Focus 2: The Goldilocks phone - Samsung Focus 2

Not too big; not too small; and FAST! So, why no love around here for this mid-sized LTE phone?
I prefer Windows Phones that I can use with one hand, rather than 4+ inch large screen devices. And in that category, the Focus 2 is unequaled. It's light weight, and has a bright clear screen. Most importantly, it's 4G LTE and can provide wifi access for my tablet and laptop.
The Lumias have superior design and great value-add Nokia apps. But for me, the combination of reasonable size and LTE puts the Focus in a class by itself. This will be my last Windows Phone 7 device. I'm not giving this up until I see something that runs Windows Phone 8 that I like.

DoogieDC said:
Not too big; not too small; and FAST! So, why no love around here for this mid-sized LTE phone?
I prefer Windows Phones that I can use with one hand, rather than 4+ inch large screen devices. And in that category, the Focus 2 is unequaled. It's light weight, and has a bright clear screen. Most importantly, it's 4G LTE and can provide wifi access for my tablet and laptop.
The Lumias have superior design and great value-add Nokia apps. But for me, the combination of reasonable size and LTE puts the Focus in a class by itself. This will be my last Windows Phone 7 device. I'm not giving this up until I see something that runs Windows Phone 8 that I like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
totally. wish it had some custom ROM action, heck i would settle for interop-unlock!

Related

The Ultimate Phone

In light of the controversy over Nexus S I thought I would see what everyone else thought a phone branded Nexus should be. Before anyone gets to crazy, here are the guide lines:
1) who builds it
2) nothing that is not produced or not going to be produced: aka- "Star Wars in true 3D holograms and a transporter from Star Trek" talk about things that DO exsist like 10 megapixel cameras with flash, accepts 32g class 10 cards, front facing camera, roms, android version, etc.
3)Why
4)Try to explain why there is not this device
That's it, build your Nexus fantasy, and question why we can't have it!
My Dream Nexus
Okay, well I have been thinking about this for a while now, what I would like in a phone, not necessarily a Nexus, and this is what I have come up with. Please understand that I haven't used an Android phone (although I am getting a Galaxy S for Christmas, have found them cheap on eBay from people giving them up for Nexus S' ) so some of this may be irrelevant.
1) Well, to be honest, I don't care who makes it, as long as it is reliable and sturdy. I love the design of the HTC 1 (concept by Andrew Kim, Google it, I can't post links or pictures unfortunately), and it seems to fit HTC's recent designs, so I may as well go with HTC, having played with a Desire and Wildfire, I can't fault the quality.
2) In my mind, I can't see much technology that could be incorporated into a new device that isn't out currently. I think an 8MP camera (large sensor size of course) is about as much as most people will need. A choice of 32/64 GB internal storage seems reasonable, with the option of using a MicroSDHC card up to 32GB. As for processors, I would probably choose that tri-core processor I heard about a while ago (can't remember it's name for the life of me) that had 2 multimedia/powerful cores and one lower clocked core for other tasks, paired with 1GB of RAM, allowing for the future, because with all of this, hopefully it would be at the top for a long time. A screen size of about 4 inches seems perfect, having used an iPod Touch and tested out a Galaxy S and a HD2, preferably with SuperAMOLED(2?). A front facing camera (1.3mp), and all the current sensors would be included. As for connectivity, Wireless N is standard, but you could get this phone in several versions, a HSPA+ version, LTE or WiMAX, to cater for your network of choice, and at a stretch, combine them all into one to have a mega-worldwide phone . Now, the biggest improvement area: batteries. I would definitely have a large capacity battery, at least 1500ma, but possibly even using new technology to make it last longer, such as using Tobacco Mosaic Virus to boost battery life 10x (I read this on Gizmodo today). Thats about all I can think of for hardware, with all of that, you really need decent software, and that's where the fun really begins.
Software is a tricky area in my mind for the Nexus line, being more of a developer type of phone, it should be easy to root and customise everything, installing new ROMs should be painless, and safe, with no risk, similar in a way to an iOS jailbreak (just hit restore in iTunes etc). But, as Andrew Kim mentioned when he did his HTC 1 concept, hardware and software need to be unified. This is where a Nexus could excell, being a Google phone and running stock Android. But to do that, I think the UI needs to become more consistent, much more consistent. Go and look at the HTC 1 concept now on the Design Fabulous website/blog, and find the messaging app mockup. It uses similar shades of grey and black to the phone itself, making it appear seemless, and even beautiful. Yes this would mean giving Android a completely different look, like going from WM6.x to WP7. And remove those buttons, for crying out loud, you have a beautiful touchscreen just there, it should be used! Have 2 buttons, a Home and Menu, integrate the Back option into the UI like in iOS, search could be accessed by holding down/double tapping Home and then the Menu key could be used for the next major shift.
(EDIT: Can't post images, sorry, but please search Google Images for 'windows phone 7 app associated press' and it should be the first image there)
Yes, this is a picture of an app in WP7, but that's not the point. I tried out WP7 the other day, and I found it a refreshing way of using a device. It looked good and was consistent. But I am drifting off, the Menu key. Look at the picture above, look to the left, and see the categories. Imagine that as all the app's options/menu, like pressing the Menu key currently does, as well as anything else. You could swipe through the different screens to get to it (using the screen, like I went on about before), or, similar to getting back to the first page of apps on iOS, press the Menu key to zoom back there. Simple and elegant in my opinion. Implement a similar look and feel across the whole system, and you have some mighty fine software indeed, but for those who wouldn't like it, with the option of installing one of the many ROMs available without any risk.
3) Why? Well, we are a consumer society, with many phones getting replaced in a year or less, and sometimes just being thrown out, we waste so many materials. By providing solid, useful and top of the line hardware, the need to upgrade becomes less as it would take longer to become outdated. I believe software is the key to a platform, and I am not alone in thinking that. That is where the real innovation comes from, so with a standardised Nexus there could be so much innovation coming from users such as the people here at XDA. Most of the hardware is probably available today, if not in the near future, so it is more an evolutionary step, but I will say that the tri-core processor is for more battery life and more power when needed, and the RAM allowing for better multitasking and futureproofing. And I would just love to own a phone looking like the HTC 1 concept, it is awesome and many friends I have shown it to think the same (they aren't techies either).
4) Why can't we have it? Well, I don't actually know why. The only things I can think of which probably isn't in production are: a) the tri-core processor, but dual-cores are in production now or in the next few weeks I imagine, b) SuperAMOLED(2?), mainly because it's Samsung's tech and this would be built by HTC and c) the multiple connectivity radio with HSPA+, LTE and WiMAX probably isn't being developed as of now, maybe not for another year until these networks become more common.
It is the software side of things which puzzles me, but I'm sure it is coming. Someone just has to take this idea with them, and go for gold. I would like to do that personally, but I need to learn how to code better, a lot better. (I joined XDA for inspiration ) I think this UI would work well, and be powerful, elegant and simple at the same time, helping to bring Android into the public as being easy to use and better than Apple's offerings (a tough task, but I would like to think it possible, note I am not an Android fanboy, neither do I hate Apple, but change is good).
Wow, that is a lot of writing... I hope this is acceptable, I would love to have a device like this myself, I think it would be possible in the next 6 months maybe? I am curious to see what others would like, bring on more ideas!
mcsinny99 said:
In light of the controversy over Nexus S I thought I would see what everyone else thought a phone branded Nexus should be. Before anyone gets to crazy, here are the guide lines:
1) who builds it
2) nothing that is not produced or not going to be produced: aka- "Star Wars in true 3D holograms and a transporter from Star Trek" talk about things that DO exsist like 10 megapixel cameras with flash, accepts 32g class 10 cards, front facing camera, roms, android version, etc.
3)Why
4)Try to explain why there is not this device
That's it, build your Nexus fantasy, and question why we can't have it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe thats this is just a useless post. U ask people to xplain their fantasies but dont include phones not or never will be built?!
plainly put there is n never will be any ultimate phone since whatever u buy now is obsolete in 2 months.
@ OP
Post something more productive. There are other places u can go to post ur wishes n dreams.
kaivish said:
I believe thats this is just a useless post. U ask people to xplain their fantasies but dont include phones not or never will be built?!
plainly put there is n never will be any ultimate phone since whatever u buy now is obsolete in 2 months.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry, but I think you may have misunderstood the point about no Star Trek stuff. Reasonable fantasies would probably be a better way of thinking of it, maybe something you could get within the next few years. Yes, phones will be obsolete within months of release, but as I mentioned in my post, I think software is the real contender in the future, so once you have a decent specced phone, the software can do the rest.
I'm personally interested in what people want from a phone which isn't out already. So if you think this isn't productive, you don't have to read it. I think some good stuff could come out of here, and you never know, Google or HTC could be listening
1) built by samsung
2)3.8" super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1024x720 for a true HD display and 329 PPI(pixels per inch). a 1.2Ghz dual-core orion processor, Nvidia GPU,samsungs own NFC chip included in the nexus S, 2.3 Gingerbread ,10MP continual Auto-focus camera that can record at 720p, maximum microSD card is 32GB class 6, 16GB on-board storage,unlocked bootloader for easy loading of ROM's,1.3MP front facing camera, hardware camera shutter button, contour display, choice of stock 2.3 launcher or Touchwiz 3.0 launcher.
3) because why shouldnt we have tech this awesome , and if you think about it , most laptops would e obsolete if this were true , along with point and shoot cameras
4)Cost, cost of manufacture , cost of retail, too much R&D would be needed , to many other products would become obsolete, this to would need to be released quickly , or have 3.0 loaded onto it when it becomes readily available.
and can i have it by christmas please santa ??
CPU:
Snapdragon QSD8672 (1.5GHz Dualcore)
RAM:
1024MB DDR2 Mobile RAM (Elpida Produced)
GPU:
256MB nVidia Tegra GPU
Storage:
OS/Applications: 2048MB SSD
External Storage: 32GB MicroSD
Imaging
5MP Main Camera (Any does me tbh)
Sound
Bluetooth Cochlear Implant w/ Induction Charging Circuit
Screen/s
Wrist Display - Subdermal LCD w/ Single Action Touch Sensor and Induction Charging Circuit - http://www.gearfuse.com/subdermal-implant-watch-tattoo/
Main Screen - WSVGA Touch Screen
Power
5x 250A Lithium Ion Polymer Cells using Cell Balancing
Location Services
GPS
Accelerometer
Digital Compass
Altimeter
Connectivity
Micro USB 3.0
WiFi
HSDPA
3G
GPRS
the usual basically...
Would be my ultimate like
dom.l said:
2)3.8" super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1024x720 for a true HD display and 329 PPI(pixels per inch). a 1.2Ghz dual-core orion processor, Nvidia GPU,samsungs own NFC chip included in the nexus S, 2.3 Gingerbread ,10MP continual Auto-focus camera that can record at 720p, maximum microSD card is 32GB class 6, 16GB on-board storage,unlocked bootloader for easy loading of ROM's,1.3MP front facing camera, hardware camera shutter button, contour display, choice of stock 2.3 launcher or Touchwiz 3.0 launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds decent I like your thinking!
dom.l said:
1) built by samsung
2)3.8" super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1024x720 for a true HD display and 329 PPI(pixels per inch). a 1.2Ghz dual-core orion processor, Nvidia GPU,samsungs own NFC chip included in the nexus S, 2.3 Gingerbread ,10MP continual Auto-focus camera that can record at 720p, maximum microSD card is 32GB class 6, 16GB on-board storage,unlocked bootloader for easy loading of ROM's,1.3MP front facing camera, hardware camera shutter button, contour display, choice of stock 2.3 launcher or Touchwiz 3.0 launcher.
3) because why shouldnt we have tech this awesome , and if you think about it , most laptops would e obsolete if this were true , along with point and shoot cameras
4)Cost, cost of manufacture , cost of retail, too much R&D would be needed , to many other products would become obsolete, this to would need to be released quickly , or have 3.0 loaded onto it when it becomes readily available.
and can i have it by christmas please santa ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Liberty using XDA App
@3) That is my theory as well. But why not fire a shot across the bow of other manufacturers? Set the bar higher and watch them scramble to catch up?
2) In my mind, I can't see much technology that could be incorporated into a new device that isn't out currently. I think an 8MP camera (large sensor size of course) is about as much as most people will need. A choice of 32/64 GB internal storage seems reasonable, with the option of using a MicroSDHC card up to 32GB. As for processors, I would probably choose that tri-core processor I heard about a while ago (can't remember it's name for the life of me) that had 2 multimedia/powerful cores and one lower clocked core for other tasks, paired with 1GB of RAM, allowing for the future, because with all of this, hopefully it would be at the top for a long time. A screen size of about 4 inches seems perfect, having used an iPod Touch and tested out a Galaxy S and a HD2, preferably with SuperAMOLED(2?). A front facing camera (1.3mp), and all the current sensors would be included. As for connectivity, Wireless N is standard, but you could get this phone in several versions, a HSPA+ version, LTE or WiMAX, to cater for your network of choice, and at a stretch, combine them all into one to have a mega-worldwide phone . Now, the biggest improvement area: batteries. I would definitely have a large capacity battery, at least 1500ma, but possibly even using new technology to make it last longer, such as using Tobacco Mosaic Virus to boost battery life 10x (I read this on Gizmodo today). Thats about all I can think of for hardware, with all of that, you really need decent software, and that's where the fun really begins.
Software is a tricky area in my mind for the Nexus line, being more of a developer type of phone, it should be easy to root and customise everything, installing new ROMs should be painless, and safe, with no risk, similar in a way to an iOS jailbreak (just hit restore in iTunes etc). But, as Andrew Kim mentioned when he did his HTC 1 concept, hardware and software need to be unified. This is where a Nexus could excell, being a Google phone and running stock Android. But to do that, I think the UI needs to become more consistent, much more consistent. Go and look at the HTC 1 concept now on the Design Fabulous website/blog, and find the messaging app mockup. It uses similar shades of grey and black to the phone itself, making it appear seemless, and even beautiful. Yes this would mean giving Android a completely different look, like going from WM6.x to WP7. And remove those buttons, for crying out loud, you have a beautiful touchscreen just there, it should be used! Have 2 buttons, a Home and Menu, integrate the Back option into the UI like in iOS, search could be accessed by holding down/double tapping Home and then the Menu key could be used for the next major shift.
(EDIT: Can't post images, sorry, but please search Google Images for 'windows phone 7 app associated press' and it should be the first image there)
Yes, this is a picture of an app in WP7, but that's not the point. I tried out WP7 the other day, and I found it a refreshing way of using a device. It looked good and was consistent. But I am drifting off, the Menu key. Look at the picture above, look to the left, and see the categories. Imagine that as all the app's options/menu, like pressing the Menu key currently does, as well as anything else. You could swipe through the different screens to get to it (using the screen, like I went on about before), or, similar to getting back to the first page of apps on iOS, press the Menu key to zoom back there. Simple and elegant in my opinion. Implement a similar look and feel across the whole system, and you have some mighty fine software indeed, but for those who wouldn't like it, with the option of installing one of the many ROMs available without any risk.
3) Why? Well, we are a consumer society, with many phones getting replaced in a year or less, and sometimes just being thrown out, we waste so many materials. By providing solid, useful and top of the line hardware, the need to upgrade becomes less as it would take longer to become outdated. I believe software is the key to a platform, and I am not alone in thinking that. That is where the real innovation comes from, so with a standardised Nexus there could be so much innovation coming from users such as the people here at XDA. Most of the hardware is probably available today, if not in the near future, so it is more an evolutionary step, but I will say that the tri-core processor is for more battery life and more power when needed, and the RAM allowing for better multitasking and futureproofing. And I would just love to own a phone looking like the HTC 1 concept, it is awesome and many friends I have shown it to think the same (they aren't techies either).
4) Why can't we have it? Well, I don't actually know why. The only things I can think of which probably isn't in production are: a) the tri-core processor, but dual-cores are in production now or in the next few weeks I imagine, b) SuperAMOLED(2?), mainly because it's Samsung's tech and this would be built by HTC and c) the multiple connectivity radio with HSPA+, LTE and WiMAX probably isn't being developed as of now, maybe not for another year until these networks become more common.
It is the software side of things which puzzles me, but I'm sure it is coming. Someone just has to take this idea with them, and go for gold. I would like to do that personally, but I need to learn how to code better, a lot better. (I joined XDA for inspiration ) I think this UI would work well, and be powerful, elegant and simple at the same time, helping to bring Android into the public as being easy to use and better than Apple's offerings (a tough task, but I would like to think it possible, note I am not an Android fanboy, neither do I hate Apple, but change is good).
Wow, that is a lot of writing... I hope this is acceptable, I would love to have a device like this myself, I think it would be possible in the next 6 months maybe? I am curious to see what others would like, bring on more ideas![/QUOTE]
Great post, I agree with most of what you have to say, but I feel wp7 is behind in ui. Take that home screen that just plainly wastes 1/3 of the screen. Sure, android phones could loose those buttons, but I still think it's a step ahead of the competition. The slick ui concept http://phandroid.com/2010/10/25/slick-ui-promising-look-at-an-android-home-screen-replacement-app/ may be a step towards that htc 1 concept (WOW, btw, had not seen that- http://designfabulous.blogspot.com/2010/07/htc-1.html) that we will get soon. Seems people just don't like the idea of those permanent screen buttons. I am coming around myself.
mcsinny99 said:
Great post, I agree with most of what you have to say, but I feel wp7 is behind in ui. Take that home screen that just plainly wastes 1/3 of the screen. Sure, android phones could loose those buttons, but I still think it's a step ahead of the competition. The slick ui concept http://phandroid.com/2010/10/25/slick-ui-promising-look-at-an-android-home-screen-replacement-app/ may be a step towards that htc 1 concept (WOW, btw, had not seen that- http://designfabulous.blogspot.com/2010/07/htc-1.html) that we will get soon. Seems people just don't like the idea of those permanent screen buttons. I am coming around myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree the homescreen doesn't make total use of the space, but I guess it helps make it look less cluttered, however that is personal. What I meant about WP7 was the different approach to apps, specifically the side scrolling nature of everything.
I love watching the reactions of people who look at the HTC 1 concept, every single person I have shown it to so far has just kinda said either I want one now or wow... Rather interesting to see
As for the buttons, I am undecided personally. I can see the use of having more, but I am starting to like simpler, less cluttered looks myself. I guess in that respect the Galaxy S International is half ground, having one hard button and two capacitive, which you don't really notice too much if they're not lit up.
1. Does not matter, until it is high quality and not cheap plastic.
2.
- [at least] 4" sAMOLED display (or even IPS) with standard 480x800 resolution
Buttons should be:
- Camera and power on the right side
- Volume on the left side
- Menu, back, home buttons under the screen (preferably touch buttons)
- The latest Tegra2 dual-core CPU what performs at 2GHz max, and the best mobile 3d acceleration too
- High capacity but thin battery (1600mAh)
- 12Mp camera on the back, at least 3.2Mp camera on front (or something like the Adam, a rotate-able camera ontop) with dual xenon-led flash (and of course separate control, so they can be used separately)
- Projector on top part of the phone
- 1024MB RAM, 1024MB ROM(formatted for 512-512MB), dedicated 256MB SWAP, internal 16/32GB memcard, support for SDXC cards (capacity up to 2048GB)
- Bluetooth 3.0, USB 3.0, NFC, WLAN b/g/n, DLNA support, 4G support, USB Host functions
- Android OS of course, bumped with a nice slick UI, made by real designers, not some manufacturer (actually, Samsung is pretty good in these stuffs)
- Open system (no secure bootloader, etc) if you want it
3. Why? Because as a dev phone, developers needs the BEST device to test. If the stuff runs OK on the best, it should run properly on all other. Of course, device spec fragmentation is huge, we can't make all manufacturers to use the same CPU, motherboard, radio part, etc. That's where WinPhone7 failed great.
And also, let's provide something for the money they ask for a "smart phone". My current ZTE Blade knows a lot more than the HTC Legend, but costs half or even third of the money (here in Hungary a Legend costs around 90.000HUF, what is approx. 400-500$. The Blade, while it has more cocoa in it, costs around 200$). That's not right!
4. Why can't we have it?
That's easy. Manufacturers want people to buy their new phone when it comes out. Even if it costs a lot. They won't make an "Ultimate Phone", because then after everyone bought his/her own one, there would be no need of new stocks, and done. This way, they always keep up the interest for a slightly new phone (like Nexus S, a dumber Galaxy S, with Gingerbread), just to earn the highest profit with the lowest cost involved. The manufacturer who makes the "Ultimate Phone" would get rich at first sight, then until something more Ultimate is released, they just don't have income. See what I mean? Manufacturers use the first, big boom to earn back all the money they spent for "improvements" while selling almost the same phones. Just like Samsung as I said, or Nokia (N97 and N97 Mini, N8 and E7), or Sony Ericsson (X10, X10 pro; X10 mini, X10 mini pro; Vivaz, Satio, Vivaz Pro). Slight improvements, huge incomes.
fonix232 said:
4. Why can't we have it?
That's easy. Manufacturers want people to buy their new phone when it comes out. Even if it costs a lot. They won't make an "Ultimate Phone", because then after everyone bought his/her own one, there would be no need of new stocks, and done. This way, they always keep up the interest for a slightly new phone (like Nexus S, a dumber Galaxy S, with Gingerbread), just to earn the highest profit with the lowest cost involved. The manufacturer who makes the "Ultimate Phone" would get rich at first sight, then until something more Ultimate is released, they just don't have income. See what I mean? Manufacturers use the first, big boom to earn back all the money they spent for "improvements" while selling almost the same phones. Just like Samsung as I said, or Nokia (N97 and N97 Mini, N8 and E7), or Sony Ericsson (X10, X10 pro; X10 mini, X10 mini pro; Vivaz, Satio, Vivaz Pro). Slight improvements, huge incomes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's definitely a solid reason, and as much as we/consumers don't like it, the big companies will undoubtedly keep doing the same, just to stay in business. Still, I can see it being half possible if a manufacturer like made half-ground or something
Read these old posts made me lol 1600mAh high capacity lol I do not that was even high capacity when this topic was made!,OK here is my Ultimate phone for 2010 5.2in 940x560 LCD IPS display,SoC a custom One we well call t186 it has 4 A9-cortex core clocked at 1.6Ghz and a powerVR SXG543MP6 GPU with 2GB of LPDDR2 RAM,battery a 3500mAh battery,OS android honey comb 3.4,camera 10 megapixel rear camera 2mp front camera now that is a phone my friends!
Sent from my Z970 using XDA Free mobile app
tech_yeet said:
Read these old posts made me lol 1600mAh high capacity lol I do not that was even high capacity when this topic was made!,OK here is my Ultimate phone for 2010 5.2in 940x560 LCD IPS display,SoC a custom One we well call t186 it has 4 A9-cortex core clocked at 1.6Ghz and a powerVR SXG543MP6 GPU with 2GB of LPDDR2 RAM,battery a 3500mAh battery,OS android honey comb 3.4,camera 10 megapixel rear camera 2mp front camera now that is a phone my friends!
Sent from my Z970 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not even close to the s5 and note 4... lol... year old phone.
eloko said:
That's not even close to the s5 and note 4... lol... year old phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And actually the GPU would be more powerful the SGS5...
Sent from my Z970 using XDA Free mobile app

[Q] What is the best Windows Phone?

What do you think? Prices are unimportant.
It would be nice if you can tell us why
I think the best windows phone always depends on your personal needs. I choose a HTC 7 Pro, because I needed a device with a physical keyboard, as I'm often using the office app and the email functionality.
So I bought it directly when it came out and I'm still very pleased with my descision. As there was only the Dell Venue Pro with a keyboard on sale, I choose HTC, because I had allready several phones produced by them and I loved all of them. The only thing I miss is a microSD reader.
The 7 Pro would be the best if it has a larger screen and better landscape support :/
Wtf where is the LG quantum?
The Omnia7 is a great piece of HW for that price. I just also cant live without physical KB and got the HTC 7 Pro.
Why i decided the HTC over the Dell is that Dell is pretty bulky and also note that dells keyboard does not have directional keys. When i had the Omnia 7 it was a pita when trying to go back to some specific place in a text...
As for the not so good support of landscape in WP7 its not a problem. The places where I use the KB most landscape works... Like now writing this!
Also unlocked bootloaders is a thing that made me go towards HTC.
hardcoreplur said:
Wtf where is the LG quantum?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, forgotten.
It isnt aviable in Europe, so...
Can any mod apply that phone to the poll?
Another problem of the Pro ia that it has only 8GB in the Europe version -.-
I love my HD7, but I love big screens. I use my phone 24/7, literally, it monitors my sleep lol... The battery isn't as good as some of the smaller screens, and HTC batteries suck, but you need to get a phone that suits your preferences.
HTC has problems with quality these past few years.. Not jst on wp7/wm6, bt android too..
I'll go for LG.. Easiest way to developer unlock via its mfg menu..
Sent from my LG Optimus 7
I don't actually own an Windows Phone, but I'll swap my LG 2X to a DVP. I think, that's the best Windows Phone, it has an 4.1" AMOLED Screen, a physical keyboard, it's cool looking...
But the Omnia 7 is really good too. Super AMOLED is quite better than AMOLED, and it has an metal body... thats nice
Hands down the dell venue pro. I own all of them but for battery life, functionality, quality, and pretty much everything that matters the dell venue pro. It was ergonomically designed in every sense to be form-fitted to the hand, the screen has a slight curvature unseen elsewhere, its the only windows phone without physical buttons that I dont accidentally hit the back button on, and lets face it, no other looks near as cool. The weight took some getting used to, its just slightly heavier than the hd7 but the weight is my only complaint.
The battery on the HD7 sucks, yes, but that's the least of its problems.
My main issue is that it's a terrible PHONE. The reception/signal strength is terrible.
If you're on WiFI a lot and want a bit screen, it's a great phone. WiFi will save some battey over a 3G connection given the quality of the radio in the phone.
If you want a phone that actually functions very well as a phone, I'd look into something else. Maybe the Focus. Samsung phones tend to have very good signal strength. At least my Vibrant does, but it may have a different radio /shrug. The HD2 had poor reception as well. The HD7 is basically it's fraternal twin brother.
Also, I'd try my best to get an unlocked/unbranded phone because Microsoft is making us do the carrier dance, Sadly.
HD7
Pros:
Large screen
Good call quality (Sounds nice & clear)
Good signal strength (I get 3G+ reception up in the mountains of Burbank, CA & Burbank refuses to allow cell provider to put up new towers)
Nice build quality, feels nice in the hand
Kick Stand for media viewing
Hackability (Same goes for all HTC's as we have R/HSPL)
Cons:
Battery
Poor speaker volume/quality
LCD is nice but nothing compared to Super AMOLED & SAMOLED+
Some complain about the hardware buttons, personally I like them
The capacitive buttons are too close to the LCD (prone to accidently hitting one while holding the device)
I owned the HTC HD7, the HTC Mozart, the LG Optimus 7 and the Omnia 7. So I think I can give a fair point of view.
In my opinion:
* the best is LG Optimus 7:
Pros:
16GB storage, nice battery life, DLNA, great augmented reality apps, speech to text, physical buttons (I hate capacitive buttons)
cons:
Ugly design, too much plastic, heavy weight, mediocre screen and camera, bad image of LG
* Followed by HTC Mozart:
Pros:
Very well balanced phone, HTC apps, aluminium body, 8MP camera, battery life is ok, speakers are of good quality.
cons:
8GB storage only, no HTC flashlight, no DLNA, screen a little bit small.
* Followed by Omnia 7:
Pros:
Wonderful elegant design, great S-Amoled screen
cons:
8GB storage only (at least in my country), very limited number of Samsung apps, no DLNA, a lot of annoying bugs that ruin the overall experience.
* In my opinion the HD7 is the worst.
Pros:
Screen size, kick stand, HTC apps, good call quality
cons:
Terrible screen resolution, horrible battery life, boring design, no DLNA, mediocre camera, mediocre 8GB storage only, terrible speakers (my God)...
I was surprised to discover that I really enjoy using the HTC Mozart and finally hated the HD7 (even if my previous phone was a HD2).
At first sight I fell in love with the Omnia 7 but was finally disappointing on a daily basis...
I have the Omnia 7 and all I can say is that it has terrible call quality and reception-issues.
Otherwise I love it.
By the looks of things there are no good WP7 phones available.
Lets hope Nokia can set things straight.
nizzon said:
By the looks of things there are no good WP7 phones available.
Lets hope Nokia can set things straight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true unfortunately...
Our WP7 devices are really underpowered, with poor storage.
MS shall really increase the minimum specifications now.
arturobandini said:
This is true unfortunately...
Our WP7 devices are really underpowered, with poor storage.
MS shall really increase the minimum specifications now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think, only Android and Bada/WM6 really needs dual core, 1GB RAM and some more, because the software isn't really good adapted on the devices.
On WP7, it is.
So for WP7-devices is a 1 year old Snapdragon enough - because they all have the same and Microsoft can easily adapt their OS on the hardware, and everything is running smooth.
On Android, it looks like the devices are requiring an Tegra2 or Exynos to run as good as WP7-devices.
Waste of power, just my opinion. Or do you want to tell your friends, how many cores your phone got?
Lower hardware specs make the devices much cheaper, you can see it on the Omnia7. Only 199€ in Europe.
But with the storage-thing I agree with you. It is really annoying, to have to buy a new phone if the storage is full and you want to save more music and apps on it, otherwise you only need to buy a new SD card...
Enough OT now
Sent from my LG 2X using xda premium app. Sorry 4 bad English :/
arturobandini my omnia 7 has 16gb with 14.5gb available so that is not true
also i don't suffer from poor call quality, its crystal clear.
the only things i don't like about it
1. battery life could be better (its 50%) of how long my iphone 4 battery could last
2. not very ergonomic, don't understand the fascination of big phones that need 2 hands to compose a message
LGXX said:
I think, only Android and Bada/WM6 really needs dual core, 1GB RAM and some more, because the software isn't really good adapted on the devices.
On WP7, it is.
So for WP7-devices is a 1 year old Snapdragon enough - because they all have the same and Microsoft can easily adapt their OS on the hardware, and everything is running smooth.
On Android, it looks like the devices are requiring an Tegra2 or Exynos to run as good as WP7-devices.
Waste of power, just my opinion. Or do you want to tell your friends, how many cores your phone got?
Lower hardware specs make the devices much cheaper, you can see it on the Omnia7. Only 199€ in Europe.
But with the storage-thing I agree with you. It is really annoying, to have to buy a new phone if the storage is full and you want to save more music and apps on it, otherwise you only need to buy a new SD card...
Enough OT now
Sent from my LG 2X using xda premium app. Sorry 4 bad English :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont really care about dual core.
I want...
SAMOLED (or something equal in blacks)
Good reception and good call quality
at least 16gb storage
Good buildquality
Hardware homebutton
Is that too much to ask? It looks like it.
SicilianTony said:
arturobandini my omnia 7 has 16gb with 14.5gb available so that is not true
also i don't suffer from poor call quality, its crystal clear.
the only things i don't like about it
1. battery life could be better (its 50%) of how long my iphone 4 battery could last
2. not very ergonomic, don't understand the fascination of big phones that need 2 hands to compose a message
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello SicilianTony,
In my country the Omnia 7 is only available with 8GB unfortunately...
That's a shame.
Regarding call quality, I suppose I have been unlucky with my device in particular. Accrdingly I will modify my previous comment in order to give the most objective and fair review possible.

[Q] HTC 8X vs. HTC One S

I might be trading my HTC One S for an HTC 8X do you think this is a good deal and what are the pros and cons to each device? any tips? thanks
justin11141 said:
I might be trading my HTC One S for an HTC 8X do you think this is a good deal and what are the pros and cons to each device? any tips? thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the HTC HD7 for 6 months... I tried to like the windows phone OS, but I eventually felt it to be way to "constricting" I couldn't modify it, and at the time there weren't too many apps for it. It's a quick operating system, but it doesn't seem like it's as powerful as the android platform.
I don't know much about the 8X, the hardware may be better than the OneS (I haven't looked into it), but I have to say the OS is just not mature enough to compete with Android, iOS, or even RIM's OS
that's just my 2cents
I happened to have played with the 8X and have One S.
The first thing you need to ask yourself before the switch is if you need any of the apps on your android phone. Remember that Windows Phone is still relatively new OS and there are still tons of apps missing or not working well. If you think that you can survive with the limited apps support then you can decide if you want to switch. One of the biggest issue I have with WP8 is not much google voice support and since I use GV as my only text, it is hard for me to stay on it. (granted you can use email option and/or other third party software but just not as great)
One thing that I personally do not like about WP8 is the notification LED light that only blinks a few seconds after a missed call/sms, etc but does not stay on. So you always have to turn the device on to see anything.
My biggest recommendation is first do a bit read on the pro/con on the WP8 since you are looking to swtich between the platform so you need to know what you are getting yoruself into. Things like Goggle service like Maps, turn by turn navigatin, customizatoin etc are missing on the 8X
Overall, the 8X is great WP8 phone and probably one of the best build out there for WP8. The phone has great camera, especially front camera compare to our One S, much higher res and takes much better image. The One S and 8X have same rear camera but I think one S has more feature due to the software (since WP8 does not offer you much software).
build quality, both phones are great, I like the soft rubber feel of 8X but I personally prefer One S's metalic body as it feel more durable and premium. The rounded corner also feels a bit better. The 8X button is a bit hard to press due to it's flushed against the body.
a few other differences/comments
One S has FM but 8X does not
both has no removable batter and no expandable battery so both comes with 16GB storage and on 8X, you get like 13 or 14gb for free (I think a bit mroe than 8X)
8X has a better screen due to higher res and use of LCD as oppose to SAMOLED. It can appears to be a bit washed out if you are used to SAMOLED but it's more natural color.
Both phones are great, but I wouldn't necessarily trade your HTC One S for the HTC 8X.
This is what I can think of at the moment:
Pros:
Higher Resolution Screen on the 8X (1280 x 720 vs 960 x 540)
Higher PPI
Higher res front-facing camera 2.1MP vs VGA (.3MP)
Rubberized grip has a unique feel
Windows OS is very easy to use
OS Integrates very well with Microsoft services (Xbox Live, Hotmail, Skydrive, etc.)
Has search features that are integrated for QR code scanning and photo search
Cons:
LCD2 Screen isn't as vibrant as the Super AMOLED display on the One S
Windows 8 OS has a limited app market
Windows 8 OS doesn't really allow customization - for instance keyboards, widgets, etc.
Overal more restrictive OS environment
The 8X feels a bit uncomfortable to me with the sharp edges

Do you plan to move to another big tablet (iPad PRO, Surface Pro 4 and Pixel C)?

Hello, when my Note PRO 12.2 works, it is quite useful. However, when it fails, it is very bad. One time I fully charged the device in the evening. In the middle of the day, it ran out of power. I could not take photo with a beautiful girl I met. Last week, when I asked somebody to take photo of me and a cute girl, the device rebooted again itself when the guy pressed the camera app button. I also failed to take a few important photos when this malfunction happened. Although somebody pointed out that this might be due to a loose connection problem, it seems to be software related. Why always the camera apps (one built in and another 3rd party)? It seems that when the apps tried to access the camera, the device rebooted.
Anyway, I am considering to move to another platform. How many of you plan to get an iPad PRO, Surface Pro 4 or Pixel C? Due to the camera-reboot issue, I consider to stay away from Android device. Don't know the battery consumption and actual weight of the iPad PRO and Surface Pro 4 yet. I do want cellar phone function and a stylus. Is the Surface Pro 4 my best bet?
petercohen said:
Although somebody pointed out that this might be due to a loose connection problem, it seems to be software related. Why always the camera apps (one built in and another 3rd party)? It seems that when the apps tried to access the camera, the device rebooted.
Anyway, I am considering to move to another platform. How many of you plan to get an iPad PRO, Surface Pro 4 or Pixel C? Due to the camera-reboot issue, I consider to stay away from Android device. Don't know the battery consumption and actual weight of the iPad PRO and Surface Pro 4 yet. I do want cellar phone function and a stylus. Is the Surface Pro 4 my best bet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not beyond the realm of possibility for the loose connection to be such that pushing power requirements beyond a certain point causes stability issues. Like Beut said in the other thread, you could always do a factory reset and then immediately test the camera to see if you regain stability in its use.
As for buying into another platform, you say that you want cell phone function . . Is that even possible with the other options? Highly unlikely with the iPad for sure . .
Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk
I have the p905 model
I did not take many pictures with because i have my note edge and nikon d750 dslr but i did not have any problems with taking pictures with
Anyway
I don't think that there is any tablet in similar size that can compete with the note pro
Maybe some specs are outdated compares to others but it function very well for me
If they make a new note pro with an amoled screen then i might consider buying it or the samsung view 18.4" if it is released
Mine has never rebooted itself.
Which is a vast improvement over my previous Asus Transformer TF700T... That thing rebooted constantly. (It had some serious I/O issues. Update 3 apps at once and it reboots.).
At any rate, I will certainly consider a Surface Pro 4, on one very vital condition: That it has an Nvidia GPU, as opposed to that IntelHD piece of ****. Anything with an IntelHD isn't worth more than 5 quid.
Edit: The Surface Pro 4 comes with an IntelHD. I will not spend a single euro on such crap.
It seems that the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Note do not have LTE option
Mine too never rebooted, and it is rooted with lollipop. The only problems I had was a couple of reboot stuck at samsung logo while installing applications that required a reboot, such as AD-Away.
Problem solved long pressing the power button and then booting again.
Even the battery still gives me 10 full working hours.
So, I plan to use it until Samsung releases a new comparable device.
A second one, not rooted, as it is in the hands of my daughter and the rest of the family, performs equally well.
SM-P905
I'll wait for the next Android of a similar or larger size device.
Surface Pro 4 is too expensive and Windows applications (and many of it's internal components) do not scale well at high DPI. I had the Yoga Pro 3 (3200x1800) and returned it due to it's bad scaling. I got a laptop in exchange at 17.3" at 1920x1080 and still scaling is bad (not as bad). Windows 8.1/10 at high DPI is not as near as good as Android. So no Windows tablet for me, thank you.
iPad is too closed of a system for me, even for multimedia consumption everything has to go through iTunes, so no.
Pixel C, although a good idea with stock Android is too small compared to NotePRO 12.2, so no.
I' d love a "Pixel C" type of tablet at 12.2" with stock Android for smoothness and fast updates. If you come across one drop me a line.
My current tablet is the SM-P905, Lollipop, rooted (never had blue screens, never had reboots)
Windows tablets are better at productivity and Android tablets are better for consumption. Android fakes productivity way better than Windows tablets fake consumption. With 12" tablets being made chic by Apple it proves the Note 12 was ahead of its time. For me, there's no reason to go anywhere else. With the Pixel C there may be some developer interest in building more/better Android productivity apps that'll only benefit us.
I wanted the surface but battery life and lack of lte are holding me back. I have the 907a.
I was praying that the surface would have at least 10 hours.
I still have hope that Samsung will announce something between 12-13 inches with decent specs and battery life, as dell failed to impress.
petercohen said:
Hello, when my Note PRO 12.2 works, it is quite useful. However, when it fails, it is very bad. One time I fully charged the device in the evening. In the middle of the day, it ran out of power. I could not take photo with a beautiful girl I met. Last week, when I asked somebody to take photo of me and a cute girl, the device rebooted again itself when the guy pressed the camera app button. I also failed to take a few important photos when this malfunction happened. Although somebody pointed out that this might be due to a loose connection problem, it seems to be software related. Why always the camera apps (one built in and another 3rd party)? It seems that when the apps tried to access the camera, the device rebooted.
Anyway, I am considering to move to another platform. How many of you plan to get an iPad PRO, Surface Pro 4 or Pixel C? Due to the camera-reboot issue, I consider to stay away from Android device. Don't know the battery consumption and actual weight of the iPad PRO and Surface Pro 4 yet. I do want cellar phone function and a stylus. Is the Surface Pro 4 my best bet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I'm getting a surface pro 4. I'm going to use it mostly for photo and video editing. My note can process raw files OK with photometers r2 but it drains the battery very quickly. Would rather have the fully powered and featured windows machine. Plus I'll run something like bluestockings if I need a few android apps. Not that I use many apps anyways. Mostly lecture notes and the browser.
I'll keep my note pro though. Still trying to get the thing to work properly though....
Just picked up an i7 Surface Pro 4 to replace my Note 12.2.
I have been looking for a replacement for mine (lte on Verizon) because of the poor battery life I have been getting. I need it to last all day. The problem I've found is that there still isn't anything that would be an "upgrade" that would be worth buying. I think I just need to doggie out my battery issue for now.
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
I chose the GN Pro 12.2 because it was 12.2" with Android.
I need Android (I play on a game which is only available on Android) and I need a 12,2" screen (I read comics).
Surface is Windows
Ipad is IOS
Pixel c is Android but 10,2" so too small.
And because I got many issues with Samsung devices (Tablet, TV, smartphone, etc...), I will never buy any other Samsung devices.
If you got something else, than the proposed tablet, it would be interesting to share.
luffy092 said:
I chose the GN Pro 12.2 because it was 12.2" with Android.
I need Android (I play on a game which is only available on Android) and I need a 12,2" screen (I read comics).
Surface is Windows
Ipad is IOS
Pixel c is Android but 10,2" so too small.
And because I got many issues with Samsung devices (Tablet, TV, smartphone, etc...), I will never buy any other Samsung devices.
If you got something else, than the proposed tablet, it would be interesting to share.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had the note pro 12.3
2 since it came out. As a digital artist it was the best for me. Always being an android lover I stayed away until 3 weeks ago and several months of searching and trying Android and windows tablets and 2 in 1's. It really sucks that android did not continue with evolving the note pro 12.2. Finally after much internal torture I bought the iPad pro 12.9 gen 3 tablet and the Apple pencil. All I can say is wow! Now I'm not going to become an apple convert because I love my note 8 (have no desire to upgrade at this time). But the tablet is phenomenal for digital art and all the basic stuff I used to do on my note pro. The only thing I can't stand on the iPad is the file management system. It's like your personal files are top secret. Android is light-years ahead in that aspect. If Samsung decides to put out a larger more powerful tablet I may go back to Android tablets. I absolutely loved infinite painter. It just blows my mind that they don't even try to compete with apple in the tablet world... But maybe that says something about apple's tablets.
I am not an Apple fan, but I did have an iPad Pro 12.2 LTE with 128 GB. It was a very nice and usable device.
I did not play games on it. I mostly read books, news articles and watched videos. It even had split screen which was nice. Long battery life. I was part of Apple's beta group which got new iOS operating systems before the general public. I never had an issue with the iPad. I am a Samsung devotee. Even though Samsung is terrible at updates and supporting older devices, I still love their products. My Note FE is great. I also do android development, so my Note FE and other devices have custom ROMs. If Apple would install android on their hardware, I would buy in a heartbeat. Or, if they had a developers version of their devices (unlocked, jail broken), I would buy.

Is there anything better than the Note Pro 12.2 (Verizon LTE)?

I am starting to fall out of love with my tablet. I bought it shortly after launch after seeing it on display while my wife was looking at an Apple tablet. The display blew me away, and the specs were awesome... two + years ago.
The problem that I'm running into, and from my research many others are too, is that there really isn't an "upgrade" to the note pro. I might be willing to go down to a 10" screen, but I like the size. The Pixel C seems like the specs aren't up to what I have now.
So I thought I'd come here and seek the advice of people using the Note Pro 12.2 - what are you considering upgrading to?
I just bought a refurbished one off eBay to replace my original one which has a cracked screen (but still working.) I kept waiting for something new to come out, but finally gave up for now. The finally straw was Samsung coming out with a 12" Windows tablet, but no Android version.
There's nothing spectacular out there on the tablet market to begin with anyways. For now I'm satisfied with my Note Pro. I'd jump on a Surface Pro 4 if handwritten note taking on it were as good as it is with LectureNotes but nothing else comes close.
Thanks, I guess I'll just have to wait and hope for the best to come out. I too was very disappointed to see the windows version come out.
BillVanDusen said:
I am starting to fall out of love with my tablet. I bought it shortly after launch after seeing it on display while my wife was looking at an Apple tablet. The display blew me away, and the specs were awesome... two + years ago.
The problem that I'm running into, and from my research many others are too, is that there really isn't an "upgrade" to the note pro. I might be willing to go down to a 10" screen, but I like the size. The Pixel C seems like the specs aren't up to what I have now.
So I thought I'd come here and seek the advice of people using the Note Pro 12.2 - what are you considering upgrading to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get MM on your devices through CM13. But if you have the Verizon variant you get at least LP 5.1.1. http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/56136/P905VVRUBOH1_P905VVZWBOH1_VZW/
I have read a lot about MM, and the battery saving you can get from it, also some claim spotted improvements, but I was just waiting for someone else to take the plunge on the Verizon version!
thools60 said:
You can get MM on your devices through CM13. But if you have the Verizon variant you get at least LP 5.1.1. http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/56136/P905VVRUBOH1_P905VVZWBOH1_VZW/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BillVanDusen said:
I am starting to fall out of love with my tablet. I bought it shortly after launch after seeing it on display while my wife was looking at an Apple tablet. The display blew me away, and the specs were awesome... two + years ago.
The problem that I'm running into, and from my research many others are too, is that there really isn't an "upgrade" to the note pro. I might be willing to go down to a 10" screen, but I like the size. The Pixel C seems like the specs aren't up to what I have now.
So I thought I'd come here and seek the advice of people using the Note Pro 12.2 - what are you considering upgrading to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen pretty much the same myself.
The only options with roughly the same form factor with reasonably close or better specs are the ipad pro and surface pro but neither one is an android tablet.
Really the only option for a true upgrade is to drop to a 10 inch tablet.
The Pixcel C is better specs-wise by quite a large margin in the processor and graphics department and at least equal in most other areas.
The things holding me back there are Screen size (10.2 inch), Aspect ratio (4:3) and from what I've read there are a some software/driver issues (This is likely to be fixed pretty quickly by google for what its worth)
In comparison the Galaxy note has a 12.2 inch screen, a 16:10 aspect ratio and against popular opinion, I'm pretty fond of the extra features in touchwiz.
but if you can deal with the smaller screen and 4:3 aspect ratio the pixel C is really the only solid upgrade I've found.
for me I decided I'm sticking with this tablet for the foreseeable future, its great with the right peripherals and gets everything I need done and the snapdragon 800 keeps up pretty well at this point.
Not really.
I had hopes for the 18.4" Galaxy View, but that turned out to be a bigger joke than an iPad.
(No, seriously, it has a 1080p res on an 18" screen, 5700 mAh, 2GB RAM and a 1.6 GHz CPU. Useless.)
The Surface Pro 4 sounded very interesting at first, when the rumours mentioned an Nvidia GPU. Turns out is has an IntelHD, which means I can't use it properly and thus isn't worth the money. If I have to spend 2000 quid on a "laptop replacement" tablet, I bloody well want to be able to run Mass Effect 3 on it. It has all the specs to run it, except for that horrendously massive bottleneck of a GPU.
Ipad... No, just no.
Everything else either has a low resolution, too small a screen, too low RAM, too low CPU or a ****ty GPU. And no Spen. (And yes, as a designer I use that pen. A lot. Hell, you can even use it as a Wacom tablet for your PC with a simple app.)
So no, nothing worth upgrading to.
firefly6240 said:
Really the only option for a true upgrade is to drop to a 10 inch tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The other problem (other then drop in size) I had with that is almost all the tablets are dropping LTE. I really like the flexibility that LTE provides when traveling - using in a car, avoiding hotel wifi charges or slow speed, etc.
Thank you everyone for your responses. It seems that you have all confirmed my fears: that besides the Pixel, which doesn't have the s-pen, I am just going to have to live with what I have for now.

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