem from what I've heard). On the GS3, it works like a charm, so I always have a 32GB thumb drive in my pocket with extra videos, music, and backup data. Presumably, this will also be a feature of the Nexus 4.
If having the latest Google release of really matter to you, then go for the Nexus 4, but I think that's really it's only selling point. I know I sound like a Samsung fanboy, but it definitely is a more flexible piece of hardware. So the trade off, in my opinion, is latest Google version of Android vs. significantly more flexible hardware. Though I say wait for the Galaxy S4 anyway.
How the phone looks and your preference of buttons, screen size etc. is up to you i guess.
For the GS3 the international model is hampered by Samsungs own Exynos processor and that being much harder to develop for than the Qualcomm in the US version. For instance Cyanogenmod 10.1 on the i9300 has no stable builds because of development problems.
In fact the current i9300 developers have said they will not be supporting the international GS4 as it will be such a pain.
If you are in the US then you are fine for Cyanogenmod at least, and probably most other custom ROMs.
nexus 4 is better in us.
Mrreg said:
I have a Galaxy S3 and a good friend with the Nexus 4. My questions for you are these:
- Do you plan to use the stock OS or are you going to be using custom roms?
Despite being a little behind (and not as far behind as some phones/manufacturers) the latest Google release, Samsung's version of Jelly Bean is very nice and not wildly different. Though, for more options and control, I recently got into using custom roms. If you're going to go that route, the sd card slot is a fantastic way to save music, videos, documents, backups, and more. Also, the ability to put custom rom install zips on your external sd card means you can run a superwipe during rom installs that support it.
- Are you going to be using a phone upgrade option on your plan or signing an all new contract with your carrier?
You usually only get the contract renewal/upgrade discount every couple of years, so if you're going that route and want the Galaxy S3, I advise you wait until the GS4 comes out (if you're in the US, that's in a few weeks to a month or so depending on carrier - Verizon still hasn't said when theirs will be available, but the others are saying this month they will be taking orders). No point using your discount options on a year old phone when the new one is almost here.
- Do you want to make use of the usb host functionality (usb "on-the-go" as it's sometimes called in the marketing materials) available on many newer phones and tablets?
This allows your phone to host usb devices like thumb drives, keyboards, mouses... almost anything. All you need is a cheap adapter to go from your micro usb port to a standard female usb port (I got mine for about $5). If you want this functionality, it doesn't work on the Nexus 4 despite Google's plan to include it. LG messed it up and it doesn't work properly (a hardware problem from what I've heard). On the GS3, it works like a charm, so I always have a 32GB thumb drive in my pocket with extra videos, music, and backup data. Presumably, this will also be a feature of the Nexus 4.
If having the latest Google release of really matter to you, then go for the Nexus 4, but I think that's really it's only selling point. I know I sound like a Samsung fanboy, but it definitely is a more flexible piece of hardware. So the trade off, in my opinion, is latest Google version of Android vs. significantly more flexible hardware. Though I say wait for the Galaxy S4 anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What this user just posted. Plus a little extra:
-Are you going to be using LTE or 3G?
The Nexus 4 does NOT support LTE, and could therefore be a deal breaker for you if you plan on using the latest speeds.
-Are you buying your device or getting a contract?
May sound like a stupid question, but the Nexus 4 comes pre-unlocked if purchased from the Play Store and could be considered "cheaper" too. But then again, you did mention price wasn't an issue. Although if you plan on switching carriers at any time and free yourself from having a contract, then the Nexus 4 does offer an unlocked device. (Unlocking the S3 would require someone with the know-how and will probably cost you a couple bucks + it is now illegal in the US).
-How willing are you to wait for the next device?
With the S4 right around the corner and the Nexus 5 leaked images and report of a release date around October 2013, do you think you can live with your current device until the next upgrade? If the answer is yes, do so!
Good luck in your next purchase, and I believe both phones will make you happy!
Slevin73 said:
What this user just posted. Plus a little extra:
-Are you going to be using LTE or 3G?
The Nexus 4 does NOT support LTE, and could therefore be a deal breaker for you if you plan on using the latest speeds.
-Are you buying your device or getting a contract?
May sound like a stupid question, but the Nexus 4 comes pre-unlocked if purchased from the Play Store and could be considered "cheaper" too. But then again, you did mention price wasn't an issue. Although if you plan on switching carriers at any time and free yourself from having a contract, then the Nexus 4 does offer an unlocked device. (Unlocking the S3 would require someone with the know-how and will probably cost you a couple bucks + it is now illegal in the US).
-How willing are you to wait for the next device?
With the S4 right around the corner and the Nexus 5 leaked images and report of a release date around October 2013, do you think you can live with your current device until the next upgrade? If the answer is yes, do so!
Good luck in your next purchase, and I believe both phones will make you happy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in the Netherlands. We don't have LTE (yet) but I do know that HSPA+ is fast enough for me so LTE isn't a big problem compared to US citizens.
I'm going to get the device with a contract. 100 calls or sms with 500 mb for 20 euros for the coming 24 months.
Regarding Stock Android or ROMS I don't know. Seeing it has Stock Android I might just stick with that.
I'm not a developer either. Just a teen who want to get his first Android/Smart-phone hehe
Hi all,
I'm new to all this so please bare with me a little bit. I've used apple products for many years, but in getting a little sick of iOS7 and the lack of jaibreak. So I've decided to make the leap to android (something I never thought I would do).
I have my choices narrowed down to the Nexus 5 and LG G2. Both phones at currently available for $99 on 2 yr term. The Nexus only comes in the 16gb version while the G2 is 32gb for the same price. I'm having a tough time deciding between the two. I like the Nexus 5 because it gets the OS updates fast and won't require removal of bloat. It's also unlocked.
The G2 seems to have a slight hardware edge with battery life, camera and screen size. It's also 32gb, but it's not stock android and is carrier locked.
My question is, given the same price for both, is it better to get the nexus 5 or get the G2 and use a custom rom to mimic the stock nexus 5? Will it be a hassle to keep the G2 updated, and how bug free would the experience be?
Sorry if I'm in the wrong forum section, there's so many to choose from!
Thanks
SB
SillyBearito said:
Hi all,
I'm new to all this so please bare with me a little bit. I've used apple products for many years, but in getting a little sick of iOS7 and the lack of jaibreak. So I've decided to make the leap to android (something I never thought I would do).
I have my choices narrowed down to the Nexus 5 and LG G2. Both phones at currently available for $99 on 2 yr term. The Nexus only comes in the 16gb version while the G2 is 32gb for the same price. I'm having a tough time deciding between the two. I like the Nexus 5 because it gets the OS updates fast and won't require removal of bloat. It's also unlocked.
The G2 seems to have a slight hardware edge with battery life, camera and screen size. It's also 32gb, but it's not stock android and is carrier locked.
My question is, given the same price for both, is it better to get the nexus 5 or get the G2 and use a custom rom to mimic the stock nexus 5? Will it be a hassle to keep the G2 updated, and how bug free would the experience be?
Sorry if I'm in the wrong forum section, there's so many to choose from!
Thanks
SB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are not the same price, the G2 is like $600 because of all the monthly payments you have to make. I'd go with the Nexus 5 because once you buy it, you actually own it.
SillyBearito said:
Hi all,
I'm new to all this so please bare with me a little bit. I've used apple products for many years, but in getting a little sick of iOS7 and the lack of jaibreak. So I've decided to make the leap to android (something I never thought I would do).
I have my choices narrowed down to the Nexus 5 and LG G2. Both phones at currently available for $99 on 2 yr term. The Nexus only comes in the 16gb version while the G2 is 32gb for the same price. I'm having a tough time deciding between the two. I like the Nexus 5 because it gets the OS updates fast and won't require removal of bloat. It's also unlocked.
The G2 seems to have a slight hardware edge with battery life, camera and screen size. It's also 32gb, but it's not stock android and is carrier locked.
My question is, given the same price for both, is it better to get the nexus 5 or get the G2 and use a custom rom to mimic the stock nexus 5? Will it be a hassle to keep the G2 updated, and how bug free would the experience be?
Sorry if I'm in the wrong forum section, there's so many to choose from!
Thanks
SB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sound like you are on Sprint, right? I would say just get the Nexus 5 from the Play Store, and then sign up for the $60 BYOD on Sprint. You would end up saving more money. Also, I just don't like the LG skin, so I'm a little biased.
PS The battery life on the G2 is much much better than the N5 though, so that's something to think about too, if that's important to you.
stevew84 said:
They are not the same price, the G2 is like $600 because of all the monthly payments you have to make. I'd go with the Nexus 5 because once you buy it, you actually own it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure I follow. I'm in Canada on Rogers. I'm currently out of contract and don't really intend to switch carriers because my wife and I share a plan and she's locked in for 2 more years.
The hardware upgrade for either phone is $99 with a 2 year contract, I'm not changing plans or paying anything additional, just $99 to upgrade.
Well, if you were into the jailbreaking scene then you would most definitely be into rooting, custom roms etc. Therefore, I vote for the N5. Nexus = Endless possibilities. Also, with the new features implemented by many roms such as ParanoidAndroid, Cyanogenmod etc, you'd never get bored.
joshyth said:
Sound like you are on Sprint, right? I would say just get the Nexus 5 from the Play Store, and then sign up for the $60 BYOD on Sprint. You would end up saving more money. Also, I just don't like the LG skin, so I'm a little biased.
PS The battery life on the G2 is much much better than the N5 though, so that's something to think about too, if that's important to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On Rogers in Canada. Battery life is a little important, but i almost always have a plug nearby to charge. Memory size is also a little important.
I'll most likely be rooting the G2 to bring it to the stock level of the N5. I'm just not sure how easy that is to do.
SillyBearito said:
Not sure I follow. I'm in Canada on Rogers. I'm currently out of contract and don't really intend to switch carriers because my wife and I share a plan and she's locked in for 2 more years.
The hardware upgrade for either phone is $99 with a 2 year contract, I'm not changing plans or paying anything additional, just $99 to upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you have a tough decision to make, honestly. A huge advantage of the Nexus 5 is that it packs excellent specs into a device that is affordable off contract. Buying the Nexus subsidized on a contract kind of defeats this cost-saving advantage, as you'll end up paying quite a bit more for the device over your two year contract. Price-wise, you'd be getting a much larger subsidy if you bought the G2 on contract vs. the N5.
Now, comparing the devices: I prefer the look and feel of the N5 hardware over the G2, but the G2 has a better battery and camera. And I really dislike the button placement on the G2, though it doesn't seem to bother others. And other than these things they're neck and neck performance-wise. You'll get quicker Android updates, more xda development activitiy, and kit-kat out of the box with the Nexus 5.
I can't say much for the g2 since I haven't used it so my response would be biased.
However what I can say is go look at the G2 development forums for your carrier and compare that to the N5 development section here.
Personally I've been with the galaxy S line since its launch (Galaxy S Epic 4g, Galaxy s3 and Galaxy s4) and when the Nexus 5 launched at such a low price I just couldn't pass up the fact that its a "universal" phone where developers can create a ROM and it works for everyone easily. Where as my previous phones (and the G2) split the developers up based on their carrier. Some devs ported their ROMs to all carriers for their device and that is much respected but I feel the N5 being "universal" can't be beat if you're a software junkie like myself.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
SemiGamer said:
I can't say much for the g2 since I haven't used it so my response would be biased.
However what I can say is go look at the G2 development forums for your carrier and compare that to the N5 development section here.
Personally I've been with the galaxy S line since its launch (Galaxy S Epic 4g, Galaxy s3 and Galaxy s4) and when the Nexus 5 launched at such a low price I just couldn't pass up the fact that its a "universal" phone where developers can create a ROM and it works for everyone easily. Where as my previous phones (and the G2) split the developers up based on their carrier. Some devs ported their ROMs to all carriers for their device and that is much respected but I feel the N5 being "universal" can't be beat if you're a software junkie like myself.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am a bit of a software junkie, but only to the point where I've customized my phone just the way I like it. If I can achieve that customization with the G2 and be able to maintain it without too many bugs then I may lean towards the G2. It's hard to pass up that extra battery life and storage capacity. Ugh this is a tough choice.
I'll take your advice and check the G2 forums though!
Thanks
SillyBearito said:
I am a bit of a software junkie, but only to the point where I've customized my phone just the way I like it. If I can achieve that customization with the G2 and be able to maintain it without too many bugs then I may lean towards the G2. It's hard to pass up that extra battery life and storage capacity. Ugh this is a tough choice.
I'll take your advice and check the G2 forums though!
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your welcome. By glancing at the g2 forums I don't see a KitKat ROM, not sure if that's important to you or not.
The way I see it is go with the G2 if battery life, Camera and Storage outweigh your needs for the best software.
I don't use the camera for anything professional so the n5 camera is plenty for me, the battery life doesn't matter because I have wireless charging plates I just throw my phone on around the house. And the storage is completely different for everyone but 16gb is enough for me currently (Can't have as many 1gb games installed but never played them all at once anyway on my s4)
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
G2
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
SillyBearito said:
I'm in Canada on Rogers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say that's your biggest conundrum right there. Can't wait till my contract's up in Feb and I can go to Koodo or Virgin. Or perhaps not wait that long even and jump ship when I see a better deal
On-topic, as a noob to Android customization and a customer of Rogers, I would say go for the G2. It seems you wish to stay on-contract and you'd be getting the better deal hardware-wise.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Kesmar88 said:
I would say that's your biggest conundrum right there. Can't wait till my contract's up in Feb and I can go to Koodo or Virgin. Or perhaps not wait that long even and jump ship when I see a better deal
On-topic, as a noob to Android customization and a customer of Rogers, I would say go for the G2. It seems you wish to stay on-contract and you'd be getting the better deal hardware-wise.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate your input. It's not that I want I stay under contract, it's just more logical that way right now. And yes I fully agree on the hardware aspect. The only thing nexus has that's better is the software support. I'm eager to learn about rooting and using custom mods, buts it's hard to justify the nexus purchase just for that.
I did read somewhere that G2 will get KitKat eventually, maybe it'll get better?
SillyBearito said:
I appreciate your input. It's not that I want I stay under contract, it's just more logical that way right now. And yes I fully agree on the hardware aspect. The only thing nexus has that's better is the software support. I'm eager to learn about rooting and using custom mods, buts it's hard to justify the nexus purchase just for that.
I did read somewhere that G2 will get KitKat eventually, maybe it'll get better?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LG is planning to release KitKat eventually, but there's no set date. Also, from prior experience, if you're going to rely on official OTA updates, Rogers is the worst on releasing them in a timely manner. My prior phone was an S2 LTE (Skyrocket) and it was the last one out of the S2 family to upgrade to ICS, not to mention it was not optimized at all and actually ran worse than Gingerbread. Thankfully, it was all good when the JB update showed up but that took a while as well. Since I'm not getting KitKat on it, I bought the N5 off the play store since carriers are only carrying 16 GB.
Kesmar88 said:
LG is planning to release KitKat eventually, but there's no set date. Also, from prior experience, if you're going to rely on official OTA updates, Rogers is the worst on releasing them in a timely manner. My prior phone was an S2 LTE (Skyrocket) and it was the last one out of the S2 family to upgrade to ICS, not to mention it was not optimized at all and actually ran worse than Gingerbread. Thankfully, it was all good when the JB update showed up but that took a while as well. Since I'm not getting KitKat on it, I bought the N5 off the play store since carriers are only carrying 16 GB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see the issue there. I'm hoping to not rely on Rogers and their OTA and just root it and update it myself. That reminds me, I should prob expect even more bloat with Rogers.
Or I could just go with the nexus and never have to worry about that.
Kesmar88 said:
LG is planning to release KitKat eventually, but there's no set date. Also, from prior experience, if you're going to rely on official OTA updates, Rogers is the worst on releasing them in a timely manner. My prior phone was an S2 LTE (Skyrocket) and it was the last one out of the S2 family to upgrade to ICS, not to mention it was not optimized at all and actually ran worse than Gingerbread. Thankfully, it was all good when the JB update showed up but that took a while as well. Since I'm not getting KitKat on it, I bought the N5 off the play store since carriers are only carrying 16 GB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As noted before if you want the quickest updates (official and unofficial) than the n5 is a must, if you want to take a lot of pictures than the camera on the G2 and storage space is better at that.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Have you thought about getting a Iphone 5s on contract, selling it, then buying the nexus 5? I would do that instead of getting the nexus 5 directly from the carrier. That way you end up with extra money in your pockets since you can sell the Iphone for more then the nexus 5 costs from the play store.
hammester said:
Have you thought about getting a Iphone 5s on contract, selling it, then buying the nexus 5? I would do that instead of getting the nexus 5 directly from the carrier. That way you end up with extra money in your pockets since you can sell the Iphone for more then the nexus 5 costs from the play store.
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Click to collapse
This is a great idea. Take a look at the resale value of the phones available without a contract. Pick the one that gives you the best profit and do that. Use the money to buy a Nexus 5 if you like the phone. I did that recently and actually have another $100 extra to spend on accessories.
does the original owner need to un-register it with google so he wont have the power to lock my device?
the n5 is the black 16GB model and hes throwing in $75 do you think that's a good deal?
im used to all my Samsung stuff on the S4 (I do like TW) but I like the hardware inside the N5
anyhow I have about 1hr so the 1st question is most important and the last I guess is subjective but I feel like this is best place to ask it
thanks
As long as the phone is not blacklisted it should be good to go after you factory reset it. Which I assume you would do.
Secondly if you actually like touchwiz you may miss some features that it offers so you should probably play with a nexus 5 before you buy one. Nexus 5 is what is known as a vanilla android experience. Meaning all the bloat and crap that slows the device down is gone. Fwiw I had an S3 before my Nexus 5 and I'm very happy with it, but no matter what anyone tells you cell phones are always going to be personal preference when it comes to what you like.
GL
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
en11gma said:
does the original owner need to un-register it with google so he wont have the power to lock my device?
the n5 is the black 16GB model and hes throwing in $75 do you think that's a good deal?
im used to all my Samsung stuff on the S4 (I do like TW) but I like the hardware inside the N5
anyhow I have about 1hr so the 1st question is most important and the last I guess is subjective but I feel like this is best place to ask it
thanks
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Click to collapse
First question answered above but If you love TW i think you will be dissapointed with Vanilla AOSP stock as it has mainly the bare essentials build in. A custom rom or stock with Xposed and Gravitybox will liven it up though and adds more fuctionality. Many TW features however are not available.
gee2012 said:
First question answered above but If you love TW i think you will be dissapointed with Vanilla AOSP stock as its has mainly the bare essentials build in. A custom rom or stock with Xposed and Gravitybox will liven it up though and adds more fuctionality.
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i think maybe the trade for the n5 along with the $75 helps out.
i really think in the end i want a note 3 but maybe this will get me close as far as selling it out right and adding money and in mean time maybe give me a new device to play with
how can i tell if its black listed?
yea i like the TW ui. usually i root and debloat or just get a cust rom that is debloated already.
how can there be no sd card slot?
lol
en11gma said:
i think maybe the trade for the n5 along with the $75 helps out.
i really think in the end i want a note 3 but maybe this will get me close as far as selling it out right and adding money and in mean time maybe give me a new device to play with
how can i tell if its black listed?
yea i like the TW ui. usually i root and debloat or just get a cust rom that is debloated already.
how can there be no sd card slot?
lol
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Google hates external sdcards, just insert your microsimcard in the N5 and if data and telephony works its probably not blacklisted. Maybe you can run a imei check here http://www.imei.info/ or call your phone company for a check.
id he bought it from radio shack and I think his carrier is sprint
he was gonna by ms gs4 originally but instead he bought the n5 new
now he wants to trade and will add $75 cash so I wonder if its under contract or how that works
is it an unlocked phone really when you buy it from radio-shack for sprint (they do sell sprint there)
en11gma said:
id he bought it from radio shack and I think his carrier is sprint
he was gonna by ms gs4 originally but instead he bought the n5 new
now he wants to trade and will add $75 cash so I wonder if its under contract or how that works
is it an unlocked phone really when you buy it from radio-shack for sprint (they do sell sprint there)
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Nexus`s are usualy unlocked, also if they come from carriers.
gee2012 said:
Nexus`s are usualy unlocked, also if they come from carriers.
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i will take a gophone sim card and hopefully it will work
ok thanks all
im heading out for a trade
see you all on this forum soon
I have the N5 and I just got my wife a slightly used S4 (Sprint) and I have to say that I like the S4 a lot. Do I like it better than my N5? No, I prefer the N5 but only slightly, the S4 is really a nice phone and feels great in your hands as well.
When I was setting up the S4 for her I found myself contemplating keeping that for me and giving her my N5 but that thought quickly left my mind. Waiting on what the S5 will bring before I even think about moving from my N5.
If the N5 is going to be used on Sprint call them up to make sure you can activate it on Sprint, give them the number inside the battery compartment and they will check for you.
just got back with the n5
the s4 i was trading him had the wrong prl (forgot to flash that back to sprint before i left) so i looked like a dipshiat in radio-shack on the phone with customer service (they are saying looks all good) and we are looking at the radio signal going ...where is it
lol
his wife had an s4 on sprint so i looked at her prl and looked at mine and new right away i messed up.
anyhow i ran home flashed the correct prl and boom the phone is working as it should and we did wind up trading phones and getting the $75 in cash
now im home and charging the n5 and am about ready to do some research on different roms
i did like samsung touchwiz ui so is there anything kind of similar?
i have this n5 listed on craigslist as i do really want a note 3 in the end and to my understanding the one to get is a sprint note 3 but thats another subject
gonna try the 2 roms listed above
this is gonna be weird. nothing to unlock i can just flash any 4.4 rom?
en11gma said:
just got back with the n5
the s4 i was trading him had the wrong prl (forgot to flash that back to sprint before i left) so i looked like a dipshiat in radio-shack on the phone with customer service (they are saying looks all good) and we are looking at the radio signal going ...where is it
lol
his wife had an s4 on sprint so i looked at her prl and looked at mine and new right away i messed up.
anyhow i ran home flashed the correct prl and boom the phone is working as it should and we did wind up trading phones and getting the $75 in cash
now im home and charging the n5 and am about ready to do some research on different roms
i did like samsung touchwiz ui so is there anything kind of similar?
i have this n5 listed on craigslist as i do really want a note 3 in the end and to my understanding the one to get is a sprint note 3 but thats another subject
gonna try the 2 roms listed above
this is gonna be weird. nothing to unlock i can just flash any 4.4 rom?
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In the meantime you can type in "Touchwiz Launcher" in the Play Store and you'll see a variety of Touchwiz replicas.
The Nexus 5 honestly isn't for everyone. I love it but you may not since you said you love Touchwiz. Touchwiz comes with tons of features out of the box but to me most of them are gimmicks that are cool to show off to friends. I had the Note 3. It was cool but I was missing Vanilla Android so I got the N5.
sent from my neXus 5
OuncE718 said:
In the meantime you can type in "Touchwiz Launcher" in the Play Store and you'll see a variety of Touchwiz replicas.
The Nexus 5 honestly isn't for everyone. I love it but you may not since you said you love Touchwiz. Touchwiz comes with tons of features out of the box but to me most of them are gimmicks that are cool to show off to friends. I had the Note 3. It was cool but I was missing Vanilla Android so I got the N5.
sent from my neXus 5
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you explained that perfectly but i do like tech specs like this hardware and i do like to game
i was thinking about trying that with the n5 connected to my 52" lcd samsung dumb-tv.
i like that side too of the actual hardware and messing with drivers for xbox/ps3 controllers etc..
but you can strip / debloat the stock rom of touchwiz if you root or even get a tw custom rom so it not too bad.
as far as the extra feature gimmics 100% correct
even the ir blaster does work good but as far an actual remote control its way off. the app that they use for the menu of whats coming on next are pics of the shows in time slots and i do like that feature. its better then my mediacom tv-guide
i think i will have fun with this n5 while i have it and most likely get the note 3 mostly because of the bigger screen as my eyes really like it
debloat the hell out of that rom and prob try and sim-unlock which sucks because it dont work like it should (like it does with the N5)
omg this thing has a ton of RADIOS!!
what networks will it not work with (the guy i got it from said it wont work with verizon)
that could save the day in the end and i might keep it just for that
en11gma said:
you explained that perfectly but i do like tech specs like this hardware and i do like to game
i was thinking about trying that with the n5 connected to my 52" lcd samsung dumb-tv.
i like that side too of the actual hardware and messing with drivers for xbox/ps3 controllers etc..
but you can strip / debloat the stock rom of touchwiz if you root or even get a tw custom rom so it not too bad.
as far as the extra feature gimmics 100% correct
even the ir blaster does work good but as far an actual remote control its way off. the app that they use for the menu of whats coming on next are pics of the shows in time slots and i do like that feature. its better then my mediacom tv-guide
i think i will have fun with this n5 while i have it and most likely get the note 3 mostly because of the bigger screen as my eyes really like it
debloat the hell out of that rom and prob try and sim-unlock which sucks because it dont work like it should (like it does with the N5)
omg this thing has a ton of RADIOS!!
what networks will it not work with (the guy i got it from said it wont work with verizon)
that could save the day in the end and i might keep it just for that
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Click to collapse
From what I've read it will work on Verizon but it depends on what location you are in. I'd call it a bust and just say it doesn't work since it doesn't function 100% like a Verizon phone.
Let's face it, most of us love the Nexus 5 for the speed, development and timely updates directly from Google. IDC what manufacturer makes the Nexus 5 I will always buy one. I'm not gonna lie, the Note 3 was a cool phone even with its gimmicky features.
Whenever I try to out do my dad (he has a Note 3) its a bit hard because he doesn't understand the behind the scenes features the Nexus 5 has and his favorite thing is, "but can your phone switch channels". Lol.
sent from my neXus 5
OuncE718 said:
From what I've read it will work on Verizon but it depends on what location you are in. I'd call it a bust and just say it doesn't work since it doesn't function 100% like a Verizon phone.
Let's face it, most of us love the Nexus 5 for the speed, development and timely updates directly from Google. IDC what manufacturer makes the Nexus 5 I will always buy one. I'm not gonna lie, the Note 3 was a cool phone even with its gimmicky features.
Whenever I try to out do my dad (he has a Note 3) its a bit hard because he doesn't understand the behind the scenes features the Nexus 5 has and his favorite thing is, "but can your phone switch channels". Lol.
sent from my neXus 5
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im just now comparing the sph-l720 radios compared to this n5 (dont even know the model number) and i think the n5 has all frequencies in there. cant believe verizon isnt in that mess
en11gma said:
im just now comparing the sph-l720 radios compared to this n5 (dont even know the model number) and i think the n5 has all frequencies in there. cant believe verizon isnt in that mess
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The Nexus 5 fully supports all of the major US carriers except for Verizon. Verizon has always been left in the dust when it came to Nexus phones and I think its actually Verizon fault because of how strict they are. If Verizon officially had the Nexus 5 they would probably require the Nexus 5 to have their bloatware and software upgrades would have to go through them first and they'll test it for a month or 2 and then release it.
sent from my neXus 5
I see it's available for $399 at T-Mobile. So $200+ less than the current "flagship" phones that are pretty boring IMO.
Do you guys still like the G2? Is it easy to root? Any problems with it other than the weird buttons on the back?
I took a look at it at a local corporate store. The one on display was messed up and the rep of course told me it was a "bad" phone and I needed to get an s5.
Thanks!
starfcker69 said:
I see it's available for $399 at T-Mobile. So $200+ less than the current "flagship" phones that are pretty boring IMO.
Do you guys still like the G2? Is it easy to root? Any problems with it other than the weird buttons on the back?
I took a look at it at a local corporate store. The one on display was messed up and the rep of course told me it was a "bad" phone and I needed to get an s5.
Thanks!
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50 views and no replies. I'm going to pass on the G2 and wait for the Moto x+!
The phone is nice ! I've had it since February. I have no complaints about the phone however when the the g3 comes out we are going back to Verizon because T-Mobile just isn't cutting it. I had no issues rooting it and the buttons on the back were weird at first but now are natural to me. One thing though these forums are dead not a lot of development like I was used to coming from the note 2 . but like I said I think its a great phone
Sent from my LG-D801 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Shaffer678 said:
The phone is nice ! I've had it since February. I have no complaints about the phone however when the the g3 comes out we are going back to Verizon because T-Mobile just isn't cutting it. I had no issues rooting it and the buttons on the back were weird at first but now are natural to me. One thing though these forums are dead not a lot of development like I was used to coming from the note 2 . but like I said I think its a great phone
Sent from my LG-D801 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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I'm concerned about lack of development - rooting Kit Kat. Thanks.
The regular g2 forum is pretty active. Development for t-mobile seems like it kind of sucks. Good luck.
Sent from my LG-D801 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I've been a loyal T-Mobile customer for over 10 years, the last 8 without a contract. So I've been able to leverage my status as a long-time user to secure for myself an outstanding price for my unlimited data plan that no other carrier comes remotely close to matching. That said, I got my G2 on Sunday after my trusty Amaze was stolen from my car on Friday night while fueling-up on my way home from work.
I walked into the T-Mobile store with the intention of getting a Nexus 5, but left with the G2. For the same price there is no comparison. The longer battery life, better sound quality and camera, along with the doubled storage capacity sold me. I personally can't justify spending more than 400 bucks for any handset that will be obsolete in a couple of years and with performance and features that rival those devices that cost over $200 more, I thought it was a no brainer.
As far as the comments about lack of development are concerned, it doesn't bother me. I plan on compiling my own Cyanogenmod, Pac-ROM, and Evervolv as soon as I get bored with stock and get time off from work. Besides, in the few days I've used this device I've found its OS to be one of the best stock Android I've ever used (I like it way more than any version of Sense that I've used). It doesn't deviate too far from ASOP yet has additional tweaking that is normally only found in custom ROMs. In fact, if I can get some time to figure out how to root and install a compatible aftermarket recovery, I might just deodex and debloat it and leave it as is for awhile.
As I said, at its current $398 price point it's got more bang for the buck than any of the other handsets T-Mobile is selling.
Just my 2 cents
Ciao
I considered nexus 5, galaxy 4, htc m8 and lg g2. I came from nexus 4 and the battery life was close to my previous iphone 4s. lg g2 is almost 3 times longer than nexus 4 with one charge. So, nexus 4 is removed from list. HTC is great but the price difference is huge and so it is out. Samsung 4 price was higher, galaxy s3 price was close to lg g2. After checking specs, performance, battery, lg g2 is a clear winner.
So far i have only 2 minor issues.
Swiftkey app is not compatible with this and causes lots of FC. It took me a week to figure out what was causing the FC. I have to update to a beta and then uninstall it - now no issues so far.
3 out of 5 times, i hit the home button when trying to type space in the keyboard. I installed g3 keyboard - has lots of options, so far good.
If you have about $400 or so in your pocket, I highly recommend this phone.
I believe this phone is capable of the future tmobile Voice Over LTE. But I am not sure if this will handle the 700hz band that tmobile is planning to implement - recently they bought from verizon. When i tried the hidden menu, that band is not available - but specs say it is compatible. May be it will show up if I unlock the phone or if install a non-stock ROM??
So, it is future proof at least for some time .....
I'm on my Galaxy s3 running cyanogen mod 11 but I'm sort of hankering for a new device with hopefully better reception. Since I'm grandfathers unlimited and use more then 10gb a month I want to find a good off-contract device to buy I was quite excited about the One Plus One but I just found out it's not going to work on Verizon What options do I have? The only other phone that seems like it might be a good deal is the Moto X+1 that's suppose to be coming out soon for around $399 off-contract.. What is everyone else doing? I'm considering jumping ship all together to T-mobile.
considering the Moto X+1 hasnt even been announced you would be waiting quite awhile for that. you could just buy a used phone that is newer then the S3 or keep holding out for something that meets your requirements. im grandfathered like you and wouldnt change carriers cause of my data usage and also the coverage, Verizon is the best for me.
jasondhsd said:
I'm on my Galaxy s3 running cyanogen mod 11 but I'm sort of hankering for a new device with hopefully better reception. Since I'm grandfathers unlimited and use more then 10gb a month I want to find a good off-contract device to buy I was quite excited about the One Plus One but I just found out it's not going to work on Verizon What options do I have? The only other phone that seems like it might be a good deal is the Moto X+1 that's suppose to be coming out soon for around $399 off-contract.. What is everyone else doing? I'm considering jumping ship all together to T-mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First thing: if you want better reception, try a Touchwiz ROM instead of CM. I love the AOSP look and feel but the sad truth is that on this phone, a Touchwiz ROM will always have better reception that an AOSP one thanks to the fact that Samsung has never made the RIL available to devs.
I'm in the same boat and there aren't many options out there if you want something that gives you the option to install your own ROM (has a root and/or bootloader unlock method available). My wife's GS3 died a few months ago and we got here the original Moto X, its reception is better than my GS3. Of course, the most recent firmware version of it can't be rooted and this late in the phone's life it doesn't look like it will be. But it is relatively inexpensive if you don't want to wait for the X+1. Jumping carriers is always a nice thought but I've been on all the major carriers at one point or another and Verizon is still the best when it comes to coverage. They have to be, otherwise there's no way they'd get away with offering the lackluster range of phones that they do.
What I'm doing: hanging on to the GS3 and running a TW ROM, waiting for a new device which:
1. Is a significant jump in specs from the GS3. The GS5 doesn't qualify IMO, I don't want a screen any bigger than the GS3.
2. Has a root method available.
3. Has a removable battery and microsd card.
Of course, not many devices match that description.
All conversation regarding other devices, upgrades or off topic have a specific thread here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=31543919
Thread closed
EFM
Have a great day!