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Hi All,
To clarify, I used the search engine but didn't found any response to my question.
I have a Sony Xperia Play R800a and my 18 month contract just expired, my carrier just called me to ask for a renewal, they offered me the MOTOROLA RAZR HD for 200 USD on 18 month contract of 25 USD per month including data.
My question is... is it a good deal?
I was about to pull the trigger on the Galaxy Nexus on google play... but then I heard about Nexus 4 coming and decided to wait for it... after seeing the nexus 4... I was ready to pull the trigger again, but today I got the call from the carrier... and started to have second thoughts on it.
I have compared the Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy S3, Nexus 4, and RAZR HD, so far It seems Nexus 4 seems as the best deal followed closely by the S3... but I hate the non-expandable storage on the Nexus 4 and the price on the S3.
The thing is... if I sign again with my carrier I will save 150 instantly, (also the 200 USD down payment can be paid on a 12 month interest free plan)
Dear XDA member please let me know your feedback on this 18 month long choice... If you can suggest me which device is better for the price and also giving me more options... If there are any...
Thanks for your help.
Hexen2006
I owned the GS3, GNex, and RAZR HD maxx.
Of the 3, I would go with the Razr HD in the end. GNex after that. GS3 last. I can't speak for the Nexus 4, but I can't see it being that different than the GNex besides a respectable hardware buff since the GNex will get AOSP 4.2 in the near future.
Stock firmware on the S3 is complete crap IMO. A bunch of useless fluff and bloat, just flat out crappy. The hardware is nice, however.
GNex is great simply because it's stock AOSP. I'm assuming I don't need to explain why that's a good thing.
Razr HD is really impressive. ALMOST stock android, but not quite. The "Blur" intrusion is very much reduced compared to my previous motorola device (original Atrix 4G). Really the only major motorola influence I see are the stock mail app (not gmail), the settings menu, gallery, camera, and a widget or two. The dialer is a a bit different than AOSP but I can live with it.
Sure, most GS3s have an unlockable bootloader, but in my experiences most of the roms are plagued by bugs, however few and unobtrusive they may be. I've never ran a custom rom that just worked perfectly. And lets be honest, none of them provide any breakthrough features above and beyond the stock-from-google AOSP you get from a pure nexus device. Just my opinion.
If I could, I would run with the Nexus 4. But the lack of LTE was the big deal breaker for me. I won't get timely updates (ever?) on my RAZR HD. But that's ok. I've lost most interest in flashing custom ROMS and now I just want a smooth running device that works and I'm very happy with the RAZR HD.
I'll be the first to flop down $$$ for the next LTE Nexus device when it comes out, however.
Frankly all the devices you listed are great in their own right. Really it all comes down to your preferences. Fan of pure google AOSP? GO with Nexus. Like flashing custom ROMS? Nexus or GS3 are both good. Expandable storage? Removable battery? LTE? Just figure out the most important must-have features you require in a device and go with it.
Thanks holtenc,
I just checked with my carrier today, and apparently the RAZR HD is my only "real" option.
I asked about the Gnex, because I wanted to try "pure" android, but they told me they are low in stock and that Samsung will not replenish their inventory (maybe because of the Nexus 4 they have started to fade the Gnex out) but that if I really want one I should pay 550 USD and sign a 2 year contract... That definitely take the Gnex out of budget.
About the Galaxy S3, I need to pay 650 USD and a 18 month contract.... so same al Gnex... out of budget.
About Nexus 4, they don't have it on stock yet... it may take some time, but they told me he will be priced similar to Gnex. :S
I live in Mexico and we are not allowed to purchase devices on the google play store, so I tried the US store (using a VPN) and it is out of stock :S...
I guess the universe is pushing me to get the RAZR HD
Thanks
Have you tried places like swappa?
Sent via Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2
nope, never heard of it... I will look at it... thanks for de advice!
Cool. I was on last week looking at GNexs and they had some for $200-350 U.S.
Sent via Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2
Remember that if you upgrade with the discounted price, you will lose unlimited data if you had it, in case you are concerned about that.
I just bought the Razr Maxx HD and I am digging the phone so far. I have charged it once in the last 3 days with battery to spare. I had the Galaxy S3 but exchanged it for the Maxx HD. The GS3 felt more like a toy rather than something that I would carry with me everyday. The glossy and rounded form just wasn't my thing. The Maxx HD feels like a real phone and the UI is as close to AOSP (which you will get on the Nexus) as you are going to get from any other phone. Its sort of like holding a real handgun after playing with a water pistol. Touchwiz (Samsung) and Sense (HTC) are bloated and ugly.
Good luck with your decision.
After having 2 nexus devices I'm kind of rooted/rom'd out and want to enjoy the stock experience. I'm having trouble choosing between the Moto X and the Nexus 5. Is there no reason in getting the nexus 5 being that I'm not interested in rooting it?
The Nexus 5 looks to be a very good phone even stock and at a cheaper price that the Moto X. You can also still root and still use the stock rom.
won't really matter if you root or not. it's your choice. you can still get the n5 even if you don't plan on rooting it. i've done full stock for several nexus units already and they all work pretty well for me. i still get the occasional itch though.
I am watching this phone although I chose the Moto X. LG G2 has some issues ala microphone. Recording , speaker phone to name a few. This is basically a lg g2 with a lesser camera so. I want to see what's up in the first 6 months.
I have a Nexus 4 and used to rum cm10.2 but it was so unstable and never quite ran well. As of 2 months ago i reverted back to stock rom bootloader locked and it was th best thing ive done. The phone runs so much more stable and smoother and im also getting better battery life. It also seems quicker.
For me it was a waste of time rooting when the stock experience it what i think better.
When i get my Nexus 5 its staying stock
Cool to see I won't be the only one.
nate735 said:
I have a Nexus 4 and used to rum cm10.2 but it was so unstable and never quite ran well. As of 2 months ago i reverted back to stock rom bootloader locked and it was th best thing ive done. The phone runs so much more stable and smoother and im also getting better battery life. It also seems quicker.
For me it was a waste of time rooting when the stock experience it what i think better.
When i get my Nexus 5 its staying stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same problem this guy had did the same thing and felt the same way so when I get my n5 also it will stay stock.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
I was using stock 4.3 on my N4 before going to the Samsung S4.. I honestly miss stock on my S4, TouchWiz is terrible. I'd at least root the device though, for privileges!
xSeany said:
I was using stock 4.3 on my N4 before going to the Samsung S4.. I honestly miss stock on my S4, TouchWiz is terrible. I'd at least root the device though, for privileges!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly! I plan on on rooting it (privileges and apps) but staying on stock and not flashing.
Sent from my HTC-Z710a using xda app-developers app
I was running stock rooted on my N4 for a while but ultimately ended up throwing PA on there. There are some nice features that I miss in stock... quick settings pulldown with one finger, single tap to toggle wifi/bluetooth, etc... I'm sure i'll end up doing the same with my 5 if I decide to buy it.
Just want root to get rid of adds
Sent from my LG-D802 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 04:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:41 PM ----------
Fidelio_o said:
Just want root to get rid of ads
Sent from my LG-D802 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my LG-D802 using Tapatalk
I would go nexus 5. moto x is already several months old and support on the device will not last like it will for n5. Additionally if you decide to root down the road when support stops (for either device) the n5 will still have developer support.
I'll likely root it but stay stock. I'll probably also run Ubuntu Touch on it from time to time
ms0chez said:
After having 2 nexus devices I'm kind of rooted/rom'd out and want to enjoy the stock experience. I'm having trouble choosing between the Moto X and the Nexus 5. Is there no reason in getting the nexus 5 being that I'm not interested in rooting it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can answer your question with another question:
Are you interested in running latest Android version and getting latest updates first? As well as being able to get updates 2 years from now if you still have the device.
Would like pentaband 3G and LTE on your device?
A device with better camera, higher screen resolution, better specification making it more future proof than the Moto X, all this while being cheaper and required no contract?
---------- Post added at 02:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:32 AM ----------
Fidelio_o said:
Just want root to get rid of adds
Sent from my LG-D802 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go, ads blocking without root: https://adblockplus.org/en/android
It might cause some app to not work though.
Stock 4.4 rom and Franco kernel will be a heavenly combo, best you`ll ever get and also with color- and soundcontrol :good: AdAaway will get rid of those annoying ads.
To your original question, the Nexus 5 would be the better choice.
1) Cheaper price.
2) Immediate / first OTA updates.
3) Better screen resolution - 1080p vs 720p
4) Processor - snapdragon 800 vs snapdragon S4 Pro.
Honestly I can't think of one thing the Moto X has over the Nexus 5. You want stock? Why not stock 4.4? What about any new Android releases? Gotta get a ported AOSP version if you want it right away...
Nexus 5 should be the best stock device of all time, no bloatware, faster updates etc.
Everything above is the reason I want the Nexus 5. Beside the fact that its minimally beautiful. I do have Verizon but my Nexus 4 on Aio. Verizon does have the best service for my location and the only working service at my home.
I truly believe that the moto x will receive fairly quick updates. Do I think they will be available the same day google releases an update.....no, very soon thereafter, yes. :good:
Now, which is the better device, the moto x or the Nexus 5, Nexus 5. The only reason I would say buy the moto x over the Nexus 5 is because you want a smaller form factor, which some people prefer.
I had the nexus 4 for awhile and switched over to the iphone 5 once it did 3g on my carrier. I played with almost all higher end android phones rooting/ custom roms and was really always wanting more. I believe I went through probably 15-20 phones selling and trading . Grew very tired of it!!! I've had the iphone 5 for the past 6-7 months purchased from apple and I am happy with it. Nexus 5 I am looking to purchase but most likely wont be tinkering with roms or anything, I hope not.
Wife will get the iphone 5 , which has apple warranty on it and Ill probably sell her iphone 4s unlocked with a mophie case for $300 or so. So hopefully Ill enjoy the nexus 5 and the android os again.
So I decided as soon as it went live today....I ordered the Nexus 5. Super excited. Hopefully won't be disappointed.
Hi all,
I'm new to all this so please bare with me a little bit. I've used apple products for many years, but in getting a little sick of iOS7 and the lack of jaibreak. So I've decided to make the leap to android (something I never thought I would do).
I have my choices narrowed down to the Nexus 5 and LG G2. Both phones at currently available for $99 on 2 yr term. The Nexus only comes in the 16gb version while the G2 is 32gb for the same price. I'm having a tough time deciding between the two. I like the Nexus 5 because it gets the OS updates fast and won't require removal of bloat. It's also unlocked.
The G2 seems to have a slight hardware edge with battery life, camera and screen size. It's also 32gb, but it's not stock android and is carrier locked.
My question is, given the same price for both, is it better to get the nexus 5 or get the G2 and use a custom rom to mimic the stock nexus 5? Will it be a hassle to keep the G2 updated, and how bug free would the experience be?
Sorry if I'm in the wrong forum section, there's so many to choose from!
Thanks
SB
SillyBearito said:
Hi all,
I'm new to all this so please bare with me a little bit. I've used apple products for many years, but in getting a little sick of iOS7 and the lack of jaibreak. So I've decided to make the leap to android (something I never thought I would do).
I have my choices narrowed down to the Nexus 5 and LG G2. Both phones at currently available for $99 on 2 yr term. The Nexus only comes in the 16gb version while the G2 is 32gb for the same price. I'm having a tough time deciding between the two. I like the Nexus 5 because it gets the OS updates fast and won't require removal of bloat. It's also unlocked.
The G2 seems to have a slight hardware edge with battery life, camera and screen size. It's also 32gb, but it's not stock android and is carrier locked.
My question is, given the same price for both, is it better to get the nexus 5 or get the G2 and use a custom rom to mimic the stock nexus 5? Will it be a hassle to keep the G2 updated, and how bug free would the experience be?
Sorry if I'm in the wrong forum section, there's so many to choose from!
Thanks
SB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are not the same price, the G2 is like $600 because of all the monthly payments you have to make. I'd go with the Nexus 5 because once you buy it, you actually own it.
SillyBearito said:
Hi all,
I'm new to all this so please bare with me a little bit. I've used apple products for many years, but in getting a little sick of iOS7 and the lack of jaibreak. So I've decided to make the leap to android (something I never thought I would do).
I have my choices narrowed down to the Nexus 5 and LG G2. Both phones at currently available for $99 on 2 yr term. The Nexus only comes in the 16gb version while the G2 is 32gb for the same price. I'm having a tough time deciding between the two. I like the Nexus 5 because it gets the OS updates fast and won't require removal of bloat. It's also unlocked.
The G2 seems to have a slight hardware edge with battery life, camera and screen size. It's also 32gb, but it's not stock android and is carrier locked.
My question is, given the same price for both, is it better to get the nexus 5 or get the G2 and use a custom rom to mimic the stock nexus 5? Will it be a hassle to keep the G2 updated, and how bug free would the experience be?
Sorry if I'm in the wrong forum section, there's so many to choose from!
Thanks
SB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sound like you are on Sprint, right? I would say just get the Nexus 5 from the Play Store, and then sign up for the $60 BYOD on Sprint. You would end up saving more money. Also, I just don't like the LG skin, so I'm a little biased.
PS The battery life on the G2 is much much better than the N5 though, so that's something to think about too, if that's important to you.
stevew84 said:
They are not the same price, the G2 is like $600 because of all the monthly payments you have to make. I'd go with the Nexus 5 because once you buy it, you actually own it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure I follow. I'm in Canada on Rogers. I'm currently out of contract and don't really intend to switch carriers because my wife and I share a plan and she's locked in for 2 more years.
The hardware upgrade for either phone is $99 with a 2 year contract, I'm not changing plans or paying anything additional, just $99 to upgrade.
Well, if you were into the jailbreaking scene then you would most definitely be into rooting, custom roms etc. Therefore, I vote for the N5. Nexus = Endless possibilities. Also, with the new features implemented by many roms such as ParanoidAndroid, Cyanogenmod etc, you'd never get bored.
joshyth said:
Sound like you are on Sprint, right? I would say just get the Nexus 5 from the Play Store, and then sign up for the $60 BYOD on Sprint. You would end up saving more money. Also, I just don't like the LG skin, so I'm a little biased.
PS The battery life on the G2 is much much better than the N5 though, so that's something to think about too, if that's important to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On Rogers in Canada. Battery life is a little important, but i almost always have a plug nearby to charge. Memory size is also a little important.
I'll most likely be rooting the G2 to bring it to the stock level of the N5. I'm just not sure how easy that is to do.
SillyBearito said:
Not sure I follow. I'm in Canada on Rogers. I'm currently out of contract and don't really intend to switch carriers because my wife and I share a plan and she's locked in for 2 more years.
The hardware upgrade for either phone is $99 with a 2 year contract, I'm not changing plans or paying anything additional, just $99 to upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you have a tough decision to make, honestly. A huge advantage of the Nexus 5 is that it packs excellent specs into a device that is affordable off contract. Buying the Nexus subsidized on a contract kind of defeats this cost-saving advantage, as you'll end up paying quite a bit more for the device over your two year contract. Price-wise, you'd be getting a much larger subsidy if you bought the G2 on contract vs. the N5.
Now, comparing the devices: I prefer the look and feel of the N5 hardware over the G2, but the G2 has a better battery and camera. And I really dislike the button placement on the G2, though it doesn't seem to bother others. And other than these things they're neck and neck performance-wise. You'll get quicker Android updates, more xda development activitiy, and kit-kat out of the box with the Nexus 5.
I can't say much for the g2 since I haven't used it so my response would be biased.
However what I can say is go look at the G2 development forums for your carrier and compare that to the N5 development section here.
Personally I've been with the galaxy S line since its launch (Galaxy S Epic 4g, Galaxy s3 and Galaxy s4) and when the Nexus 5 launched at such a low price I just couldn't pass up the fact that its a "universal" phone where developers can create a ROM and it works for everyone easily. Where as my previous phones (and the G2) split the developers up based on their carrier. Some devs ported their ROMs to all carriers for their device and that is much respected but I feel the N5 being "universal" can't be beat if you're a software junkie like myself.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
SemiGamer said:
I can't say much for the g2 since I haven't used it so my response would be biased.
However what I can say is go look at the G2 development forums for your carrier and compare that to the N5 development section here.
Personally I've been with the galaxy S line since its launch (Galaxy S Epic 4g, Galaxy s3 and Galaxy s4) and when the Nexus 5 launched at such a low price I just couldn't pass up the fact that its a "universal" phone where developers can create a ROM and it works for everyone easily. Where as my previous phones (and the G2) split the developers up based on their carrier. Some devs ported their ROMs to all carriers for their device and that is much respected but I feel the N5 being "universal" can't be beat if you're a software junkie like myself.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am a bit of a software junkie, but only to the point where I've customized my phone just the way I like it. If I can achieve that customization with the G2 and be able to maintain it without too many bugs then I may lean towards the G2. It's hard to pass up that extra battery life and storage capacity. Ugh this is a tough choice.
I'll take your advice and check the G2 forums though!
Thanks
SillyBearito said:
I am a bit of a software junkie, but only to the point where I've customized my phone just the way I like it. If I can achieve that customization with the G2 and be able to maintain it without too many bugs then I may lean towards the G2. It's hard to pass up that extra battery life and storage capacity. Ugh this is a tough choice.
I'll take your advice and check the G2 forums though!
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your welcome. By glancing at the g2 forums I don't see a KitKat ROM, not sure if that's important to you or not.
The way I see it is go with the G2 if battery life, Camera and Storage outweigh your needs for the best software.
I don't use the camera for anything professional so the n5 camera is plenty for me, the battery life doesn't matter because I have wireless charging plates I just throw my phone on around the house. And the storage is completely different for everyone but 16gb is enough for me currently (Can't have as many 1gb games installed but never played them all at once anyway on my s4)
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
G2
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
SillyBearito said:
I'm in Canada on Rogers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say that's your biggest conundrum right there. Can't wait till my contract's up in Feb and I can go to Koodo or Virgin. Or perhaps not wait that long even and jump ship when I see a better deal
On-topic, as a noob to Android customization and a customer of Rogers, I would say go for the G2. It seems you wish to stay on-contract and you'd be getting the better deal hardware-wise.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Kesmar88 said:
I would say that's your biggest conundrum right there. Can't wait till my contract's up in Feb and I can go to Koodo or Virgin. Or perhaps not wait that long even and jump ship when I see a better deal
On-topic, as a noob to Android customization and a customer of Rogers, I would say go for the G2. It seems you wish to stay on-contract and you'd be getting the better deal hardware-wise.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate your input. It's not that I want I stay under contract, it's just more logical that way right now. And yes I fully agree on the hardware aspect. The only thing nexus has that's better is the software support. I'm eager to learn about rooting and using custom mods, buts it's hard to justify the nexus purchase just for that.
I did read somewhere that G2 will get KitKat eventually, maybe it'll get better?
SillyBearito said:
I appreciate your input. It's not that I want I stay under contract, it's just more logical that way right now. And yes I fully agree on the hardware aspect. The only thing nexus has that's better is the software support. I'm eager to learn about rooting and using custom mods, buts it's hard to justify the nexus purchase just for that.
I did read somewhere that G2 will get KitKat eventually, maybe it'll get better?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LG is planning to release KitKat eventually, but there's no set date. Also, from prior experience, if you're going to rely on official OTA updates, Rogers is the worst on releasing them in a timely manner. My prior phone was an S2 LTE (Skyrocket) and it was the last one out of the S2 family to upgrade to ICS, not to mention it was not optimized at all and actually ran worse than Gingerbread. Thankfully, it was all good when the JB update showed up but that took a while as well. Since I'm not getting KitKat on it, I bought the N5 off the play store since carriers are only carrying 16 GB.
Kesmar88 said:
LG is planning to release KitKat eventually, but there's no set date. Also, from prior experience, if you're going to rely on official OTA updates, Rogers is the worst on releasing them in a timely manner. My prior phone was an S2 LTE (Skyrocket) and it was the last one out of the S2 family to upgrade to ICS, not to mention it was not optimized at all and actually ran worse than Gingerbread. Thankfully, it was all good when the JB update showed up but that took a while as well. Since I'm not getting KitKat on it, I bought the N5 off the play store since carriers are only carrying 16 GB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see the issue there. I'm hoping to not rely on Rogers and their OTA and just root it and update it myself. That reminds me, I should prob expect even more bloat with Rogers.
Or I could just go with the nexus and never have to worry about that.
Kesmar88 said:
LG is planning to release KitKat eventually, but there's no set date. Also, from prior experience, if you're going to rely on official OTA updates, Rogers is the worst on releasing them in a timely manner. My prior phone was an S2 LTE (Skyrocket) and it was the last one out of the S2 family to upgrade to ICS, not to mention it was not optimized at all and actually ran worse than Gingerbread. Thankfully, it was all good when the JB update showed up but that took a while as well. Since I'm not getting KitKat on it, I bought the N5 off the play store since carriers are only carrying 16 GB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As noted before if you want the quickest updates (official and unofficial) than the n5 is a must, if you want to take a lot of pictures than the camera on the G2 and storage space is better at that.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Have you thought about getting a Iphone 5s on contract, selling it, then buying the nexus 5? I would do that instead of getting the nexus 5 directly from the carrier. That way you end up with extra money in your pockets since you can sell the Iphone for more then the nexus 5 costs from the play store.
hammester said:
Have you thought about getting a Iphone 5s on contract, selling it, then buying the nexus 5? I would do that instead of getting the nexus 5 directly from the carrier. That way you end up with extra money in your pockets since you can sell the Iphone for more then the nexus 5 costs from the play store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a great idea. Take a look at the resale value of the phones available without a contract. Pick the one that gives you the best profit and do that. Use the money to buy a Nexus 5 if you like the phone. I did that recently and actually have another $100 extra to spend on accessories.
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!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm concerned about lack of development - rooting Kit Kat. Thanks.
The regular g2 forum is pretty active. Development for t-mobile seems like it kind of sucks. Good luck.
Sent from my LG-D801 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I've been a loyal T-Mobile customer for over 10 years, the last 8 without a contract. So I've been able to leverage my status as a long-time user to secure for myself an outstanding price for my unlimited data plan that no other carrier comes remotely close to matching. That said, I got my G2 on Sunday after my trusty Amaze was stolen from my car on Friday night while fueling-up on my way home from work.
I walked into the T-Mobile store with the intention of getting a Nexus 5, but left with the G2. For the same price there is no comparison. The longer battery life, better sound quality and camera, along with the doubled storage capacity sold me. I personally can't justify spending more than 400 bucks for any handset that will be obsolete in a couple of years and with performance and features that rival those devices that cost over $200 more, I thought it was a no brainer.
As far as the comments about lack of development are concerned, it doesn't bother me. I plan on compiling my own Cyanogenmod, Pac-ROM, and Evervolv as soon as I get bored with stock and get time off from work. Besides, in the few days I've used this device I've found its OS to be one of the best stock Android I've ever used (I like it way more than any version of Sense that I've used). It doesn't deviate too far from ASOP yet has additional tweaking that is normally only found in custom ROMs. In fact, if I can get some time to figure out how to root and install a compatible aftermarket recovery, I might just deodex and debloat it and leave it as is for awhile.
As I said, at its current $398 price point it's got more bang for the buck than any of the other handsets T-Mobile is selling.
Just my 2 cents
Ciao
I considered nexus 5, galaxy 4, htc m8 and lg g2. I came from nexus 4 and the battery life was close to my previous iphone 4s. lg g2 is almost 3 times longer than nexus 4 with one charge. So, nexus 4 is removed from list. HTC is great but the price difference is huge and so it is out. Samsung 4 price was higher, galaxy s3 price was close to lg g2. After checking specs, performance, battery, lg g2 is a clear winner.
So far i have only 2 minor issues.
Swiftkey app is not compatible with this and causes lots of FC. It took me a week to figure out what was causing the FC. I have to update to a beta and then uninstall it - now no issues so far.
3 out of 5 times, i hit the home button when trying to type space in the keyboard. I installed g3 keyboard - has lots of options, so far good.
If you have about $400 or so in your pocket, I highly recommend this phone.
I believe this phone is capable of the future tmobile Voice Over LTE. But I am not sure if this will handle the 700hz band that tmobile is planning to implement - recently they bought from verizon. When i tried the hidden menu, that band is not available - but specs say it is compatible. May be it will show up if I unlock the phone or if install a non-stock ROM??
So, it is future proof at least for some time .....
I currently have the Verizon Note Edge and I really don't like the performance. I would classify it as the second worst phone that I've owned. Behind only to the infamous Sprint Nexus 4. At any rate, I am contemplating moving from Verizon back to Sprint so I can: #1 get away from my Edge that I still owe $500 on, and #2 return to the rooting scene which I sorely miss, and #3 to save around $85/month. I would like to know if you users of the new Note 5 are happy? I have owned all the Note series' up until now, so I would like to stick with them (just never the Note Edge again) LOL... If you have rooted or unlocked your N5, is it so-far so-good?
Thanks!
I've been pretty happy with it so far. A few bugs here and there I'm ironing out but I'm liking it.
Im very unhappy with sprint and this note 5. Wth, i cant talk and surf the net at the same time! So much for multitasking. Ok so what if i can use wifi and call....if you're not at home or nowhere near wifi then your s.o.l! If im using gps and a call comes in, guess what...you loose data connection which in turns loose navigation. How can someone truly multitask if on a phone call and you need to look up something....hey jim, let me call you right back, i cant talk and search the web at the same time, but im cool because I have a note 5...wtf. oh well
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk
Calm yourself. Use Google Hangouts for calling over LTE Keep your same number.
Sent from My SELF
elcidroyale said:
Calm yourself. Use Google Hangouts for calling over LTE Keep your same number.
Sent from My SELF
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im cool, i figured it out earlier but even still.
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk
Can I modify this question specifically to those who had the Note 4?
My Note 4 failed last week, Sprint TEP is replacing it with a Note 5. I grabbed a Note 4 at Best Buy for $1 and am going to choose one and sell the other.
Right now I am weighing the benefit of removable SD card and Battery (which I love about the N4) vs 33% more RAM and incremental upgrades on everything in the N5 (Camera, processor, software, etc).
Has anyone upgraded and wish they haven't? Or did the N5 make you forget your N4?
mrquaid said:
Can I modify this question specifically to those who had the Note 4?
My Note 4 failed last week, Sprint TEP is replacing it with a Note 5. I grabbed a Note 4 at Best Buy for $1 and am going to choose one and sell the other.
Right now I am weighing the benefit of removable SD card and Battery (which I love about the N4) vs 33% more RAM and incremental upgrades on everything in the N5 (Camera, processor, software, etc).
Has anyone upgraded and wish they haven't? Or did the N5 make you forget your N4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I upgraded to Note 5 last week from a Note 4. Honestly, the no SD card and no removable battery ( I have 7 batteries ), was a big deal for me. But I have been really happy with the Note 5. I get about 10- 12 hours on my battery, 3 hours screen time. I have learned to use Google Photos now, so don't store too many pictures on my phone now. The camera is awesome. No lag whatsoever. I use Nova Launcher with a custom Icon pack.
I have always rooted my phones, and this will be the first phone I do not feel the need to root. One week in and I have been very happy.
So happy, that last night I listed my Note 4 on Swappa and sold it this morning.
Hope that helps!
Note 5 kicks ass... Not prefect but a great phone so far and I've had it since launch