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I am currently a Blackberry AT&T customer and i really would like to jump to an android based phone and see if i can knock my monthly cost down a bit as well. The Galaxy S2 phones have really caught my interest but i am having a hard time picking which variant to go with.
The Sprint Epic 4G Touch sports the nice large screen, slightly less monthly cost. but seems to have an unresolved Loss of Network issue that tons of people are having plus battery issues and lacking NFC.
The T mobile variant has the same nice screen but the Qualcomm processor due to their network which supposedly is a bit slower.
Or the last option is to go with the ATT version, smaller screen, has NFC and the higher monthly cost.
Currently with AT&T data connectivity and having fast service mostly everywhere has been pretty good. What are your thoughts and experiences with the other carriers and why ?
Thanks
Its usually better to choose the carrier based on pricing, features and coverage and then choose your device.
Picking carrier based on device is something that started when iphone was only on at&t. With android its not necessary.
The ATT version has kept the GSII the closest to it's original form in both looks and internals. However the T-Mobile version does have the bigger screen, faster network, cheaper prices (rate plan wise) and the Qualcomm supposedly has been benching better than the Exynos oddly. Either way, the difference in processing speed is going to be negligible, they are both beasts.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App
I'm running cm7.2 on my Motorola defy, and due to a need for more storage(64gb sd support) I am upgrading. I primarily do emails, music, and occasional photography and web browsing.
I am looking for a phone that has:
- Some sort of cyanogenmod support, official would be preferable.
- 64gb sd support.
- Decent battery life.
- 8mp camera, a good lense would also be nice.
- Gorilla glass.
- Smaller than the Galaxy S2, as my hands are too small.
- Decent specs.
I had a look at the htc sensation(not 4g), and it looked fine- except I've heard things about it overheating, and having abysmal battery life. I had a look at anker batteries, and the like but getting them shipped to my country would be expensive. It's my primary choice currently, but I'm still iffy about it, hence this thread.
Thankyou in advance.
Even though the Development is fantastic, I didn't find the Sensation much chop.
So far, the 64GB card has worked for me in:
HTC Vivid 4G
LG Nitro HD
Samsung Galaxy S2 i9100
Samsung Galaxy Note N7000 and i717
Dell Streak 5
HTC Incredible S (a bit patchy - required a few formats before it recognised)
There are some reports of it working in the Motorola Atrix also, although I didn't try it.
Hope this helps! It probably works in a lot more, these are just the ones I've tried personally
Thanks.
So as an opinion, would you recommend the Incredible S over the sensation if the two were relatively similar in price?
get the vivid or s2 9100, both fit ur needa to the T.
choovanski said:
Thanks.
So as an opinion, would you recommend the Incredible S over the sensation if the two were relatively similar in price?
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Click to collapse
No. If they are similar in price, get the Sensation. The Incredible S, while excellent in everyday use, is much older on paper and is not worth the price of a Sensation.
The Development for Sensation here makes it a good phone. The only reasons I didn't like it was the out-of-box performance (no modifications), and the fact that out of three units I've owned, two have overheated or shorted out and died completely. Those experiences just left a bitter taste for me
I'd recommend a Vivid/Raider/Velocity (all the same phone) over anything else HTC at the moment. It's a pity you can't be pursuaded to the size of the GS2, as that's the best all-rounder on the market currently
Sensation is good. but if you like smaller hanset, I think Xperia sola is good for you. it's dual core and the rest of the specs are good too. they dont say that if its capable to use a 64GB sd card, but you can try it anyway. its a lil bit pricy tho..
...alternatively you can consider Droid Razr. a 64GB sdcard works in Razr too,
The vivid is twice the price of the sensation, and I will not be able to take advantage of the 4g.
My step-dad has the S2, and it's very nice- but I'm only 5'8 and have girly hands, so I can't reach all of the screen. It's a bummer.
Due to the sensation's overheating problems, would you recommend avoiding it completely? I'm getting mine(regardless of the price) shipped from Australia, or Singapore so I'm not sure how htc are about warranty. I have had terrible overheating problems, fire and all that with hp computers and would rather not go down that road again.
choovanski said:
The vivid is twice the price of the sensation, and I will not be able to take advantage of the 4g.
My step-dad has the S2, and it's very nice- but I'm only 5'8 and have girly hands, so I can't reach all of the screen. It's a bummer.
Due to the sensation's overheating problems, would you recommend avoiding it completely? I'm getting mine(regardless of the price) shipped from Australia, or Singapore so I'm not sure how htc are about warranty. I have had terrible overheating problems, fire and all that with hp computers and would rather not go down that road again.
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Click to collapse
What radio bands does your network use?
I found my Vivid right here on XDA for 300 dollars. Sensations here are around the 230 mark, so there isn't a whole lot of difference, unless you are looking at retail prices in which case there will be.
I personally will not touch another Sensation, but it may be completely bad luck on my part. There are plenty here who love it, and it's important to remember that for every member who raises an issue with their handset, there are 100 who have none
As far as warranty goes, handsets have to go back to country of origin for servicing if they are carrier branded. I believe an International warranty applied only on unbranded handsets - this may be incorrect though.
Even though I'm in Australia and ship a few phones myself, I'd recommend against sourcing from here if you can. Getting phones out of Australia is a nightmare due to silly Lithium battery regulations. I source most of my handsets from the US and Hong Kong Also, prices here are over-inflated for personal technology. We are one of the most expensive nations in the world for gadgets.
Out of curiosity, where are you located?
New Zealand. The prices for tech are stupidly high here, I would never buy in this country.
My network, 2degrees says "we run a 900MHz GSM network. Data is provided using both GPRS and EDGE technology. We provide HSDPA at 2100MHZ within our Mobile Broadband Zones. Outside our Mobile Broadband Zones we use 2G 900 MHz or 3G 2100MHz."
So those are the kind of specs I would need.
The Vivid is even bigger than the galaxy.. Wow. The sensation seems to be the same size, but feels a lot smaller. Maybe its the case my step-dad has on his. Will have to do a test.
Out of interest, how do you get phones on xda? Also how much is the S2 on here?
choovanski said:
New Zealand. The prices for tech are stupidly high here, I would never buy in this country.
My network, 2degrees says "we run a 900MHz GSM network. Data is provided using both GPRS and EDGE technology. We provide HSDPA at 2100MHZ within our Mobile Broadband Zones. Outside our Mobile Broadband Zones we use 2G 900 MHz or 3G 2100MHz."
So those are the kind of specs I would need.
The Vivid is even bigger than the galaxy.. Wow. The sensation seems to be the same size, but feels a lot smaller. Maybe its the case my step-dad has on his. Will have to do a test.
Out of interest, how do you get phones on xda? Also how much is the S2 on here?
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Yeah, you poor buggers get hit harder than what we do. How's petrol there these days? It was 1.80 a litre last time I was there. We're not far off that here, now
2100MHz 3G you'll get on just about every phone in existence, same with 900MHz GSM. I use a Vivid daily and it's marginally smaller than the GS2, and very close to the size of the Sensation (just heavier).
There's a Marketplace here on XDA. Unfortunately they've just put a rule in place limiting access for newer members. Average going price here for a GS2 is around US350 for a black model. White ones a little higher. You're lucky in that you can take any model and it will work so long as it's unlocked. You'll need to factor in shipping also, it's around US50 for a phone and US60 for a tablet to Australia, don't expect it'd be much more to NZ.
I don't drive, and for that I am glad. Things are expensive here.
Well, I won't be able to use the market place due to restrictions. So I will have to settle for an import. Is AUSD410 a good price for a sensation, as I have a relative who would be able to pick one up for me in Australia when they go.
When you mentioned the lithium customs problem, does that go for the luggage that is not the carry on?
Sorry if it's too many questions, it's just I'm a student and I don't want to sink my money into a bad phone.
choovanski said:
I don't drive, and for that I am glad. Things are expensive here.
Well, I won't be able to use the market place due to restrictions. So I will have to settle for an import. Is AUSD410 a good price for a sensation, as I have a relative who would be able to pick one up for me in Australia when they go.
When you mentioned the lithium customs problem, does that go for the luggage that is not the carry on?
Sorry if it's too many questions, it's just I'm a student and I don't want to sink my money into a bad phone.
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Carry-on luggage doesn't seem to be a problem (at least domestically), I carried multiple phones/tablets with me on my last couple of trips and didn't run into any issues.
To be honest, that's GS2 territory price-wise. What's your budget, and what do you most desire?
I just really want a device that supports 64gb sd, has a decent camera, a good battery and isn't huge. I'm still really iffy about phones the size of the galaxy S2, because I just can't reach all of the screen. The Incredible S is looking tempting, because of the size and the fact people say good things about it's battery life.
I wouldn't want want to spend much more than NZD550, which is AUD430 and USD450.
choovanski said:
I just really want a device that supports 64gb sd, has a decent camera, a good battery and isn't huge. I'm still really iffy about phones the size of the galaxy S2, because I just can't reach all of the screen. The Incredible S is looking tempting, because of the size and the fact people say good things about it's battery life.
I wouldn't want want to spend much more than NZD550, which is AUD430 and USD450.
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There's quite aa few options in your budget, but the size limitation rules out the majority, although I definitely understand it. I don't think I could comfortably use any of my phones one-handed!
You should be able to pick up an Incredible S for around the AU300 mark. I'm not 100% sure on comparability with a 64GB card, mine did work eventually but it took a few formats and a bit of coaxing, it certainly wasn't just drop-in-and-go.
What about one of the newer Sony Ericsson phones, like the Arc or Arc S, or even the Ray might be a better fit for you?
Sent from my HTC Vivid
The arc S looks very nice, and there are some cases where people have been able to get 64gb cards to work on it. While the headphone jack placement is bad, it's of a good size and has a great camera. If you know of a way that I could buy one for a decent price, I would be very grateful.
Nice choice. There is limited difference between the Arc and Arc S (just a hifher-clocked SoC and 1080p video) and no size difference at all, so even if the Arc S is out of budget, there wouldn't be a lot of difference in taking the Arc instead.
Is the width of the GS2 the off-putting feature? The Arc is narrower and thinner, but about the same length overall?
I'll see what I can dig up for you
Sent from my HTC Vivid
And the hight of the screen, I couldn't actually reach the status bar.
The arc is well within my price range, but I would like the faster processor of the arc s.
Thankyou so much for the help.
choovanski said:
And the hight of the screen, I couldn't actually reach the status bar.
The arc is well within my price range, but I would like the faster processor of the arc s.
Thankyou so much for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use this tool at PhoneArena to compare dimensions if you like. Remove the TyTN and add any four phones you like.
Chapest prices I could find you on the Arc S in Australia are eBay unfortunately. There are a couple here on the MP, but after shipping to Australia they'll come out more.
You're looking at around the 410 mark, that's including postage to Australia. I dug it up in white, silver and blue. I can't speak for the seller with the silver and blue units, but I can tell you that even though IMobilePhoneX send their stuff from Hong Kong, it is genuine and always factory fresh. I have dealt with them multiple times.
Anything else I can help with, let me know
Massive thanks.
I just order the arc S from IMobilePhoneX. Thanks for the recommendation. I assume it should be arriving before next Sunday, am I correct in that assumption?
Also, on a related note- are you running ICS, and if so is it really that much better than gingerbread?
Once again, thankyou.
choovanski said:
Massive thanks.
I just order the arc S from IMobilePhoneX. Thanks for the recommendation. I assume it should be arriving before next Sunday, am I correct in that assumption?
Also, on a related note- are you running ICS, and if so is it really that much better than gingerbread?
Once again, thankyou.
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Click to collapse
My pleasure.
I would guess so. That gives it seven days from HK, which is possible as they usually use a courier.
I am running ICS, but am not the biggest advocate for it. I dislike the 'stock' ICS launcher/UI, and only enjoy ICS on my Vivid because it has Sense over the top. It takes a few cues from Honeycomb naturally, and I wasn't the biggest fan of that UI either.
Performance-wise it is a definite improvement, especially with the GPU now rendering the little things like homescreen flicking, opening/flicking the app drawer etc. ICS on the Vivid is much more fluid and responsive than GB (not that GB was bad by any means - ICS is just noticeably better).
What annoys me the most is that it breaks compatibility with my favourite launcher, LauncherPro. There's no development for it anymore either, so it's probably going to be that way for a long time.
It all comes down to personal preference on the look, but the performance and rendering gains are definitely there
Just wondering, as probably the major complaint with my G2 is the network speed, especially when tethering. I live in a great 4G coverage area and my friends with Galaxy II's get much better speeds than me, so I know the upgrade would be worthwhile.
Anyway, I know the Galaxy II, Amaze, and Blaze are all "full" 42Mbps, but finding info on the network specs with other devices is kinda hit-or-miss - the same phone can have numerous numbers listed across the web, but I have no idea which would be the most reliable source.
For example, I have no idea whether the recent LG Mytouch phones support 42Mbps or something lesser, and I'm considering one for the low price and specs at least equal to my G2 (don't care about camera as I have a decent P&S).
I'm looking for a solid, affordable tablet that can make cellular phone calls. Neither the p3200 nor the t211 have really great specs, but I've liked all the Samsung tabs I've owned or played with and Negri has them for 300. I would be ditching my TMobile 7.0+, my two i717's, and getting one of these as a large screen substitute to my T989 (or, keeping that as a pocketable sub). I'm on the $30 TMobile plan in a strong refarmed area. The lack of LTE is disappointing (but I only really use it for VOIP) as is the bleh camera but the micro-usb port is a nice change from my 7.0+.
Can anyone offer any solid real life experience with these? I'm not a gamer; I only text and email, browse, and watch some Netflix and YouTube on the go.
The other plan is to get a used Note 2 or an AT&T Mega. A Seidio Obex or the like for any of them would probably make up my mind but this is cheaper AND bigger.
Thanks!
Replying to my own question ...
I stopped into an AT&T store on the way to work. I was able to mess around with a Mega and an AT&T Tab 3 7" for a bit. They weren't side by side but the tab isn't that much bigger; it's bezels are much smaller than my 7.0+'s.
I guess out comes down to slightly smaller size, LTE, and a nice camera (Mega) vs. better battery life, no carrier bloat, and a much cheaper price (international Tab 3), as well as available cases.
In my brief screwing around they both seemed responsive with nice screens. The Mega isn't as horribly narrow as it looks online.
G020A : Verizon (USA)
CDMA EVDO Rev A: BC0/BC1/BC10
LTE: Bands 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/17/20/25/26/28/32/38/40/41/66
G020C : USA, Canada
CDMA EVDO Rev A: BC0/BC1/BC10
LTE: Bands B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/66/71
eSIM10
G020B : UK, Europe, APAC (International version)
CDMA EVDO Rev A: BC0/BC1/BC10
LTE: Bands 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/17/20/25/26/28/32/38/40/41/66
eSIM10
G020D : Japan
UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA: All global bands and 6/19
LTE: Bands 1/2/3/4/5/8/12/13/17/18/19/21/26/28/38/41
FeliCa
The scary part about the G020C (the unlocked for-every-carrier model) is, in fact, the wide availability. Even though the closest Best Buy is out of Just Black, Amazon is not - and due to faster shipping being a thing, they are actually a solid alternative to Best Buy (at least for me). Even better, the price is the same - literally.
And what about G020G? This is the one in hands here ?
ylapas said:
And what about G020G? This is the one in hands here
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Wrong forum, G020G is Pixel 3a, not 3a XL.
It's 'simple', Google made 4 models of each version (8 models) of the Pixel 3a and 3 XL (the G020x):
There is the A/B/C/D for 3a XL and E/F/G/H for the 3a.
There is one model for:
- The world (International standard version)
- USA (because, you know... 'Merica!)
- Verizon (because, you know... 'MERICAAA!)
- Japan (because, you know... Japan!)
USA doesn't really like standards (Netwroks, Celsius vs. Fahrenheit, Metric vs. Imperial, DD/MM/YY, MPH vs. KMH ...), so there is often a specific version for them and a 'standard worldwide' version for others countries with standards. So there not really 'different models' but one wordwide model + specific model(s) for specific country who want his own stuff instead of complying with standards
Oh, yes, my bad ? XDA Labs by mistake moved me to this as it though I have 3a XL
smartuser8 said:
Wrong forum, G020G is Pixel 3a, not 3a XL.
It's 'simple', Google made 4 models of each version (8 models) of the Pixel 3a and 3 XL (the G020x):
There is the A/B/C/D for 3a XL and E/F/G/H for the 3a.
There is one model for:
- The world (International standard version)
- USA (because, you know... 'Merica!)
- Verizon (because, you know... 'MERICAAA!)
- Japan (because, you know... Japan!)
USA doesn't really like standards (Netwroks, Celsius vs. Fahrenheit, Metric vs. Imperial, DD/MM/YY, MPH vs. KMH ...), so there is often a specific version for them and a 'standard worldwide' version for others countries with standards. So there not really 'different models' but one wordwide model + specific model(s) for specific country who want his own stuff instead of complying with standards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stuff that is "global" is like Mexican soccer - it comes here and gets killed. (And I'm not kidding - and the comment about Mexican soccer came from the Mexican Soccer Federation - which has *never* won in Columbus, OH. While the US has only one win in Azteca Stadium, we *have* actually won there. The one Interstate highway that was signed according to standards (I-19, to be precise) was forced to go back to the American signage standards - by maintenance and repair crews - not users.) We Americans are actually *proud* our our nation - we aren't taught that "nationalism is a sin" - unlike most of the rest of the world - which is, in fact, taught exactly that.
Delete
I'm not talking about politic but about standards in tech, networks and science in general.
Entitlement is a peculiarly American trait which we hold dear, it's right up there with ignorance and self interest. As a proud US citizen II didn't want anyone to think it was just an inability to divide by 10 that separates us from the rest of the world.
It's not a good thing to always think worldwide, but we are on XDA, we speak about technology, dev, networks, ... So yes, tech, Internet, science, ... Are worldwide, standards are important. I just tried to explain someone why there is a ''US model'' and ''worldwide model'' of a phone. It's because US are not in tech and networks standards enough for having the worldwide model.
It is as simple as: The US requires more bands due to a far more varied and complex cellular network topology. It has little to do with standards or politics and far more to do with the size and spread of the country and the fact that it was "built" by multiple different institutions.
Size isn't really a factor, Russia is bigger for example but the wireless is far more uniform You're right about development though, multiple institutions didn't help and they started their build-out well ahead of the curve compared to most countries and at a time where standards were still a fast moving target. There was also less incentive to try and make wireless service broadly compatible, there are only two neighbors to consider unlike Europe where many smaller countries close together gave them a lot more incentive to mine some ching in the surrounding nations. In the US on the other hand keeping customers locked in was a better way to keep the champagne flowing on the corporate transport. Despite how we got here things are not exactly unworkable in terms of standards. I use my same phone all over the world without any problem at all. That isn't so bad if you ask me
PhoenixPath said:
It is as simple as: The US requires more bands due to a far more varied and complex cellular network topology. It has little to do with standards or politics and far more to do with the size and spread of the country and the fact that it was "built" by multiple different institutions.
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Size? Because you think the outside of the US is smaller than the US? The 'worldwide model' cover almost the rest of the world and trust me, it's way bigger than US.
smartuser8 said:
Size? Because you think the outside of the US is smaller than the US? The 'worldwide model' cover almost the rest of the world and trust me, it's way bigger than US.
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Click to collapse
Yeah; go ahead and draw yourself the absolute dumbest possible conclusion you can from what I posted and reply with that. Ignore the majority of the post and focus on one word. That's awesome.
Building a network in Japan, or Austria, or Great Britain, is just tiny bit easier and less complex than building one in the US. Having more than one entity trying to "build it better" certainly doesn't help.
The rest of the world is big. Wow. Thanks for the insight.
so... what do i take from this? which model is better on the play store, the international or the american? i mean, i don't plan on traveling the world, but is there some hardware performance boost? also when i look for the 3a on the Google Store (or i guess the XL as well) it shows 3 options, Verizon, Unlocked, and Google Fi. i want the 3a version, not the XL, and was wondering which one i should choose??? just bear in mind i don't want it boot-loader locked, and IDK, does that automatically toss Verizon out? i don't know how the google store does this stuff, and do not want to be stuck with a boot-loader locked Verizon phone, if they would just send me over to a Verizon branded phone that is locked all to hell, and do not as well want to miss out on any possible hardware upgrades that an international based set of radios might bring, if any.
Wiebenor said:
so... what do i take from this? which model is better on the play store, the international or the american? i mean, i don't plan on traveling the world, but is there some hardware performance boost? also when i look for the 3a on the Google Store...
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I wouldn't risk a Verizon phone. They are lockdown fascists & it's not worth taking a chance.
If you have a best buy near you you can pick up an unlocked 3a or 3aXl for the same price as ordering from Google & you won't have to wait to have it delivered. That's what I did anyway(& they had a promotion at the time for a free Google home mini...which I promptly gave away, but it's always nice to get an extra bonus :good.
I can't help you on the international question though. I'd search specs and see what bands are supported or not.
I have a best buy within an hour or so away, so I'll try looking at one there, if they have one available... Does anyone know how it compares to phones with higher CPU clock speeds??? I've been looking online, and just about everything I've seen has it being the same as most other newer phones, with the exception of lower clock speeds, and a longer battery life than those others, except for the S10, which has 8GB RAM and a longer battery life... Haven't really checked out the S9 yet, but the pixel 3a is way cheaper than most Samsung S model phones from 2016 on, and amazingly has similar specs to my old waterlogged Galaxy S6 budget phone indeed?? although back then it would have been a flagship device
Wiebenor said:
I have a best buy within an hour or so away, so I'll try looking at one there, if they have one available... Does anyone know how it compares to phones with higher CPU clock speeds??? I've been looking online, and just about everything I've seen has it being the same as most other newer phones, with the exception of lower clock speeds, and a longer battery life than those others, except for the S10, which has 8GB RAM and a longer battery life... Haven't really checked out the S9 yet, but the pixel 3a is way cheaper than most Samsung S model phones from 2016 on, and amazingly has similar specs to my old waterlogged Galaxy S6 budget phone indeed although back then it would have been a flagship device
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I have had a lot of phones... more than I or my wallet care to think about... I can tell you the clock speed of this device does not matter for the normal, or even enthusiast level, user.
Is it slower than other "flagship" devices that cost 2-4 times it's price? Yes.
Does that slower performance have any real effect on day to day usage? Nope.
Although I am sure benchmarks and side by side comparisons will show a difference, the real world difference is a few extra fractions of a second to open or do something, and unless you are directly comparing to something significantly more powerful you can't really notice the difference in normal use... with one exception, and that is photography. It doesn't really take longer for the camera to open or to snap a picture, but in the post-processing piece which is why Pixel cameras are so good. If you snap a pic and immediately jump over to look at it, it will take a second or two or three before the image sharpens and you can see it clearly as the post processing is done in the CPU and not in a special chipset dedicated to that function like other Pixel devices.
I have owned devices that cost half of this device, and devices that cost more than double the price... So far, this is my favorite device of all of them and will by my daily driver for the foreseeable future.
Not quite true, there are redraws, apps opening up from scratch that should be in memory, lag going into the main menu, that you don't get with (for example) a OnePlus device and these things are easy to notice even for a pathetic old man like me. There is also the post processing with photos which may not seem like much of an issue but it can be more irritating than might be expected. I travel a lot and want to know if I got the shot or not without the wait. It's one of those things which is no big deal on paper and yet annoying to an unexpected extent in reality. Going back to the start having to open apps up from scratch is also quite irritating to me when I know the exact same app loadout and usage will produce no such thing on other devices.
IMO opinion this phone is an excellent value, you get a top notch camera despite it's slow processing, timely security updates, performance isn't terrible even if it does have performance issues that I notice in actual use every day. I don't mind this because it wasn't marketed as a flagship device and I didn't pay flagship prices but I cant pretend the issues don't exist.With a flagship device I can carry all my music, my books, and still use the phone as a portable storage device at need, with this one I cant do that because the storage simply isn't there. With a flagship device I don't get apps that I already opened once reopening again from scratch. I can open the main menu without lag. The UI wont redraw after being in the main menu.
I like this device and I said up front when it was released that it was a bit of an experiment for me. I have to say that I'm going to go back to the flagship treadmill for a few more iterations. The mid range is getting pretty darn good but not quite up to satisfying me just yet.