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Upgrade from N4 to N5?

I have had a Nexus 4 since the end of August.
I've been given the opportunity to upgrade to a new Nexus 5. Should I go for it, or should I wait instead and get the Nexus 6 (or whatever it will be called) in October when its released?
Anyone who did make the jump from the N4, your opinions will be greatly appreciated. I can't see any groundbreaking improvements...?
So far I'm leaning on sticking with the N4 for now, its not even a year old yet and does pretty much all I want to do on it. I'm a casual user, no root, stock KitKat etc.
Cheers.

olyloh6696 said:
I have had a Nexus 4 since the end of August.
I've been given the opportunity to upgrade to a new Nexus 5. Should I go for it, or should I wait instead and get the Nexus 6 (or whatever it will be called) in October when its released?
Anyone who did make the jump from the N4, your opinions will be greatly appreciated. I can't see any groundbreaking improvements...?
So far I'm leaning on sticking with the N4 for now, its not even a year old yet and does pretty much all I want to do on it. I'm a casual user, no root, stock KitKat etc.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Nexus 5 is a great phone. Love it and treasure it like a baby
But The Nexus 4 is still a very powerful phone. I would keep it until the next Nexus or something

Don't you want LTE?
sent from my hammerhead

olyloh6696 said:
I have had a Nexus 4 since the end of August.
I've been given the opportunity to upgrade to a new Nexus 5. Should I go for it, or should I wait instead and get the Nexus 6 (or whatever it will be called) in October when its released?
Anyone who did make the jump from the N4, your opinions will be greatly appreciated. I can't see any groundbreaking improvements...?
So far I'm leaning on sticking with the N4 for now, its not even a year old yet and does pretty much all I want to do on it. I'm a casual user, no root, stock KitKat etc.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In all honesty I don't think it is worth it, yeah; 1080p, better camera, processor, and speaker is moved but really..... eh as far as I am concerned.. If I remember correctly you can get LTE on the Nexus 4 (I never did though). I upgraded just because I wanted the latest nexus device.

I also got my N4 in August. I only had it until the week the N5 came out. It was just too tempting! I don't think the N5 is a massive upgrade but my N4 used to shut itself down overnight sometimes. The N5 has been totally reliable and feels much more robust. Its the first Android phone that I've kept close to stock. Franco kernel is well worth looking at.
Sent from my Nexus 5

ldubs said:
Don't you want LTE?
sent from my hammerhead
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Click to collapse
lte works great on the nexus 4. sure, it officially doesnt have it. but its easy enough to enable.
anyways, in speed and performance, the nexus 5 blows away the nexus 4.

Upgraded from the N4 to N5 since November and never looked back!

If you can wait for the Motorola-Lenovo Nexus then wait for it or if you can't buy it now then sell it later then use that $ pickup the new motoleno nexus

I also came from the n4 and mainly upgraded to the n5 because of the bigger screen, camera, and sd800. The camera itself was enough for me to buy it since the n4 had this horrible over exposure preview problem when taking pictures. Which made it extremely difficult to tell if it was a good picture or not until I went into the gallery to check it.
Either way, I have no regrets

No regrets, had the N4 for about 4 months before moving to the N5. N4 was my first foray back into Android phone since the LG Eve (which Rogers/LG abandoned pretty much, had to beg to get 1.6 when everyone else was getting 2.2). N5 to me feels much more refined than the N4, in terms of just the feel of the phone itself (thinner, sleeker, barely taller but the screen difference was noticeable). That said, it's much more like an evolutionary vs revolutionary device when compared with the N4.

I would say no. I would personally only upgrade ever 2 cycle. Went from an Samsung Galaxy S2X to a nexus 5 and it wasn't that big of a jump, but the price was right.

Snapdragon 800 ia a beast

had N4 from march, changed to another one in August..and in November moved to N5. wouldnt go back in a lifetime!
go for n5

The Nexus 4 isn't that bad although the only thing I miss/don't miss is the glass back. It made the phone stand out but I was so scared of damaging it.
What I really do love about the Nexus 5 is that we now have the option for a 32gb (which I now have unopposed to a 16gb Nexus 4). The screen is also a lot better, camera is a million times better and the speaker has definitely improved over the Nexus 4. I remember being embarrassed when showing a friend or a family member a YouTube video and them asking me to turn my volume up and I'm like "its all the way up".
sent from my neXus 5

olyloh6696 said:
...I've been given the opportunity to upgrade to a new Nexus 5. Should I go for it, or should I wait instead and get the Nexus 6...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not get the N5 now and the N6 when it comes out? Or do you have to sign a contract to get the upgrade?

Thanks for the feedback guys!
ldubs said:
Don't you want LTE?
sent from my hammerhead
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like the feature eventually in my next phone, but I'm not desperate for it now, and I'm happy with my 3G speeds.
simms22 said:
anyways, in speed and performance, the nexus 5 blows away the nexus 4.
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Click to collapse
Really? The tough point for me, watching speed tests I can't see that much of a difference! The difference seems minimal (like 1-2 seconds)... Can you expand on your statement please?
PhilipTD said:
Why not get the N5 now and the N6 when it comes out? Or do you have to sign a contract to get the upgrade?
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Click to collapse
I don't usually change phones very often frequently, so if I did get the N5 I wouldn't be expecting to get an N6 straight after in a few months.
So its really just one or the other.

They said there won't be a nexus device this year.
Correct me if I'm wrong
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

Jooosty said:
They said there won't be a nexus device this year.
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Click to collapse
I've read various reports (rumors?). Are you referring to the one about Google stopping the Nexus line and offering a "Google Experience" phone?

I'm not too sure , I've read on phonearena.com saying during the MWC, a google representative stated there will be no new nexus device before Q4 of this year.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

olyloh6696 said:
Thanks for the feedback guys!
I would like the feature eventually in my next phone, but I'm not desperate for it now, and I'm happy with my 3G speeds.
Really? The tough point for me, watching speed tests I can't see that much of a difference! The difference seems minimal (like 1-2 seconds)... Can you expand on your statement please?
I don't usually change phones very often frequently, so if I did get the N5 I wouldn't be expecting to get an N6 straight after in a few months.
So its really just one or the other.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So i had the Nexus 4, changed to Galaxy S4 and i am now on my Nexus 5.
Speed is a reason! You don't see that in speedtests but Nexus 4 and S4 had some laggy feeling that the Nexus 5 doesn't have. I played last week with the nexus 4 of a friend last week an i felt like i went back to stoneage... But afterall its everything a matter of perception.
The second reason to change is the camera! I hated the really bad camera of the nexus 4, i liked the camera of the Galaxy S4 and i love the camera of the Nexus 5. Yes the galaxy s4 has a better camera on high light conditions, but i make 90% of my pictures in parties/night under low light conditions and there the camera of the Nexus 5 is brilliant!
The third reason is Nexus wireless charger with it's magnets and the vertical charging! Really nice although a bit expensive gimmick.Really good to use in your car.
After all everything goes down to the money. I was able to make the change without paying anything, but i would definitely make the change even if i had to pay!

[Q] Nexus 5 vs LG G2 vs Galaxy S4?

Hello
What i care about most is music (earphones) quality, ability to theme, good camera and beautiful screen. I am not a gamer. Willing to use custom roms.
So, if you were me, whitch phone you'd choose?

gintariukeas said:
Hello
What i care about most is music (earphones) quality, ability to theme, good camera and beautiful screen. I am not a gamer. Willing to use custom roms.
So, if you were me, whitch phone you'd choose?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Galaxy has the best DAC for audio but the slowest phone to use. I wouldn't get any of them now as they're all old.

rootSU said:
Galaxy has the best DAC for audio but the slowest phone to use. I wouldn't get any of them now as they're all old.
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Click to collapse
Not all people are able to purchase the newest devices

gintariukeas said:
Not all people are able to purchase the newest devices
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Click to collapse
Well you just asked if "you were me" and that's what i'd do. If there are limitations, you will need to set them out in your first post

I'm not sure asking a group of people who had that very choice and came away with a Nexus 5 will get a very rounded response
Most places I would say the Nexus 5 is still the cheapest and certainly faster than the S4. The reason I'm not that keen on the G2 is the LG software...

rootSU said:
Galaxy has the best DAC for audio but the slowest phone to use. I wouldn't get any of them now as they're all old.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
none of these phones are "old" by any means. They're all quad core and 2GB RAM.
Which means they're going to last for another 3 years.
The S5 has a larger bezel and same size screen as the LG G2. So it's pointless.
The LG G3 is the only "non old" phone available in that it's the only one that upgraded hardware.
OP, I would get the Nexus 5 or the LG G2 (use root and xposed to change the skins...or aftermarket rom, problem is there aren't many options). That would be one reason to go for the S4-- plenty of ROM support to get rid of the bloat.
The LG G2 I want for the dt2w aka knockon/off without 2% battery drain/hour, and the larger screen, and the larger battery. Using Immersive mode with pie controls though is good enough on my Nexus 5 for the screen, but the 5.2" on the LG G2 in the same package as the Nexus5 is really nice.
The larger battery I really really want, About 4.5hr screen on time is all I get and I'm tired of disabling 2 cores and underclocking to 1.7ghz to get 5.5-6.5hr screen on time
Hardware wise they're all practically identical.
The DAC may be better but nobody can notice 5% THD in bass response. I can't believe people even bring it up these days. Education, I guess.

rancur3p1c said:
none of these phones are "old" by any means. They're all quad core and 2GB RAM.
Which means they're going to last for another 3 years.
The S5 has a larger bezel and same size screen as the LG G2. So it's pointless.
The LG G3 is the only "non old" phone available in that it's the only one that upgraded hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They're old to me. I wouldn't get any because I class them as old. I never get a phone thats 6 months old. 3 is probably my Max
G3 wasn't an option
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

gintariukeas said:
What i care about most is music (earphones) quality
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cowon.
ability to theme, good camera and beautiful screen. I am not a gamer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fujifilm makes fine still cameras, I think x10 or alike.
You might team it with n5.
Best regards.

rootSU said:
They're old to me. I wouldn't get any because I class them as old. I never get a phone thats 6 months old. 3 is probably my Max
G3 wasn't an option
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's stupid. They're better phones than what's "new". Modify your criteria.

rancur3p1c said:
that's stupid. They're better phones than what's "new". Modify your criteria.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't be an ass. I set my criteria to whatever the F*** I want to set it as!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

If you get one that can have recovery otherwise its a stock based ROM with safestrap get one that has twrp and is rooted
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 05:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:15 PM ----------
Other wise I would stay away from the s4
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Phone snobs lol. Craziness here.
I would pick the g2 but I'm happy with the n5.
The phones may have been released somewhere 6 months ago but here in Canada the s5 is maybe a month or 2 ago the others a few months. Not old at all.
People here get really crazy about what they consider old. I remember you from the HTC desire days Suroot. I still have that phone too.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 01:25 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:20 AM ----------
Just realized he said s4 not s5. Lg g2 is closer to s5 in terms of age.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

This thread will probably get closed...as they usually do....Lol....but...
G2 if you aren't a flashaholic.
N5 if you are.
S4...any Samsung....never again. Terrible. ?

350Rocket said:
I remember you from the HTC desire days Suroot. I still have that phone too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So do I
I wouldn't say it's crazy. In the UK on contract we're expected to keep a flagshship phone for 24 months. Thats a long time in the Android world and most. OEMs don't give official after 18-24 months and development really slows down and suffers after that point.. That's why I always try to get the absolute newest phone possible that meets my criteria.. If I get a phone thats 6 months old, I may only have a year of updates which makes year 2 an unpleasant experience.

It was 36 months here in Canada until this year they changed the law. My friend kept his desire for 40 months and he bought it when it was 6 months old.
It still ran fine but never got any updates and he just didn't know what he was missing. Never had a smartphone before so he was happy no matter what.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

350Rocket said:
It was 36 months here in Canada until this year they changed the law. My friend kept his desire for 40 months and he bought it when it was 6 months old.
It still ran fine but never got any updates and he just didn't know what he was missing. Never had a smartphone before so he was happy no matter what.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I remember hearing about the 36 month thing. I'm actually moving away from subsidised handsets.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

rootSU said:
Yeah I remember hearing about the 36 month thing. I'm actually moving away from subsidised handsets.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rogers in Canada ticked me off bad enough....I paid 800 to leave them. (Took my sweet time paying them) and paid cash for a moto x. Then passed that awesome, but boring phone, to my wife and paid cash for an N5. Never again will I do a contract.
Of course I won't be buying brand new flagships either....maybe used once they're out awhile.
---------- Post added at 12:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:31 PM ----------
350 of that was for an 18 month old S2....that was worth a hundred bucks at best at that point. Nope....cash only from now on. Lol

KJ said:
This thread will probably get closed...as they usually do....Lol....but...
G2 if you aren't a flashaholic.
N5 if you are.
S4...any Samsung....never again. Terrible. ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why samsung s4 terrible?

gintariukeas said:
Why samsung s4 terrible?
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Click to collapse
Touchwiz and all the Samsung bloat are a horrible mess. Lag. I have had an s2 since it came out, and my daughter has a gtab3. . I'll never buy a phone again that I HAVE to root, debloat and possibly flash a ROM JUST to make it smooth. The Gtab3 came out if the box a laggy nightmare. After rooting, deviating severely, its not too bad. Tho my N7 2012 dances circles around it.
Just my experience and opinion tho. To each their own.

The price of the Nexus 5 makes it my choice. We are currently in a bit of a technology slump. By purchasing a cheaper phone like the Nexus 5, you have a cheaper/sooner option to upgrade when the next benchmark comes out (which I personally dont think will be for a year or so).

Ditch S4 over N5?

Hello, xda'ers!
I have a fairly simple question. S4 is my first smartphone and I love it. At first I hated it because of TW, but now I converted it to basically a GP edition with Danvdh's ROM. Very smooth, haven't seen any lag since the day I flashed it.
The only thing why I'm considering N5 is because of its future proofness. (SD800, A330 instead of S4's SD600 and A320). I consider myself between average and power user. I like to game here and there and so on.
-Non-removable battery
-No SD slot
-Smaller battery
-Weaker camera
+Way better specs
+Constant updates straight from Google
+Ability to flash Android L and better dev support (i guess)
It all comes down to this: I want N5 because of better specs, updates, dev support and that's it. I've read many articles on these both devices and haven't clearly decided yet, because most of them go for N5 even with all the cons I mentioned. For me, battery life and SD slot (if it's 16GB version) is the most important.
How many of you guys have ditched S4 over the N5? Could you please share your experience and whether if you regret it?

The specs aren't that much better. There's kind of half a generation between them. The One plus would be a more logical step up
Also we only have 9 months left of official updates on the N5. Not sure what you mean by "constant updates". It doesn't get constant updates. It gets fast updates. But not constant. It only gets the minor updates. E.g it got 4.4.2, 4.4.3, 4.4.4. It got nothing in between
It has good developer support but after 9 months when no one is officially updating the official drivers, its going to be like any other unsupported device.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

I just suggest you to wait for a while
Sent from my C1905 using XDA Free mobile app

How is your experience with the N5 so far? And battery specificly?
Sent from my GT-I9505G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Ritvars said:
How is your experience with the N5 so far? And battery specificly?
Sent from my GT-I9505G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its fine. In every respect
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

rootSU said:
Its fine. In every respect
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
I have an opportunity to sell my S4. I'd rather go with OnePlus, but I can't get the invite.
What was your previous phone before N5?
Would you recommend me N5 over S4?

Ritvars said:
I have an opportunity to sell my S4. I'd rather go with OnePlus, but I can't get the invite.
What was your previous phone before N5?
Would you recommend me N5 over S4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had an S3
I cannot recommend any phone over any other phone to some one else as the things I like about it are completely subjective buy I will say for me, I would definitely not want an S4 and would prefer the N5
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Ritvars said:
I have an opportunity to sell my S4. I'd rather go with OnePlus, but I can't get the invite.
What was your previous phone before N5?
Would you recommend me N5 over S4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to the s4, i337, general forum and look for index,, all things at&t........... Read that carefully. It'll give you a good indication what you can and can not do with the s4. If you like custom roms and like to mess around with your phone the n5 is a better choice. The s4 has a locked bootloader and you can only use safestrap as a recovery
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I957 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
Go to the s4, i337, general forum and look for index,, all things at&t........... Read that carefully. It'll give you a good indication what you can and can not do with the s4. If you like custom roms and like to mess around with your phone the n5 is a better choice. The s4 has a locked bootloader and you can only use safestrap as a recovery
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I957 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have international i9505 with unlocked bootloader.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Ritvars said:
I have international i9505 with unlocked bootloader.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then that makes the decision more difficult. It's really up to you
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I957 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
Then that makes the decision more difficult. It's really up to you
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I957 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah... I just wish I could somehow get the N5 for a week (test it, etc.) to really decide which one is the one for me.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Ritvars said:
Yeah... I just wish I could somehow get the N5 for a week (test it, etc.) to really decide which one is the one for me.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ask someone who has a N5 if you can try it for a minute

Yep the galaxy nexus is a great example Google doesn't support it so roms aren't as stable and my nexus 5 will be the same way although the nexus 5 will be a lot less laggy
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

My friend has an S4 (non-root). I would mess with it from time to time, it seems like a pretty good device, even if it is stock, so I wouldn't consider the N5 to be that big of an upgrade, concidering your S4 is rooted/bootunlocked (not sure how the dev support is over there though).
For all your conS on the N5; battery life, non removable battery, no SD slot, ect, try to think logically, lol. Eg. Look at battery life threads for the N5 and compare them to YOUR daily usage. See if 16/32gb storage would be enough for all YOUR needs. Ect ect.
For your pro, haha. The updates. The N5 is pretty old in technology terms, so who knows how many updates we'll see after L release. I would think the dev support for this phone would last for some time though.
Personally, I would wait a bit to see if something else catches your eye, or if the N5 price drops.
Tl;dr: Weigh the pros vs Con's with YOUR usage.

Doobski said:
My friend has an S4 (non-root). I would mess with it from time to time, it seems like a pretty good device, even if it is stock, so I wouldn't consider the N5 to be that big of an upgrade, concidering your S4 is rooted/bootunlocked (not sure how the dev support is over there though).
For all your conS on the N5; battery life, non removable battery, no SD slot, ect, try to think logically, lol. Eg. Look at battery life threads for the N5 and compare them to YOUR daily usage. See if 16/32gb storage would be enough for all YOUR needs. Ect ect.
For your pro, haha. The updates. The N5 is pretty old in technology terms, so who knows how many updates we'll see after L release. I would think the dev support for this phone would last for some time though.
Personally, I would wait a bit to see if something else catches your eye, or if the N5 price drops.
Tl;dr: Weigh the pros vs Con's with YOUR usage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems like cons weighs more than pros, at least for me. Well, I might wait for the Nexus 6, but since I live in EU, the price will be super high (instead of $350, it will cost at least $500 in where I live) I have a chance to sell my S4 for 300 euros right now, and brand new N5 (16gb) costs from 277 here.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

-Non-removable battery -do you even need that(get a juice battery pack and done)?
-No SD slot -32Gb will be fine how much can you put into a phone?
-Smaller battery -yes,but with custom per-app profiles
-Weaker camera -i like it,really fine pictures (my opinion)
+Way better specs -idk what to say here...i'm really pleased with the N5 in terms of gaming,smooth,stability.
+Constant updates straight from Google -for a long time
+Ability to flash Android L and better dev support (i guess) -there is already Android L developer preview
I had iphone before and Nexus was the only android phone that made me ditch the iOS for Android.Had a samsung for a few weeks(hate it) then tryed the Nexus and love it!
Go into a store and try the phone before buy.Idk what to say against S4 didn't used it for long time to give an opinion.

krystyuc said:
+Constant updates straight from Google -for a long time
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Click to collapse
Not constant. Only versioned updates. We don't get every fix when it is ready. Only when the version changes 4.4.1 to 4.4.2 for example.
Not for a long time. 18 months update cycle. Already 50% through that.

I had S2,S3,S4 and must say all of this phones where very good (all rooted and on custom roms ). Them my wife got a present and its was a brand new nexus 5. To shorten my story> From that moment that I powered on nexus 5 I never took S4 in my hand ever again. Feels faster,more manly (i have black one), and battery is better or same as S4 + much more fun coz its much easy-er to go from one custom rom to another and it doesn't have that KNOX security sh1t.
Cheers!

rootSU said:
Not constant. Only versioned updates. We don't get every fix when it is ready. Only when the version changes 4.4.1 to 4.4.2 for example.
Not for a long time. 18 months update cycle. Already 50% through that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Though Google only guarantee they will support their devices for 18 months, the Nexus 4 is already 20 months old and it looks very much like Google are developing an L release for it. Hopefully this a sign that they will go beyond the 18 months for the more popular Nexus 5, though this is of course completely up to Google's generosity.

surrealjam said:
Though Google only guarantee they will support their devices for 18 months, the Nexus 4 is already 20 months old and it looks very much like Google are developing an L release for it. Hopefully this a sign that they will go beyond the 18 months for the more popular Nexus 5, though this is of course completely up to Google's generosity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe, but I wouldn't rely on that.

Why the G3 is such a good option

I'm writing this because I think the information contained here is valuable to many people evaluating the G3 as it was to me, and it took me quite a long time to compile all this information so I could make a purchase decision.
1. Root. no problem because there are as many as 4(!) different methods depending on G3 model, and they are still valid for most current shipping firmware versions. If for some reason they are not, you can use the LG flashtool to flash back to a previous stock firmware version. I personaly used stumproot on my D850 because it was dead-simple.
2. custom recovery/bootloader/etc: (bump) this has caused alot of confusion because this 'boot loader unlock' doesn't actually touch your boot loader, but modifies the recovery so that the stock bootloader will happily boot it. At first this sounded odd to me as I was in the mindset that a proper unlocked bootloader would boot anything and not 'specially treated' images. In actuality, this is the *ideal* unlock because it's virtually risk free. Your stock bootloader is not modified, and all the images made for the G3 are going to be 'bumped' anyway. I don't know if they found a way to trick the bootloader, or if they actually got ahold of an LG signing key, but whatever it is, it works, and it's low-risk and reliable.
3. ROMS: development is already quite good with lots of roms to choose from. There's an official cyanogenmod branch for both CM11 and CM12, and there are multiple other ROMs including a great port of the international rom for the G3 which does away with most of the evil in the stock at&t rom. There's even a modified stock kernel that does away with the horrible screen sharpening issue.

Actually if you are an AT&T customer (under contract or can't afford off-contract prices), the G3 is the only option at having a phone with an unlocked bootloader. The only other option is the Nexus 6, which most people just don't like me included.

eortizr said:
Actually if you are an AT&T customer (under contract or can't afford off-contract prices), the G3 is the only option at having a phone with an unlocked bootloader. The only other option is the Nexus 6, which most people just don't like me included.
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Click to collapse
I probably should have clarified that I am in fact an at&t customer, but bought my g3 off contract. Because of the constrained frequencies of the other models (not just international), I was forced to buy the D850 and got all the at&t restrictions along with it. I had no idea that this was the only unlockable option along with the N6. thanks for the extra info.

Not the only one...
Actually it's not the only AT&T option with an un-lockable bootloader. The AT&T HTC M8 is easily unlocked through HTC. Actually with the M*, you can go even further with S-Off.

mitchjaz said:
Actually it's not the only AT&T option with an un-lockable bootloader. The AT&T HTC M8 is easily unlocked through HTC. Actually with the M*, you can go even further with S-Off.
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Click to collapse
I guess, but who wants to pay premium for a 4mp camera, 1080p 5 inch screen and the same foot print of a Note 4?
btw I did have an M8 for sometime, it went back to the store after 14 days....

I wasn't making a judgement of choice. Only speaking to the fact that it's not the only AT & T phone with an unlockable bootloader. G3's camera is unquestionably better.

I bought it a few months back but returned it and bought it again, and returned it, and bought it again and returned it.. And bought a note 4. I love my note 4 but i miss my g3. Go figure.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using XDA Free mobile app

Isnt the G3 a lagfest though?

Definitely isn't for me. It runs fantastic.

barondebxl said:
Isnt the G3 a lagfest though?
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Click to collapse
Not at all, in any way, under any circumstances. The battery life blows though, probably the only drawback for this phone. Well maybe 60 fps recording but you can mod that.

ekerbuddyeker said:
I bought it a few months back but returned it and bought it again, and returned it, and bought it again and returned it.. And bought a note 4. I love my note 4 but i miss my g3. Go figure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Note line is fantastic... but for me, G3 beats it (sorry, can only compare to the Note 3 I had) for one handed use.
Plus... running with a note bouncing in your pocket raises eyebrows with the ladies...

barondebxl said:
Isnt the G3 a lagfest though?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is with stock. AOSP helps a bit but its still not as smooth as a Nexus 5 or other 1080p snapdragon 800/801 devices. in fact I hear the Nexus 6 also lags and its clocked at 2.7GHz with a snapdragon 805. its the qHD. not sure if its worth it tbh. might switch to a Oneplus One. same screen size and specs except a better battery and lower resolution screen which means longer battery and smoother performance system wide.
Sent from my LG G3

xVermicide said:
it is with stock. AOSP helps a bit but its still not as smooth as a Nexus 5 or other 1080p snapdragon 800/801 devices. in fact I hear the Nexus 6 also lags and its clocked at 2.7GHz with a snapdragon 805. its the qHD. not sure if its worth it tbh. might switch to a Oneplus One. same screen size and specs except a better battery and lower resolution screen which means longer battery and smoother performance system wide.
Sent from my LG G3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny how I posted this a while ago, you replied today and I just so happen to purchase a G3 this morning [emoji1]
I actually like it quite a bit, I was going in expecting to lag quite a bit but to my surprise its not bad at all. Its an excellent phone in my opinion.
Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk

Which aosp Rom do you recommend xVermicide? Never tried one on this phone because I thought they were all borked in some way or another.

CM12 is great on this device. Stock kk optimus ui lags and stutters but stock lollipop doesn't and neither does CM12. It's got great specs and its beautiful. What more could u want
Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk

bigblue4life said:
Which aosp Rom do you recommend xVermicide? Never tried one on this phone because I thought they were all borked in some way or another.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CM12. I wouldn't recommend anything but the D850 nightlies. however CM12 in general has been known to break a feature or two, on ANY device (lollipop is just weird) from one nightly to another. so I recommend not flashing every single nightly that releases and maybe watch the CM change log: http://www.cmxlog.com/12/d850/ and just flash the ones that include big features. read below for a fix for all lag.
barondebxl said:
Funny how I posted this a while ago, you replied today and I just so happen to purchase a G3 this morning [emoji1]
I actually like it quite a bit, I was going in expecting to lag quite a bit but to my surprise its not bad at all. Its an excellent phone in my opinion.
Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found a fix for 100% of the lag. before, I was using a thermal mod found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g3/development/thermal-mod-t2907363 but it basically overheats the phone 15-20°C too high which is extremely uncomfortable when considering owning this phone for 2-3 years having it constantly be so hot it burns you. however this mod does work on both stock LG and AOSP.
but a better fix is to flash CM12 (not sure about other AOSP roms) and flash a kernel that supports GPU over clocking. im running CM12 3/01 nightly and 777kernel with no other mods, no thermal changes, I simply kept CPU at 2.49GHz and i OC'd my GPU from 330 to 580MHz and 100% of all lag disappeared and now my G3 is buttery smooth like my Nexus 5 was. and my phone stays very cool instead of constantly overheating. please try this, I'm positive it will give you a perfect smooth AOSP experience as if you're using a 1080p device. this kernel is AOSP only. to over clock GPU on stock, we need a kernel that supports it and that won't be any time soon.
make sure you enable "Force GPU rendering" in developer options.
Sent from my LG G3

xVermicide said:
CM12. I wouldn't recommend anything but the D850 nightlies. however CM12 in general has been known to break a feature or two, on ANY device (lollipop is just weird) from one nightly to another. so I recommend not flashing every single nightly that releases and maybe watch the CM change log: http://www.cmxlog.com/12/d850/ and just flash the ones that include big features. read below for a fix for all lag.
I found a fix for 100% of the lag. before, I was using a thermal mod found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g3/development/thermal-mod-t2907363 but it basically overheats the phone 15-20°C too high which is extremely uncomfortable when considering owning this phone for 2-3 years having it constantly be so hot it burns you. however this mod does work on both stock LG and AOSP.
but a better fix is to flash CM12 (not sure about other AOSP roms) and flash a kernel that supports GPU over clocking. im running CM12 3/01 nightly and 777kernel with no other mods, no thermal changes, I simply kept CPU at 2.49GHz and i OC'd my GPU from 330 to 580MHz and 100% of all lag disappeared and now my G3 is buttery smooth like my Nexus 5 was. and my phone stays very cool instead of constantly overheating. please try this, I'm positive it will give you a perfect smooth AOSP experience as if you're using a 1080p device. this kernel is AOSP only. to over clock GPU on stock, we need a kernel that supports it and that won't be any time soon.
make sure you enable "Force GPU rendering" in developer options.
Sent from my LG G3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tip[emoji3] . I don't keep phones for long anyways plus I plan on getting the S6 or maybe the M9 at launch so I won't be needing it. Besides, in very pleased with LG's UI with lollipop, it runs nicely.
Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk

barondebxl said:
Thanks for the tip[emoji3] . I don't keep phones for long anyways plus I plan on getting the S6 or maybe the M9 at launch so I won't be needing it. Besides, in very pleased with LG's UI with lollipop, it runs nicely.
Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you're using stock lollipop not rooted?

xVermicide said:
you're using stock lollipop not rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, AT&T version. I'm happy
Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk

oh ok. for a second I thought you were rooted.
Sent from my LG G3

How does locked BL effect you?

Well since there is to be no root or recovery we are left with discussion and mods/apps which do not require root.
My question to the group is how does this phone being locked down effect you. Many say they will wait and hope, others saying returning/selling ASAP and still others are saying this phone doesn't need it.
As far as how it effects me? Not a whole lot, Android has come a long way and this phone is super solid. I feel that this version of Touchwiz is non intrusive even less so than the Note 5 which barely lasted a month. I do appreciate root, and when I can, I always root. For me the biggest problem is Samsung's abhorrent updating. Sure we get special treatment over older still supported devices but let's keep it real Samsung sucks. After a year Samsung magically becomes even slower. I also greatly appreciate a stock Google experience. I will probably sell this bad boy. Once my bogo comes through
I currently have Nexus 5x and Nexus 6. And am undecided as to which one I will keep although leaning towards Nexus 6. I may end up keeping s7 edge until Nexus 2016 comes out, but that option is looking unlikely

If I had known ahead of time the S7 bootloader was locked I would have bought the wife and I Nexus 6 devices and then gone to Project FI

yea sux when i found this out. but remember AT&T bootloaders were always locked down well for the most part and DEVs have always found a way to do it or work around it. I know u guys remember The days of the Loki patches rainbow recoveries etc..lol . phone has only been out a week give it some time fellas have faith in our DEVs they are the BEAST! IT WILL HAPPEN dont ask me how i just know these guys never disappoint!
in the mean time if u haven't already check this out these dudes are sweet they have instructions for non rooted requires a $2 app but worth it for now I confirm they work on my S7, cheers :laugh:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s6-edge/themes-apps/avengers-theme-individual-mode-t3140647

I waited months for my LG G4 to get root and a bootloader unlock. Finally got cm13 and just a short time later upgraded to the S7... I miss cm13, but it'll just take some time and it'll be back on my phone.

How does it effect me, we'll it means that I don't actually own my $800. Pocket computer. I am not the administrator so my info can be easily stolen and the device can be crippled by limiting updates. It's basically a $800. Device that will be current for 4 months. Garbage.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

It doesnt
---------- Post added at 11:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:06 AM ----------
chakra said:
How does it effect me, we'll it means that I don't actually own my $800. Pocket computer. I am not the administrator so my info can be easily stolen and the device can be crippled by limiting updates. It's basically a $800. Device that will be current for 4 months. Garbage.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Return it

For myself, i wish i could just remove bloat. Speed and function is rather quick. Being able to load 3rd party launchers is the only benefit to UI changes..eh...I like the water proof feature. ..

mikesincredible said:
For myself, i wish i could just remove bloat. Speed and function is rather quick. Being able to load 3rd party launchers is the only benefit to UI changes..eh...I like the water proof feature. ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out package disabler pro

Dovigoldberger said:
Check out package disabler pro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!

I just returned the s7. Back to the s6 until the LG g5 is released.

gamepr said:
I just returned the s7. Back to the s6 until the LG g5 is released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine's going back tomorrow, unless there's some news. I figure that I can just re-purchase it once/if BL is unlocked, or check out the G5.

Going to do the jump to the g5 most likely.. I didnt have to root my g4 to get the software how I like it. There is just too much samsung integration here to get around it all without having lots of minor annoyances (no major ones, just lots of little **** I dont like).

Locked BL affects me moderately. I prefer lower DPI so without xposed/app settings, the camera/video calls aren't full screen. I also lose the ability to customize the phone (xposed/wanam). I have a harder time transferring apps (no Titanium Backup). I miss out on the whole reason for liking Snapdragon over exynos (kernels, CM). I never considered returning the phone (t-mobile's BOGO free + 2 yr netflix + $60 + wireless chargers from Samsung Pay + 2 GearVR was a ridiculous deal). I have considered selling/swapping for a 930F (all it would take is VOLTE + native video dialing and I'd swap immediately).

Just got my s7 today . . Retired my note 3 after years of use .... s7 is awsome right out the box ... very fast battery is great ... happy with the purchase
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

Pretty much using Nexus 6 on project Fi. It's interesting not using as much data but I do like the service. Going between sprint and T-Mobile has been nice. I have no real desire to go to 6p now. I am really hoping that Google will release another 6 inch phone soon. If it's only 5.5 I will be disappointed but will still probably get the next Nexus

My Nexus 6 is unrooted, I just know Samsung won't get Android N until the Note 6 is released