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So I'm looking to get my first android powered device , my question is what do you guys suggest to be a good phone for my first experience? Looking at spending around $500 usd budget (will go over for something I really like, but no $800 desire hd stuff lol), and don't want something "out of date" or have a poor build quality.
here is some info to go off of:
-I am not eligible for a upgrade so will pay retail
-In the us
-at&t carrier, no data, so any at&t specific phones are out of the question
-have wifi in vehicle and anywhere I go (one main reason I don't have a data plan)
-like a big screen and or keyboard since my hands aren't exactly small
Thanks in advance for any help. Also one more question that I haven't found the answer for, I saw a marketplace while signing up but cant view, what are the requirements to view?
p.s. I think this might belong in the Q and A section...
my first smartphone was the palm pixi a fantastic OS but then went to htc hero id say thats now a beginners phone
now im with an epic
You could probably score a used Nexus One on eBay or Craigslist for $500.
TheBiles said:
You could probably score a used Nexus One on eBay or Craigslist for $500.
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That is one thing that I've thought about, I've also looked at the htc desire, its a little more then other phones but i like the design and the extra ram it offers.
I think nexus one. Just my .02
Thanks for the responses, I guess I need to start hunting for a good condition nexus one. Am I correct for saying that you can not buy them new anymore?
if you can get one (UK only afaik), the Orange San Francisco seems to be a good phone to start with, at about £90.
It's the ZTE Blade, and has an HDPI (high res) screen and reasonable CPU etc.
Worth a look if you can lay your hands on one.
zte blade has a nice exterior, probably one of my favorites so far . But the processor seems a little slow (clock wise), anyone have any experience with how well the Qualcomm MSM7227 competes with say a snapdragon or samsung hummerbird cpu?
id get a nexus one or desire, there not too expensive anymore and have ample power to keep up with technology for the next couple of years, the hero is good but its starting to show its age now, it depends what you want, the nexus one is better built imo but the desire has more ram and an optical trackpad instead of a trackball
Just remember if you do purchase a T-Mobile Nexus One - and you end up getting a data plan down the line.. your stuck on Edge forever while on AT&T's network.
There are AT&T Nexus One's out there.. but your going to be paying a premium.
AndroHero said:
id get a nexus one or desire, there not too expensive anymore and have ample power to keep up with technology for the next couple of years, the hero is good but its starting to show its age now, it depends what you want, the nexus one is better built imo but the desire has more ram and an optical trackpad instead of a trackball
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Is the trackball like blackberrys dumb trackball? I hated that thing with a passion when I tried to use it (even though touch screen means I will rarely use it). I have never used a optical trackpad before. Is it like say running your finger on the bottom of a laser mouse? I know it is kinda bad analogy.
avgjoegeek said:
Just remember if you do purchase a T-Mobile Nexus One - and you end up getting a data plan down the line.. your stuck on Edge forever while on AT&T's network.
There are AT&T Nexus One's out there.. but your going to be paying a premium.
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Yes, I have been looking around on craigslist and what not, t-mobile ones in mint condition run about $400, while ones bought straight from google run about $450, which I would want anyways so I don't have all the tmobile bloatware from the get go.
SnafuPossum said:
Yes, I have been looking around on craigslist and what not, t-mobile ones in mint condition run about $400, while ones bought straight from google run about $450, which I would want anyways so I don't have all the tmobile bloatware from the get go.
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Dude... removing bloatware takes every bit of 10 minutes. I'm assuming that you're going to root anyways, so just save yourself $50.
So you can remove it? Did not know that. Yes I will root it, but I just wont our of the box because of a laziness factor lol. (atleast im truthful )
SnafuPossum said:
So you can remove it? Did not know that. Yes I will root it, but I just wont our of the box because of a laziness factor lol. (atleast im truthful )
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Easily, and the chances are that any custom ROM you flash will be already purged of bloatware.
The Nexus One is a great starter phone. I personally started with a cheap G1 I found on craigslist. The owner had bought a new phone and didn't know about modding and even after I told him he wasn't interested in doing it. After a while I traded up and got the Nexus One.
The good thing about the T-Mobile version of the N1 is that if you do decide to get data service, and you're okay with the EDGE speeds (slower than 3G), then you can pay the cheaper price for the data plan. I've heard from here and there of people with the AT&T version of the Nexus One having their phone automatically upgraded to the more expensive data plan because Google must have given them an updated IMEI list for the phones.
Well just a update, purchased a Desire HD. Waiting for it in the mail, I can't wait!
I am planning to buy the Samsung Infuse 4G off ebay but have few queries beforehand..
1. In order to get the maximum out of the phone, is it better to remain on stock or upgrade to any custom ROM ?
2. Through some other forum, i read that i will lose the feature rich stock camera (???) and h/w acceleration (in videos and games) if i choose to go with a custom ROM. How true is it ??
3. I see that on ebay, used Infuse go for 240-260$ 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.
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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
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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.
Hello guys, I currently don't own this tablet and I'm looking forwarded to purchasing one for personal use, and I've just got a few questions for people that have owned, own or use this tablet.
Basically I live in Australia, where all mobile networks are expensive, and there's only the one specific one I like (Telstra) because it has the most coverage and speed, I don't believe I will be using the 3G version because I don't make too much money to afford spending another $30 on a plan per month only to have like 500MB for this tablet to use, I might personally use the AP on my phone and make my tablet go through my phone. Is it worth spending a little more for the 3G version? Will I see any benefit other than having the ability to use 3G?
Price difference on 3G is about $150, yikes!
Another main thing is, I'm seeing other tablets performing as good as this one, I want personal opinions if you believe I should purchase another tablet, seeing the differences and such, currently the main reason I want to purchase is to replace owning a laptop, as on a laptop the only things I'd be doing is browsing and playing a few flash games, I've got a powerful gaming PC and I do mostly all of my gaming on that, so that is not a problem, and maybe I might use this device to stream movies and such to my TV via HDMI. Will this perform well, is there any other tablets that can outperform this and is in the same or even better, a lower price range? I mean, I want a fast responsive tablet that works well with WIFI and such.
Thanks, and I appreciate all your feedback!
Sorry if I wrote too long, these are the simplified questions:
Should I get the 3G version, it costs $150 more than the non-3G version?
What other benefits do I see if I get the 3G version, other than having 3G capability?
Is there any other tablets that are fast like this, can browse websites quickly, YouTube etc and have HDMI capability?
Thank you.
No advantages in the 3G model if you do not want to use it for 3G Internet.
Note to the OP:
There must be at least 10 threads discussing these same questions over and over again with hundreds of answers. Please take advantage of the Forum Search Options prior to posting a question.
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.
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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!
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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
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 .....